Medial osteoarthritis (OA) and lateral OA have distinct characteristic cartilage lesion locations and knee flexion angles associated with lesion development. These types of OA are suggested to be caused by loading when the knee is in extension and mid-range flexion, respectively. This project used subject-specific finite element (FE) models to investigate contact conditions within the extended and flexed knee. A method of creating subject-specific FE models by combining geometry (derived from magnetic resonance imaging scans) and load cases (calculated from motion analysis data) collected from the same subject was developed. This model creation method was validated by comparing experimentally-measured pressure data to contact data calculated by FE models. Models of normal knees in three subjects were created first. Models with larger subject-specific loads had larger displacements and higher stresses and contact pressures. Contact occurred over most of the articulating cartilage surfaces, both in areas of typical cartilage lesions and outside areas of typical cartilage lesions. Parameters in the normal models were then altered to reflect three mechanical changes hypothesized to lead to OA: increased loading, globally decreased cartilage stiffness, and locally decreased cartilage stiffness. Increased loading led to increased displacements, stresses, and contact pressures. Contact shifted anteriorly in the extended knee models to locations of typical medial OA cartilage lesions; contact remained stationary with elevated stress magnitudes in the flexed knee models. Globally decreasing cartilage stiffness had limited effects on contact results. Locally decreased cartilage stiffness led to locally increased displacement and strain and locally decreased stress and contact pressure. Contact again shifted anteriorly in the extended knee models. Potential mechanisms of OA initiation were then proposed. Increased weight or locally decreased cartilage stiffness increased strains within the cartilage. High strains can damage the cartilage matrix fibres, further decreasing cartilage stiffness and eventually leading to cartilage lesions and OA.

Esta dissertação de Mestrado integra um estudo de base sobre responsabilidade filial. Teve por objetivo adaptar a etapa qualitativa do instrumento elaborado por pesquisadores canadenses. O processo de adaptação compreendeu as etapas de equivalência conceitual, de itens, equivalência semântica e operacional. A equivalência conceitual e de itens baseou-se na revisão bibliográfica da temática nestes dois contextos e na discussão com um comitê de especialistas. A equivalência semântica abrangeu as etapas de tradução inicial, retradução, comitê de especialistas e pré-teste. A equivalência operacional baseou-se na análise da aplicação do instrumento. O comitê de especialistas, composto por profissionais vinculados à pesquisa, docência e assistência na área de saúde do idoso e saúde coletiva analisou a equivalência conceitual, de itens e semântica, entre a versão em português e o instrumento original. A versão final em português foi aplicada, por meio de pré-teste, a uma amostra de 11 filhos cuidadores de pessoas idosas cadastradas no Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar da Unidade Básica de Saúde Santa Cecília/HCPA, no município de Porto Alegre. A caracterização da amostra que serviu para validar o instrumento indicou que a maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino, com idade entre 40 a 67 anos e divorciada ou separada. As filhas cuidavam da mãe, viúva, com idade entre 71 a 97 anos. Por meio das repostas abertas do instrumento, foi possível estruturar quatro categorias: possibilidade de institucionalização dos pais idosos, expectativa de cuidado, as dificuldades em ser filho cuidador e a responsabilidade filial. A versão em português apresentou uma boa equivalência semântica e os resultados demonstraram que os conceitos e itens utilizados no instrumento canadense são aplicáveis à realidade local. / The following Master’s Degree thesis conveys a basis study on filial responsibility. It aimed to adapt the qualitative step of the instrument elaborated by Canadian researchers. The adaptation process approached the steps of conceptual, items, as well as semantic and operational equivalence. Conceptual equivalence and items equivalence was based on the bibliographical research of the theme in these two contexts and in the discussion of a specialists committee. The semantic equivalence approached the steps of initial translation, retranslation, specialists committee, and pretest. The operational equivalence was basically applying the instrument. The committee has analyzed the conceptual items, and semantic equivalence; between the version in Portuguese and the original instrument, resulting in the reformulation of some items, making them clearer and of an easier comprehension. The final version in Portuguese was applied, through a pretest, to a sample of 11 elderly caregivers registered in the Homecare Service Program in the Santa Cecília Basic Health Ward HCPA, in the city of Porto Alegre. The characterization of the sample that served to validate the instrument