The first aim of this study was to develop a research based, integrated, secondary prevention programme, called the Weight Over-concern and Well-being (WOW) programme, for the reduction of Subclinical Eating Disorder (SED) symptoms, associated traits and negative mood states, and the promotion of psychological well-being (PWB) in female students. Consequently the second aim was to determine the effectiveness of the WOW-programme on its own, in comparison with a combined Tomatis Method of sound stimulation (Tomatis, 1990) and WOW-programme, regarding the reduction of SED-symptoms, associated traits and negative mood states; the promotion of PWB; and outcome maintenance. The last aim was to obtain a deeper understanding and "insiders' perspective" of the lived experience of SED, through an interpretative phenomenological inquiry (Smith & Osborn, 2003). The motivation for the current study is a need for research based, integrated, risk-protective, secondary prevention programmes from a social-developmental perspective for female university students (Garner, 2004; Phelps, Sapia, Nathanson & Nelson, 2000; Polivy & Herman, 2002), given their risk status (Edwards & Moldan, 2004; Senekal, Steyn, Mashego & Nel, 2001; Wassenaar, Le Grange, Winship & Lachenicht, 2000). Concurrently in-depth descriptions from an "insiders' perspective" on the lived experience of SED are non-existent and require interpretative phenomenological study (Brocki & Wearden, 2006). Consequently this thesis consists of three articles, namely: (i) Development of a secondary prevention programme for female university students with Subclinical Eating Disorder, (ii) A secondary prevention programme for female students with Subclinical Eating Disorder: a comparative evaluation; and (iii) Lived experiences of Subclinical Eating Disorder: female students' perceptions. The research context comprised Subclinical Eating Disorder, secondary prevention and Positive Psychology. The first article, Development of a secondary prevention programme for female university students with Subclinical Eating Disorder (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007a), is qualitative in nature, and narrates a process of participatory action research followed to develop the WOW-programme. This social process of knowledge construction, embedded in Social Constructivist theory (Koch, Selim & Kralik, 2002), gradually revealed best clinical practice, and in retrospect, evolved over four phases. Phase One comprised experiential learning based on personal experiences with SED as undergraduate student and interaction with "participant researchers" as scientist practitioner (Strieker, 2002), resulting in a provisional risk model of intervention. Phase Two, a formal pilot study (Du Plessis, Vermeulen & Kirsten, 2004), afforded an evaluation of ideas generated in Phase One through a three-group pre-post-test design. Outcomes of Phase Two informed Phase Three, an integration of prior learning with Positive Psychology theory and clinical practice, resulting in a risk-protective model of prevention. Theoretical assumptions previously constructed were integrated and operationalised during Phase Four, into the final 9-session WOW-programme. In conclusion the process of knowledge construction was rigorous, despite the small overall sample size (n=28), since data saturation occurred within that sample. Although the multitude of aims involved in each session of the WOW-programme could be seen as unrealistic, in some direct or indirect way, they were addressed by means of relevant interventions due to the integrative approach. Thus future refinement is essential. Finally, despite aforementioned concerns, the WOW-programme proved to be robust on its own in reducing SED-symptoms and associated traits and enhancing PWB, as described in the second article of this thesis. The second article, A secondary prevention programme for female students with Subclinical Eating Disorder: a comparative evaluation (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007b), describes the outcomes of the WOW-programme on its own, evaluated comparatively with a combined Tomatis sound stimulation and WOW-programme. In this article the research aims were to determine: (i) whether