ABSTRACT
Resumen Se describe la experiencia de un proyecto de huerta terapéutica ubicada en las inmediaciones del Servicio de psiquiatría del Hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente (HGGB) de Concepción, Chile, liderada por la Organización No Gubernamental Rebrota (ONG Rebrota) en base a la perspectiva eco-social aplicada en personas con necesidades de salud mental. Se objetiva analizar la experiencia de Terapia Ocupacional Ecosocial como herramienta práctica para la transformación de los territorios, permitiendo a los terapeutas ocupacionales comprender la interacción entre la sociedad y la naturaleza como un proceso socioecológico que impacta en diferentes esferas de los seres humanos, especialmente en la participación social y la salud mental. Utilizando la metodología descriptiva del Modelo Procesal de Emprendimiento Eco-social realizamos una orientación práctica de acciones para que las comunidades, insertas en sus entornos naturales y culturales, logren descubrirse reflexivamente generando procesos de salud colectiva. La Terapia Ocupacional Ecosocial desarrolla praxis que mejoran la salud y promueven el bienestar de las personas, grupos y/o comunidades, generando un impacto positivo en los socio-ecosistemas y construyen comunidades más saludables, inclusivas, sostenibles. La Terapia Ocupacional Ecosocial es una invitación a generar proyectos de investigación-acción para mitigar el impacto social sobre la naturaleza en un contexto de crisis climática, donde encontramos comunidades en la génesis de saberes transculturales que nos permitan desarrollar una praxis transformadora para el buen vivir en sintonía con nuestro entorno; mientras mejoran su bienestar y participación, desde una perspectiva de derechos humanos y justicia ocupacional.
Abstract It is described the experience of a therapeutic garden project located in the vicinity of the Psychiatry Service of the Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital (HGGB) in Concepción, Chile, led by the Non-Governmental Organization Rebrota (ONG Rebrota) based on the ecosocial perspective applied in people with mental health needs. It aims to analyze this Eco-social Occupational Therapy experience as a practical tool for the transformation of territories, allowing occupational therapists to understand the interaction between society and nature as a socio-ecological process that impacts different spheres of human beings, especially in social participation and mental health. Using the descriptive methodology of the Eco-social Entrepreneurship Process Model, we carry out a practical orientation of actions so that communities, inserted in their natural and cultural environments, can discover themselves reflexively, generating collective health processes. Eco-social Occupational Therapy develops practices that improve health and promotes the well-being of individuals, groups and/or communities, generating a positive impact on socio-ecosystems and building healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable communities. Eco-social Occupational Therapy is an invitation to generate research-action projects to mitigate the social impact on nature in a context of the climate crisis, where we find communities in the genesis of transcultural knowledge that allows us to develop a transformative praxis for good living in tune with our environment; while improving their well-being and participation, from a human rights and occupational justice perspectives.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effect of horticultural therapy on social function of elderly inpatients with cognitive dysfunction.Methods:Ninety inpatients with cognitive dysfunction who met the diagnostic criteria of ICD-10 were randomly divided into horticultural research group and control group, with 45 patients in each group.Finally, totally 82 completed the test with 41 in each group.Patients in the two groups were both given drug therapy according to clinical symptoms.At the same time, patients in the research group were given horticultural therapy 3 times a week, 90 minutes each section, for 12 weeks.Scale of social function in psychosis inpatients(SSPI) was used to assess the social function of the patients in the two groups were at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weekends of the treatment.SPSS 25.0 software was used to conduct chi-square test and independent sample t-test for demographic data of the two groups, and repeated measures ANOVA was performed for SSPI score. Results:The results of repeated measure analysis of variance showed that the group main effect ( F=7.226, F=13.428, F=24.817, F=19.793) and interaction effect between time and group were all statistically significant ( F=29.644, F=42.937, F=53.246, F=67.215)(all P<0.01) in daily living ability (factor Ⅰ), mobility and interaction (factor Ⅱ), social activity skills score (factor Ⅲ) and total score.Simple effect analysis showed there were no statistically