This research aims to find out the factors as well as the mechanism of young people’s self-destructive behaviour in Taiwan. The research employed a mixed methodology- both quantitative and qualitative research methods. In the quantitative study, a self-reported questionnaire survey was carried out to investigate the individual and social factors that affected suicidality and self-harm among young people (N= 1043) aged 14-18. In the qualitative study, 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with professionals to find out the mechanism of self-destructive behaviour. The results show that females are more vulnerable to self-destructive behaviours than males, but male suicide attempt is increasing. Self-destructive behaviour is shaped by a range of social, cultural and individual factors. General mental health and beliefs about death are the two individual factors that are highly related to young people’s self-destructive behaviour. Better general health and positive belief about death indicate lower risk of self-destructive behaviour. Social factors such as family interaction, peer relationship, traditional value, economic optimism and social-political security are five important factors to affect young people’s self-destructive behaviour. Close and supportive family interactions help reduce the risk of self-destructive behaviour. However, closer peer relationship may increase the likelihood of self-destructive behaviour because of copycat behaviour, imitation or altruistic behaviour. Holding more traditional values, young people may result in bearing many pressures during the current economic recession period.

A travers cette thèse, nous étudions l'envie et explorons l'impact de cette dernière sur le bien-être et le comportement individuel. Cette thèse se compose de quatre chapitres. Dans un premier chapitre, nous définissons l'envie en nous référant à des travaux réalisés en philosophie et en psychologie. Nous concluons que l'envie est une émotion déclenchée par la prise de conscience d'un attribut désiré, possédé par autrui et qui se caractérise par une douloureuse tristesse incluant des sentiments d'hostilité. Ensuite nous élaborons un protocole expérimental dont l'objectif est d'étudier l'impact de l'envie sur le bien-être et sur le comportement individuel. Nous capturons l'envie à travers des méthodes d'évaluation subjective et nous examinons si l'envie incite les sujets à réduire la dotation de leur partenaire malgré le coût personnel induit par la réduction. Nous observons que l'envie est fortement présente mais n'explique pas pourquoi les sujets réduisent la dotation des autres. Les inégalités de dotations mesurées en termes relatifs modulent les décisions des sujets à réduire la dotation d'autrui. Dans le chapitre trois, nous nous intéressons à l'impact de l'effort sur l'envie. Pour cela nous élaborons deux traitements. Dans un traitement, les sujets reçoivent des dotations de manière aléatoire alors que dans l'autre traitement les dotations sont attribuées en fonction de la performance de chaque sujet lors d'une tache effectuée avant l'expérience. Nous trouvons que l'effort n'affecte pas la satisfaction des sujets mais partiellement leur comportement : les sujets ne sont pas plus nombreux a réduire les gains des autres mais ils en réduisent une plus grande partie. Enfin, nous nous intéressons à un type de sujets particulier dans lequel l'envie est susceptible d'être ressentie fortement : les sportifs. Nous concluons que la pratique d'activités sportives pousse les agents à ressentir de l'envie et les incite à entreprendre des actions de réduction
Throughout this dissertation we aim at identifying envy and investigating its impacts on both individual well-being and behaviour. This dissertation consists of four chapters. The first chapter is devoted to the definition of envy by referring to both researches on philosophy and psychology. We convey that envy can be defined as an emotion triggered by the awareness of a desired attribute enjoyed by another person characterised by a painful sadness including feelings of hostility. In the second chapter, we implement an experiment so as to investigate the impact of envy on individual well-being and behaviour. We capture envy through referring to self-report methods and explore whether envy pushes subjects to reduce their opponent's endowment at a personal cost. We observe that envy is highly present but does not explain why subjects reduce others' income. Inequalities between subjects' endowments measured in relative terms modulate subjects' decisions to reduce others' income. In chapter three, we study how effort affects envy and whether the impact of envy on both individual well-being and behaviour is amplified or weakened by effort. To fulfil our purpose, we implement two different conditions. In one condition endowments are randomly attributed to subjects and in the other condition endowments are allocated according to each subject's performance in a task. We observe that effort does not affect subjects' satisfaction and partially their behaviour : subjects do not reduce more often their opponent's endowment but they cut a higher portion of their opponent's endowment when endowments are attributed according to individual effort. In the final chapter, we focus on a specific category of subjects in which envy is ought to be experienced intensively : subjects practicing sport activities. We observe that sport practice pushes subjects to experience envy and exerts them to engage in reduction decisions

Thesis (MSc) -- Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Suicidal behaviour is a serious public health problem. Globally and in South Africa a gendered pattern of suicide rates has been observed, with males being more likely to kill themselves than females. To date little quantitative and qualitative research is available on young male suicidal behaviour in South Africa. This study investigated the attitudes, beliefs and myths young male students hold about suicidal behaviour. Thirteen male university students (ages 20 to 25 years; with and without a history of suicidal behaviour), who volunteered to take part in the present study in response to an email invitation, were interviewed. The attitudes, beliefs and myths identified from the qualitative data are grouped into four themes: 'Moral acceptability of suicidal behaviour', 'Perceived causes and risk factors of suicidal behaviour', 'Perceived motives of suicidal behaviour', and 'Perceived prevention and protective factors of suicidal behaviour'. Besides these four themes, two underlying narratives are identified and discussed: (1) 'Apart or a part: Belonging and suicidal behaviour' is centred on the idea that perceiving oneself to be an integral part of a social system is protective against suicidal behaviour, while a thwarted sense of belonging increases vulnerability to suicidal behaviour. (2) 'Dying to be a man: (Re) negotiating masculinity and suicidal behaviour' is concerned with participants' views that men's relational position to hegemonic (socially most dominant) forms of masculinity is a factor in male suicidal behaviour. Participants regard hegemonic forms of masculinity to be both a part of the problem of suicidal behaviour and a potential solution to suicidal behaviour. These findings are interpreted through a social constructionist lens of gender as performance. Finally, implications of findings for future research, prevention and treatment are discussed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Selfmoordgedrag is 'n ernstige openbare gesondheidsprobleem. Wêreldwyd en in Suid-Afrika is mans meer geneig as vrouens om selfmoord te pleeg. Tot op hede is daar min kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsing beskikbaar van jong manlike selfmoordgedrag in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie studie ondersoek die houdings, oortuiging en mites oor selfmoordgedrag van jong manlike studente. Dertien manlike universiteitstudente (ouderdomme 20 tot 25 jaar, met en sonder 'n geskiedenis van selfmoordgedrag) het vrywillig aan die huidige studie deel geneem in reaksie op 'n e-pos uitnodiging. Die houdings, oortuiging en mites wat vanaf die kwalitatiewe data geïdentifiseer is, is in vier temas gegroepeer: 'Morele aanvaarbaarheid van selfmoordgedrag', 'Siening van die oorsake en risiko faktore van selfmoordgedrag', 'Waargenome motiewe van selfmoordgedrag', en 'Waargenome voorkoming en beskermende faktore van selfmoordgedrag'. Naas hierdie vier temas, is twee onderliggende temas geïdentifiseer en bespreeek: (1) 'Samehorigheid en selfmoordgedrag' is gemoeid met die idee dat om 'n integrale deel van 'n sosiale sisteem te wees is beskermend teen selfmoordgedrag, terwyl 'n persepsie van isolasie tot selfmoordgedrag kan lei. (2) 'Onderhandeling van manlikheid en selfmoordgedrag' is gemoeid met die deelnemers se sienings dat mans se verhouding tot hegemoniese vorme (sosiaal mees dominante vorme) van manlikheid 'n faktor in manlike selfmoordgedrag is. Deelneemers beskou hegemoniese vorme van manlikheid as beide 'n deel van die probleem en 'n moontlike oplossing vir selfmoordgedrag. Hierdie bevindinge is geïnterpreteer deur middel van 'n sosiale konstruksionistiese lens van geslag as prestasie. Die implikasies van die bevindings vir toekomstige navorsing, voorkoming en behandeling word ten slotte bespreek.