indicated that most of the participants were female, at age ranging from 40 to 67 years old, divorced or separated; which took care of the mother, widow, at age from 71 to 97 years old. From the answers obtained in the open questions, it was possible to structure four categories: feasibility of institutionalization of elderly parents, expectation of care from caregivers in relation to their children, filial responsibility, and difficulties in being a caregiver. The version in Portuguese presented a good semantic equivalence and the results displayed the fact that concepts and items used in the Canadian instrument are applicable to the local reality. / Esta tesis de Maestría hace parte de un estudio de base acerca de la responsabilidad filial. Tuvo por objetivo adaptar la etapa cualitativa del instrumento elaborado por investigadores canadienses. El proceso de adaptación abarcó las etapas de equivalencia conceptual, de ítems y de equivalencia semántica. La equivalencia conceptual y de ítems se basó en la revisión bibliográfica de la temática en estos dos entornos y en la discusión con un comité de expertos. La equivalencia semántica abarcó las etapas de traducción inicial, de retraducción, del comité de expertos y del pre-test. La equivalencia operacional se basó en el análisis de la aplicación del instrumento. El comité de expertos, compuesto por profesionales vinculados a la investigación, docencia y asistencia en el área de salud del anciano y salud colectiva analizó la equivalencia conceptual, de ítems y semántica, entre la versión en portugués y el instrumento original. La versión final en portugués fue aplicada, por medio del pre-test, a una muestra de 11 hijos cuidadores de personas ancianas registradas en el Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar da Unidade Básica de Saúde Santa Cecília/HCPA, en la ciudad de Porto Alegre. La caracterización de la muestra que sirvió para validar el instrumento indicó que la mayoría de los participantes era del sexo femenino, con edad entre 40 a 67 años y divorciada o separada. Las hijas cuidaban de la madre, viuda, con edad entre 71 a 97 años. Por medio de las respuestas abiertas del instrumento, fue posible estructurar cuatro categorías: posibilidad de institucionalización de los padres ancianos, expectativas de cuidado, las dificultades en ser hijo cuidador y la responsabilidad filial. La versión en portugués presentó una buena equivalencia semántica y los resultados demostraron que los conceptos e ítems utilizados en el instrumento canadiense son aplicables a la realidad local.

The first step in developing or updating a licensure or certification examination is to conduct a job or task analysis. Following completion of the job analysis, a survey validation study is performed to validate the results of the job analysis and to obtain task ratings so that an examination blueprint may be created. Psychometricians and job analysts have spent years arguing over the choice of scales that should be used to evaluate job tasks, as well as how those scales should be combined to create an examination blueprint. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between individual and composite rating scales, examine how that relationship varied across industries, sample sizes, task presentation order, and number of tasks rated, and evaluate whether examination blueprint weightings would differ based on the choice of scales or composites of scales used. Findings from this study should be used to guide psychometricians and job analysts in their choice of rating scales, choice of composites of rating scales, and how to create examination blueprints based upon individual and/or composite rating scales. A secondary data analysis was performed to help answer some of these questions. As part of the secondary data analysis, data from 20 survey validation studies performed during a five year period were analyzed. Correlations were computed between 29 pairings of individual and composite rating scales to see if there were redundancies in task ratings. Meta-analytic techniques were used to evaluate the relationship between each pairing of rating scales and to determine if the relationship between pairings of rating scales was impacted by several factors. Lastly, sample examination blueprints were created from several individual and composite rating scales to determine if the rating scales that were used to create the examination blueprints would ultimately impact the weighting of the examination blueprint. The results of this study suggest that there is a high degree of redundancy between certain pairs of scales (i.e., the Importance and Criticality rating scale are highly related), and a somewhat lower degree of redundancy between other rating scales; but that the same relationship between rating scales is observed across many variables, including the industry for which the job analysis was being performed. The results also suggest the choice of rating scales used to create examination blueprints does not have a large effect on the finalized examination blueprint. This finding is especially true if a composite rating scale is used to create the weighting on the examination blueprint.