participation in the combined sound stimulation and WOW-programme (Group 1); and (ii) participation in a WOW-programme only (Group 2), would lead to statistically significant reductions in SED-symptoms, psychological traits associated with eating disorders and negative mood states, and enhancement of PWB; (iii) whether results of Groups 1 and 2 would exceed results of a non-intervention control group (Group 3) practically significantly; and (iv) whether programme outcomes for Groups 1 and 2 would be retained at four-month follow-up evaluation. A mixed method design (Creswell, 2003; Morse, 2003) was used, including a three-group pre-post-test (n=45) and multiple case study (n=30) design. Various questionnaires measuring SED-symptoms, associated traits, negative mood states and PWB were completed. Qualitative data were obtained by means of metaphor drawings, letters to and from the "SED-problem", focus group interviews, the researchers' reflective field notes and individual semi-structured feedback questionnaires (Morse, 2003). Participation in Groups 1 and 2 proved effective, since decreases in SED-symptoms, associated traits, most negative mood states, and increases in PWB differed practically significantly from the results of Group 3. Outcomes for Groups 1 and 2 were maintained at four-month follow-up evaluation. Qualitative findings provided depth, support and trustworthiness to quantitative findings in light of the small sample size, and highlighted the value of using a mixed method design in prevention programming. It was concluded that the WOW-programme on its own, was an effective secondary prevention programme, since it led to reduced SED-symptoms, associated psychological traits and enhanced PWB, with retention of gains at four-months follow-up evaluation. The combined programme involving Tomatis stimulation and WOW-intervention proved to be even more effective, thus the complimentary role of Tomatis stimulation was demonstrated. However, the cost-effectiveness and comparative brevity of the WOW-programme rendered it the programme of choice regarding individuals with SED. Findings showed that conceptually, pathogenic and salutogenic perspectives can be successfully combined into a risk-protective model of secondary prevention. Lastly, the WOW-programme may even prove useful as an enrichment programme for female students in general. The third article, Lived experiences of Subclinical Eating Disorder: female students' perceptions (Kirsten, Du Plessis & Du Toit, 2007c), provides a qualitative, in-depth perspective on the lived experience of SED of 30 white, undergraduate females, purposively sampled. In this interpretative phenomenological, multiple case study (Brocki & Wearden, 2006), Groups 1 and 2 of the aforementioned primary study in the second article were used, since they fitted the criteria of "good informants" and were able to answer the research question (Morse, 2003). Further sampling was deemed unnecessary since data saturation occurred within their written and verbal responses and no negative cases were found. Rich individual qualitative data, further clarified through focus groups, emerged from graphic colour representations of lived SED, explanatory written records and "correspondence" with and from their "SED problem" (Gilligan, 2000; Loock, Myburgh, & Poggenpoel, 2003; White & Epston, 1990). Four main categories, characterised by serious intra-, interpersonal, existential and body image concerns were subdivided into seven subcategories, namely: Personal Brokenness, Personal Shame, Perceived Personal Inadequacy and Enslavement, Existential Vacuum, Perceived Social Pressure, Perceived Social Isolation and Body-image Dysfunction. Results were indicative of underestimation of SED-severity, its comprehensive detrimental impact on participants' PWB and high risk for escalation into full-blown eating disorders. It was concluded that the lived experiences of SED depicted the severity of SED-symptoms; descriptions resonated well with most of their pre-programme mean scores; and their risk status and need for contextually and developmentally relevant secondary prevention programmes were highlighted by the findings. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

