Esta dissertação consiste em um estudo teórico exploratório sobre o projeto sistemático de sistemas de assento especiais para cadeiras de rodas, com ênfase em seus aspectos conceituais e funcionais. De acordo com os princípios da tecnologia assistiva - que consiste no uso de tecnologias para o atendimento das necessidades de pessoas com deficiência - o objetivo das ajudas técnicas deve ser a promoção da atividade e participação social através da compensação de deficiências, promovendo a funcionalidade. Assim, foi feita uma revisão da literatura a respeito da adequação postural do usuário de cadeira de rodas, e dos fatores que contribuem para sua saúde, sua funcionalidade e seu conforto ou desconforto na posição sentada, permitindo a identificação de suas necessidades explícitas e implícitas. Com o uso da Metodologia de Projeto Sistemático de Pahl e Beitz, da Metodologia de Projeto Axiomático e da Teoria da Solução dos Problemas Inventivos (TRIZ), foi elaborada uma lista de requisitos funcionais através do mapeamento entre o domínio das necessidades do usuário e o domínio funcional do sistema de assento. Em seguida, elaborou-se uma estrutura funcional, demonstrando os principais elementos e conexões funcionais do sistema, sendo por fim comentados e propostos alguns princípios de solução para cada uma das sub-funções principais encontradas, envolvendo a análise de princípios de solução de sistemas existentes e de sistemas análogos em outras áreas tecnológicas. Concluiu-se que a imobilidade é o fator primário que desencadeia os diversos problemas de saúde e funcionalidade do usuário associados ao uso destes sistemas de assento, e que portanto a função principal desses sistemas deve ser a de permitir, facilitar e promover positivamente a alternância freqüente de posição. Além disso, verificou-se o papel fundamental dos fluxos de informação responsáveis pela determinação do propósito homeostático da movimentação, que objetiva a redistribuição contínua das tensões locais nos tecidos, além do favorecimento da ação motora voluntária pela estabilização e mobilização seletiva de movimentos corporais. / This work is an exploratory theoretical study on systematic design of special wheelchair seating systems, emphasizing its conceptual and functional aspects. According to the principles of assistive technology - which consists in the use of technologies applied to the caring of the needs of people with disabilities - the objectives of technical aids should be the promotion of optimal individual functionality. Thus, a literature review has been made on the theme of postural seating clinic, and the factors related to the health, the functionality, and the comfort or discomfort in the sitting position, allowing the identification of many explicit and implicit needs. By using the Systematic Design approach of Pahl & Beitz, complemented by some principles of Axiomatic Design and TRIZ, a functional requirements list has been made, consisting in the mapping between the customer needs in the customer domain and the functional requirements in the functional domain. In the next step, a functional structure has been created, showing the main functional elements and connections of the seating system, followed by the proposal of some working principles regarding the main identified sub-functions, including the analysis of analog technical systems of other technological fields. It was concluded that immobility is the main causative factor leading to the many functional and health problem associated with the sitting position, and therefore the main function of special seating systems must be to allow and actively promote frequent position changes. Moreover, it has become evident that information flows have a capital importance in proper functioning of seating systems, since they convey the homeostatic purpose of the movements being made, in order to continually redistribute and alleviate the local soft tissue deformations, and to promote the selective stabilization and motion of body segments that permit functional motor action.

Background: In children with cerebral palsy (CP), poor trunk control fosters spinal deformity, pulmonary compromise (Canet, et al., 1998), increased health risks, and costs of long-term care (Braddock, 2001). Evidence links posture and pulmonary function, but influence of wheelchair parameters on pulmonary mechanics is unknown. Objectives: 1) Determine relative contribution of five wheelchair configuration parameters to improvement in pulmonary mechanics--total airway resistance (RAW), tidal volume, minute ventilation (MV), and deadspace to tidal volume ratio; 2) Describe recruitment and retention of school-aged children with CP; and 3) Discuss response of the participants to the protocol. Method: This within-subjects, descriptive study employed a sample of 8 school-aged children with CP and flexible spines who could not sit alone. In a single session, participants experienced five seating parameters manipulated in a Prairie wheelchair simulator: 1) left and right upper extremity supports; 2) left and right lateral trunk supports; 3) secured, level, derotated pelvis; 4) tilt in space; and 5) all four parameters. The Viasys Jaeger Impulse Oscillometry System and Respironics Non Invasive Cardiac Output monitor (NICO) measured the dependent variable, pulmonary mechanics, via Hans Rudolph facemasks. Spasticity (by Modified Ashworth Scale), patient characteristics, and medications were recorded. A process log captured participant recruitment and retention challenges and response to protocol. Results: Recruitment was challenging; retention was 50%. For this sample, despite lack of power, both RAW and MV improved with upper extremity and lateral trunk supports. Highest RAW was seen with total absence and total presence of the parameters, and secured, level pelvis. The data collection protocol was feasible for 50% of participants, none of whom could execute conventional measurement. Facemask and seating simulator acceptability were 75 %, improving with participant verbal communication ability. The facemask seal was vulnerable to tilted positioning; 75% of participants became fatigued. RAW measures differed from manufacturer's directions but were reliable. Conclusions: The Prairie seating simulator, Jaeger IOS, Respironics NICO, and Hans Rudolph facemasks effectively measured pulmonary mechanics as a function of wheelchair seating parameters in this sample. Upper extremity and lateral trunk supports most greatly reduced RAW, maintaining MV. Verbal children tolerated the procedure best.

