No / PURPOSE. Epidemiologic studies have indicated that elderly people who wear multifocal spectacles have an increased risk of tripping, particularly on stairs. Yet no studies have experimentally examined how wearing multifocal spectacles affects stair and step negotiation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of wearing multifocal compared with single-distance vision spectacles on minimum toe clearance and risk of tripping during step negotiation in the elderly. METHODS. Nineteen healthy subjects (mean age, 71.4 years) performed a single step up to a new level (heights, 7.5, 15, and 22 cm) while wearing multifocal (bifocals and progressive addition lenses) or single-distance vision spectacles. Minimum horizontal and vertical toe clearance were assessed by analyzing data collected with a five-camera, three-dimensional motion-analysis system. RESULTS. There was no difference in mean minimum toe clearance in subjects when wearing multifocal compared with single-distance vision spectacles. However, there was greater within-subject variability in vertical toe clearance when wearing multifocal spectacles (variance ratio, 1.53; P = 0.0004). Subjects were also significantly more likely to trip when wearing multifocal compared with single-vision spectacles (one-sided Fisher's exact test P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS. Because of increased within-subject variability in vertical toe clearance when wearing multifocal spectacles, elderly individuals may be at greater risk of falling when negotiating steps and stairs if they do not also consistently increase margins of safety (mean vertical toe clearance). This suggests that some elderly who are at high risk of falling may benefit from wearing single-distance vision rather than multifocal spectacles when walking.

Revisionsbranschen har genomgått betydande förändringar och anpassningar över tid, med digitalisering som en av de mest inflytelserika faktorerna. Den svenska regeringen strävar efter att Sverige ska vara ledande globalt när det gäller att utnyttja de möjligheter som digitaliseringen erbjuder. I takt med denna utveckling har artificiell intelligens (AI) blivit en viktig del av digitaliseringen, vilket har påverkat hur revision genomförs. Många arbetsuppgifter inom revision är strukturerade och repetitiva, vilket skapar en stor potential för automatisering av specifika moment. AI och andra digitala verktyg bidrar till ökad effektivitet och noggrannhet inom revision, vilket gör det möjligt för revisorer att hantera större mängder data och identifiera risker snabbare och mer exakt än tidigare. Denna studie undersöker hur dessa teknologiska framsteg påverkar revisionsbranschen och revisionsprocessen som revisorer arbetar med. Studien analyserar de utmaningar som AI-implementering medför, utifrån en reviderad version av TOE-modellen. En kvantitativ metod har använts för datainsamling, inkluderande litteraturstudier och distribution av enkätformulär till erfarna revisorer. Respondenternas svar indikerar en allmän uppfattning om låg teknologisk risk vid användning av AI. Samtidigt framhålls att kritiskt tänkande förblir viktiga aspekter i revisionsarbetet. Etiska frågor, såsom dataintegritet och ansvarsfördelning, fortsätter att vara betydande. Dessutom varierar revisorernas förståelse för AI-teknologi, vilket kan påverka deras förtroende för AI-system. / The audit industry has undergone significant changes and adaptations over time, with digitization being one of the most influential factors. The Swedish government strives for Sweden to be a global leader when it comes to making use of the opportunities that digitization offers. In line with this development, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an important part of digitization, which has affected how auditing is carried out. Many tasks in auditing are structured and repetitive, which creates a great potential for automation of specific elements. AI and other digital tools are contributing to increased efficiency and accuracy in auditing, enabling auditors to handle larger amounts of data and identify risks faster and more accurately than before. This study examines how these technological advances affect the audit industry and the audit process with which auditors work. The study analyzes the challenges that AI implementation entails, based on a revised version of the TOE model. A quantitative method has been used for data collection, including literature studies and distribution of questionnaires to experienced accountants. Respondents' responses indicate a general perception of low technological risk when using AI. At the same time, it is emphasized that critical thinking remains important aspects in audit work. Ethical issues, such as data integrity and accountability, continue to be significant. In addition, auditors' understanding of AI technology varies, which may affect their trust in AI systems.

