1,721,065 research outputs found
Self-reported measures versus objective measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour : impacts of cardiovascular fitness and physical activity
No full textIncludes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) can be quantified with both self-report and objective measures, using questionnaires and accelerometers, respectively. There is a paucity of research investigating the possible influence that cardiorespiratory fitness and PA might have on the accuracy of self-reported of PA and SB. This is especially important with the increasing evidence around the risks of SB, independent of PA. The aim of this research study is to describe the difference between self-reported measures of moderate PA, vigorous PA and SB against their objectively measured counterparts. The secondary aim is to identify factors influencing the error in self-report measures; including cardiorespiratory fitness and levels of PA
Promoting diet and physical activity in nurses: a systematic review
No full textObjective. To systematically review the effectiveness of intervention studies promoting diet and physical activity (PA) in nurses
A formative assessment of nurses' lifestyle behaviours and health status
No full textIncludes bibliographical referencesBackground: Previous research has identified health care workers (HCWs) and shift workers as having an increased risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Nurses in particular have a high prevalence of obesity, poor eating habits and insufficient physical activity and are at an increased risk for NCDs. Nurses are required to work non-traditional hours, outside the parameters of traditional day shift. Furthermore, shift work is associated with obesity and lower levels of physical activity. Even though nurses' occupations require them to be active in doing ward rounds and other duties, it is possible for these professionals to be physically active, yet highly sedentary. Sedentary behaviours such as occupational sitting, leisure-time sitting and television (TV) viewing may be associated with overweight and obesity independent of physical activity. Aim: The primary aim of this mini-dissertation was to determine the health concerns, health priorities and barriers to living a healthy lifestyle among nurses and hospital management staff from public hospitals in the Western Cape Metropole, South Africa. The mini-dissertation included two different research methods. Study 1: The main purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe health concerns, health priorities and determinants of healthy lifestyle behaviours among nurses. The objectively measured and self-reported physical activity and sedentary behaviour in day and night shift nurses were compared in Study 2. Combined, the results of these studies may be used to inform the development of worksite-related interventions for South African nurses. Methods: Participants for the first study were purposively sampled from public hospitals based in Cape Town, South Africa. The participants included 103 nurses, of whom 57 worked night shift and 36 worked day-shift. Twelve focus group discussion (FGD's) were conducted with nursing staff to obtain insight into their health concerns, lifestyle behaviours and the nature of and access to worksite health promotion programmes (Whip's). Nine hospital management personnel participated in key informant interviews (KII) to gain their perspective on health promotion in the worksite. The FGDs and interviews were conducted by a trained facilitator using guided questions. These included questions such as: 'What are your main personal health concerns?' and 'How does your work affect your lifestyle behaviours and health?' Thematic analysis was used 12 to analyse the qualitative data with the assistance of (Atlas.ti Qualitative Data Analysis Software (Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany). In a sub-study, 64 nurses (day shift n=30 and night shift n=34) working at two of the five public hospitals volunteered to complete a socio-demographic questionnaire and wear the ActiGraph GT3x accelerometer for 7 consecutive days to measure physical activity levels. Valid data was defined as ≥ 600 minutes wear time per day, minimum of 4 days (2 shift days and 2 non-shift days). In addition, self-reported physical activity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Statistical analyses included a T-test to determine differences in PA and SB between day and night shift nurses. If data were normally distributed, ANOVA (analyses of variance) was performed to determine the significant differences in continuous outcome variables between day and night shift nurses. If data were not normally distributed, such as the GPAQ data, a non-parametric comparison Mann Whitney U test was applied. Results: Study 1: Night shift nurses frequently identified weight gain and living with NCDs such as hypertension as their main health concerns. The hospital environment was perceived to have a negative influence on the nurses' lifestyle behaviours, including food service that offered predominantly unhealthy foods. The most commonly delivered WHPPs included independent counselling and advisory services, an online employee wellness programme. The Western Cape Department of Health also offered wellness days in which clinical outcomes, such as blood glucose were measured. Most nurses identified a preference for WHPPs that provided access to