The deployment of engineering models and design methods divorced from the effect that mechanised shield tunnelling with tunnel boring machines (TBMs) has on concrete segmental linings (CSLs) can lead to either material waste or structural damage within the tunnel design life. Most research to date on CSL behaviour during construction neglects the sequential ring loading and TBM-lining transverse interactions, which this thesis proved to be key in the short and long term behaviour of CSLs and whose study is essential if the design and maintenance of CSL structures is ever to be optimised. This thesis investigates the longitudinal and transverse behaviour of CSL structures simultaneously backfilled with bicomponent grouts (BGs) during tunnelling, and how this early response influences long term behaviour. The research work is drawn on three pillars that enable cross-validation of conclusions: analytical models, three-dimensional numerical simulations and the interpretation of the Crossrail's Thames tunnel (CTT) field data, which included distributed fibre optic strain (DFOS) data. A theoretical framework ranging from construction loading scenarios to the mechanisms underlying structural damage is described for the future development of limit state design methods. Analytical models of longitudinal behaviour are also proposed. The study of joint geometries, temporary spear bolts and DFOS sensing in CSL construction monitoring is included as ancillary research. The solution developed for a sequential elastic rod subjected to a trilinear temperature profile and in shear interaction with the elastic ground predicts accurately the early tunnel pre-stressing relaxation caused by grout hardening, e.g. ≈50% in the CTT. The proposed sequential elastic beam model, which incorporates the effects of stage-varying net TBM moments, transverse loads and lining pressure gradients within the tunnel unsupported length, estimates satisfactorily the history of tunnel beam response during construction for a realistic expression of the lining stiffness. A potential damage assessment method for the early detection of tunnel sections prone to ring joint damage was proposed. The TBM-lining transverse interaction determines the CSL ring behaviour at the early stages of tunnelling. The ring response resultant from this interaction is irrecoverable and contributes to the long term total deformations and internal forces; in tunnels excavated in grounds with Ko≈1, it becomes the major source of ring distortion. The main transverse actions are the sealing pressures, which are inversely related to the tail clearance, and the transverse load of oblique hydraulic jacks. When the non-bedded rings are eccentric with respect to the shield tail, the ring distortion increases the risk of cracking near the rear corners and spalling at the ram pad interspaces of constrained segments. The ring distortion is directly related to the pressure gradients, the unsupported length and the ring flexibility. When individual segments rotate outwards under the action of transverse ram loads, e.g. the outer springline segment during pronounced TBM steering around a horizontal curve, the localised action of the sealing pressures can result in longitudinal cracking at the intrados of the segment front. This study represents a qualitative leap towards the optimisation of CSL design, shifting the attention of researchers and designers to TBM-lining transverse interactions as the most determinant factor of structural response during construction in CSLs simultaneously backfilled with BGs.

A study of nucleic acid changes influenced by gibberellic acid and chilling treatments in peach seed was performed in an attempt to reach a better understanding of the mechanism involved in breaking seed dormancy. Gibberellic acid and the chilling treatment increased the RNA content. These two treatments which break dormancy also increased RNA, suggesting a similar mechanism involving RNA. Chilled seeds contained more RNA than did the gibberellic acid treated seeds. DNA content remained unchanged regardless of treatment. Dry seed had a greater ribonuclease activity than with soaked seeds. Enzyme changes did not correlate well with the RNA content in gibberellic treated seeds. Deoxyribonuclease activity was higher in dry seed than with soaked seeds. Enzyme activity change did not correlate well with the DNA content. The phosphorus content of the seed in regard to the gibberllic acid and chilling treatments was difficult to evaluate. There were no major relationships established. Phosphorus in the methanol fraction from the chilled seed increased some as the storage period increased.

