Standing up from a seated position, known as sit-to-stand (STS) movement, is one of the most frequently performed activities of daily living (ADLs). However, the aging generation are often encountered with STS issues owning to their declined motor functions and sensory capacity for postural control. The motivated is rooted from the contemporary market available STS assistive devices that are lack of genuine interaction with elderly users. Prior to the software implementation, the robot chair platform with integrated sensing footmat is developed with STS biomechanical concerns for the elderly. The work has its main emphasis on recognising the personalised behavioural patterns from the elderly users’ STS movements, namely the STS intentions and personalised STS feature prediction. The former is known as intention recognition while the latter is defined as assistance prediction, both achieved by innovative machine learning techniques. The proposed intention recognition performs well in multiple subjects scenarios with different postures involved thanks to its competence of handling these uncertainties. To the provision of providing the assistance needed by the elderly user, a time series prediction model is presented, aiming to configure the personalised ground reaction force (GRF) curve over time which suggests successful movement. This enables the computation of deficits between the predicted oncoming GRF curve and the personalised one. A multiple steps ahead prediction into the future is also implemented so that the completion time of actuation in reality is taken into account.

Teacher-student relationships are a critical component to every classroom. Little is known about how department chairs support these relationships. Department chairs provide a special and underrepresented perspective, as they are often still teachers with administrative knowledge and responsibilities. This qualitative study investigated ten department chairs' beliefs about the teacher-student relationship and their role in supporting this relationship. Participants were from five content areas (science, social studies, English, special education, and career and technical education) in four public high school districts in Massachusetts and New York. Data were collected through two sixty-minute semi-structured interviews and one day of "shadowing" with each department chair. Analyses show that department chairs expect teachers to instruct from an ethic of care by enacting three relationship development behaviors: establishing relationship boundaries, knowing students as people and as learners, and building a safe and dependable environment. These department chairs supported teachers' relationship development with students primarily through modeling these same behaviors in their relationships with teachers. Department chairs' own experiences with developing relationships with students informed how they developed supervisory relationships with teachers, and they claimed this positively influenced teacher practice. However, when faced with resistant teachers and time constraints, department chairs' ability to apply their expertise as caring and effective educators was severely limited, resulting in dysfunctional supervisory relationships and limited teacher growth. Department chairs are in need of professional development targeted to their special situation, especially as it relates to their ability to influence the learning experiences of teachers and students.

Comme l’indique le titre de cette étude, notre travail se situe dans le prolongement de celui de Franck, et plus précisément de sa thèse déployée dans son livre, Chair et Corps : sur la phénoménologie de Husserl. Dans ce livre, Franck a démontré clairement le fondement dernier de la phénoménologie de Husserl, en disant que dans la mesure où la chair est définie par Husserl comme « auto-affection pure », cette chair ne peut pas se constituer comme un corps. Notre travail est un essai pour éprouver la phénoménologie de Henry, à partir de cette objection adressée à Husserl par Franck : l’impossibilité de l’incorporation de la chair. Notre question est donc la suivante : comment l’incorporation est-elle possible pour Henry, dans la mesure où, pour lui, l’auto-affection de la chair est pure. Notre travail sera conduit par cette seule question. Cependant, ce dont il s’agit ici ne peut pas être une simple interprétation de la philosophie de Henry. S’il est vrai que la phénoménologie de Husserl est un essai qui, en désirant « la phénoménologie comme science rigoureuse », cherche le fondement indiscutable de la philosophie, notre question touche ce fondement même, c’est-à-dire, le commencement de la philosophie. Lorsque nous interrogeons Henry sur le problème auquel est conduit inévitablement Husserl, cela nous conduit à poser la question du fondement dernier de la philosophie, à savoir, la question de son commencement qui, à vrai dire, est un commencement qui a toujours et déjà commencé. / As like the title of this study, our work is a continuation of the Franck’s work, specifically, which he deployed in his book Flesh and body : on the phenomenology of Husserl. In his analysis on the phenomenology of Husserl, Franck demonstrates that the flesh cannot be embodied, if it is defined as “pure auto-affection.” Our work expands on this thesis : the impossibility of emboyding the flesh, and attempts to examine the phenomenology of Michel Henry. The most important question is : how can Michel Henry explain an embodiment of flesh to the extent that he defines the flesh as pure auto-affection. However, what is involved here cannot be a simple interpretation of the Henry’s philosophy. While it is true that Husserl’s phenomenology is a test that, desiring "phenomenology as rigorous science", seeks the indisputable foundation of philosophy, we are asking for this foundation of philosophy that means the beginning of philosophy, when we ask Henry about the problem which inevitably leads Husserl. So, our question is the ultimate foundation of philosophy, the question of its beginning which, indeed, is a beginning that has always already begun.