The general aim of the thesis was to contribute to the knowledge about co-occurring symptoms of ADHD and depression in adolescence, focusing on sex differences, as well as aetiology, help-seeking and assessment. Studies I–III used epidemiological samples of self-reports from all students in Västmanland aged 15–16 and 17–18 years. Study I investigated the prevalence of co-occurring symptoms of ADHD and depression, as well as associations between co-occurring symptoms of ADHD and depression and one environmental stress factor; experience of sexual abuse. Study II examined associations between one biological factor—a polymorphism in TFAP-2β—and co-occurring symptoms of ADHD with andco-occurringsymptoms of depression. Study III investigated the association between the parent–adolescent relationship and seeking help from specialized mental health services in relation to symptoms of ADHD and/or depression. Study IV was a clinical study among adolescent psychiatric patients that compared self-reported ADHD symptoms via the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale–Adolescent version (ASRS-A) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale–Adolescent–Screening version (ASRS-A-S) with an ADHD diagnosis determined by the gold-standard method; the Kiddie Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia diagnostic interview. Studies I–III showed that the phenotype of co-occurring symptoms of ADHD and depression is frequent, with a distinct preponderance among girls. Approximately 50% of both boys and girls with co-occurring symptoms of ADHD and depression had also experienced sexual abuse, indicating that this is a group with multiple risk factors for long-term impaired mental health. Results also support biological sex differences because girls with symptoms of ADHD and a common polymorphism of TFAP-2β (absence of a 9 repeat) reported more symptoms of depression, but boys did not. Further, only 5% of the adolescents with symptoms of ADHD and/or depression sought help from specialized mental health services. The co-occurrence of symptoms of ADHD and depression was a stronger predictor of help-seeking than all other psychosocial factors investigated, including secure attachment cognitions styles to parents. Among help-seeking girls, co-occurring symptoms of ADHD and depression were more common than symptoms of ADHD without co-occurring symptoms of depression. The ASRS-A/ASRS-A-S showed promising psychometric properties for further validation in adolescentsresults as a screening tool for use in adolescents.

Esta dissertação de Mestrado integra um estudo de base sobre responsabilidade filial. Teve por objetivo adaptar a etapa qualitativa do instrumento elaborado por pesquisadores canadenses. O processo de adaptação compreendeu as etapas de equivalência conceitual, de itens, equivalência semântica e operacional. A equivalência conceitual e de itens baseou-se na revisão bibliográfica da temática nestes dois contextos e na discussão com um comitê de especialistas. A equivalência semântica abrangeu as etapas de tradução inicial, retradução, comitê de especialistas e pré-teste. A equivalência operacional baseou-se na análise da aplicação do instrumento. O comitê de especialistas, composto por profissionais vinculados à pesquisa, docência e assistência na área de saúde do idoso e saúde coletiva analisou a equivalência conceitual, de itens e semântica, entre a versão em português e o instrumento original. A versão final em português foi aplicada, por meio de pré-teste, a uma amostra de 11 filhos cuidadores de pessoas idosas cadastradas no Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar da Unidade Básica de Saúde Santa Cecília/HCPA, no município de Porto Alegre. A caracterização da amostra que serviu para validar o instrumento indicou que a maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino, com idade entre 40 a 67 anos e divorciada ou separada. As filhas cuidavam da mãe, viúva, com idade entre 71 a 97 anos. Por meio das repostas abertas do instrumento, foi possível estruturar quatro categorias: possibilidade de institucionalização dos pais idosos, expectativa de cuidado, as dificuldades em ser filho cuidador e a responsabilidade filial. A versão em português apresentou uma boa equivalência semântica e os resultados demonstraram que os conceitos e itens utilizados no instrumento canadense são aplicáveis à realidade local. / The following Master’s Degree thesis conveys a basis study on filial responsibility. It aimed to adapt the qualitative step of the instrument elaborated by Canadian researchers. The adaptation process approached the steps of conceptual, items, as well as semantic and operational equivalence. Conceptual equivalence and items equivalence was based on the bibliographical research of the theme in these two contexts and in the discussion of