No description available.

No description available.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease affecting the entire knee joint by inducing pathological changes to the cartilage and menisci. Currently, the etiology of OA is not completely understood. However, altered gait mechanics, specifically increased joint loading, of OA patients have a clear association with both symptomatic and structural OA progression. Non-surgical intervention tools, such as variable stiffness shoes (VSS), have been developed as a way to decrease loading within the knee joint. However, with external moments being surrogate measures for knee loading, it is unclear if changes in knee moments with the footwear are sufficient to result in a clinical benefit. Therefore, this project’s purpose was to investigate whether a VSS intervention can alter knee joint loading and menisci function in a knee OA population. We used gait analysis, musculoskeletal modeling, and finite element (FE) analysis to determine the effect of VSS on gait mechanics, knee joint contact force, and menisci stress and strain, compared to a control shoe. We found knee moments did not decrease with the VSS intervention. Furthermore, participants who did experience a decrease in knee adduction moment did not always experience a decrease in medial compartment contact force. However, results from our FE modeling of the tibiofemoral joint indicate significant changes in knee joint contact force can influence stress placed on the menisci. Results from this study suggest knee contact forces and tissue stress, not only external moments, should be considered when investigating if VSS can positively impact an OA population.

As an investigation of the evolution of the minimalist shoes, the purpose of this thesis was to examine popularity trends of the rise and fall of the minimalist movement. By evaluating the history and research behind the designs of the minimalist shoes, this thesis viewed the peak in popularity when minimalist shoes first made their debut. Initially, footwear sales skyrocketed upon its introduction. Its popularity grew due the prospective effects of improving athletic performance and the possibility of decreasing the prevalence of running-related injuries. To understand the sales trends of the footwear industry, various shoe examples from the different categories of footwear padding were also examined. Hence, after learning more about each type of footwear, it is crucial to understand how to transition safely and without injury. Injury prevalence has been suggested to be associated with the change in biomechanics involved with changing a runner’s footwear. Through the review of research literature on the subject, 33 sources of peerreviewed studies, found via Google Scholar or EBSCOHost using select key word searches, were taken into account. After reviewing the results and conclusions, a common finding suggest that more research is needed to come to clear consensus. There is not enough evidence to suggest that the use of minimalist shoes either lowered the risk of injury or improved performance. Hence, the decline of minimalist movement may have been due to the unfulfilled benefits that were proposed. After consumers did not reap the benefits of transitioning to minimalist shoes, sales trends continued to fall.

The main goal of the diploma thesis is to define the quality of footwear in the context of quality brand Comfortable Footwear. Another aim of the thesis is to find out the position and perception of the given brand at the level of consumers as well as its current and potential owners of the brand. The thesis consists of theoretical and practical parts. The theoretical part defines the most important terms related to the quality of footwear and the quality brand Comfortable Footwear. It also describes the current shoe market and the most important footwear organizations involved. The practical part has been created on the basis of quantitative marketing research. The online poll method was applied. Consumers and owners of the quality brand Comfortable Footwear and other shoe dealers - potential brand owners. The survey results are complemented by the statement of the Czech Footwear and Leather Association guarantor.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A indÃstria nacional calÃadista tem enfrentado o desafio de uma globalizaÃÃo inevitÃvel que acarreta uma concorrÃncia desleal com os paÃses asiÃticos. Esse cenÃrio sugere como uma ferramenta eficaz, a integraÃÃo entre as empresas para o seu fortalecimento e assim, responder a esta globalizaÃÃo atravÃs do aumento da sua capacidade competitiva, por meio do uso eficiente de inovaÃÃes tecnolÃgicas que tÃm impulsionado mundialmente o setor, como a tecnologia da informaÃÃo aplicada ao gerenciamento do fluxo logÃstico. No entanto, alÃm do associativismo essencial, as empresas necessitam rever sua tradicional cultura organizacional e alinhar sua visÃo estratÃgica para o cenÃrio descrito anteriormente e, disseminar, fazer com que essa visÃo alcance de maneira satisfatÃria o setor produtivo, atingindo principalmente a quem interessa: os consumidores. Com isso, o presente trabalho propÃe um mÃtodo de anÃlise da eficiÃncia do fluxo logÃstico em uma empresa do ramo calÃadista, fundamentado no mapeamento do processo e no desenvolvimento de um modelo de gestÃo de indicadores estratÃgicos, apresentando uma metodologia que auxiliarà na avaliaÃÃo das suas operaÃÃes logÃsticas, mapeando seu fluxo logÃstico e auxiliando na tomada de decisÃo para tornar a cadeia de suprimentos mais eficiente