Office chairs are becoming a modern status symbol in the workplace. Many individuals are seated on office chairs for most of the working day. As a result of using poorly designed chairs injury and discomfort are frequently experienced, most particularly lower back pain. Correct design of chairs is imperative, and must be user-centered. The aim of this investigation has been to gather anthropometric dimensions characteristic of the South African population, as this information has not been widely assimilated to date. Once collated, this information could be used in the design of an ergonomically correct office chair, suitable for the unique characteristics of the South African working population. Anthropometric dimensions were collected from 683 South Africans (comprising 448 South African females and 235 South African males) from pre-selected companies in major centres in South Africa (Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, East London, Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town). Measurements included participants’ personal information (age, sex, home language and ethnic group), basic anthropometric measures (stature, shoulder height, mass, and waist and hip circumference) as well as specific measures of fit of the individual to the specially designed, adjustable chair. Of the 448 females, 317 were Black females, 77 were White females, 35 were Coloured females and 19 were Indian/Asian females. Of the 235 males, 112 were Black males, 79 were White males, 26 were Coloured males and 18 were Indian/Asian males. Office chair dimensions for each ethnic group were represented and differences were noted. A comparison between a current office chair’s dimensions and the South African sample office chair’s dimensions indicated modifications that would need to be constructed to suit the South African sample. The conventional office chair is still the most widely accepted office chair due to its stability and support structures that maintain the correct sitting posture of the user. An ergonomic office chair needs to incorporate anthropometric dimensions worldwide.

Notre thèse présente le résultat de l’étude de quelques aspects de la phénoménologie, interprétés à travers l’œuvre de Merleau-Ponty servant de clef de lecture pour comprendre l’actuel développement biopolitique. L’étude est dirigée par la conviction selon laquelle, si chaque époque a sa préoccupation dominante propre, au cours des quarante dernières années l’irruption de la « vie », du bios, comme problème est venue agiter notre présent, devenant de plus en plus l’objet d’un savoir ample et précis. Cet aspect qui est devenu typique de notre époque est aujourd’hui communément désigné sous le nom de « biopolitique ». Toutefois, bien qu’il soit devenu central dans la réflexion contemporaine, la variété des acceptions conférées au terme « biopolitique » font émerger le fait qu’aucune unité de signification ne correspond à cette notion. C’est là le point de départ de notre travail, au croisement de la phénoménologie et de la biopolitique. Que signifie « vie » ? A quelles conditions serions-nous aptes à parler de « corps vivant » ? Qu’est-ce qui permet la naissance d’une « communauté » ? Voici quelques-unes des questions implicites qu’une lecture phénoménologique de la biopolitique devrait poser, en indiquant ce sans quoi cela n’aurait aucun sens de parler de vie, de corps, de communauté. / This dissertation investigates certain aspects of phenomenology from the point of view of Merleau-Ponty’s work, taken as a key to understand the current development in biopolitics. The investigation is guided by the following conviction: if it is true that each epoch has its dominant concern, then, over the past four decades, “life,” bios, has shaken our present, becoming the subject of an increasingly extensive and detailed knowledge. This character of our epoch has become known as “biopolitics.” Though crucial to contemporary thought, the variety of meanings conferred to the term “biopolitics” shows that it is not a unified notion. Here begins the present investigation, at intersection of phenomenology and biopolitics. What does “life” mean? In what ways are we willing to talk about a “lived body?” What generates a community? These are the questions that a phenomenological reading of biopolitics must ask, indicating that without which it would have no sense to talk about life, body, and community.