The IT sector contributes to a large part of the world'semissions, for that reason it’s becoming more important toimplement green-IT within organizations. Theimplementation of green-IT in organizations is a complexprocess and the knowledge within the area is lacking. Tobroaden this research area this qualitative study has examinedfactors that affect the implementation of green-IT with analtered version of the TOE framework. With the frameworksfactors Technology, Organization, Environment andMotivation the study’s interview questions were designed andexamined on five interviewees. After a thematic analysis ofthe collected data the result showed that multiple sub-factorsof the framework were not consistent. The result implied thatthe TOEM frameworks subfactors government regulationsand resources did not have any effect on the adoption ofgreen-IT. What rather affected the adoption of geen-IT wasthe prioritization of green-IT within the organization. UsableIT-support for green-IT also resulted in being an importantaspect that moreover affects the motivation for green-IT, anaspect that wasn’t a subfactor of the TOEM framework. / IT-sektorn står för en stor del av världens utsläpp, därför blirdet allt viktigare att införa grön-IT inom organisationer.Införandet av grön-IT i en organisation är en komplexprocess och kunskapen inom området är bristande. För attutöka detta kunskapsområde har denna kvalitativa studieundersökt faktorer som påverkar införandet av grön-ITgenom en tillämpad version av ramverket TOE ramverket.Genom ramverkets faktorer Teknologi, Organisation, Miljöoch Motivation utformades studiens intervjufrågor somundersöktes mot fem intervjudeltagare. Efter en tematiskanalys av den insamlade datan visade resultatet att flera subfaktorer till ramverkets faktorer inte överensstämde.Resultatet påvisade att TOEM ramverkets sub-faktorerstatliga regleringar och resurser inte hade någon påverkanpå införandet av grön-IT. Vad som snarare påverkadeinförande av grön-IT var Grön-ITs prioritering inomorganisationen. Användbara IT-stöd för grön-IT resulteradeäven i att vara en viktig aspekt som dessutom påverkarmotivationen för grön-IT, en aspekt som inte var en subfaktor i TOEM ramverket.

Livsmedelsindustrin står inför stora utmaningar i framtiden, varav en är att erbjuda och producera livsmedel till en växande population på ett hållbart sätt. Ett sätt att övervinna denna utmaning är att implementera AI-teknik som kan användas för att effektivisera och främja hållbar utveckling inom livsmedelsindustrin. Syftet med studien är därför att kartlägga nivån av AI-readiness hos livsmedelsföretag i Norden, det vill säga undersöka hur redo dessa verksamheter är att implementera AI-teknik. Frågeställningen har besvarats genom en digital enkätundersökning baserat på det teoretiska ramverket TOE - Technology, Organization and Environment. Enkäten besvarades av 59 anonyma respondenter. Svaren kategoriserades baserat på det huvudsakliga verksamhetslandet för respondentens företag, den del av industrin företaget främst är verksamt inom och företagets storlek. Det insamlade datat har analyserats med hjälp av Chi2-test som resulterade i insikten att större företag har högre nivå av AI-readiness än små företag. Resultatet indikerade även på tre förbättringsområden för att öka nivån av AI-readiness. Företag bör i större utsträckning utveckla en strategisk plan för implementering av AI-teknik, säkerställa tillräckligt med mänskliga resurser med rätt kompetens och öka kunskapen om externa regleringar bland sina anställda. Den kunskap som studien genererar kan vara relevant för företag som arbetar med implementering av AI-teknik, för företag verksamma inom livsmedelsindustrin som vill öka sin AI-readiness samt för framtida forskning inom liknande områden. / The food industry faces major challenges in the future, one of which is to provide and produce food for a growing population in a sustainable way. One way to overcome this challenge is to implement AI-technologies that can be used to promote sustainable development in the food industry. The purpose of this study is therefore to map the level of AI-readiness among food companies in the Nordic region, specifically to investigate how ready these businesses are to implement AI-technology. The question has been answered through a digital survey based on the theoretical framework TOE - Technology, Organization and Environment. The survey was answered by 59 anonymous respondents. The answers were categorized based on the main country of operation of the respondent's company, the part of the industry the company is mainly active in and the size of the company. The collected data has been analyzed using Chi2-tests which resulted in the insight that larger companies have a higher level of AI-readiness than smaller companies. The result also indicated three areas of improvement to increase the level of AI-readiness. Companies should to a greater extent develop a strategic plan for the implementation of AI-technology, ensure sufficient human resources with the right skills and increase the knowledge of external regulations among their employees. The knowledge generated by the study can be relevant for companies working on the implementation of AI-technology, for companies operating in the food industry that want to increase their AI-readiness, and for future research in similar areas.