Workplace deviance behaviour has resulted in 20% of business failure and annual loss of $6-$200 billion in US organizations and it was found that 33% to 75% of employees engage in deviant activities like withdrawal, theft, production deviance, abuse of co-workers etc., (Coffin, 2003; Diefendorff & Mehta, 2007). In addition, several researchers have concentrated on constructive deviance that would benefit the organizations. Thus, deviance has been a topic of interest for many researchers. However, previous research on deviance behaviour has concentrated predominantly in the USA despite proof that Indian organizations are indeed affected by workplace deviance (Pradhan & Pradhan, 2014) and on destructive or constructive deviance. In addition, from the deviance perspective, surprisingly no study so far has examined the presence and effects of individualism and collectivism within the same culture at the individual level. To contribute towards the extant deviance literature and to fill in the aforementioned gaps, this PhD thesis develops and tests a model using social cognitive theory as a lens to determine the relationship between environment, personality and behavioural outcomes of an individual. It incorporates workplace destructive and constructive deviance in the same study with individualistic and collectivistic orientation of individuals as moderators in India and the USA. What is the relationship of organizational and individual determinants with workplace destructive and constructive deviance when individual cultural orientation acts as a moderator? For this purpose, this research first determines the various factors that will be considered in the model by reviewing previous research done on workplace deviance. It was found that organizational climate, though it contributes to deviance behaviour in the workplace, has not yet been extensively researched so, climate was one of the factors examined in the research. In addition and despite its importance, an individual witness perspective towards deviance is still in its infancy. What are the behavioural responses of an individual while being a witness to supervisor, organizational, co-worker involvement in workplace destructive deviance? Therefore, the present study extended, developed and validated a construct to define and measure the witness behaviour towards workplace deviance behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour as its theoretical lens. This construct formed the second factor to be included in the model. This research makes use of the multi-strategy research paradigm that consists of two main studies: Study 2, 3 and 4 involves the development and validation of the witness behaviour towards workplace deviance scale; Study 5 involves the development and testing of a theoretical framework. Study 2 to 4 made use of a mixed methods strategy and inductive approach where the results from analysing the qualitative one-to-one interviews conducted in India and the USA formed the basis of scale construction. The scale, after undergoing rigorous analysis by using the quantitative data collected from India and the USA, resulted in a two-dimensional self-serving and intervening behaviour 9-item measure that proved to be a universal construct. It was then validated for construct, discriminant and predictive validity to classify it within the nomological network. It was found to sit closer to the phenomenon of voluntary behaviours, thus contributing to deviance and scale development literature. Study 5 involved the development of a conceptual framework that was tested with the quantitative data collected from India and the USA. The results provided support that when an individual has high organizational climate experience as well as more self-serving and less intervening behaviour, he/she would be involved in more constructive and destructive deviance behaviour providing support that organizations should focus on these factors and a clear distinction should be made between negative and positive deviance accepted within the organization. The results also provided support that individualistic and collectivistic orientation of an individual did moderate the effect of organizational climate, self-serving and intervening behaviour with destructive and constructive deviance. Therefore, an individual's orientation to individualism and collectivism would influence the relationship of organizational climate and witness behaviour towards workplace deviance so that organizations may benefit from implementing the study findings and suggestions. This would then prevent individuals from becoming involved in destructive deviance and enhance their involvement in constructive deviance.

Vadovaujantis prof. B. Bitino (2004) mintimis, galima labai aiškiai atskirti moksleivių destruktyvaus elgesio vadybinį (valdymo) lygmenį ir jo praktinio realizavimo (pedagoginį) lygmenį. Visgi vadybinis - administracinis lygmuo negali būti atskirtas nuo tiesioginio pedagoginio proceso jau vien todėl, kad vadybinės priemonės turi remtis konkrečiais auklėjimo uždaviniais, įvertinant tiek teorines šio proceso prielaidas, tiek ir konkrečių taikytinų priemonių efektyvumą. Kitaip tariant, mokinių destruktyvaus elgesio vadyba turi remtis konkrečiais edukologijos, psichologijos ir kitų mokslo sričių, tiriančių asmenybę ir jos raidą, pasiekimais. Tik tuomet ji bus rezultatyvi ir efektyvi. Kita vertus, labai svarbu, kad taikomi vadybiniai modeliai būtų tinkami keliamiems pedagoginiams uždaviniams. Atliktas tyrimas parodė, kad ir mokiniai, ir mokytojai mato nemažai galimybių gerinti auklėjamąjį darbą.. Tačiau mokytojai įvairias vadybines priemones dažniausiai vertina kaip daug efektyvesnes nei mano mokiniai. Ir mokiniai, ir mokytojai vieningai akcentuoja didesnio dėmesio svarbą mokinių tarpusavio santykiams. Tyrimas parodė, kad 6-8 klasių mokiniai nėra pakankamai įsisąmoninę netinkamo (destruktyvaus) elgesio žalą pačiam mokiniui, mokymosi rezultatams ir tarpusavio santykiams su bendraamžiais ir mokytojais. Destruktyvi mokinio elgsena neretai priklauso nuo jo nesugebėjimo realizuoti savąjį „Aš“ pozityviais būdais. Tam turi įtakos ir mokytojo bei kitų specialistų dalykinė kompetencija... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
According to the prof. B. Bitinas it is possible clearly distinguish between the managerial level of schoolchildren destructive behaviour and it’s practical realization (pedagogical) level. However managerial–administrative level can not be separated from direct pedagogical process because the managerial instruments shall go entirely with the concrete educational tasks, assessing the theoretical preconditions for this process and effectiveness of possible to apply concrete tools. In other words, the management of schoolchildren destructive behaviour has appeal to the concrete achievements of science analysing personality and it’s evolution as educology, psychology and etc. Only then it could be effective and useful. But also it is very important that applied managerial models would be appropriate for raised pedagogical tasks. The accomplished research showed that schoolchildren of 6-8 class do not realize clearly the harm of bad (destructive) behaviour for themselves, learning results and relations between contemporaries and teachers. The appearance of schoolchild destructive behaviour usually depends on incapacity to realize his ego in positive ways. The teacher’s and other specialist’s competence, communication with schoolchildren skills also have influence. Both teachers and schoolchildren often assess similarly the appearance of schoolchildren destructive behaviour, it reasons and effective education methods. But also there are some essential differences. Knowing of... [to full text]

The purpose of this study is to analyse and describe social work students’ view on a person with self-injurious behaviour and the following issues. The aim and focus is on the general depiction. The theoretical perspectives have been intersectionality and its focus on social constructivism, and gender perspectives. The method was semi-structured interviews with eight social work students at Linnaeus University Kalmar. The collected data was the social work students’ opinions and it was contrasted with the previous research and was analysed from the above perspectives. The main conclusion is that social work students’ view on a person with self-injurious behaviour generally not consistent with the previous research. Previous research says that a person with self-injurious behaviour generally is a young, blonde, normal female. The majority of the social work students say that a person with self-injurious behaviour is a depressed, young female with dark hair and dark clothes. The social work students focus more on why a person goes to such extremes and hurts themselves.

The Rollover of heavy vehicles operating in the construction, mining and agricultural sectors is a common occurrence that may result in death or severe injury for the vehicle occupants. Safety frames called ROPS (Rollover Protective Structures) that enclose the vehicle cabin, have been used by heavy vehicle manufacturers to provide protection to vehicle occupants during rollover accidents. The design of a ROPS requires that a dual criteria be fulfilled that ensures that the ROPS has sufficient stiffness to offer protection, whilst possessing an appropriate level of flexibility to absorb some or most of the impact energy during a roll. Over the last four decades significant research has been performed on these types of safety devices which has resulted in the generation of performance standards that may be used to assess the adequacy of a ROPS design for a particular vehicle type. At present these performance standards require that destructive full scale testing methods be used to assess the adequacy of a ROPS. This method of ROPS certification can be extremely expensive given the size and weight of many vehicles that operate in these sectors. The use of analytical methods to assess the performance of a ROPS is currently prohibited by these standards. Reasons for this are attributed to a lack of available fundamental research information on the nonlinear inelastic response of safety frame structures such as this. The main aim of this project was to therefore generate fundamental research information on the nonlinear response behaviour of ROPS subjected to both static and dynamic loading conditions that could be used to contribute towards the development of an efficient analytical design procedure that may lessen the need for destructive full scale testing. In addition to this, the project also aspired to develop methods for promoting increased levels of operator safety during vehicle rollover through enhancing the level of energy absorbed by the ROPS. The methods used to fulfil these aims involved the implementation of an extensive analytical modelling program using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in association with a detailed experimental testing program. From these studies comprehensive research information was developed on both the dynamic impact response and energy absorption capabilities of these types of structures. The established finite element models were then used to extend the investigation further and to carry out parametric studies. Important parameters such as ROPS post stiffness, rollslope inclination and impact duration were identified and their effects quantified. The final stage of the project examined the enhancement of the energy absorption capabilities of a ROPS through the incorporation of a supplementary energy absorbing device within the frame work of the ROPS. The device that was chosen for numerical evaluation was a thin walled tapered tube known as frusta that was designed to crush under a sidewards rollover and hence lessen the energy absorption demand placed upon the ROPS. The inclusion of this device was found to be beneficial in absorbing energy and enhancing the level of safety afforded to the vehicle occupants.

Den här uppsatsen är en litteraturstudie som behandlar problemet självdestruktivitet ur ett sociologiskt perspektiv. Jag har valt detta för att det är ett aktuellt problem och det är intressant att se det ur en sociologisk synvinkel istället för en psykologisk som kanske är vanligare att inta. Vilka sociologiska faktorer kan spela in gällande detta problem? Den litteratur som har legat till bakgrund för studien behandlar vilka som skadar sig, varför de gör det och olika definitioner samt vilka avgränsningar som bör göras för att ringa in fenomenets innebörd. Att skära, bränna och slå sig själv visar på ett självdestruktivt beteende och en orsak kan vara depression eller ångest.

Problemställningen som jag sökte ett svar på löd: Vilka ungdomar är det som skadar sig och varför? I den teoretiska genomgången så ligger fokus på kategorierna modernitet, kropp och ungdom. Utifrån detta tas olika sociologiska begrepp upp och analyseras i diskussionsfasen. I undersökningen så har jag bl.a. kommit fram till att dagens konsumtionssamhälle samt individualiseringen är en sannolikt bidragande faktor till att vissa unga människor utvecklar ett självdestruktivt handlande.