fitness facilities or support groups. Both nurses and management personnel frequently mentioned lack of time to prepare healthy meals and/or participate in physical activity due to being overtired from the long working hours. Furthermore, both management and nurses reported a stressful working environment. The fact that the nurses were most concerned with the problems of overweight, obesity and living with NCDs such as diabetes and hypertension indicate that there is a need and desire for WHPP's aimed at addressing these concerns. Study 2: Based on the objectively-measured results from accelerometry, all the nurses in the sub-study met the physical activity recommendations of 150 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity per w eek. The day shift nurses reported more leisure-time moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity than the night shift nurses (p=0.028). Objectively-measured physical activity also showed that night shift nurses accumulated significantly more moderate intensity physical activity than the day shift nurses ( 16.6 ± 5.6 hrs/week versus 12.1 ± 13 4.5 hrs/week, respectively, p=0.001). In addition, night shift nurses accumulated more steps per day than day shift nurses (10324 ± 3414 versus 8022 ± 3245, p=0.013). Self-reported sedentary behaviour was similar for the two shifts, 3.0 ± 1.8 hours versus 4.0 ± 2.6 hours a day, for day and night shift, respectively. Objectively-measured sedentary behaviour (SB) was significantly lower (as a % of wake time) in night shift compared to day shift workers, 66% and 69%, respectively, p= 0.047. These differences between groups remained significant, even after adjusting for differences in body size and age. Furthermore, results from the Bland – Altman plots indicate that the nurses significantly underreported their sedentary time. Summary: The nurses in this study were concerned about NCDs and being overweight. They expressed an interest and willingness to participate in future hospital-based intervention programmes. The most frequently identified preference for WHPPs was access to fitness facilities or support groups. Despite the fact that all the nurses met the current public health recommendations for physical activity, objectively-measured SB was substantial, with both day and night shift nurses spending an average of 13 hours a day in SB. Findings from this study highlight the need for WHPPs that minimize sedentary behaviour and create a more supportive environment for physical activity
Physical activity, physical fitness, functional capacity and cognitive performance in older adults: effects of interactive video gaming
Full text linkThe ageing process is inevitable and is associated with a progressive decline in physical fitness, functional ability as well as cognitive performance due to the deterioration of the various biological, neuro-physiological and social systems. This may lead to an increased vulnerability for age-related diseases and a dependent lifestyle. In addition to the ageing process, sedentary behaviour is a contributing factor that can lead to decreased functional independence. The decline in physical, functional and cognitive performance with age, along with the increased possibility of becoming sedentary as one gets older may highlight the importance of participating in physical activity to acquire health and wellness benefits as well as to maintain independence. The health and wellness benefits of physical activity have been widely studied within the ageing population. Physical activity can be defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that will lead to an increase in resting energy expenditure. According to the World Health Organization guidelines on physical activity, adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate levels of physical activity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous levels of physical activity throughout the week or an equal combination of both levels. Much of the existing research to date has utilized more conventional physical activity interventions, including the use of various training components such as cardiorespiratory, motor coordination, agility, flexibility, balance and strength. These interventions have been shown to improve physical and cognitive parameters in older adults. In recent times, alternative forms of physical activity interventions such as Tai Chi, Yoga, and Interactive Video Games (IVG) have become increasingly popular among older adults. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of IVG interventions in older adults, particularly for those with memory complaints. IVG involves combining physical activity and exercise with video game play. It allows the individual to control the “avatar” on screen by using various body movements (e.g. if the individual moves to the right, the onscreen character will also move to the right). This provides an opportunity for individuals to increase their energy expenditure by actively participating in these video games. In addition to increasing energy expenditure, IVG incorporates cognitive skills such as executive function, visuospatial skills, attention, working memory and coordination (hand and eye / foot and eye). Recent review articles have identified that a combination of physical and cognitive training intervention's show greater effects on cognitive performance than single-domain physical and cognitive training and subsequently applied physical and cognitive