No description available.

As the world becomes increasingly digitalized, new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are now more than ever before an important tool for organizations to meet future challenges. This is true for the private as well as the public sector, however, certain organizational functions are falling behind on AI-adoption, with public procurement being a standout example. This study examines the feasibility of integrating AI-solutions in public procurement. Using the theoretical lens of technology adoption and the AI-adapted Technology Organization Environment (TOE)-framework, a series of interviews were conducted with procurement practitioners, experts and solutions providers, identifying what factors drive or inhibit AI-adoption. The results confirmed that the previously identified TOE-factors relative advantage, management support, and external pressure are drivers of AI-adoption in public procurement, while competence, resources and procurement regulation are inhibitors. Additionally, three new factors were identified in the interviews; available solutions, resistance to change and public policy. The findings of the study contributed to the proposal of an updated TOE-framework for AI-adoption in public procurement. They further confirm the findings of previous studies utilizing the TOE-framework to investigate public organizations. / I takt med att världen blir alltmer digitaliserad är nya teknologier som artificiell intelligens (AI) nu viktigare verktyg än någonsin för organisationers förmåga att bemöta framtida utmaningar. Detta gäller både den privata och den offentliga sektorn, men vissa organisatoriska funktioner ligger efter när det gäller AI-implementation, där den offentliga upphandlingsfunktionen är ett tydligt exempel. Denna studie undersöker möjligheterna att integrera AI-lösningar inom offentlig upphandling. Genom att använda organisationell teori om teknologiadoption som teoretisk lins och mer specifikt det AI-anpassade (TOE)-ramverket genomfördes en serie intervjuer med upphandlingspraktiker, experter och produktägare för att identifiera vilka faktorer som driver eller hämmar AI-implementation. Resultaten bekräftade att de tidigare identifierade TOE-faktorerna relativ fördel, ledningsstöd och extern press är drivkrafter för AI-implementation inom offentlig upphandling, medan kompetens, resurser och upphandlingsregler är hinder. Dessutom identifierades tre nya faktorer i intervjuerna; tillgängliga lösningar, motstånd mot förändring och offentlig styrning. Studiens resultat bidrog vidare till att föreslå ett uppdaterat TOE-ramverk för AI-implementation inom offentlig upphandling. Den bekräftar vidare resultaten från tidigare studier som använder TOE-ramverket för att undersöka teknikinförande inom offentliga organisationer.

