Ce mémoire examine les perceptions et les pratiques de travail sécuritaires des producteurs agricoles au début de la pandémie de la COVID-19 ainsi que les différents défis rencontrés en matière de santé et de sécurité du travail. La recherche vise à comprendre les facteurs individuels (p.ex. niveau de connaissances) et contextuels (c.-à-d. l’environnement immédiat de travail, l’entreprise agricole, le secteur d’activité agricole) ayant influencé la perception du risque et les pratiques de travail sécuritaires adoptées par des producteurs agricoles en marge de la crise de la COVID-19. Pour ce faire, des entretiens semi-dirigés ont été effectués d’auprès d’éleveurs de porcs (n=20) au début de la pandémie de la COVID-19. Ces entretiens font partie du volet qualitatif de l’étude Éleveurs de porcs en santé (Beauregard et al., 2023). De ce volet, onze entretiens ont été analysés grâce à une combinaison des deux modèles théoriques, soit le modèle des croyances relatives à la santé (HBM) et la théorie du comportement planifié (TPB). Des sources documentaires publiques diffusées par treize acteurs clés issus de différents milieux (p.ex. gouvernemental, mouvement associatif agricole) visant à appuyer les travailleurs et les producteurs agricoles dans la prévention de la transmission de la COVID-19 ont aussi été examinées en complément. L’analyse des sources documentaires a permis de dégager trois thèmes portant sur les incitatifs à l’action : 1) sensibiliser et informer; 2) agir en prévention primaire à la ferme ; et 3) intervenir en prévention tertiaire en cas d’infection et appuie le constat selon lequel des incitatifs à l’action multiples ont été mobilisés pour stimuler une gestion efficace de la COVID-19 à la ferme. On constate que les acteurs clés ont bien adopté une communication de crise axée sur les risques et les soins afin de prévenir le risque d’infection et de propagation du SARS-CoV-2. L’analyse des entretiens semi-dirigés précise que les éleveurs ont utilisé les sources documentaires et les recommandations de la santé publique provinciale ou fédérale pour se renseigner sur la nature de la COVID-19 et les pratiques de travail sécuritaires à adopter sur leur ferme. En plus, chaque composante analytique de la perception individuelle du risque conceptualisée par les deux modèles théoriques se retrouve dans l’analyse globales des entretiens semi-dirigés, permettant d’une part d’éclairer pertinemment des éléments de contexte des pratiques de travail sécuritaires, et d’autre part confirmant l’apport important de chaque élément analytique pour expliquer l’adoption des pratiques de travail sécuritaires adoptées par les éleveurs en marge de la COVID-19. / This thesis aims to understand the individual (e.g., level of knowledge) and contextual (e.g., immediate work environment, farm business, agricultural activity sector) factors that influenced the risk perception and safety practices adopted by swine producers from the province of Quebec on the sidelines of the COVID-19 crisis. To do this, semi-directed interviews were carried out with swine producers at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. These interviews are part of the qualitative component of the Healthy Swine Producers study (Beauregard et al., 2023). From this component, eleven (11) interviews were analyzed using a combination of two theoretical models, namely the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Public documentary sources disseminated by thirteen (13) key actors from different backgrounds (e.g. government, agricultural associative movement) aimed at supporting workers and producers in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 were also examined in addition to our interviews. The main results emanating from the analysis of documentary sources is the identification of three different themes relating to incentives to action, which are as follows: 1) raise awareness and inform; 2) act in primary prevention on the farm; and 3) intervene in tertiary prevention in the event of infection and supports the observation that multiple incentives to action have been mobilized to stimulate effective management of COVID-19 on the farm. We can see that the key actors have indeed adopted crisis communication (on risks and care communication) to help prevent the risk of infection and spread of SARS-CoV-2. The analysis of the semi-structured interviews allows us to learn that breeders have used documentary sources and provincial or federal public health recommendations to learn about the nature of COVID-19 and the safety practices to adopt on their farm. In addition, each analytical component of the individual perception of risk conceptualized by the two theoretical models is found in the global analysis of the semi-structured interviews, making it possible to relevantly shed light on elements of the context of safety practices, thus confirming the important contribution of each analytical element to explain the adoption of safety practices by farmers on the sidelines of COVID-19.