This study is an attempt to adress the problem of self-destructive behaviour from a sociological point of view. I feel that this is an important isssue in contemporary society, and that a sociological perspecitve may have something to offer that the more common psychological perspective may miss out on. The literature upon which the study is based deals with questions such as: What definition of the problem is most suitable? What are the characteristics of self-destructive behaviour and why do people hurt themself deliberately?

The specific question I approached was: Who are the young people that hurt themselves and why? The theoretical framework focuses on modernity, body and youth, and I make use of sociological concepts in the discussion. Some of my conclusions were that the consumeristic society of today and the individualization could be relevant factors in developing a self-destructive pattern.

Self-destructive behaviour is a more and more occurring phenomenon in today’s society and there are mostly young girls who are affected by this behaviour. There are different explanations to why the phenomenon appears. The purpose of this research essay is to give a literature overview of the phenomenon of self-harming behaviour of young girls. Two research questions have been used to study this phenomenon; How can groups of friends contribute to reinforce an identity with the self-destructive behaviour among young girls? How can Internet contributes to reinforce an identity with the self- estructive behaviour among young girls? For the analysis this research essay uses the social constructive theoretical perspective. The method used in this study is based on systematic searching of relevant literature and research. The findings indicate that groups of friends and the Internet constitute a forum where young people can create and develop their own identity. Therefore these two components can also have an important role in developing an identity with the self-destructive behaviour among young girls especially when they have a tendency to seek help from one another.

Within the European framework, most of residential buildings do not satisfy the minimum thermal specifications. In fact, the renovation rate across the EU is estimated at 1% per year. To fulfil with the goals stated by European Directives 2010/31/EU and 2012/27/EU, it is necessary to ensure a minimum energy performance gap. From a thorough literature review, it was detected that the thermal behavior of a building is often underestimated or neglected during its construction and operation stages. For this reason, an accurate non-destructive testing (NDT) should be required, improving the shortcomings given by the current modelling tools and diagnostic techniques. The purpose of this thesis was to develop a method for determining in-situ the thermal behavior of façades under steady-state conditions using quantitative internal infrared thermography (IRT). After drawing up a numerical model to estimate the thermal transmittance (U-value) as a key parameter of the built quality, the dissertation continued with a validation process that was executed in two typical Spanish walls from different construction periods. This allowed: (i) refining the proposed method; (ii) exploring the boundaries conditions; (iii) assessing the influence of tabulated values set by international standards for wall emissivity and convective heat transfer coefficients among other aspects. The results revealed lower deviations related to the theoretical U-values (1.24 to 3.97%) for test durations of 2-3 hours. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the use of tabulated values might entail high deviations (40%) in heavy multi-leaf walls with low U-values. Broadly, construction project documents for existing buildings, especially the oldest ones, are not available. Hence, this method may provide information about the building envelope for future refurbishment. In the case of new buildings, the method might allow the thermal behaviour of building façades to be checked according to the design parameters. Despite this, a subsequent literature review highlighted that a gap in the standardization of this method for in-situ building diagnostics is still to fill. Considering this aspect, three studies were developed in order to enhance the applicability of the quantitative internal IRT within the construction industry field. Firstly, the most influential operating conditions were analyzed through an experimental room with a heavy single-leaf wall tested under a wide temperature difference range (3.8 < DT < 21ºC). Secondly, this dissertation performed tests in a public housing stock comprised of four unoccupied buildings (without electric and heating systems in operation), to assess the influence of non-transient thermophysical properties of the wall (i.e. heat capacity per unit of area) on the accuracy of the method. Thirdly, a data-processing method based on U-value time series analysis was proposed and validated through six building façades with heavy multi-leaf walls. The aim was to find a common criterion for stopping the test when it is not necessary more data to obtain a reliable result. Having investigated the aspects mentioned above, it can be extrapolated that: (i) the optimum temperature difference range is found to be between 7 and 16ºC; (ii) the variance in the thermal transmittance could mainly be predicted by changes in the outer air temperature; (iii) the quantitative internal IRT is more accurate in heavy multi-leaf walls with high heat capacities per unit of area, reaching maximum deviations of 0.20%; (iv) the test might be executed in only 30 minutes; (v) the method could allow the assessment of aspects related to the determination of U-value of unoccupied buildings for DT under 10ºC, especially in Spain or European countries with a Mediterranean climate where these test conditions might represent a limitation. Hence, the decision-making could be streamlined in real built environments, increasing the European renovation rate in the mid-term.
Dins el Marc Europeu, la majoria dels edificis residencials no satisfan les especificacions tèrmiques mínimes. De fet, la taxa de renovació a Europa és estimada en 1% anual. Per complir amb els objectius de les Directives Europees 2010/31/UE i 2012/27/UE, és necessari assegurar una bretxa energètica mínima. A partir d'un estat de l'art exhaustiu, es va detectar que el comportament tèrmic d'un edifici sovint és subestimat o negligit durant les etapes de construcció i operació. Per aquest motiu, una prova no destructiva i precisa hauria de ser requerida, per tal de millorar les deficiències donades per les actuals eines de modelització i diagnosi d'edificis. El propòsit de la tesi era desenvolupar un mètode per determinar in-situ el comportament tèrmic de les façanes sota condicions estacionàries mitjançant la termografia quantitativa interna (IRT). Després d'elaborar un model numèric per estimar la transmitància tèrmica (U-value) com a paràmetre clau de la qualitat construïda, la dissertació va continuar amb un procés de validació executat en dues parets típiques espanyoles de diferents períodes de construcció. Això va permetre: (i) refinar el mètode proposat; (ii) explorar les condicions de contorn; (iii) avaluar la influència dels valors tabulats establerts per les normatives internacionals per l'emissivitat de la paret i els coeficients de transferència de calor per convecció. Els resultats van revelar baixes desviacions respecte als valors teòrics de transmitància tèrmica (1.24 a 3.97%) per duracions de test entre 2 i 3 hores. A més a més, els resultats van demostrar que l’ús de valors tabulats podria implicar altes desviacions (40%) en parets compostes. En general, els projectes de construcció d'edificis existents antics no estan disponibles. Per tant, aquest mètode podria proporcionar informació sobre la façana per futures rehabilitacions. En el cas d’edificis nous, el mètode podria permetre verificar el comportament tèrmic de les parets d’acord amb els paràmetres de disseny. Malgrat això, una revisió bibliogràfica posterior va posar de manifest que encara hi ha una bretxa en la estandardització d’aquest mètode per la diagnosi in-situ. Considerant aquest aspecte, es van desenvolupar tres estudis per tal de millorar l’aplicabilitat de la termografia quantitativa interna dins el camp de la indústria de la construcció. En primer lloc, es va analitzar la influència de les condicions operatives en la determinació de la transmitància tèrmica mesurada a través duna cambra experimental amb una façana simple sota un ampli rang de diferència de temperatura (3.8 < DT < 21ºC). En segon lloc, es van dur a terme tests en un parc d’habitatges públics constituïts per quatre pisos desocupats (sense sistemes elèctrics ni de calefacció en funcionament), amb la finalitat d’analitzar la influència de les propietats termofísiques no transitòries (ex. la capacitat de calor per unitat d’àrea) en la precisió del mètode. En tercer lloc, es va proposar i validar un mètode de processat de dades basat en l’anàlisi de sèries de temps de la U-value mitjançant sis parets compostes. L’objectiu era trobar un criteri comú per aturar la prova quan no són necessàries més dades per obtenir un resultat fiable. Havent investigat els aspectes mencionats anteriorment, es pot extrapolar que: (i) el gradient de temperatura òptim es troba entre 7 i 16ºC; (ii) la variància en la transmitància tèrmica podria ser principalment atribuïda a canvis en la temperatura ambient de l’aire exterior; (iii) la IRT quantitativa interna és més acurada en parets compostes amb altes capacitats de calor per unitat d’àrea, aconseguint unes desviacions màximes del 0.20%; (iv) el test podria ser executat en només 30 minuts; (v) el mètode podria permetre l’avaluació d’aspectes relacionats amb la determinació de la U-value en edificis desocupats per T sota 10ºC, especialment a Espanya o països europeus amb un clima mediterrani on aquestes condicions de test podrien representar una limitació. Per tant, la presa de decisions es podria simplificar en entorns construïts reals. De fet, aquesta recerca podria conduir a una millor execució del procés de rehabilitació en edificis que s’espera que tinguin deficiències l’any 2050, augmentant així la taxa de renovació europea a mig termini. La dissertació conclou resumint les principals aportacions d’aquesta investigació. Els temes que s’han plantejat durant la recerca realitzada, i que no es van poder abordar, es comenten i es proposen com a línies de treball futures.

SYFTE

Syftet med denna uppsats är att analysera hur kommunikations- och samspelsförmåga uttrycks över tid när en ung man på tidig utvecklingsnivå och med autism deltar i en dyad i sherbornebehandling. Frågeställningar:

1. Hur utvecklas kommunikations- och samspelsförmåga över tid i behandlingssituationen?
2. Hur utvecklas kommunikations- och samspelsförmåga i hemmet respektive skolan under samma tidsperiod?

