Performance-based fire engineering design is becoming a more common practice for fire safety design of large complex buildings and modifying existing buildings. However, different engineering assumptions and ambiguous acceptance criteria not only lead to inconsistent level of safety, but also cause inefficient Building Consent process and can result in expensive appeals. In August 2006 the New Zealand Department of Building and Housing (DBH) has been developing a Verification Method (C/VM2) for demonstrating compliance with the Fire Safety requirements of the New Zealand Building Code (C Clauses). This research evaluated the proposed C/VM2 on four complex buildings, including Multi-level Night Club, Hospital, Shopping Mall and Retail Warehouse. It has showed that the C/VM2 successfully implements a systematic and less ambiguous guidance for the future performance-based fire safety designs. However, continued analysis and development is necessary that a solely deterministic method may not be the best solution. A risk-based concept is suggested to be incorporated into the new generation of the C/VM2.

Young people’s challenging behaviour in the school classroom and elsewhere has long been subject to research and policy attention. Despite inherent definitional difficulties, challenging behaviour is often constructed as a product of an individual young person’s pathology (whether biologically, psychologically or socially determined). Adopting an alternative starting point, this study focuses on a youth work setting and conceptualises challenging behaviour as something created in and through social interaction. The aim of this study is to contribute to a contextualised understanding of challenging behaviour as a social phenomenon that ordinarily arises when working with young people. As an exploratory study of everyday youth work practices, a year-long ethnographic study was conducted of an open-access youth club, located in a Scottish secondary school. Data were generated through participant observation, interviews, question sheets and written evaluation records. The data were analysed to identify significant themes facilitating the construction of a meaningful and accurate account of challenging interactions in this youth club. The thesis suggests that ‘doing’ and drawing attention to challenging behaviour functions to delineate the boundaries around acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the youth club. Challenging behaviour plays a substantial role in the social interactions of this setting, linked to personal and professional identities. The youth club is described as a chaotic (dynamic, bodily and playful) space, where challenging behaviour is expected and normalised yet it is still identified and disciplined. The study suggests it is difficult to reach a subjective contextual definition of challenging behaviour because although certain types of behaviour are repeatedly acknowledged as problematic, in practice there are inconsistencies in whether and how these behaviours are challenged. Challenging interactions are argued to emerge in the negotiation of control over the behaviour of self and others. The research indentified ‘humour’ and ‘playfulness’ as significant in the construction, diffusion and emotional management of recurring challenging interactions. The study concludes that it is fruitful to conceptualise challenging behaviour as a social phenomenon - something created in the moment - in advancing an understanding of the complexity of working with young people perceived to be challenging. The findings, and limitations, of this study suggest that it would be useful to conduct further research into: the emotional aspects of challenging interactions; potential age and gender differences in negotiating challenging interactions; and the relationship between challenging behaviour, creativity and transformative actions.