Introduction. Road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of death globally and the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29. Of individuals killed or injured in road traffic injuries, a large group comprises occupants sustaining a thorax injury in frontal crashes. The elderly are particularly at risk, as they are more fragile. The evaluation of the frontal crash performance of new vehicles is normally based on barrier crash tests. Such tests are only representative of a small portion of real-life crashes, but it is not feasible to test vehicles in all real-life conditions. However, the rapid development of computers opens up possibilities for simulating whole populations of real-life crashes using so-called stochastic simulations. This opportunity leads to the aim of this thesis, which is to develop and validate a simplified, parameterized, stochastic vehicle simulation model for the evaluation of passive restraint systems in real-life frontal crashes with regard to rib fracture injuries. Methods. The work was divided into five phases. In phase one, the geometry and properties of a finite element (FE) generic vehicle buck model were developed based on data from 14 vehicles. In the second phase, a human FE model was validated for oblique frontal crashes. This human FE model was then used to represent the vehicle occupant. In the third phase, vehicle buck boundary conditions were derived based on real-life crash data from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) and crash test data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In phase four, a validation reference was developed by creating risk curves for rib fracture in NASS real-life crashes. Next, these risk curves were compared to the risk of rib fractures computed using the generic vehicle buck model. In the final phase, injury mechanisms in nearside oblique frontal crashes were evaluated. Results. In addition to an averaged geometry, parametric distributions for 27 vehicle and boundary condition parameters were developed as guiding properties for the stochastic model. Particular aspects of the boundary conditions such as pulse shape, pulse angle and pulse severity were analyzed in detail. The human FE model validation showed that the kinematics and rib fracture pattern in frontal oblique crashes were acceptable for this study. The validation of the complete FE generic vehicle buck model showed that the model overestimates the risk of rib fractures. However, if the reported under-prediction of rib fractures (50-70%) in the NASS data is accounted for using statistical simulations, the generic vehicle buck model accurately predicts injury risk for senior (70-year-old) occupants. The chest injury mechanisms in nearside oblique frontal crashes were found to be a combination of (I) belt and airbag loading and (II) the chest impacting the side structure. The debut of the second mechanism was found for pulse angles of about 30 degrees. Conclusion. A parameterized FE generic passenger vehicle buck model has been created and validated on a population of real life crashes in terms of rib fracture risk. With the current validation status, this model provides the possibility of developing and evaluating new passive safety systems for fragile senior occupants. Further, an injury mechanism responsible for the increased number of outboard rib fractures seen in small overlap and near-side oblique frontal impacts has been proposed and analyzed. / Vinnova Project: Real Life Safety Innovations

Cette étude porte sur l’architecture domestique à Nancy et dans les 19 communes de son agglomération de 1919 à 1939. L’ampleur du corpus (6 600 édifices) et du territoire étudiés permet de mettre en exergue les processus urbains et architecturaux qui concourent à la production de la ville. Les relations entre les municipalités, les lotisseurs, les organismes de logement social et les sociétés savantes sont scrutées pour retracer le chemin qui mène du projet à la réalité urbaine. La Reconstruction, les lois encadrant l’urbanisme ou les habitations à bon marché (loi Loucheur) et l’effet de la crise des années 1930 sur la promotion foncière et immobilière sont réinterrogés en profitant des outils techniques (SIG) et théoriques actuels. Les confrontations avec les modèles nationaux (voire internationaux) inscrivent l’étude dans une perspective plus large où l’agglomération nancéienne devient un support de réflexion sur ce moment de l’histoire des villes françaises. Par ailleurs, le recensement exhaustif permet de s’intéresser à l’ensemble de la production bâtie, sans hiérarchie. Cette étude du grand nombre, mêlant banal et exceptionnel, met en exergue les permanences et hybridations. L’héritage éclectique et Art nouveau côtoie la diffusion des nouveaux courants que sont le Mouvement moderne et l’Art déco. L’examen du cas nancéien contribue à la redéfinition de ce dernier style et à une meilleure connaissance de son évolution après 1930. Enfin, cette étude est l’occasion de montrer que l’architecture domestique s’apparente à une transcription matérielle de l’ordre social, qui transparaît dans la qualité des espaces intérieurs et des façades comme support de représentation / This study concerns the domestic architecture in Nancy and the 19 towns of its suburbs from 1919 to 1939. The important size of the corpus (6600 buildings) and of the area studied highlights the urban and architectural processes that contribute to the creation of the city. The relationships between the city council, developers, social housing organizations and intellectual societies are analyzed to trace the path that leads from the plan to the urban reality. The post-war reconstruction project, the law controlling urbanism or social housing (Loucheur Act) and the effects of the 1930’s crisis on the land and housing development are looked back on using modern technical (GIS) and conceptual tools. The comparisons with national (even international) models place the study in a broader perspective where Nancy and its suburbs become a medium for reflection on this moment in the history of French cities. In addition, the exhaustive inventory allows looking at all the building production without hierarchy. This study, combining the mundane and the outstanding, highlights permanencies and hybridisations. The legacy of Eclecticism and Art Nouveau coexists with the diffusion of new trends such as the Modern movement and Art Deco. The examination of Nancy’s case contributes to the new definition of the latter style and of a better understanding of its evolution during the 1930’s. Finally, this study is the opportunity to show that domestic architecture is a physical transcription of a social order, which is reflected in the quality of interior design and building facades as medium of representation