 

METOD

Denna pre-experimentella fallstudie rör en 18-årig man som under drygt ett år kom till habiliteringen för att delta i arton sherbornebehandlingar med en sjukgymnast med mångårig erfarenhet av sherbornemetodik. Sherborne är en rörelsemetodik där rörelser används för att utveckla rums- och kroppsmedvetenhet och skapa relationer till andra. Samtliga arton behandlingar videofilmades och data insamlades via observation. En detaljerad nedteckning av händelseförloppet i en videoinspelning i början av behandlingsperioden och en i slutet gjordes. Under arbetet med att analysera kommunikation och samspel i videoinspelningarna uppkom behovet av att komplettera Sherbornes samspelsskala med ett bedömningsmaterial för att kunna analysera kommunikation och samspel i detalj med personer på tidig nivå, ”Brandquists & Althoffs Samspelsskala: Analys av samspel med personer på tidig utvecklingsnivå - Sherborne”, bilaga 7. För att öka tillförlitligheten i resultatet inhämtades dels kommentarer från deltagande sjukgymnast och mannens förälder under det att de såg de båda videofilmerna, dels gjordes en översiktlig analys av tio övriga videoinspelningar från sherborneperioden. Förälder och lärare intervjuades före och efter behandlingsperioden om den unge mannens kommunikation och samspelsförmåga i hemmet och på skolan.

RESULTAT

Resultat visar på en positiv effekt på den unge mannens förmåga till kommunikation och samspel. Under sherborneperioden framkommer gradvis en förändring av hur mannen riktade sin uppmärksamhet: från att blicken var ”tom” eller att blicken svepte över rummet till att han allteftersom kroppsligen riktade sig mot sjukgymnasten och sökte blickkontakt. Sjukgymnasten anpassade sitt förhållningssätt för att få till stånd ett så bra samspel som möjligt. Från att hon i början var mer inlyssnande och använde beröring för att bekräfta hans reaktioner, till användandet av ett ökat verbalt inslag mot slutet. I slutet av perioden började den unge mannen ta egna initiativ till samspel genom att rikta sin hand mot sjukgymnasten. Även i hem och skola ökade hans intresse för omgivningen. Han tog initiativ till kommunikation (ett ökat antal handlingssekvenser) och var på gång att utveckla delad uppmärksamhet. Han började säga ifrån mer genom att använda sin röst. Det självskadande beteendet minskade både under sherbornebehandlingen och i hemmet. I övrigt märkte både förälder och sjukgymnast en ökad balans och stabilitet i hans kropp och en förbättrad rörelseförmåga i hans svaga högersida.

 

SLUTSATSER

Fallstudien tyder på att sherbornemetodik kan ha bidragit till en positiv effekt på såväl kommunikation och samspelsförmåga som rörelseförmåga hos denne unge man på tidig utvecklingsnivå och med autism.

INTRODUCTION

Caregivers perceive many of difficulties in interaction with persons at a presymbolic stage. In Sherborne Developmental Movement the theoretical issue is that movement experiences developing body and spatial awareness contribute to awareness of self. This gaining of body mastery is fundamental to the awareness of others, the ability to relate to others.

 

The aim of this study is to analyse how communication and interaction is expressed over a period of time as a young man in an early stage of language development (pre-intentional communication) and with autism participates in a dyad in SDM sessions. Research questions:1. How do communication and interaction skills develop over time in the SDM sessions? 2. How do communication and interaction skills develop at home and school during the same period?

METHOD

In this pre-experimental case study an 18-year-old man with profound autism spectrum disorder, a right-sided motor disorder and a severe language impairment is participating. Giving no responses in communication, caregivers rarely perceived successful interaction. He suddenly burst out in aggressive acts. Lasting over a year he participated in an intervention consisting of eighteen SDM sessions in a dyad with a physiotherapist, skilled in SDM, at Habilitation Centre. Sessions were based on a “caring” SDM-relationship and treatment focused on basic movements. All sessions were videotaped. Communication and interaction skills were thoroughly assessed at the first and last session. In the process of analysing data the SDM scale of type of relation had to be supplemented by scales showing abilities of communication and interaction of the leader and the participant. This scale named "Brandquists & Althoff Interaction Scale: Analysis of the interaction with individuals at an early stage of development - Sherborne”, was used in reporting the data obtained in the study.

To increase the reliability of the data, comments from the participating physiotherapist and the father of the young man were registered while they individually watched the two video recordings. A somewhat simplified examination of ten of the video recordings was also made. Communication and interaction skills were also investigated at home and school through interviews and questionnaires before and after the SDM treatment. These data were then to be compare to the data of the SDM sessions.

 

RESULTS

Results show a positive effect on communication and interaction skills of the young man. During the period of sessions he gradually changed the way of directing attention. Initially his eyes were "empty" or his gaze swept across the room to him. Later he focused on the hands of the physiotherapist while rocking his leg and eventually he physically directed himself to the physiotherapist and searched eye contact. The physiotherapist was sensitive to his physical reactions adapting her approach in order to making him feel secure and achieve trust. In the beginning she used tactile methods in her communication, but seeing he felt more secure she introduced more verbal confirming towards the end.  At the end of the period he began to take communicative initiatives by approaching his hand and “pointing” at the physiotherapist.

 

At home and school caregivers reported an increasing interest in the environment. He used more initiative for communication (an increased number of action sequences) and was on his way to develop joint attention. He started to use his voice to protest. The number of self-destructive behaviours decreased during the Sherborne sessions and at home. Successively he gained greater stability and balance in his body and the mobility of the weak side improved. The data obtained in interviews with caregivers confirmed the results achieved in the study and strengthened the reliability of the results of SDM.

CONCLUSIONS

The result of the study implies that SDM may have contributed to a positive effect on the communication and interaction skills of this young man.

The loss of 6 million U.S. manufacturing jobs since 2000 has severely affected communities that have lost a vital source of employment. Voluntary employee turnover has compounded the problem. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship between employee turnover and destructive leadership behaviors of managers in small and medium enterprise (SME) manufacturing businesses in Warren County, New Jersey. The constructive-destructive leadership model formed the theoretical framework for the study. A random sample of 96 SME manufacturing firm employees completed the destructive leadership scale (DLS), multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ), and the turnover intention scale (TIS-6) via an online survey. Multiple linear regression analyses and Pearson-product correlation coefficients were used to predict employee turnover. Tyrannical leadership and laissez-faire leadership were the only significant contributors to the regression model. Implications for social change include providing business managers with information needed to maintain or increase employee retention levels, which may improve employee morale, increase job satisfaction, and enhance customer satisfaction in the communities served.

Tidigare studier har visat på att i varje missbrukares liv, finns cirka fem anhöriga som riskerar att utveckla medberoende. Riskfaktorerna associerade med medberoende påverkar därför förekomsten av psykiska ohälsa och ökar risken för att utveckla andra sjukdomar såsom depression, ångest och känslomässiga problem. Syftet med studien var att undersöka hur medberoende i nära relationer kan utveckla självdestruktivt beteende och psykisk ohälsa. Med hjälp av en kvalitativ metod och intervjuer som datainsamlingsmetod blev syftet med denna studie genomförd. Studien grundades på semistrukturerade intervjuer där totalt sex informanter deltog. Resultatet i studien visade på liknande resultat genom alla intervjuer, såsom förekomsten av psykiska sjukdomar, självdestruktivt beteende och vikten av introjektiv identifikation. Dessa tre kategorier kompletterar varandra i den skrivna ordningen. Resultatet tyder på att det kan vara så att den medberoende inte kan utveckla psykisk ohälsa utan fenomenet introjektiv identifikation och självdestruktivt beteende. För att det ska utvecklas någon form av psykisk ohälsa skulle den medberoende personen behöva utveckla ett självdestruktivt beteende, och resultatet tyder på att det inte är möjligt utan introjektiv identifiering i kontexten nära relationer. Dock med hjälp av anknytningsteorin och coping-strategin, visade slutsatsen att inte alla medberoende utvecklade psykisk ohälsa. Förekomsten av psykisk ohälsa påverkas av individens tidiga anknytningsmönster och copingförmåga. Studien ledde till slutsatsen att psykisk ohälsa är ett stort problem bland individer med medberoende. Medberoende är inte fastställt som en sjukdom, trots att risken för att eventuellt utveckla psykisk ohälsa finns. Trots de följdsjukdomar som medberoende medför är det ingen prioritering inom folkhälsopolitiken.
Previous studies have shown that in every drug addicted person’s life there is about five relatives which risks developing co-dependency. Therefore, the riskfactors affect the relative’s mental health and increase the risk of developing other illnesses such as depression, anxiety and emotional issues. The aim of the study was to investigate how co-dependency in close relationships can develop self-destructive behavior and mental illness. With the use of a qualitative method and interviews as a data collecting method, the aim for this study became fulfilled. The study was based on semi-structured interviews, performed by six participants. The results showed similar outcomes for all interviews, such as the prevalence for mental illness, self-destructive behaviour and the importance of introjective identification. These three categories complement each other in the order written. The results indicates that a co-dependent individual could not, without the phenomenon introjective identification and self-destructive behaviour acquire mental illness. However in order to acquire some kind of mental illness the co-dependent person would have to develop self-destructive behaviour, and the results showed that it is not possible without introjective identification in the context of a close relationship. Although, with the use of attachment theory and coping-strategy, the conclusion showed that not every co-dependent developed mental illness. The prevalence of illnesses was affected by the individuals early life attachment-pattern and coping skills. The study led to a conclusion that mental illness is a big issue among co-dependent individuals. Co-dependency is not a determined as a disease, despite the risk of possibly developing mental illness. It is still not a prioritization among public health authorities.

