Background: Low health literacy and increased sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption are two broad public health concerns facing the United States. For example, it is estimated that 90 million Americans have insufficient literacy skills (IOMC, 2004) and low health literacy is associated with poorer health outcomes (Berkman et. al., 2011). Furthermore, SSBs contribute about 80% of added sugars in the diet (Nielsen & Popkin, 2004) and have been associated with poor health outcomes, including obesity, type II diabetes, bone fractures, dental caries, and coronary heart disease. Despite these findings, there is limited research related to how to effectively decrease SSB intake among adults. Additionally, there have been few studies investigating health literacy interventions that target health behaviors in community settings (Allen et.al, 2011). Objective: As guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and constructs of health literacy, this 5-week, 2-arm randomized controlled pilot trial, used mixed methods to examine the effects of an intervention to decrease SSB (SipSmartER), as compared to a matched-contact control condition targeting physical activity (Move More). The primary aims of this pilot project were to evaluate participant's feedback through process and summative evaluation as well as evaulate intervention content and/or delivery through process evaluation by staff tracking for quality improvements. Secondary aims included the assessment of changes in theorized mediating variables and health behaviors among participants. Methods: Twenty-five participants (mean age = 42±14 years, mean BMI = 34.3±7.5 kg/m₂, 19 females, 12 African Americans, 9 (high school education) residing in Roanoke, VA were randomized to either SipSmartER (n=14) or Move More (n=11) to begin the 5-week intervention. Inclusion criteria consisted of participants being 18 years of age or older, English speaking, consuming greater than 200 kcal/day of SSB, and being without medical conditions in which physical activity would be contraindicated. Both 5-week interventions included two interactive small group sessions (Weeks 1 & 5) and three support telephone calls (Weeks 2, 3 & 4). Pre-post data was obtained using previously validated instruments including Beverage Intake Questionnaire (Bev-Q), Theory of Planned Behavior constructs addressing SSB and physical activity, media literacy, subjective numeracy, Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical Item (L-CAT), and quality of life. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression models were used in data analysis. Results: Although SSB consumption decreased more among the SipSmartER participants (-257±622.6 kcal/day) than Move More (-200±404.6 kcal/day) there were no significant group by time differences. However, among all participants, changes in TPB constructs significantly predicted changes in SSB (R²=0.592; F=2.485; p=0.080) and physical activity behaviors (R2=0.621; F=2.813; p=0.056). Participant and staff feedback were very positive, ranging from 4.2-5.0 on a 5-point likert scale that included questions about intervention organization, flow, effectiveness, engagement, and enjoyment. Favorite themes that emerged with SipSmartER participants when asking about small group sessions included, realizing how much sugar is found in SSBs, understanding the health risks associated with drinking too much sugar, realizing how much sugar was being consumed during the day, and learning about better alternatives. Conclusion: Findings suggest promise for the piloted intervention to reduce SSB consumption through targeted TPB and health literacy strategies. This pilot study has allowed further refinement and execution of a larger trial that includes a larger sample and longer study duration (i.e. 6-months) and follow-up period (i.e. 18-months). / Master of Science

Yes / The aim of this study was to design a controlled release vehicle for insulin to preserve its stability and biological activity during fabrication and release. A modified, double emulsion, solvent evaporation, technique using homogenisation force optimised entrapment efficiency of insulin into biodegradable nanoparticles (NP) prepared from poly (dl-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and its PEGylated diblock copolymers. Formulation parameters (type of polymer and its concentration, stabiliser concentration and volume of internal aqueous phase) and physicochemical characteristics (size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release profiles and in vitro stability) were investigated. In vivo insulin sensitivity was tested by diet-induced type II diabetic mice. Bioactivity of insulin was studied using Swiss TO mice with streptozotocin-induced type I diabetic profile. Insulin-loaded NP were spherical and negatively charged with an average diameter of 200–400 nm. Insulin encapsulation efficiency increased significantly with increasing ratio of co-polymeric PEG. The internal aqueous phase volume had a significant impact on encapsulation efficiency, initial burst release and NP size. Optimised insulin NP formulated from 10% PEG–PLGA retained insulin integrity in vitro, insulin sensitivity in vivo and induced a sustained hypoglycaemic effect from 3 h to 6 days in type I diabetic mice.