significant differences in each factor score and total score between the two groups at the baseline ( P>0.05), and there were statistically significant differences in each factor scores and total score at the end of the 8th weekend ((9.95±2.41), (10.39±3.38), (6.56±3.24), (26.90±7.88) vs (8.10±2.45), (6.88±3.48), (2.81±2.50), (17.78±6.96))and 12th weekend((10.27±2.16), (11.61±3.07), (7.88±3.08), (29.76±7.40) vs (7.56±2.41), (5.78±3.21), (2.34±2.02), (15.68±6.24)) (all P<0.01). The pair-to-pair comparison within the group showed that the differences in factor Ⅱ, factor Ⅲ and total score of the research group at the end of the 12th weekend ((11.61±3.07), (7.88±3.08), (29.76±7.40)) were higher than those at the baseline((8.59±3.93), (4.56±3.32), (22.02±8.35)), 4th weekend((9.07±4.14), (5.12±3.35), (23.59±8.51)), and 8th weekend((10.39±3.38), (6.56±3.24), (26.90±7.88))(all P<0.05). Factor Ⅰ (10.27±2.16) showed a statistically significant difference compared with the baseline (8.88±2.65) and 4th weekend (9.39±2.63)(both P<0.05). All the scores showed an upward trend. Conclusion:Horticultural therapy can improve the social function of elderly inpatients with cognitive impairment.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To construct a cognitive training program suitable for elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment based on horticultural therapy, so as to effectively slow down the cognitive decline of patients with mild cognitive impairment.Methods:Through searching the Chinese and English database literature of cognitive intervention from July 2000 to July 2020 and field visits to nursing homes, the draft intervention plan was formed. Two rounds of focus group interview were held to consult experts in cognitive impairment and geriatric care, etc., and to revise the intervention plan.Results:In the two rounds of focus group interview, the expert positive coefficient was 100%, the expert judgment basis was 0.84, the expert familiarity degree was 0.84, and the expert authority coefficient was 0.84. In the end, a 10-week cognitive intervention program targeting six cognitive domains -- "visuospatial/executive ability", "memory ability", "language ability", "attention ability", "abstract ability" and "naming ability" was formed, and the implementation steps of the program were improved.Conclusions:The construction process of cognitive training program for patients with mild cognitive impairment based on horticultural therapy theory is rigorous, scientific and feasible, and can be used to guide the cognitive training of patients with mild cognitive impairment.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Physalis ixocarpa Brot. (tomatillo or Husk tomato) is one of the five major vegetables cultivated in Mexico, but its yield in the field is low. However, greenhouse crops and the enhancement in plant density can promote an increase in yield per area. The aim of this research was to evaluate: yield, water consumption and water use efficiency of variety husk tomato 'Diamante'. The experiment was conducted under field and greenhouse conditions, during the two crop cycles (autumn-winter and spring-summer), with different planting densities (1.5, 2 and 3 plants m-2), in complete random blocks and three replications. The yield was influenced by the planting density and environments. In both environments, the planting density, with 3 plants m-2 increased yield 32 %, and 25% in water use efficiency (WUE). In greenhouse increased 32% yield m-2 and the WUE it was 18.1 kg m-3 while in the field was 16.4 kg m-3. Crop cycle spring-summer produced differences of 27% in plant length and 15% in stem diameter, probably due to the temperature that was 4 ºC higher with respect to autumn-winter.
RESUMO: Physalis ixocarpa Brot. (tomatillo ou tomate de cáscara) é um dos cinco principais vegetais cultivados no México, mas seu rendimento no campo é baixo. No entanto, as culturas em estufa e o aumento da densidade das plantas podem promover um aumento no rendimento por área. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar: rendimento, consumo de água e eficiência no uso da água do tomate de casca de variedade 'Diamante'. O experimento foi conduzido em condições de campo e casa de vegetação, durante os dois ciclos de cultivo (outono-inverno e primavera-verão), com diferentes densidades de plantio (1,5, 2 e 3 plantas m-2), em blocos aleatórios completos e três replicações. O rendimento foi influenciado pela densidade e pelos ambientes de plantio. Nos dois ambientes, a densidade de plantio, com três plantas m-2, aumentou a produtividade em 32% e em 25% na eficiência no uso da água (WUE). Em casa de vegetação aumentou 32% do rendimento m-2 e o WUE foi de 18,1 kg m-3, enquanto no campo foi de 16,4 kg m-3. O ciclo da safra primavera-verão produziu diferenças de 27% no comprimento das plantas e 15% no diâmetro do caule, provavelmente devido à temperatura 4 ºC maior em relação ao outono-inverno.