Pavement foundations for major roads in the UK were historically designed on an empirical basis, related to a single design chart, restricting the incorporation of superior performing materials or materials for which the empirical data sets were not available. The adoption of performance based specifications was promoted as they are perceived to 'open up' the use of alternative materials (including 'local' sources of primary materials) or techniques, and allow for the incorporation of superior performance into the overall pavement design. Parallel developments to the performance based design of pavement foundations (allowing for superior performance) and in situ testing required the support of laboratory based performance tests. These laboratory based tests were required to determine material performance parameters (elastic modulus and resistance to permanent deformation) for both unbound and hydraulically bound pavement foundation materials. A review of the available laboratory apparatus indicated that they were either; unrealistic (and hence unable to provide the required material performance parameters), or overly complex and more suited to fundamental research. Therefore, the requirement for developmental research work was identified. The research reported herein details the development, manufacture and initial evaluation of simplified laboratory apparatus (the Springbox for unbound materials and static stiffness test for hydraulically bound mixtures) designed to produce the performance parameters of elastic modulus and relative resistance to permanent deformation for pavement foundation materials. The equipment and test procedure evaluation was undertaken across a range of materials, giving initial guidance on likely in situ performance. The innovative laboratory apparatus and materials guidance (including the potential to use recycled and secondary aggregates) was incorporated into key Highways Agency specification and guidance documents, which in turn influence construction practice outside of motorways and major trunk roads. This research concludes by outlining a number of recommendations for continued development and evaluation, including feeding back data sets from long term in situ performance testing for subsequent refinement of assumptions.

S'agissant d'un pays où, en raison de l'effort de construction du second après-guerre, l'essentiel du parc de logements des années 2000 correspond à un héritage du 20ème siècle, ce travail vise à retracer un parcours français dont le caractère singulier a conformé le bâti. Revenant sur les modalités de la genèse au fil du siècle, on retient trois dimensions déterminantes : les spécificités de l'urbanisation française, les contraintes qui résultent d'un cumul de près de trente années d'engagements militaires de nature et d'intensité diverses, et une intervention publique tardive où l'État tient une place éminente. Après avoir examiné comment le modèle antérieur de développement du logement s'est brisé durant le premier vingtième siècle, on concentre l'attention sur la période d'intense construction nouvelle des années 1950-1980, et on s'appuie sur des archives inédites de l'État pour prendre la mesure de cet héritage architectural et urbain, dans sa forme comme dans sa consistance.

No description available.

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a serious global health challenge, which if left untreated, may threaten an individual’s health. The challenge regarding the prevention of STI transmission is the asymptomatic nature of STIs during their early stages. Hence, STI testing is vital in tackling the devastating impact of STIs. The Health Belief Model (HBM) provided a lens through which to understand the study as it provides a basis upon which to predict health behaviours. The study employed a qualitative research method. The study aimed to explore University of Limpopo students’ perceptions towards STI testing. The objectives of the study were (1) to establish the perceptions of second-year Psychology students at the University of Limpopo towards STI testing, and (2) to determine the importance of testing for STIs among second-year Psychology students at the University of Limpopo. The study purposively sampled 15 second-year Psychology students at the University of Limpopo. It was found that the participants were knowledgeable about STI testing. The study revealed psychological effects associated with STI testing ranging from anxiety-related attacks, stress, depression, and insomnia, among others. It further revealed important aspects learned about STI testing, i.e. that some STIs are curable, early detection facilitate early treatment, and STIs are not a myth. The importance of STI testing was also determined. It was also noted that it is important to know one’s health status to prevent mother-to-child transmission and health consequences. The study further established the experiences of STI testing, such as anxiety, stress, feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and overwhelmed. In addition, it was found that students are reluctant to test for STIs because of low-risk perception of contracting STIs, the fear of receiving positive test results, lack of knowledge, stigma, and the judgemental attitude of health professionals. The findings also revealed that students consider testing to be a good health behaviour, although the majority of them rarely consult for STI testing. Constructive counselling is highly recommended for those who consult for STI testing. It is further recommended that future research should be conducted in other universities with broader sample size.

