Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'BMI change'

Objective: To examine whether weight history and weight transitions over adult lifespan contribute to physical impairment among postmenopausal women. Design: BMI categories were calculated among postmenopausal women who reported their weight and height at age 18 years. Multiple-variable logistic regression was used to determine the association between BMI at age 18 years and BMI transitions over adulthood on severe physical impairment (SPI), defined as scoring <60 on the Physical Functioning subscale of the Rand thirty-six-item Short-Form Health Survey. Setting: Participants were part of the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI OS), where participants' health was followed over time via questionnaires and clinical assessments. Subjects: Postmenopausal women (n 76 016; mean age 635 (sd 73) years). Results: Women with overweight (BMI=250-299 kg/m(2)) or obesity (BMI = 300 kg/m(2)) at 18 years had greater odds (OR (95 % CI)) of SPI (151 (135, 169) and 214 (172, 265), respectively) than normal-weight (BMI=185-249 kg/m(2)) counterparts. Transitions from normal weight to overweight/obese or to underweight (BMI<185 kg/m(2)) were associated with greater odds of SPI (197 (184, 211) and 135 (106, 171), respectively) compared with weight stability. Shifting from underweight to overweight/obese also had increased odds of SPI (152 (111, 209)). Overweight/obese to normal BMI transitions resulted in a reduced SPI odds (052 (039, 071)). Conclusions: Higher weight history and transitions into higher weight classes were associated with higher likelihood of SPI, while transitioning into lower weight classes for those with overweight/obesity was protective among postmenopausal women.

This thesis examined body dissatisfaction and body change behaviors among adolescent girls and boys from a biopsychosocial framework. The contribution of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors were examined in relation to body dissatisfaction, weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors among early adolescent girls and boys. In particular, pubertal maturation, body mass index (BMI), perception of body shape and size and psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, ineffectiveness, self-esteem and perfectionism, were examined as possible factors that may precipitate or maintain body dissatisfaction and engagement in body change strategies. The sociocultural factors evaluated were the quality of family and peer relationships, as well as the influence of family and peers in predicting the adoption of specific body change strategies. The specific mechanisms by which these influences were transmitted were also examined. These included perceived discussion, encouragement and modelling of various body change strategies, as well as perceived teasing about body shape and size. A number of separate cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted to examine the above relationships and identify the factors that contribute to weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors in adolescents. Study 1 examined the psychometric properties and principal components structure of the Bulimia Test Revised (BULIT-R; Thelen, Farmer, Wonderlich, & Smith, 1991) to assess its applicability to adolescent samples. Study 2 investigated the nature of body dissatisfaction and weight loss behaviors among 603 adolescents (306 girls and 297 boys) using a standardised questionnaire. This preliminary study was conducted to ascertain whether variables previously found to be relevant to adolescent girls, could also be related to the development of body dissatisfaction and weight loss behaviors among adolescent boys. Studies 3 and 4 described the development and validation of a body modification scale that measured weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors. Studies 5 and 6 were designed to modify an Excessive Exercise Scale developed by Long, Smith, Midgley, and Cassidy (1993) into a shorter form, and validate this scale with an adolescent sample. Study 7 investigated the factors that contribute to weight loss, weight gain and increased muscle among adolescent girls and boys both cross-sectionally and longitudinally (over one year). Structural equation modelling was used to examine associations among self-reported body dissatisfaction, body change strategies and a range of biological, psychological and sociocultural variables both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Overall, the results suggested that both girls and boys experience body dissatisfaction and engage in a number of different body change strategies in order to achieve an ideal size. A number of gender similarities and differences were identified in the expression of body dissatisfaction and the adoption of body change strategies for both girls and boys. Girls were more likely than boys to report body dissatisfaction and engage in weight loss behaviors, while boys were more likely than girls to engage in weight gain and increased muscle tone behaviors. Generally, the same factors were found to contribute to weight loss, and more specifically, bulimic symptomatology, ad weight gain in both adolescent girls and boys. While a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors contributed to bulimic symptomatology, only biological and psychological factors were found to contribute to weight gain in adolescents. The most notable gender differences were found in the model of increased muscle tone. Sociocultural and biological factors contributed to increased muscle tone behaviors in girls, while sociocultural and psychological factors were implicated in these behaviors in adolescent boys. With the exception of the model of increased muscle tone for boys, body dissatisfaction was a consistent factor in the adoption of body change behaviors. Consistent with previous investigations, the present thesis provides empirical support for the need to examine the etiology and maintenance of such concerns and behaviors from a multifaceted perspective.

Syftet med den här studien är att skapa förståelse hur gamification ur ett teoretiskt perspektiv kan bidra till realisering av aktivitetssystem som i detta arbete likställs definitionen av affärsmodell. Detta genom att gamification bidrar till den transformation som krävs för att aktivitetssystemet ska realiseras. Målet med studien var att bidra med kunskap till praktiker som planerar att genomföra affärsmodellinnovation samt hur dessa kan använda gamification på de externa aktörerna i aktivitetssystemet. Fenomenet affärsmodellinnovation (BMI) har på senare år vuxit fram som ett område som företagsledningar behöver beakta. I dagens samhälle måste företagsledning hantera snabba förändringar och fatta beslut löpande om framtida beteenden bland aktörerna i aktivitetssystemet och därefter anpassa aktivitetssystemet för att det ska vara livskraftig. Forskning har däremot visat ett gap kring exekvering av välformulerade strategier och aktiviteter, varpå denna studie framhäver gamification som mekanism för exekvering/realisering av aktivitetssystem. Resultatet är en guide som fungerar som vägledning för praktiker. Metodvalet föll på en systematisk litteraturstudie med induktiv analys och diskussion för att på transparant och systematiskt sätt eftersöka det som redan är känt inom olika fält för att lära från det andra redan studerat. Utöver en induktiv ansats har ett inslag av deduktiv ansats använts för det empiriska inlägget i studien. Det empiriska inlägget är i form av ett exempel som utgör en enklare validering av det teoretiska resultatet. De slutsatser som dragits är restriktiva i relation till antalet granskade litterära verk i förhållande till tillgänglig forskning inom respektive område. Begräsningar av studien diskuteras men lämnar utrymme för ytterligare begränsningar. Ur ett teoretiskt granskande perspektiv finns potential för företag att använda gamification som mekanism för att realisera ett aktivitetssystem, avseende att främja motivation till beteende (aktiviteter) hos de externa aktörerna som ingår i aktivitetssystemet och som inte kan styras med interna beslutshierarkier. Denna studie påvisar vikten av samverkan mellan designprocessen för gamification respektive designprocessen för aktivitetssystemet samt att det krävs ett ledningsfokus som beaktar viktiga aspekter för en lyckad realisering av aktivitetssystemet.

Longer-term immigrants residing in the United States exhibit physical health decline related to higher body mass index (BMI). Theories on immigrant acculturation have been used to examine health patterns by length of stay in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study, guided by the Schwartz model of acculturation, was to examine the effect of acculturation and length of stay in the United States on BMI in a sample of Haitian immigrants living in the Northeast Metropolitan area. The research question was used to examine the effects of acculturation and length of stay on BMI in the convenience sample of 116 Haitian men and women, aged 18 years and older, who had relocated to the United States for 3 years or more. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and medical records from a participating health clinic and then analyzed by conducting a multiple linear regression. According to study results, acculturation, length of stay, age, gender, and physical activity were not significant predictors of BMI change. An ancillary analysis using the subscales of acculturation revealed similar results. This study may provide positive social change by enabling health providers to understand the beliefs, values, and practices of Haitian immigrant groups and the acculturation pattern of individuals when providing care for this population.

The transition to college has been identified as a critical period for weight gain; however, only a limited number of studies have examined this phenomenon. The college setting may promote weight gain, thus the purpose of the present study was to quantify changes in BMI in first year students during their first semester of college and to understand factors associated with weight gain, such as eating behaviors, physical activity, and body shape ideals. Significant changes in weight were detected between Time 1 and 2 with a mean weight gain of 1.24 kg. The majority of participants (73.1 %) gained weight and the percentage of participants categorized as overweight increased from 23.1 % to 3 1.4%. Regression models did not reveal significant predictors of weight gain. Paired t-tests revealed significant decreases in disinhibition, binge eating, and number of days of physical activity over the semester. Participants who gained weight had greater body image dissatisfaction than those who did not gain weight. These findings underscore the need for more studies on factors related to weight gain and prevention efforts in the college population.