e flexÃvel. Portanto, contribuindo para a capacidade de absorÃÃo das oportunidades tecnolÃgicas de integraÃÃo dos elos da cadeia, como a tecnologia da informaÃÃo. O estudo se dà atravÃs do mapeamento do fluxo logÃstico e na gestÃo da utilizaÃÃo dos indicadores de desempenho estratÃgicos, teve como foco uma empresa do ramo calÃadista pertencente ao arranjo produtivo local (APL) do cariri cearense que, por sua vez, se destaca como um dos principais polos produtores calÃadistas no cenÃrio nacional. / A indÃstria nacional calÃadista tem enfrentado o desafio de uma globalizaÃÃo inevitÃvel que acarreta uma concorrÃncia desleal com os paÃses asiÃticos. Esse cenÃrio sugere como uma ferramenta eficaz, a integraÃÃo entre as empresas para o seu fortalecimento e assim, responder a esta globalizaÃÃo atravÃs do aumento da sua capacidade competitiva, por meio do uso eficiente de inovaÃÃes tecnolÃgicas que tÃm impulsionado mundialmente o setor, como a tecnologia da informaÃÃo aplicada ao gerenciamento do fluxo logÃstico. No entanto, alÃm do associativismo essencial, as empresas necessitam rever sua tradicional cultura organizacional e alinhar sua visÃo estratÃgica para o cenÃrio descrito anteriormente e, disseminar, fazer com que essa visÃo alcance de maneira satisfatÃria o setor produtivo, atingindo principalmente a quem interessa: os consumidores. Com isso, o presente trabalho propÃe um mÃtodo de anÃlise da eficiÃncia do fluxo logÃstico em uma empresa do ramo calÃadista, fundamentado no mapeamento do processo e no desenvolvimento de um modelo de gestÃo de indicadores estratÃgicos, apresentando uma metodologia que auxiliarà na avaliaÃÃo das suas operaÃÃes logÃsticas, mapeando seu fluxo logÃstico e auxiliando na tomada de decisÃo para tornar a cadeia de suprimentos mais eficiente e flexÃvel. Portanto, contribuindo para a capacidade de absorÃÃo das oportunidades tecnolÃgicas de integraÃÃo dos elos da cadeia, como a tecnologia da informaÃÃo. O estudo se dà atravÃs do mapeamento do fluxo logÃstico e na gestÃo da utilizaÃÃo dos indicadores de desempenho estratÃgicos, teve como foco uma empresa do ramo calÃadista pertencente ao arranjo produtivo local (APL) do cariri cearense que, por sua vez, se destaca como um dos principais polos produtores calÃadistas no cenÃrio nacional. / The domestic footwear industry has faced the challenge of an inevitable globalization that leads to unfair competition with Asian countries. This scenario suggests as an effective tool, the integration between the companies for their strengthening and thus respond to this globalization by increasing their competitiveness through the efficient use of technological innovations that have driven the industry globally, as technology information applied to the management of logistics flow. However, beyond the essential associations, companies need to review their traditional organizational culture and align its strategic vision for the scenario described above, and disseminate, make that vision satisfactorily reach the productive sector, affecting mostly those who matter: the consumers. Thus, this paper proposes a method of analyzing the efficiency of logistics flow in a company in the footwear business, based on the process mapping and the development of a management model of strategic indicators, presenting a methodology that will assist in the evaluation of its operations logistics, mapping its logistics flow and aiding in the decision to make the supply chain more efficient and flexible. Thus contributing to the absorption capacity of the technological opportunities of integrating parts of the chain, such as information technology. The study is done by mapping the logistics flow and managing the use of strategic performance indicators, a company focused on the footwear branch belonging to the local productive arrangement (APL) in Cearà cariri which, in turn, stands out as a major footwear producers poles on the national scene. / The domestic footwear industry has faced the challenge of an inevitable globalization that leads to unfair competition with Asian countries. This scenario suggests as an effective tool, the integration between the companies for their strengthening and thus respond to this globalization by increasing their competitiveness through the efficient use of technological innovations that have driven the industry globally, as technology information applied to the management of logistics flow. However, beyond the essential associations, companies need to review their traditional organizational culture and align its strategic vision for the scenario described above, and disseminate, make that vision satisfactorily reach the productive sector, affecting mostly those who matter: the consumers. Thus, this paper proposes a method of analyzing the efficiency of logistics flow in a company in the footwear business, based on the process mapping and the development of a management model of strategic indicators, presenting a methodology that will assist in the evaluation of its operations logistics, mapping its logistics flow and aiding in the decision to make the supply chain more efficient and flexible. Thus contributing to the absorption capacity of the technological opportunities of integrating parts of the chain, such as information technology. The study is done by mapping the logistics flow and managing the use of strategic performance indicators, a company focused on the footwear branch belonging to the local productive arrangement (APL) in Cearà cariri which, in turn, stands out as a major footwear producers poles on the national scene.

