Brister i äldreomsorgen och vanvård av omsorgstagare är idag ett hett ämne som dagligen diskuteras i samhället. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka och analysera hur arbetsledning och omsorgsgivare upplever användandet av de verktyg och riktlinjer äldreomsorgsorganisationen har att följa inom äldreomsorgsorganisationen, för att möjliggöra omsorgskvalitet för omsorgstagare. Studien har genomförts med en metodtriangulering med både kvantitativ och kvalitativ ansats i en medelstor kommun i Sverige. Vi har i kombination med organisationsteori med inriktning på social struktur valt att utgå från det salutogena perspektivet och helhetssynen om människans omsorgsbehov. Resultatet visar på flertalet brister och förbättringsområden. Från omsorgsgivarnas sida visar resultatet att de inte får gehör från ledningen gällande kvalitetsförbättringar samt saknar visst stöd från ledningen för äldreomsorgsarbetet. Omsorgsgivarna visar positiva resultat i kännedomen om äldreomsorgsorganisationens mål samt om sin egen uppdragsbeskrivning. Från ledningens sida framkommer att organisationen är under ett fortlöpande förbättringsarbete och att det finns en medvetenhet gällande organisationens brister. De brister som tydligast framträder är frånvaron av det salutogena förhållningssättet samt bristande tillgång till utbildade omsorgsgivare. Slutsatsen är att inom organisationer som handskas med människor krävs att det hela tiden finns en strävan efter ökat samarbete inom organisationsnivåerna och en medvetenhet inom kommunikationen för att säkerställa en god kvalitet, med omsorgstagaren i fokus. / Deficiencies in elderly and neglect of care are currently a hot topic that is discussed daily in society. The purpose of this study is to examine and analyze how management and caregivers experience the use of the tools and guidelines that elderly care organization has to follow to enable quality care to care recipients. The study was conducted with a triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative approach in a medium-sized municipality in Sweden. We have chosen to combined organizational theory with focus on social structure with the use of the salutogenic perspective and comprehensive view of the human care needs. The results show the majority of gaps and areas for improvement. From caregivers point of view the result shows that they do not get response from management regarding quality improvement and less support from management for the elderly work. Caregivers show positive results in awareness of elder care organization's objectives and on their own mission statement. From the management side, it appears that the organization is under continuous improvement and that there is an awareness of the organization shortcomings. The shortcoming that clearly emerges is the absence of the salutogenic approach and lack of access to educated caregivers. The conclusion is that in organizations that deal with people requires that there is always a desire for increased cooperation within the organization levels and an awareness of communication to ensure a good quality, with the care taker in focus.

The regularization of linear ill-posed problems is based on their conditional well-posedness when restricting the problem to certain classes of solutions. Given such class one may consider several related real-valued functions, which measure the wellposedness of the problem on such class. Among those functions the modulus of continuity is best studied. For solution classes which enjoy the additional feature of being star-shaped at zero, the authors develop a series of results with focus on continuity properties of the modulus of continuity. In particular it is highlighted that the problem is conditionally well-posed if and only if the modulus of continuity is right-continuous at zero. Those results are then applied to smoothness classes in Hilbert space. This study concludes with a new perspective on a concavity problem for the modulus of continuity, recently addressed by two of the authors in "Some note on the modulus of continuity for ill-posed problems in Hilbert space", 2011.

