During old age there are many challenges that the elderly have to meet. These challenges can include adapting to diminished bodily abilities, decreased intellectual vitality, the death of a spouse and the loss of friends, adapting to new roles and activities, a change in income, a change of housing conditions and retirement. Due to advanced technology and to more sophisticated medical services, life expectancy has changed significantly, which implies that generally speaking people could grow older and that they have to deal with life transitions and daily demands. Friendships enable people to cope better with life transitions and challenges. Very little research, however, is available on the friendship patterns of the elderly. A quantitative, single cross-sectional survey study was conducted where 200 elderly people in South Africa were interviewed by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. The purpose of the research was to investigate friendship patterns among the elderly, and to confirm whether or not people have fewer friendships as they grow older. Data has been statistically analysed by means of frequencies. Results indicate that as people age, they indeed have fewer friendships due to the death of friends, transport problems, illness and the fact that friends moved away. It was also found that although the number of friends becomes fewer, friendship is still regarded as an important aspect. Suggestions are made regarding the value of having different kinds of friendships, which will promote resilience and create more social resources to deal with challenging life transitions. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

During old age there are many challenges that the elderly have to meet. These challenges can include adapting to diminished bodily abilities, decreased intellectual vitality, the death of a spouse and the loss of friends, adapting to new roles and activities, a change in income, a change of housing conditions and retirement. Due to advanced technology and to more sophisticated medical services, life expectancy has changed significantly, which implies that generally speaking people could grow older and that they have to deal with life transitions and daily demands. Friendships enable people to cope better with life transitions and challenges. Very little research, however, is available on the friendship patterns of the elderly. A quantitative, single cross-sectional survey study was conducted where 200 elderly people in South Africa were interviewed by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. The purpose of the research was to investigate friendship patterns among the elderly, and to confirm whether or not people have fewer friendships as they grow older. Data has been statistically analysed by means of frequencies. Results indicate that as people age, they indeed have fewer friendships due to the death of friends, transport problems, illness and the fact that friends moved away. It was also found that although the number of friends becomes fewer, friendship is still regarded as an important aspect. Suggestions are made regarding the value of having different kinds of friendships, which will promote resilience and create more social resources to deal with challenging life transitions. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The thesis explores the ways in which Serbian ethnic media in Canada represent their own group and “Others”, specifically Croats, Slovenians and Catholics, Bosniaks, Albanians and Muslims, Montenegrins and the West. The research investigates the convergence of these representations with Canadian multiculturalism. The thesis epistemologically feeds from Jean Jacques Rousseau’s 18th century theories of recognition and patriotism, Stuart Hall’s (1997) theory of representation and identity and Edward Said’s (1978) theory of Orientalism, and is further guided by the theoretical frameworks of Charles Taylor’s (1994) politics of recognition, Benedict Anderson’s (1992) long-distance nationalism and Maria Todorova’s (1994) Balkanism. Qualitative content analysis through purposive and sequential sampling of Serbian ethnic broadcasting is conducted to gauge the programs’ representations of the “Self” and “Others”. Ethnic media provide a method to promote a minority group’s heritage, but also to facilitate communication between various cultural, ethnic, religious and racial groups. In the age of an increased critique of multiculturalism, the role of ethnic media rises in importance. The findings of the thesis show that Serbian ethnic media employ Canadian multiculturalism to promote Serbian heritage, but also to stereotype other groups. Applying the theoretical juxtaposition of multiculturalism, nationalism and “Othering”, this research argues that through negative identification of “Others”, Serbian ethnic media deviate from Canadian multiculturalism that calls for a positive recognition of all Canadian groups.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 310-346).

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University

This master thesis aimed to develop a prototype of a hardware platform which allowed digital communication as well as DC power to be transmitted over one pair of wires. The prototype was used as a pre-study for Axis Communications AB that wanted a bit rate high enough to transmit digital audio, as well as enough power to supply a set of speakers. The prototype included one circuit to send power and data (master), as well as two receivers (slaves). With this configuration data rates of up to 17 Mbps were achieved as well as an output power of 90 W from master. The data was transmitted on a RS-485 bus type, which was AC coupled to a 48 V DC bias. Because of the AC coupling, the bit stream needed to alternate, therefore Manchester encoded data, or similar, was recommended. The receiver cards included a buck converter to supply the circuits with a stable 5 V DC. The converters needed at least 10 V supply voltage to function, which gave a theoretical max range in cabling when accounting for voltage drop in the cables. For a 0.75 mm² power cord at max allowed current, this range was 500 metres per wire.

