No description available.

Physical Performance and Balance Confidence Among Community- Dwelling Older Adult Men: The Priest Study Purpose: Studies examining physical performance among older adult men remain limited. The purpose of this study was to examine gait, balance ability, and balance confidence within two cohorts of Roman Catholic priests (age 60-74 years of age and 75+ years) and to analyze predictive markers of physical performance. Participants: Subjects included 131 community-dwelling Roman Catholic priests over 60 (x = 76.1; SD = 9.0; range: 60-97 years) living in rectories, senior housing, or religious communities in 10 states. Materials/Methods: Subjects completed a basic demographic profile, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Additional assessments included BMI, blood pressure, grip strength, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Data were analyzed data using descriptive statistics, independent T tests with Bonferroni correction, MANCOVA analysis, and stepwise regression modeling. Results: Demographic profiles revealed that 46 subjects (35%) had fallen over the past year. Eighty-six subjects (65%) were taking four or more medications. Younger priests (60--74 years) demonstrated a significantly higher ABC score than the older cohort (75 and above years) of priests (89.1+ 12.6 vs.78.4 + 13.9). Significant differences (p < 0.001) in physical performance between the younger and older age cohorts were noted on the BBS (53.4 + 4.8 vs. 45.5 + 7.5), TUG (10.4 sec. + 2.3 vs. 13.4 sec. + 4.2), and DGI (22.6 + 2.6 vs. 19.0 + 4.2) respectively. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that age, balance confidence, a fall in the past three months, and diastolic blood pressure predicted 60% of the variance in the BBS, 61% of the variance on the DGI, and 49% of the variance on the TUG (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Data findings suggest that both physiologic and psychosocial factors impact the functional profile of the older adult priest. Common tests of physical performance may be incorporated with modifiable variables to establish target interventions for balance, gait, and functional mobility. / Physical Therapy

Background: Balance is important for performing activities and sports in daily life. Although it is widely accepted, that warming up can increase readiness for exercise, the effect of warming up on balance is unclear as results vary between studies. As warm-up can potentially affect the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) results and physiotherapists use tests to evaluate the effects of interventions, it is important to perform tests in a standardised way. Aim: To investigate the effect of warm-up on dynamic control among injury-free 20–30 year old individuals. Design: Randomised cross-over study. Method: 18 participants performed test A and B, where test A included a warm-up programme and SEBT, and B included only SEBT. The test each participant started with was randomised. Normalised and composite SEBT scores were used to analyse the data. Result: There was no statistically significant difference in SEBT scores for either the dominant or non-dominant leg when compared with and without warm-up. When analysing the difference in mean (SEBT composite %) between with and without warm-up for dominant versus non-dominant legs, a small but significant difference was seen, in the form of a positive effect of warm-up for the non-dominant leg. Conclusion: The results showed that warm-up had no statistically significant effect on either the dominant or non-dominant leg. The difference between the effect of warm-up on the dominant and non-dominant leg was statistically significant as the non-dominant leg was not affected in the same way. Further research is needed to confirm these results. / Bakgrund: Balans är viktigt för att kunna genomföra aktiviteter och idrott i det dagliga livet. Även om det är allmänt accepterat att uppvärmning kan öka beredskap för träningen, är effekten av uppvärmning på balansen oklar då resultaten varierar mellan olika studier. Då uppvärmning kan potentiellt påverka testresultatet vad gäller Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) och fysioterapeuter använder tester för att kunna utvärdera effekter av interventioner, är det viktigt att utföra tester på ett standardiserande sätt. Syfte: Att undersöka vilken effekt uppvärmning har på dynamisk kontroll hos skadefria 20–30 år gamla individer. Design: Randomiserad cross-overstudie. Metod: 18 deltagare utförde test A och B, där test A inkluderade ett uppvärmningsprogram och SEBT, och B inkluderade bara SEBT. Testet varje deltagare började med slumpades ut. Normaliserade och sammansatta SEBT-poäng användes för att analysera data.   Resultat: Det förelåg ingen statistiskt signifikant skillnad i SEBT-poäng för vare sig det dominanta eller icke-dominanta benet vid jämförelse med respektive utan uppvärmning. Vid analys av skillnad i medelvärde (SEBT sammansatt %) mellan uppvärmning och inte för dominanta jämfört med icke-dominanta ben sågs en liten, men signifikant skillnad, i form av positiv effekt på uppvärmning för det icke-dominanta benet.  Konklusion: Resultaten visade att uppvärmning inte hade någon statistiskt säkerställd effekt på varken det dominanta och icke-dominanta benet. Skillnaden mellan hur uppvärmningen påverkat det dominanta och icke-dominanta benet var statistiskt signifikant då det ickedominanta benet påverkades inte på samma sätt. Ytterligare forskning behövs för att bekräfta dessa resultat.