The connectivity and structural integrity of the white matter of the brain is known to be implicated in a wide range of brain-related diseases and injuries. However, it is only since the advent of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) that researchers have been able to probe the miscrostructure of white matter in vivo. Presently, among a range of methods of dMRI, high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) is known to excel in its ability to provide reliable information about the local orientations of neural fasciculi (aka fibre tracts). It preserves the high angular resolution property of diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) but requires less measurements. Meanwhile, as opposed to the more traditional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), HARDI is capable of distinguishing the orientations of multiple fibres passing through a given spatial voxel. Unfortunately, the ability of HARDI to discriminate neural fibres that cross each other at acute angles is always limited. The limitation becomes the motivation to develop numerous post-processing tools, aiming at the improvement of the angular resolution of HARDI. Among such methods, spherical deconvolution (SD) is the one which attracts the most attentions. Due to its ill-posed nature, however, standard SD relies on a number of a priori assumptions needed to render its results unique and stable. In the present thesis, we introduce a novel approach to the problem of non-blind SD of HARDI signals, which does not only consider the existence of anisotropic diffusion component of HARDI signal but also explicitly take the isotropic diffusion component into account. As a result of that, in addition to reconstruction of fODFs, our algorithm can also yield a useful estimation of its related IDM, which quantifies a relative contribution of the isotropic diffusion component as well as its spatial pattern. Moreover, one of the principal contributions is to demonstrate the effectiveness of exploiting different prior models for regularization of the spatial-domain behaviours of the reconstructed fODFs and IDMs. Specifically, the fibre continuity model has been used to force the local maxima of the fODFs to vary consistently throughout the brain, whereas the bounded variation model has helped us to achieve piecewise smooth reconstruction of the IDMs. The proposed algorithm is formulated as a convex minimization problem, which admits a unique and stable minimizer. Moreover, using ADMM, we have been able to find the optimal solution via a sequence of simpler optimization problems, which are both computationally efficient and amenable to parallel computations. In a series of both in silico and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate how the proposed solution can be used to successfully overcome the effect of partial voluming, while preserving the spatial coherency of cerebral diffusion at moderate to severe noise levels. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of several available alternatives, with the comparative results clearly supporting the viability and usefulness of our approach. Moreover, the results illustrate the power of applied spatial regularization terms.

Introduction/ Objectives: Stroke, the third leading cause of death in Canada, is projected to rise in the next 20 years as the population ages and obesity rates increase. Family caregivers fulfill pertinent roles in providing support for family members who have survived a stroke, from onset to re-integration into the community. However, the transition from rehabilitation to home is a crucial transition for both the stroke survivor and family caregiver. As the stroke survivor transitions home from a rehabilitation facility, family caregivers provide different types of support, including assistance with navigating the stroke rehabilitation system. They also are a constant source of support for the stroke survivor providing them with continuity during the transition. In this exploratory study we examined family caregivers’ perceptions and experiences navigating the stroke rehabilitation system. The theories of continuity care and complex adaptive systems were used to examine the transition home from hospital or stroke rehabilitation facility, and in some cases back to hospital. Methodology: Family caregivers (n=14) who provide care for a stroke survivor were recruited 4-12 weeks following the patient’s discharge from a stroke rehabilitation facility. Interviews were conducted with family caregivers to examine their perceptions and experiences navigating the stroke rehabilitation system. Directed content analysis was used to explore the perceptions of family caregivers as they reflected on the transitions home. The theories of continuity of care and complex adaptive systems were used to interpret their experiences. Results/Conclusions: During the transition home from a rehabilitation facility, family caregivers are a constant source of support, providing the stroke survivor with continuity. Emergent themes highlight the importance of the caregiving role, and barriers and facilitators that impact the role, and influence continuity of care. Also, supports and services in the community were limited or did not meet the specific needs of the family caregiver. The acknowledgment of the unique attributes of each case will ensure supports and services are tailored to the family caregiver’s needs. Mitigation of systemic barriers would also decrease complexity experienced at the micro-level in the stroke rehabilitation system, and better support the family caregiver during the transition home from a stroke rehabilitation facility.

The literature on identity and acculturation has discussed many aspects of the ethnic minorities‟ experience that have important implications for the mental health status of these individuals. The goal of the present study was to integrate these findings to create an encompassing picture of how these processes may interact with one another in first-generation Asian immigrants and Asian international students in Canada. Results indicated that one‟s identification to the mainstream and heritage cultures were dependent on one‟s stage in ethnic identity development. Second, it was found that ethnic identity exploration and ethnic identity achievement were differentially associated with reported levels of race-related stress. Third, bicultural conflict and vertical collectivism were negatively associated with psychological outcomes, whereas ethnic identity achievement was positively associated with well-being. Finally, strategies of self-continuity were not associated with the individualism-collectivism measures assessed in the study / Graduate

In tunnel excavation, the use of rockbolts has long been a popular means of reinforcement in rock masses to prevent the rock opening from caving in. The idea has evolved from the earliest form of rockbolt made of wood to the more up-to-date form of pre-tensioned or grouted steel rockbolts. A major breakthrough in the design of rockbolt models was made by Aydan (1989). This rockbolt element was modelled in coupled form, with one sub-element representing the steel bolt, and the other sub-element the grout. This representation was necessary to model the complex action in the continuous rock mass near the joint. In elasticity problems, the large displacement formulation of a beam element is derived from the fundamental theory, and the bending phenomenon of a thin rod is analysed by the finite element discretizations of the bar elements and the beam elements. Experiments show that the deformation characteristics of the latter representation resemble a more realistic life behaviour. Based on this finding, this thesis proposes a modification to Aydan's two-dimensional rockbolt element, with the beam elements discretising the steel bolt. The different mechanical responses of a perfectly elastic rockbolt are considered, and the large displacement formulation of the new rockbolt element is derived by combining those of Aydan's rockbolt element and the beam element. The mechanics of the Aydan element and the new rockbolt element are described, and their performances are compared in an identical situation. It is found that in the two two-dimensional examples used in this thesis, the modified element ensures the continuity of curvature of the rockbolt, and in general, can act as support across a discontinuity or joint between rock masses well. In conjunction with the displacement method in the finite element procedures, a conventional iteration solution procedure is first described to solve the nonlinear incremental stiffness equation. However, it is found that this procedure is cumbersome, and requires a large amount of comptutations. Some limited storage quasi-Newton minimization algorithms are considered as an alternative.

The purpose of this study was to identify any changes in attainment, self-esteem, self-motivation and attitudes to physical education between the end of year 6 and the beginning of year 8 (during the transfer from primary to secondary school), and to establish the extent of any differences between gender, age of transfer and school attended. Consideration was also given to the ways in which continuity and promotion was promoted between schools involved in the study. Data was collected on four occasions over a 20-month period. Data pertaining to attainment was collected using observation techniques and teacher assessment, whilst self-esteem and self-motivation was collected using questionnaires. Attitudinal data, information relating to physical education, and continuity and progression data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Results showed significant increases in attainment, self-esteem and self-motivation between the end of year 6 and the beginning of year 8. Significant differences were evident in relation to gender, age of transfer and secondary school attended. Significant positive relationships were found between attainment and self-esteem, attainment and self-motivation, and self-esteem and self-motivation, allowing a tentative relationship model to be proposed. Changes in attitudes towards physical education were also found. Whilst teachers acknowledged the importance of continuity and progression, links between schools focused on social / pastoral rather than curricular issues. Time, staffing issues and finance were identified as the main constraints to the establishment of links. What emerges is a complicated picture of inter-related factors, with no universal solution. Each teacher must consider this broad range of factors within the context they teach. In order to do this there is perhaps a need to raise awareness amongst teachers of the impact of the transfer between primary and secondary phases of education on pupils across curriculum subjects, and that this should be explicitly considered and planned for.