Purpose: BIM has the potential to reduce the number of design errors in construction projects. Possibilities to change parts at a later stage, as well as better opportunities to which the designer himself can detect if anything wrong has been done. The possibility to discover faults easier and with better opportunities for changes should lead to the defects related to design errors in production decreases. The introduction of BIM in a firm may be costly and clear evidence that the design errors decreased by BIM has not been found. The goal of the work is to find out whether the introduction of BIM in the design stage in construction has led to fewer defects related to design errors in the production stage. Method: In order to achieve the target set has interviews with designers at two consulting companies been implemented. This is to find out how the methods of the designing has become more BIM-based. A document analysis has been carried out on the lists of defects and changes from eleven different engineering projects of varying size. These documents come from two large contractors in Sweden. Findings: The deisgners interviewed describe the methods for designing roads and facilities have gone on to become more BIM-based. Having previously designed in 2D CAD it has gone over more to the 3D models. In the 3D software it is also possible to add different models to the same file and check for any errors between them. To check itself has also become easier than when the designing was done in 2D CAD. The lists of changes and defects also shows that the amount of the defects related to design errors was reduced significantly compared to how it looked in a study conducted in 1999 and mentioned in a study from 2014. Implications: The introduction of BIM in the design has led to the defects related to design errors out in production has fallen. This would be of interest to companies thinking of introducing BIM in their organization but have not yet seen the benefits that BIM brings. Limitations: The thesis is relevant to both designers and contractors in civil engineering. This is when the work has been focused more towards the road and facility than designing of houses. Designers and entrepreneurs from different companies in different parts of Sweden have contributed to the collection of data, which means that the results can be assumed to be general. Contact with more companies from more places in Sweden had definitely been able to make the results even more generally. Keywords: BIM, design, changes, design errors
Syfte: BIM har potentialen att minska antalet projekteringsfel i anläggningsprojekt. Möjligheter att ändra delar i ett senare skede samt bättre möjligheter att som projektör själv upptäcka eventuella fel man gjort. Upptäcks fel enklare och med bättre möjligheter för ändringar bör därför leda till att ÄTA-arbetena i produktionen minskar. Att införa BIM på ett företag kan dock vara kostsamt och tydliga bevis på att projekteringsfelen minskat med BIM har inte kunnat hittas. Målet med arbetet var att ta reda på om införandet av BIM i projekteringsskedet vid anläggningsarbeten har lett till färre ÄTA- arbeten relaterade till projekteringsfel ute i produktionsskedet. Metod: För att uppnå det mål som satts har intervjuer med projektörer på två konsultföretag genomförts. Detta för att ta reda på hur metoderna för att projektera blivit mer BIM-baserade. En dokumentanalys har sedan genomförts på ÄTA-listor från elva olika anläggningsprojekt i varierande storlek. Dessa dokument kommer från två större entreprenadföretag i Sverige. Resultat: De projektörer som intervjuats beskriver att metoderna för att projektera vägar och anläggningar har gått mot att bli mer BIM-baserat. Från att tidigare ha projekterat i 2D-CAD har man gått över mer till 3D-modeller. I programmen med 3D finns även möjligheter att lägga in olika modeller i samma fil och kontrollera eventuella fel. Att kontrollera sig själv har även det blivit enklare jämfört med när projektering genomfördes i 2D-CAD. ÄTA-listorna visar även de att mängden ÄTA-arbeten relaterade till projekteringsfel minskat betydligt jämfört med hur det såg ut i en studie genomförd 1999 som även nämns i en studie genomförd 2014. Konsekvenser: Införandet av BIM i projekteringen har lett till att ÄTA-arbetena ute i produktionen har minskat. Detta skulle kunna intressera företag som funderat på att införa BIM i sin organisation men som ännu inte sett nyttan och de fördelar som BIM för med sig. Begränsningar: Examensarbetet är relevant för både projektörer och entreprenörer inom anläggningsbranschen. Detta då arbetet har koncentrerats mer mot väg och anläggning än mot hus. Projektörer och entreprenörer från olika företag i olika delar av Sverige har bidragit till datainsamlingen vilket gör att resultatet kan antas vara generellt. Kontakt med fler företag från fler platser i Sverige hade definitivt kunnat göra resultatet än mer generellt. Nyckelord: BIM, projektering, ÄTA-arbeten, projekteringsfel.

Healthcare in the UK is a very important sector; it provides state of the art accommodation that meets the need of patients, visitors, medical professionals and other staff. The UK Government is currently cutting costs within the different sectors of the economy, while there are raising figures in UK National Health Service (NHS) spending. These are due to a growing and ageing population, advancement in modern healthcare delivery and special needs for different facility users. There is a UK Government proposal set out that requires the delivery of ??15-20 billion in efficiency savings over the three year period from 2011 (Department of Health, 2010-2015). This study has understood that cost savings can be achieved by adopting and implementing a framework that supports refurbishment, flexibility, standardisation and Building Information Modelling (BIM). These cost savings can be achieved through Mechanical Engineering and Plumbing (MEP) clash detections using (BIM). 65% of hospital designs are centred on MEP services (interviews). The NHS needs to save cost when responding to possible future changes without compromising the quality of standard provided to the public. A change-ready healthcare facility is proposed to address the issue of change and the design of quality spaces that can enhance effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of health and social care. A change-ready healthcare facility can be described as a facility that accommodates known or proposed future changes creating novel pathways to increase the quality and life span of facilities. There is also a large chunk of NHS estates that is underutilised EC Harris, (2013). Therefore, healthcare facilities need to respond to future changes in order to optimise their spaces. To achieve quality and cost efficiency in healthcare buildings, key considerations are refurbishment and reconfiguration, optimisation of flexibility, maximising standardisation and implementation of BIM. This research explores opportunities to save costs, time and improve quality of healthcare facilities by making emphasis on the design delivery process. Therefore, the new RIBA Plan of Work 2013 was used as a mechanism to help translate ideas into physical form and yet has been hindered by lack of development and ability to keep up with technological development such as BIM. This is the rationale for developing a framework. The RIBA Plan of Work is accepted nationally. Due to the UK BIM mandate by 2016, this research is focused on the use of BIM to support both space standardisation and space flexibility within a refurbished or new building. Space is a vital component competent in every healthcare facility. It provides the environment for healthcare services to be performed, and links one functional space to another, it can be designed for multifunctional usage. Healthcare spaces are complex entities due to the range of services and technology they support and the number, variety and quality of requirement combined with a rapidly changing environment. Flexibility enables a facility to easily respond to changes, while the introduction of standardisation supports staff performance by reducing the reliance on memory which will reduce human error. But the main question that emerges from current literature is how healthcare designers and planners manage healthcare spaces that cannot easily be standardised due to the constraints of existing structures, diversity in patient and staff needs? With analysis of different flexibility frameworks in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, there is a need to improve the existing frameworks. Therefore, a framework for designing a change-ready healthcare facility was developed through a sequence of data analysis starting with literature, preliminary data, questionnaire survey and interviews. Three frameworks for designing a change-ready facility were revised, organised and merged to produce a state of the art framework. Three frameworks were revised as different research methods were required. The successful framework can guide the design process of embedding different flexible design options for a defined project brief to save costs and improve design efficiency. The framework was validated with some of the top 100 architectural practices in the UK, NHS Estates, facility managers and the RIBA through an interview process. Further research and development arising from this research focuses on the process of applying BIM to record or identify key decisions taken for each of the different design options generated from a single brief to inform the designers, clients or other stakeholders involved while collaborating. Findings of this research are described in five peer-reviewed papers. The only certainty in healthcare is change Gressel and Hilands, (2008).

This research assessed the concept of future-proofing (FP) as a proactive initiative for enterprise asset management is an urgent need against uncertainty, particularly in health care due to unforeseeable demographic shifts and rapid advances in medical technology. Building information modelling (BIM) is a data-driven initiative but a rigorous analysis will indicate that a synergy exists. A multiphase design methodology was adopted to cover as much breadth and depth around the synergies that exist between future-proofing and BIM both in terms of delivery (supply chain) and in an enterprise context (organisational structures). In the first phase, an exploratory survey was conducted. The exploratory data were gathered to include responses of industry experts. The findings provide valuable insights regarding the integration of flexibility and design standardisation and whether this integration can improve change-readiness in designing future-proof healthcare facilities. Then, a first round of primary and secondary case study data were gathered from a major public asset owner organisation. The findings focused on the governance of BIM and FP in an enterprise context. As such three agendas emerged, namely government, strategic management and, due to the opportunities that BIM brings, information management. Then, a second round of primary qualitative data were collected and a series of interviews were conducted. The interviews targeted the opinion of leading industry experts across all phases of a project. At this phase the aim was to develop a classification ontology of the interactions between FP and BIM during project delivery. Finally, the findings were triangulated. As such, a reference model was developed, concentrating on the functional and organisational aspects of the core business of a service organisation. Finally, the three types of findings were connected to give a deployment plan for future-proofing asset management taking into account adoption of innovation which service providers can use to manage their assets across an enterprise.

Byggbranschen lever idag med epitetet att vara konservativ med en låg produktivitet, vilket delvis beror på den långsamma digitala utvecklingen i branschen. Digitalisering möjliggör för verksamheter att effektiviseras och en del av digitaliseringen av byggbranschen är byggnadsinformationsmodellering, BIM. BIM har visat sig förbättra utförande och samarbeten i byggnadsprojekt men förutsätter organisationsförändringar då arbetsroller och kunskap är viktiga parametrar när BIM implementeras i ett projekt. Implementeringsarbete är dock komplext i teknikstyrda processer och kräver ett ledarskap med kompetens samt genomtänkta strategier.  Föreliggande studie syftar till att öka förståelsen för hur förändringsledning påverkar användandet av digitala verktyg i renoveringsprojekt och belysa eventuella faktorer som påverkar användandet. Studien utgick från teorierna Diffusion of innovation och Kotters åttastegsmodell för förändringsledning. Genom en fallstudie vid tre renoveringsprojekt har implementeringen av digitala verktyg studerats. I studien har 14 semistrukturerade intervjuer genomförts med digital coach, BIM-koordinator, projektens produktionsledning och projektchefer. Studien identifierar att förändringsarbete tar tid och att användningen av digitala verktyg i en första fas främst styrs av intresse. När det finns ett motstånd mot förändring visar det sig vara viktigt med tydliga strategier och att det finns en förändringsvision som kan övertyga och motivera medarbetare. För att medarbetarna ska få stöd i användningen genom hela implementeringsprocessen krävs ett nära ledarskap, med en struktur som möjliggör kontinuerliga uppföljningar och utvärderingar av det digitala verktyget. Genom studiens resultat och tidigare forskning inom fältet konkluderades slutligen vikten av genomtänkta strategier, tydligt ledarskap och en öppen kommunikation inom organisationen för att ändra befintliga arbetssätt.
The construction industry today lives with the epithet to be conservative with low productivity, which is partly due to the slow digital development in the industry. Digitalization opens for opportunities to streamline operations and one part of the digitalization of the construction industry is Building Information Modeling, BIM. BIM has been shown to improve performance and cooperation in construction projects but it requires organizational changes, both in terms of new roles and knowledge. Furthermore, the implementation process is complex in technology-driven processes and requires leadership with clear strategies. This study aims to increase the understanding of how change management affects the use of digital tools in renovation projects as well as highlighting the factors that influence the usage. The study was based on the theories Diffusion of Innovation and Kotter's 8-step model for change management. Through a case study on three renovation projects, the implementation of digital tools has been studied. In the study, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with a digital coach, BIM coordinator, project management teams and project managers. Factors identified were that change takes time and in a first phase it is primarily the self-interest that governs the use. If there exist resistance to change, it appears to be important with clear strategies and a change vision to convince and motivate the employees. In order for employees to get support in their use throughout the implementation process, close leadership is required, together with an organization structure that enables continuous follows-ups and evaluations of the digital tool. Finally, the results of the study and previous research in the field concluded the importance of thoughtful strategies, clear leadership, and open communication within the organization to change existing working methods.

