The life expectancy (LE) gap experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in one of Australians most enduring health divides. Whilst there are many likely reasons, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) stand as the primary contributor. In particular, it is the almost ten-fold higher mortality from CVD at young ages that distinguishes this epidemic. The reasons for this disparity remain incompletely understood. Current research has focused on the likely contribution of traditional risk factor burdens in Aboriginal people, who demonstrate higher levels of smoking, obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Less attention has focused on the potential contribution of disadvantage and its interplay with psychosocial factors. Research on the psychosocial determinants of health, particularly in relation to CVD, has a long pedigree. Social context, particularly inequality between individuals, has assumed its rightful place at the forefront of our understandings of population levels of disease. Among them, socioeconomic position [SEP] and depression are the most robust, and most widely researched. They have not been adequately explored in the context of Aboriginal Australians, nor has the manner in which culture shapes, sustains or transforms disadvantage and psychosocial stress been outlined. The objective of the Men Hearts and Minds (MHM) Study was to identify the possible ways in which social disadvantage may lead to CVD in Aboriginal men in Central Australia and consider the role of psychosocial factors in modifying or mediating this relationship. This required a detailed and multi-disciplinary plan of research, covering the epidemiology of mental illness and chronic diseases, biomedical science, ethnographic field work and qualitative methodologies. Stage I required the development of measurement tools for exploring depression, stress, resilience, mastery and socioeconomic indicators that were valid and robust for use with Aboriginal men within Central Australia. This involved multi-stage qualitative techniques, engaging Aboriginal men, traditional healers (Ngangkari Tjuta) and mental health experts, to define the expressions and construction of mental illness in Aboriginal men. Depression existed, was recognizable, common, and had profound impacts on the social, emotional and physical well-being of Aboriginal men. ‘Worry’ was the most recognisable element, and the principle contributor to depression in Aboriginal men. Much of this was focused on the increasingly heavy and cumulative social and cultural burdens experienced throughout Aboriginal men’s lives, and manifest as a sense of inner turmoil and questioning of self, and of feelings of disconnectedness from all the things of critical importance within their lives. Kurunpa [spirit] was seen as the foundation of vitality and was critical to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of Aboriginal people. These findings were then used to interrogate existing psychological testing tools and develop novel measures to explore the interplay of SEP, stress and depression. These tools were then used in a community dwelling sample of Aboriginal men in Central Australia to explore the interaction of SEP, stress and depression and their potential contribution to CVD risk. In total 186 Aboriginal men across urban and remote community settings were assessed. Almost 40% of the sample had elevated depressive symptoms. Depression was highly correlated with standard measures of distress and inversely with mastery. Newly created measures, assessing Chronic Stress, the ‘Sense of Injury’ and deprivation, were highly correlated, reliable and fulfilled many validity criteria. There was a high level of cardiovascular risk, which was related to a number of psychosocial factors, particularly depression. Major depression was over 9 times as common in individuals with prevalent CVD. Cardiovascular risk was patterned across social strata, but not evident with the use of routine measures of SEP. Psychosocial factors modified the observed social gradient. In those with high chronic stress, the social gradient in CVD risk gradient was amplified. This pattern was mirrored in those who had been removed or had family forcible removed. Depression was correlated with a number of atherogenic pathways. Smokers were more likely to be depressed, and depression was strongly related to obesity. Individual with high depression scores were more than 20 times more likely to have a Body Mass Index >30. The interplay between the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) (estimated with measures of Heart Rate Variability) and the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis (as measured according to obesity) highlights the interconnections across atherogenic pathways and may frame the cardiometabolic risk and psychosocial pathways to cardiovascular disease in this sample. The phenomenology of cumulative stress, distress and depression within the narratives of Aboriginal men constructed illness as a consequence of the ongoing fight to maintain balance - physically, emotionally and spiritually. From both a social and biological perspective, the construction of depression and heart disease as a consequence of cumulative chronic stress among Aboriginal men was supported in the findings of this work.