Para avaliar os possíveis efeitos que os corantes artificiais podem causar à saúde, é de grande importância possuir dados relativos à exposição a estas substâncias. O fato de diversos estudos apontarem problemas de saúde relacionados ao consumo do corante artificial Amarelo Crepúsculo (AC) justifica a necessidade de verificar se a ingestão desta substância, através do consumo de alimentos industrializados, ultrapassa a Ingestão Diária Aceitável (IDA). O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar e caracterizar a ingestão de AC pela população brasileira. Para isso, primeiramente foram verificados quais os alimentos comercializados por uma das maiores redes de supermercados do país que continham AC na sua formulação. Foi avaliada a ingestão média destes alimentos utilizando as Pesquisas de Orçamento Familiar (POF, 2008-2009) e determinada a Ingestão Diária Máxima Teórica (IDMT) de AC, através dos valores estipulados pela legislação brasileira para a concentração máxima permitida deste corante nos diferentes grupos de alimentos. Posteriormente foram realizadas analises, através de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), para avaliar o teor de Amarelo Crepúsculo em refrescos em pó, refrigerantes, bebidas isotônicas, gelatinas e balas, e verificar as faixas de utilização deste corante e a adequação à legislação vigente. Através dos dados obtidos, verificou-se que a IDMT para AC, considerando o consumo médio per capita de alimentos, não supera a IDA para nenhuma das distribuições populacionais estudadas. No entanto, ao considerar a prevalência de consumo alimentar, a IDMT é superior à IDA para adolescentes de 10 a 18 anos (277% da IDA), adultos (181% da IDA) e idosos (140% da IDA) das áreas urbanas e rurais e nas cinco regiões do país Em relação às amostras analisadas, pode-se constatar que, considerando-se as médias obtidas, os produtos que mais contêm AC são na ordem: Refrigerantes (7,91 mg/100 mL); Bebidas Isotônicas (6,22 mg/100 mL); Refrescos em pó (5,96 mg/100 mL); Gelatinas (5,92 mg/100 mL) e Balas (menor que 1,25 mg/100 g). Através da realização deste trabalho, conclui-se que considerando o consumo médio per capita a ingestão diária representa entre 14 e 31% da IDA, não representando risco à saúde. No entanto, verificou-se que alguns indivíduos de todos os grupos populacionais podem estar ingerindo o corante em quantidades superiores às recomendadas. Cabe destacar que a POF (2008-2009), utilizada como fonte de dados nesta pesquisa, entrevistou crianças a partir dos 10 anos de idade. Visto que neste estudo o consumo de AC aumentou ao diminuir a faixa etária, é provável que esta tendência se aplique para crianças com menos de 10 anos. Diante do exposto, torna-se necessário um maior rigor no emprego e na fiscalização do uso de Amarelo Crepúsculo em produtos alimentares, visto que o consumo elevado deste corante pode ocasionar reações adversas aos seus consumidores. / To evaluate the possible effects that artificial dyes can cause health is very important to have data on exposure to these substances. The fact that several studies suggest health problems related to the consumption of artificial dye Sunset Yellow (SY) justifies the need to verify that the ingestion of this substance through consumption of processed foods, exceeds the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize the SY intake by the Brazilian population. For this, they were first checked which foods marketed by one of the country's largest supermarket chains containing SY in its formulation. the average intake of these foods using the Household Budget Surveys were evaluated (HBS 2008-2009) and determined the Theory Maximum Daily Intake (TMDI) SY, through the values set by the Brazilian legislation for the maximum permitted concentration of the dye in the different groups of food. Later analyzes were performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the Yellow Twilight content in powdered drinks, soft drinks, isotonic drinks, gelatins and candy, and check the use of bands of this dye and the adequacy of legislation current. Through the data, it was found that the TMDI for SY, considering the average per capita consumption of food does not exceed the ADI for any of the studied population distributions. However, when considering the prevalence of food consumption, the TMDI is higher than the ADI for adolescents 10-18 years (277% of ADI), adults (181% of ADI) and the elderly (140% ADI) in urban areas and rural and in five regions of the country. Regarding the samples, it can be seen that, considering the averages, the products that contain SY are in order: Soft drinks (7.91 mg/100 mL); Isotonic drinks (6.22 mg/100 mL); powdered drinks (5.96 mg/100 mL); Gelatins (5.92 mg/100 mL) and candy (below 1,25 mg/100 g) Through this work, it is concluded that considering the average consumption per capita daily intake is between 14 and 31% of ADI and do not represent a health risk. However, it was found that some individuals of all population groups may be ingesting the dye in amounts greater than those recommended. It should be noted that the HBS (2008-2009), used as a data source in this research, interviewed children from 10 years old. Since in this study the use of SY increased by reducing the age, it is likely that this trend will apply to children under 10 years. Given the above, it is necessary a greater rigor in applying and monitoring the use of Sunset Yellow in food products, as the high consumption of this dye can cause adverse reactions to their consumers.

No description available.