a specialists committee. The semantic equivalence approached the steps of initial translation, retranslation, specialists committee, and pretest. The operational equivalence was basically applying the instrument. The committee has analyzed the conceptual items, and semantic equivalence; between the version in Portuguese and the original instrument, resulting in the reformulation of some items, making them clearer and of an easier comprehension. The final version in Portuguese was applied, through a pretest, to a sample of 11 elderly caregivers registered in the Homecare Service Program in the Santa Cecília Basic Health Ward HCPA, in the city of Porto Alegre. The characterization of the sample that served to validate the instrument indicated that most of the participants were female, at age ranging from 40 to 67 years old, divorced or separated; which took care of the mother, widow, at age from 71 to 97 years old. From the answers obtained in the open questions, it was possible to structure four categories: feasibility of institutionalization of elderly parents, expectation of care from caregivers in relation to their children, filial responsibility, and difficulties in being a caregiver. The version in Portuguese presented a good semantic equivalence and the results displayed the fact that concepts and items used in the Canadian instrument are applicable to the local reality. / Esta tesis de Maestría hace parte de un estudio de base acerca de la responsabilidad filial. Tuvo por objetivo adaptar la etapa cualitativa del instrumento elaborado por investigadores canadienses. El proceso de adaptación abarcó las etapas de equivalencia conceptual, de ítems y de equivalencia semántica. La equivalencia conceptual y de ítems se basó en la revisión bibliográfica de la temática en estos dos entornos y en la discusión con un comité de expertos. La equivalencia semántica abarcó las etapas de traducción inicial, de retraducción, del comité de expertos y del pre-test. La equivalencia operacional se basó en el análisis de la aplicación del instrumento. El comité de expertos, compuesto por profesionales vinculados a la investigación, docencia y asistencia en el área de salud del anciano y salud colectiva analizó la equivalencia conceptual, de ítems y semántica, entre la versión en portugués y el instrumento original. La versión final en portugués fue aplicada, por medio del pre-test, a una muestra de 11 hijos cuidadores de personas ancianas registradas en el Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar da Unidade Básica de Saúde Santa Cecília/HCPA, en la ciudad de Porto Alegre. La caracterización de la muestra que sirvió para validar el instrumento indicó que la mayoría de los participantes era del sexo femenino, con edad entre 40 a 67 años y divorciada o separada. Las hijas cuidaban de la madre, viuda, con edad entre 71 a 97 años. Por medio de las respuestas abiertas del instrumento, fue posible estructurar cuatro categorías: posibilidad de institucionalización de los padres ancianos, expectativas de cuidado, las dificultades en ser hijo cuidador y la responsabilidad filial. La versión en portugués presentó una buena equivalencia semántica y los resultados demostraron que los conceptos e ítems utilizados en el instrumento canadiense son aplicables a la realidad local.

Esta dissertação de Mestrado integra um estudo de base sobre responsabilidade filial. Teve por objetivo adaptar a etapa qualitativa do instrumento elaborado por pesquisadores canadenses. O processo de adaptação compreendeu as etapas de equivalência conceitual, de itens, equivalência semântica e operacional. A equivalência conceitual e de itens baseou-se na revisão bibliográfica da temática nestes dois contextos e na discussão com um comitê de especialistas. A equivalência semântica abrangeu as etapas de tradução inicial, retradução, comitê de especialistas e pré-teste. A equivalência operacional baseou-se na análise da aplicação do instrumento. O comitê de especialistas, composto por profissionais vinculados à pesquisa, docência e assistência na área de saúde do idoso e saúde coletiva analisou a equivalência conceitual, de itens e semântica, entre a versão em português e o instrumento original. A versão final em português foi aplicada, por meio de pré-teste, a uma amostra de 11 filhos cuidadores de pessoas idosas cadastradas no Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar da Unidade Básica de Saúde Santa Cecília/HCPA, no município de Porto Alegre. A caracterização da amostra que serviu para validar o instrumento indicou que a maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino, com idade entre 40 a 67 anos e divorciada ou separada. As filhas cuidavam da mãe, viúva, com idade entre 71 a 97 anos. Por meio das repostas abertas do instrumento, foi possível estruturar quatro categorias: possibilidade de