Metal-Organic Materials (MOMs) represent an important division of coordination chemistry. They are self-assembled through the linking of metals with organic ligands. They gained their spotlight among scientists for their aptitude for design and facile synthesis via their multi-component coordination, and their readiness to functionalization. MOMs have been targeted for specific industrial and environmental applications such as gas storage, catalysis and CO2 sequestration. Throughout the past decade, studies have been conducted to develop systematic approaches toward the design and synthesis of functional MOMs. Their synthesis from targeted building units has facilitated their rational design and functionalization. The Molecular Building Block (MBB) approach was first developed to direct the design of MOMs from preset building blocks with specific connectivity amenable to form the overall MOM structure with the desired topology. These building blocks are easily constructed in situ through the chelation of multifunctional ligands (i.e, carboxylic acid, amine, etc) to single ion or cluster metals such as dinuclear copper paddlewheel, and basic zinc acetate. As complexity and applications for MOMs increased, a new approach was developed through the utilization of Supermolecular Building Blocks (SBBs) for the assembly of more complex and higher connected MOM structures. The SBB approach is implemented through the formation of highly coordinated metal-organic polyhedra (i.e, small rhombihexahedron, cuboctahedron, etc) which are further linked by organic ligands to construct functional porous materials with the desired net topology. In this work, we focus on the implementation of a new design approach based on utilizing targeted [M(R-BDC)]n 2D layers as building blocks, i.e Supermolecular Building Layers (SBLs). We target well-known 2D layers that are amenable to pillaring through organic building blocks with specific geometries (i.e quadrangular, hexangular) in order to rationally design and synthesize functional porous metal-organic materials. These SBLs are derived from multifunctional ligands capable of both directing the formation of the 2D layers and pillaring to construct the overall targeted 3D structures with the desired topology (i.e, tbo-MOMs, eed-MOMs, mmm-MOMs, bor-MOMs, and eef-MOMs). Ultimately, we construct isostructural, and isoreticular materials which show potential for many applications such as gas storage, gas separation, and catalysis. These materials have been targeted through the rational choice of specific ligands and proper metals which we recognized to have the capability and the functionality to direct the construction of the desired functional materials and to reach our research goals.

Research in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has risen greatly in recent decades Owing to their unequaled potential tunability and structural diversity. MOFs may be described as crystalline structures composed of metal cations or clusters of cations, commonly referred to as secondary building units (SBUs), and custom-designed organic ligands. The variety of structural motifs, ligands, and SBUs that may be incorporated promote the attainment of essentially countless potential MOFs and application in numerous areas of interest, such as gas adsorption, catalysis, gas separation, and sensing. Further functionalization of MOF materials by means of post-synthetic modification(PSM)33–37 of metal clusters or organic ligands, constructing frameworks using functional ligands or metal clusters, and incorporating advantageous molecules including organometallic molecules,38–41 enzymes,42–45 metal nanoparticles (NPs),8,46–48 heteropolyacids49–51 within the pores advance the diverse number of species, including organic ligands, inorganic metal ions/clusters, and guests, used to construct MOFs materials lead to MOFs materials possessing phenomenal properties. Implementation of these materials in sensing arises from the frameworks’ characteristic ability to increase the concentration of a desired analyte to a greater degree than its overall presence within the system; imparting an inherent sensitivity to the aforementioned analyte. MOFs materials also possess the potential for selectivity for specific analytes or classes of analytes through mechanisms such as size exclusion (molecular sieving), chemically specific interactions between the adsorbate and framework, and the directed design of pore and aperture size through the selection of appropriate organic linkers or struts. Flexible azamacrocycle-based ligands are constructed through the use of pliable carboxylate pendant arms and azamacrocycles, e.g cyclen and tacn, and used in the pursuit of novel metal macrocycle frameworks (MMCF). Polyazamacrocycles represent a popular class of macrocyclic ligands for supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering. This popularity may be due to their complexes’ high thermodynamic stability, relative kinetic inertness, basicity, transition metal-ion coordinating ability and rigid structure. Furthermore, their utilization promotes intriguing network topologies as coordination in complexes containing tetradentate azamacrocycles generally produces only two isomers differing via the coordination ligand’s conformation. The highly reported equatorial N4¬ ¬coordination of the macrocycle allows for interaction at the two vacant trans-axial positons, whilst the folded conformations permits interaction at two vacant cis positions. Azamacrocycle complexes differ from those of other classes of macrocycles due to the fact the macrocyclic cavity is commonly occupied by metal cations. Materials containing azamacrocycles have found use in applications such as bleaching and oxidative catalysis and molecular recognition. Cyclen units have reportedly been incorporated to construct pH-dependent selective receptors for copper (II), zinc(II), yttrium(III), and lanthanum(III) ions. Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterizations of a new lanthanide framework, La(C40H40N4O8)(NH2(CH2)2)NO3 or MMCF-3, which retains a vacancy in the macrocycle unit encourages the utilization of the framework as a cation receptor and precursor for heterometallic frameworks. The inclusion of azamacrocycles into MOF materials combine the characteristic high thermodynamic stability, basicity, and strong metal complexation of the macrocycles with the high porosity, surface area, and tunability of the frameworks. Full realization of the potential of Azamacrocyclic-based MOFs requires the preparation of new entrants to this class of materials that espouse various topological structures while incorporating diverse azamacrocycles. It has been shown that the hierarchical porosity associated with macrocyclic based frameworks can be obtained using this class of ligands.71,99 The development of more frameworks exhibiting this characteristic is needed to fully investigate the potential applications of MOFs retaining the vacant cavities of the azamacrocycles. Effectuation of hierarchical porosity of azamacrocyclic frameworks will broaden sensing applications, e.g. azamacrocycles have performed as receptors of anions, cations, amino acids and other analyte molecules, and provide an ideal slot to integrate open metal site into MOFs.