Le cadre de ce travail est l'étude coordonnée de lois de contrôle et d'ordonnancement. Le premier objectif est de proposer et évaluer une approche de contrôle de la dégradation de la Qualité de Contrôle (QdC) par rejet sélectif d'instances de tâches ou de messages selon le<br />modèle (m,k)-firm. Plus particulièrement, nous avons étudié l'impact de distribution de rejets sur la QdC d'une boucle de contrôle et, sur la base des résultats obtenus, nous avons spécifié une méthode de co-conception permettant de déterminer les paramètres (gain) optimaux de la loi de contrôle et les paramètres de la contrainte (m,k)-firm spécifiant le rejet sélectif d'instances. Cette proposition a été validée sur modèles à l'aide de techniques analytiques, par simulation ainsi que grâce à des expérimentations. Notre deuxième objectif est d'étudier le problème de l'ordonnancement d'un ensemble de tâches temps réel réalisant chacune les algorithmes de contrôle dans une application centralisée évolutive. Nous proposons un mécanisme d'ordonnancement qui ajuste en ligne les contraintes<br />(m,k)-firm des tâches suivant la configuration courante de l'application de manière à ce qu'un critère reflétant la performance globale de l'application soit optimal à tout instant.

In setting the AMDR for protein at 10-35% of daily energy, the Institute of Medicine acknowledged a lack of data regarding the safety of long-term intakes. The current study assessed the impact of chronic (17 months) protein consumption at the upper end of the AMDR on renal function, histology, and inflammation. Using plant and animal whole protein sources, female Sprague-Dawley rats (70 days old; n=8-11 at 4, 8, 12, or 17 mo.) were randomized to either a normal (NP; 15% of energy) or high protein (HP; 35% of energy) diet. Egg albumen and skim milk replaced carbohydrates in the HP diet. Diets were balanced for energy, fat, vitamins and minerals, and offered ad libitum. Renal function was analyzed by creatinine clearance and urinary protein levels. Glomerular hypertrophy, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were assessed on kidney sections. Kidney disease progression was determined by the measurement of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and renal inflammation by the measurement of chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). Rats consuming the HP compared to NP diet had ~17% higher kidney weights (P<0.0001) and ~4.8 times higher proteinuria (P<0.0001). There was a trend towards higher creatinine clearance with HP (P=0.055). Consistent with this, HP compared to NP rats had ~22% larger glomeruli (P<0.0001) and ~33% more glomerulosclerosis (P=0.0003). The HP diet had no significant effect on tubulointerstitial fibrosis and renal TGF-β1 levels and did not result in higher renal levels of MCP-1 and RANTES. In fact, per mg renal protein, HP rats had ~16% lower MCP-1 (P<0.0001) and ~34% lower levels of RANTES (P<0.0001) than NP. The absence of an increase in cytokine levels may be a reflection of the moderate changes in renal pathology observed in rats offered HP diets. These data in normal female rats suggest that protein intakes at the upper end of the AMDR are detrimental to kidney health in the long-term. While modest, this may have implications for individuals whose kidney function is compromised, especially given the prevalence of those unaware of their kidney disease within North America. / October 2007

Incorporating the best findings from current, high-quality research into routine clinical practice is the basis of evidence-based care. Chapter 1: "Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Evidence-Based Care" is a review of the systematic review process, including meta-analysis, aimed at clinical professionals with limited statistical training. It advocates the use of the systematic review process, outlines some general techniques, and provides selected resources where individuals can acquire additional assistance. The typical steps involved include: formulating a clear research question, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracting the data and assessing the study quality, summarizing and synthesizing the evidence, and then interpreting the findings. When effort is made to minimize bias and locate as many articles on a particular topic as possible, systematic reviews and meta-analyses can produce invaluable findings for evidence-based care. Chapter 2: "The Effect of Macronutrient Distribution on the Lipid Profile in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" describes a systematic review and meta-analysis that examined the impact total macronutrients had on blood lipid levels. This chapter builds upon the concepts introduced in chapter one, and assesses the effect of manipulating macronutrient distribution on the lipid profile of adults, and compares these effects to recommendations regarding macronutrients, such as the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs). Suggestions related to improving the quality of meta-analyses are also outlined, and supplemental analyses are provided at the end of the dissertation.

