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A detailed study of the performance of finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and adaptive integral method (AIM) based simulators is presented for bioelectromagnetic (BIOEM) analysis in the UHF band. The comparison is complicated because modern simulators based on these methods can routinely perform high-fidelity BIOEM analysis with hundreds of millions of degrees of freedom. In this thesis, an empirical approach is adopted to investigate the accuracy-efficiency tradeoffs of an FDTD and an AIM based simulator. Specifically, comprehensive numerical experiments are performed using several benchmark multi-layered spherical phantoms. Scattering from these phantoms are computed by using increasingly finer resolution meshes and the results are compared to analytical solutions to investigate the accuracy as well as computational costs of the different methods. The results from the benchmark problems show that both FDTD and AIM based simulators achieve similar error levels for staircased voxel meshes but FDTD based simulation is less expensive, especially when the memory requirement and preprocessing cost are considered. The results also show that although both simulators can reduce errors by refining voxel meshes, AIM based simulators can significantly reduce errors by using CAD meshes instead of voxel ones without significant cost increase. / text

Magister Scientiae (Medical Bioscience) - MSc(MBS) / Aim: Leukocytes are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ejaculate and contribute to up to 30% of male infertility. ROS have been associated with markers of apoptosis such as sperm DNA damage, externalization of phosphatidylserine and caspase-3 activation. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the impact male genital tract infections/inflammations on the induction of apoptosis in spermatozoa.Materials and Methods: Semen samples were obtained from 60 men consulting for fertility problems at the Reproductive Biology Unit, University of Stellenbosch at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, and Vincent Pallotti Hospital (Cape Town, South Africa). To investigate the relationship between male genital tract infection and sperm apoptosis, the following were measured: semen parameters including sperm count, motility and forward progression; oxidative status in the ejaculate by evaluating the concentration of seminal leukocytes, ROS production in the ejaculate,generation of O2-• and H2O2 by spermatozoa, and the activity of reduced glutathione(GSH) in sperm; sperm apoptotic markers by measuring mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), caspase-3/7 activation, and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL).Results: The concentration of seminal leukocytes had a significant positive correlation with ROS production in the ejaculate (ρ=0.378; P=0.0064), sperm O2-• production (ρ=0.336; P=0.0098), and caspase-3/7 activation in sperm (ρ=0.527;P<0.0001). Furthermore, at the cutoff value of ≥0.25×106 leukocytes/mL of semen,the concentration of peroxidase-positive cells correlated significantly with sperm GSH activity (ρ=0.718; P=0.008), the percentage of sperm with disrupted Δψm(ρ=0.465; P=0.043), caspase-3/7 activation in sperm (ρ=0.794; P=0.001), and the percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA (ρ=0.563; P=0.017). ROS production in the ejaculate, besides the association with seminal leukocytes, was also correlated with the sperm count (ρ= -0.296; P=0.033), sperm GSH activity (ρ=0.577; P<0.0001),caspase-3/7 activation in sperm (ρ=0.487; P=0.0005), and sperm DNA fragmentation(ρ=0.331 P=0.0171). Caspase-3/7 activation was strongly correlated with oxidative stress in both, the ejaculate and in spermatozoa; although this parameter was not correlated with sperm Δψm and DNA fragmentation. Sperm O2-•, which had a link with seminal leukocyte concentration, was significantly correlated to sperm Δψm(P=0.0098), as was sperm GSH activity (P=0.0055). Sperm DNA fragmentation was positively correlated with ROS in the ejaculate and sperm H2O2-production(P=0.039). Conclusions: Excessive ROS in the ejaculate, mainly a consequence of seminal leukocytes, is not only linked to internal generation of O2-•, but also to sperm DNA fragmentation and the activation of effector caspases. Moreover, even in nonleukocytospermic patients with ≥0.25×106 leukocytes/mL of semen, oxidative stresscan occur which can trigger apoptosis, caspase-3/7 activation, and induce sperm DNA fragmentation. Therefore, it is possible that male genital tract infection, the major cause of leukocyte infiltration in the male reproductive tract, can induce apoptosis, of which the observed sperm DNA fragmentation is a late feature.

Traditional models of visuomotor control have generally emphasized the importance of vision in the guidance of limb movements. Vision is thought to subserve the modificational processes underlying the control of these movements. The objectives of the present work were to elaborate upon the role of vision in the regulation of an ongoing limb movement, address issues pertaining to the nature of this regulation, and examine predictions of the Optimized Submovement Model (Meyer, Abrams, Kornblum, Wright, & Smith, 1988) of limb control. An aiming task was adopted in which subjects were required to displace a graphics cursor on a monitor toward a target. The presence of visual feedback proved to be a potent determinant of performance. In Experiment 1, superior performance consistency with visual feedback was attributable to the prevalence of discrete and continuous modifications made to the movement when visual information was available. In Experiment 2, the same visually-based performance advantage was found. However, this advantage was no longer related to the presence of adjustments to the movement. The present results are discussed with reference to current issues in the nature of visuomotor regulation and their implications toward the Optimized Submovement Model. / Thesis / Master of Science (MS)

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 17-20, 1994 / Town & Country Hotel and Conference Center, San Diego, California / This paper describes the application software used to convert AIM-120A, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), telemetry data to a series of color images and time-correlated engineering unit results. X Window System-based graphics facilitate visualization of the doppler radar data. These software programs were developed for the VAX/VMS and DEC Alpha environments.