institucionalização dos pais idosos, expectativa de cuidado, as dificuldades em ser filho cuidador e a responsabilidade filial. A versão em português apresentou uma boa equivalência semântica e os resultados demonstraram que os conceitos e itens utilizados no instrumento canadense são aplicáveis à realidade local. / The following Master’s Degree thesis conveys a basis study on filial responsibility. It aimed to adapt the qualitative step of the instrument elaborated by Canadian researchers. The adaptation process approached the steps of conceptual, items, as well as semantic and operational equivalence. Conceptual equivalence and items equivalence was based on the bibliographical research of the theme in these two contexts and in the discussion of a specialists committee. The semantic equivalence approached the steps of initial translation, retranslation, specialists committee, and pretest. The operational equivalence was basically applying the instrument. The committee has analyzed the conceptual items, and semantic equivalence; between the version in Portuguese and the original instrument, resulting in the reformulation of some items, making them clearer and of an easier comprehension. The final version in Portuguese was applied, through a pretest, to a sample of 11 elderly caregivers registered in the Homecare Service Program in the Santa Cecília Basic Health Ward HCPA, in the city of Porto Alegre. The characterization of the sample that served to validate the instrument indicated that most of the participants were female, at age ranging from 40 to 67 years old, divorced or separated; which took care of the mother, widow, at age from 71 to 97 years old. From the answers obtained in the open questions, it was possible to structure four categories: feasibility of institutionalization of elderly parents, expectation of care from caregivers in relation to their children, filial responsibility, and difficulties in being a caregiver. The version in Portuguese presented a good semantic equivalence and the results displayed the fact that concepts and items used in the Canadian instrument are applicable to the local reality. / Esta tesis de Maestría hace parte de un estudio de base acerca de la responsabilidad filial. Tuvo por objetivo adaptar la etapa cualitativa del instrumento elaborado por investigadores canadienses. El proceso de adaptación abarcó las etapas de equivalencia conceptual, de ítems y de equivalencia semántica. La equivalencia conceptual y de ítems se basó en la revisión bibliográfica de la temática en estos dos entornos y en la discusión con un comité de expertos. La equivalencia semántica abarcó las etapas de traducción inicial, de retraducción, del comité de expertos y del pre-test. La equivalencia operacional se basó en el análisis de la aplicación del instrumento. El comité de expertos, compuesto por profesionales vinculados a la investigación, docencia y asistencia en el área de salud del anciano y salud colectiva analizó la equivalencia conceptual, de ítems y semántica, entre la versión en portugués y el instrumento original. La versión final en portugués fue aplicada, por medio del pre-test, a una muestra de 11 hijos cuidadores de personas ancianas registradas en el Programa de Atendimento Domiciliar da Unidade Básica de Saúde Santa Cecília/HCPA, en la ciudad de Porto Alegre. La caracterización de la muestra que sirvió para validar el instrumento indicó que la mayoría de los participantes era del sexo femenino, con edad entre 40 a 67 años y divorciada o separada. Las hijas cuidaban de la madre, viuda, con edad entre 71 a 97 años. Por medio de las respuestas abiertas del instrumento, fue posible estructurar cuatro categorías: posibilidad de institucionalización de los padres ancianos, expectativas de cuidado, las dificultades en ser hijo cuidador y la responsabilidad filial. La versión en portugués presentó una buena equivalencia semántica y los resultados demostraron que los conceptos e ítems utilizados en el instrumento canadiense son aplicables a la realidad local.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-02-26T17:50:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 lidiareisfernandes.pdf: 1602073 bytes, checksum: b27488da269ddab42a8bc991fe994695 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-03-03T14:08:36Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 lidiareisfernandes.pdf: 1602073 bytes, checksum: b27488da269ddab42a8bc991fe994695 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-03T14:08:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 lidiareisfernandes.pdf: 1602073 bytes, checksum: b27488da269ddab42a8bc991fe994695 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-03 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Introdução: O uso abusivo ou dependência de substâncias psicoativas pela população brasileira