During recent decades, lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has become the most common indication for spine surgery, a change that coincides with a higher worldwide prevalence of overweight and obesity. Thus, surgical treatment of LSS in the overweight and obese population is common and increasing in scope. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate whether body mass index (BMI) is related to the development of LSS, and whether BMI is linked to outcome after surgery for LSS. We further evaluated whether there are specific experiences of LSS from a patient perspective. Data were obtained for all patients registered in the Swedish Spine Register who had undergone surgery for LSS between January 1, 2006 and June 30, 2008. After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, patients with obesity showed both poorer results after surgery and a higher rate of dissatisfaction than patients with normal weight (odds ratio 1.73; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.36-2.19). Furthermore, patients with obesity in the cohort reported modest weight loss at follow-up (2.0 kg; 95% CI, 1.5-2.4), and only 8% reported a clinical important weight loss 2 years after surgery. Our analysis of 389,132 construction workers, showed that overweight (incidence rate ratio, IRR 1.68; 95% CI, 1.54-1.83) and obesity (IRR 2.18; 95% CI, 1.87-2.53) were associated with an increased future risk in developing LSS when compared with patients with normal weight. To gain insight into the patients' perspective of LSS, we performed interviews with 18 patients who were on a waiting list for LSS surgery. The transcripts, analyzed with content analysis, revealed that living with LSS is a physical, mental and social challenge in which resources to cope with the condition are of major importance. In summary, obesity is associated with poorer results after surgery, and patients with obesity report modest weight loss during follow-up. In addition, obesity is associated with an increased risk to develop LSS. Our findings revealed that being a patient with LSS, naturally involves considerable suffering and pain, but it also implies being a person with his or her own resources who is able to cope with these adverse conditions.

This study was conducted to determine if physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) at baseline influence the likelihood of gaining bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and lumbar spine over 6 years. Another aim was to ascertain the effect of several potential confounding factors. In a prospective study of 244 women (baseline age range 35-45 years), physical activity volume (PAv) and intensity (PAi) were measured using accelerometers at baseline. CRF indexed by VO2max was estimated using a graded, maximal treadmill test at baseline. BMD was measured using DEXA. Risk ratios were used to show the likelihood of BMD gains (> 75th percentile) between different levels of PAv, PAi, or CRF at baseline. Mean hip BMD change was -0.015 + 0.045 g/cm2. Women with high PAv were 2.50 times (95% CI: 1.19-5.24), and women with moderate PAv were 2.20 times (95% CI: 1.08-4.45), more likely to experience significant hip BMD gains than women with low PAv. Adjusting for potential confounders had little effect on the results. Baseline PAi and CRF were not related to changes in hip BMD. None of the relationships between PAv, PAi, and CRF, and changes in spine BMD, was statistically significant. Middle-aged women with moderate or high levels of PAv are more likely to experience significant gains in hip BMD over time compared to those with low levels of PAv.

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures taken before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) aid in determining meaningful patient-perceived outcomes associated with alternative clinical interventions. This study compared performance of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) subscales for Physical Functioning (PF), Role Physical (RP), Mental Health (MH), and Role Emotional (RE) against two other questionnaires, i.e. the Veteran's Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ: self-efficacy for vigorous physical activity) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II: mental-emotional functioning). Seventy-one patients (59-M; 12-F; age, Mean + SD = 63 ± 8.6 years) were administered these three questionnaires just before and 3 months following CABG surgery. Score distributions were evaluated for the pre- and post-surgery measurements, as were change scores after CABG. All measures except the MOS SF-36 subscales for RP and RE showed statistically significant change after CABG (p<0.01). Only the subscales of RP and RE demonstrated substantial ceiling (21.0% and 56.3%) and floor effects (49.3% and 16.9%). Evaluation of individual change scores after CABG indicated that 59% and 62% of the patients, respectively, had clinically meaningful increases in the two measures of physical capability, i.e. PF and VSAQ. In contrast, 60% and 72% of patients, respectively, showed no clinically meaningful changes in the two measures of emotional functioning, i.e. RE and BDI-II scores. Chi-square analyses revealed that use of scales with similar definitional constructs resulted in significantly different surgical outcomes for the following: PF vs VSAQ (p<0.001), RP vs VSAQ (p<0.02); and MH vs BDI-II (p<0.0001). These findings illustrate the limitations in performance of the MOS SF-36 for assessing changes of importance in HRQL after CABG. The VSAQ and BDI-II, two simple measures of physical and emotional functioning that are fundamentally similar to those contained in the MOS SF-36, appear to be sensitive markers for detecting changes in these important outcomes after CABG surgery.
Master of Science