Slips, trips, and falls are a serious public health concern, particularly among older adults and within occupational settings, given that falls contribute to a large number of injuries and associate with high medical costs. To reduce the number of falls, there is a need to better understand risk factors contributing to falls, and to develop and evaluate improved balance training interventions to prevent falls. To address these needs, this work has two primary goals: first, to better understand risk factors contributing to falls, including fatigue and balance reactions after a large postural perturbation, and, second, to develop and evaluate improved reactive balance training (RBT) interventions to reduce risk of falls due to slipping and tripping. The first study investigated the effects of performing occupationally-relevant fatigue-inducing physical work on trip and fall risk. Healthy young adults performed a simulated manual material handling (MMH) task, using either heavy or light boxes, for two hours. Gait measures related to risk of tripping and slipping were assessed before and after the task. Reactive balance during one laboratory-induced trip was also assessed after the task. Results showed that performing the heavy MMH task did not affect risk of tripping or slipping, or reactive balance after tripping. These results may have resulted from insufficient fatigue due to the MMH task. The second study investigated the relationship between feet kinematics upon slipping while walking, and the outcome of the slip. Seventy-one laboratory-induced slips were analyzed, which included recoveries, feet-split falls, feet-forward falls, and lateral falls. Feet kinematics differed between these four slip outcomes, and a discriminant model including six measures of feet kinematics correctly predicted 87% of slip outcomes. Two potentially modifiable characteristics of feet kinematics upon slipping that can improve the likelihood of successfully averting a fall were identified: (1) quickly arresting the motion of the slipping foot; and (2) a recovery step that places the trailing toe approximately 0-10% body height anterior to the sacrum. This information may be used to guide the development of improved RBT interventions to reduce risk of slip-induced falls. The third study evaluated the efficacy of two low-cost, low-tech RBT methods for improving reactive balance after slipping. The two methods were: unexpected slip training (UST), which involved repeated unexpected slips while walking and volitional slip-recovery training (VST), which involved practicing balance reactions after volitionally inducing a slip-like perturbation. Young adults completed one session of an assigned intervention (UST, VST, or control), followed by one unexpected, laboratory-induced slip while walking. Compared to controls, UST and VST resulted in a higher proportion of successful balance recoveries from the laboratory-induced slips. UST improved both proactive control and reactive stepping after slipping, while VST primarily improved the ability to arrest slipping foot motion. These results support the use of UST and VST as practical, low-tech methods of slip training. The fourth study evaluated the efficacy of RBT that targets both slipping and tripping. Community-dwelling, healthy older adults (61-75 years) completed four sessions of either RBT (treadmill-based trip-recovery training and VST) or control training (general strength and balance exercises). Reactive balance during unexpected laboratory-induced slips and trips was assessed before and after RBT, and compared between subjects at baseline (before the intervention), after control training, and after RBT. The incidence of slip-induced falls differed between groups in that 80% fell at baseline, 60% fell after control training, and 18% fell after RBT. Post-RBT subjects also exhibited less severe slips, compared to baseline and post-control subjects. The incidence of trip-induced falls did not differ between groups, but margin of stability after tripping was greater for post-RBT subjects, compared to post-control subjects. These results show promise for the use of RBT applied to both slipping and tripping to reduce fall risk among older adults. / Doctor of Philosophy / Slips, trips, and falls are a serious public health concern, given that falls contribute to a large number of injuries and deaths. Falls are particularly concerning among older adults, who are reported to fall more frequently, and within occupational settings, where falls cause a larger number of injuries and a significant economic burden. To reduce the number of falls, there is a need to better understand risk factors contributing to falls, and to develop and evaluate improved balance training interventions