In this thesis an analytical design method of the improved broadband passive harmonic filter (IBF) for three phase diode rectifier front-end type adjustable speed drives is presented. The method is based on frequency domain modeling of the rectifier and filter. The success of the method involves accurate representation of the load harmonics. With the harmonics well defined, the harmonic and fundamental frequency equivalent circuits are utilized to analytically calculate the voltages/currents. Thus, the size and the performance of the filter can be optimized. The analytical method is verified via computer simulations and laboratory experiments. Also a performance comparison of various passive harmonic filters for three-phase diode rectifier front-end type adjustable speed drives is provided. The comparison involves the input current total harmonic distortion, input power factor, rectifier voltage regulation, energy efficiency, size, and cost. The parallel/series harmonic resonance problem related issues are addressed and unbalanced operation performance investigated. The comparison is based on analysis and computer simulations and the results are validated by laboratory experiments.

In this thesis, a practical vector controlled elevator drive is presented. Indirect vector control of induction machine is investigated in theory and then implemented. Control technique is compared with scalar control and induction machine is compared with dc motor. The operation of the system depends on induction machine parameters, so how to accurately and automatically obtaining of the parameters is also presented. Finally, the elevator system is introduced, the application of this control system to the elevator system is described and a basic elevator control system is simulated.

The importance of automating the garment manufacturing process has been understood since the early 1980s. However, in spite of millions of dollars spent on research, three decades later, the industry is still far from achieving a fully autonomous process. Previous work on fabric control in automated sewing focused on the control of only a single sheet of fabric using an industrial manipulator with an overhead vision system. These methods did not meet the accuracy and robustness requirements of the sewing process with respect to fabric position and fabric tension. To address these issues, a new method for fabric control in automated sewing is described. It uses the current feed mechanism on sewing machines, feed dogs, but modifies them to be servo-controlled. These servo controlled actuators, servo dogs, individually control two sheets of fabric before the fabric reaches the needle and during the sewing process. The servo dogs actuate the fabric 180o out of phase with the sewing needle, providing incremental control of the fabric when the needle is out of the fabric. To achieve this type of control successfully for automated sewing, the servo dogs have been designed for short displacement, high acceleration motions using a cable drive system powered by voice coil motors. Feedback of fabric position has been determined to be necessary and is to be provided by a thread-tracking vision system. This thesis outlines the general design of the system and discusses a prototype used to validate the design, and describes experiments performed to examine how the fabric will behave with the use of this type of actuation method.

Free-flowing water currents such as tides and unregulated water courses could contribute to world electricity production given the emergence of robust technical solutions for extracting the energy. At Uppsala University, a concept for converting the energy in water currents to electricity using a vertical axis turbine with fixed blade-pitch and a direct-drive permanent magnet generator is studied. Technological equipment for extracting energy from water currents can be studied at desktop to some extent, but physical realizations, first in a laboratory setting, and later in a natural aquatic setting, are necessary. For this reason, a laboratory generator has been constructed and evaluated, and an experimental setup comprising turbine, generator and control system has been constructed. The turbine and generator are to be deployed in the Dalälven River in Söderfors, and operated from an on-land control station. The author has worked with constructing and evaluating the low-speed laboratory generator, participated in the design and construction of the Söderfors generator, and designed and constructed the control system for Söderfors. The generator design incorporates a low rotational speed, permanent magnets, and many poles, in order to adapt the generator to the nature of water currents. Simulations and experimental data for the laboratory prototype have been compared and show that the simulation tool used is adequate for design studies of this type of generator. The generator has also been shown to be able to operate with the intended turbine design and range of water velocities. The control system to be used in Söderfors has been tested in a laboratory environment. Simulations of the control system show that it should be able to operate the turbine and generator at the desired rotational speeds in water velocities up to about 1.8 m/s. Simulations of the system have also shown that maximizing system power output may not correspond with maximizing turbine power.

The thesis is carried out in order to improve the transfer case in trucks with all-wheel-drive. When the truck loses traction at the rear wheels, due to slippery surfaces, wheel-spin occurs. If the driver engages the all-wheel-drive at a point where traction already has been lost, a relative rotational speed in the dog clutch will occur. If this relative speed is too high the dog clutch bounces of itself before coupling or it does not couple at all. To avoid this problem, the geometry of the teeth is modified. FE simulations are done for the existing model as well as for all the new models in order to find out which of them can handle the highest relative rotational speed. The results show that the original model is not the best one. Simple modifications of the teeth’s chamfer distance and chamfer angle shows that the dog clutch can handle up to 120 rpm of relative rotational speed whereas the original model only handles 50 rpm. / Examensarbetet är utfört för att försöka förbättra inkopplingen av allhjulsdrift på lastbilar. När en lastbil kör på halt eller löst väglag kan hjulspinn uppstå vid bakhjulen. Om föraren kopplar in allhjulsdriften när hjulen börjat slira uppstår en relativ rotationshastighet mellan halvorna i klokopplingen. Om denna relativa rotationshastighet är för hög kommer halvorna i kopplingen studsa mot varandra innan de kopplas ihop eller inte koppla ihop alls. För att undvika detta problem har klokopplingens tandgeometri modifierats. FE simuleringar är gjorda på den ursprungliga modellen samt alla nya modeller för att ta reda på vilken som kopplar vid högst relativa rotationshastighet. Resultaten visar att förbättringar kan göras. Enkla modifieringar på avfasningarnas avstånd och vinklar visar att klokopplingen kan klara upp till 120 rpm i relativ rotationshastighet jämfört med den ursprungliga modellen som endast klarar 50 rpm.