Dada a importância de agentes inteligentes e sistemas multiagentes na Ciência da Computação e na Inteligência Artificial, a programação orientada a agentes (AOP, do inglês Agent-oriented programming) emergiu como um novo paradigma para a criação de sistemas computacionais complexos. Assim, nas últimas décadas, houve um florescimento da literatura em programação orientada a agentes e, com isso, surgiram diversas linguages de programação seguindo tal paradigma, como AgentSpeak (RAO, 1996; BORDINI; HUBNER; WOOLDRIDGE, 2007), Jadex (POKAHR; BRAUBACH; LAMERSDORF, 2005), 3APL/2APL (DASTANI; VAN RIEMSDIJK; MEYER, 2005; DASTANI, 2008), GOAL (HINDRIKS et al., 2001), entre outras. Programação orientada a agentes é um paradigma de programação proposto por Shoham (1993) no qual os elementos mínimos de um programa são agentes. Shoham (1993) defende que agentes autônomos e sistemas multiagentes configuram-se como uma forma diferente de se organizar uma solução para um problema computacional, de forma que a construção de um sistema multiagente para a solução de um problema pode ser entendida como um paradgima de programação. Para entender tal paradigma, é necessário entender o conceito de agente. Agente, nesse contexto, é uma entidade computacional descrita por certos atributos - chamados de atitudes mentais - que descrevem o seu estado interno e sua relação com o ambiente externo. Atribuir a interpretação de atitudes mentais a tais atributos é válida, defende Shoham (1993), uma vez que esses atributos se comportem de forma semelhante as atitudes mentais usadas para descrever o comportamento humano e desde que sejam pragmaticamente justificáveis, i.e. úteis à solução do problema. Entender, portanto, o significado de termos como ’crença’, ’desejo’, ’intenção’, etc., assim como suas propriedades fundamentais, é de fundamental importância para estabelecer linguagens de programação orientadas a agentes. Nesse trabalho, vamos nos preocupar com um tipo específico de linguagens de programação orientadas a agentes, as chamadas linguagens BDI. Linguagens BDI são baseadas na teoria BDI da Filosofia da Ação em que o estado mental de um agente (e suas ações) é descrito por suas crenças, desejos e intenções. Enquanto a construção de sistemas baseados em agentes e linguagens de programação foram tópicos bastante discutidos na literatura, a conexão entre tais sistemas e linguagens com o trabalho teórico proveniente da Inteligência Artificial e da Filosofia da Ação ainda não está bem estabelecida. Essa distância entre a teoria e a prática da construção de sistemas é bem reconhecida na literatura relevante e comumente chamada de “gap semântico” (gap em inglês significa lacuna ou abertura e representa a distância entre os modelos teóricos e sua implementação em linguagens e sistemas). Muitos trabalhos tentaram atacar o problema do gap semântico para linguagens de programação específicas, como para as linguagens AgentSpeak (BORDINI; MOREIRA, 2004), GOAL (HINDRIKS; VAN DER HOEK, 2008), etc. De fato, Rao (1996, p. 44) afirma que “O cálice sagrado da pesquisa em agentes BDI é mostrar uma correspondência 1-a-1 com uma linguagem razoavelmente útil e expressiva” (tradução nossa)1 Uma limitação crucial, em nossa opinião, das tentativas passadas de estabeler uma conexão entre linguagens de programação orientadas a agentes e lógicas BDI é que elas se baseiam em estabelecer a interpretação de um programa somente no nível estático. De outra forma, dado um estado de um programa, tais trabalhos tentam estabelecer uma interpretação declarativa, i.e. baseada em lógica, do estado do programa respresentando assim o estado mental do agente. Não é claro, entretanto, como a execução do programa pode ser entendida enquanto mudanças no estado mental do agente. A razão para isso, nós acreditamos, está nos formalismos utilizados para especificar agentes BDI. De fato, as lógicas BDI propostas são, em sua maioria, estáticas ou incapazes de representar ações mentais. O ato de revisão uma crença, adotar um objetivo ou mudar de opinião são exemplos de ações mentais, i.e. ações que são executadas internarmente ao agente e afetando somente seu estado mental, sendo portanto não observáveis. Tais ações são, em nossa opinião, intrinsecamente diferentes de ações ônticas que consistem de comportamento observável e que possivelmente afeta o ambiente externo ao agente. Essa diferença é comumente reconhecida no estudo da semântica de linguagens de programação orientadas a agentes (BORDINI; HUBNER; WOOLDRIDGE, 2007; D’INVERNO et al., 1998; MENEGUZZI; LUCK, 2009), entretanto os formalismos disponíveis para se especificar raciocínio BDI, em nosso conhecimento, não provem recursos expressivos para codificar tal diferença. Nós acreditamos que, para atacar o gap semântico, precisamos de um ferramental semântico que permita a especificação de ações mentais, assim como ações ônticas. Lógicas Dinâmicas Epistêmicas (DEL, do inglês Dynamic Epistemic Logic) são uma família de lógicas modais dinâmicas largamente utilizadas para estudar os fenômenos de mudança do estado mental de agentes. Os trabalhos em DEL foram fortemente influenciados pela escola holandesa de lógica, com maior proponente Johna Van Benthem, e seu “desvio dinâmico” em lógica (dynamic turn em inglês) que propõe a utilização de lógicas dinâmicas para compreender ações de mudanças mentais (VAN BENTHEM, 1996). O formalismo das DEL deriva de diversas vertentes do estudo de mudança epistêmica, como o trabalho em teoria da Revisão de Crenças AGM (ALCHOURRÓN; GÄRDENFORS; MAKINSON, 1985), e Epistemologia Bayesiana (HÁJEK; HARTMANN, 2010). Tais lógicas adotam a abordagem, primeiro proposta por Segerberg (1999), de representar mudanças epistêmicas dentro da mesma linguagem utilizada para representar as noções de crença e conhecimento, diferente da abordagem extra-semântica do Revisão de Crenças a la AGM. No contexto das DEL, uma lógica nos parece particulamente interessante para o estudo de programação orientada a agentes: a Lógica Dinâmica de Preferências (DPL, do inglês Dynamic Preference Logic) de Girard (2008). DPL, também conhecida como lógica dinâmica de ordem, é uma lógica dinâmica para o estudo de preferências que possui grande expressibilidade para codificar diversas atiutudes mentais. De fato, tal lógica foi empregada para o estudo de obrigações (VAN BENTHEM; GROSSI; LIU, 2014), crenças (GIRARD; ROTT, 2014), preferências (GIRARD, 2008), etc. Tal lógica possui fortes ligações com raciocínio não-monotônico e com lógicas já propostas para o estudo de atitudes mentais na área de Teoria da Decisão (BOUTILIER, 1994b) Nós acreditamos que DPL constitui um candidato ideal para ser utilizado como ferramental semântico para se estudar atitudes mentais da teoria BDI por permitir grande flexibilidade para representação de tais atitudes, assim como por permitir a fácil representação de ações mentais como revisão de crenças, adoção de desejos, etc. Mais ainda, pelo trabalho de Liu (2011), sabemos que existem representações sintáticas dos modelos de tal lógica que podem ser utilizados para raciocinar sobre atitudes mentais, sendo assim candidatos naturais para serem utilizados como estruturas de dados para uma implementação semanticamente fundamentada de uma linguagem de programação orientada a agentes. Assim, nesse trabalho nós avançamos no problema de reduzir o gap semântico entre linguagens de programação orientadas a agentes e formalismos lógicos para especificar agentes BDI. Nós exploramos não somente como estabelecer as conexões entre as estruturas estáticas, i.e. estado de um programa e um modelo da lógica, mas também como as ações de raciocínio pelas quais se especifica a semântica formal de uma linguagem de programação orientada a agentes podem ser entendidas dentro da lógica como operadores dinâmicos que representam ações mentais do agente. Com essa conexão, nós provemos também um conjunto de operações que podem ser utilizadas para se implementar uma linguagem de programação orientada a agentes e que preservam a conexão entre os programas dessa linguagem e os modelos que representam o estado mental de um agente. Finalmente, com essas conexões, nós desenvolvemos um arcabouço para estudar a dinâmica de atitudes mentais, tais como crenças, desejos e inteções, e como reproduzir essas propriedades na semântica de linguagens de programação.
As the notions of Agency and Multiagent System became important topics for the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence communities, Agent Programming has been proposed as a paradigm for the development of computer systems. As such, in the last decade, we have seen the flourishing of the literature on Agent Programming with the proposal of several programming languages, e.g. AgentSpeak (RAO, 1996; BORDINI; HUBNER;WOOLDRIDGE, 2007), Jadex (POKAHR; BRAUBACH; LAMERSDORF, 2005), JACK (HOWDEN et al., 2001), 3APL/2APL (DASTANI; VAN RIEMSDIJK; MEYER, 2005; DASTANI, 2008), GOAL (HINDRIKS et al., 2001), among others. Agent Programming is a programming paradigm proposed by Shoham (1993) in which the minimal units are agents. An agent is an entity composed of mental attitudes, that describe the its internal state - such as its motivations and decisions - as well as its relation to the external world - its beliefs about the world, its obligations, etc. This programming paradigm stems from the work on Philosophy of Action and Artificial Intelligence concerning the notions of intentional action and formal models of agents’ mental states. As such, the meaning (and properties) of notions such as belief, desire, intention, etc. as studied in these disciplines are of central importance to the area. Particularly, we will concentrate in our work on agent programming languages influenced by the so-called BDI paradigm of agency, in which an agent is described by her beliefs, desires, intentions. While the engineering of such languages has been much discussed, the connections between the theoretical work on Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence and its implementations in programming languages are not so clearly understood yet. This distance between theory and practice has been acknowledged in the literature for agent programming languages and is commonly known as the “semantic gap”. Many authors have attempted to tackle this problem for different programming languages, as for the case of AgentSpeak (BORDINI; MOREIRA, 2004), GOAL (HINDRIKS; VAN DER HOEK, 2008), etc. In fact, Rao (1996, p. 44) states that “[t]he holy grail of BDI agent research is to show such a one-to-one correspondence with a reasonably useful and expressive language.” One crucial limitation in the previous attempts to connect agent programming languages and BDI logics, in our opinion, is that the connection is mainly established at the static level, i.e. they show how a given program state can be interpreted as a BDI mental state. It is not clear in these attempts, however, how the execution of the program may be understood as changes in the mental state of the agent. The reason for this, in our opinion, is that the formalisms employed to construct BDI logics are usually static, i.e. cannot represent actions and change, or can only represent ontic change, not mental change. The act of revising one’s beliefs or adopting a given desire are mental actions (or internal actions) and, as such, different from performing an action over the environment (an ontic or external action). This difference is well recognized in the literature on the semantics of agent programming languages (D’INVERNO et al., 1998; BORDINI; HUBNER; WOOLDRIDGE, 2007; MENEGUZZI; LUCK, 2009), but this difference is lost when translating their semantics into a BDI logic. We believe the main reason for that is a lack of expressibility in the formalisms used to model BDI reasoning. Dynamic Epistemic Logic, or DEL, is a family of dynamic modal logics to study information change and the dynamics of mental attitudes inspired by the Dutch School on the “dynamic turn” in Logic (VAN BENTHEM, 1996). This formalism stems from various approaches in the study of belief change and differs from previous studies, such as AGM Belief Revision, by shifting from extra-logical characterization of changes in the agents attitudes to their integration within the representation language. In the context of Dynamic Epistemic Logic, the Dynamic Preference Logic of Girard (2008) seems like an ideal candidate, having already been used to study diverse mental attitudes, such as Obligations (VAN BENTHEM; GROSSI; LIU, 2014), Beliefs (GIRARD; ROTT, 2014), Preferences (GIRARD, 2008), etc. We believe Dynamic Preference Logic to be the ideal semantic framework to construct a formal theory of BDI reasoning which can be used to specify an agent programming language semantics. The reason for that is that inside this logic we can faithfully represent the static state of a agent program, i.e. the agent’s mental state, as well as the changes in the state of the agent program by means of the agent’s reasoning, i.e. by means of her mental actions. As such, in this work we go further in closing the semantic gap between agent programs and agency theories and explore not only the static connections between program states and possible worlds models, but also how the program execution of a language based on common operations - such as addition/removal of information in the already mentioned bases - may be understood as semantic transformations in the models, as studied in Dynamic Logics. With this, we provide a set of operations for the implementation of agent programming languages which are semantically safe and we connect an agent program execution with the dynamic properties in the formal theory. Lastly, by these connections, we provide a framework to study the dynamics of different mental attitudes, such as beliefs, goals and intentions, and how to reproduce the desirable properties proposed in theories of Agency in a programming language semantics.

