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Airborne and ground-based differential optical absorption spectroscopy observations have been carried out at the volcano Nyiragongo (Democratic Republic of Congo) to measure SO2 and bromine monoxide (BrO) in the plume in March 2004 and June 2007, respectively. Additionally filter pack and multicomponent gas analyzer system (Multi-GAS) measurements were carried out in June 2007. Our measurements provide valuable information on the chemical composition of the volcanic plume emitted from the lava lake of Nyiragongo. The main interest of this study has been to investigate for the first time the bromine emission flux of Nyiragongo (a rift volcano) and the BrO formation in its volcanic plume. Measurement data and results from a numerical model of the evolution of BrO in Nyiragongo volcanic plume are compared with earlier studies of the volcanic plume of Etna (Italy). Even though the bromine flux from Nyiragongo (2.6 t/d) is slightly greater than that from Etna (1.9 t/d), the BrO/SO2 ratio (maximum 7 × 10-5) is smaller than in the plume of Etna (maximum 2.1 × 10-4). A one-dimensional photochemical model to investigate halogen chemistry in the volcanic plumes of Etna and Nyiragongo was initialized using data from Multi-GAS and filter pack measurements. Model runs showed that the differences in the composition of volcanic volatiles led to a smaller fraction of total bromine being present as BrO in the Nyiragongo plume and to a smaller BrO/SO2 ratio.

The decrease in mortality in critical patient units led to an increase in intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW), which significantly affects the functional performance and quality of life of patients. There are several scales that measure functionality in critical patients. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the criterion validity and reliability of the scales that evaluate functionality in critically ill adult patients. We considered studies in critically ill adult subjects of both genders that determined the psychometric properties of the scales that evaluate functionality. Six minutes’ walk test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), the Medical Research Council sum score (MRC-SS), grip strength, discharge destination and need for rehabilitation at discharge were considered as gold standards. Three scales were identified: PFIT-s, Perme MS, and DEMMI. PFIT-s has a positive correlation with 6MWT, MRC-SS and grip strength, and a negative correlation with TUG. It also predicts the need for rehabilitation at discharge and discharge to the home. DEMMI has a positive correlation with MRC-SS. the interobserver reliability was evaluated in three articles, demonstrating an almost perfect association. The intraobserver agreement was considered good in one report. With this information, it is not possible to determine which is the instrument with better measurement properties.

The decrease in mortality in critical patient units led to an increase in intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW), which significantly affects the functional performance and quality of life of patients. There are several scales that measure functionality in critical patients. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the criterion validity and reliability of the scales that evaluate functionality in critically ill adult patients. We considered studies in critically ill adult subjects of both genders that determined the psychometric properties of the scales that evaluate functionality. Six minutes’ walk test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), the Medical Research Council sum score (MRC-SS), grip strength, discharge destination and need for rehabilitation at discharge were considered as gold standards. Three scales were identified: PFIT-s, Perme MS, and DEMMI. PFIT-s has a positive correlation with 6MWT, MRC-SS and grip strength, and a negative correlation with TUG. It also predicts the need for rehabilitation at discharge and discharge to the home. DEMMI has a positive correlation with MRC-SS. the interobserver reliability was evaluated in three articles, demonstrating an almost perfect association. The intraobserver agreement was considered good in one report. With this information, it is not possible to determine which is the instrument with better measurement properties.

The decrease in mortality in critical patient units led to an increase in intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW), which significantly affects the functional performance and quality of life of patients. There are several scales that measure functionality in critical patients. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the criterion validity and reliability of the scales that evaluate functionality in critically ill adult patients. We considered studies in critically ill adult subjects of both genders that determined the psychometric properties of the scales that evaluate functionality. Six minutes' walk test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), the Medical Research Council sum score (MRC-SS), grip strength, discharge destination and need for rehabilitation at discharge were considered as gold standards. Three scales were identified: PFIT-s, Perme MS, and DEMMI. PFIT-s has a positive correlation with 6MWT, MRC-SS and grip strength, and a negative correlation with TUG. It also predicts the need for rehabilitation at discharge and discharge to the home. DEMMI has a positive correlation with MRC-SS. the interobserver reliability was evaluated in three articles, demonstrating an almost perfect association. The intraobserver agreement was considered good in one report. With this information, it is not possible to determine which is the instrument with better measurement properties.

From 25th of October to 5th of November 2014 field surveys were carried out at Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes, DR Congo. These two volcanoes belong to the eight volcanoes in the Virunga volcanic chain. They have an altitude of about 3470 m.a.s.l. and 3060 m.a.s.l., respectively. The craters of the two volcanoes lie within a distance of less than 15 km and both have a diameter of about 1000 m and 2000 m, respectively showing a similar inner geometry containing several terraces inside. The lava lake of Nyamulagira is still under formation while Nyiragongo’s lava lake is known since more than 100 years with short interruptions after the eruptions in 1977 and 2002. However, also Nyamulagira had a long period of lava lake activity, at least from 1912 to 1938. Both volcanoes are characterized by low SiO2 content of their lava, but Nyiragongo being exceptionally low in SiO2 and with significantly higher alkali content than Nyamulagira. There is a clear distinction between both lavas; a basaltic to tephritic one in the case of Nyamulagira and an often foidite one in the case of Nyiragongo. Also their volcanic activity has differed significantly during the last decades from each other. While Nyiragongo is famous for its permanent lava lake, Nyamulagira is characterized by frequent eruptions, which sum up to more than 40 since 1865. During our field survey we investigated and compared the gas composition and fluxes of both volcanoes in autumn 2014. The ground - based remote sensing technique - Multi Axis Differential Optical Absorption spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) using scattered sunlight, the in-situ Multi-GAS-instrument, as well as active alkaline and particle traps have been simultaneously applied at each crater of the two volcanoes during the field trip. Downwind installed DOAS instruments (appendant to NOVAC (Network of Observation of Volcanic and Atmospheric Change)) were used to determine SO2 emission fluxes. Among others, bromine monoxide/sulphur dioxide (BrO/SO2) and carbon dioxide/sulphur dioxide (CO2/SO2) ratios were calculated to differ between Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo by of about a factor 5 and 3, respectively. Fluxes of major compounds (CO2, H2O, SO2, HCl, HF, HBr) and trace elements (Cd, Cu, As, Pb, Zn, etc.) will be here presented, giving a very detailed view of similarities and differences between the plume of both volcanoes. The differences in the gas composition of these two plumes will be discussed and with a view on earlier petrological data some possible processes responsible for them will be proposed.