ABSTRACT
In manned deep-space exploration, extremely isolated environments may adversely affect the mood and cognition of astronauts. Horticultural plants and activities have been proven to be effective in improving their physical, psychological, and cognitive states. To assess the effects of applying horticultural plants and activities in isolated environments, this study investigated the influence of viewing strawberry plants on the mood of people in a laboratory experiment as indicated by heart rate, salivary cortisol, and psychological scales. The results showed that heart rate and salivary cortisol were significantly decreased after viewing strawberry plants for 15 min. “Tension” and “confusion” scored using the Profile of Mood States negative mood subscales, and anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale were also significantly reduced. This study further explored the impact of viewing strawberry plants on cognition. A notable reduction of the subjects’ reaction time after 15-min plant viewing was observed. Based on these findings, a long-duration isolated experiment in a bioregenerative life support system—“Lunar Palace I”—was conducted. A similar trend was obtained that crew members’ mood states were improved by viewing the strawberry plants, but no significant change was observed. This study provided some experimental evidence for the benefits of interacting with strawberry plants in isolated environments.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effects of horticultural therapy on upper limb function and cognitive impairment of hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods:From June, 2017 to March, 2019, 60 hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into control group(n = 30) and experimental group (n = 30). All the patients accetped routine rehabilitation, while the experimental group received group-based horticulture therapy in addition, for eight weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Montreal Cognition Assessment (MoCA) before and after intervention. Results:The scores of all the assessment improved in both groups after intervention (|t| > 8.077, P < 0.001), and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.293, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Horticultural therapy can promote the recovery of upper-limb and cognitive function after stroke.
ABSTRACT
In manned deep-space exploration, extremely isolated environments may adversely affect the mood and cognition of astronauts. Horticultural plants and activities have been proven to be effective in improving their physical, psychological, and cognitive states. To assess the effects of applying horticultural plants and activities in isolated environments, this study investigated the influence of viewing strawberry plants on the mood of people in a laboratory experiment as indicated by heart rate, salivary cortisol, and psychological scales. The results showed that heart rate and salivary cortisol were significantly decreased after viewing strawberry plants for 15 min. "Tension" and "confusion" scored using the Profile of Mood States negative mood subscales, and anxiety levels measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale were also significantly reduced. This study further explored the impact of viewing strawberry plants on cognition. A notable reduction of the subjects' reaction time after 15-min plant viewing was observed. Based on these findings, a long-duration isolated experiment in a bioregenerative life support system-"Lunar Palace I"-was conducted. A similar trend was obtained that crew members' mood states were improved by viewing the strawberry plants, but no significant change was observed. This study provided some experimental evidence for the benefits of interacting with strawberry plants in isolated environments.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Affect , Cognition , Emotions , Environment , Fragaria , Heart Rate , Hydrocortisone/analysis , Saliva/chemistryABSTRACT
RESUMO Considerando os benefícios biopsicossociais decorrentes da interação humanos/natureza, questionou-se como a hipótese da biofilia tem sido inserida nos cuidados paliativos. Objetivou-se mapear, através de revisão integrativa, a concepção histórica e científica da temática, atestando a contemplação dos princípios dos cuidados paliativos. De 1.928 textos científicos, 71 abarcaram o tema, sendo possível identificar, ao menos, um dos nove princípios, com destaque para a integração com aspectos psicológicos e espirituais. A biofilia foi aplicada, sobretudo, ao aspecto emocional, e a zooterapia, ao relacional. Contudo, diante das limitações impostas ao atendimento de aspectos de biossegurança e dependência do voluntariado, propõe-se a inserção da horticultura terapêutica em hospices e visita do animal de estimação.