Les rapports scientifiques l'attestent, la progression de l'obésité serait irrémédiable. Elle ferait peser sur la santé des individus des risques considérables et menacerait de faire imploser notre système de santé. Ce constat alarmant, a conduit les autorités publiques à prendre le problème à bras le corps. Par sa place centrale dans le dispositif des soins, il est demandé à l'hôpital de s'organiser pour répondre à ce véritable tsunami sanitaire. Or, la réalité hospitalière offre un étonnant contraste. La maladie semble apparemment invisible dans les services de soins. Dans le domaine des pathologies reliées aux troubles du comportement alimentaire, l'obésité ne serait pas " première ". Elle serait plutôt une maladie " secondaire ". En dehors des Centres Hospitaliers Universitaires, ou des centres spécialisés, elle ne concernerait en définitive que très peu d'établissements hospitaliers. Mais, dans ces établissements où l'obésité a été visibilisée, le modèle hospitalier actuel polarisé sur la rationalité des soins, les progrès scientifiques et la performance médicale autour de plateaux techniques imposants, est bousculé. Dans un contexte d'intensification du travail hospitalier et de changement des modes de financement, la prise en charge de l'obésité impose à ces institutions d'engager une réflexion sur les pratiques professionnelles en s'ouvrant à l'environnement hospitalier. De nouvelles formes de coopération apparaissent avec des acteurs locaux qui assurent aux sujets obèses le maintien des liens sociaux et qui participent à la prévention du développement de la maladie.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) involverar idag mer än bara 3D-modellering och möjligheter finns att addera dimensioner som tid (4D) och kostnad (5D). De positiva effekterna av 5D-BIM och potentialen att involvera fler aktörer tidigare i projektet gör det intressant att studera de faktiska behoven av 5D-BIM i tidigt skede av projektet. I denna studie har ett organisatoriskt perspektiv på förändring tillämpats där fokus läggs på uppfattningen av 5D-BIM och hur tekniken ska implementeras.  Examensarbetet har skrivits i samarbete med JM och intervjuer är utförda med aktörer aktiva i tidigt skede inom JM koncernen. Studiens resultat är baserat på bostadsutvecklaren JM, vilka karakteriseras av att äga hela produktkedjan från förvärv till förvaltning och har relativt standardiserade produkter. Syftet med det här examensarbetet är att undersöka behov av 5D-BIM hos aktörer i tidigt skede samt vilken nivå på informationen som är nödvändig. Studien fokuserar även på att undersöka vilka organisatoriska förutsättningar som krävs för att motivera implementationen av informationssystem i existerande organisationsstrukturer. Det framkommer i intervjustudien att det är viktigt att vara tydlig i sin definition av begrepp likt BIM. Då respondenternas behov är kopplade till vilken förförståelse som respondenten har på BIM.  Studien visar att implementeringen av 5D-BIM är starkt kopplat till samarbete och informationshantering mellan aktörer inom organisationen samt att ökat samarbete är en förutsättning för att skapa ett integrerat informationsflöde. Enligt respondenterna finns det idag ett behov av ett integrerat system med ett informationsflöde som hänger ihop, då ett integrerat informationsflöde gör det möjligt att göra successiva beräkningar på tid och kostnad samt se effekterna av beslut som tas. Idag saknar BIM-modellerna spårbarhet vilket efterfrågas. Utan spårbarhet blir informationen projektspecifik och går inte att utnyttja i andra projekt. För en lyckad implementering av 5D-BIM anser respondenterna att det är viktigt att teknik implementeras stegvis och är anpassad till de behov som finns.  Studien visar att en organisations struktur och kultur är viktiga förutsättningar för implementation av 5D-BIM. Implementationen underlättas även av ett strukturerat arbetssätt och en förändringsbenägen kultur. Motivation för förändring inom organisationer grundar sig i att skapa värde för individerna. Intuitiva system är en förutsättning för att individer ska se värde i förändringen och känna tillit till tekniken.
Today Building Information Modelling (BIM) involves more than just 3D-modeling and the dimensions time (4D) and cost (5D) can be added. The positive effects of 5D-BIM and the potential to involve more actors earlier in the project make it interesting to study the needs of 5D-BIM in the early stages of the project. This study has an organizational perspective on change where focus is on how 5D-BIM is perceived and how the technic should be implemented.  This master thesis has been written in collaboration with JM and the interviews are based on actors in early stages within the JM organization. The results of the study are based on JM, which are characterized by ownership of the entire project process from acquisition to management and deliver relatively standardized products. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the needs of 5D-BIM in early stages and the level of information required. The study also focuses on examining the organizational conditions required to motivate the implementation of information systems in existing organizational structures. It appeared in the interview study that it is important for the organization to be clear in its definition of concepts like BIM. The needs found are linked to the knowledge the respondent have on BIM and their definition of BIM. The study shows that the implementation of BIM is strongly linked to collaboration and information management between stakeholders, and that enhanced collaboration between actors is a prerequisite for creating an integrated flow of information. Today there is a need for an integrated system created from a connected flow of information. An integrated flow of information answers the need of making successive calculations on time and cost as well as understanding the effects of decisions made. Today, models lack traceability as desired. Without traceability, the information is specific to the project and cannot be used in other projects. For a successful implementation of 5D-BIM, respondents believe it is important that the technology is implemented step-by-step and adapted to the existing needs. This study indicates that a company's structure and culture are important prerequisites for the implementation of information technology. Implementation is also facilitated by a structured way of working and a culture positive toward changes. Motivation for change within organizations is based on creating value for individuals. Intuitive systems are a prerequisite for individuals to see value in the change and to trust the technology.

This research developed a stage-based model for the management of building information modelling (BIM) implementation in construction organisations based on the theories of business process change management, innovation management, and IT implementation. The model identified five distinct stages: awareness, consideration, readiness assessment, deployment, evaluation and improvement plan and their related enablers, which are aligned with the organisational goals and objectives as a precursor to the successful and sustained implementation of BIM. Comparative case studies of five construction firms were used to test the applicability of the model within the broader spectrum of the construction supply chain in Australia.

Rapporten har ett fokus på Byggnads Informations Modeller (BIM), ett IT-tekniskt verktyg och arbetssätt som har vuxit fram i byggbranschen alltmer under de senaste åren. Hur detta IT-verktyg används hos medelstora byggentreprenadföretag redovisas i denna rapport.Syftet med rapporten är att verka positivt på utvecklingen mot effektivare och resurssnålare arbetsprocesser inom byggbranschen genom att bidra med kunskap om hur användandet av BIM ser ut bland dessa företag, varför det ser ut som det gör, ifall BIM behövs och vad som kan förändra läget i någon riktning.Metodarbetet har bestått av litteraturstudier och intervjuundersökningar.Arbetet inleddes med studier av rapporter och texter relaterade till BIM och intervjuer med representanter för ledande branschföretag inom bygg samt ett par branschorganisationer med inriktning på BIM. Därefter följde ytterligare litteraturstudier med inriktning på förändring och förändringsarbete och enkät och intervjuteknik. Arbetet ledde fram till olika grundteser och förklaringsmodeller som låg till grund för och utformade de intervjufrågor som ställdes vid huvudintervjuerna med elva medelstora byggentreprenadföretag.Huvudintervjuerna gav ett resultat som visade att företagen generellt sett såg på BIM som något positivt, med fördelar såsom lättare kommunikation och som ett hjälpmedel att minska fel i produktionen. Resultatet visade även att det fanns utmaningar såsom mjukvarukompabilitet och en beroendeproblematik mellan projektets involverade parter som innebar att för att tekniken ska kunna ge fördelar måste alla parter använda tekniken.Förklaringarna till det låga användandet bland medelstora byggentreprenadföretag var flera, vanligast var brist på krav från beställarna. Förklaringarna var också avsaknad av behov, kostsamma investeringar, konkurrerande målsättningar, kompabilitetsproblem med mjukvaror och avsaknad av kunskap om BIM.För att gynna en större användning föreslås att tekniska hinder elimineras genom standardisering och utveckling av arbetssättet och mjukvaran rörande BIM, det föreslås också att konkurrerande målsättningar elimineras genom kunskapsspridning om BIM i branschen, både hos entreprenörerna, -för att främja god utbildning så att personalen vill arbeta med tekniken, och hos beställare, -så att de börjar efterfråga BIM och därigenom ger tekniken konkurrensfördelar.
The report has a focus on Building Information Models (BIM), an IT-technical tool- and workmethod that have emerged increasingly in the construction industry in recent years. How this IT tool is used in medium-sized building construction companies is presented in this report.The purpose of the report is to promote positive development towards more efficient and resource-efficient work processes in the construction industry by providing knowledge on how the use of BIM exists among these companies, why it is the way it is, if BIM is needed and what can change the current status in any direction.The work-method has consisted of literature studies and interview surveys.The work began with studies of reports and texts related to BIM and interviews with representatives of leading construction industry companies and a couple of industry organizations with focus on BIM. This was followed by continued literary studies focused on change and change management, survey and interview techniques. This work led to various basic theories and explanatory models as the basis for and the design of the interview questions asked at the main interviews.The main interviews was conducted with eleven medium-sized building construction companies and gave a result that showed that companies generally looked at BIM as something positive with advantages such as easier communication and as a means to reduce errors in production. The result also brought some light to the fact that there existed challenges like software compatibility and dependency between the parties involved in the project, which means that for the technology to be able to provide wanted benefits all parties involved have to use the workmethod.The reasons for the low usage among medium sized construction contractors was several, the most common was the lack of demands of the clients. The reasons were also the absence of need, costly investments, competing objectives, compatibility issues with software and lack of knowledge of BIM.In order to promote a greater usage of BIM it is proposed that the technical obstacles are eliminated through standardization and development of the processing method and software, it is also proposed that the competing objectives are eliminated by spreading and increasing knowledge of BIM in the industry, both amongst entrepreneurs, -to promote good staff training so that the staff will want to work with the technology, and amongst construction clients, -so that they start asking for BIM and thereby provide the technology with a competitive edge.