Thesis (M.A.)--Miami University, Dept. of Theatre, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 55-57).

Objetivo: A principal finalidade desse estudo foi verificar a diferença entre dois grupos de motoristas – aqueles que apresentaram alcoolemia positiva medida através de etilômetro e/ou uso prévio de outras SPAs, averiguado através de exame de saliva, e aqueles que não apresentaram – em relação a comportamentos de risco, transtorno depressivo maior, mania e hipomania, TEPT, e TPAS, assim como abuso ou dependência de SPAs. Método: Em um estudo transversal, 1.134 motoristas que dirigiam em rodovias federais brasileiras foram avaliados através de etilômetro para verificar alcoolemia e teste de saliva para verificar a presença de drogas. Posteriormente, por meio de entrevistas telefônicas, foram avaliados em relação a transtornos psiquiátricos e comportamentos de risco. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos (motoristas com resultados positivos para uso de substâncias (n=82) e motoristas com resultados negativos (n=1052)). Os resultados foram comparados com o teste qui-quadrado e com análise de regressão logística. Em relação aos comportamentos de risco, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos de motoristas. Resultados: Motoristas que apresentaram uso de SPAs apresentaram maior prevalência de diagnósticos psiquiátricos como depressão (21,8%), mania/hipomania (20,8%), TEPT (10,7%), TPAS (9,0%), abuso de substâncias (24,5%) quando comparados com outros motoristas (5,8%, 7,1%, 0,4%, 1,2% e 2,8%, respectivamente). Participantes com algum diagnóstico psiquiátrico tinham 4,47 mais chance de apresentar o desfecho. Aqueles com dependência/abuso de alguma SPA tinham 5,47 mais chance de dirigir sob influência de álcool ou drogas. Conclusões: Indivíduos que dirigem sob influência de álcool e/ou outras drogas podem precisar de avaliações e intervenções destinadas para transtornos psiquiátricos específicos. Esses resultados poderão servir como base ao desenvolvimento e implementação de políticas públicas no Brasil. Palavras-chave: Transtornos psiquiátricos, comportamentos de risco, álcool, substâncias psicoativas, dirigir sob influência de substâncias. / Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the difference between two groups of drivers – drivers who, on recruitment of the sample, showed blood alcohol content recorded by breathalyzer and previous use of other psychoactive substances examined through saliva test and those who didn’t drive under the influence – regarding risky behaviors, major depression disorder, mania and hypomania, PTSD and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), as well as substances abuse or dependence. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 1,134 individuals driving on federal highways in Brazilian cities took alcohol breathalyzer tests and drug saliva tests and were evaluated, thru telephonic interview, regarding psychiatric disorders and risky behaviors. Participants were divided into two groups (drivers who tested positive for substances (n=82) and those who did not (n=1052)). Data were compared by the Chisquare test and with a logistic regression model. Results: Substance positive drivers reported a significantly higher prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses like depression (21.8%), mania/hypomania (20.8%), post traumatic stress disorder (10.7%), antisocial personality (9.0%), substance use (24.5%) when compared to other drivers (5.8%, 7.1%, 0.4%, 1.2% and 2.8%, respectively). Participants with a psychiatric symptom were 4.47 times more likely to test positive for substance use. Similarly, participants with a substance use disorder were 5.47 times more likely to test positive for substance use. There were no significant differences between the groups of drivers, related to risky behaviors. Conclusion: Individuals who drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol may need assessments and interventions targeted to specific psychiatric disorders. These results will inform the development of public policies in Brazil.