to prevent falls. Four studies were conducted to address these needs: two studies aimed to better understand risk factors contributing to falls, including fatigue and balance reactions after slipping, and two studies aimed to develop and evaluate improved balance training interventions to reduce risk of falls due to slipping and tripping. This work focused on slipping and tripping, because slips and trips are reported to cause a large number of injuries and falls among both workers and older adults. The first study investigated the effect of performing occupationally-relevant fatigue-inducing physical work on trip and fall risk among healthy young adults, and results showed that performing a simulated manual material handling task (i.e. moving and stacking boxes using a two-wheeled dolly) did not affect risk of tripping and falling. The second study investigated the relationship between balance reactions after slipping and the outcome of the slip. Results showed that balance reactions of the feet predicted the outcome of the slip (i.e. recovering balance or one of three types of slip-induced falls) with 87% accuracy. We also identified characteristics of balance reactions that can improve the likelihood of successfully averting a fall. The third study evaluated the efficacy of two low-tech reactive balance training (RBT) methods for reducing slip-induced fall risk among young adults. These methods involved practicing balance reactions after slip-like perturbations, induced either unexpectedly or volitionally. Results showed that both RBT methods improved reactive balance after slipping, but through different mechanisms. The fourth study evaluated the efficacy of a RBT intervention targeting both slipping and tripping among older adults. Results showed that RBT improved reactive balance during both slipping and tripping, and reduced the incidence of slip-induced falls. In conclusion, these results help to better understand risk factors contributing to falls, and support the use of practical reactive balance training interventions targeting both slipping and tripping to reduce fall risk.

This research focuses on the use of computer-aided alternative time standards to balance the workload in a job shop. An example computer-aided time standards data base is presented along with the computer software to access the data base for the calculation of alternative time standards. Three machine loading algorithms are proposed to perform the workload balance, and the effectiveness of the algorithms is tested through the results of a computer simulation. It is shown that an algorithm which is unique to the literature produces results which approach the results of a complete enumeration algorithm. / M.S.

Falls are a major concern for the health and safety of older adults worldwide. This dissertation consists of three primary studies that focus on fall prevention through tailored interventions based on optimal physical activity (PA) recommendations, the incongruence between physiological fall risk and fear of falling (FOF), and the development of a balance perturbation device for reactive balance assessment and training in older adults. The first study investigated the combined effects of PA and sedentary behavior (SB) on fall risk and body composition in older adults. Results showed that low sedentary status was associated with reduced fall risk and better body composition profile, even in those not meeting PA guidelines. These findings highlight the need to identify the optimal ratio of SB, light-intensity PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) that can help reduce fall risk among older adults. The second study examined how the discrepancy between physiological fall risk and FOF in older adults is associated with their habitual PA levels. Results showed that FOF is a significant barrier for older adults to engage in high-intensity PA, regardless of balance and strength. These findings emphasize the need for tailored intervention strategies to promote PA based on an individual's FOF and physiological fall risk. The third study developed a cable-driven ankle perturbation system for studying reactive balance responses in older adults. Reactive balance is distinct from static and dynamic balance abilities and can provide more task-specificity in recovering balance stability following unexpected walking perturbations, such as slips or trips. Preliminary results from one healthy young subject demonstrated that the system could deliver random, unanticipated slip and trip perturbations of varying intensities at specific points in the gait cycle. Further investigation is necessary to validate its effectiveness as an assessment and training tool for improving reactive balance responses in older adults.