ABSTRACT Considering the biopsychosocial benefits derived from human/nature interaction, questions were raised considering how the biophilia theory has been inserted in palliative care. The objective was to map, through an integrative review, the historical and scientific conception of the subject, attesting the contemplation of the principles of palliative care. From 1.928 scientific texts, 71 covered the theme, being possible to identify, at least, one of the nine principles, with special focus on integration with psychological and spiritual aspects. The biophilia was applied, mainly, to the emotional aspect, and the zootherapy, to the relational aspect. However, in view of the limitations imposed on attending to aspects of biosafety and reliance on volunteering, it is proposed the insertion of therapeutic horticulture in hospices and visit of the pet.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the effect of horticultural therapy on the rehabilitation of patients with depression in hospital.@*Methods@#A total of 80 cases with depression who met the inclusion criteria were selected from the Third People′s Hospital of Huzhou City from January 2017 to December 2017. We used random-number methods to classify patients into either the intervention group or the control group with 40 cases in each group. While the two groups both received conventional antidepressant drugs, and psychiatric care routine and conventional rehabilitation training. Patients in the intervention group also attended horticultural therapy, the treatment period lasted for 4 weeks. The two groups were measured by HAMD and IPROS to compare the clinical symptoms and rehabilitation effects, the before of the 4th week and the end of the 4th week after treatment.@*Results@#There was no statistically significant difference in HAMD score before the intervention among two groups (P >0.05). The HAMD score in the two group were both lower at the end of the 4th week. However, there was statistically significant difference in HAMD score among the two groups (t=5.458, P <0.01), the score of the intervention group was 12.11±2.76, which was significantly lower than that of the control group 15.54 ±2.86. There was no statistically significant difference in IPROS score between the two groups before treatment (P >0.05). After 4 weeks, there was statistically significant difference in IPROS score of intervention group and control group (t=4.168, P <0.01), the intervention group was 23.92±3.63, which was significantly lower than that of control group 34.85±4.17.@*Conclusions@#Horticultural therapy can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients with depression, promote rehabilitation, and improve social functions.
ABSTRACT
RESUMEN En Colombia la fresa se ha convertido en un cultivo de interés económico debido a la creciente demanda en el mercado extranjero en la última década. La mayoría de plantaciones son a campo abierto y no usan esquemas de polinización para mejorar la calidad de producción. La polinización con abejorros mejora la calidad de los frutos, aunque estos se producen mediante polinización espontánea. La especie nativa Bombus atratus ha sido reconocida como un polinizador eficiente de cultivos hortofrutícolas colombianos bajo invernadero. El presente estudio evaluó la eficiencia de polinización de dos colonias huérfanas en la calidad de los frutos de las variedades camino real y ventana sembrados bajo invernadero en Cajicá-Colombia. Se embolsaron los botones para obtener los frutos producidos espontáneamente y ser comparados con los frutos provenientes de la visita de obreras de B. atratus. Se encontró que la visita de las obreras mejoró la calidad de los frutos en las variables, calibre (35 % y 31 %), longitud (28 % y 19 %), peso fresco (103 % y 90 %), peso seco (126 % y 145 %) y número de semillas (55 % y 81 %) para las variedades Camino Real y Ventana respectivamente. A partir de las observaciones realizadas, se determinó que el recurso floral utilizado por las obreras de B. atratus fue el néctar y se hacen recomendaciones sobre su uso en este cultivo.