Nowadays there is a strong demand for lighter vehicles in order to increase the pay load. Through this the specific fuel consumption is decreased, the amount of greenhouse gases is lowered and the transport economy improved. One possibility to optimize the weight is to make the components from high strength steels and join them by welding. Welding is the main joining method for fabrication of a large proportion of all engineering structures. Many components experience fatigue loading during all or part of their life time and welded connections are often the prime location of fatigue failure.Fatigue fracture in welded structures often initiates at the weld toe as aconsequence of large residual stresses and changes in geometry acting as stress concentrators. The objective of this research is to increase the understanding of the factors that control fatigue life in welded components made from very high strength steels with a yield strength of more than 800 MPa. In particular the influences of the local weld toe geometry (weld toe radius and angle) and residual stress on fatigue life have been studied. Residual stresses have been varied by welding with conventional as well as Low Transformation Temperature (LTT) filler materials. The three non-destructive techniques Weld Impression Analysis (WIA), Laser Scanning Profiling (LSP) and Structured Light Projection (SLP) have been applied to evaluate the weld toe geometry.Results suggest that all three methods could be used successfully to measure the weld toe radius and angle, but the obtained data are dependent on the evaluation procedure. WIA seems to be a suitable and economical choice when the aim is just finding the radius. However, SLP is a good method to fast obtain a threedimensional image of the weld profile, which also makes it more suitable for quality control in production. It was also found that the use of LTTconsumables increased fatigue life and that residual stress has a relatively larger influence than the weld toe geometry on fatigue strength of welded parts.

This dissertation is devoted to a study of the homo diegetic, extra diegetic narrator (terms derived from Genets). The main premise was to study the child as narrator, to differentiate between the child as narrator and the adult narrator, to peg down specific problems but also to show the advantages of the child narrator over the a adult narrator. With Genette as basis the writer has tried to clear up the widespread confusion in the literary world between the narrator who presents the narrative and the character whose consciousness orients the perspective, the who speaks and who sees of Genette. The first part of the study provides a theoretical background to the second part and is largely based on the typology of Gerard Genette. As the youthful reader is the most likely reader of the three chosen texts (Skrik kom huis toe by Dolf van Niekerk, Woorde is soos wars by Rona Rupert and Boom bomer boomste (Tree-more, tree-most - translated by Eve Merchant, 1983) by Elsabe Steenberg), a chapter in the first part is devoted to an investigation of the enforceability of the criterion used to differentiate between books meant for adults and books meant for children. Concerning these texts the writer’ s contention is that the degree of presence of the narrator as well as die placing of emphasis, either on the narrator or on the character whose perspective orients the narrative (the one who focalizes), determine the specific perspective of the narration. Personal traits of characters are often revealed by their respective objects of focalization. The three short novels previously mentioned are thematically related, but because of the specific handling of the narrator and of focalization in each, a multiplicity of perspectives is opened. In Skrik kom huis toe, the younger, experiencing self is emphasised. Albert's vision , and not that of the narrator, orients the narrative to such an extent that the reader easily identifies with his personal existential crisis. The voice of a narrating instance is barely discernible and has, for all practical purposes, no role in the text. The protagonist focalizes intently upon matters of personal concern and thus reveals an egocentric personality. The thinly populated narrative space as well as the bleakness of this space suggests something of the unhappiness and utter loneliness of the boy, Albert. In Woorde is soos wors, which is thematically related to the previous work , a completely different perspective is revealed because of the accent falling on the narrating instance himself. Uncommon in Afrikaans, the use of het ge- is sustained throughout the text, thereby undeniably creating a distance between the narrator and history. In contrast to the previous text the narrator emphasizes the fact that his experiences be long t o a distant past. Direct identification with an experiencing self is ruled out because of the out spoken diegetic nature of the text. The stress falls on the event rather than on the experience there of. The protagonist seldom focalizes and if he does this text is obviously imbedded in the text of the narrator. His world is nevertheless populated by a variety of people with whom he, without except ion, relates positively. The narrative space shows a much greater variety and is more colourful than that of Skrik kom huis toe . This s is meaningful in the characterization of the protagonist, Josias / MA, PU vir CHO, 1984