The BMW in-line six-cylinder engine has been modified and introduced to production in the new BMW 3 Series model. Its major features include variable intake and exhaust camshaft timing, a new induction system with resonance charging, a turbulence-generating system in the intake ports and a new exhaust system with two closed-loop, coupled catalysts integrated into the exhaust manifold. The cam timing of both camshafts can be adjusted continuously within a range of 40° crank angle (CA) for the inlet cams and 25° CA for the exhaust cams. The turbulence-generating system supplies combustion air to the engine during part load operation and produces the necessary charge motion to run the engine with greater valve overlap at low loads and speeds. Its combination with variable camshaft timing results in lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions that meet the LEV emission standard. In addition, the variable cam timing raises the torque curve of the unthrottled engine, particularly at low engine speed. The maximum values for torque and power output are unchanged, but maximum torque is reached 500 r/min earlier than with the previous engine.

It is believed that the specificity of cytochrome P450 is determined by a specific set of protein fragments that form the Substrate Recognition Site (SRS-1) and are responsible for a particular orientation of the bound substrate relative to the activated oxygen atom. Cytochrome P450 BM3 (CYP102A1) from Bacillus megaterium, is known for its high catalytic activity. Wild type BM3 catalyzes the oxidation of medium and long chain fatty acids (C12-18), and of farnesol, but the two form different metabolites, forms 9-hydroxyfarnesol and 10,11- and 2,3-epoxyfarnesol in a ratio of 3:3:2 and 12-hydroxyfarnesol, respectively. CYP102A1 and CYP4C7 share a common substrate, farnesol. Therefore, CYP4C7 has become the target for homologous replacements in CYP102A1. CYP4C7 from Diploptera Punctata (Pacific Beetle Cockroach) only catalyzes farnesol to produce 12-hydroxyfarnesol as its primary metabolite, with no activity towards fatty acids. By using the technique of scanning chimeragenesis, in this work three generations of chimeras have created twenty chimeric proteins. By starting with CYP102A1 as the experimental model and employing sequential rounds of selective mutagenesis, the third generation mutant C(78-82,F87L,328-330) was produced, which catalyzed the 12- and 15-hydroxylation of farnesol as its major products in a 3:1 ratio with a hundred-fold increase in catalytic activity compared to the wild type CYP4C7, and a two-fold increase over CYP102A1. Based on the activity assay results for the chimeric proteins with substrates geranyl-geraniol, 10,11-epoxymethylfarnesoate (JH III), methylfarnesoate, farnesol, geraniol, 3,7-dimethyl-1-octanol, and lauric and palmitic acids, most chimeric proteins showed a change in substrate selectivity and/or regiospecificity. Scanning chimeragenesis can be used as a tool to not only study the relationship between the protein fragments that form the substrate binding site, but also to help elucidate the roles of substrate selectivity and regiospecificity among any two cytochromes P450. Furthermore, this investigation has resulted in the production of highly efficient chimeric enzymes that have previously evaded other methods of sequence modification by mutagenesis or directed evolution and chemical synthesis.

L'objectif initial de cette thèse est d'apporter une solution à ce problème en proposant, premièrement, une approche cognitive basée sur le paradigme appelé Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) pour représenter les processus de prise de décision des acteurs humains, et deuxièmement, une validation de cette approche dans le contexte d'un modèle complet de changement d'usage des sols dans lequel la plupart des facteurs cités ci-dessus sont également simulés. Le résultat de ce travail est une approche générique qui a été validée sur un modèle intégrant le changement d'usage des sols d'une région située dans le Delta du Mékong au Vietnam. Nos contributions principales sont les suivantes : Intégration d’une architecture BDI au sein d'une plateforme de modélisation à base d'agents (GAMA) ;Conception d’un cadre générique baptisé « Multi-Agent Based Land-Use Change » (MAB-LUC) permettant de modéliser et de simuler les changements d’usage des sols en prenant en compte les décisions des agriculteurs ;Proposition d’une solution permettant d’intégrer et d’évaluer les facteurs socio-économiques et environnementaux dans le cadre de la planification agraire et d’intégrer MAB-LUC dans le processus existant proposé par la FAO.Ce travail, au-delà du cas d’étude concernant le Delta du Mékong, a enfin été conçu de façon générique afin que la méthodologie utilisée puisse être généralisée à la modélisation de systèmes socio-écologiques où les facteurs humains doivent être représentés avec précision
The initial goal of this thesis has been then to address this problem by proposing, on one hand, a cognitive approach based on the Belief-Desire-Intention (BDI) paradigm to represent the decision-making processes of human actors in agent-based models and, on the second hand, a validation of this approach in a complete land-use change model in which most of the factors cited above have also been simulated.The outcome of this work is a generic approach, which has been validated in a complex integrated land-use change model of a small region of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. Our main contributions have been:The integration of the BDI architecture within an agent-based modeling platform (GAMA); The design of the Multi-Agent Based Land-Use Change (MAB-LUC) framework that can take into account the farmers’ decision-making in the land-use change processes;The proposal of a solution to assess the socio-economic and environmental factors in land-use planning and to integrate the MAB-LUC framework into the land-use planning process of. I conclude by showing that this work, designed in a generic fashion, can be reused and generalized for the modeling of complex socio-ecological systems where individual human factors need to be represented accurately

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that school-based childhood obesity programs can be effective, however, little is known about the effects of policy and environmental changes on student health outcomes. This study assessed the policy, environmental, and BMI percentile changes of 32 Georgia elementary schools participating in HealthMPowers programming. METHODS: This thesis used multilevel analysis to examine the changes to policy and environmental indicators within school participating in HealthMPowers and the extent to which these indicators predict BMI percentile change of 5th grade students. This research evaluated seven key indicators related to policy and environmental changes within 32 schools and the BMI percentile changes of 3458 students over the 2011-2012 academic year. Multilevel regression models were used to estimate the effects of school policy and environmental changes on mean BMI percentiles. RESULTS: Only 12 schools experienced a decrease in mean BMI percentiles from baseline to post-test, whereas 17 schools experienced increases in mean BMI percentiles. Students who were at or above the 85th percentile did not change significantly from baseline to post-test. For physical activity, schools that reported positive or no change in this indicator reported statistically significant increases in mean BMI percentiles from baseline to post-test. Schools that increased their CITT scores for physical education, school health team, assessment, and environment and policy indicators experienced, on average, a non-statistically significant increase in mean BMI percentiles from baseline to post-test. Schools that increased their CITT scores for improvement plan and communication experienced, on average, a non-statistically significant decrease in mean BMI percentiles from baseline to post-test. Schools that reported no change to their CITT scores for physical education, assessment, and environment and policy indicators experienced, on average, a non-statistically significant increase in mean BMI percentiles from baseline to post-test. Schools that reported no change for CITT scores for the school health team, improvement plan, and communication indicators experienced, on average, a non-statistically significant decrease in mean BMI percentiles from baseline to post-test. Lastly, when the school health team, assessment, improvement plan, and communication indicators were combined, schools who reported positive or no changes experienced, on average, a non-statistically significant increase in mean BMI percentiles from baseline to post-test. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study were inconclusive but do shed light on the importance of understanding system level policy and environmental change on individual level health outcomes. Additional research should be conducted to explore this relationship as well as evaluation of the Continuous Improvement Tracking Tool that HealthMPowers uses to help schools better capture the current state of their programs, policies, and environment in regards to student and staff health.

Indonesia’s Baitul Maal wat Tamwil (known as BMT Islamic cooperatives; henceforth BMTs), are an important phenomenon in Indonesia due to their rapid growth (i.e. numbers, assets, members) and spread across the nation. BMTs are seen as organisations that fill a gap in the market by catering for small-micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) by which because of their size find it difficult to obtain access to the usual financial intermediaries such as banks. BMTs also have an important social role of contributing to poverty alleviation, since SMEs are perceived as vehicles through which wealth and prosperity can be improved. However, in contrast to what we would expect from organisations espousing Islamic values, in recent years there have been a number of frauds involving BMTs which both socially and economically has had a detrimental effect on society. This contradiction merits examination. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine stakeholders’ perceptions of fraud in BMTs. The research is comprised of three main stages: a critical literature review, an archival media analysis, and semi-structured interviews; followed by an analysis of the findings using stakeholder theory as an analytical tool. The literature is explored on three main issues: corporate governance, non-traditional organisation, and fraud. This research utilises the narrative case study method and content analysis. The narrative case study is adopted to gain in-depth understanding of fraud problems such as rigorous examination of stakeholders (i.e. managers, members, employees, authorities, society). This study finds that the fraud incidents in BMTs as a systematic failure as all stakeholder groups have their responsibilities on these failures. There are overlapping values between micro (individual) values and macro values (especially Islamic and cultural values) which enabled fraud to occur. This study contributes to the theory and literature by emphasises the importance of cultural and religious aspects to the analysis of corporate governance theories. This study also contributes to the practice of BMTs and mutuals by provide relevant insights and guidelines to policymakers and practitioners for the future development of BMT governance in Indonesia, particularly the fraud prevention strategies.