[pt] A tese tem como tema a ênfase dada por Lacan à linguagem na experiência psicanalítica, em diferentes momentos de seu ensino. A partir da oposição entre modelos de linguagem que reduzem seu objeto às leis internas ao sistema da língua, e modelos que abarcam a posição dos falantes e o contexto discursivo, buscamos verificar qual concepção de linguagem Lacan usa quando teoriza sobre a linguagem na experiência analítica. A fim de demarcar a especificidade do campo psicanalítico, cotejamos a noção de linguagem em Lacan com o modelo estruturalista e com a filosofia pragmática da linguagem. / [en] This thesis has as its theme the emphasis given by Lacan to the language in the psychoanalytic experience, during different moments of his teaching. From the opposition between language models that reduce their object to the internal laws of the language system and models that embrace the position of the speakers and the discursive context, we seek to determine which is the conception of language Lacan uses when theorizing on language in the psychoanalytic experience. In order to demarcate the specificity of the psychoanalytic field, we compare the notion of language in Lacan with the structuralist model and the pragmatic philosophy of language.

Nesta dissertação é apresentada a comparação do desempenho de três estimadores - o Filtro de Kalman Estendido, o Filtro de Kalman Unscented e o Filtro de Partículas - aplicados para estimar a postura de um robô diferencial. Uma câmera foi fixa no teto para cobrir todo o campo operacional do robô durante os experimentos, a fim de extrair o mapa e gerar o ground truth. Isso permitiu realizar uma análise do erro de forma precisa a cada instante de tempo. O desempenho de cada um dos estimadores foi avaliado sistematicamente e numericamente para duas trajetórias. Os resultados desse primeiro experimento demonstram que os filtros proporcionam grandes melhorias em relação à odometria e que o modelo dos sensores é crítico para obter esse desempenho. O Filtro de Partículas mostrou um desempenho melhor em relação aos demais nos dois percursos. No entanto, seu elevado custo computacional dificulta sua implementação em uma aplicação de tempo real. O Filtro de Kalman Unscented, por sua vez, mostrou um desempenho semelhante ao Filtro de Kalman Estendido durante a primeira trajetória. Porém, na segunda trajetória, a qual possui uma quantidade maior de curvas, o Filtro de Kalman Unscented mostrou uma melhora significativa em relação ao Filtro de Kalman Estendido. Foi realizado um segundo experimento, em que o robô planeja e executa duas trajetórias. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o robô consegue chegar a um determinado local com uma precisão da mesma ordem de grandeza do que a obtida durante a estimação de estados do robô. / In this dissertation, the performance of three nonlinear-model based estimators - the Extended Kalman Filter, the Unscented Kalman Filter and the Particle Filter - applied to pose estimation of a differential drive robot is compared. A camera was placed above the operating field of the robot to record the experiments in order to extract the map and generate the ground truth so the evaluation of the error can be done at each time step with high accuracy. The performance of each estimator is assessed systematically and numerically for two robot trajectories. The first experimental results showed that all estimators provide large improvements with respect to odometry and that the sensor modeling is critical for their performance. The particle filter showed a better performance than the others on both experiments, however, its high computational cost makes it difficult to implement in a real-time application. The Unscented Kalman Filter showed a similar performance to the Extended Kalman Filter during the first trajectory. However, during the second one (a curvier path) the Unscented Kalman Filter showed a significant improvement over the Extended Kalman Filter. A second experiment was carried out where the robot plans and executes a trajectory. The results showed the robot can reach a predefined location with an accuracy of the same order of magnitude as the obtained during the robot pose estimation.