Free cervical cancer screening services are provided in Malawi’s public healthcare institutionssince 1999. Few women aged 42 and older, utilise these services. Cervical cancer continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among this group of women. Structured interviews were conducted with 381 women who attended three healthcare centers in Blantyre and semi-structured interviews with 14 nurse/midwives working at the same centers. The results for both phases arepresented within the Health Belief Model’s constructs. Phase 1 revealed that women had low levels of perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Although the interviewed women perceived cervical cancer to be a serious condition, they did not regard themselves to be at risk of suffering from cervical cancer. Knowledge that cervical cancer screening could detect this cancer at an early stage, embarrassment, stigma, social support, financial costs, traditional practices and available sources of information, influenced women’s intentions to be screened for cervical cancer. In phase 2, the nurse/midwives indicated that Malawian women lacked information about cervical cancer, available screening tests and the purpose of such screening.These women perceived cervical canceras being incurable and linked to witchcraft. Women’s utilisation of cervical screening services was hampered by barriers relating to healthcare institutions, women themselves and nurse/midwives. Local radio and television broadcasts, friends and nurse/midwives motivated individual women to use these screening services.Women preferred receiving information about cervical cancer screening during community activities. Health education should be intensified, nurse/midwives should be more empathetic, clinic days and hours should be extended. Misconceptions should be addressed and more service providers should be trained. This would enable more Malawian women to use cervical screening services, enhancing early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and reducing the morbidity and mortality statistics related to this condition in Malawi. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

The study attempted to identify factors influencing women’s preference for home births in the Mutare District, Zimbabwe. A quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross sectional survey, gathering data by conducting structured interviews with 150 women, was used. All 150 women attended antenatal clinics but did not deliver their babies at health care facilities. The research results indicated that home deliveries might decline if: • the hospital/clinic fees were reduced or removed • transport would be available for women in labour to reach hospitals/clinics • shelters were built for pregnant women at hospitals/clinics • clinics were well equipped and had sufficient numbers of midwives • women had received more effective health education on the advantages of institutional deliveries and on the danger signs of pregnancy/labour complications • nurses/midwives would treat patients respectfully. Unless these factors are addressed, the number of home deliveries might not decline, and the high maternal/infant mortality and morbidity rates in this district will persist. / Health Studies / M. Public Health

Free cervical cancer screening services are provided in Malawi’s public healthcare institutionssince 1999. Few women aged 42 and older, utilise these services. Cervical cancer continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among this group of women. Structured interviews were conducted with 381 women who attended three healthcare centers in Blantyre and semi-structured interviews with 14 nurse/midwives working at the same centers. The results for both phases arepresented within the Health Belief Model’s constructs. Phase 1 revealed that women had low levels of perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Although the interviewed women perceived cervical cancer to be a serious condition, they did not regard themselves to be at risk of suffering from cervical cancer. Knowledge that cervical cancer screening could detect this cancer at an early stage, embarrassment, stigma, social support, financial costs, traditional practices and available sources of information, influenced women’s intentions to be screened for cervical cancer. In phase 2, the nurse/midwives indicated that Malawian women lacked information about cervical cancer, available screening tests and the purpose of such screening.These women perceived cervical canceras being incurable and linked to witchcraft. Women’s utilisation of cervical screening services was hampered by barriers relating to healthcare institutions, women themselves and nurse/midwives. Local radio and television broadcasts, friends and nurse/midwives motivated individual women to use these screening services.Women preferred receiving information about cervical cancer screening during community activities. Health education should be intensified, nurse/midwives should be more empathetic, clinic days and hours should be extended. Misconceptions should be addressed and more service providers should be trained. This would enable more Malawian women to use cervical screening services, enhancing early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and reducing the morbidity and mortality statistics related to this condition in Malawi. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)