Submitted in fulfillment of Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Background: Myofascial therapies are widely researched with regards to their effects on pain, disability and range of motion. The benefits of such therapies are attributed to the mechanical changes that myofascial therapies are proposed to have on the fascial and myofascial structures. Breakthrough imaging and laboratory techniques, have allowed the in vivo study of these structures, resulting in new hypotheses regarding the roles that connective tissues might play in proprioception. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of two myofascial therapies, in terms of immediate changes in navicular pronation, great toe extension measurements and balance tests, as indicated by the postural stability (eyes open and closed) and limits of stability tests. Pre-, post-intervention analysis was used to determine if there were significant changes between the groups. Aims: The myofascial interventions aimed to reduce myofascial restriction and adhesions, within the plantar and crural fasciae’s of individuals with bilateral pronation. Methods: The study recruited 45 subjects with bilateral pronation (2 or more degrees) and randomly allocated them into a placebo ultrasound, ischaemic compression or myofascial release group. Each subject underwent a case history, physical examination, foot, ankle and knee regional examinations, as well as screened for contraindications. A blinded assistant examiner helped measured and record the baseline measurements for navicular position and great toe extension, using a standard two arm goniometer. The researcher then tested participants for postural stability (eyes open, eyes closed) and limits of stability, on the Biosway Portable Balance System. Subjects were then examined and treated bilaterally, for myofascial restrictions in the foot, lower leg and ankle, related or unrelated to the pronation present. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were recorded within a 20 minute window immediately before and after the relevant intervention. Statistical Analysis: Repeated measures ANOVA testing was used to compare the rate of change (between pre- and post-intervention measurements) amongst the three groups, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Post hoc Bonferroni adjusted tests were done to compare all pair wise groups, as well as identify trends between groups. Results and Discussion: The data showed that both myofascial groups, significantly improved in postural stability (eyes closed) overall, post hoc testing showed the ischaemic compression group (p=0.004) and myofascial release group (p=0.031), compared to changes in the placebo ultrasound group.The overall changes were predominantly found in the anterior-posterior axes, with significant improvements in ischaemic compression (p=0.007) and myofascial release group (p=0.053) axes compared to placebo. For the other outcome variables, statistically significant treatment effects were not consistant bilaterally between the groups. Significant (p=0.051) time*group differences for changes in right navicular position. Post hoc testing revealed a borderline significant (p=0.056) improvement in pronation for the myofascial release group in comparison to the ischaemic compression group, which on average got worse. With regards to passive non-weight bearing great toe extension left, significant (p=0.067) improvements for the ischaemic compression group were shown compared to placebo, although this was not consistent for all the great toe extension tests. A borderline significant (p=0.059) time*group effect for postural stability (eyes open) medial-lateral test was obtained. Post hoc Bonferroni adjusted testing showed a non-significant (p=0.063) correlation between the myofascial release group and placebo ultrasound group. Conclusion: The results of this study, rejects the Null hypothesis for changes in balance measurements and suggests that both myofascial interventions had a significant positive outcome for postural stability, compared to placebo. The postural stability (eyes closed) test gave an indication of positive or negative changes in centre of pressure displacement, about the centre of gravity. It is noted that the sham ultrasound, used as a placebo intervention may have produced a treatment effect and is therefore not a reliable placebo measure for this type of investigation. / M

Title: Effect of mechanical correction of hallux valgus deformity Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to investigate the influence of axial correction of hallux valgus deformity on static and dynamic postural stability. Methods: This pilot study involved 8 people ranging in age from 22 to 30 years with mild or moderate degree of hallux valgus deformity. Five probands had hallux valgus deformity bilaterally, three probands had deformity unilaterally on the right leg. Axial correction of position of first MTP joint was made by tape. Postural stability was measured using computerized dynamic posturography EquiTest Smart System from Neurocom before and after intervention. Measured data were processed using Neurocom Balance Manager Software. For the analysis of the data were used statistical methods - paired t-test, Wilcoxon rank test and the rate of clinical significance (Cohen's d). Results: The results indicates that the axial correction of hallux valgus deformity has positive effect on the dynamic postural stability. This impact wasn't demonstrated in static situations. Keywords: hallux valgus, great toe, postural stability, corrective taping, computerized dynamic posturography