This dissertation used osteometrics to assess the level of congruence between biological distance and long-distance material exchange in three Middle and Late Archaic groups living in the mid-South United States. Dental and cranial data support greater biological affinity between groups in southern Illinois (represented by individuals from the Black Earth site) and central Tennessee (individuals from Eva and surrounding sites) while groups in the Green River region of western Kentucky (Shell Mound Archaic) were somewhat more removed or perhaps more isolated. Females were more biologically variable than males for the majority of metrics used. This finding is suggestive of a patrilocal residence pattern, if only loosely followed.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:06:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Camila Rio.pdf: 2520590 bytes, checksum: 09103fdb3e032d0f827ab872c4edbb12 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study aims to identify the main dermatological lesions on long-term triathletes (Ironman) who participated in the race in May 2012. This is a descriptive and exploratory research with a population of 2,000, the sample composed of athletes who were seen at the Physiotherapy tents, put together on the race day, composed of the first 100 attendance by the researcher, equivalent to 14%. In general, approximately 40% of the athletes who complete the race are seen by a Physiotherapy team, 20% of athletes who finish the race are seen by the medical staff; 5-7% end up not finishing the race. Approximately 800 athletes circulated by the Physiotherapy tent, 350 athletes in the medical field, and 150 athletes did not finish the race. According to the attendance, 85 athletes were male and 15 female, 20 athletes occupied ratings among the top 50 overall, 9 were between 51-100, 15 athletes between 101-200; 56 athletes 201-800 . 81% of athletes had confirmed the use of sunscreen before the training, but without replacement when the trainings were long. 59% had spots on the skin. In foot injuries the frequency was: callosities 32%, nails 60%, bubbles 90%. Considering the exposure of the athletes to the diversity of physical agents (solar radiation, humidity, temperature, air); mechanical agents (bicycle, clothes, shoes, helmet, etc..); Training time (20-30 hours per week), and other agents, triathlon athletes of long term should conduct periodic visits to the dermatologist and so follow the guidelines to not aggravate the lesions that will be vulnerable during training. / Este estudo tem como propósito Identificar as principais lesões dermatológicas em triatletas de longa duração (IRONMAN) que participaram da prova em maio de 2012. Trata-se de uma pesquisa que apresenta características descritiva e exploratória com uma população de 2000, a amostra foi composta pelos atletas que foram atendidos nas tendas de Fisioterapia, montadas no dia da prova, composta pelos 100 primeiros atendimentos pela pesquisadora, equivalente a 14%. Em geral, Aproximadamente 40% dos atletas que completam a prova são atendidos pela equipe de Fisioterapia; 20% dos atletas que terminam a prova são atendidos pela equipe Médica; 5 a 7% acabam não concluindo a prova. Circularam pela tenda de Fisioterapia aproximadamente de 800 atletas; 350 atletas na área médica; e 150 atletas que não completaram a prova. De acordo com os atendimentos, 85 atletas eram do sexo masculino e 15 do sexo feminino; 20 atletas ocuparam classificações entre os 50 primeiros lugares no geral; 9 ficaram entre 51 a 100; 15 atletas entre 101 a 200; 56 atletas de 201 a 800. 81% dos atletas confirmaram o uso de protetor solar antes dos treinamentos, mas sem reposição quando os treinos eram longos. 59% apresentaram manchas na pele. Nas lesões do pé a frequência foi: calosidade 32%, unhas 60%, bolhas 90%. Considerando a exposição dos atletas as diversidades dos agentes físicos (radiações solares, umidade, temperatura, ar); agentes mecânicos (bicicleta, roupa, calçado, capacete, etc.); tempo de treinamento (20 a 30 horas semanais); e outros agentes, atletas do triatlo de longa duração devem realizar visitas periódicas ao dermatologista e assim seguir as orientações para não agravar as lesões que estarão vulneráveis durante os treinamentos.