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Abstract not available

The Family Safety Team (FST) is a collaborative intervention developed to address family violence in New Zealand. Interagency collaborations are effective at addressing the social supports for battery, improving the systems and responses of agencies that address battery, and improving cohesion and consistency across agencies. The FST has a particular focus on justice system agencies. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the Hamilton FST. The research was conducted using in-depth interviews with FST members and others directly involved with the project, archival research using police family violence files, observation of FST meetings, and a focus group with battered women. The evaluation was constructed around four aims: to identify any barriers to establishing the FST, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Hamilton FST, to determine the adequacy of the FST structure, and to assess the extent to which the FST has improved the ability of agencies to enhance the safety and autonomy of battered women and hold offenders accountable. An overall finding of this evaluation was that people are feeling very positive about the Hamilton FST. The evaluation found that the FST has increased contact and communication between community and government agencies, and there was improvement in each agency's awareness of the policies, processes and protocols of other agencies in the FST. The evaluation found some limitations in the amount of monitoring and measurable outcomes from the FST, but this was understandable considering the infancy of the project and the time taken for members to understand their roles and the function of the FST. However, there were some positive developments in police responsiveness: an improved police attitude towards family violence cases, and an increase in cases coded as family violence. An important finding of this evaluation was that the Hamilton FST is functioning as a genuine collaboration. This seemed to be due to: mutual respect and an equal distribution of power among FST members, trusted working relationships, recognising each member for their area of expertise, and the role of the coordinator. There are, however, some limitations of the FST model that FST members need to acknowledge.

This study compared the motor performance of children identified with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) with those of a matched group categorised as typically developing (TD). Based on the existing literature, vertical jumping was the task selected as it is a fundamental movement skill (Gallahue & Ozmun, 2002), and a single optimal coordination pattern has been shown to exist (e.g., Bobbert & van Ingen Schenau, 1998).Within the conceptual framework developed for this enquiry, jump height, the performance outcome, was the highest level variable. Level 2 variables described the centre of mass displacement at key instants during the jumping movement. Level 3 variables identified measures of velocity, force and power, which underpin the movement, and level 4 variables described the countermovement specific to this task. This provided a more thorough analysis than previously reported in DCD literature for jumping. The objective of this study was to identify possible mechanisms of DCD in order to advance the understanding of this impairment. A cross-sectional sample (n = 165) of males and females aged between 5 and 12 years was drawn from a school in Victoria, Australia. Using the Movement–Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC), 62 children from the sample were identified as having DCD with total impairment scores below the 15th percentile for their age-band (Henderson & Sugden, 1992). From the remaining children assessed, who all scored above the 15th percentile, 62 were matched with the DCD group to form the TD group (n= 62). Participants performed three maximal vertical jumps, standing on a single forceplate. Each child’s best vertical jump was analysed using forceplate (700 Hz) and 2D sagittal kinematic data from a single camera video (50 Hz) capture. The results confirmed previous findings that DCD children jump lower than their TD peers, although there was a considerable overlap in motor ability between the groups. Peak VCOM occurred earlier in the jumping movement in the DCD group, when compared to the TD group. This meant a longer elapsed time from the instant of peak VCOM to take-off, which was attributed to coordination error. The earlier occurrence of peak VCOM in the DCD group could be explained by the lower shank angular velocity at take-off. In addition, the DCD group produced lower jump impulse and peak power. Further probing of the jump height data revealed an interesting relationship between age band and jump height that was gender specific. It was noted that for the DCD males, less than 1% of the variance found in jump height could be accounted for by age-band. In contrast, the explained variance for jump height by age-band was 24% for the TD males. The females showed similar relationships for jump height and age-band in both groups. It was thought that this may reflect physical activity avoidance caused by greater social pressures on boys to be good at sports (e.g., Parker & Larkin, 2003).In addition, a further analysis of the DCD group data was undertaken to compare those who had difficulties in dynamic balance and those who did not. In this analysis, body mass was found to have a significant effect on leg stiffness (Kleg), and when accounted for as a covariate, greater Kleg in the DCD group with dynamic balance difficulties was found. A possible explanation is that for the DCD group with dynamic balance difficulties, the transition from joint flexion to extension during the countermovement was problematic, and resulted in excessive muscle co-activation. This study provides some possible directions for further investigations into coordination issues for DCD children. The time elapsed from peak VCOM to take-off and the shank angular velocities at take-off were identified as key indicators of a poorly coordinated jump. High levels of Kleg reflected difficulties in the transition from joint flexion to extension during the countermovement in those DCD children with dynamic balance problems. Based on these key variables and others that differentiated between groups a more parsimonious conceptual framework is presented. For future enquiry, a more holistic approach for the study of children with such impairments is recommended. This includes exploring the environment these children are exposed to in order to gain a more thorough understanding of practice and learning effects. Understanding of differences in motor ability requires an expanded framework to include information on genetic and socio-cultural factors, and their impact upon important psychology, physical fitness, nutrition, body composition and physical activity parameters.