ABSTRACT In Colombia the strawberry has become a crop of economic interest due to the growing demand in the foreign market in the last decade. Most plantations are open fields and do not use pollination strategies to improve the production quality. Pollination with bumblebees improves the quality of the fruits, although these are produced by spontaneous pollination. The native species Bombus atratus has been recognized as an efficient pollinator of Colombian horticultural crops under greenhouse. The present study evaluated the pollination efficiency of two orphan colonies in the quality of the fruits of the "Camino real" and "Ventana" cultivars planted under a greenhouse in Cajicá-Colombia. The buttons were excluded to obtain the fruits produced spontaneously and to be compared with the fruits coming from the visit of workers of B. atratus. It was found that the visit of the workers improved fruit quality in the features: caliber (35 % and 31 %), length (28 % and 19 %), fresh weight (103 % and 90 %), dry weight 126 % and 145 %) and number of seeds (55 % and 81 %) for the cultivar "Camino Real" and "Ventana" respectively. From the observations made, it was determined that the floral resource used by the workers of B. atratus was the nectar and recommendations are done about on its use in this crop.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To study the metabolic effect in in-patients chronic schizophrenia receiving horticultural therapy.Methods:One hundred and ten in-patients with schizophrenia meeting the criteria and signed informed consent at the rehabilitation wards were included.The random-number methods were used to classify patients into either the intervention group or the control group.The two groups both received normal medications while the intervention group alsoreceived horticultural therapy.The body weight and waist circumference were recorded at baseline,6 and 12-week-follow-up.And fasting blood sugar,triglyceride values were tested at the baseline,4th,8th,and 12th week-session.Results:Fifty-two patients of each group finished the evaluation.Covariance analysis results showed that the average waist circumference was much shorter in the intervention group than in the control group at 12-week-follow-up (F =13.98,P ＜ 0.001).When divided into 3subgroups according to the different drugs,after repeated ANOVA,the average waist circumference of the intervention group became shorter after intervention (olanzapine F =3.62,P ＜ 0.05;risperitone,F =4.46,P ＜ 0.05;aripiprazole,F =4.14,P ＜ 0.05) no matter what the antipsychotics they took.Conclusion:It suggests that horticultural therapy could effectively narrow waist circumferences in hospitalized patients with chronic schizophrenia whatever the antipsychotics the patients take.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of horticultural training based on healing garden as rehabilitation for post-operation of hand trauma.Methods From January,2015 to December,2016,78 patients with functional disorder after operation for hand trauma were random-ized into control group and observation group equally.All the patients accepted routine rehabilitation,while the observation group accepted horticultural training based on healing garden in addition,for 28 days.They were assessed with Total Active Movement(TAM),Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand(DASH),and Upper Extremity Function Test(UEFT)before and after treatment.Results The scores of TAM, DASH and UEFT improved in both groups after treatment(t>10.632,P<0.001),and improved more in the observation group than in the con-trol group(t>2.269,P<0.05).Conclusion The horticultural training based on healing garden may promote the recovery of movement of fin-gers,function of hand and upper limbs in patients after hand trauma.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of horticultural therapy by analyzing researches on horticultural therapy applied to elderly Koreans. METHODS: We evaluated 401 research papers including dissertations on horticultural therapy applied to elderly Koreans from Jan. 2000 to Feb. 2016. We reviewed the appropriate 12 papers among them for the final analysis. RESULTS: Horticultural therapy had physiological and psychosocial effects. First of all, it showed the physiological effects of reducing stress hormones. Outdoor horticultural therapy improved the gross motor movements of the body. Indoor horticulture therapy improved delicate cognitive & operating functions. Second, horticultural therapy showed the psychosocial effects of reducing depression and improving cognitive functions, language abilities, comprehension, daily activity, life satisfaction and sociality. But the effects appeared differently dependent on the implementation protocol & period of horticultural therapy, as well as the professionalism of the therapists. Therefore, if horticultural therapy were to be administered through nursing, it should be based on its key principle, in other words, the principle of action-interaction-response of horticultural therapy. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will be useful for developing therapeutic interventions through nursing. Also they will be helpful in applying horticultural therapy programs in nursing practice.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Cognition , Comprehension , Depression , Horticultural Therapy , Language , Nursing , ProfessionalismABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The study was done to investigate effects of a horticultural therapy program on self-efficacy, stress response, and psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: The research design was a quasi-experimental research with a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized pre-posttest. The participants were recruited from patients with schizophrenia admitted to 1 mental hospital located in D City. The research was carried out from August 3 to September 25, 2012. To test the effects of the horticultural therapy program, the participants were divided into two groups, an experimental group (29) and a control group (26). The horticulture therapy was provided to the experiment group for 60 minutes/session twice a week, for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact probability test, χ2-test, and t-test with the SPSS/WIN 12.0 program. RESULTS: After attending the horticultural therapy program, the first hypothesis was verified as the score for self-efficacy in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (t=2.12, p=.039). The 3rd hypothesis was verified as the score for PANSS in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t=-5.20, p<.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the horticultural therapy program enhanced self-efficacy and lessened psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Subject(s)
Humans , Horticultural Therapy , Hospitals, Psychiatric , Research Design , SchizophreniaABSTRACT
Citrus is the leading fruit of Pakistan and famous worldwide especially kinnow cultivar because of its pleasant taste and remarkable quality. The yield of citrus per hectare in Pakistan is almost half of potential due to non-adoption of recommended horticultural practices by citrus growers. Adopting a decision regarding the improvement of practices is usually influenced by various factors including farmers' socio-economic attributes. In order to determine the relationship between socio-economic aspects and the awareness and adoption of recommended citrus production practices the present study was carried out in Sargodha district from central Punjab, Pakistan. The Study was based upon cross sectional survey research design due to availability of sampling frame, probability (random sampling) was applied for sample selection. Through random sampling, 120 citrus growers were selected as sample. Structured questionnaire administered through interview was used as a research instrument. Analysis of the data collected from the targeted citrus growers revealed a highly significant influence of education on awareness and adoption. Moreover, significant association was found between citrus cultivation area and awareness and adoption of improved practices. Age also showed significant association with awareness and adoption. Moreover, dominancy of middle aged farmers and illiteracyin the study area strongly point the need of provision of formal and non-formal education and training program for farmers. Young generation needs to be focused and reorientation of youth clubs may help in better way to gain the utmost outcome.