training. IVG has been shown to intensify the effects of physical exercise by controlling neuroplastic changes via additional cognitive exercise. These neuroplastic changes identified after participation in IVG are referred to as improvements in a specialized neural network and a lower dependency on compensational support. Therefore, IVG combines physical skills and abilities with cognitive skills, creating a cognitively stimulating type of physical activity, which may be different to more conventional physical activity. While these positive neuroplastic changes have been identified in some research studies, the underlying neurophysiological mechanism of IVG on cognitive performance and brain function is still poorly understood. Although some research studies have been conducted showing the potential benefits of IVG on physical function and cognitive performance in different population groups over various time frames, not many studies have investigated whether IVG can improve cognitive function in older persons with memory complaints. In addition, to our knowledge, no other studies have compared IVG to conventional multimodal supervised standing and seated exercise in individuals with memory complaints. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to determine the effects of a 12-week IVG intervention using the X-Box 360 gaming console with Kinect Sports and Adventures games on cognitive performance in older adults, and specifically, in South African older adults, some with memory complaints. The IVG intervention was compared to a conventional multimodal supervised exercise intervention. We hypothesized that the IVG intervention would show greater improvements in measures of cognitive performance and functional ability than the conventional multimodal exercise intervention. The results showed a significant relationship between the number of the correct responses on the Modified Stroop task and scores on the 6-Item Cognitive Impairment test (r=-0.52, p< 0.001) and Grip Strength (r=0.42, p< 0.01). In addition, a significant inverse association was found between incorrect responses on the Modified Stroop task and Functional Reach (r=-0.45, p< 0.01). The final multivariate regression model included age, Functional Reach and right arm Grip Strength, and described 28% of the variance in performance of the Modified Stroop task. In summary, the study illustrated that measures of physical function were related to cognitive performance in high functioning independent living South African older adults. The extent to which a physical exercise intervention can improve these physical function parameters and its effects on cognitive performance warranted further research within South African older adults. Study 2: The aim of the second study was to explore the feasibility of IVG in South African, normal functioning, healthy older adults. We hypothesized that those individuals with lower functional and cognitive performance would perceive the IVG as more difficult. Twenty normal functioning, healthy community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 70.5 ±5.5 years were invited to participate in the study. Functional ability was assessed using the Dynamic Balance, ‘Timed Up and Go', Functional Reach and Grip Strength tests while cognitive ability was assessed using the Modified Stroop task. Participants played in an IVG session using the X-Box Kinect Adventures software package which comprised of 5 games, including: 20000 leaks, River Rush, Rally Ball, Reflex Ridge and Halo Popper. Heart rate was recorded throughout the session to measure the intensity while playing the game. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed after the IVG session, in which participants reported on their levels of enjoyment and the perceived difficulty of each game during the gaming session, using a Likert scale. The mean resting heart rate for the gaming session was 73.4bpm ±12.6. Rally Ball produced the highest average heart rate of 88.0bpm ±14.4 with 20000 Leaks producing the lowest average heart rate of 82.6bpm ±12.3. The average heart rate response for all games was between 55.2% and 58.7% of age-predicted maximum heart rate, suggesting IVG equates to moderate intensity physical activity according to the American College of Sports Medicine criteria. Non-dominant handgrip strength (kg) was inversely associated with the perceived level of difficulty, (High perceived level of difficulty = 19.5kg; Moderate perceived level of difficulty = 27.0kg; Low perceived level of difficulty = 29.1kg; p=0.034). There were significant relationships between some components of functional ability and cognitive performance with the perceived difficulty of the gaming session. Individuals that perceived the game as more difficult had significantly lower cognitive performance scores than those reporting moderate and low levels of difficulty. Most (95%) participants reported that they were interested in participating in IVG in the future. They perceived the games as fun and enjoyable, as a form of stress reduction and a means to improve physical well-being. In addition, our results indicate that older adults enjoyed the IVG and showed interest in participating regularly. In summary, the study showed that IVG was an enjoyable activity for older adults and associated with functional and physical well-being. Future research is needed to determine if IVG can result in improved health, functional ability and cognitive performance in