Despite the many interventions and trials aimed at improving coordination of health care, there is currently no accepted measurement of coordination. My professional interests and an opportunity provided by the Care Plus (Coordinated Care) Trial in the ACT led me to consider client perceptions as a potentially appropriate measure. My research question is “can coordination of health care be usefully measured through client perceptions?” ¶ I addressed this question by developing and testing an instrument to measure perceptions of coordination called the Client Perceptions of Coordination Questionnaire (CPCQ). In the thesis I describe the processes of developing the instrument, testing it through use in several studies and considering how useful such an instrument may be for health services research. In addition to the Coordinated Care Trial, I conducted two validation studies - in a chronic pain population and a general practice sample. ¶ In Part 1 of the results I demonstrate good face, content and discriminant validity, and reliability of the instrument. Psychometric analysis of the CPCQ did not support scaling, and identified areas were the instrument could be improved. Nevertheless the underlying construct of client perception of coordination as a measure is entirely new, and it is therefore worthwhile to explore its associations with other health outcome data. In Part 2 I use a single item from the CPCQ, “how often did you feel the care you received was well-coordinated?” to explore this construct. I explore the influences upon on client perceptions of coordination, and examine its associations with service utilisation and health outcome data. ¶ The construct of ‘perceived coordination’, and the capacity of the CPCQ to measure it accurately show considerable promise as measures of health care. Consistent trends were found that suggested coordination was a complex construct, and that a stronger theoretical base was needed to interpret this complexity. Theory is the first of the ‘phases’ of instrument development, and so I revisit these in order to summarise the strengths and weaknesses of the current CPCQ. Overall, the perceptions of coordination have surprisingly plausible associations with other health data, the effort to improve the instrument should be worthwhile for a wide range of health service evaluation and research.

Les phosphinines, analogues phosphorés des pyridines sont à la base de ce travail de thèse. La première partie de ce travail résume les différentes voies de synthèse de ces phosphinines, leurs propriétés électroniques ainsi que leurs diverses applications en catalyse. Différents ligands bidentates, tridentates et tétradentates ont pu être générés via l'attaque nucléophile d'organolithiens sur des phosphinines possédant des groupements ancillaires diphénylphosphine. De plus l'utilisation d'un complexe pinceur mono-anionique dérivé du diphénylphosphinométhane a été envisagée notamment dans le cadre de réactions ambitieuses telles que l'activation de liaisons C

<p><strong>Purpose </strong></p><p>To describe the concept of control & coordination mechanisms among HQs-subsidiary-distributor of MNC in direct selling business.</p><p><strong>Method</strong></p><p>Qualitative studies with two company case studies which are selected from direct selling business are implemented in this research. Data are collected from primary sources through semi-structure interview while secondary sources via company’s web sites, annual reports, news, and academic researches. Most collected data are related to control and coordination mechanisms within MNC and especially emphasize on distributor‘s aspects.   <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p><p>To control and coordinate HQs-subsidiary-distributor’s relation in a direct selling business, companies need to implement not only the vertical control over their people but also the lateral way and as well as the price control mechanisms. All these three main mechanisms need to be blended together as the appropriate combination of them will help assist companies to achieve their goals successfully.</p>

<p>Lean refers to the concepts of Lean operations, Lean principle, Lean philosophy, etc. It is what people often talk about in operation management. Clean refers to the concepts of being green, environmental friendly, less environmental impact, etc. These two words seem to be unrelated, but somehow connected.</p><p>In this thesis, we explored the linking between Lean and environmental issues; analyze the possible benefits of coordination between Lean and environment. In the case study, we assessed the overall Lean performance of Alderholmens mekaniska, a local manufacturing company in Gävle, Sweden. This company was seeking for solutions of their environmental wastes in the production.</p><p>We found that Lean activities could be used to achieve environmental objectives. Lean methods are capable of reducing environmental waste. To coordinate Lean and environmental issues could foster an organizational culture of continuous improvement in order to encourage people to improve for better overall performance; this also benefits the environmental performance.</p><p>Based on the observation in the company, and the questionnaire made during an interview with their Lean specialist, we gave some proposals on Lean implementation with emphasis on environmental issues, in order to solve their problems of environmental wastes and, furthermore, improve the performance.</p>