To document the design, prototype and manufacture of a lounge, which stimulates communication and human interaction. The lounge will also question conventional seating arrangements, and redefine how two people can sit in relation to each other, converse, interact and exchange body language. The process began with an initial design sketch, and producing a prototype. This step was required, as it was the starting point for the major project. It provided me with an initial design to criticize and improve on. The major project is intended to test the validity of the initial design, analyse the markets, and improve the design in relation to ergonomic issues, material/manufacturing resolution and produce a marketing plan. The next stage of the process was the gathering and analysis of relevant information in order to redefine the design brief. This involved preliminary research into marketing, ergonomics, materials and manufacturing processes. With the design brief now established, concepts were prepared and compared against the products criteria. The design solution which best met the criteria was further detailed and developed. Finally, a business plan was put together to test the commercial viability of the lounge. The business plan was comprised of the viable markets, production cost, investment cost, discounted cash flow, and sensitivity analysis.

The purpose of this thesis is to gain knowledge about howthe public library in Skövde is being used as a public spaceand how different zones in the library are used according tothe theoretical perspective “the four spaces” byJochumsen, Hvenegaard Rasmussen and Skot-Hansen.The model consists of four abstract overlapping spaceswhich are inspiration space, learning space, meeting space,and performative space.The research method used in this study isthe observational method seating sweeps. The findingsfrom the observations were compiled in SPSS andfrom the diagrams that were developed we analysed theresults according to “the four spaces” model. The researchquestions used in this thesis are “How are the differentparts of the physical library room being used? and“How is the library used as a public place?”. Thefindings from Skövde public library were that usersused the different zones in different ways; using zone 1primarily as meeting place, inspiration place andperformative space; using zone 2 primarily as a learningplace; using zone 3 primarily as inspiration place andperformative place; and using zone 4 primarily asa learning place. Findings also showed that Skövde publiclibrary is mainly functioning as a low-intensivemeeting-place, but also has the opportunity to offer a highintensivemeeting-place for users.

This study investigated effects of pilot-hole diameter, screw penetration depth depth, embedded screw orientation, magnitude of pushing-down force and turning speed on screw driving torques in particleboard (PB) and predicted screw driving torques for two PB clamped together. In addition, effects of material mechanical properties such as shear and tensile strength on screw direct withdrawal loads in PB were investigated and a model to predict screw direct withdrawal load capacity was developed. Furthermore, effects of screw driving torques on clamping pressure between two particleboards were investigated. It was concluded in general that stripping torques (STT) per thread for driving screws into tested PB materials had significantly higher means than seating torque (SET) per thread. The SET and STT per thread for screws driven into PB materials with 0.75-inch penetration depth was higher than 0.50-inch depth when no pilot-hole or pilot-holes with diameter of 1/8 in were drilled. Statistical analyses on screw driving torques for two PB materials clamped together, illustrated that the SET and STT tended to increase when the pilot-hole diameter decreased from 11/64 to 1/16 in. The prediction of the SET and STT values of driving screws through a face into an edge of PB materials can be predicted by the connection of two separate PB materials between a single face specimen with countersink in the surface and a single edge specimen. In addition, a face into a face PB connection, the prediction of both SET and STT can be predicted by connection of two separate face specimens. Results on shear and internal bond (IB) strength demonstrated that there was a clear trend that the shear and IB strengths were higher in the surface of the particleboards than the other levels. In the case of screw direct withdrawal (SDW), the results illustrated that the SDW values of particleboard types did not differ from each other when the pilot-hole diameters of 1/8 and 9/64 in used to drive the screw into the material.