In setting the AMDR for protein at 10-35% of daily energy, the Institute of Medicine acknowledged a lack of data regarding the safety of long-term intakes. The current study assessed the impact of chronic (17 months) protein consumption at the upper end of the AMDR on renal function, histology, and inflammation. Using plant and animal whole protein sources, female Sprague-Dawley rats (70 days old; n=8-11 at 4, 8, 12, or 17 mo.) were randomized to either a normal (NP; 15% of energy) or high protein (HP; 35% of energy) diet. Egg albumen and skim milk replaced carbohydrates in the HP diet. Diets were balanced for energy, fat, vitamins and minerals, and offered ad libitum. Renal function was analyzed by creatinine clearance and urinary protein levels. Glomerular hypertrophy, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were assessed on kidney sections. Kidney disease progression was determined by the measurement of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and renal inflammation by the measurement of chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). Rats consuming the HP compared to NP diet had ~17% higher kidney weights (P<0.0001) and ~4.8 times higher proteinuria (P<0.0001). There was a trend towards higher creatinine clearance with HP (P=0.055). Consistent with this, HP compared to NP rats had ~22% larger glomeruli (P<0.0001) and ~33% more glomerulosclerosis (P=0.0003). The HP diet had no significant effect on tubulointerstitial fibrosis and renal TGF-β1 levels and did not result in higher renal levels of MCP-1 and RANTES. In fact, per mg renal protein, HP rats had ~16% lower MCP-1 (P<0.0001) and ~34% lower levels of RANTES (P<0.0001) than NP. The absence of an increase in cytokine levels may be a reflection of the moderate changes in renal pathology observed in rats offered HP diets. These data in normal female rats suggest that protein intakes at the upper end of the AMDR are detrimental to kidney health in the long-term. While modest, this may have implications for individuals whose kidney function is compromised, especially given the prevalence of those unaware of their kidney disease within North America.

In setting the AMDR for protein at 10-35% of daily energy, the Institute of Medicine acknowledged a lack of data regarding the safety of long-term intakes. The current study assessed the impact of chronic (17 months) protein consumption at the upper end of the AMDR on renal function, histology, and inflammation. Using plant and animal whole protein sources, female Sprague-Dawley rats (70 days old; n=8-11 at 4, 8, 12, or 17 mo.) were randomized to either a normal (NP; 15% of energy) or high protein (HP; 35% of energy) diet. Egg albumen and skim milk replaced carbohydrates in the HP diet. Diets were balanced for energy, fat, vitamins and minerals, and offered ad libitum. Renal function was analyzed by creatinine clearance and urinary protein levels. Glomerular hypertrophy, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were assessed on kidney sections. Kidney disease progression was determined by the measurement of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and renal inflammation by the measurement of chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). Rats consuming the HP compared to NP diet had ~17% higher kidney weights (P<0.0001) and ~4.8 times higher proteinuria (P<0.0001). There was a trend towards higher creatinine clearance with HP (P=0.055). Consistent with this, HP compared to NP rats had ~22% larger glomeruli (P<0.0001) and ~33% more glomerulosclerosis (P=0.0003). The HP diet had no significant effect on tubulointerstitial fibrosis and renal TGF-β1 levels and did not result in higher renal levels of MCP-1 and RANTES. In fact, per mg renal protein, HP rats had ~16% lower MCP-1 (P<0.0001) and ~34% lower levels of RANTES (P<0.0001) than NP. The absence of an increase in cytokine levels may be a reflection of the moderate changes in renal pathology observed in rats offered HP diets. These data in normal female rats suggest that protein intakes at the upper end of the AMDR are detrimental to kidney health in the long-term. While modest, this may have implications for individuals whose kidney function is compromised, especially given the prevalence of those unaware of their kidney disease within North America.

