The thesis focuses on in two vital and interrelated aspects of modelling design support systems, they are: how innovative solutions may arise, and the knowledge-base's extension and maintenance. The dilemma 'reproduction versus creativity' is identified as one of the main deadlocks that the design methods' debate, research in Computer Aided Architectural Design, CAAD, and Artificial Intelligence, AI, have faced in the last thirty years. A hybrid approach is then proposed as a means of overcoming these difficulties, where a rudimentary evolving design support environment is developed. It draws inspiration from three areas of Artificial Intelligence: knowledge-base systems, connectionist models, and case-based reasoning (CBR). However, it differs fundamentally from conventional knowledge-base systems, connectionist models and CBR tools, in its architecture, although strongly inspired by these underlying theories. The main benefits and contributions of this hybrid system are an incremental selfextending feature able to minimise substantially the dependency on knowledge engineer intervention, and an interactive support to innovation by augmenting the designer's creativity.

INTRODUCTION: Father support has recently been associated with increasing breastfeeding rates, but there is limited research on how the American father’s perspective of breastfeeding rates affect those rates. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the perspective American fathers have on breastfeeding and understand if it contributed to mothers’ decisions to initiate and continue exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. METHODS: This study analyzed 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with both fathers and mothers of ever-breastfeed infants at least six months of age. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and openly coded to identify common themes, and then analyzed using principles of grounded theory. RESULTS: Results suggested that mothers were often the lead decision makers in the decision to breastfeed based on her prepartum knowledge of breastfeeding and its benefits. Many fathers had no prepartum perspective of breastfeeding, though they were not opposed to it. Those fathers who had prepartum opinions about breastfeeding traced their beliefs about breastfeeding to their families’ cultures or traditions. DISCUSSION: Data suggested that among this population of 30 – 44 year old educated, heterosexual married couples breastfeeding was common, but the recent increasing rates may not necessarily be influenced by the American father's perspective of breastfeeding.

Nu för tiden blir människan äldre och med det så ökar risken för att insjukna i demens. Det är en obotlig sjukdom som innefattar en grav försämring av personens minne och intellekt och som slutligen leder till döden. Sjukdomen påverkar inte bara den drabbade utan även alla i dennes omgivning. Symtomen kommer smygande, vanligt är försämrat minne, intellekt och förändrad personlighet. Många av de drabbade är nedstämda, oroliga och kan även vara aggressiva. Detta beror på att de fortfarande har kvar sina känslor och kan känna att något är fel, men de kan inte sätta fingret på vad som är fel. Vid sjukdom så är behovet av stöd oftast stort och det är sjuksköterskans ansvar att ge stöd till den som behöver. För att kunna bemöta de behov som finns behövs kunskap om hur närstående upplever sin situation. Begränsad forskning finns kring närståendes erfarenheter av demenssjukdomen, och majoriteten av forskningen är inriktad på sjukdomen och hur den påverkar hjärnan och patienten. Därför valdes en litteraturbaserad studie till examensarbetet för att belysa erfarenheter av att vara närstående till en äldre person med demenssjukdom. Detta innebär att författarna granskat 10 artiklar från vetenskapliga tidskrifter och sammanställt till ett eget resultat. Temana som bildades efter granskningen var närståendes erfarenheter av stöd och sjukdomens progression och dess effekter på relation och känslor. Det första temat fokuserar just på de närståendes erfarenheter av stöd. Både från vården och andra i samma situation. Resultatet visar att stödet från sjuksköterskan bör vara lättillgängligt och ges i tidigt skede av sjukdomen för att undvika ohälsa. Även att prata med andra i samma situationer var viktigt, många tog hjälp av stödgrupper för att få råd. Andra ville inte ha stöd från sina familjer då de inte ville lägga bördan på dem så de tog själva allt ansvar för den drabbade. Sjukdomens progression och dess effekter på relation och känslor belyser de olika problem som uppkommer under sjukdomens gång. Det förändrade beteendet hos den drabbade skapade irritation och frustration hos de närstående, till exempel när den drabbade tappade tråden i samtal eller uppträdde förvirrat. I samband med det förändrade beteendet formades en ny relation till den drabbade. Känslor av skuld och skam var närvarande för många och specifikt för makar var sorgen av att ha mist den man en gång delat livet med. / Background: Dementia not only affects the individual patient, but also healthcare professionals and the relatives. It is an increasing incurable disease that affects the mind of the afflicted person. He or she will experience difficulties with either expressing oneself, recognizing daily things, performing tasks that he or she previously were able to managed or the ability to plan, initiate or complete various tasks. Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate experiences of being a relative of an older person afflicted of dementia. Method: A literature based study was performed, analyzing 10 qualitative articles. Results: The results consist of two main themes, relatives experiences of support, with two subthemes, support in the care relationship and support from others in the same situation. The second theme progression of the disease and its affects on relations and feelings, with three subthemes, the partners behavioral change, a new kind of relationship and impact of the disease on feelings. These highlight significant experiences the relatives go through in relation to the disease. Support was something that may be given in different ways and the need for support was necessary. The behavioral change that comes with the disease, results in a new form of relationship with the affected. Feelings of sadness, guilt and shame were constantly present. Conclusion: The results shows that the relatives need support through the entire disease progression when the behavior of the affected changes and a new relationship is formed. When accepting the disease, the relatives found it easier to deal with life in general. Nurses need to have the means to respond to these relatives and to know how they experience their situation, to be able to support them in the best possible way.