[Truncated abstract] Technological innovation is considered the main contributor to economic growth. The systems of innovation framework aims to examine the causal pathways leading to technological innovation. However, most existing research under this framework, due to theoretical or methodological weaknesses, is unable to validate causal pathways or determinants of innovation. Institutions that guide human interaction within innovation systems are thought to be particularly important. The challenge has been to develop a taxonomy with which to conduct an empirical analysis of the impact of the institutional milieu on innovation. This thesis examines medical technological innovation within Australia and provides a basis from which such a taxonomy and other associated measures for systems of innovation have been developed. Medical industries are economically significant in developed countries and are amongst the most profitable worldwide. They use patents extensively to protect their innovations. In this context medical patents are an efficient means of examining the determinants of innovation. Few studies worldwide have explored the commercialisation process from patent to technological innovation and none has examined medical patents specifically. This thesis contains three empirical studies: - a description of Australian medical technology patented in the US between 1984-1999; - a survey of their inventors to examine the commercialisation process and identify the determinants of technological innovation; and - a case study of the commercialisation of an invention arising within an Australian university using qualitative methods. The first study is a population-based descriptive study of all US medical patents granted to Australian resident inventors between 1984 and 1999. During this period 7,835 US patents were granted to Australian resident inventors. Of these, 17% are identified as medical, and the proportion of medical patents rose from 10% to 25% of all Australian patents in the US from 1984 to 1999. The increase is largely due to Australian biotechnology patents, which increased from 10% to 55% of all medical patents during this period. Overall, medical patents are an increasingly significant proportion of Australia’s intellectual property portfolio. The second study is a survey of 402 first-named Australian inventors listed on the 602 medical patents granted in the US in 1984-1994. The aim is to assess their experience and success in commercialising their patented inventions. The correct address was found for 274 inventors of whom 177 (65%) were surveyed with no evidence of a significant response bias. This is the first known study surveying a nationally representative sample of medical inventors listed on patents

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Full text release at OhioLINK's ETD Center delayed at author's request.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Description based on contents viewed Oct. 3, 2008; title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-67).

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / A autoavaliação do estado de saúde (AAS) é um indicador de saúde amplamente utilizado e influenciado por uma grande variedade de fatores. Em particular, existem evidências crescentes de que a discriminação racial é um importante fator de risco para eventos mórbidos em saúde e seu impacto na saúde da população brasileira ainda é pouco explorado. No primeiro artigo, o objetivo principal é investigar a associação entre AAS e fatores sociodemográficos, comportamentais e de morbidade. No segundo artigo, o objetivo é estimar a associação entre discriminação racial e diferentes desfechos em saúde, a saber, AAS, morbidade física e depressão ajustando por variáveis sociodemográficas, comportamentos relacionados à saúde e Índice de Massa Corporal, na população de pretos e pardos. O presente estudo possui delineamento seccional, baseado nos dados do inquérito de abrangência nacional Pesquisa Dimensão Social das Desigualdades. Os entrevistados responderam a questionários estruturados e suas medidas antropométricas foram aferidas. No primeiro artigo, foram avaliados 12.324 indivíduos, entre chefes de família e cônjuges, com idade maior ou igual a 20 anos. No segundo artigo, foram avaliados 3.863 chefes de família que responderam a pergunta sobre discriminação racial e que se classificaram como pretos e pardos. AAS foi avaliada por meio de pergunta obtida do instrumento de qualidade de vida SF-36 e, para o primeiro artigo, foi analisada de forma dicotômica em AAS boa (categorias de resposta excelente, muito boa e boa) e AAS ruim (categorias de resposta razoável e ruim). No segundo artigo, esse desfecho foi analisado utilizando-se as 5 categorias de resposta. As análises foram realizadas utilizando-se modelos de regressão logística uni e multivariados, para dados binários (artigo 1) ou ordinais (artigo 2). Os resultados foram apresentados na forma de Odds Ratios com os respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança. Maior faixa etária, analfabetismo, tabagismo, obesidade e doenças crônicas estiveram associados a maior chance de AAS ruim. Para cada incremento na faixa de renda, observou-se uma redução de 20% na chance de relatar AAS ruim. Atividade física esteve associada a menor chance de AAS ruim. No segundo artigo, exposição à discriminação racial esteve associada com aumento na chance de relato de pior AAS, de morbidade física e de depressão. O presente estudo identificou a influência de diversos fatores sociais, demográficos, comportamentos relacionados à saúde e morbidade física na AAS. O estudo demonstrou ainda que a discriminação racial está associada negativamente aos três desfechos em saúde avaliados (AAS, morbidade física e depressão). Esses resultados podem traçar um perfil de subgrupos populacionais mais vulneráveis, ou seja, com maior risco de contrair doenças ou de procurar o serviço de saúde por uma doença já existente, auxiliando na definição de populações-alvo para o adequado planejamento de políticas e de programas de promoção de saúde. / Self-rated health (SRH) is a health indicator widely used in surveys and affected by many factors. There is increasing evidence showing that racial discrimination is an important risk factor for morbid events on health and its impact on health of the Brazilian population is still poorly understood. In the first paper, the main purpose is to investigate the association between SRH and social and demographic factors, health behaviors and morbidity. In the second paper, the main purpose is to estimate the association between racial discrimination and different health outcomes, such as: SRH, physical morbidity and depression, controlling for social and demographic variables, health behaviors and Body Mass Index, in the population of blacks and mullatoes. This study has a cross-sectional design and is based on data obtained from the national survey Research for Social Dimension of Inequalities. The interviewees answered to a structured questionnaire and had their anthropometric measures collected. In the first paper, 12,324 household chiefs and their spouses, aged 20 years or older, were evaluated. In the second paper, the study population was composed of 3,863 family chiefs who answered to the question about racial discrimination and who classified themselves as blacks or mullatoes. The measurement of SRH was based on the question obtained from the SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire. For the first paper, SRH was treated as a dichotomous variable: Good (categories: Excellent, Very Good and Good) and Poor (Regular and Bad). For the second paper, the five original categories were considered. Analysis will be developed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models for binary (paper 1) and ordinal data (paper 2). Results were presented in the form of Odds Ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals. Older age, illiteracy, smoking habits, obesity and chronic diseases were associated to higher chances of having poor SRH. As income increased, it was observed a reduction of 20% in the chance of having poor SRH. Physical activity was associated to a lower chance of having poor SRH. In the second paper, racial discrimination was associated to a higher chance of having: poor SRH, physical morbidity and depression. The present study identified the influence of several social and demographic factors, health behaviors, and physical morbidity in SRH. Individuals with poor SRH will compose the health services demand. It also showed that racial discrimination was negatively associated to the three evaluated health outcomes (SRH, physical morbidity and depression). These results may trace profiles of vulnerable population subgroups, that is, people with higher risks of becoming ill or of searching for health services because of an existent disease. This find may help in the definitions of target populations for the adequate establishment of health planning and programs

Afin de préserver sa stabilité, une organisation devrait être en mesure d'anticiper les changements à venir. Le concept d’être à l’écoute de l’environnement pour dénicher les informations précieuses permettant à une organisation de prédire un futur événement est appelé « veille stratégique ».La veille stratégique demeure une tâche difficile à mettre en place. Une des raisons expliquant cette difficulté est l'absence d'un outil permettant de soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique. Ceci est également identifié comme un facteur pouvant conduire à l'échec de la mise en œuvre et le maintien de la veille stratégique.Les réseaux sociaux (RS) se sont avérés extrêmement populaires dans la sphère personnelle, et ont suscité l’intérêt de la communauté scientifique et des organisations.La prise de conscience croissante de la valeur ajoutée des RS dans les organisations a conduit à la création de réseaux