Many recent experimental studies have shown that some subjects destroy other subjects' incomes without receiving any material benefit, and that they even incur costs to do so. In this paper, we study the boundary conditions of this phenomenon, which is referred to as anti-social behavior. We introduce a four-player destruction game, in which we vary the framing and the presence of another activity, running in parallel to the destruction game. We observe a substantial amount of destruction in the baseline condition without the parallel activity, and with a framing in the spirit of previous destruction experiments. Our results indicate that a parallel activity as well as a framing emphasizing joint ownership of the item that can be destroyed reduces destruction almost to zero. We therefore argue that the emergence of anti-social behavior is highly contingent on the contextual environment.
Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Series

The association between constructive and destructive conflict and children’s (age three) externalizing behaviors was examined utilizing the Building Strong Families (BSF) data set. The study included 3,328 mothers and 3,148 fathers reporting on conflict behavior, and mother’s reports on children’s externalizing behaviors. My hypotheses indicated that the more constructive conflict, the less externalizing behaviors exhibited while the more destructive conflict, the more externalizing behaviors shown by the children. The majority of the literature demonstrated similar results to my hypotheses, however primarily focusing on mother’s conflict rather than the father’s conflict methods. Similarly, there was little focus on constructive conflict in the literature. Younger children (age three) were of interest for this study due to the lack of research involving these variables and this age group. The specific emotions theory was utilized to shape and inform my hypotheses. The results for this study supported my hypothesis concerning destructive conflict, but rejected the other discussing constructive conflict. Mothers’ correlations of conflict methods with externalizing behaviors were statistically significant while the fathers’ correlations were not. These analyses indicate further research of constructive conflict and its effects on younger children.

The current study contributed to an understanding of the relationship between leader, follower, and organization by exploring the interactions between multi-factor models of servant leadership, destructive leadership, and employee engagement. The sample consisted of 107 self-identified employees of the service industry in the United States. Analysis included the calculation of correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression. The results indicated that servant leadership and destructive leadership are not antithetical. There was no significant relationship between courage and subordinate-directed behaviors and only forgiveness and accountability had negative relationships with organization-directed behaviors. It appeared that transparency limits opportunities for destructive leadership as the absence of empowerment and forgiveness predicted subordinate-directed behaviors, and the absence of accountability and forgiveness predicted organization-directed behaviors. Followers are engaged when provided with latitude and honest feedback regarding performance. Forgiveness was the only exception in a set of positive correlations between the factors of servant leadership and employee engagement. The servant leadership factors of empowerment, courage, authenticity, and forgiveness predicted the factors of employee engagement. The lack of significant relationships between destructive leadership and employee engagement indicate that destructive leadership can be persuasive rather than abusive. To be effective, the servant leader must provide the follower with both support and challenge to achieve positive, long-term developmental goals.

The purpose of this project was to examine the predictors of risky sexual behaviors and poor eating behaviors for women who experienced childhood sexual abuse, including family hardiness, and depression in a structural equation model. A second group of those who had not been sexually abused as children was also tested using the same structural equation model.

The basis of this thesis is that weapons of mass destruction will continue to proliferate and will inevitably - given enough time- be used against civilian populations repeatedly. As this occurs the opposition between support for international law and the power of the state will intensify. This will go on for some time and will, in all probability, become extremely destructive. Eventually, however, the states (and individual people) of the world will realize that the simultaneous existence of international anarchy and weapons of mass destruction runs counter to long term human survival. This realization will , very likely, lead people to eliminate anarchy, i.e. create a world government.

The List is a collection of short stories focusing on the inability to adapt, or learn from self-destructive patterns, and the bizarre ways people reach out for one another when they don't know what else to do.

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A escoriação psicogênica tem sido abordada em estudos médicos que a associam a diversos transtornos ou doenças ou que buscam identificar a eficácia de diferentes tipos de tratamentos e medicamentos, além de outras questões afeitas à área. Embora a literatura a relacione a fatores afetivo-emocionais, há escassez de pesquisas no campo da psicologia sobre esta psicodermatose. A Escoriação Psicogênica é mais comumente encontrada em mulheres que, ao agredirem a própria pele, causam uma perceptível desifiguração provocada pelas lesões. A literatura, sistematicamente revisada neste trabalho, aponta fatores desencadeantes como a dificuldade em lidar com os próprios impulsos e a compulsão, pois o paciente admite ser o causador das lesões, porém, de maneira involuntária. A pele, o maior órgão do corpo humano, tem a mesma origem embrionária que o sistema nervoso e é frequentemente associada a processos psicológicos. Quando lesionada, leva a sofrimento emocional e a afastamento afetivo e social. o presente estudo abordou os aspectos psicológicos e fatores de personalidade associados à escoriação psicogênica a partir de relatos de pacientes em processo de diagnóstico e/ou tratamento dermatológico do Instituto Lauro Souza Lima - Bauru e de resultados do IFP - Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade, aplicado em dois grupos de mulheres: 20 com e 20 sem escoriação psicogênica, sendo este útlimo, composto por trabalhadoras da prefeitura municipal da cidade do interior paulista. Este estudo investigou a história de vida, os aspectos psicológicos e os fatores de personalidade possivelmente relacionados à escoriação psicogênica em vinte mulheres com esse diagnóstico, comparando-se os resultados obtidos no IFP com os de mulheres sem a psicodermatose. Foi realizada entrevista de anamnese com as mulheres com escoriação psicogênica...
Psychogenic excoriation has been approached on medical studies, which both associate it to several disorders or diseases or try to identify the efficacy of distintic treatment methods, besides other themes on such area. Even though the specific literature includes it on affetive-emotional reasons, there is a lack of researchers on Psychology field on this psychodermatosis. Psychogenic excoriation is a disorder mos commonly found on women who picks - scratches - their own skin, causing them a noticeable disfiguration due to the wounds. Literature on the subject has been systematically referred to in order to produce this paper. It points out reasons such as difficulty to deal with one's own impulses and compulsion, since the patient admits being the one who causes the wounds in an involuntary manner, though. The skin, largest organ of the human body, has the same Embryo origin of the nervous system and is frequently associated to psychological processes. The wounded skin causes suffering and affective / social seclusion. In this study, the psychological aspects and the personality treat associated to psychogenic excoriation have been studied. The data has been collected from reports of patients during dermatological diagnosis or treatment on 'Instituto Lauro Souza Lima, in Bauru, and from results of a test called IFP (Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade or Personality Factorial Inventory), applied on two groups of women: the first one having twenty women suffering from psychogenic excoriation and the second one having healthy women (groups A and B). The latter has been composed from civil servers in a small town. In order to prepare this study, the psychological aspects and the personality treat possibly related to psychogenic excoriation in twenty women having such diagnosis, comparing them with the results of the Personality Factorial Inventory of the healthy... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

[Truncated abstract]The overall aim of the research reported in this thesis was to develop and validate an instrument that would identify children among the general population at risk of self-harm. To achieve this, four separate yet interrelated studies were conducted. Study One, which sought to explore the risk factors of self-harm in children comprised a series of focus interviews with three paediatricians and 24 mothers of children who had self-harmed or who had verbalized self-harm ideation. The findings revealed that prior to the onset of self-harming or self-harm ideation these children reportedly manifested other problem behaviours that prompted their mothers to seek specialist advice from a paediatrician. The majority of these problem behaviours were characteristic of externalizing problems, either in the form of conduct problems, aggressive behaviours or impulsiveness. Conversely, some problem behaviours were characteristic of internalizing problems such as anxiety and depression. These findings provided valuable information which in addition to the current literature created the conceptual framework for the subsequent studies. Study Two incorporated the information obtained from Study One, along with that obtained from a review of existing instruments that measure self-harm or suicide, to develop a new instrument specifically designed to assess the risk of children in the general population developing self-harming behaviours. Initially, 159 items were generated and using the extant knowledge regarding the risk factors of self-harm as a guide, the items were categorized into risk factors of anxiety, depression, low self- ii worth, social difficulty, social withdrawal, helplessness, hopelessness, atypical cognition, emotional lability, impulsivity, self-harming ideation and self-harm. ... Study Four comprised four interrelated investigations, the purposes of which were to (i) examine the prevalence rates of self-harming ideation and self-harm among young school aged children in the general population; (ii) investigate differences of risk of self-harm between the referred group and community comparison group; (iii) examine the relationship between impulsivity and risk of self-harm in these children and, (iv) examine the relationship between executive function and risk of self-harm among these children. The results from these investigations revealed that approximately 3.5% of children aged between 6 to12 years in the general population manifest self-harming ideations and approximately 2.5% actually self-harm. No significant age or gender differences were found. Children that presented with a higher level of risk of self-harm also presented with a complex array of internalizing and externalizing problem behaviours. Furthermore, children who displayed significantly higher levels of hyperactive-impulsive symptomatology scored higher on the SHRAC instrument, as did the children who had higher levels of executive functioning impairment. The findings are discussed and interpreted in line with the current research literature and are used to make suggestions for future research.