older adults. Study 3: Therefore, the aim of the third study was to measure the effects of a 12- week IVG intervention, using the X-Box 360 Kinect gaming console on cognitive performance and functional ability in healthy older adults, without any known diagnosis of cognitive impairment. A total of 41 healthy participants with a mean age of 72.7 ±6.6 years were recruited from 4 different retirement homes and clusterrandomized into either the IVG group (n=21) or the Cognitively Stimulating Table Games group (n=20). The IVG group participated in moderate intensity X-Box Kinect Adventure games twice a week for one hour while the comparison group participated in Cognitively Stimulating Table games (Board and Card games) for the same duration. Both groups had high attendance rates with all participants completing all 24 of their respective sessions. Baseline physical activity level was assessed using the Yale Physical Activity Survey. Pre-post measures included the 6-Minute Walk test, Dynamic Balance, Timed Up and Go, Grip Strength, Functional Reach, 6-Item Cognitive Impairment test and the Modified Stroop task. Most participants' highest level of education was at primary school level and the most frequent medical condition was hypertension in both groups. More than half of the participants were prescribed medication for various chronic diseases. Functional Reach was the only significant improvement post intervention in favour of the IVG group (p=0.049). The comparison group's average reaction time for all correct responses improved significantly on the Modified Stroop task post intervention compared to the intervention group. After the variables were log transformed, the comparison group showed significant improvement in average reaction time for all correct responses on the Modified Stroop task (p=0.028). The IVG group showed a significant improvement in balance, measured by the Functional Reach test. Cognitively Stimulating Table Games showed significant improvements in reaction time measures of the Modified Stroop task illustrating benefits of such games on improving cognitive performance. In summary, functional ability and cognitive performance improved for most outcomes in both groups, however, many changes were not statistically significant. Therefore, IVG as an intervention program could serve to preserve cognitive and physical function, especially in high functioning, healthy older adults. The results of the first three studies (chapters 2, 3 and 4) showed that physical function was related to cognitive performance in high functioning, independently living older adults. IVG was identified as a fun and enjoyable activity, a means to improve physical health and it equated to moderate intensity physical activity. Furthermore, a 12-week IVG intervention using the X-Box 360 Kinect gaming console and Kinect Adventures games significantly improved balance in healthy older adults when compared to Cognitively Stimulating Table Games. Cognitively Stimulating Table Games significantly improved executive function measured by the Modified Stroop task post intervention. We also found that most functional ability and cognitive performance outcomes improved after 12-weeks of IVG however, many did not reach a level of significance in our cognitively healthy older adult participants. In South Africa, the prevalence of diagnosed MCI is 27% while research on the prevalence of subjective memory complaints is scares. Previous research from systematic reviews and meta-analysis has shown positive effects of physical activity and exercise on cognitive performance in older adults with MCI and memory complaints. This led us to my fourth study, which aimed to examine the efficacy of IVG in older adults with self-reported and objectively determined memory complaints. A few studies have investigated whether active gaming can improve cognitive performance in older adults with subjective memory complaints, however, to our knowledge; no study has been conducted comparing the benefits of IVG to conventional multimodal supervised exercise in older adults with memory complaints. Study 4: The aim of the fourth study was to determine the effects of a 12-week IVG intervention, using the X-Box 360 gaming console with Kinect Sports games, on cognitive performance in South African older adults with subjective and objectively determined memory complaints. This intervention was compared to a conventional multimodal supervised exercise program that served as the comparison group. We hypothesized that the individuals in the intervention group would show greater improvements in measures of cognitive function and functional ability than the comparison group. Forty-five participants with a mean age of 72.4 ±5.4 years were recruited and screened from 6 retirement homes and cluster-randomized into the IVG group (n=23) or the Conventional Multimodal Supervised Exercise (CM; n=22) group. All participants from both groups completed all 24 of their respective exercise sessions. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted to determine demographic, health and physical activity levels at baseline for each participant. Prepost measurements for physical function included the 6-Minute Walk test, Dynamic Balance, Timed Up and Go and Functional Reach. Cognitive performance was measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (global cognitive function), N-Back task (working memory) and the Modified Stroop task (executive function). The IVG group demonstrated significant improvements in the total number correct responses on the Modified Stroop task (p=0.028) and for average reaction time of correct colour-words (p=0.024), compared to the CM group. Furthermore, the IVG group showed significant improvements in global cognitive function (p=0.005) measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) when compared to the CM group. Functional ability improved significantly in the IVG group, including the 6-Minute walk (p=0.017), Dynamic Balance (p=0.03), Timed Up and Go (p< 0.001) and Functional Reach (p< 0.001). We concluded that the IVG intervention was more effective than 36 Conventional Multimodal Supervised exercise in improving executive and global cognitive performance and functional capacity in older adults with subjective memory complaints. In summary, measures of physical function which included functional reach, grip strength and dynamic balance were associated with cognitive performance in high functioning older adults. Furthermore, older adults enjoyed participating in IVG as a form of physical activity which was also associated with physical well-being. The feasibility and acceptability of the IVG among older adults prompted the study comparing IVG to table games over a 12-week period in healthy older adults. Both, the IVG intervention and table games were effective in improving functional and cognitive measures in healthy older adults but did not reach a level of statistical significance. Therefore, we conducted a similar study using IVG in older adults with subjective and objectively determined memory complaints to determine its effectiveness on cognitive performance and functional ability. In conclusion, IVG was more effective than conventional multimodal supervised exercise in improving measures of cognitive performance and functional ability in older persons with memory complaints. IVG is recommended to help preserve and maintain quality of life and independent living in healthy older adults residing in low-to-middle income countries such as South Africa while greater cognitive and functional benefits may be achieved in those with some level of memory complaints
Factors associated with participation in a phase three cardiac rehabilitation programme
No full textBackground Patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) benefit from participating in cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRPs). The aim of this research project was to evaluate the factors associated with participation in a phase three CRP, the Prime Time programme (PTP). A secondary aim was to compare attendance and baseline measures between Prime Time (PT) and non-Prime Time (NPT) members at a commercial gym. Methodology The first chapter comprised of focus group discussions (n = 3) and key-informant interviews (n = 5 current members and n = 5 ex-members). Staff participants (n = 9) included the Biokineticists, programme managers and sales consultants who participated in key-informant interviews and provided their perceptions and experiences while working on the programme. Atlas.ti was used for the data analysis and a thematic coding framework was used to analyse the focus groups and interviews. The second chapter, which was a pilot study, employed a case-control research design to compare attendance and baseline data between PT (n = 11) and NPT (n = 40) members at a commercial gym. Three age-matched controls for every case were included in this pilot study. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations), one-way analysis of variance (used to determine if there were any significant differences between groups at baseline for continuous variables) and Chi-square analysis (used to determine if there were any significant differences between groups at baseline for categorical variables) were performed. The level of significance was set at p<0.05
Steps that count! : the use of pedometry for physical activity and health promotion in South Africa.
No full textIncludes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.Pedometers have been demonstrated as a practical tool for measurement and motivation of ambulatory physical activity, typically providing information on volume of steps/day. Recent developments in steps/day research have, however, emphasised the importance of intensity-based steps as part of steps/day recommendations. Such steps/day recommendations are also directed towards current physical activity guidelines, so as to provide further options for achieving guidelines. To complement these developments in steps/day recommendations, technological advancements in pedometry afford the opportunity to provide information on intensity-based steps/day. We therefore use this application to provide further insight into the association between pedometer-based physical activity and fitness and health outcomes. Particular reference is made to intensity-based steps/day, through a series of studies
The South African National Educator Wellness Study (SA-NEWS)
Full text linkBackground:
Previous studies have shown that South African (SA) teachers are a population at
risk for non-communicable diseases. Health screening, primarily through wellness days,
is a popular strategy to improve health by identifying risk factors or disease. In addition,
studies show the effectiveness of tailored letters and SMS text message-based
interventions for weight loss, physical activity (PA), glycaemic control and hypertension
management.