sociaux professionnels (RSP) qui ont transformé la façon dont les employés travaillent et interagissent.D'une part, la veille stratégique manque d'un « outil support à la gestion de l’information ». D'autre part, les RSP sont des outils répandus permettant de communiquer, de collaborer et de partager l'information. Cela rend les RSP des candidats potentiels pour soutenir la veille stratégique.Le but de notre recherche est d'étudier l’adoption des RSP en tant que SI permettant de soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique. Afin d’y parvenir nous posons 3 sous-questions :1-Quel est le "fit" entre les RSP et le processus de la veille stratégique ?Afin de répondre à cette sous-question, nous construisons un cadre théorique en adressant les fonctionnalités requises pour soutenir un processus de veille stratégique ainsi que celles offertes par les RSP.Notre étude montre l'existence d'un potentiel "fit", mais aussi d’un "misfit" entre les fonctionnalités des RSP et le processus de la veille stratégique.Sur la base de cette observation, nous tentons d'étudier les raisons de l'adoption des RSP pour soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique. Nous abordons alors les déterminants de l'adoption des RSP dans 2 contextes d’usage différents, ce qui fera l’objet des 2 sous-questions suivantes.2-Quels sont les déterminants de l’adoption des RSP (indépendamment de leurs contextes d'utilisation managériaux) ?L'adoption est le processus de développement, de mise en œuvre et l’intention d'utiliser pleinement la technologie.Malgré de nombreux d’études, les théories et les modèles existants reflètent une image fragmentée de l’adoption d’une technologie.Ainsi, afin de répondre à la seconde sous-question, nous synthétisons, à partir de la littérature, un cadre théorique regroupant des déterminants de l’adoption d’une technologie et des déterminants de l’adoption des RS et des RSP.En se basant sur ce cadre théorique, nous identifions 15 déterminants qui pourraient influencer l’adoption des RSP indépendamment de leurs contextes d’utilisations managériaux.3-Quels sont les déterminants de l'adoption des RSP pour soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique ?Afin de répondre à cette sous-question, nous divisons la liste des 15 déterminants en 2 groupes : 1)déterminants de l’adoption des RSP pour soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique et 2)déterminants de l’adoption des RSP pour soutenir les autres processus business. En comparant ces 2 groupes, nous identifions 15 déterminants qui pourraient influencer l’adoption des RSP pour soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique. Parmi ces déterminants, 5 sont exclusivement identifiés dans le cas de l’adoption des RSP pour soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique.Notre étude a permis d’identifier certains contextes dans lesquels les RSP pourraient être un outil support du processus de la veille stratégique.Elle a permis de proposer des recommandations qui pourraient aider les organisations à adopter les RSP comme outil pour soutenir le processus de la veille stratégique. / To preserve its stability and ensure a strong market position, an organization should be able to anticipate upcoming changes. The concept of scanning the environment for valuable information and indicative signals that allow an organization to predict a potential future event is termed “strategic scanning”.Strategic scanning is still considered a hard task to put in place. One of the reasons to explain this difficulty is the absence of a supporting tool which is also identified as a factor that can lead to the failure of the implementation and sustainability of strategic scanning.The development of social networks sites (SNS) proved to be extremely popular in the personal sphere, and started raising interest in the scientific community as well as in organizations.Growing awareness of the added value of SNS in organizations lead to the creation of numerous corporate social networks (CSN) technology that has transformed the way employees work and interact.On one hand, strategic scanning still lacks an “information management supporting tool”. On the other hand, CSN technology are widely spread ways to communicate, collaborate and share information. This makes CSN technology a potential candidate to support strategic scanning.The aim of our study is to investigate the adoption of CSN technology as a supporting IS for strategic process. To do so we ask 3 sub-questions:1-what is the fit between CSN technology and strategic scanning process?To answer this, we construct a theoretical framework by addressing the functionalities required to support a strategic scanning process, and addressing the functionalities offered by CSN technology.Our results show the existence of both a potential fit and misfit between CSN functionalities and strategic scanning process.Based on this observation, we attempt to study the reasons behind the adoption of