Introduction Work-Life Balance is an area of interest to both researchers and organizations who strive to understand the various facets of work, life and work-life. For an individual and society today, balance is of paramount interest affected by the personality aspects, family aspects, support scenario, organizational culture and the existence of policies and their usage at the organizational level. The changing aspirations of individuals with time, across economies have made this a global issue . In India, the rapid urbanization in major cities and the manner in which individuals are embracing a 24*7 work environment, makes it crucial to understand Work-Life balance in a holistic and contextual manner. The efforts of the government and the organization along with the individual drive determines how the scales tilt in this strive for Work-Life balance. Literature Review The gamut of literature shows that Work-Life balance has been studied across countries and industries. Work-Life balance as an issue has been explored from both an organizational and individual perspective. The impact of demographic aspects like gender, age, education, marital status, family type, children and care taking responsibility have been delineated, along with personality aspects like leadership and motivation. Support has been delved into, both at family level and at organizational level; coupled with the impact of mentoring and networking. Researchers have worked towards understanding policies at the organizational level that help an individual attain Work-Life balance, along with individual philosophy and family culture. Work-Life balance attained by an individual is exhibited in their behavior towards their team and organization; the loyalty and commitment exhibited by them. It is evident in the satisfaction they experience and their positive attitude towards work. The positive impact on their families is also evident, in terms of the time they are able to spend with their family. While the literature looks at various aspects, the view is an isolated one and there is a need for a holistic and multi-construct understanding of Work-Life Balance. Research Objectives and Methodology The ensuing gaps from literature lead to the objectives of the study. The specific objectives of the study are: 1 To evolve and validate a multi-construct model of Work-Life Balance (WLB) in the Indian Context 2 To identify and relate organizational, individual and family factors affecting WLB. 3 To critically analyze the role of gender, organizational policies, self efficacy and organization type in understanding work-life issues 4. To suggest ways and means of mitigating WLB in the Indian context. The various variables in the study were identified and the information framework was put in place. The preliminary study and the pilot study helped to finalise the questionnaire for the main study. The questionnaire comprised of two sections: Part B: My Perceptions of My Home and Work. Random sampling, coupled with the snowballing technique was the sampling technique adopted. The questionnaires were mostly administered in a face to face format; and in some cases, it was done over email as the respondents found that more convenient. The total sample of the study was 426 respondents 248 from public organizations, 118 from private organizations and 60 from entrepreneurial organizations. The data thus collected was subjected to statistical analyses. Major Findings First part of the analysis was carried out to establish the validity and the reliability of the questionnaire. This was done through factor analysis and by calculating the Cronbach's alpha. The factors analysis shows that the explanatory factors that emerge significant are aspects of culture, leadership and support; along with motivation towards family and work; including aspects of mentoring and networking. The mediating factors that emerge important revolve around aspects of Work-Life issues and impact of conflict; awareness and benefit of organizational policies; the perception of policy usage and individual thought. The output factors that emerge with high scores are the team and organizational engagement, impact of organizational support on work and family; the perception of work, the satisfaction with job and career and the citizenship behaviour exhibited. To understand how different the groups, categorised by age, education, children, marital status, gender, family type, care taking responsibility and the organization type public, private and entrepreneurial, are on the factors; manova and t test was carried out. The groups emerge significantly different in terms of their understanding of organizational culture and involvement in networking. The way they view organizational support and the role of mentoring, how they view family support and responsibilities at home. How confident individuals feel about handling challenges and how satisfied they felt with their jobs and career, also differ between the groups. The next step in analysis involved understanding the experience of Work-Life balance and the individual impact of the explanatory, mediating and interaction factors on the various output factors of team and organizational engagement, the positive impact of policies on family, the perception of work, the job and career satisfaction experienced and the citizenship proactive behavior exhibited by the individual. Apriori models based on literature were developed and regression analysis was carried out. Many of the models emerged insignificant showing that Work as a phenomena cannot be understood through isolated factors. For this, a full model was developed with explanatory, mediating and interaction factors (explanatory*mediating) and their causal impact on the output factors was studied. It was seen that the model for team and organizational engagement emerged the strongest with the factors explaining 69% of the model. The results of the full model showed that different factors had major impacts on different output aspects. It was seen that organizational culture, self efficacy and family values and the motivation towards work, interacting with the existence and awareness of policies have the greatest impact on team and organizational engagement. The support seniors/boss, perceived stress and networking interacting with the usage effect of organizational policies have the greatest impact on organizational policy positive impact on family. Organizational culture, perceived stress and networking interacting with the existence and awareness of organizational factors have the greatest impact on work perception. Job and career satisfaction is impacted the most by the motivation towards work, organizational policy existence, awareness and benefit and organization focus leadership interacting with the usage effect of policies. Finally, it is seen that networking, perceived stress and support from seniors and boss interacting with perceived stress have the greatest impact on citizenship proactive behavior. We thus see that Work Life balance is a multi-dimensional phenomena and its' comprehensive understanding is attained through multiple constructs. Conclusion This study provides a holistic understanding of Work Life Balance and is understood by looking at aspects of organizational culture, leadership, motivation, networking, mentoring, and support factors at both the organizational and the family level. The mediating role of organizational policies their existence, awareness and benefit and the usage effects on an individual; along with the role of self efficacy and family values and individuals' perception of stress becomes important. The experience of Work Life balance is understood through various behaviors exhibited team and organizational engagement shown by the individual, the positive impact of policies on family, the perception of work, the job and career satisfaction experienced and the citizenship proactive behavior exhibited by the individual. The comparison across groups and organization types public, private and entrepreneurial, show the importance of individual thought in mitigating Work Life issues. This study makes contributions at the theoretical level by developing and validating a multi-construct model for WLB. The study highlights the importance of organizational culture, organizational policies and the role of mentoring and networking that the organizations and managers need to delve into. This study entails scope in terms of extension of the model across organizations and cities in India and the development of a WLB measurement scale.