The minority stress theory suggests LGBs experience greater stress levels due to their sexual minority identities; thus, they are more prone to psychological distress. Poor mental health is linked to internalized homophobia and heterosexism. However, affirmative social support may mitigate the stress response via the buffering hypothesis. My model posits that LGBs are more likely to report perceived stress; however, affirmative social support can mitigate stress. I investigated the relationship between perceived stress and sexual minority identity. I explored the relationship between heterosexism, emotional support and perceived stress and the moderating role of social support in my LGB sample. I conducted a hierarchical linear regression to test my model, which accounted for 29% of the variance in perceived stress. Heterosexism and emotional support were significantly associated with perceived stress. I failed to find a moderating role of emotional support. Limitations, strengths, future research and implications are discussed.

The Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification method has recently gained popularity due to the ease of implementing non-linear separating surfaces. SVM is an optimization problem with the two competing goals, minimizing misclassification on training data and maximizing a margin defined by the normal vector of a learned separating surface. We develop and implement new SVM models based on previously conceived SVM with L_1-Norm regularization with ramp loss error terms. The goal being a new SVM model that is both robust to outliers due to ramp loss, while also easy to implement in open source and off the shelf mathematical programming solvers and relatively efficient in finding solutions due to the mixed linear-integer form of the model. To show the effectiveness of the models we compare results of ramp loss SVM with L_1-Norm and L_2-Norm regularization on human organ microbial data and simulated data sets with outliers.

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown catalytically by a chemical vapor deposition method and characterized by a range of techniques. Fe, Ru and Co catalysts supported on the carbon nanotubes were prepared and investigated for their performances in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. CNTs were synthesized in a quartz tubular reactor at atmospheric pressure and at temperatures of 700°C over iron supported on CaCO3 using C2H2 as carbon source. Prior to CNT synthesis, the iron catalyst was first reduced under the same conditions (700°C and atmospheric pressure) in a flow of 5% H2 balanced in Argon. The catalyst, for the preparation of the CNTs, was prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation. The purification of the CNTs was performed with 30 wt % HNO3. Characterization of the CNTs using TEM, SEM, HRTEM, BET and TPR revealed that the crude product contained solely CNTs, catalysts particles and support, while no amorphous carbon was observed. The purified product is comprised of an interwoven matrix of tubes that were shown to be multi-walled (MWCNTs). CNT supported FT based catalysts were also prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation method and tested in a plug flow reactor in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The TEM images of the different FT catalysts supported on CNTs revealed that the catalyst particles are well dispersed on the surface of the CNTs. The catalyst particles were very iii small, and some residual Fe catalyst material, not removed by the acid treatment, could clearly be seen on the surface of the CNTs. The reduction and metal dispersion properties of the catalysts were investigated through TPR and chemisorption techniques. A TPR study showed three reduction steps for Co catalysts, and addition of Ru to the catalyst decreased the reduction temperature of the catalysts. Gasification of the CNTs was noted to occur at temperatures higher than 600°C. The effect of metal catalyst loading and promoters on the activity and selectivity of CNT supported FT synthesis catalysts was studied under condition of 275°C, 8 bar, CO/H2 = 1/2 and different flow rates. The FT catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes displayed a high CO conversion and excellent stability with time on stream in the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Fe catalysts displayed the lowest methane selectivity compared to all other FT synthesis catalysts used in this study.

MSc (Med), Community Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand / Background: Although breastfeeding is a key child survival strategy, breastfeeding practices in South African health institutions can generally be categorised as being poor. The global Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), led by UNICEF and the WHO, aims to create a health care environment that promotes breastfeeding as the norm. This study aimed to document practices around breastfeeding support and compliance with the BFHI’s “10 steps to successful breastfeeding” in both baby-friendly accredited and non-accredited facilities. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in nine facilities in Gauteng, including tertiary, secondary and districts hospitals, and midwife obstetric units. Convenience sampling was used. Study questionnaires were based on the generic BFHI assessment tool, but were modified to include more detailed investigation of HIV related factors. The questionnaire was verbally administered on-site to 165 mothers of well infants, and 65 nursing staff. Results: Suboptimal practices were identified in both baby-friendly and non-baby-friendly accredited facilities, but more so in the latter. None of the facilities passed all of the 10 BFHI steps. None of the baby-friendly certified institutions achieved a score sufficient to be still deemed baby-friendly. Steps that required advice and support from nursing staff, viz. step 5 (showing mothers how to breastfeed), step 8 (encouraging breastfeeding on demand), and step 10 (breastfeeding support after discharge from the facility), were particularly poorly done in the majority of facilities. Baby-friendly certified institutions were significantly better than non-accredited facilities for steps 2 (training), 4 (initiating breastfeeding within 1 hour), and 7 (rooming-in). Conclusion: Although baby-friendly accredited facilities generally performed better than non-accredited facilities, their performance failed to justify maintenance of their accredited status based on this assessment. However, some positive practices were sustained over time. There is a dire need for greater attention to be directed to the promotion of good breastfeeding practices by health professionals and institutions.