Thesis (M.S.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2004.
Thesis research directed by: Dept. of Family Studies. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.

The relationship between the types of construction of high rise caged layer houses and insulation damage produced by the lesser mealworm was examined. Polyurethane insulation which had heavy-weight paper glued to its surface and was installed with tape to seal off the seam between the insulation boards had no infestations. Structures with concrete block pit walls had lower insulation infestations than those houses with wooden walls forming the pits. Houses with a support structure set on top of the concrete block pit wall had lower infestations than houses built with the support structure set directly into the earth. The insulation installed nearest the pit was the most severely infested, and infestation intensity was inversely proportional to insulation height above the manure pit. Damage in extruded polystyrene insulation resulted in a substantial loss of volume of material in the corner areas of the insulation panels, and caused a significant reduction in insulating quality. Observations were made on the effect of manure moisture and poultry house construction materials on lesser mealworm dispersal behavior. Larvae and adults preferred manure habitats of 30 and 40% moisture, and dispersal from the manure significantly increased when manure moisture was increased to levels of 50 and 60%. Larvae climbed a significantly greater distance up a vertical wooden surface than up a vertical concrete block surface under field conditions. Results indicate that structures built with wood pit walls are predisposed to infestations, and that fluctuating manure moisture levels in these houses can indirectly contribute to accelerated infestation by driving the larvae from the manure pits into the insulation. Insecticide sprays, plastic films, paint barriers applied to the surface of extruded polystyrene, and different types of insulation were evaluated for lesser mealworm resistance. In a laboratory study, tetrachlorvinphos and pirimiphos-methyl sprayed on extruded polystyrene produced greater than 90% mortality in larval and adult populations up to 71 weeks postapplication. Larvae were unable to penetrate either chlorpyrifos-impregnated or non-insecticidal polyethylene films. Infestation intensity was inversely proportional to insulation cell size. Effective treatments identified under field conditions were permethrin and pirimiphos-methyl sprays, and two formulations of chlorpyrifos-impregnated latex paint. Insulation materials with a cell size of 1.5 mm were resistant to lesser mealworm field populations.
PH. D.
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Thesis (M.A.)--Miami University, Dept. of Psychology, 2005.
Title from first page of PDF document. Document formatted into pages; contains [1], iv, 59 p. : ill. Includes bibliographical references (p. 36-44).

La thèse a pour but de caractériser les propriétés mécaniques de matériaux à base de fibres de bois en relation avec les propriétés intrinsèques des fibres et leur arrangement spatial complexe. Ce type de matériau, dont les caractéristiques dépendent de sa configuration, est hétérogène à différentes échelles : à l’échelle microscopique de la fibre, à l’échelle mésoscopique du réseau des fibres et à l’échelle macroscopique du matériau. Pour observer ces hétérogénéités, différents moyens expérimentaux de caractérisation sont utilisés, notamment la microtomographie aux rayons X et la corrélation d’images volumiques. Ces deux techniques permettent à la fois de visualiser et numériser la position spatiale des différentes fibres du matériau à l’échelle microscopique dans le volume, et d’obtenir le champ tridimensionnel de déformation à cœur. Comme résultats, le matériau étudié montre un comportement non-linéaire avec une déformation résiduelle et un effet d’hystérésis en charge/décharge, qui suit le modèle de Van-Wyk. A l’échelle microscopique, le champ de déformation 3D apparait fortement hétérogène et est intimement lié aux porosités locales
This thesis aims at characterizing the mechanical properties of wood-based fibrous material in relation with the intrinsic properties of the fiber as well as the complex architecture of random fibrous assembly. This material, whose characteristics strongly depend on its configuration, is heterogeneous at different scales: microscopic scale of individual fibers, mesoscopic scale of fiber assembly and macroscopic scale of sample. In order to observe these heterogeneities, different experimental characterization methods are employed, especially X-ray microtomography and Digital Volume Correlation. These both techniques allow us to visualize and digitize the spatial position of different phases of material at microscopic scale as well as the full 3D strain field inside the material. The obtained results are following: the material shows a non-linear mechanical behavior with hysteresis and residual deformation during cyclic compression tests, which respects Van Wyk's model. At microscopic scale, the 3D strain field is strongly heterogeneous and deeply related to local porosities

High hydrodynamic pressure (HDP) treatment is a novel non-thermal technology that improves tenderness in foods by subjecting foods to underwater shock waves. In this study non-destructive and destructive testing methods, along with two mathematical models were explored to predict biomechanical behavior of beef loins subjected to HDP-treament. The first study involved utilizing ultrasound and imaging techniques to predict textural changes in beef loins subjected to HDP-treatment using Warner-Braztler shear force (WBS) scores and texture profile analysis (TPA) features for correlation. Ultrasound velocity correlated very poorly with the WBS scores and TPA features, whereas the imaging features correlated better with higher r-values. The effect of HDP-treatment variables on WBS and TPA features indicated that amount of charge had no significant effects when compared to location of sample and container size during treatment. Two mathematical models were used to simulate deformational behavior in beef loins. The first study used a rheological based modeling of protein gel as a preliminary study. Results from the first modeling study indicated no viscous interactions in the model and complete deformation failure at pressures exceeding 50 kPa, which was contrary to the real-life process conditions which use pressures in the order of MPa. The second modeling study used a finite element method approach to model elastic behavior. Shock wave was modeled as a non-linear and linear propagating wave. The non-linear model indicated no deformation response, whereas the linear model indicated realistic deformation response assuming transverse isotropy of the model beef loin. The last study correlated small- and large-strain measurements using stress relaxation and elastic coefficients of the stiffness matrix as small-strain measures and results of the study indicated very high correlation between elastic coefficients c11, c22, and c44 with TPA cohesiveness (r > 0.9), and springiness (r > 0.85). Overall results of this study indicated a need for further research in estimating mechanical properties of beef loins in order to understand the dynamics of HDP-treatment process better.
Ph. D.

Bakgrund: Självskadebeteende är ett ökande fenomen bland världens ungdomar. Det har visat sig vara fler flickor än pojkar som självskadar. Psykisk ohälsa är en individuell uppfattning och därmed svår att definiera men det resulterar ofta i ett stort personligt lidande där en ständig kamp mellan gott och ont, lust och lidande pågår inom människan. Sjuksköterskan ska främja hälsa och lindra lidande och ett negativt bemötande har visats kunna förvärra ett självskadebeteende. Många med ett självskadebeteende har bemötts med kritik och känt skam över sitt beteende. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att belysa tonårsflickors upplevelser av bakomliggande orsaker till självskadebeteendet. Metod: Använd metod var kvalitativ innehållsanalys med induktiv ansats. Resultat: Ur analysen framträdde två kategorier: Utsatt för övergrepp och Känslostormarnas våld med fyra underkategorier Konklusion: Studien visar att övergrepp och känslostormar var bakomliggande orsaker och att flickorna hade svårigheter att hantera detta på egen hand. Sjuksköterskans svårigheter att bemöta tonårsflickorna med självskadebeteende kan relateras till kunskapsbrist. Studiens syfte uppnåddes då tonårsflickornas upplevelser av bakomliggande orsaker till självskadebeteendet belysts i resultatet, vilket kan ge ökad förståelse för sjuksköterskor i framtida vårdmöten.
Background: Self-destructive behavior is a growing phenomenon amongst teenagers in the world. It has proven to be more girls than boys who self-harm. Psychological illness is an individual perception and thus difficult to define but often results in a great personal suffering, where a constant struggle between good and evil, desire and suffering is going on within the person. A nurse shall promote health and alleviate suffering, and a negative attitude has been shown to worsen the self-destructive behavior. Many of the people with a self-harm behavior has been met with criticism and felt ashamed of their behavior. Aim: The aim of his study was to shed light on teenage girls’ experience of underlying causes of the self-destructive behavior.  Method: The used method was a qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.. Results: From the analysis of the data material emerged two categories emerged: The victim of abuse and the violence of emotional storms with four subcategories. Conclusion: The study shows that abuse and emotional storms were the underlying causes and that the girls had difficulties to handle this on their own. Nurses have difficulties to meet teenage girls with a self-destructive behavior related to their lack of knowledge. The study's aim was achieved when the teenage girls' experience of what is behind the self-harm was highlighted in the results which may increase understanding of nurses in future treatment sessions.