CSN technology to support strategic scanning process.Hence, we address the determinants of CSN technology adoption in two different contexts of use -which is the aim of the two following sub-question.2-what are the determinants of CSN technology adoption (independently of its managerial context of use)?Adoption is the process of developing, implementing and having the will to make full use of the technology.Despite numerous studies attempting to understand technology adoption, existing theories and most of the models lack a holistic view and reflect a fragmented image.Thus, to answer the second sub-question, we draw a theoretical framework that consists of determinants of technology adoption and determinants of SNS and CSN technology adoption identified in the literature.Based on this theoretical framework, we identify 15 determinants that might influence the adoption of CSN technology independently of its managerial context of use.3-what are the determinants of CSN technology adoption to support strategic scanning process?To answer this, we split the list of 15 determinants previously identified into 2 groups: 1) determinants of CSN technology adoption to support strategic scanning process and 2) determinants of CSN technology adoption to support other business processes.Comparing these 2 groups allow us to identify determinants of CSN adoption to support strategic scanning process that do not emerge when addressing the adoption of CSN to support other business processes.We identified 15 determinants that might influence the adoption of CSN technology to support strategic scanning process. Importantly, among these determinants, only 5 determinants are reported in the case of CSN technology adoption to support strategic scanning process.Based on all the above, our work reveals that CSN technology can be a supporting tool for strategic scanning process in some contexts. Further, our study allows us to propose recommendations that might help organizations to adopt CSN technology as a supporting tool for strategic scanning process.

I chose the topic of this thesis because of but also because of bad opinions of the people around me about migration as a problem. The main target of this work is to find out what areas within health determinants among immigrants haven´t been investigated for past 5 years in the Czech Republic and Europe. This target is important for possibilities of further researches of health determinants among immigrants. It may help to researchers with the topic which hasn´t been investigated in past years and there is the opportunity to do so. In the research part of this diploma thesis was selected quantitative method where the technique was comparative metaanalysis. Analysis will be done from available databased journals (Scopus, Pub-med) and available Czech journals (non-databased). The time limit was set on 5 years. In the databases Scopus and Pub-med was searched according to following criterions social determinants of health, immigrants, Europe, Czech Republic with the time limit 5 years of those articles. Contribution of this work is finding out which social determinants of health weren´t investigated at all, which is transport and stress in Europe. In the Czech Republic weren´t any researches executed on stress, childhood, unemployment, nutrition and transport. My diploma thesis contributes further possibilities of investigating for future researchers in investigations which haven´t been done yet.

Using United States Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) and Census data, this study replicated and extended previous research conducted using the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) by Statistics Canada. It examines the associations among both lifestyle and social determinants predictors and a criterion of perceived health. Results were also compared cross-culturally (United States and Canada). The study used secondary data analysis of 2000 and 2001 United States and Census data. In particular, multiple linear regression (MLR) and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) were used to analyze state and individual-level data. Unlike data at the aggregate level (Canadian health regions and states of the United States), results at the individual-level were consistent across the United States and Canada. Social determinants of health (socioeconomics) were better predictors of health than lifestyle (behaviors). Individual-level socioeconomic characteristics and lifestyle were better predictors than higher level contexts (i.e., characteristics of a state or health regions). The findings of this study suggest that health educators should further research, and increase the focus in teaching and service on, social determinants of health in addition to efforts emphasizing lifestyles (health behaviors). This recommendation aligns with the soon to be released Healthy People 2020 that will add social determinants of health as a priority area for public health.