Thesis (D.B.A.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / Quality management has become a key competitive factor (Garvin, 1988). Product design quality requires incorporating the wants and needs of the customer base into new product development, and product conformance quality relies upon identifying and resolving flaws found in the products. Collecting this feedback requires that the boundary between the customer and the firm be spanned, and applying the feedback requires that it be communicated to the functional group that can effect product improvement. Through its constant interaction with customers, the customer support group is well positioned to sense this customer feedback and communicate it to the product development group. This dissertation examined the strategic role of the customer support organization within software companies as a quality assurance agent. While traditionally viewed as a rectifier of external quality failures, the research model proposed that customer support could also serve appraisal and preventive quality assurance roles through its boundary spanning activities. A small sample, comparative case study tested hypotheses about customer support's boundary spanning and provided for grounded theory building. The research revealed three primary findings. First, service delivery designs that included higher levels of customer contact allowed the service agents to sense a broader range of customer issues. Second, product quality increased when the customer data were collected in a detailed format structured to meet the practices of the development group. Third, product quality also increased when the customer support group had more involvement in product management decisions throughout the product development cycle. Through grounded theory-building, the research identified contextual factors that fostered a preventative quality assurance role for customer support. / 2031-01-01

Fung Chi Tim. / Thesis (M.Sc.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 53). / Abstract / Chapter I. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter II. --- Objective --- p.4 / Chapter III. --- Methodology / Decision Methodology --- p.6 / Sensitivity Analysis and Re-iteration --- p.14 / Ease of use of the system --- p.22 / Chapter IV. --- Test Result --- p.26 / Chapter V. --- Future Research Direction --- p.28 / Chapter VI. --- Conclusion --- p.32 / Chapter VII. --- Appendix A Description of System --- p.35 / Chapter VIII. --- Appendix B User's Guide --- p.44 / Figures --- p.50 / References --- p.53

Kin-hong Wong. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 67-70). / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature Review --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1 --- Modelling --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Integer Programming Model --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Network Flow Model --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Graph Colouring Model --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2 --- Heuristic Approach --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Lesson Selection Strategy --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Time Slot Selection Strategy --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Conflict handling Strategy --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3 --- Remarks --- p.15 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Project Overview --- p.16 / Chapter 3.1 --- The Work Flow --- p.16 / Chapter 3.2 --- System Objectives --- p.17 / Chapter 3.3 --- An Incremental Construction Approach --- p.18 / Chapter 3.4 --- A Decision Support System --- p.19 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Task Analysis --- p.21 / Chapter 4.1 --- Three-Stage Task Model --- p.21 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Conflict Free (CF) Stage --- p.22 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Conflict Avoidance (CA) Stage --- p.23 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Conflict Resolution (CR) Stage --- p.24 / Chapter 4.2 --- System Supports --- p.24 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Supports for CF Stage --- p.24 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Supports for CA Stage --- p.25 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Supports for CR Stage --- p.25 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- System Design --- p.27 / Chapter 5.1 --- User Interface --- p.28 / Chapter 5.2 --- Data Model --- p.28 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Timetable Structure --- p.30 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Resource Lists --- p.31 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Lesson List --- p.33 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- History Log --- p.34 / Chapter 5.3 --- Operational Tools --- p.35 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Elementary Scheduling Functions --- p.35 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- AUTO Function --- p.36 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- FLAG/COMMIT/ABORT --- p.37 / Chapter 5.4 --- Analytical Tools --- p.39 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Availability Table --- p.39 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Operation History --- p.39 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Slot Finder --- p.40 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Scheduling Priority --- p.42 / Chapter 5.5 --- Remarks --- p.43 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- System Evaluation --- p.45 / Chapter 6.1 --- Case 1 --- p.46 / Chapter 6.2 --- Case 2 --- p.46 / Chapter 6.3 --- Case 3 --- p.47 / Chapter 6.4 --- Remarks --- p.48 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Further Works --- p.50 / Chapter 7.1 --- Algorithmic Tools --- p.50 / Chapter 7.2 --- Post-Scheduling Room Assignment --- p.52 / Chapter 7.3 --- Input and Output Processors --- p.53 / Chapter 7.4 --- Electronic Tutorial Subsystem --- p.54 / Chapter 7.5 --- Task-Model-Based Help Subsystem --- p.54 / Chapter Chapter 8 --- Conclusions --- p.56 / Chapter Appendix A --- Database Definition --- p.58 / Chapter Appendix B --- Conflict Resolution Algorithm --- p.61 / Chapter Appendix C --- System Specification --- p.63 / References --- p.67