constitui problema relevante no âmbito da saúde pública. A disponibilização de um instrumento que avalie o quadro geral de um usuário de álcool e outras drogas é útil para o planejamento do tratamento e para avaliação de sua efetividade. O Addiction Severity Index (ASI) é um instrumento que permite avaliar informações sobre vários aspectos da vida de pessoas com problemas associados ao uso de álcool e outras drogas, como problemas médicos, no emprego, nos aspectos legais, sociofamiliares, psiquiátricos, além do uso de álcool e de outras drogas. Sua sexta versão foi validada para o Brasil obtendo boas propriedades psicométricas, porém faz-se necessário o desenvolvimento de uma versão brasileira reduzida do ASI6 para otimizar o tempo de aplicação. Objetivo: O presente trabalho buscou desenvolver e avaliar as Propriedades Psicométricas de uma versão brasileira reduzida do ASI6, proposta a partir de um estudo de validação dos construtos do instrumento. Método: Foram entrevistados 200 sujeitos, 100 com uso problemático de álcool e outras drogas e 100 sem uso problemático. Foram calculados os escores dos indivíduos a partir da Teoria de Resposta ao Item. As propriedades psicométricas foram avaliadas pela correlação entre os escores do ASI6 e do ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test), padrão-ouro do estudo. Foram avaliados os índices de sensibilidade e especificidade. Resultados: Foi encontrada uma alta correlação entre o escore da área “álcool” do ASI 6 Light e os escores do ASSIST em relação ao álcool (r=0,79), correlações moderadas em relação ao tabaco (r=0,47) e cocaína/crack (r=0,44) e baixa (r=0,39) em relação à maconha. Ao correlacionar os escores do ASSIST e os escores da área drogas do ASI 6 Light obteve-se uma alta correlação em relação à cocaína/crack (r=0,85), correlações moderadas em relação ao tabaco (r=0,57) e maconha (r=0,68) e baixa (r=0,29) em relação ao álcool. A área sob a curva ROC da área “álcool” foi 0,93 e da área “drogas” foi 0,88. Discussão: Com este estudo foi possível desenvolver e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão reduzida do ASI6 Light. Boas evidências de validade da área “álcool” e “drogas” foram apresentadas. Essa nova versão tornou-se um instrumento de fácil manejo e de rápida aplicação, contendo os itens que melhor avaliam a gravidade de problemas com substâncias e dos problemas associados nas diversas áreas. / Introduction: The abuse or dependence on psychoactive substances by the Brazilian population is a relevant problem in public health. The availability of an instrument to assess the general framework of a user of alcohol and other drugs is useful for treatment planning and to evaluate their effectiveness. The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is an instrument to evaluate information on various aspects of life of people with problems associated with alcohol and other drugs such as medical conditions, on employment, legal, social-familial, psychiatric, and the use alcohol and other drugs. His sixth version was validated in Brazil getting good psychometric properties, but it is necessary the development of a shortened Brazilian version of the ASI6 to optimize the exposure time. Aims: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the Psychometric Properties of a shortened Brazilian version of the ASI6, proposal from a validation study of the instrument constructs. Method: 200 subjects were interviewed, 100 with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and 100 without problematic use. The scores of individuals from the Item Response Theory were calculated. The psychometric properties were evaluated by the correlation between the scores of the ASI6 and ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test), the gold standard study. We assessed the sensitivity and specificity rates. Results: A high correlation between the score of the area "alcohol" ASI6 Light and scores ASSIST regarding alcohol was found (r = 0.79), moderate correlations with tobacco (r = 0.47) and cocaine / crack (r = 0.44) and low (r = 0.39) with respect to marijuana. Correlating ASSIST scores and the scores of the area of drugs ASI6 Light obtained a high correlation to cocaine / crack (r = 0.85), moderate correlations with tobacco (r = 0.57) and marijuana (r = 0.68) and low (r = 0.29) compared to alcohol. The area under the ROC curve of area "alcohol" was 0.93 and the area "drugs" was 0.88. Discussion: With this study was possible to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the short version of the ASI6 Light. Good evidence of validity of the area "alcohol" and "drugs" were presented. This new version has become an instrument for easy handling and quick application, containing the items that best assess the severity of problems with substances and the problems associated in various areas.