This work explores the fusion of bio-technology and sports footwear design and envisions a future where people enhance their physiology to meet their specific needs. Through tissue engineering, the wearer’s own biomaterials are utilized to optimize performance and customization. It seeks to redefine the enhancement of long-distance running by creating a physical bond between footwear and feet. Based on both design fiction and industrial design, the project speculates on the impact of biotechnological advances. It reflects a curiosity-driven exploration of the human body and its potential transformation. The thesis concludes with reflections on such innovations in footwear design and the role of design fiction in imagining future possibilities. It forms a contribution to Design Ecologies and illustrates the intersection of design, ecology, biology, and fiction, in addressing contemporary challenges.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is normally very difficult for an entrepreneur to start a new business. One of the most difficult things is to raise capital from financial institutions or venture capitalists. This mini study project shows the importance of a well thought-through business plan. The business plan not only concentrates on the positives, but will also indicate the risks involved. This will show financial institutions that the entrepreneur is serious about his idea and positive about its chances for success. In the business plan a lot of emphasis are put on the importance of a successful marketing plan. The marketing plan will determine the success of a new business. It is however very important not to loose site of the importance of a very thorough financial and economic review. There will always be risks involved in starting a new business. Entrepreneurship is all about risk-taking by individuals willing to pioneer new paradigms. A successful business plan will however remove some of the risk and make it more attractive to financial institutions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dit is normaalweg baie moeilik vir 'n entrepreneur on 'n nuwe besigheid te begin. Een van die struikelblokke is die verkryging van kapitaal by finansiële instansies. Hierdie mini werkstuk wys die belangrikheid van 'n wel deurdagte besigheidsplan. Die besigheidsplan konsentreer nie net op die positiewe punte nie, maar wys ook alle risiko's betrokke. Dit wys aan finansiële instansies dat die entrepreneur ernstig is oor sy idee en die kanse vir sukses. In die besigheidsplan word daar baie klem gelê op die belangrikheid van 'n suksesvolle bemarkingsplan. Die bemarkingsplan sal die sukses van die besigheid bepaal. Dit is egter baie belangrik om nie die belangrikheid van 'n volledige finansiële en ekonomiese ondersoek te vergeet nie. Daar sal altyd risiko's betrokke wees by die begin van 'n nuwe besigheid. Entrepeneurskap in essensie is die neem van risiko's deur individue wat bereid is om nuwe paradigmas te ontwikkel.