Yes / We have synthesised osmium nanoparticles of defined size (1.5–50 nm) on a B- and S-doped turbostratic graphitic structure by electron-beam irradiation of an organometallic osmium complex encapsulated in self-spreading polymer micelles, and characterised them by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) on the same grid. Oxidation of the osmium nanoparticles after exposure to air was detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). / We thank the Leverhulme Trust (Early Career Fellowship No. ECF-2013-414 to NPEB), the University of Warwick (Grant No. RD14102 to NPEB), the ERC (Grant No. 247450 to PJS), and the EPSRC (EP/F034210/1 to PJS). L.M.A.P., J.L., and G.C. acknowledge financial support from the EU through the ERC Consolidator Grant “VISUAL-MS”.

No

With constant changes in the nature of businesses, the way businesses are managed and the manner in which corporate groups are structured, a valid risk exists that legislation, including controlled foreign company (CFC) legislation can become outdated. The implication is that a country’s tax base will not be effectively protected. The aim of this mini-dissertation is to analyse section 9D of the South African Income Tax Act (58 of 1962) against the United Kingdom’s CFC regime to identify aspects of the new CFC rules enacted in Great Britain that could enhance South African CFC rules. Since the United Kingdom and South Africa levy income tax on a residence basis, it was concluded that the CFC regimes of these countries would be comparable. The research problem statement was determined to consider whether any aspects of the amended United Kingdom CFC legislation could be incorporated in the South African CFC rules to ensure that they are more accommodating to investors on the one hand and still protect the South African tax base efficiently on the other hand. The problem statement was addressed through the research objectives. Their findings are summarized as follows: 1 To determine what the factors and circumstances were that resulted in the revised CFC legislation in the United Kingdom. It was found that the Commissioner of Inland Revenue was applying the “motive test” very subjectively which resulted in resident-holding companies being taxed on legitimate trading profits of foreign subsidiaries. The “motive test” therefore lacked objectivity which resulted in the residents being taxed on the profits of their subsidiaries. Since section 9D of the South African Income Tax Act (58 of 1962) also applies a subjective test to consider the investor’s motives, it was concluded that the South African legislation is faced with a similar pitfall as the UK CFC legislation enacted in 1984. 2 To critically compare the CFC rules per section 9D of the South African Income Tax Act to the CFC legislation effective 1 January 2013 in the United Kingdom. It was found that the South African rules address a wider range of activities, whereas the UK CFC regime focuses on specific income streams. A number of aspects were identified where the two sets of legislation agree, but areas were also identified where the legislation differs. 3 To identify elements of the new CFC legislation in the United Kingdom that might improve the current South African CFC regime. The differences identified between the South African and United Kingdom CFC regimes were evaluated. It was concluded that there are elements of the South African legislation that should remain unchanged as it addresses specific risks. It was, however, also concluded that there are valid elements implemented in the UK CFC regime that could simplify the South African CFC legislation, enhancing its competitiveness while still retaining the integrity and effectiveness of the legislation. It was concluded that even though the differences between section 9D and the UK CFC regime may enhance section 9D when enacted in South Africa, these enhancements should be considered very carefully as they might create loopholes providing false progress to section 9D. / MCom (South African and International Taxation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