Aim:
To investigate whether the addition of a tailored print letter and SMS-text
communication intervention, in addition to the standard-of-care feedback following a
wellness day, would result in greater changes in health risk factors than the standard-ofcare. The feasibility and acceptability of the SMS-text messages was explored and the
school health environment analysed to ascertain the impact of school environments and
policies on teachers’ health risk status. Finally, the feasibility and helpfulness of
employing an adapted intervention mapping (IM) approach to a complex health
behaviour change intervention was reported.
Methods:
Twenty seven schools were selected from a list provided by the Department of Basic
Education’s provincial educational authorities. Schools were grouped according to socioeconomic status and geographic location and randomly assigned to either intervention
(n=13) or control (n=14) groups. A total of 571 teachers participated in the first set of the
wellness days. At the completion of the wellness day, teachers in the intervention schools
were asked to select one of 5 health goals they wanted to manage and to rank their top 3
(of 6) barriers preventing them from achieving the goal. In addition to the targeted
wellness day feedback, teachers in the intervention group received a single printed
tailored letter with advice relating to their goal and barriers. This was followed by at least
8 tailored advice SMS-text messages over 5 months. All teachers were invited to attend the second wellness day after the 5-month intervention. Three hundred and forty nine
teachers (59.4%) attended the second set of wellness days. Teachers in the intervention
group were asked to evaluate the acceptability of the SMS-text messages. Principals at all
schools were also asked to complete an audit of the schools’ policies and built
environment. The intervention was developed using an adapted IM approach.
Results:
This study confirmed that SA teachers are an ‘at risk’ population for developing
NCDs. Overweight and obesity rates were found to be 27.3% and 50.3% respectively.
Overall 82% of teachers did not meet the recommended PA guidelines and only 11%
consumed the recommended 5 fruit and vegetable servings per day. Employing an as per
protocol (APP) analysis, the use of a tailored print letter and SMS campaign resulted in
significantly greater (p=0.004211) reductions in the proportion of teachers who were
overweight and obese as well as those who were hypertensive. The intervention group
showed a greater relative percentage decrease in body mass, BMI and in the percent who
were overweight or obese compared to the control group (8.9% vs. 1.1% relative change).
The intervention also resulted in a significantly higher (p=0.000793) proportion of
individuals meeting PA guidelines and an almost double relative percentage increase
compared to the control group (21.3 minutes/week vs. 12.3 minutes/week). Due to the
high dropout rate in both groups, an intention to treat (ITT) analysis was conducted, only
time effects for self-reported physical activity and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale
scores remained, all group and time interaction effects were no longer significant (p>0.05).
A high degree of acceptability of the SMS-text messages was found. The standard-of-care
wellness day with immediate feedback also resulted in significant changes (p<0.05) in
most of the clinical and anthropometric measures as well as lifestyle risk factors. This
study found that generally, school environments, particularly in the lower quintiles, are
not conducive to healthy eating, sufficient physical activity or the promotion of health
intervention. The SMS campaign was found to be effective and had a high level of
acceptability, with an overwhelming number of participants perceiving the messages to
be of use and the level of contact to be appropriate. The findings of this study suggest that
SMS-text based interventions are feasible, efficacious and have a high degree of acceptability to the recipients. However, the cost of upscaling the SMS messages to all
teachers in SA may be a barrier. The study also highlighted the need to find strategies to
minimise dropout in future interventions. Lastly, applying an adapted IM approach is a
feasible and helpful method for providing an evidence based and theoretical structure to a
complex health behaviour change intervention.
Conclusion:
Overall, the results appear to indicate that individuals who were exposed to the
tailored letter and SMS campaign showed greater health benefits and improved health
risk status compared to individuals who were exposed to the standard-of-care wellness
day with targeted feedback. Results of this study also highlighted that a wellness day is
an effective entry-into-care intervention.
As these types of interventions are scalable, low-cost, behaviourally appropriate,
autonomously supportive, and exert effects on multiple risk factors, the potential for
population health benefit is apparent for policy makers and publicly or privately run
health and education systems. An opportunity exists to roll out wellness days to all
schools as an entry into care intervention. Including an ongoing SMS communication
strategy to the wellness day could provide a simple, low-cost means of providing an
additional support programme and perceived continuation of care
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
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