Participants in the author’s training program for OT practitioners who work in skilled nursing facilities will gain an understanding of the need and requirements for ongoing wheelchair seating and positioning management of long-term care residents. BACKGROUND: Elderly individuals admitted to a skilled nursing facility receive initial occupational therapy (OT) evaluation for appropriate wheelchair (WC) seating. On extended stay, the resident’s seating needs often change, leading to postural impairment from improper positioning. Lack of awareness of poor positioning by residents, particularly when cognitive issues are present, can delay corrective action because they may not call attention to difficulties or discomfort. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can play a distinctive role in ensuring that proper wheelchair seating and positioning of older residents is maintained. The author’s aim is to create a prototype program designed to mitigate the risk that accompanies poor wheelchair positioning and that can be carried out at any skilled nursing facility (SNF). OBJECTIVES: The author’s project will address the recognized need for a training program for occupational therapy practitioners that will provide guidelines for assessing, evaluating and planning the appropriate intervention for an elderly manual wheelchair user in a skilled nursing facility. Objectives for the resident include reduction in the incidence of wound development, improvement of functioning, and increase in participation in the care environment with other wheelchair users. METHOD: Program implementation will begin with facility recruitment. The author will create a handout illustrating the planned program and will distribute it in person or via mail to administrators of skilled nursing and residential care facilities within a 100-mile radius that have a rehabilitation department and one or more OT practitioners. When interest is expressed by a recipient, the author will contact the facility and conduct a short interview to discuss problems and concerns, the availability of staff incentives for participation in inservice training, and payment for the author’s services. Depending upon the author’s assessment of participant knowledge, skills and needs, training will be adjusted from an introductory to intermediate level. As part of the proposed program, the author will recommend that OT practitioners instruct nursing and other caregiving staff to periodically screen every wheelchair-dependent resident when they are providing direct care during their daily routines. Miller, Miller, Trenholm, Grant and Goodman (2004) developed the Seating Identification Tool (SIT) to fill the need for an easy to administer screening questionnaire that would be sufficiently sensitive for clinical assessment and research. ANTICIPATED FINDINGS: Occupational therapy practitioners will play a distinctive role in ensuring that proper wheelchair seating and positioning of older residents is maintained. Preventing pressure ulcers will prove to be much less costly than medical treatment, both to the resident and the facility. Reduction in time lost from daily occupations to allow healing will improve the client’s sense of well-being. OT practitioners will be called upon to make periodic adjustments in wheelchair fitting and positioning, which might as simple as providing an appropriate wheelchair cushion. LIMITATIONS: Program development and program evaluation research are in the initial stages and have not yet been implemented in any skilled nursing facility. RECOMMENDATIONS: The author recommends implementation of the pilot program in a skilled nursing facility with data gathering for program evaluation research to gain evidence and further refine the program.

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Yes / A significant proportion of healthcare that is delivered is wasteful, harmful and not evidence based. There are many wound care related guidelines, but their implementation in practice is variable. The Society of Tissue Viability (SoTV) published updated seating guidelines in 2017, but there is a lack of theoretical and conceptual clarity about how these guidelines are being utilised to inform clinical practice. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to generate a theory that can be used to incorporate the SoTV seating guidelines into policy and clinical practice. Methods: We critically reflected on data from an evaluation study utilising systems-thinking approach, informed by implementation and safety science using wider literature as well as our expertise to generate a guideline implementation theory. Discussion: Factors that facilitate or hinder the incorporation of the SoTV guidelines into policy and practice were characterised. We conceptualised the implementation of these guidelines into policy and practice into a Translation or Implementation into Policy or Practice (TIPP) theory with distinct stages, that we called liminal spaces. Knowledge of the guidelines, and the agency or authority to effect change, are key factors in the translation of these guidelines into clinical practice. Conclusion: Our theory is that there are liminal spaces in the implementation trajectory of these guidelines into practice, which have their own characteristics. This theory provides a framework that can be used to underpin guidelines strategies to embed skin and wound care guidelines into policy and clinical practice in order to improve patient care.

In recent decades, many manufacturing industries have globalized their operations and the Canadian manufacturing sector has experienced dramatic downsizing. For a manufacturing company to succeed therefore, it is necessary for them to operate with a global perspective. In the area of fire safety, this requires understanding of, and compliance with, global regulatory requirements. This research develops a systematic approach that can be utilized to analyze and compare the complex fire safety regulatory requirements that are stipulated for a selected topic in various countries. The approach developed is sufficiently general that it can be leveraged to compare and contrast global standards in any field or discipline. The methodology outlines six aspects of the regulatory environment that must be considered in sorting standards and then uses spreadsheets and a mind mapping program to elucidate the many relationships that exist amongst the current standards. In this work, flammability test requirements for public transportation seating are studied, with a major emphasis on seating for railway applications. Requirements for seating in aviation, automotive (both cars and buses) and military vehicles are included in the discussion for comparative purposes. Fire is a complex phenomenon that is difficult to characterize. The legislated testing protocols reflect this complexity with some geographic jurisdictions mandating as many as six different types of fire testing for rail seating. This work looks in depth at two of the main types of fire testing: flame spread testing and toxic effluent testing. Flame spread testing was chosen because it is widely required, and toxic effluent testing was chosen because of the many complexities and ambiguities present amongst these standards. Eleven flame-spread tests are compared on a semi-quantitative basis, and eight fire effluent toxicity tests are discussed on a qualitative basis. The technique developed was useful to elucidate the relationships, similarities and differences amongst the fire safety requirements for transportation seating. There are large differences in requirements among transportation sectors as well as on a geographical basis. Using this technique, it was possible to categorize the flame spread tests into two groups and to compare the relative intensity of the tests within each of these subsets. The fire effluent toxicity tests varied so much in approach that only qualitative comparisons were possible.