La mesure d'impédance électrique en embarqué sur véhicule est un sujet clé pour améliorer les fonctions de diagnostic d'un pack batterie. On cherche en particulier à fournir ainsi des mesures supplémentaires à celles du courant pack et des tensions cellules, afin d'enrichir les indicateurs de vieillissement dans un premier temps, et d'état de santé et de charge dans un second temps. Une méthode classique de laboratoire pour obtenir des mesures d'impédance d'une batterie est la spectroscopie d'impédance électrochimique (ou EIS). Elle consiste à envoyer un signal sinusoïdal en courant (ou tension) de fréquence variable balayant une gamme de fréquences d'intérêt et mesurer ensuite la réponse en tension (ou courant) pour chaque fréquence. Une technique d'identification active basée sur l'utilisation des signaux large bande à motifs carrés est proposée. En particulier, des simulations ont permis de comparer les performances d'identification de différents signaux d'excitation fréquemment utilisés dans le domaine de l'identification et de vérifier les conditions correspondant à un comportement linéaire et invariant dans le temps de l'élément électrochimique. L'évaluation de la qualité d'estimation est effectuée en utilisant une grandeur spécifique : la cohérence. Cette grandeur statistique permet de déterminer un intervalle de confiance sur le module et la phase de l'impédance estimée. Elle permet de sélectionner la gamme de fréquence où la batterie respecte les hypothèses imposées par la méthode d'identification large bande. Afin de valider les résultats, une électronique de test a été conçue. Les résultats expérimentaux permettent de mettre en valeur l'intérêt de cette approche par motifs carrés. Un circuit de référence est utilisé afin d'évaluer les performances en métrologie des méthodes. L'étude expérimentale est ensuite poursuivie sur une batterie Li-ion soumise à un courant de polarisation et à différents états de charge. Des essais comparatifs avec l'EIS sont réalisés. Le cahier de charge établi à l'aide d'un simulateur de batterie Li-ion a permis d'évaluer les performances de la technique large bande proposée et de structurer son utilité pour l'estimation des états de vieillissement et de charge
Embedded electrical impedance measurement is a key issue to enhance battery monitoring and diagnostic in a vehicle. It provides additional measures to those of the pack's current and cell's voltage to enrich the aging's indicators in a first time, and the battery states in a second time. A classical method for battery impedance measurements is the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). At each frequency, a sinusoidal signal current (or voltage) of a variable frequency sweeping a range of frequencies of interest is at the input of the battery and the output is the measured voltage response (or current). An active identification technique based on the use of wideband signals composed of square patterns is proposed. Particularly, simulations were used to compare the performance of different excitation signals commonly used for system identification in several domains and to verify the linear and time invariant behavior for the electrochemical element. The evaluation of the estimation performance is performed using a specific quantity: the spectral coherence. This statistical value is used to give a confidence interval for the module and the phase of the estimated impedance. It allows the selection of the frequency range where the battery respects the assumptions imposed by the non-parametric identification method. To experimentally validate the previous results, an electronic test bench was designed. Experimental results are used to evaluate the wideband frequency impedance identification. A reference circuit is first used to evaluate the performance of the used methodology. Experimentations are then done on a Li–ion battery. Comparative tests with EIS are realized. The specifications are established using a simulator of Li-ion battery. They are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed wide band identification method and fix its usefulness for the battery states estimation: the state of charge and the state of health

Dans le cadre d'infections ostéo-articulaire (IOA), l'utilisation de matériels étrangers peut, en cas de contamination, aboutir à la formation d'un biofilm associé à un risque plus important d'échec du traitement et de récidive. Les bactéries sous forme de biofilm sont en effet protégées de l'action du système immunitaire et ont une tolérance plus importante aux antibiotiques. A l'heure actuelle, l'activité des antibiotiques est déterminée par la CMI (Concentration Minimale Inhibitrice), mais cette valeur ne tient pas compte de la forme sessile des bactéries. C'est pourquoi, la société BioFilm Control a développé un nouveau test, l'Antibiofilmogramme®, permettant de déterminer la CMI biofilm (CMIb) reflétant la capacité préventive des antibiotiques sur l'installation des microorganismes en biofilm. L'objectif de ma thèse a été dans un premier temps de participer à la démonstration de la valeur clinique de ce nouveau test dans le cadre des IOA à Staphylococcus aureus. Nous avons pu mettre en place un recueil prospectif et réaliser les premiers essais in vitro. Nos résultats obtenus pour la cloxacillin ont pu par la suite être confirmés sur un modèle in vivo d'infection sur matériel. Dans un second temps, nous avons pu caractériser la capacité de formation de biofilm des souches cliniques en fonction des profils de résistance obtenus en Antibiofilmogramme®. Nous avons pu mettre en évidence des profils différents liés à la clonalité des souches. Enfin, nous avons pu mettre au point une nouvelle méthode de rinçage et de quantification des biofilms pour les modèles en microplaque via l'utilisation de vapeur. Cette approche simple améliore grandement la reproductibilité des résultats et préserve l'intégrité structurelle des biofilms
In the context of Bone and Joint Infections (BJIs), the orthopedic devices are preferential surface for microorganisms to adhere and form biofilm associated with high rates of failures and relapses. Within biofilm, bacteria are protected from the host immune response and are able to survive in the presence of high concentration of antibiotics. The standard Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) informs on the antibiotic susceptibility of planktonic bacteria, but is not suited for biofilm. The company BioFilm Control developed a new test named Antibiofilmogram® which measures early-stage biofilm growth in presence of antibiotics, and provides a biofilm Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (bMIC). The aim of my PhD research was first to take part in the demonstration of the clinical value of this new test for Staphylococcus aureus BJIs. We established a prospective collection of data and strains and realized the first in vitro assays. Our results for cloxacillin were confirmed in an in vivo model of catheter-associated infection. Second, we characterized the biofilm formation capacity of various clinical isolates based on the Antibiofilmogram® resistance profile. We showed that the biofilm formation capacity is correlated with clonal lineage. Finally, we were able to develop a new method of washing and quantifying biofilms for microplate system using steam. This simple approach preserves the biofilm integrity and lead to highly reproducible data

The technology of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being introduced to the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. This industry is generally perceived as being fragmented, having low productivity and with a low rate of innovation. BIM is presented as new paradigm within this industry, enabling inter-organisational collaboration, overall increasing quality while simultaneously lowering costs. But widespread BIM implementation has not yet taken place. In order to increase adoption, public client organisations have been argued to be the actors needed to initiate and drive the implementation of BIM. However, the client perspective of such implementation initiatives has not been the main focus of earlier research. In this licentiate thesis the BIM implementation process conducted by the largest infrastructure client in Sweden is analysed. This organisation implements BIM both to benefit their own organisation but also to increase productivity and innovation within the whole infrastructure branch of the AEC-industry. With the purpose of increasing the understanding of technology driven change processes at public client organisations, the BIM implementation at this organisation is analysed as an empirical example.  The case study is analysed by a theoretical framework taking inspiration from Actor-Network theory and Sociology of Translation. Based on this analysis the translation process, where key actors are identified and enrolled into using BIM are described. The analysis reveals a complex network of actors linked to the implementation in question. Instead of a single BIM concept, several different and sometimes conflicting interpretations of BIM are simultaneously being translated. This licentiate thesis problematizes the role of client organisations in initiating change within a network of actors. The main ways of enrolling actors into using BIM have in the studied case been the development of new demand documents. This strategy has however been problematic as the new demands for BIM have not been accepted as intended within many construction projects. Instead, the results of this thesis argue for the importance of client organisations as negotiators, not only needed to establish demand for a new innovation.
Tekniken Byggands Informations Modellering (BIM) introduceras just nu i byggbranschen. Denna bransch beskrivs ofta som varande fragmenterad med låg produktivitet samt bristande innovationskraft. BIM beskrivs som ett nytt paradigm för denna bransch, möjliggörande interorganisatoriskt sammarbete, ökad kvalitet och samtidigt minskande kostnader. Däremot har BIM ännu inte anammats på bred front. För att öka implementeringstakten har statliga beställarorganisationer beskrivits som de aktörer som behövs för att initiera och driva implementeringen av BIM. Dock har tidigare forskning inte fokuserat på beställarperspektivet kring sådana initiativ. I denna licentiatavhandling presenteras en fallstudie av BIM implementeringen på den största infrastrukturbeställaren i Sverige. Denna organisation implementerar BIM både för att gynna den egna organisationen men också för att öka produktiviteten och innovationstakten i intrastrukturbranschen som helhet. Med syfte att öka förståelsen kring beställarrollen i förhållande till teknikdrivna förändringsprocesser studeras denna förändringsprocess som ett empiriskt exempel. Denna fallstudie analyseras utifrån ett teoretiskt ramverk med inspiration tagen från Actor-Network Theory och Sociology of Translation. Utifrån denna analys beskrivs översättningsprocesser där nyckelaktörer identifieras och försöks knytas till att använda BIM. Analysen visar på ett komplext nätverk av aktörer kopplat till implementeringen i fråga. Istället för ett enskilt BIM koncept hittas ett flertal samtidiga, och stundtals motsägelsefulla tolkningar av BIM som alla samtidigt översätts i organisationen. Denna licentiatavhandling problematiserar beställarrollen i relation till initiering av förändring inom ett aktörsnätverk. Det huvudsakliga sättet genom vilket aktörer knyts till att använda BIM har i det studerade fallet varit genom utveckling av nya kravdokument. Denna strategi har däremot varit problematisk då dessa krav inte accepterats som tänk inom ett flertal byggprojekt. Istället visar resultatet av denna studie på vikten av beställarorganisationer som varande förhandlare, inte endast viktiga för att upprätta efterfrågan för en ny innovation.