Correlational research has shown the ratio of positive to negative interactions (PN ratio) between students and teachers may have an effect on the frequency and type of student behavior displayed in the context of teaching. Based on this research, PN ratio has become a prominent feature of many school improvement and teacher evaluation measures. While a variety of correlational data show a positive relationship between high PN ratios and improved student behavior in the classroom, there is little evidence assessing the extent to which instructors will increase PN ratios following didactic workshop training (relatively passive, one-session workshops with few opportunities for skill building). Additionally, the limited amount of available data suggests that increasing these ratios may be more difficult than expected. The purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of two interventions used to train after-school instructors to increase PN ratios. The first intervention (workshop training) followed a didactic workshop-training model. The second intervention (coaching) included the components of the didactic workshop model with the addition of modeling, role-play, and performance feedback. In this study four instructors in an after-school program were randomly assigned to one of two groups to participate in training programs. These programs were designed to help them increase PN ratios when interacting with students during homework time in the after-school program. Group 1 received only the workshop training, and Group 2 received the workshop training as well as the coaching intervention. Instructor behaviors were recorded during 15-minute observation sessions, and PN ratios were calculated for each instructor. All observation sessions took place in the context of homework time during regularly scheduled after-school programming. The study used AB/ABC design to assess the success of the two training models. Instructors in Group 1 showed no increases in the frequency of positive interactions or PN ratios. Instructors in Group 2 showed an increased frequency of positive interactions and increased PN ratios in the coaching condition. Results are discussed in terms of increases and decreases in the daily frequency of positive and negative interactions as well as the overall increases in PN ratio.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in American society. However, not enough attention has been given to weight change by temporal and dynamic detailed social characteristics, controlled for unobserved heterogeneities nested in county and state. Using the National Longitudinal Survey Youth (NLSY79), this study examined weight change and its development into unhealthy conditions like being overweight or obese, in relation to change in social characteristics including life course events. This study also examined the social characteristics of remaining at a normal weight through all time intervals over a 19-year period. Using hierarchical linear multilevel analysis, this study found that changes in social characteristics over time could be linked to weight status for both males and females. Young males with normal weight are more vulnerable to changes in life events than females. This study's identification of risky life events among young adults could lead to prevention strategies for the obesity epidemic.

<p>Denna studie handlar om personalvårdsförmånen friskvårdstimmen parallellt med motionsvanor i allmänhet. Vi har i studien utgått från ett generellt hälsoperspektiv, för att sedan smalna av till att inrikta oss på hälsa inom arbetslivet, närmare bestämt friskvårdstimmen. Vår studie följer därmed en så kallad ”Top-down modell”. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilka som nyttjar friskvårdstimmen samt vad som motiverar individer till att motionera. För att utforska detta har vi utgått från tre frågeställningar: vilken kategori av människor är det som motionerar och använder sig av friskvårdstimmen? Vad motiverar dessa individer? Hur kan man motivera anställda till motion och användandet av friskvårdstimmen?</p><p>Studien är baserad på en kvantitativ undersökning i enkätform, inom en statlig organisation i centrala Karlstad. 169 respondenter besvarade enkäten. Vi anser oss ha ett brett urval då hela kontoret var med i undersökningen, vilket gjorde att vi fick en spridd fördelning i ålder och kön.</p><p>Bland våra respondenter kan vi se att det finns en positiv inställning och en hög medvetenhet till motionens och friskvårdstimmens effekter. Dock är nyttjandet i praktiken inte lika stort i förhållande till respondenternas medvetenhet. Vi ser att man har en omgivande miljö som är motionsfrämjade, inte minst i och med att organisationen erbjuder friskvårdstimmen som personalvårdsförmån. Av de framkomna resultaten kan vi bland annat se att ålder är en bidragande faktor till hur mycket man använder friskvårdstimmen. Av våra respondenter motionerar kvinnor mer än män och motivationsfaktorer till motionen är för att hålla sig i form och för att förebygga skador och sjukdomar. Vidare är tidsbrist en bidragande orsak till varför man inte motionerar och nyttjar friskvårdstimmen.</p><p>Vi menar att om organisationen vill utveckla friskvården bör man uppmärksamma att till en början koncentrera sig på dem som aldrig nyttjar friskvårdstimmen. Att erbjuda personlig rådgivning till dessa anställda anser vi skulle kunna vara en tänkbar motivationsfaktor till ökad motion. Detta eftersom det i vår studie framkom att mer information om motion inte skulle leda till ett högre motionsutövande. Vi är medvetna om att endast friskvårdstimmen i sig inte kan förändra ett beteendemönster, men att den kan vara ett inledande steg till att förbättra sin levnadsstil.</p>