Os processos hidrológicos afetam os processos biogeoquímicos, pois o movimento da água nos vários compartimentos do agroecossistema promove a redistribuição dos nutrientes, como o nitrogênio (N) e o carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD). O carreamento desse N e COD nos corpos hídricos se dão, normalmente, via escoamento superficial trazendo implicações negativas à sua qualidade. Em culturas anuais, como a cana-de-açúcar, há exigência de grande quantidade de fertilizantes inorgânicos e orgânicos que têm o N e o COD como os principais elementos. A floresta ripária desempenha funções relacionadas à geração do escoamento direto em microbacia e a retenção de nutrientes. Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar o balanço hídrico e determinar o fluxo de N e COD em duas microbacias com cobertura de cana-de-açúcar, sendo que, uma microbacia apresenta floresta ripária próxima ao riacho em conformidade com a legislação vigente (Cana com floresta ripária - CCF) e a outra não apresenta floresta ripária nessas condições (Cana sem floresta ripária - CSF). Para tanto as microbacias foram instrumentalizadas para medir e coletar simultaneamente dados hidrológicos e amostras de chuva (entradas) e dos riachos (saídas) para análises de N e COD. As vertentes estudadas nas microbacias foram subdivididas em três porções: inferior, intermediária e superior, sendo que a primeira, na microbacia CCF encontra-se exclusivamente em floresta ripária. O monitoramento hidrológico ocorreu semanalmente no primeiro ano de estudo, e quinzenalmente no segundo. Já o monitoramento biogeoquímico das entradas e saídas ocorreu semanalmente. Para realizar o balanço de massa foram computadas as entradas via fertilizantes inorgânicos e orgânicos na cultura. A precipitação foi de 1200 mm no primeiro ano de estudo e 1350 mm no segundo, sendo cerca de 80% das mesmas de baixa intensidade (0-5 mm h-1). A interceptação foi de aproximadamente 25% da precipitação tanto pela cana-de-açúcar quanto pela floresta ripária. Os resultados de Ksat na área de cana-de-açúcar apontaram para a existência de camadas de impedimento próxima à superfície e como consequência os coeficientes de escoamento superficial foram superiores a outros usos do solo encontrados na literatura, bem como em relação à floresta ripária. Com isso, o fluxo direto representou cerca de 40% do deflúvio. A microbacia CCF não apresentou maior eficácia na diminuição do fluxo direto como era esperado, possivelmente, devido aos canais preferenciais gerados pelo lançamento pontual de água dos terraços. Os fluxos de entrada naturais de NID, NOD e COD nas microbacias foram relativamente baixos, sendo a principal via os fertilizantes (acima de 95%). As saídas desses elementos e compostos também foram baixas denotando que, possivelmente, as saídas dos mesmos nas microbacias se dão via queima pré-corte, ocorrida no primeiro ano de estudo, biomassa coletada e desnitrificação. Há evidências do papel da floresta ripária, presente em maior extensão na microbacia CCF, na diminuição do fluxo de N e COD dissolvidos nos riachos / Hydrological processes affect biogeochemical processes, because the movement of water in many compartments of the agroecossystem promotes elements redistribution. The transport of nitrogen (N) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in streams occur generally through runoff bringing negative implications for their water quality. Annual crops, such as sugarcane, require large amounts of inorganic and organic fertilizers that present N and DOC in their composition. Riparian forests play important roles related to quickflow generation and nutrient retention. These forests might maintain water quality in watersheds. In the present study, we determined the water balance and the fluxes of N and DOC in two watersheds covered by sugarcane. The first watershed presented riparian forest next to the creek in accordance with Brazilian legislation (CCF), and other watershed presented no riparian Forest in these conditions (CSF). The watersheds were instrumented to measure and collect hydrological data simultaneously and rain samples (inputs), and the streams (outputs) for N and DOC analysis. Each slope of the watersheds was divided into three parts: downslope, middleslope and upslope. All slopes parts, except the downslope at CCF, were covered by sugarcane. Downslope part CCF was under riparian forest. The hydrological monitoring occurred