Orientador: Carmen Maria Bueno Neme
Banca: Heron Fernando de S. Gonzaga
Banca: Sandra Leal Calais
Resumo: A escoriação psicogênica tem sido abordada em estudos médicos que a associam a diversos transtornos ou doenças ou que buscam identificar a eficácia de diferentes tipos de tratamentos e medicamentos, além de outras questões afeitas à área. Embora a literatura a relacione a fatores afetivo-emocionais, há escassez de pesquisas no campo da psicologia sobre esta psicodermatose. A Escoriação Psicogênica é mais comumente encontrada em mulheres que, ao agredirem a própria pele, causam uma perceptível desifiguração provocada pelas lesões. A literatura, sistematicamente revisada neste trabalho, aponta fatores desencadeantes como a dificuldade em lidar com os próprios impulsos e a compulsão, pois o paciente admite ser o causador das lesões, porém, de maneira involuntária. A pele, o maior órgão do corpo humano, tem a mesma origem embrionária que o sistema nervoso e é frequentemente associada a processos psicológicos. Quando lesionada, leva a sofrimento emocional e a afastamento afetivo e social. o presente estudo abordou os aspectos psicológicos e fatores de personalidade associados à escoriação psicogênica a partir de relatos de pacientes em processo de diagnóstico e/ou tratamento dermatológico do Instituto Lauro Souza Lima - Bauru e de resultados do IFP - Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade, aplicado em dois grupos de mulheres: 20 com e 20 sem escoriação psicogênica, sendo este útlimo, composto por trabalhadoras da prefeitura municipal da cidade do interior paulista. Este estudo investigou a história de vida, os aspectos psicológicos e os fatores de personalidade possivelmente relacionados à escoriação psicogênica em vinte mulheres com esse diagnóstico, comparando-se os resultados obtidos no IFP com os de mulheres sem a psicodermatose. Foi realizada entrevista de anamnese com as mulheres com escoriação psicogênica... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Psychogenic excoriation has been approached on medical studies, which both associate it to several disorders or diseases or try to identify the efficacy of distintic treatment methods, besides other themes on such area. Even though the specific literature includes it on affetive-emotional reasons, there is a lack of researchers on Psychology field on this psychodermatosis. Psychogenic excoriation is a disorder mos commonly found on women who picks - scratches - their own skin, causing them a noticeable disfiguration due to the wounds. Literature on the subject has been systematically referred to in order to produce this paper. It points out reasons such as difficulty to deal with one's own impulses and compulsion, since the patient admits being the one who causes the wounds in an involuntary manner, though. The skin, largest organ of the human body, has the same Embryo origin of the nervous system and is frequently associated to psychological processes. The wounded skin causes suffering and affective / social seclusion. In this study, the psychological aspects and the personality treat associated to psychogenic excoriation have been studied. The data has been collected from reports of patients during dermatological diagnosis or treatment on 'Instituto Lauro Souza Lima, in Bauru, and from results of a test called IFP (Inventário Fatorial de Personalidade or Personality Factorial Inventory), applied on two groups of women: the first one having twenty women suffering from psychogenic excoriation and the second one having healthy women (groups A and B). The latter has been composed from civil servers in a small town. In order to prepare this study, the psychological aspects and the personality treat possibly related to psychogenic excoriation in twenty women having such diagnosis, comparing them with the results of the Personality Factorial Inventory of the healthy... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Bakgrund: Psykisk ohälsa och självskadebeteenden ökar i samhället och är ett oroväckande folkhälsoproblem. Självskadebeteende utgörs av allt från ett icke-suicidalt självskadebeteende till avsiktliga självskador som kan resultera i suicid. Självskadebeteenden kan vara en följd av psykiskt och känslomässigt lidande. Akutsjuksköterskan har en central och betydelsefull roll i mötet, när patienter med självskadebeteenden söker vård på somatisk akutmottagning. Syftetvar att beskriva faktorer som påverkar akutsjuksköterskors möte av patienter med självskadebeteenden på somatisk akutmottagning. Metod: Studien utgörs av en litteraturstudiemed systematisk metod. Föreliggande studie resulterade i 17 vetenskapliga artiklar och bearbetades utifrån en integrerad analys. Resultat: I resultatet framkom två huvudkategoriersom beskrev positiva och negativa faktorer som påverkade mötet av patienter med självskadebeteenden. De underkategorier som visades ha den främsta påverkan i akutsjuksköterskans möte med patienter med ett självskadebeteende var utbildning, erfarenhet och personcentrad vård. Akutsjuksköterskor som hade erfarenhet, kunskap och utbildninghade en större acceptans och helhetsperspektiv i mötet, vilket minskade negativa attityder till patienter med självskadebeteenden. Slutsats: En förutsättning för att se patienten bakom ett självskadebeteende på en somatisk akutmottagning och utifrån det kunna arbeta personcentrerat var att specialistsjuksköterskor inom akutsjukvård får utbildning kring självskadebeteenden. Specialistsjuksköterskan bör ha ett helhetsperspektiv i bemötandet och omvårdnaden av patienten för att främja hälsa och minska lidande hos denna sårbara patientgrupp.
Background: Mental illness and self-harm are increasing in society and are a worrying public health problem. Self-harm ranges from non-suicidal self-harm to intentional self-harm that can result in suicide. Self-harm can be a consequence of psychological and emotional suffering. The emergency nurse has a central and important role in the meeting when patients with self-harm seek treatment in a somatic emergency department. The aim was to describe factors that affect the meeting of patients with self-harm in somatic emergency departments.Method: The study consists of a literature study with a systematic method. The present study resulted in 17 scientific articles and was processed based on an integrated analysis. Results: The results revealed two main categories that described positive and negative factors that influenced the meeting of patients with self-harm behaviors. The subcategories that were shown to have the main impact in the emergency nurse's encounter with patients with selfharm were education, experience, and person-centered care. Emergency nurses who had experience, knowledge and training had a greater acceptance and holistic perspective in the meeting, which reduced negative attitudes towards patients with self-harm behaviors. Conclusion: A prerequisite for seeing the patient behind self-harm in a somatic emergency department and from that being able to work person-centered was that specialist nurses in emergency care receive training on self-harm behaviors. The specialist nurse should have a holistic approach to the treatment and care of the patient in order to promote health and reduce the suffering of this vulnerable patient group.

Many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) engage in problem behaviors (e.g., aggression and self-injurious behavior) that present safety concerns for both the children themselves and others around them. Previous research has shown that treating precursor behaviors that precede problem behavior may prove to be an alternative, safer method for preventing and treating problem behavior. The present study used a multiple baseline design across subjects (n = 4) to assess the efficacy of relaxation interventions on reducing precursor behavior and preventing problem behavior in children with ASD. Researchers first identified precursor behaviors for all participants through observation. During the intervention phase, all four children were taught deep breathing relaxation exercises. After participants received relaxation training, researchers cued relaxation exercises when precursors occurred, and the frequency of precursor, problem, and on-task behavior was observed. Results showed that problem behavior decreased in all participants following the relaxation intervention. Additionally, for the majority of participants, precursor behavior decreased and on-task behavior increased post-intervention. Implications for practice and future research on interventions that target precursor behaviors are discussed.

Denna kvalitativ intervjustudie, söker en förståelse kring fenomenet sex som självskadebeteende. Självskadebeteende har studerats och definierats, men sex som ett självskadebeteende är inte inkluderat som ett begrepp i dessa vetenskapliga studier (Zetterqvist, 2014; Nock, 2014; Klonsky 2009). Däremot har psykologer, organisationer och andra professionella tolkat och definierat fenomenet som att det existerar (Sjöström, 2012; Landgren 2015; Jonsson och Mattson, 2013; Tjejouren 2015; MUCF, 2013).Genom intervjuer med tre olika personer som kommer i kontakt med sex som självskadebeteende, kombinerat med tidigare forskning, visar denna studie att sex kan användas som självskadebeteende och att det görs i syfte att hantera (coping) ångest och andra negativa känslor. Tidigare trauman och/eller en dysfunktionell familjedynamik kan leda till att en individ utvecklar icke fungerande strategier för att hantera potentiella dåliga känslor. Individerna vänder sig till sexuella destruktiva beteenden som en affektregleringstrategi. Studien visar att prostitution kan vara associerat med riskabelt sex, i form av att det kan vara ett sätt att utsätta sig själv för farliga situationer.Skillnader mellan sex som ett självskadebeteende och andra självskadebeteenden har påvisats. Dessa är beskrivna som att kontrollen ges bort till en annan person. Sex är också något som egentligen ger njutning och är ett naturligt beteende, vilket gör det svårt att sluta helt med till skillnad från andra självskadebeteenden. Istället behöver individen finna strategier för att kunna ha ett friskt sexuellt beteende. Då sex som självskadebeteende inte är vetenskapligt befäst, så visar resultaten på detta öppnar upp för subjektiva tolkningar kring hur man ser och bemöter fenomenet. Dock var intervjupersonerna överens om att det behövs ett öppet och normkritiskt förhållningssätt. Slutligen ställs frågan ifall vetenskapen representerar den enda och rätta kunskapen. Det är möjligt att praktisk och icke-vetenskaplig kunskap kan vara lika viktig.
This study aims to, through a qualitative interview approach, reach a further understanding of the phenomenon sex as a self-injury behavior. Self injury behaviors have been studied and defined, but sex as a self-injury was not included in the scientific studies Zetterqvist, 2014; Nock, 2014; Klonsky 2009). However, psychologist´s, organizations, and other professionals where interpreters and define this matter as if it existed (Sjöström, 2012; Landgren 2015; Jonsson och Mattson, 2013; Tjejouren 2015; MUCF, 2013).By interviewing three different people that come in contact with sex as a self-injury through work, combined with previous research, this study has come to show how sex can be used in the same way as any other self-injury behavior. The result shows that sex can be used for self-injury and that it is done in the purpose of coping with anxiety and other bad feelings. Previous trauma and/or a dysfunctional family dynamic can lead to an individual developing non-functional strategies to cope with potential bad feelings. Individuals turn to a sexual destructive behavior as a strategy to cope. The study shows that prostitution can be associated with risky sex as it can become a way of exposing yourself to dangerous situations.Differences between sex as a self-injury behavior and other self-injury behavior where detected. These where described in the way that control is given away to a other person. Also sex is something that usually gives pleasure and is a natural behavior so to just stop having sex is not desirable. Instead the person must find a way of having a healthy sexual behavior. The result shows that due to the fact that sex as a self-injury behavior does not have a scientific status subjective interpretation can be made on how to look an approach the phenomenon. However all the respondents agreed that you need an open and norm critical approach. Furthermore the question can be asked if scientific concepts represent the only right knowledge. Is it possible that practical and non-scientific knowledge can be as important.