With constant changes in the nature of businesses, the way businesses are managed and the manner in which corporate groups are structured, a valid risk exists that legislation, including controlled foreign company (CFC) legislation can become outdated. The implication is that a country’s tax base will not be effectively protected. The aim of this mini-dissertation is to analyse section 9D of the South African Income Tax Act (58 of 1962) against the United Kingdom’s CFC regime to identify aspects of the new CFC rules enacted in Great Britain that could enhance South African CFC rules. Since the United Kingdom and South Africa levy income tax on a residence basis, it was concluded that the CFC regimes of these countries would be comparable. The research problem statement was determined to consider whether any aspects of the amended United Kingdom CFC legislation could be incorporated in the South African CFC rules to ensure that they are more accommodating to investors on the one hand and still protect the South African tax base efficiently on the other hand. The problem statement was addressed through the research objectives. Their findings are summarized as follows: 1 To determine what the factors and circumstances were that resulted in the revised CFC legislation in the United Kingdom. It was found that the Commissioner of Inland Revenue was applying the “motive test” very subjectively which resulted in resident-holding companies being taxed on legitimate trading profits of foreign subsidiaries. The “motive test” therefore lacked objectivity which resulted in the residents being taxed on the profits of their subsidiaries. Since section 9D of the South African Income Tax Act (58 of 1962) also applies a subjective test to consider the investor’s motives, it was concluded that the South African legislation is faced with a similar pitfall as the UK CFC legislation enacted in 1984. 2 To critically compare the CFC rules per section 9D of the South African Income Tax Act to the CFC legislation effective 1 January 2013 in the United Kingdom. It was found that the South African rules address a wider range of activities, whereas the UK CFC regime focuses on specific income streams. A number of aspects were identified where the two sets of legislation agree, but areas were also identified where the legislation differs. 3 To identify elements of the new CFC legislation in the United Kingdom that might improve the current South African CFC regime. The differences identified between the South African and United Kingdom CFC regimes were evaluated. It was concluded that there are elements of the South African legislation that should remain unchanged as it addresses specific risks. It was, however, also concluded that there are valid elements implemented in the UK CFC regime that could simplify the South African CFC legislation, enhancing its competitiveness while still retaining the integrity and effectiveness of the legislation. It was concluded that even though the differences between section 9D and the UK CFC regime may enhance section 9D when enacted in South Africa, these enhancements should be considered very carefully as they might create loopholes providing false progress to section 9D. / MCom (South African and International Taxation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer death among females, both worldwide and in the UK. Although, UK incidence of breast cancer is rising, breast cancer mortality rates are falling, due largely to early detection and improved treatment. As a result there are more women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer than ever before. Due mainly to side-effects of adjuvant therapy, breast cancer patients may require diagnostic, therapeutic, supportive or palliative services many years post-diagnosis, which poses a major challenge to already stretched healthcare services. Accordingly, effective and inexpensive interventions that can alleviate treatment side-effects, improve health, quality of life and potentially reduce risk of early mortality are required for breast cancer patients. Awareness of the positive influence that physical activity can have on breast cancer development and outcome is an important determinant of physical activity levels. A higher level of physical activity before and after breast cancer diagnosis is related to a lower risk of all-cause and breast cancer-related mortality. Randomised controlled trials have reported beneficial effects of physical activity interventions on outcomes relating to health, quality of life and mortality risk among breast cancer survivors. Aims: The present project aimed to: 1) assess awareness of the role of physical activity on breast cancer risk and the sufficiency of physical activity undertaken in women attending the NHS breast screening programme (NHSBSP), 2) compare physical activity levels of women at different stages of breast cancer pathway, 3) investigate the effects of a low-cost six-month home-based physical activity intervention on physical activity, body mass, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), insulin resistance and blood lipid profiles of breast cancer survivors and 4) assess the effects of our home-based intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness in a subset of breast cancer survivors. Methods: A total of 309 volunteers (188 NHSBSP attendees, 41 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and 80 post-treatment breast cancer survivors) participated in the current project. Physical activity was assessed via the International Physical activity Questionnaires (IPAQ). In studies one and two, Body mass and body mass index (BMI) were assessed directly in chemotherapy patients and breast cancer survivors, and indirectly from self-reported values in NHSBSP attendees. While in study three, body fat percentage was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis, HRQoL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) questionnaire and fasting blood samples were taken to measure lipid, glucose and insulin concentrations at baseline and post-six month home-based physical activity intervention. In study four, a random subsample of 32 breast cancer survivors undertook an exercise tolerance test to establish peak oxygen uptake values. Results: A high proportion (70%) of NHSBSP attendees engaged in low-moderate levels of physical activity and performed low amounts of recreational physical activity. Attendees demonstrated high awareness (75%) of the role of physical activity in reducing breast cancer risk but those categorised as “low activity” were significantly unaware of insufficiency of activity (p<0.05). Chemotherapy patients and breast cancer survivors had significantly lower levels of total physical activity than NHSBSP attendees (p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). The randomised controlled trial revealed significant improvements in total physical activity, body mass (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05) HRQoL (breast cancer subscale, p<0.01; trial outcome index, p<0.05) and total (p<0.01) and low-density lipoprotein (p<0.05) cholesterol concentrations in the intervention group compared to usual care, and significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (p<0.05) in a subsample of breast cancer survivors allocated to intervention. Conclusions: Physical activity interventions that incorporate strategies aimed at increasing awareness of recommended physical activity guidelines may be required in populations at risk of breast cancer. A relatively large proportion of women at risk of breast cancer may not be sufficiently exposed to the potential benefits of physical activity on breast cancer outcomes. Post-treatment breast cancer patients may be more receptive to physical activity interventions as the negative effects of chemotherapy begin to resolve, and therefore, may benefit from physical activity interventions. Results suggest that a low-cost home-based physical activity intervention with counselling and telephone support can improve the health and HRQoL of breast cancer survivors, which may in turn potentially reduce risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease-related mortality. Given the encouraging results and its highly portable and feasible nature, our intervention represents a promising tool for use in health and community settings to benefit large numbers of breast cancer survivors. The current project supports the inclusion of physical activity promotion as an integral component for the management and care of breast cancer survivors.