Schools implement school-wide positive behavior support systems to enforce rules, shape maladaptive behaviors, and promote positive climate where students’ wellbeing can improve. A way to reduce disruptive behaviors is with Accept. Identify. Move (AIM) curriculum with reinforcement system and social-emotional components. Statistical t-test of between group of Intervention Classroom and Control Classroom, within Intervention Classroom group, and within Control Classroom group to evaluate changes in psychological flexibility changes after students received the AIM intervention and control classroom intervention. The between group and within Intervention Classroom group t-test produced statistically significant results, and the within Control Classroom group produced no statically significant results. An ABA design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the two classrooms receiving separate interventions. This study suggests that the AIM intervention can help students develop physiological flexibility skills and decrease disruptive behaviors in the classroom setting.

Background: Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Despite public health guidelines advising children and adolescents to spend a minimum of 60 minutes per day of at least moderate intensity physical activity, a large proportion of children and adolescents fail to meet these guidelines. Interventions promoting physical activity show varying degrees of success, and more detailed evaluations of such interventions are essential. The aim of this research was to conduct an in-depth evaluation of a community-based physical activity program aimed at children and adolescents, specifically the Tribe Project. Methods: The RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) was used to evaluate the individual and organisational-level impact of the Tribe Project. A single mixed method case study was used based on five sources of evidence: interviews, questionnaires, documentation, archival records and direct observations. Participants included the Tribe managers and coaches implementing the program and the Tribe parents and children/adolescents who attended. Results: The Tribe Project reached approximately 2.5% of the eligible population living within Bath and North East Somerset. The program successfully met some of its objectives although feedback procedures were poor and the program aims were unclear. The community-level adoption of the program was high, however, the implementation and adherence to the program principles at the setting-level varied. The program was successfully institutionalised within the University of Bath yet pathways after the program into the community varied, and were mostly competitive only. Nonetheless, a combination of social, psychological and physical benefits was reported following participation. Conclusion: To assess accurately the potential impact of physical activity interventions a combined assessment of individual and organisational-level factors is necessary. This will help inform policy on effective strategies to promote physical activity in the community, and develop interventions that are more effective as a result.

Overweight and obesity in U.S. children has reached epidemic proportions, affecting one in three of children and adolescents (ages 2 to 19). Chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, previously linked with adult obesity, are now observed in youth. Early intervention is key to reversing this trend. However, successful translation of clinical obesity prevention interventions to the broader community remains a major challenge, in part, due to ineffective adaptation of interventions from controlled clinical settings to more diverse settings. A process evaluation framework - RE-AIM - was used to guide "real world" translation of a family-focused diabetes prevention trial at the YMCA for overweight and obese 9-12-yr-olds (E.P.I.C. Kids), with particular attention paid to factors influencing adoption, implementation, and maintenance by the program by this established community organization. Preliminary evaluation suggested a moderate to high potential for successful implementation and dissemination of the E.P.I.C. Kids program on a larger scale, thereby laying the foundation for replication in other community settings.

We aim in this study, which is based on a special educational perspective, to examin how ninth grade students perceive their own developmental learning, i.e learning that leads forward. In the process, we want to give the students a voice and we have therefore chosen a phenomenographical approach. The study is based on eight interviews, which are analyzed by means of our own tool for analysis based on, among others Vygotsky (1980, 1999), Cole (1986) and Flavell (2002).   The survey shows that students perceive that clear aims, a good relationship with and support from the teacher helps to improve their developmental learning, motivating them and making learning meaningful. The students also recognize that the socio-cultural environment contribute to their development, but find it difficult to influence how their own learning will take place. The eight students exhibit a vague connection between their developmental learning and their individual grade.

Studies have shown that workplace wellness is associated with increases in employee productivity and job satisfaction and reductions in employee absenteeism and turnover rates (Kruger, Yore, Bauer, & Kohl, 2007). To help organizations improve and design workplace wellness programs in New Brunswick, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick published the Wellness at Heart Toolkit in January 2009. The toolkit provides health promotion information, policy templates, and a program planning model for workplace wellness. The purpose of this study was to conduct the first formal evaluation of the Wellness at Heart toolkit. The framework for the evaluation was guided by the RE-AIM model (Caperchione & Coulson, 2010), which stands for reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. The model has been used to evaluate public health interventions, policies, and health promotion resources. In association with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, contacts for New Brunswick workplaces were provided. Open-ended semi-structured phone survey interviews were used to collect data. Twenty participants provided information on their workplace wellness programs. Each of the participants interviewed are workplace wellness programmers. Eleven participants who used the toolkit provided their perceptions and attitudes toward it and nine non-users’ shared their views on workplace wellness. For the data analysis, NVivo 8 was used to help organize themes found in participants’ responses. All 11 participants that used the toolkit stated that it is effective for enhancing and implementing workplace wellness. They used the toolkit as intended by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Most participants stated that they would continue to use the toolkit for wellness purposes. Non-users’ (9) reasons for not utilizing the toolkit include: they had an existing program, they did not have enough time or they only organize wellness initiatives and do not have a structured program. This research provides valuable information to the Heart and Stroke Foundation on the utility of the toolkit and adds to the literature on the evaluation of workplace wellness resources.