on a weekly basis during the first year and biweekly in the second year. The biogeochemical monitoring occurred on a weekly basis. To accomplish the mass balance the inputs of inorganic and organic fertilizers in the plantation were also computed. In first year, the rainfall was 1200 mm and in the second was 1350 mm. Around 80% of such precipitation was low intensity (0-5 mm h-1). The interception loss was approximately 25% of the rainfall either by sugarcane as the riparian forest. The Ksat results in the area of sugarcane showed the existence of impeding layers near the surface and consequently the overland flow coefficients were higher than other land uses available in the literature as well as in relation to riparian forest area. Thus, quickflow represented about 40% of the streamflow. The watershed CCF was not more effective in reducing the quickflow as expected, possibly due to preferential channels caused by the punctual release of water from the terraces. The natural input of NID, NOD and DOC in the watersheds were relatively low, with the fertilizers as the main source (above 95%). The outputs of these elements and compounds were also low denoting that the main outputs occur potentially by sugarcane pre-harvest burning, occurred in the first year, biomass harvested and denitrification process. However, there is evidence of the role of riparian forest, present to a greater extent in the watershed CCF, decreasing the output of N and DOC dissolved in streams

Os processos hidrológicos afetam os processos biogeoquímicos, pois o movimento da água nos vários compartimentos do agroecossistema promove a redistribuição dos nutrientes, como o nitrogênio (N) e o carbono orgânico dissolvido (COD). O carreamento desse N e COD nos corpos hídricos se dão, normalmente, via escoamento superficial trazendo implicações negativas à sua qualidade. Em culturas anuais, como a cana-de-açúcar, há exigência de grande quantidade de fertilizantes inorgânicos e orgânicos que têm o N e o COD como os principais elementos. A floresta ripária desempenha funções relacionadas à geração do escoamento direto em microbacia e a retenção de nutrientes. Este trabalho tem como objetivo realizar o balanço hídrico e determinar o fluxo de N e COD em duas microbacias com cobertura de cana-de-açúcar, sendo que, uma microbacia apresenta floresta ripária próxima ao riacho em conformidade com a legislação vigente (Cana com floresta ripária - CCF) e a outra não apresenta floresta ripária nessas condições (Cana sem floresta ripária - CSF). Para tanto as microbacias foram instrumentalizadas para medir e coletar simultaneamente dados hidrológicos e amostras de chuva (entradas) e dos riachos (saídas) para análises de N e COD. As vertentes estudadas nas microbacias foram subdivididas em três porções: inferior, intermediária e superior, sendo que a primeira, na microbacia CCF encontra-se exclusivamente em floresta ripária. O monitoramento hidrológico ocorreu semanalmente no primeiro ano de estudo, e quinzenalmente no segundo. Já o monitoramento biogeoquímico das entradas e saídas ocorreu semanalmente. Para realizar o balanço de massa foram computadas as entradas via fertilizantes inorgânicos e orgânicos na cultura. A precipitação foi de 1200 mm no primeiro ano de estudo e 1350 mm no segundo, sendo cerca de 80% das mesmas de baixa intensidade (0-5 mm h-1). A interceptação foi de aproximadamente 25% da precipitação tanto pela cana-de-açúcar quanto pela floresta ripária. Os resultados de Ksat na área de cana-de-açúcar apontaram para a existência de camadas de impedimento próxima à superfície e como consequência os coeficientes de escoamento superficial foram superiores a outros usos do solo encontrados na literatura, bem como em relação à floresta ripária. Com isso, o fluxo direto representou cerca de 40% do deflúvio. A microbacia CCF não apresentou maior eficácia na diminuição do fluxo direto como era esperado, possivelmente, devido aos canais preferenciais gerados pelo lançamento pontual de água dos terraços. Os fluxos de entrada naturais de NID, NOD e COD nas microbacias foram relativamente baixos, sendo a principal via os fertilizantes (acima de 95%). As saídas desses elementos e compostos também foram baixas denotando que, possivelmente, as saídas dos mesmos nas microbacias se dão via queima pré-corte, ocorrida no primeiro ano de estudo, biomassa coletada e desnitrificação. Há evidências do papel da floresta ripária, presente em