Sous des températures et des pressions élevées constantes, les matériaux métalliques de structure subissent une dégradation mécanique par fluage qui entraîne des changements microstructuraux. Ces derniers, s'ils ne sont pas surveillés à temps, peuvent entraîner des incidents sérieux, notamment dans le domaine de la production d’énergie électrique (centrales électriques). Pour déterminer les changements microstructuraux, le matériau doit avoir une forme et une taille spécifiques pour que l'analyse des images obtenues par microscopie électronique à balayage, diffraction par rétrodiffusion d'électrons, etc. soit effectuée. Cette préparation destructive demande à extraire le matériau à tester du système, et à le modifier pour la mesure. Afin de surmonter ce problème, dans ce travail de thèse sont proposées trois techniques micro magnétiques non destructives, pour étudier l'évolution des signatures magnétiques par rapport aux niveaux de rupture auquel les matériaux sont exposés. Il est légitime de supposer que tous les changements microstructuraux qui se produisent dans le matériau vont se refléter dans les signatures magnétiques mesurées. Le matériau étudié ici est de l'acier à haute teneur en chrome très sensible au fluage et principalement utilisé dans les centrales thermiques. Certains paramètres magnétiques, tels que la coercivité, la réversibilité magnétique, sont dérivés et montrent de fortes corrélations avec la microstructure. De même, des techniques basées sur les courbes d'hystérésis et le bruit magnétique de Barkhausen sont également appliquées. Pour quantifier davantage les résultats obtenus à partir des signatures magnétiques des matériaux, le modèle de Jiles-Atherton a été adapté à la simulation des signaux de contrôle non destructif. A l’inverse, la possibilité de déterminer les paramètres du modèle à partir des seules mesures de contrôle non destructif est démontrée. Cela apporte des éléments complémentaires à l’interprétation physique des changements microstructurels. La technique de modélisation peut aider en outre à résoudre le problème de l'absence de normes dans les essais non destructifs, quel que soit le dispositif expérimental utilisé. Les paramètres sont enfin comparés pour révéler la sensibilité de chacun d’entre eux aux changements microstructuraux, et ce en fonction de chaque technique de contrôle non destructif utilisée
Under constant high temperatures and pressure, the material undergoes mechanical creep degradation which leads to microstructural changes. These microstructural changes if not monitored on time, can lead to some serious fatal accidents such as in power plants. To investigate these microstructural changes, the material has to be shaped in a certain specific shape and size to have the imaging analysis using Scanning electron microscopy, Electron backscatter diffract ion etc. which are destructive in nature and involve high equipment cost. In order to overcome this issue, this thesis work, incorporates three different non-destructive techniques, to study the evolution of magnetic signatures with respect to the level of rupture they are exposed to. It is legitimate to assume that all the microstructural changes that occur in the material can be reflected in the corresponding magnetic signatures measured. The material that has been studied here is high chromium creep degraded steel which is used in the thermal power plant. The magnetic signatures are evaluated in terms of microstructural information to draw the conclusions. Some magnetic parameters from the curves, such as coercivity, magnetic reversibility are derived which show strong correlations with the microstructure. Similarly, techniques based on Hysteresis curves, and magnetic Barkhausen Noise are also implemented. To further quantify the results obtained from the magnetic signatures of the materials, a model has been developed to derive model parameters in order to physically interpret the microstructural changes. The modelling technique will help in overcoming the issue of lack of standards in NDT, irrespective of the experimental set-up involved. The parameters are compared to reveal sensitivity based on the technique. Finally, conclusion has been drawn to check which parameters are correlated to microstructure for a particular NDT technique used

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a form of direct self-harm that involves willful damage to bodily tissue without suicidal intent; it includes behaviors such as cutting, burning, carving, biting, scraping, and scratching of the skin, as well as hitting and skin and scab picking. Engagement in NSSI has been shown to relate to a host of maladaptive states and outcomes, including depression, anxiety, poor emotion regulation, and suicidal ideation and attempts. Socially sanctioned forms of body modification (e.g. tattoos and piercings) have received less attention as potential self-harm outlets, but have been posited to represent similar physical outlets of emotional pain. Indirect self-harm, in contrast, can include behaviors such as substance abuse, disordered eating, participation in abusive relationships, and sexual risk-taking. Extant literature suggests that self-harm in either form is associated with higher levels of self-criticism than healthy adults endorse. However, few studies have examined self-criticism in each of these self-harming subgroups. Female participants were recruited online using Amazon's Mechanical Turk. Results from the present study indicate that 1) direct self-harming individuals are considerably more self-critical than indirect self-harmers and control subjects, 2) those who engage in multiple forms of self-harm are more self-critical than those engaging in only one form, 3) self-criticism did not significantly predict self-harming behaviors, and 4) there are no significant differences in self-criticism based on developmental trajectory of self-harming behaviors. Additionally, individuals with body modification (e.g. tattoos, piercings) did not exhibit different levels of self-criticism than those without socially sanctioned alterations. Implications, limitations, and future directions for research of this nature are discussed.

Dans le domaine de la construction, la détection automatisée et à distance de l’endommagementdes structures en béton est d’une importance capitale. En effet, lescontraintes économiques actuelles imposent une réduction des coûts de maintenancetandis que les impératifs en termes de sécurité et de qualité sont de plus en plus stricts.Dans le cadre de cette thèse, des transducteurs piézoélectriques intégrés sont utilisésafin de suivre en temps réel le comportement du béton. Ces transducteurs sont faitsde PZT, une céramique piézoélectrique particulièrement adaptée au suivi à l’aide d’ultrasonsde par ses faibles dimensions, son faible coût et la large bande de fréquenced’utilisation. Un système de monitoring ultrasonore à faible voltage et ultra rapide a étéentièrement conçu dans le cadre de cette thèse. Le système est basé sur des mesuresultrasonores bilatérales entre un émetteur et un récepteur. Le système d’acquisitiondes données développé permet d’atteindre jusqu’à 150 mesures par seconde et decalculer en temps réel un indice d’endommagement sur base des mesures effectuées.L’indice d’endommagement est basé sur la première partie de l’onde transmise (ondedirecte) plutôt que sur l’onde tardive. Le système a démontré qu’il est capable de détecterl’apparition de fissures dans le béton avant qu’elles ne soient visuellement apparenteset qu’il permet de suivre de suivre l’initiation de l’endommagement jusqu’à la rupturepour des mécanismes de fissuration très rapides, voire fragiles. Le fait d’intégrer lestransducteurs à l’intérieur de la structure permet potentiellement d’améliorer l’efficacitédes transducteurs ultrasonores à condition que les couches d’enrobage de l’élémentpiézoélectrique soient adéquatement choisis. Une partie importante du travail réaliséa été consacrée au développement d’une méthode innovante et fiable pour concevoirde nouveaux designs de transducteurs optimisés à la fois dans du béton frais ou durci.Nous avons choisi de tirer avantage du mode radial de vibration de disques piézoélectriquepeu coûteux au mode de vibration selon l’épaisseur. Ce dernier requiert en effetdes éléments plus épais ou des matériaux piézoélectriques composites plus coûteuxet dès lors peu appropriés à être intégré définitivement dans une structure en béton.Nous démontrons par ailleurs que les matériaux piézoélectriques composites à base dematériaux cimentaires qui sont abondamment étudiés semblent en réalité peu adaptés àêtre utilisés comme transducteurs ultrasonores, contrairement à des composites plusclassiques. Une attention particulière a été portée à comparer le fonctionnement destransducteurs externes et intégrés. Nous montrons par exemple que si les performancesdes transducteurs externes peuvent être améliorées sur base de la théorie d’adaptationde l’impédance acoustique, il en va tout autrement pour les transducteurs intégrés
Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur et technologie
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished