Low back pain (LBP) is regarded as a major health and economic problem in western industrialised countries even at this time in the twenty-first century. Researchers estimate that it has increased to affect about 45% of the population in 2011. This increase creates a major burden on the health care services, social structures and the economy in terms of absenteeism from work. CNSLBP is still poorly understood. Main reasons for the poor understanding of CNSLBP discussed in this study are the limited understanding of the effect of the spine as kinetic chain which includes the head and pelvic girdle and with its attachments to the scapulae . The process of development of ISMS dysfunction are discussed as a combination of abnormal spinal loading, soft and neural tissue plasticity that result in biomechanical malalignment, adaptive and maladaptive movement patterns, pain processing integrated with psychosocial factors that influence the biomechanical, pain processing and psychological responses are discussed as possible mechanisms in the development of CNSLBP. The researcher developed a multidimensional manual therapy model to manage patients with CNSLBP based on metacognitive reflection on her clinical reasoning over a period of 40 years as the research methodology. The metacognitive reflection has been performed within the interpretive paradigm The model that resulted from the metacognitive reflection is dialectic in nature because it entails the understanding of the patient‘s problem from an interpretive as well as from an empirico-analytical perspective. The model is conceptualised in three stages: Firstly the conceptualisation of the integrated spinal movement system (ISMS), to indicate that the spine, head, shoulder and pelvic girdles function as a closed kinematic chain. Secondly the process of the development of ISMS dysfunction as a major concept in the clinical picture of patients with CNSLBP is based on functional anatomy of the ISMS and the researcher‘s clinical observation in clinical practice. The researcher indicates how the development of ISMS dysfunction and characteristic adaptive behaviour are integrated components of the patient‘s complex heterogenic clinical picture. The underlying process for the development of ISMS dysfunction as a possible mechanism for CNSLBP is described as plasticity of soft and neural tissues (including the brain) which result in chronicity over time. Thirdly a multidimensional manual therapy model to manage patients with CNSLBP‘s heterogenic condition is discussed. The model indicates how the mechanisms underlying the development of ISMS dysfunction is addressed in a multidimensional approach to patient management. Finally the multidimensional manual therapy model is discussed in relation to other relevant intervention approaches. The model finally serves as a point of departure for planning and conducting appropriate research in basic and clinical sciences. The multidimensional manual therapy model for the management of patients with CNSLBP has been developed in clinical practice and is presented as a practicetheory in the form of a model. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2013 / Physiotherapy / Unrestricted

In rural areas of least developed countries, the preparation of meals remains the predominant energy consuming activity. Cooking is mostly performed with firewood – using the ancient “technology” of the 3-stone fire. This practice results in numerous challenges that hinder the transformation envisioned by the Millennium Development Goals and it therefore contributes towards slowing the development of rural areas. Activities focussing on amending this status-quo can be termed insufficient in scope- and sustainability. The main deficiencies of most projects are that the prime focus of the mainstream of these endeavours has been on demand side management, mainly performed by disseminating cookstoves, and that there has been little innovation in respect to raising stove adoption rates. As the strict efficiency focus obviously only captures one side of the problem – merely focussing on treating symptoms rather than providing an effective solution, this thesis stresses the need for a paradigm shift towards more holistic interventions. This work very much focuses on the topic of stove adoption. This is a complex topic - very much linked to attaining behavioural change. Deliberations concluded that the identification of enabling factors for adoption, which can be termed a prerequisite for developing sustainable methods for stove projects, requires a mix of instruments. To suffice the required data demand the initial literature review was complemented by a thorough assessment of the kitchen environment and the cooking behaviour of stove owners. The fieldwork concentrated on 210 beneficiaries of an efficient cookstove project. The applied methods included interviews, observations and pictorial documentation. As a remedy to the challenges and current shortcomings identified during field work and literature review, the author herein develops a novel and more holistic implementation strategy for stove projects – the so- called 3-Step approach. This is based on the simultaneous implementation of availing cookstoves, building capacity in respect to kitchen management, as well as performing small-scale household level tree planting. The research, which further encompassed the piloting of the 3-Step approach, led to the overall conclusion that the proposed increase in project scope holds a multitude of opportunities for improving the livelihoods of the rural target groups. The main impact of this innovative strategy lies in a decrease of average transaction costs as well as in a considerable increase in project sustainability. As will be extensively elaborated, the former is achieved by a more effective utilisation of the extensive infrastructure of trained artisans. The latter refers to the expected income increase on household level, as well as to improvements in environmental- and human health. In combination these enable rural communities to better adapt to climate change.

Master's thesis of Pliner A.A. "Cognitive Science: an integrated approach" is devoted to the study of cognitive science as a set of scientific research in various fields of philosophy, psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, united by a common research interest in the issue of knowledge. The emergence of interest in cognitive science could attributed to the middle of the XX century and related to the work of such thinkers as J. Miller, N. Chomsky, W. McCarthy and others. At the present stage of development, it is time to study the cognitive sciences as systems containing components operating in other systems and having different nature, and they connected with the original system in the complex functional dependence. The aim of investigation is the implementation of an integrated approach to the analysis of the phenomenon of cognitive sciences. The object of study - a cognitive science as a set. Subject of research – a specific complex relationship cognitive sciences and their implementation in a variety of applications. The work consists of four chapters. The first chapter is devoted to the history of the formation of the concept of cognitive science, the second chapter describes the basic methods of the cognitive sciences, the third chapter highlights the major features of complexing cognitive sciences, the fourth chapter builds complex cognitive science as an element of other polysystem. / Магистерская диссертация Плинер А.А. "Cognitive Science: комплексный подход" посвящена изучению когнитивных наук как комплекса научных исследований в различных областях философии, психологии, искусственного интеллекта, лингвистики, объединенных единым исследовательским интересом к вопросу познания. Возникновение интереса к когнитивным наукам можно отнести к середине XX в. и связать с работами таких мыслителей, как Дж. Миллер, Н. Хомский, У. Маккарти и других. На современном этапе развития пришло время изучения когнитивных наук как системы, содержащей элементы, функционирующие и в других системах, имеющих иную природу, и находящихся с первоначальной системой в сложной функциональной зависимости. Целью работы является осуществление комплексного подхода к анализу феномена когнитивных наук. Объект исследования – это когнитивные науки как комплекс. Предмет исследования – специфические комплексные взаимосвязи когнитивных наук и их реализация в различных сферах применения. Работа состоит из четырех глав. Первая глава посвящена истории формирования понятия когнитивных наук, вторая глава описывает основные методы когнитивных наук, третья глава выделяет основные комплексообразующие черты когнитивных наук, четвертая глава строит комплекс когнитивных наук как элемент других полисистем.

Bakgrund: Diabetes mellitus typ 2 (DMT2) är en folksjukdom som påverkas av ohälsosamma levnadsvanor. För att förhindra sjukdomsprogression och komplikationer krävs det av personer med DMT2 att utföra egenvårdsinsatser. Egenvårdsinsatser omfattar självmedicinering, regelbundna blodsockerkontroller, fysisk aktivitet och kostrestriktioner. Egenvårdsinsatserna hjälper till att reglera sjukdomen och reducera risken för kardiovaskulära sjukdomar samt tidig död. Personer med DMT2 upplevs av vårdpersonal som svårmotiverade till livsstilsförändringar vilket skapar frustration bland vårdpersonalen när inga framsteg identifieras vid hälsokontroller. Syftet: Syftet med denna litteraturstudie var att beskriva personers erfarenheter och upplevelser av egenvård vid diabetes typ 2. Metod: En deskriptiv litteraturstudie baserad på resultatet från tio kvalitativa studier och en mixad metod-studie. Studierna relevans- och kvalitetsgranskades utifrån mallar utarbetade av högskolan i Gävle. Resultatet framställdes med hjälp av en tematisk analysmetod. Huvudresultat: Resultatet redovisas under två huvudteman; inre faktorer och yttre faktorer. De uppmärksammade inre faktorerna av betydelse för implementering av egenvårdsinsatser  var olika attityder, inställningar kring fysisk aktivitet och kostrestriktioner, nivå av sjukdomsinsikt, ekonomisk situation, fysiska funktionsnedsättningar och multisjuklighet. De yttre faktorerna av betydelse för egenvårdsföljsamheten ansågs vara stödet från familjen, brist på valmöjligheter i samband med  sociala event, samt nivån av delaktighet i samband med vårdkontakt. Slutsats: Personer med DMT2 upplever svårigheter med egenvårdföljsamhet och livsstilsförändringar som är beroende av individuella faktorer. Sjuksköterskor behöver därför identifiera brister hos personer med DMT2 utifrån en helhetssyn med ett personcentrerat förhållningssätt, detta för att bättre anpassa omvårdnaden efter patientens behov. / Background: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is a common disease influenced by unhealthy lifestyle habits. In order to prevent the disease progression and complications it requires people with DMT2 to perform self-care measures. Self-care measures includes self-medication, continuous glucose self-monitoring, physical activity and dietary restrictions. Self-care interventions help in controlling the diabetes disease and also reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and an early death. People with DMT2 are perceived by healthcare professionals as difficult to motivate in making lifestyle changes, this in turn creates frustration among healthcare professionals when no progress is identified during health checkups. Aim: The aim of this literature study was to describe people's experiences of self-care in regard to type 2 diabetes. Method: A descriptive literature study based on the results of ten qualitative studies and one mixed method study. The studies were reviewed for relevance and quality through templates developed by the University of Gävle. The results were presented using a thematic analysis method. Main results: The results are presented under two main themes: internal factors and external factors. The noted internal factors of importance for the implementation of self-care interventions were; different attitudes towards physical activity and dietary restrictions, level of disease insight, financial situation, physical disabilities and multimorbidity. The external factors of importance for adherence to self-care interventions were considered to be; family support, lack of choices in regard to diet management during social events, and the level of involvement during contact with health care professionals. Conclusion: People with DMT2 experienced difficulties with self-care adherence and lifestyle modifications dependent on individual factors. Therefore, nurses need to identify deficiencies in people with DMT2 from a holistic and person-centered approach in order to better adapt nursing care to the patient's needs.

This study was undertaken to establish whether the legal phenomenon known as a contract exist in indigenous legal systems and in particular, among the Swazi. As the underlying aims and consequences of indigenous contracts differ not only between indigenous peoples but is also affected by the degree of westernisation that has taken place, a micro study has been done in semi-rural areas in the Kingdom of Swaziland to establish if the existing value systems are altered or replaced when western legal institutions are introduced. Data was obtained by way of interviewing a panel of experts and compared with available literature. Through the process of gathering information, the legal principles were described and the functioning of social processes noted. Different indigenous contracts and general principles were identified. It must, however, be noted that a contract is more than a device for establishing the economic and legal implications of a transaction. Most contractual disputes are resolved outside the courts through negotiated settlements to restore harmony in the community. Although the Swazi law of contract is showing clear signs of adapting to new developments, there is proof that established legal principles and Swazi values are being retained. This study will not only be useful as a source of information for both Swazi courts and administration, but could also serve as a basis for codification intended by the Swazi Government. For that purpose, a memorandum has been compiled for consideration by the Swazi authorities. The compatibility of Swazi law and custom with a Bill of Rights was also evaluated and suggestions were made for possible law reform in the Kingdom of Swaziland. / Jurisprudence / LL.D.

This study focuses on the therapeutic interventions by mental health practitioners when faced with rebellious youths. Rebelliousness refers to the act of defying lawful authority or a resistant way of relating to authority or convention. It is manifested in, amongst others, withdrawal, deviance, delinquency, antisocial behaviour, and suicide. To date there are no interventions for rebellious youths per sé. Rebellious youths are often treated with traditional strategies which are often ineffective and show little promise for eliminating rebellious behaviour. Research has revealed that teen problem behaviours stem from "life-problems" such as psychosocial stressors. Therefore treating the adolescent for substance abuse, for example, is treating him/her for the wrong reasons. It is no surprise that many adolescents who have undergone intervention programmes for specific behaviour problems relapse soon after they are released from the programmes. The study focuses on integrating different strategies in order to combat rebelliousness in adolescence and beyond. This holistic approach argues that all treatments share certain curative processes. Therefore each treatment works best when it is combined with other aspects of treatment. For this reason, individual, family and group therapy were combined together with school strategies. The results of this study indicate that combining procedures that are designed to improve problematic behaviour in teenagers are viable forms of treatment. / Educational Studies / D.Ed.(Psychology of Education)

La Filière Bilingue (FiBi), une école publique dont le concept repose sur l’enseignement par immersion réciproque, se trouve à la frontière linguistique, à Biel/Bienne. L’enseignement y est dispensé à parts égales en (suisse-) allemand et en français (Modèle 50/50) par des enseignant-e-s locutrices/locuteurs natives/natifs. Cette école, qui offre une alternative aux écoles avec une seule langue de scolarisation, promeut l’intégration des élèves francophones et germanophones, mais aussi d’enfants allophones ne partageant pas les deux langues de scolarisation. Elle favorise ainsi «le développement du bilinguisme et de la bi-littératie, en plus du niveau requis des savoirs disciplinaires et des compétences interculturelles de tous les élèves» (Christian 1994: 1). La présence d’élèves francophones, germanophones et allophones dans la même classe permet à ces apprenant-e-s, plurilingues en devenir, l’acquisition des deux langues de scolarisation en communiquant avec des locutrices/locuteurs natives/natifs et en valorisant leurs cultures respectives.Cette thèse se propose de documenter le développement des deux langues de scolarisation (français et (suisse-)allemand). La première partie de ce travail présente le cadre théorique. Après avoir donné la définition de quelques notions clés comme «langue», «bilinguisme vs. SLA», «plurilinguisme», «immersion (réciproque)» et «translanguaging», nous adopterons une perspective qui montre comment les plurilingues en devenir utilisent leur deux langues de scolarisation afin de communiquer de façon efficace. En faisant référence à une idéologie hétéroglossique, cette perspective plus holistique permettra d'analyser l'apprentissage des langues en tenant compte de l’interdépendance fonctionnelle des deux langues. Ceci constituera la base à travers laquelle nous analyserons les pratiques langagières des apprenant-e-s et les résultats d’interviews semi-dirigées et axées sur la performance conduites dans les deux langues de scolarisation (dix interviews au total).Dans la deuxième partie de notre travail, nous présenterons les données empiriques qui constituent notre corpus de référence et en proposerons une analyse. En ce qui concerne les données, notre choix s’est porté sur un corpus longitudinal qui a été récolté pendant quatre ans. Ce choix nous a paru le meilleur moyen pour décrire le processus dynamique de l’acquisition des deux langues (français et (suisse-) allemand). Quant à l’analyse des données, nous avons décidé de combiner deux approches complémentaires : l’analyse qualitative permettra de décrire de manière détaillée les stratégies du «translanguaging» (García, 2009) utilisées par les élèves, alors que l’analyse quantitative s’attachera à évaluer la capacité des apprenant-e-s «à utiliser la langue de façon communicative» (Bachman et Palmer, 2010) à différents moments de leur apprentissage.Dans la troisième et dernière partie, nous nous attacherons aux implications pédagogiques que ce type d’immersion suppose et que notre étude essaie de modéliser. En effet, il importe que les (futur-e-s) enseignant-e-s œuvrant dans ces écoles devraient bénéficient d’une formation adéquate se basant sur la professionnalisation de l’enseignement par immersion, autrement dit fondée sur la recherche et adaptée à la pratique. Le but sera de former des enseignant-e-s capables de soutenir le plus efficacement possible leurs élèves dans le processus de l’apprentissage intégré des savoirs discipinaires et linguistiques. Nous conclurons ce travail par une synthèse de l'étude et de ses principaux résultats et nous efforcerons de dégager des pistes intéressantes pour des projets de recherche ultérieurs. / The two-way immersion program Filière Bilingue (FiBi) is a choice-based educational alternative in a Swiss public school situated on the language border in Biel/Bienne. This two-way immersion program integrates French-speaking and German-speaking students and «strives to promote bilingualism and biliteracy in addition to grade-level academic achievement for all students» (Christian 1994: 1). The presence of approximately equal numbers of native speakers of both languages in the same class provides opportunities for students to communicate with native-speaker peers, creating linguistic and intercultural benefits for both groups. Moreover, each class is composed of one third of allophone students having neither French, nor (Swiss) German as an L1 (or L1s). The amount of instructional time is equal in the two languages of schooling at all grade levels (50/50 program model). The focus of this thesis is the emergent multilinguals’ development in their two languages of schooling (French and (Swiss) German). The first part is theory-driven and defines some basic notions such as «language», «bilingualism vs. SLA», «multilingualism», «(two-way) immersion» and «translanguaging», resulting in the proposition to approach the emergent multilinguals’ proficiency outcomes from the perspective of what speakers do with the two languages of schooling in order to communicate efficiently and effectively. Considering multiple language practices in functional interrelationship can be referred to as a heteroglossic language ideology. Adopting thus a more holistic view on multilingual development forms the basis for the analysis of the outcomes of semi-structured and performance-oriented interviews – conducted with the emergent multilinguals in their two languages of schooling at five points in time (ten interviews in total).In the second part, an empirical study with data from our corpus – collected over a period of four years - is presented. Two approaches are combined for the analysis of data: whereas the qualitative analysis shows some illustrative examples of the learners’ translanguaging strategies (García, 2009), the quantitative analysis focuses on the measurement of their ability «to use language communicatively» (Bachman and Palmer, 2010). In lieu of measuring a current level of achievement in the learners’ two languages of schooling, process measures provide a broader picture, including variations in performance from a longitudinal perspective and documenting the emergent multilinguals’ dynamic process of becoming proficient in their two languages of schooling. In part three, major findings and limitations of the study are presented, including pedagogical implications resulting from the outcomes of this study. We conclude that practicing and future teachers of immersion schools need an appropriate teacher education with focus on the professionalization of two-way immersion education. This research-based and practitioner-informed teacher training should aim to train teachers who are able to best support emergent multilinguals in their process to learn content by means of two languages of schooling.The conclusion presents a summary of our study and suggests further possible research projects. / Die Filière Bilingue (FiBi) ist eine öffentliche Schule. Deren Konzept basiert auf dem Prinzipder reziproken Immersion. Sie befindet sich an der Sprachgrenze in Biel/Bienne. Diese Schule – eineAlternative zu Schulen mit einer Schulsprache - fördert die Integration von deutschsprachigen undfranzösischsprachigen Lernenden und «fördert die Zweisprachigkeit sowie die Lese- undSchreibfähigkeit in beiden Zielsprachen und das Erreichen der Lernziele in allen Schulfächern vonallen Lernenden» (Christian 1994: 1). Ausserdem besteht ein Drittel jeder Klasse aus allophonenKindern, die weder Deutsch noch Französisch als Erstsprache(n) haben. Der Unterricht erfolgt je zurHälfte auf Französisch und Deutsch (50/50-Modell). Da die Klassen je hälftig aus deutsch- undfranzösischsprachigen Kindern zusammengesetzt werden, ermöglicht dies den Lernenden mitMuttersprachlern der «anderen» Schulsprache zu kommunizieren und interkulturelle Kompetenzen zuerwerben.Diese Arbeit dokumentiert die Entwicklung der Lernenden in ihren zwei Schulsprachen. Dererste Teil dieser Arbeit liefert einen theoretischen Rahmen und klärt Begriffe wie «Sprache»,«Zweisprachigkeit vs. SLA», «Mehrsprachigkeit», «(reziproke) Immersion» und «translanguaging»,gefolgt vom Vorschlag, eine Perspektive einzunehmen, die zeigt, wie die Lernenden dieSchulsprachen brauchen, um effizient zu kommunizieren. Die Betrachtung der multiplenSprachpraktiken in ihrer funktionellen wechselseitigen Abhängigkeit verweist auf eine HeteroglossieIdeologie.52 Eine solche ganzheitliche Betrachtung der mehrsprachigen Entwicklung der Lernendenbildet die theoretische Grundlage für die Auswertung der gesammelten Daten aus den halbstrukturiertenund auf Performanz ausgerichteten Leitfaden-Interviews (zehn Interviews insgesamt invier Jahren).Der zweite Teil dieser Arbeit präsentiert eine empirische Langzeitstudie. Zwei Ansätzewurden bei der Analyse der gesammelten Daten kombiniert: während die qualitative AnalyseStrategien wie «translanguaging» (García, 2009a) von Lernenden zeigt, fokussiert die quantitativeAnalyse auf die Messung der Fähigkeit «Sprache auf kommunikative Weise zu verwenden» (Bachmanund Palmer, 2010). Anstatt das aktuelle Sprachniveau der Lernenden in den beiden Schulsprachen zumessen, wird ein breiteres Bild gezeigt, das Variationen in der Performanz der Lernenden einschliesstund den dynamischen Spracherwerbsprozess aufzeigt. So wird der effiziente und kreative Gebrauchder Sprache sowie mehrsprachige Diskurs-Praktiken wie «translanguaging» gezeigt. Diese multiplenSprachpraktiken zeigen das dynamische und interaktive Kommunikationssystem der mehrsprachigenLernenden und deren Spracherwerbsprozess in.Im dritten Teil werden die pädagogischen Schlussfolgerungen präsentiert. Eine angemesseneLehrerausbildung für diese Lehrpersonen fokussierend auf der Professionalisierung des Immersions-Unterrichts wäre wünschenswert, in welcher ein für die Praktiker/innen nützlicher Wissenstransfervon Forschungsresultaten stattfindet. So könnten die Lernenden bestmöglich beim Prozess, sichSchulstoff durch zwei Schulsprachen anzueignen, unterstützt werden. Der Schlussteil dieser Arbeitfasst die Studie und deren Ergebnisse zusammen und zeigt weitere Forschungsperspektiven auf.

We are coming to realize that there is an urgent need to reduce energy usage in buildings and it has to be done in a sustainable way. This thesis focuses on the performance of the building envelope; more precisely thermal performance of walls and super insulation material in the form of vacuum insulation. However, the building envelope is just one part of the whole building system, and super insulators have one major flaw: they are easily adversely affected by other problems in the built environment.  Vacuum Insulation Panels are one fresh addition to the arsenal of insulation materials available to the building industry. They are composite material with a core and an enclosure which, as a composite, can reach thermal conductivities as low as 0.004 W/(mK). However, the exceptional performance relies on the barrier material preventing gas permeation, maintaining a near vacuum into the core and a minimized thermal bridge effect from the wrapping of barrier material round the edge of a panel. A serpentine edge is proposed to decrease the heat loss at the edge. Modeling and testing shows a reduction of 60% if a reasonable serpentine edge is used. A diffusion model of permeation through multilayered barrier films with metallization coatings was developed to predict ultimate service life. The model combines numerical calculations with analytical field theory allowing for more precise determination than current models. The results using the proposed model indicate that it is possible to manufacture panels with lifetimes exceeding 50 years with existing manufacturing. Switching from the component scale to the building scale; an approach of integrated testing and modeling is proposed. Four wall types have been tested in a large range of environments with the aim to assess the hygrothermal nature and significance of thermal bridges and air leakages. The test procedure was also examined as a means for a more representative performance indicator than R-value (in USA). The procedure incorporates specific steps exposing the wall to different climate conditions, ranging from cold and dry to hot and humid, with and without a pressure gradient. This study showed that air infiltration alone might decrease the thermal resistance of a residential wall by 15%, more for industrial walls. Results from the research underpin a discussion concerning the importance of a holistic approach to building design if we are to meet the challenge of energy savings and sustainability. Thermal insulation efficiency is a main concept used throughout, and since it measures utilization it is a partial measure of sustainability. It is therefore proposed as a necessary design parameter in addition to a performance indicator when designing building envelopes. The thermal insulation efficiency ranges from below 50% for a wood stud wall poorly designed with incorporated VIP, while an optimized design with VIP placed in an uninterrupted external layer shows an efficiency of 99%, almost perfect. Thermal insulation efficiency reflects the measured wall performance full scale test, thus indicating efficiency under varied environmental loads: heat, moisture and pressure. The building design must be as a system, integrating all the subsystems together to function in concert. New design methodologies must be created along with new, more reliable and comprehensive measuring, testing and integrating procedures. New super insulators are capable of reducing energy usage below zero energy in buildings. It would be a shame to waste them by not taking care of the rest of the system. This thesis details the steps that went into this study and shows how this can be done. / QC 20120228

Nilsson, S. 2007: Skogsgeografi II. Om odlingslämningar i skogsbygd (Forest Geography II. On Remains of Agriculture in Forest Settlement Districts) In this thesis issues on remains of agriculture in the county of Värmland, Sweden are discussed. The aim is to use a holistic approach when examining such remains, which goes beyond their mere morphology. Instead focus is put on their inner and outer geographies: the internal relations between different elements of a single remain, and the external relations between the remain and its local context. Also, it is argued that it’s necessary to approach this kind of remains with an open perspective regarding time. The diorama principle as expressed by Torsten Hägerstrand is used. It focuses more on closeness than on similarity. Four separate studies are enclosed to the thesis as appendix’s I–IV. The thesis ends with an outlook to a concept of relational landscape, derived from this work, with outlines future studies. In Appendix I registered remains of agriculture are examined. In Appendix’s II and III the role of agricultural remains for settlement geography studies are analysed. The role of agricultural remains as bearers of meaning in both history and present, and views and values of antiquarians and researchers as well as the public, is examined in Appendix IV. Hopefully a holistic view will illuminate agricultural remains as research source material and bearers of meaning, including both expert and lay knowledge, history as well as present time and the future. This is desired in order to handle such remains in a fair manner. Stefan Nilsson, Department of Geography and Tourism, Karlstad Uni-versity, SE 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden.

The aim of this study was to examine how two integrating social enterprises relate to and combines social, ecological and economic sustainability and how they work with sustainable development in the field of social work. The study has been focusing on three questions: What are the values underpinning “Macken” and “Vägen uts” approach to sustainable development? What motivates these companies to work with ecological sustainability in the creation of new jobs? How do these companies combine social, ecological and economic sustainability? To answer our questions we have been interviewing nine employees through semi-structured interviews combined with observations and this study was analysed through a symbolic perspective. The conclusion of this study showed that these companies worked with specific themes to reach social sustainability. Recurring themes in the study was empowerment, recovery and the employee’s own experience of exclusion. To achieve ecological sustainability the companies worked with recycling furniture and fabric as a way of creating new jobs. They also had ecological cafés and ecological cultivations. Furthermore the economical sustainability was displayed throw the reinvestment of the profit to hire more people to the companies.