This thesis presents performance evaluation and a field validation study of a time and temperature indexed autoregressive with exogenous (4-3-5 ARX) building thermal load prediction model with an aim to integrate the model with actual predictive control systems. The 4-3-5 ARX model is very simple and computationally efficient with relatively high prediction accuracy compared to the existing sophisticated prediction models, such as artificial neural network prediction models. However, performance evaluation and field validation of the model are essential steps before implementing the model in actual practice. The performance of the model was evaluated under different climate conditions as well as under modeling uncertainty. A field validation study was carried out for three buildings at Mississippi State University. The results demonstrate that the 4-3-5 ARX model can predict building thermal loads in an accurate manner most of the times, indicating that the model can be readily implemented in predictive control systems.

The Health Regulatory Focus Scale (HRFS) is a short scale whichmeasures an individual’s prevention and promotion focus in a health-specific context. The main objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the newly translated German version of the HRFS. Reliability and item characteristics were found to be satisfactory. Validity of both subscales toward other psychological constructs including behavioral approach and avoidance, core self-evaluations, optimism, pessimism, neuroticism, as well as severalmeasures of physical andmental health was shown. In addition, invariance of the measure across age and gender groups was shown. Exploratory as well as confirmatory factor analyses clearly indicated a two-factorial structure with a moderate correlation between the two latent constructs. Differences in health promotion and prevention focus between socio-demographic groups are discussed. The HRFS is found to be a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of regulatory focus in health-related environments.

[pt] A presente tese teve como objetivo estabelecer um quadro teórico e empírico para desenvolver programas de intervenção para a alexitimia, uma condição relacionada com prejuízos socioemocionais. A tese é composta por quatro artigos. O artigo 1 validou uma versão adaptada do Bermond–Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) para o português brasileiro, mostrando que o TAS-20 e o BVAQ-BR medem diferentes aspectos da alexitimia. O artigo 2 validou a escala de precisão interoceptiva (IAS) adaptada para o português brasileiro, destacando a correlação negativa entre a precisão interoceptiva e alexitimia, sintomas de TEA e síndromes disfóricas. Os artigos 1 e 2 forneceram ferramentas confiáveis para avaliar alexitimia e acurácia interoceptiva no Brasil, mostrando seus potenciais benefícios na identificação de fatores de risco para transtornos psiquiátricos. O artigo 3 realizou uma revisão sistemática do impacto das intervenções baseadas em DBT na alexitimia, indicando a eficácia de tais intervenções na melhoria das habilidades de processamento emocional, embora as intervenções que incorporam princípios de outros tratamentos tenham sido mais eficazes. Por fim, o Artigo 4 explorou a relação entre alexitimia e empatia, revelando os aspectos multifacetados dessa relação. A tese propõe uma estrutura robusta para facilitar o desenvolvimento de programas de intervenção para alexitimia. / [en] The current thesis aimed to establish a theoretical and empirical framework to develop intervention programs for alexithymia, a condition related to socio-emotional impairments. The thesis is comprised of four articles. Article 1 validated an adapted version of the Bermond–Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire (BVAQ) for Brazilian Portuguese, showing that the TAS-20 and the BVAQ-BR measure different aspects of alexithymia. Article 2 validated the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS) adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, highlighting the negative correlation between interoceptive accuracy and alexithymia, and symptoms of ASD and dysphoric syndromes. Articles 1 and 2 provided reliable tools for assessing alexithymia and interoceptive accuracy in Brazil, showing their potential benefits in identifying risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Article 3 conducted a systematic review of the impact of DBT-based interventions on alexithymia, indicating the effectiveness of such interventions in improving emotional processing skills, although interventions incorporating principles from other treatments were more effective. Finally, Article 4 explored the relationship between alexithymia and empathy, revealing the multifaceted aspects of this relationship. The thesis proposes a robust framework to facilitate the development of intervention programs for alexithymia.