Orientador: Katashi Okoshi / Banca: Beatriz Bojikian Matsubara / Banca: João Carlos Hueb / Banca: Fábio Villaça Guimarães Filho / Banca: Jorge Eduardo Assef / Resumo: A expressão 'coração de atleta' é normalmente usada para caracterizar os efeitos cardiovasculares do condicionamento físico à longo prazo, em atletas competitivos e altamente treinados. Sabe-se que o exercício físico é um fator estimulante para o desenvolvimento de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, podendo esta variar de acordo com a característica do esporte. Assim, o coração do atleta apresenta alterações morfológicas e funcionais resultantes de intenso treinamento físico. Embora muitos estudos mostrem alterações cardíacas induzidas pelo exercício, há poucos relatos sobre a adaptação dos ventrículos esquerdo (VE) e direito (VD) em atletas de futebol, ciclismo e corridas de longa distância. Portanto, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar por meio da Doppler-ecocardiografia, a estrutura e funções sistólica e diastólica do coração de atletas dessas modalidades esportivas, comparando-as entre si e com indivíduos não-atletas. Neste estudo prospectivo, observacional e transversal, foi realizado ecocardiograma transtorácico, provido da técnica do Doppler tissular, e eletrocardiograma de 12 derivações em repouso em futebolistas profissionais, ciclistas e corredores de longa distância. Foram estudados 57 atletas e 36 indivíduos não-atletas, todos homens, com idades de 32,9±8,4 e 30,4±11,1 anos, respectivamente. As comparações foram realizadas por ANCOVA (idade como covariante) complementada pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). As comparações das freqüências de alterações eletrocardiográficas entre os grupos foram realizadas pelo teste de Goodman para contrastes entre populações multinomiais. Os atletas apresentaram aumento do volume do átrio esquerdo, da espessura do VE e dos diâmetros diastólicos do VE (DDVE) e VD (DDVD) em relação aos sedentários. O volume do átrio esquerdo e o DDVE foram maiores nos ciclistas em relação... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The expression "athlete's heart" is normally used to characterize the cardiovascular effects of physical conditioning in competitive and highly trained athletes. It's known that physical exercise stimulates the development of left ventricular hypertrophy according to the sports modalities. Thus, the athlete's heart presents some morphological and functional alterations resultants of the intense physical training. Although many studies have demonstrated cardiac alterations induced by exercise, there are just a few that describe adaptations of left (LV) and right (RV) ventricles in soccer players, bicyclists and long distance runners. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the structure, systolic and diastolic functions of these athletes by Doppler echocardiography, and compare them among each other and with nonathletes individuals. In this transversal, observational, and prospective study, it was performed a transtoracic ecocardiographic evaluation with tissue Doppler interrogation and a 12-lead electrocardiogram at rest on professional soccer players, bicyclists and long distance runners. Fifty seven athletes and 36 non-athletes men, aged 32.9±8.4 and 30.4±11.1 years, respectively, were studied. Comparisons among the groups were done by ANCOVA (age as co-variate) and complemented by Tukey's test (p<0.05). Electrocardiographic alterations was analyzed by Goodman's test for contrasts among multinomial populations. The athletes showed increased left atrial volume, LV wall thickness and enlargement of left (LVDD) and right (RVDD) ventricular diastolic diameters in comparison with non-athletes group. Bicyclists showed larger left atrial volume and LVDD than long distance runners, and also larger RVDD than soccer players. LV mass index was greater in athletes, and the bicyclists showed a greater index than long distance runners and soccer players. Systolic... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

A construção de habitações populares exige processos construtivos de baixo custo, tanto em relação aos materiais quanto à mão-de-obra. Por essa razão, muitas vezes são adotados os sistemas de mutirão ou de autoconstrução onde o futuro morador, normalmente inexperiente, é treinado em alguns serviços necessários ao processo construtivo. A necessidade de rápida qualificação de mão-de-obra, e em grande quantidade, é uma das dificuldades enfrentadas neste processo. O ensino a distância tem características que permitem instruir grande número de pessoas a baixo custo, além de permitir atingir populações distantes dos grandes centros. Este trabalho investigou a efetividade de tal metodologia para este fim, propondo um sistema de treinamento a distância voltado à mão-de-obra para construção civil. Em particular, foi abordada a etapa de montagem do kit hidráulico usado em alguns processos construtivos de moradias de interesse social. Três grandes desafios foram enfrentados neste trabalho: i. o público alvo, normalmente de baixa instrução, freqüentemente analfabeto; ii. o tipo de conteúdo a ser ministrado, de caráter cognitivo, porém ligado às atividades psicomotoras de montagem, isto é, refere-se à compreensão do trabalhador sobre os conteúdos e também sua execução física, área tradicionalmente difícil de ser ministrada a distância e iii. a necessidade de obter-se baixo custo no oferecimento do treinamento, o que tem um impacto muito forte no tipo de recursos que poderão ser utilizados junto aos aprendizes. A solução proposta envolveu o desenvolvimento de uma moderna ferramenta didática, baseada em um ambiente virtual interativo e que contém recursos multimídia. Para isto foram abordadas todas as fases do planejamento instrucional para a preparação e execução do treinamento a distância. Depois foi escolhido onde e como realizar um estudo de caso e qual a metodologia de avaliação adotada para comparar a eficiência do treinamento a distância em relação a um treinamento presencial. Por último foi detalhado de forma estatística o resultado desta avaliação. / Low-income housing construction demands low cost construction processes, regarding both material and labor. Therefore, very often, methods such as "community cooperative work" or "do it yourself", have been adopted. Participants in these construction methods are usually inexperienced and must be trained in order to acquire the basic skills necessary to perform construction activities. Training a large work force in a short period of time is one of the most fundamental difficulties faced in this process. The adoption of distance learning allows instructing a large number of people at low cost. Furthermore, it is possible to reach people living in the countryside or in small cities. This work investigates the effectiveness of such approach considering the adoption of a distance learning system for training the work force of civil construction. The chosen training domain is the assembly of the hydraulic installation used in some building systems. There are three great challenges facing this work: i. the target users, mostly with a low instruction level, frequently illiterate; ii. the type of content that is taught, of cognitive nature although connected to psicomotor activities such as pipe assembly, i.e., comprises both the content understanding and the execution (activities involved), traditionally a very difficult task for the distance learning approach and iii. the need for achieving low cost on employee training that has a very strong impact in the type of resources that could be used. The proposed solution comprised the development of a modern learning tool, based on a virtual interactive environment enhanced with multimedia features. Instructional planning was necessary to complete all phases of the distance learning activities. After the instructional design task, we decided where the training was to be performed as well as the methodology that was applied to evaluate results against a traditional presential training with the same contents. Finally we detail these resultsand present conclusions.