.Citrus é fruto líder do Paquistão e famoso no mundo inteiro, especialmente Kinnow, cultivado por causa do sabor agradável e de qualidade notável. Por hectare, o rendimento de citrus no Paquistão é quase metade do potencial, devido à não-adoção de práticas de horticultura recomendadas por citricultores. A adoção da decisão sobre práticas melhoradas geralmente é influenciada por vários fatores, incluindo atributos socioeconômicos dos agricultores. A fim de determinar a relação entre os aspectos socioeconômicos e a consciência e adoção de práticas de produção de citros recomendadas presentes, este estudo foi realizado no distrito de Sargodha do centro de Punjab, Paquistão. O estudo foi baseado em projeto de pesquisa do estudo transversal e, devido à disponibilidade de amostragem, amostragem quadro probabilidade (amostragem aleatória) foi aplicada para a seleção da amostra. Por meio de amostragem aleatória, 120 citricultores foram selecionados como amostra. Questionário estruturado, aplicado por meio de entrevista, foi utilizado como um instrumento de pesquisa. A análise dos dados coletados dos citricultores direcionados revelou uma influência altamente significativa da educação sobre a conscientização e adoção. Além disso, foi encontrada associação significativa entre a área de cultivo de citrinos e conscientização e adoção de práticas melhoradas. A idade dos produtores também mostrou associação significativa com a conscientização e adoção. Além disso, a dominância dos agricultores de meia idade e a falta de conhecimento na área de estudo apontam fortemente para a necessidade de oferta de educação formal e não-formal e de formação para os agricultores. Necessidades de geração de jovens a ser focado e reorientação dos clubes de jovens pode contribuir para melhor maneira de ganhar o máximo resultado.
.ABSTRACT
Embora existam recomendações agronômicas consolidadas para a elevação do pH de substratos orgânicos, poucas são as informações disponíveis para a redução. Porém, a crescente utilização de matérias-primas alternativas às tradicionais torna necessário o emprego de métodos para diminuição do pH, já que alguns materiais com boas características físicas e biológicas são alcalinos e incompatíveis com o cultivo da maioria das espécies. Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram verificar a eficiência do enxofre elementar (S0) na diminuição do pH de um substrato orgânico alcalino e avaliar um critério para determinação da dose a ser adicionada. Para tanto, testou-se a mistura de cinco doses de S0 a um substrato comercial composto por casca de eucalipto compostada (0, 4, 8, 12 e 16g S0 dm-3 de substrato), com base no valor do seu poder de neutralização (PN). Avaliou-se o pH e a condutividade elétrica (CE) dos substratos. Observou-se que o S0 é eficiente na redução do pH de substratos orgânicos, mas acarreta aumento da CE. O PN do substrato é um critério confiável para balizar a determinação da dose de S0 a ser utilizada.