Mano tapybos objektu tapo trys moteriškosios linijos kartos penkios herojės: aš, mama, dvi tetos, močiutė. Savęs kaip moters suvokimas, moteriškumo ieškojimas, savo tapatumo pagrindo kūrimas sąmonėje nulėmė būtent moterų giminės linijos pasirinkimą. Čia siekiama suteikti moteriškumui naują pavidalą, paremtą moterų patirtimi ir padėsiantį joms įprasminti save ir savo troškimus. Išnyrančius veidų fragmentus dengia tapetai, kurie simbolizuoja laiko tėkmę. Jų atsikartojimas darbuose primena apie uždarą laiko ciklą. Tapetų motyvai slepia tam tikrą moters gyvenimo etapą. Nors gyvena dabartyje, tačiau pro tapetus išnyrantys veidai byloja daug asmeniškų dalykų: kraujo giminės, stiprų šeimos ryšį. Kūrybinių darbų kolekcijos tapybinės savybės, motyvų traktavimas aiškiai mane atskiria nuo ekspresyvios tapysenos. Vaizduose dominuoja tapybinė precizija, šviesos – šešėlio žaismas, plokštumos – apimties derinys. Paveiksluose nėra „tapybinės ekstazės“ iškrovos: visos kūrinio dalys, jų kompozicinė dermė iš anksto apgalvota. Portretai komponuojami taip, kad būtų arti pritraukiamas žiūrovas. Tapydama juos su fizinėmis, apšvietimo, faktūrų savybėmis, priartinu prie realistinio vaizdavimo. / My object of painting became five heroes of three female generations: me, my mother, my two aunts, my grandmother. Perception of oneself as a woman, search of femininity, laying the foundation of one’s identity in one’s consciousness have determined the choice of female continuity. In paintings accents are put in such a way, so it would be obvious, that one woman transforms another’s heritage. Here it is wanted to give femininity a new form, based on women’s experiences and helping them give a sense to themselves and their dreams. Surfacing face fragments are covered with wallpapers that symbolise the flow of time. Their repetition in paintings reminds of closed cycle of time. Wallpaper motives hide a certain line of woman’s life. Even though it lives in present, faces surfacing through the wallpapers tell a lot of intimate things: strong family, blood relation. Creative properties of painting collection, approach of motives clearly separates me from expressive painting. Images dominate with painting precision, lights – play of a shadow, planes – size combination. There is no discharge of “painting ecstasy” in the paintings: all parts of creation, their positional harmonisation is considered in advance. Portraits are composed in such a way, that the spectator is closely attracted. Painting them with physical, lighting, facture properties I zoom in on the realistic depiction.

This thesis analyzes the evolution of minority protection in general and Greece&rsquo / s minority policies in Western Thrace especially since the beginning of 1990s. The examination of the definition and the scope of the term minority is followed by the analysis of the evolution of minority rights since Westphalia Agreement to Framework Convention for Protection of National Minorities to facilitate the analysis of the evolution of Greek minority policies. The thesis includes the history of Greek minority policy since its establishment to compare and contrast the continuities and changes of the Greek minority policies before and after 1990s. This thesis also seeks to find the causes of continuities and changes of the Greek minority policy along with detailed analysis of the policies and practices after 1990s, and argues that the Greek minority policy in Western Thrace basically presents continuity with its exclusivist and ethnocentric tendencies in spite of minor modifications due to the circumstantial factors.

This thesis analyzes the Greek minority policy of Western Thrace by dwelling on the history of the Muslim Turkish minority of Western Thrace from the beginning of 1920s until today. Until the early 1990s, changes in the Greek policy of Western Thrace had not been observed. However, the year 1991 marks a turning point both in the attitude of Greece towards the Muslim Turkish minority and in the history of the Western Thracian minority. As a result of the change in the Greek minority policy of Western Thrace there has been developments in the living conditions of the Minority. It is the aim of this thesis to explore to what extent there has been occurring changes and to what extent problems continue to affect the members of the Minority. Moreover, this thesis aims to analyze the actors that played a quite significant role in the Western Thracian policy change of the Greek state. After evaluating the situation in Western Thrace in the pre-1990 and post-1990 period this thesis argues that while on the one hand it is the economic and social domains that changes have been observed, on the other hand continuities in the Greek policy of the Muslim Turkish minority regarding the political and educational issues keep on affecting the members of this Minority. The aim of this thesis is to show that as a result of such a &lsquo / partial change&rsquo / today&rsquo / s situation in Western Thrace is better than that of pre-1990s but some significant problems of the Minority still remain unresolved due to the unaltered stance of the Greek state towards some issues of the Western Thracian Minority.