QC 20170614

Ratingsysteme sind ein zentraler Bestandteil der Kreditrisikomodellierung. Neben der Bonitätsbeurteilung auf der Ebene der Kreditnehmer und der Risikoquantifizierung auf der Ebene der Ratingklassen spielt dabei die Bildung der Ratingklassen eine wesentliche Rolle. Die Literatur zur Ratingklassenbildung setzt auf modellfreie, in gewisser Weise willkürliche Optimierungsverfahren. Ein Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, stattdessen ein parametrisches statistisches Modell zur Bildung der Ratingklassen einzuführen. Ein geeignetes Modell ist im Bereich der Bruchpunktschätzung zu finden. Dieses Modell und die in der mathematischen Literatur vorgeschlagenen Parameter- und Intervallschätzer werden in der vorliegenden Arbeit dargestellt und gründlich diskutiert. Dabei wird Wert auf eine anwendungsnahe und anschauliche Formulierung der mathematisch-statistischen Sachverhalte gelegt. Anschließend wird die Methodik der Bruchpunktschätzung auf einen konkreten Datensatz angewendet und mit verschiedenen anderen Kriterien zur Ratingklassenbildung verglichen. Hier erweist sich die Bruchpunktschätzung als vorteilhaft. Aufbauend auf der empirischen Untersuchung wird abschließend weiterer Forschungsbedarf abgeleitet. Dazu werden insbesondere Konzepte für den Mehrklassenfall und für abhängige Daten entworfen
Rating systems are a key component of credit risk modeling. In addition to scoring at borrowers’ level and risk quantification at the level of rating classes, the formation of the rating classes plays a fundamental role. The literature on rating classification uses in a way arbitrary optimization methods. Therefore, one aim of this contribution is to introduce a parametric statistical model to form the rating classes. A suitable model can be found in the area of split-point estimation. This model and the proposed parameter and interval estimators are presented and thoroughly discussed. Here, emphasis is placed on an application-oriented and intuitive formulation of the mathematical and statistical issues. Subsequently, the methodology of split-point estimation is applied to a specific data set and compared with several other criteria for rating classification. Here, split-point estimation proves to be advantageous. Finally, further research questions are derived on the basis of the empirical study. In particular, concepts for the case of more than two classes and for dependent data are sketched

La présence d'une fonction de stockage avec des sources d'énergie intermittentes permet d'obtenir une meilleure adéquation entre la consommation et la production d'énergie. Aujourd'hui, le stockage d'énergie est le plus souvent réalisé avec des batteries conventionnelles, principalement au plomb-acide, pour des raisons de coût, de fiabilité et de disponibilité industrielle. Cependant, la durée de vie des éléments de stockage actuels, l'impact sur l'environnement et le rendement trop faible entrainent la recherche d'autres moyens de stockage ayant des durées de vie compatibles avec les applications et présentant des fonctions plus flexibles. La technologie lithium parait être aujourd'hui un bon compromis si elle est associée à une électronique de précision assurant diverses fonctions. Cette thèse porte sur l'optimisation de moyens de stockages lithium-ion utilisés dans les énergies renouvelables et le développement de l'électronique associée. La validation de ces travaux a été faite à travers des systèmes de conversion photovoltaïques. Le rendement de conversion de l'ensemble a particulièrement été étudié en tenant compte de différents profils de charge et de décharge, du vieillissement et des sécurités des batteries ainsi que des derniers développements technologiques de batterie. Pour valider les algorithmes de gestion et qualifier les chaînes de conversion, un banc de mesure spécifique a été développé
The need of a storage function associated with intermittent power sources provides a better balance between consumption and energy production. Today, energy storage is most of the time done with conventional batteries like lead acid technology mainly for reasons of cost, reliability and commercial availability. However, the lifetime of actual storage elements, the environmental impact and the low efficiency causes the search for alternative storage facilities with lifetimes compatible with applications and functions more flexible. Lithium-ion technology today seems to be a good compromise if it is associated with an electronic precision performing various functions. This thesis focuses on optimizing lithium-ion technology used in renewable energy and the development of an associated electronics. The validation of this work has been done through photovoltaic conversion systems. The conversion efficiency of the assembly has been studied especially taking into account different charge and discharge profiles, aging and safety of batteries and the latest technological developments in battery. To validate management algorithms and qualify conversion chains, a specific test bench has been developed

Eine der häufigsten Behinderungen des alternden Menschen stellt die Beeinträchtigung der Hörfunktion durch degenerative Veränderungen der Cochlea, beispielsweise am Ganglion spirale, am CORTI-Organs oder an der Stria vascularis dar. Basierend auf histologischen und funktionellen Untersuchungen, wird die Altersschwerhörigkeit (Presbycusis) beim Menschen durch SCHUKNECHT und GACEK (1993) in sechs verschiedenene Typen eingeteilt: sensorisch, strial/metabolisch, neural, cochlear-konduktiv, gemischt, unbestimmt. Die in diesem Rahmen auftretenden pathophysiologischen und pathomorphologischen Veränderungen der Cochlea sind bedingt durch hörschädigende Faktoren (u.a. Lärm, ototoxische Substanzen, Infektionen sowie genetische Ursachen), die im Laufe des Lebens im Bereich des peripheren Hörorgans und der zentral auditiven Verarbeitung gewirkt haben. Die meisten in der Literatur beschriebenen Untersuchungen, die sich mit cochleären Alterationen mit zunehmendem Alter befassen, wurden an Labortieren unternommen und beschreiben oft nur Alterationen einzelner Strukturen, nicht aber der gesamten Cochlea. Bei Hunden sind in der Literatur überwiegend ausführliche Untersuchungen bezüglich der kongenitalen vererbten Taubheit, z.B. bei Dalmatinern, beschrieben. Es existieren jedoch kaum Studien über altersbedingte morphologische und funktionelle Veränderungen der Cochlea bei Hunden. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit besteht daher in der (immun-) histologischen Untersuchung der Cochlea von 50 Hunden im Alter von 7 Tagen bis 16 Jahren, um altersbedingte morphologische und funktionelle Veränderungen in der Cochlea von Hunden, die nicht unter Laborbedingungen gehalten wurden, zu charakterisieren und sie mit den Befunden an Innenohren von anderen Tierarten und des Menschen zu vergleichen. Anhand der erhobenen Befunde sollen anschließend eventuelle Rückschlüsse auf intra vitam vorhandene Hörstörungen gezogen werden.

Thesis (Mnutr)--Stellenbosch Univresity, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate post-immigration BMI changes in a South African immigrant population and how dietary intake and habitual physical activity reflect these changes. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational survey. Thirty-six volunteers aged 20 - 50 years were included in the sample. Volunteers were South African immigrants in the Atlanta area, USA, who have lived in the USA for more than 6 months but less than 5 years. METHOD: Subjects were required to complete four questionnaires including a selfadministered socia-demographic, physical activity and food frequency questionnaire. The weight history questionnaire containing measurements including height, weight and waist circumference was completed by the investigator. RESULTS: A significant increase in BMI was indicated for both male (p=0.036) and female (p=0.0009) subjects. The increase in BMI for two age categories, 20-29 years (p = 0.018) and 30-39 years (p = 0.006), was also significant. Forty five percent of females reported an energy intake above the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) for active individuals. Reported saturated fatty acid intake (13% of TE) exceeded the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMOR). The prevalence of inadequate n-3 and n-6 PUFA as well as fibre intake was high, especially in men. Sixty four percent of the population had a 'low active' physical activity level (PAL). CONCLUSION: The observed increase in post-immigration BMI implies that the South African immigrant population, similar to other immigrant populations, has adopted to some extent, the lifestyle and dietary habits of the general US population. As a result, the South African immigrant population may also be subject to increased chronic disease risk.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: INLEIDING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die veranderinge in liggaamsmassa index (LMI) wat met immigrasie gepaard gaan in In Suid-Afrikaanse immigrant populasie te ondersoek, asook hoe die populasie se dieet en fisieke aktiwiteit hierdie veranderinge reflekteer. Die studie was In dwarssnit, observasie opname. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 36 vrywilligers (20 - 50 jaar oud). Respondente was deel van In Suid-Afrikaanse immigrant populasie in die Atlanta area, VSA, wat vir langer as 6 maande en korter as 5 jaar in die VSA woonagtig was. METODE: Respondente is versoek om vier vraelyste te voltooi insluitende In sosiodemografiese, fisieke aktiwiteit, -en voedsel frekwensie vraelys. Antropometriese metings, insluitende massa, lengte en middelomtrek is deur die navorser op die massa geskiedenis vraelys aangeteken. RESULTATE: In Betekenisvolle toename in LMI vir beide mans (p=0.036) en vroue (p=0.0009) is gevind. Die toename in LMI vir respondente 20-29 jaar (p = 0.018) en 30- 39 jaar (p = 0.006) was ook betekenisvol. Vyf-en-veertig persent vroue se energie inname was hoër as die aanbevole daaglikse inname vir aktiewe individue. Die populasie se versadigde vetsuur inname (13% van totale energie) was hoër as die aanvaarbare makronutriënt verspreiding. Die prevalensie vir onvoldoende innname van n-3 en n-6 poli-onversadigde vetsure, asook vesel inname was hoog, veralonder mans. Vier-en-sestig persent van die populasie se fisieke aktiwiteit vlak is geklassifiseer as 'lae aktiwiteit' . GEVOLGTREKKING: Die waargenome toename in LMI impliseer dat die studie populasie, soortgelyk aan ander immigrant populasies, die lewensstyl en dieet gewoontes van die algemene Amerikaanse populasie tot In sekere mate aangeneem het en is dus ook onderhewig aan die gevolglike toename in risiko vir kroniese siekte van lewensstyl.