No longo caminho para a consolidação da abertura comercial brasileira a defesa comercial teve seu papel relegado quase sempre ao segundo plano. Ainda assim, houve o momento em que as medidas antidumping se tornaram parte fundamental da política comercial brasileira. Com o crescimento do número de medidas impostas, a exposição da política comercial exterior brasileira era inevitável. Portanto, a pesquisa procurou descrever a relação que a aplicação de medidas antidumping no Brasil mantém com seu propósito original. Mas o que faz de um país protecionista, ou melhor, quais elementos fariam do Brasil um país mais ou menos protecionista quando o tema são as medidas antidumping. Nesse sentido, a tese defendida diverge dos principais estudos e foi bem sucedida em demonstrar que apenas os números e modelos genéricos não são capazes de explicar um comportamento setorial específico. Dentro da abordagem proposta, a adição de um estudo de caso tornou possível uma fuga do método convencional de pesquisa dessa área e foi decisivo para lançar luz sobre a complexidade que envolve a aplicação do Acordo Antidumping. Conforme os resultados apontaram, percebemos que parece haver mais elementos que apontam o contrário do que os números dizem. Primeiro, o Brasil não reúne reclamações contra sua política de aplicação de direitos antidumping, uma vez que as reclamações no Sistema de Solução de Controvérsias se concentraram em condenar as políticas de crédito e fiscais, leia-se subsídios. Outro ponto de contato foi a modernização do marco que regula as investigações contra práticas desleais, com o estabelicimento de procedimentos mais detalhados que diminuiram a margem discricionária da autoridade investigadora. A criação de um Grupo de Interesse Público e a adoção do princípio do menor direito (lesser duty) como regra, caracterizam uma conduta reconhecidamente liberalizante. Uma outra hipótese protecionista foi afastada, uma vez os resultados apontaram que as importações do Brasil dependem muito pouco do câmbio. Portanto, surgiu algo como a “falácia do câmbio”, uma vez que ela é uma explicação consolidada para o fenômeno como um todo, mas sem poder de explicar um caso específico. Quando estudado à luz do caso dos calçados, o câmbio teve muito menos contribuição que a renda, sendo praticamente inexpressivo para determinar o comportamento da importação de calçados da China. Outro ponto ressaltado, foi a presença do efeito desvio de comércio na direção de outros exportadores, caracterizando uma postura de defesa mas não protecionista. Esses pontos quando reunidos ressaltam que a defesa comercial não visou as importações como um todo, mas apenas o produto objeto do dumping uma vez que o mercado deixado pelos chineses foi absorvido pelos demais exportadores. Finalmente, pela reação dos produtores e importadores domésticos, com a criação do MOVE enquanto movimento de resistência, entendemos que a concorrência dos calçados esportivos foi a fonte do problema. / In the long way towards the Brazilian trade opening consolidation, the role of trade defense has been frequently put aside. Even though, there has been a moment in which anti-dumping measures have become a fundamental aspect of the Brazilian trade policy. Given the growing number of measures imposed, the exposure of the Brazilian foreign trade policy was inevitable. Hence, the research has looked for describing the relationship that the application of anti-dumping measures in Brazil maintains with its original purpose. However, what does make a country protectionist; or even better, which elements would turn Brazil into a more or less protectionist country when anti-dumping measures are the subject. In this sense, the thesis diverges from the main studies, and it has succeeded in showing that just numbers and generic models are not able to explain a specific sectoral behavior. Within the proposed approach, the addition of a case study has conveyed to an escape from this area's conventional research method, and it was decisive in order to enlighten the complexity that surrounds the Anti-dumping Agreement application. As the results have shown, it was perceived that more elements seem to exist, showing the opposite from the numbers. Firstly, Brazil does not collect complaints against its anti-dumping rights application, once the complaints in the Dispute Settlement Understanding have focused on condemning credit and fiscal policies; meaning subsides. The modernization of the mark that rules investigations against unfair practices has been another point of contact, through the establishment of more detailed procedures, which have reduced the discretionary margin of the investigative authority. Both the creation of a Group of Public Interest and the adoption of the lesser duty principle as a rule, characterize a conduct recognized as liberalizing. Another protectionist hypothesis was pushed away, once the results have shown that Chinese importations by Brazil depend very little on the exchange rate or the industry cycle. Therefore, something like “exchange fallacy” has arisen, what is a consolidated explanation to the phenomenon as a whole; however it cannot explain a specific case. When analyzed under the footwear scope, exchange has had a much lower contribution than income, been nearly irrelevant in determining the behavior of shoe importation from China. Another highlighted aspect has been the trade deviation effect towards other exporters, characterizing a non protectionist defense position. When reunited, these points emphasize that trade defense did not aimed importations as a whole, but only the product that is an object of dumping, once the market left by the Chinese has been absorbed by other exporters. Finally, given the producers and domestic importers reaction, through the creation of MOVE as a resistance movement, it is this research understanding that the imported competition on sports footwear was the core of it all.