La question du sujet. Question fondamentale qui constitue comme un fil rouge pour qui souhaite cheminer et s’orienter dans la pensée philosophique d’Emmanuel Levinas. S’orienter dans une pensée intempestive et toujours mouvante, qui se déplace et progresse comme le mouvement des vagues, continu et entraînant. Mouvement intime et constitutif d’une pensée puissante qui, depuis ses débuts jusqu’à son acmé, n’a cessé de porter, autant que d’être portée par elle, cette question abyssale du sujet. Interrogation vertigineuse, en effet, qui se double intimement d’une intense réflexion sur l’altérité et sur ses différentes modalités de signification, d’expression. L’un et l’autre, le sujet et l’altérité, tous deux participent d’un seul et même souffle, d’une seule et même geste philosophique que Levinas entend déplier patiemment depuis ses premières œuvres jusqu’à son maître-ouvrage, le plus aride par son style syncopé, le plus déroutant par son écriture cassée et le plus dérangeant, surtout, par sa radicalité éthique : Autrement qu’être ou au-delà de l’essence (1974). Ouvrage de la maturité où s’élabore et se donne à voir page après page une nouvelle figure du sujet, à la fois extrêmement aboutie, taillée dans la roche, ciselée même et ô combien questionnante et soumise elle-même à vive controverse. Un sujet fragile - débarrassé de toute stance égologique, de toute assise substantielle - expatrié en somme, autant que faire se peut, de ses antiques terres et privilèges ontologiques. Une subjectivité éthique, précisément, que Levinas expose sous toutes ses coutures et dans ses moindres nervures et replis possibles ; une subjectivité autopsiée en quelque sorte, ouverte, comme malgré elle, sur l’énigmatique travail d’une altérité intime qui l’habite depuis toujours. / The question of the subject. A fundamental question which is like a red thread for those who want to talk and move in Emmanuel Levinas’ philosophical thought. Move in an untimely and always moving thought that moves and progresses as wave motion, continuous and catchy. Intimate movement and constitutes a powerful thought that, from its inception to its peak, has stopped wearing as much as to be driven by it, the abyssal question of the subject. Querying dizzying, indeed, that intimately doubles intense reflection on otherness, both part of a single breath, a single philosophical movement that Levinas means unfold patiently for his early works to his master-piece, his most arid, confusing, broken and disturbing work, especially by its ethical radicalism writing syncopated style : Otherwise than Being or beyond Essence (1974). A work of maturity which is developed and gives page after page to see a new face of the subject, both extremely accomplished, carved into the rock and even chased oh questionnante and subjected itself to controversy. A fragile subject – free of any egological stance, of any substantial base – expatriate in short as far as possible, its ancient lands and ontological privilege. Ethical subjectivity is what Levinas precisely exposes in all its glory and in its lower ribs and possible downturns ; subjectivity autopsied somehow open, as in spite of itself, the enigmatic work of an intimate otherness that has always inhabited.

En strukturell resa genom Narnia: En komparativ analys av struktur och genre i C.S Lewis två verk Silvertronen och Hästen och hans pojke A structural trip through Narnia: A comparative analysis of structure and genre in C.S Lewis two works The Silver Chair and The Horse and His Boy In this essay I discuss how fiction can be used in Swedish education for younger years in the Swedish subject, to learn about the building blocks of stories and what is unique to the fantasy genre. The core of the essay is an analysis of C.S Lewis two novels The Silver Chair and The Horse and His Boy and how they relate to some of Vladimir Propps 31 functions of structures and some characteristics of the genre fantasy. The purpose of this essay is examine how the two works of C.S Lewis relate to chosen functions, characterises of the genre fantasy and in relation to each other. That and how it can be used in Swedish education to create an interest for fiction and reading. The analysis is built on two parts. Firstly, the two books are introduced and then analysed separately against 10 of Propps functions and described characteristics of the genre fantasy. Secondly, a comparison between the result from the two separate analyses. I find that fiction can be compared to both Propp’s functions and characteristics of the genre fantasy. However, they needed to be interpreted to fit into the definitions of chosen functions. As a result, I found that the fictions by C.S Lewis, Propps functions and elements of the fantasy genre can be used in classrooms to discuss the structure of stories and to teach about genres. I also give some ideas on how to do that.