Introduction Anemia prevalence in pregnancy ranges from 51%-60% globally. Genetic disorders, infectious diseases, reproductive factors, nutritional deficiencies, and poverty can affect anemia status. Anemia can negatively impact economic progress, social and intellectual development, and maternal health. Estimates indicate that anemia is the direct cause of 3-7% of maternal deaths and an indirect cause of 20-40% of maternal deaths. Although several initiatives by the international community address the anemia problem, prevalence remains unacceptably high in Sierra Leone at 2,000 per 100,000 live births. This study explored ecological determinants of anemia status of pregnant women living in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Method This was a mixed-method, retrospective, unmatched case-control research study based on the Modified Ecological Model for Health Behavior and Health Promotion. One hundred and seventy one pregnant women, who visited one of five health facilities were interviewed for the study. Anemic participants' (Hgb<11.0g/dL) responses were compared to responses of non-anemic participants and the differences were assessed. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to assess qualitative knowledge items, whereas t-tests were conducted to determine if mean knowledge differences existed between those with anemia and those without. Chi-square was used to analyze forced choice attitude items: perceived threat to anemia and perceived benefits of anemia prevention and treatment. Chi-square was also used to analyze selected behaviors and perceived barriers to anemia prevention and treatment. Odds ratio determined the strength of the relationship between the dependent variable (anemia status) and selected exposure variables (modifying factors). Results Seventy-seven percent of participants were anemic (M: Hgb=9.63g/dL). Those with anemia were more likely to first see a health care provider after 12 weeks of pregnancy (p<.05). Participants who earned income in the top two quintiles were less likely to have anemia than those in the lower three quintiles (p=.007). Participants who had anemia were more likely to cite lack of finances as a barrier to seeking prenatal services (p=.007). Although differences existed between participants who had anemia and those who did not have anemia, they were generally not statistically significant for knowledge, behavior or modifying factors. Participants who had pica, however, were more likely to have anemia than those who did not (p=.005). There was misinformation among participants about the use of palm oil, Vimto and "blood tonic" as treatment options. In addition, participants cited family and friends as sources of this same information as well as correct suggestions and information about anemia prevention and treatment. Discussion Health providers need to be clearer about messages that they deliver to service users to reduce misinformation about anemia prevention and treatment. Community awareness about anemia, anemia causes, anemia prevention and anemia treatment needs to be raised. Information, particularly about anemia causes, need to be disseminated and programs to address those causes need to be developed and implemented. Program development and implementation should be a comprehensive effort that includes training traditional birth attendants and lay health workers. Efforts should incorporate health efforts from government agencies, the non-governmental sector, donor groups, and community and civil society groups to deliver culturally and regionally appropriate interventions.

Background: Well-being within this thesis is defined as the multidimensional quality of a person’s life, which can be broken down into ‘subjective’ and ‘objective’ forms. Despite persistent study, researchers fail to agree on the meaning of well-being or how it should be studied. Aim: The first half of the thesis aims to examine the meaning, measurement and theory of well-being. The second half of the thesis aims to investigate the factors associated with subjective well-being (SWB), and the influence of attributes of well-being on preferences for the future. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify measures of well-being for use in adults (general population). The dimensions within these measures were organised into a framework using thematic analysis. Further, the theories underpinning these measures were identified and described. Fixed-effect regression models were used to study the factors important for SWB using data from a longitudinal (1996 – 2013) cohort of middle aged-older adults in the United States (n = 2049). Finally, preferences for life in the future were estimated in a sample of young ‘emergent adults’ (n =140) in the United Kingdom, using discrete choice experiments (DCEs). Results: The systematic review identified 99 measures of well-being, which included 196 distinct dimensions. These measures were influenced by a diverse range of theories (n = 98). Mental health, social integration and satisfaction with work had a significant impact on each of the SWB outcome variables (life satisfaction, positive affect and negative affect) in the fixed-effects analysis. The DCE indicated that stated preferences for life in the future among emergent adults were particularly driven by the prospect of social support from family and an aversion to experiencing mental health difficulties. Conclusion: This thesis has investigated inconsistencies in how well-being is understood, measured and studied. In response to this, a framework has been developed which organises the many measures available around key themes. Following on from the fixed-effects analysis and the DCE, future empirical research should be undertaken to investigate the interdependence of well-being and mental health.