Para avaliar os possíveis efeitos que os corantes artificiais podem causar à saúde, é de grande importância possuir dados relativos à exposição a estas substâncias. O fato de diversos estudos apontarem problemas de saúde relacionados ao consumo do corante artificial Amarelo Crepúsculo (AC) justifica a necessidade de verificar se a ingestão desta substância, através do consumo de alimentos industrializados, ultrapassa a Ingestão Diária Aceitável (IDA). O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar e caracterizar a ingestão de AC pela população brasileira. Para isso, primeiramente foram verificados quais os alimentos comercializados por uma das maiores redes de supermercados do país que continham AC na sua formulação. Foi avaliada a ingestão média destes alimentos utilizando as Pesquisas de Orçamento Familiar (POF, 2008-2009) e determinada a Ingestão Diária Máxima Teórica (IDMT) de AC, através dos valores estipulados pela legislação brasileira para a concentração máxima permitida deste corante nos diferentes grupos de alimentos. Posteriormente foram realizadas analises, através de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE), para avaliar o teor de Amarelo Crepúsculo em refrescos em pó, refrigerantes, bebidas isotônicas, gelatinas e balas, e verificar as faixas de utilização deste corante e a adequação à legislação vigente. Através dos dados obtidos, verificou-se que a IDMT para AC, considerando o consumo médio per capita de alimentos, não supera a IDA para nenhuma das distribuições populacionais estudadas. No entanto, ao considerar a prevalência de consumo alimentar, a IDMT é superior à IDA para adolescentes de 10 a 18 anos (277% da IDA), adultos (181% da IDA) e idosos (140% da IDA) das áreas urbanas e rurais e nas cinco regiões do país Em relação às amostras analisadas, pode-se constatar que, considerando-se as médias obtidas, os produtos que mais contêm AC são na ordem: Refrigerantes (7,91 mg/100 mL); Bebidas Isotônicas (6,22 mg/100 mL); Refrescos em pó (5,96 mg/100 mL); Gelatinas (5,92 mg/100 mL) e Balas (menor que 1,25 mg/100 g). Através da realização deste trabalho, conclui-se que considerando o consumo médio per capita a ingestão diária representa entre 14 e 31% da IDA, não representando risco à saúde. No entanto, verificou-se que alguns indivíduos de todos os grupos populacionais podem estar ingerindo o corante em quantidades superiores às recomendadas. Cabe destacar que a POF (2008-2009), utilizada como fonte de dados nesta pesquisa, entrevistou crianças a partir dos 10 anos de idade. Visto que neste estudo o consumo de AC aumentou ao diminuir a faixa etária, é provável que esta tendência se aplique para crianças com menos de 10 anos. Diante do exposto, torna-se necessário um maior rigor no emprego e na fiscalização do uso de Amarelo Crepúsculo em produtos alimentares, visto que o consumo elevado deste corante pode ocasionar reações adversas aos seus consumidores. / To evaluate the possible effects that artificial dyes can cause health is very important to have data on exposure to these substances. The fact that several studies suggest health problems related to the consumption of artificial dye Sunset Yellow (SY) justifies the need to verify that the ingestion of this substance through consumption of processed foods, exceeds the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize the SY intake by the Brazilian population. For this, they were first checked which foods marketed by one of the country's largest supermarket chains containing SY in its formulation. the average intake of these foods using the Household Budget Surveys were evaluated (HBS 2008-2009) and determined the Theory Maximum Daily Intake (TMDI) SY, through the values set by the Brazilian legislation for the maximum permitted concentration of the dye in the different groups of food. Later analyzes were performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the Yellow Twilight content in powdered drinks, soft drinks, isotonic drinks, gelatins and candy, and check the use of bands of this dye and the adequacy of legislation current. Through the data, it was found that the TMDI for SY, considering the average per capita consumption of food does not exceed the ADI for any of the studied population distributions. However, when considering the prevalence of food consumption, the TMDI is higher than the ADI for adolescents 10-18 years (277% of ADI), adults (181% of ADI) and the elderly (140% ADI) in urban areas and rural and in five regions of the country. Regarding the samples, it can be seen that, considering the averages, the products that contain SY are in order: Soft drinks (7.91 mg/100 mL); Isotonic drinks (6.22 mg/100 mL); powdered drinks (5.96 mg/100 mL); Gelatins (5.92 mg/100 mL) and candy (below 1,25 mg/100 g) Through this work, it is concluded that considering the average consumption per capita daily intake is between 14 and 31% of ADI and do not represent a health risk. However, it was found that some individuals of all population groups may be ingesting the dye in amounts greater than those recommended. It should be noted that the HBS (2008-2009), used as a data source in this research, interviewed children from 10 years old. Since in this study the use of SY increased by reducing the age, it is likely that this trend will apply to children under 10 years. Given the above, it is necessary a greater rigor in applying and monitoring the use of Sunset Yellow in food products, as the high consumption of this dye can cause adverse reactions to their consumers.