This report covers the examination of course Degree of Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Design MSGC12. The course is given on the Innovation and Design Program at the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology at Karlstad University. The course corresponds to 22.5 credits and extends over the spring semester in 2017. Examiner is Leo de Vin and supervisor is Kristina Gullander. The project is carried out on behalf of Support Design AB, which manufactures and distributes handmade ergonomic chairs. The company is aiming primarily at the dental and medical industry, where they have discovered a great interest in flexible and ergonomic chairs. There are today competing brands that manufacture chairs whose seats are similar to Support Designs. The company now wishes to expand its range of seating in order to differ from market competitors. Need for a more concrete foundation in research on sitting in the dental sector is also something they are looking for. The assignment therefore consists of developing an ergonomically designed seat for dental operator chairs, which has a strong foundation in research on sitting in the dental industry and has got a unique design. The project's pre-study starts with a literature study, with a large emphasis on trying to define what a good and ergonomic sitting posture is. This is done to provide a basis for a subsequent analysis of interviews and observations by dental staff. To survey the needs of the users, 15 interviews are performed with dental staff to gain an insight into their views of the workplaces and existing operator chairs. Structured observations are carried out at 11 patient visits in connection with the interviews to find motion patterns and review their work positions. The result of the preliminary study shows that many in dental care experience or has experienced work-related pain, especially shoulders, neck and back. A wide legged and relatively ergonomic working position is commonly observed in narrow operating rooms.   The project results in 15 different concepts where four qualify for prototype manufacturing and testing. One concept is perceived to be the most comfortable while another is perceived to be the most unique. One concept meets ergonomic criteria best and another does not meet all the important requirements that the pre-study generated.

In my dissertation, I examine the role of the audit committee chair in the financial reporting process and test if the change in audit committee chair is associated with changes in audit fees, audit report lag, and audit quality. Motivation for this dissertation comes from the increased attention paid by legislators and regulators in recent years on the role of the audit committee in the financial reporting process. While prior studies have examined diverse issues related to the composition of the audit committee, no prior study has examined the role of the audit committee chair on the oversight of financial reporting, even though the chair of the committee has significant control over the functioning of the committee. In the first essay of my dissertation, I show that audit fees are higher in firms that have a change in the audit committee chair. In the second essay, I examine the association between changes in the audit committee chair and audit report lag. In a changes regression, I find that the change in audit committee is associated with higher audit report lag. The third essay examines the association between changes in audit committee chair and two different measures of audit quality: restatements and abnormal accruals. There is no evidence in support of the argument that changes in audit committee chair is associated with higher quality financial reporting. Overall, the results suggest that the change in audit committee chair has an important impact on the financial reporting process of public companies.

Introduktion: Stroke kan vara ett mångfacetterat och komplext tillstånd. Uppresningar från stol speglar en fundamental aktivitet i det dagliga livet. Uppresningsförmågan är delvis avhängig en individs benstyrka, vilken i regel försämras med stigande ålder. Stroke drabbar oftast äldre individer, och påverkar ofta uppresningsförmågan negativt. Det är därför viktigt att kunna utvärdera uppresningsförmågan med valida och reliabla utvärderingsinstrument. Uppresningstestet 30 sekunder Chair Stand Test (30 CST) kan användas för detta, men har inte validitetstestats för populationen stroke. Syfte: Studiens syfte var att utföra en begreppsvalidering av 30 CST för patienter med akut stroke genom att undersöka hur testet korrelerar med greppstyrka, Timed up and go (TUG), Step test (ST) och Functional ambulation category (FAC). Metod: Tvåhundrasextioåtta individer med nytillkommen stroke inneliggande på tre olika slutenvårdsavdelningar i Sverige inkluderades i studien under 2016-2017. Studiedeltagarna utförde 30 CST, test av greppstyrka, TUG, ST och FAC. I syfte att begreppsvalidera 30 CST testades sambandet mellan 30 CST och de andra instrumenten med Spearmans rangkorrelation. Resultat: 30 CST korrelerade signifikant med greppstyrka (svagaste handen ρ=0,538, p<0,001, starkaste handen ρ=0,459, p<0,001), TUG (ρ=-0,705, p<0,001), ST (svagaste sidan ρ=0,875, p<0,001, starkaste sidan ρ=0,879, p<0,001) och FAC (ρ=0,772, p<0,001). Konklusion: Utvärderingsinstrumentet 30 CST begreppsvaliderades för patienter i akut fas efter stroke. 30 CST och ST samt 30 CST och FAC hade bra korrelation, medan 30 CST och TUG hade moderat korrelation. Greppstyrka hade dålig till måttlig korrelation med 30 CST. Utvärderingsinstrumenten utvärderar liknande kroppsliga förmågor, och där förmågorna är mer lika varandra, påträffades också högre korrelationskoefficienter.