A indústria calçadista faz intenso uso de recursos naturais e gera grande volume e diversidade de resíduos ao longo da produção; muitos deles são perigosos, oferecendo riscos ao ambiente e à saúde humana. Nos produtos, é utilizada ampla variedade de materiais, o que dificulta o seu tratamento ao fim da vida útil, tornando o resíduos pós-consumo um agravante para a questão dos resíduos nessa indústria. A abordagem da prevenção de resíduos busca, de maneira proativa, diminuir ou evitar o ingresso de materiais ou substâncias no fluxo dos resíduos, prevenindo assim os impactos causados por eles no ambiente. A adoção de práticas preventivas na indústria de calçados pode contribuir para mitigar impactos oriundos de todo o ciclo de vida desse produto. Assim, esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de estudar o fenômeno da prevenção de resíduos na indústria calçadista brasileira, buscando sistematizar iniciativas e práticas já existentes e discuti-las à luz da literatura, de modo a encontrar desafios e oportunidades para expansão dessas atividades. Para a análise dos achados, adotou-se o viés conceitual da Ecologia Industrial. Foi realizado um estudo de caso descritivo-exploratório de caso único a indústria calçadista brasileira com múltiplas unidades de análise, buscando responder às seguintes perguntas: i) Como vem ocorrendo a prevenção de resíduos na produção de calçados?; ii) Quais são os desafios e oportunidades para avanços da prevenção nesse setor? A pesquisa revelou que a adoção de atividades de prevenção na indústria calçadista ainda ocorre de maneira tímida, e foca principalmente a escolha por materiais com menor toxicidade ou reciclados, e a eficiência no uso de matérias-primas. Esta última está muito ligada à redução de custos; no setor de componentes ocorre principalmente na indústria química, com o reaproveitamento interno dos subprodutos, e na manufatura, ocorre na otimização do corte das partes do calçado. De modo geral, a produção calçadista brasileira se caracteriza por intensa competitividade, com a busca por redução de custos e maximização de ganhos. Isso apresenta desafios para a implementação das atividades de prevenção de resíduos por colocar como prioridade a busca por preços baixos, geralmente obtidos pela externalização de custos socioambientais; além disso, prejudica o interesse em colaborações entre empresas. As cadeias de produção são extensas e pouco articuladas, o que dificulta a circulação de informações e materiais entre empresas. Com relação aos materiais, a pesquisa revelou possibilidades de ciclagem dentro do ambiente produtivo para diversos deles, embora não sejam colocadas em prática. O caso da indústria calçadista brasileira se apresentou como emblemático para a crise do sistema econômico nos moldes do paradigma técnico-científico, (segundo o qual o desenvolvimento significa crescimento econômico), evidenciando a necessidade de uma mudança de paradigma e uma nova racionalidade material. / The footwear industry is characterized by intense natural resources input and large and diverse waste generation, many of which are hazardous, offering risks to the environment as well as human health. A wide variety of materials are used in the products, which hampers the treatment of post-consumption waste, worsening the scenario for the issue of waste in the footwear industry. Waste prevention aims at preventing or reducing both quantitative and qualitatively the waste flows, and thus, the environmental impacts caused by them. The adoption of prevention activities in the footwear industry contributes to the mitigation of several impacts associated with this products life cycle. This research had the objective of studying waste prevention in the Brazilian footwear industry, as to unveil and systematize existing initiatives and practices, discussing them in light of the literature on the subject and identifying the challenges and opportunities for their progress. The conceptual basis of Industrial Ecology was used to analyze the findings. A descriptive-exploratory single case study with multiple analysis units was conducted aiming at answering the research questions: i) How have waste prevention activities been occurring in the footwear production?; ii) What are the challenges and opportunities for the progress of waste prevention in this area? The research found that waste prevention activities in the footwear industry are still timid, focusing mainly the selection of less toxic or recycled materials, as well as efficiency in the use of raw materials. The last is connected to cost reduction, taking place in the component sector mainly in the chemical industry through the internal reutilization of byproducts and in the manufacture sector, through efficient cutting of the parts. In general, the Brazilian footwear production is characterized by high competitiveness, pursuing cost reduction and gain maximization. That presents challenges for the implementation of waste prevention activities for setting low prices as priority, usually obtained by the externalization of social and environmental costs. It also harms the interest in collaboration between organizations. The supply chains are wide and lack articulation, which hinders information and materials circulation between organizations. Regarding the materials, the research found cycling possibilities within the productive environment for several of them, although these are not put into practice. The case of the Brazilian footwear industry is emblematic for the crisis in the economic system based in the technical-scientific paradigm (according to which, development is equal to economic growth). It underlines the need for a paradigm shift, as well as a new material rationality.