Although agronomic recommendations for raising the pH of organic substrates are consolidated, little information is available for its reduction. The increasing use of alternative raw materials, however, makes it necessary to develop methods for decreasing pH, since some materials with good physical and biological properties are alkaline and are not recommended for the majority of species. The objective of this research was to determine the efficiency of elemental sulfur (S0) in decreasing the pH of an alkaline substrate, and evaluate a method to calculate the dose to be added. It was evaluated the mixture of five doses of S0 to a commercial substrate compound of composted eucalyptus bark (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16g S0 dm-3 substrate), based on its neutralizing value (NV). The pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the substrates were assessed. The S0 is effective in reducing the pH of organic substrates, but it causes increases in EC. The NV of the substrate is a reliable criterion for guiding the determination of the S0 dose to be added.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was designed to examine the effects of horticultural therapy program on state-anxiety, fatigue and quality of life (QoL) of among women cancer survivors. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study was used with a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected from February to June, 2009. Participants consisted of 40 women cancer survivors in community. The experimental group participated in horticultural therapy program once a week for 18 weeks. Data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 18.0 program using chi2-test and t-test. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the two groups in state-anxiety and QoL. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support that horticultural therapy program was effective in decreasing state-anxiety and improving QoL among women cancer survivors.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Anxiety , Fatigue , Horticultural Therapy , Quality of Life , SurvivorsABSTRACT
The study examines residents’ concerns in greening their communities though self-help initiatives (SHI) carried out by individuals who utilise road set-backs to plant street horticultural gardens (SHG) in Eti-osa Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria. It purposefully administered questionnaire to managers of all SHG in the study area to establish their socio-economic characteristics, contributions to community greening and motivating factors behind their SHI. The study found that the horticulturists were nearly males (93.7%), young adults (54.0%), earning about three dollars per day (63.6%), have been in practice for more than four years (79.3%) and altogether using about 1.5% of land in the study area for SHG. A good number of them have contributed to voluntary greening of their communities through planting of trees (76.2%), hedges and shrubs (47.6%) and flowering plants (65.1%). The horticulturists’ Motivating Index (HMI) employed to know why they went into the practice revealed that they (51%) were moved by the depreciating state of urban green (HMI=2.55) and feared (46.4%) the impending ecological doom on the built environment due to lack of sufficient green space, causing global warming (HMI=2.32). This could be why the linear regression test of the preference of social to economic value of the practice of SHG in the study area has its R2 to be 0.219. This means that SHG in the area did not necessarily bring positive economic value to the horticulturists as the social value embedded in it. This study is a prove that literature and publicities on environmental effects of global reduction in green space seem to be yielding positive results in Africa as some individuals in the study area are taking into self-help initiatives in community greening, even where land seemed very scarce for such development. It concludes that literature on the subject should be more encouraged.
ABSTRACT
The reference study was performed to investigate the nursing importance which was based a theoretical background related to horticultural therapy and to examine the possibility which horticultural therapy was applicable as a nursing intervention through analysis on a preceding study. The research subjects related to the areas of horticultural therapy which related as a nursing intervention, were psychological, physical, environmental, and psycho-social aspects. It is judged that the horticultural therapy is effective in treating depression, emotional disruption or anxiety. It seems to be also effective in increasing the muscular tension and, thereby, expanding the scope of joint movements. Such theories show that horticultural therapy may be a good alternative nursing means. Plants act to create a pleasant interior atmosphere by generating anion, controlling the temperature and humidity and purifying the air, and therefore, the horticultural therapy may be applied to clinic or environmental therapy. When horticultural therapy is used as a nursing intervention, patients' socio-psychological needs may be fulfilled. It has been found that horticultural therapy is instrumental in treating perceptive or emotional disruption, depression, loss of self-respect, disrupted everyday activities and social behaviors. In particular, horticultural therapy seems to be effective in managing chronic patients' crisis or improving life quality. Intervention method applied on a preceding study was activity therapy and scene therapy in the horticultural therapy The above findings suggest that the pro-environmental horticultural therapy is useful as a new paradigm of nursing or holistic nursing conducive to improvement of health. So, it is desirable to prove its effects by applying it in the clinic. In order to apply horticultural therapy as a nursing intervention, it will be necessary to educate nurses on principles and methods of horticultural therapy and encourage them to apply it in nursing and clinics. Moreover, it may well be necessary to develop landscape therapy as nursing intervention as well as a variety of horticultural therapy programs befitting the clinic conditions. On the other hand, we need to provide for some scientific ground for horticultural therapy through continued studies. In this regard, this study which focuses on patients' health improvement through change of environment. may well provide for a framework for such studies.