maior extensão na microbacia CCF, na diminuição do fluxo de N e COD dissolvidos nos riachos / Hydrological processes affect biogeochemical processes, because the movement of water in many compartments of the agroecossystem promotes elements redistribution. The transport of nitrogen (N) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in streams occur generally through runoff bringing negative implications for their water quality. Annual crops, such as sugarcane, require large amounts of inorganic and organic fertilizers that present N and DOC in their composition. Riparian forests play important roles related to quickflow generation and nutrient retention. These forests might maintain water quality in watersheds. In the present study, we determined the water balance and the fluxes of N and DOC in two watersheds covered by sugarcane. The first watershed presented riparian forest next to the creek in accordance with Brazilian legislation (CCF), and other watershed presented no riparian Forest in these conditions (CSF). The watersheds were instrumented to measure and collect hydrological data simultaneously and rain samples (inputs), and the streams (outputs) for N and DOC analysis. Each slope of the watersheds was divided into three parts: downslope, middleslope and upslope. All slopes parts, except the downslope at CCF, were covered by sugarcane. Downslope part CCF was under riparian forest. The hydrological monitoring occurred on a weekly basis during the first year and biweekly in the second year. The biogeochemical monitoring occurred on a weekly basis. To accomplish the mass balance the inputs of inorganic and organic fertilizers in the plantation were also computed. In first year, the rainfall was 1200 mm and in the second was 1350 mm. Around 80% of such precipitation was low intensity (0-5 mm h-1). The interception loss was approximately 25% of the rainfall either by sugarcane as the riparian forest. The Ksat results in the area of sugarcane showed the existence of impeding layers near the surface and consequently the overland flow coefficients were higher than other land uses available in the literature as well as in relation to riparian forest area. Thus, quickflow represented about 40% of the streamflow. The watershed CCF was not more effective in reducing the quickflow as expected, possibly due to preferential channels caused by the punctual release of water from the terraces. The natural input of NID, NOD and DOC in the watersheds were relatively low, with the fertilizers as the main source (above 95%). The outputs of these elements and compounds were also low denoting that the main outputs occur potentially by sugarcane pre-harvest burning, occurred in the first year, biomass harvested and denitrification process. However, there is evidence of the role of riparian forest, present to a greater extent in the watershed CCF, decreasing the output of N and DOC dissolved in streams

More renewable energy leads to higher energy imbalances in the Swedish electric power system. In the same time, the grid capacity is almost reached in some regions which requires an extension of the current grids or a reduction of the power consumption. Demand response could be a key factor for both stabilizing the energy balances and reducing the grid congestion. The aim with this thesis is to analyze the potential incomes that demand response from heat pumps can generate for the balance responsibility parties and the grid operators and evaluate how it would affect the end-consumers.   The investigated local grid that contains of 174 multi-family buildings with heat pumps could reduce its highest peak power with 2,9 MW. This peak power reduction generated a cost reduction of 483 000 SEK per year or 2800 SEK per building per year in reduced penalty fees and power subscription fees. The mFRR market and the power reserve market were determined to be the most suitable markets for using demand response from heat pumps on for the balance responsibility party in the electricity price region SE3. SE3 consists of 10146 multi-family buildings with heat pumps. The mFRR market generated an average income of 2 699 000 SEK per winter season whereas the power reserve market generated a yearly administrative compensation of 1 133 000 SEK per season and 104 000 SEK per call-off. It is important that end-consumers obtain demand-based tariffs or hourly based tariffs to enable a cost reduction from the control system.