Hydrogels are popular materials for biological applications since they exhibit properties like that of natural soft tissue and have tunable properties. Biodegradable hydrogels provide an added advantage in that they degrade in an aqueous environment thereby avoiding the need for removal after the useful lifetime. In this work, we investigated poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) biodegradable hydrogel systems. To begin, the factors affecting the macromer synthesis procedure were studied to optimize the reproducibility of the resulting hydrogels made and create new methods of tuning the properties. Hydrogel behavior was then tuned by altering the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of the chemicals used in the synthesis to develop systems with linear and two-phase degradation profiles. The goal of the research was to better understand methods of controlling hydrogel properties to develop systems for several biomedical applications. Several systems with a range of properties were synthesized, and their in vitro behavior was characterized (degradation, mechanical properties, cellular response, etc.). From these studies, materials were chosen to serve as porogen materials and an outer matrix material to create a composite scaffold for tissue engineering. In most cases, a porous three dimensional scaffold is ideal for cellular growth and infiltration. In this work, a composite with a slow degrading outer matrix PBAE with fast degrading PBAE microparticles was created. First, a procedure for developing porogen particles of controlled size from a fast-degrading hydrogel material was developed. Porogen particles were then entrapped in the outer hydrogel matrix during polymerization. The resulting composite systems were degraded and the viability of these systems as tissue engineering scaffolds was studied. In a second area of work, two polymer systems, one PBAE hydrogel and one sol-gel material were altered through the addition of iron oxide nanoparticles to create materials with remote controlled properties. Iron oxide nanoparticles have the ability to heat in an alternating magnetic field due to the relaxation processes. The incorporation of these nanoscale heating sources into thermosensitive polymer systems allowed remote actuation of the physical properties. These materials would be ideal for use in applications where the system can be changed externally such as in remote controlled drug delivery.

Bridge substructures are generally constructed using cast-in-place concrete and designed to undergo inelastic deformation in earthquake events. Although this construction approach has proven to be economical and provides adequate seismic performance through the formation of ductile plastic hinges, there are downsides relating to construction speed and quality, and post-earthquake repairability. This thesis explores two categories of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) connection types, which use precast concrete instead of cast-in-place concrete to offer advantages including increased construction speed and quality. High Damage (HD) ABC connection types emulate the seismic behaviour of cast-in-place construction through the formation of ductile plastic hinges. Controlled Damage (CD) ABC connection types use unbonded post-tensioned precast connections to offer additional advantages including reduced residual drifts, limited and controlled damage and simple repair options. Novel buckling-restrained, fused mild steel energy dissipators suitable for use in CD connections are also developed and tested. These designs utilise 'dry' fabrication to simplify the fabrication process and minimise cost. Half-scale experimental testing is carried out to demonstrate both the assembly processes and behaviour under reversed cyclic uniaxial and biaxial loading representing an earthquake event. Following benchmark testing, repair strategies are applied to the CD connection types and the columns are tested again, representing a subsequent earthquake event. Good results are obtained from all cases with relatively straightforward construction and repair processes. With further developments and testing, the connection types proposed can provide competitive alternatives to conventional bridge pier design with regard to seismic performance and life cycle costs, with the additional benefits associated with precast construction.

Thesis (doctoral)--Kath. Universiẗat Eichstätt, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 281-303).