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ingesting an 8% carbohydrate (CHO) beverage during a moderate intensity exercise trial on performance outcomes, fuel utilization and blood glucose levels of wheelchair athletes (spinal cord injury (SC I) or cerebral palsy (CP)). The secondary purpose was to analyze the dietary intake of the eight participants and to determine if they were meeting current sport nutrition guidelines for macronutrients and fluids recommended in the joint position statement developed by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Dietitians of Canada (DC).<p> Under random, double blind conditions eight athletes (6 males, 2 females); mean age 36 ± 8.5 y with a SCI (n = 7) or CP (n = 1) completed two exercise trials on an adapted stationary hand cycle; each trial was 60 minutes in duration at 65 % VO2peak followed immediately by a 30-minute performance trial. During the first 60-minutes the participants were given four 200 ml dosages (15, 30, 45, 60-min) of an 8% CHO beverage or a taste-matched placebo beverage. Blood lactate and glucose levels were sampled during the 60-minute exercise trial (pre, 20, 40, 60-min) and immediately after the 30-minute performance trial (post, 2, 5, 10-min). Heart rate was monitored continuously during the exercise and performance trial. Expired gas samples were also taken for 5-min periods during the exercise trial and then continuously during the performance trial. These values were used to calculate respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and carbohydrate oxidation. Dietary intake was assessed with a three day food record.<p> No significant differences were apparent between beverage trials for total distance (km), average speed (kmhr-1) or maximum speed achieved (kmhr-1). Significant differences were evident for blood glucose values, RER and CHO oxidation between the two beverage trials (p< .05). At the end of the 30-minute performance trial blood glucose values were significantly higher in the CHO trial (4.8 ± 1.3 mmol.l-1 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5 mmol.l-1 for placebo trial; p< .05). The CHO beverage resulted in higher CHO oxidation during the last 5 minutes of the performance trial, 2.1 ± 1.0 gmin-1 vs. the placebo beverage 1.9 ± 1.0 gmin-1 (p< .05). The CHO beverage trial resulted in significantly higher RER values during the final 5 minutes of the exercise trial and during the final 10 minutes of the performance trial. At the 20-25 minute mark RER values were significantly higher with the CHO beverage trial (1.04 ± 0.10) vs. the placebo trial (1.01 ± 0.11) (p< .05). During the final 5 minutes of the performance trial RER values were also significantly higher with the CHO beverage trial (1.06 ± 0.11) vs. the placebo trial (1.01 ± 0.10) (p< .05). The results indicated the participants were not meeting the current dietary guidelines for able-bodied athletes and active adults. Only 25% of the participants met the daily caloric requirements for active adults. Carbohydrate recommendations of 6 to 10 gkg-1 body weightd -1 were not met by any of the wheelchair athletes Seven participants were within the acceptable macronutrient range (AMDR) for CHO. For protein intake, 63% of the participants were meeting the protein recommendations active adults and all of them were within the AMDR. Average caloric intake from fat exceeded current recommendations of 20 to 25%; two participants were above the AMDR. The results demonstrate that the 8% CHO beverage consumed during exercise resulted in higher CHO oxidation rates and elevated blood glucose values, but it did not result in a performance gain.

Denna studie handlar om personalvårdsförmånen friskvårdstimmen parallellt med motionsvanor i allmänhet. Vi har i studien utgått från ett generellt hälsoperspektiv, för att sedan smalna av till att inrikta oss på hälsa inom arbetslivet, närmare bestämt friskvårdstimmen. Vår studie följer därmed en så kallad ”Top-down modell”. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilka som nyttjar friskvårdstimmen samt vad som motiverar individer till att motionera. För att utforska detta har vi utgått från tre frågeställningar: vilken kategori av människor är det som motionerar och använder sig av friskvårdstimmen? Vad motiverar dessa individer? Hur kan man motivera anställda till motion och användandet av friskvårdstimmen? Studien är baserad på en kvantitativ undersökning i enkätform, inom en statlig organisation i centrala Karlstad. 169 respondenter besvarade enkäten. Vi anser oss ha ett brett urval då hela kontoret var med i undersökningen, vilket gjorde att vi fick en spridd fördelning i ålder och kön. Bland våra respondenter kan vi se att det finns en positiv inställning och en hög medvetenhet till motionens och friskvårdstimmens effekter. Dock är nyttjandet i praktiken inte lika stort i förhållande till respondenternas medvetenhet. Vi ser att man har en omgivande miljö som är motionsfrämjade, inte minst i och med att organisationen erbjuder friskvårdstimmen som personalvårdsförmån. Av de framkomna resultaten kan vi bland annat se att ålder är en bidragande faktor till hur mycket man använder friskvårdstimmen. Av våra respondenter motionerar kvinnor mer än män och motivationsfaktorer till motionen är för att hålla sig i form och för att förebygga skador och sjukdomar. Vidare är tidsbrist en bidragande orsak till varför man inte motionerar och nyttjar friskvårdstimmen. Vi menar att om organisationen vill utveckla friskvården bör man uppmärksamma att till en början koncentrera sig på dem som aldrig nyttjar friskvårdstimmen. Att erbjuda personlig rådgivning till dessa anställda anser vi skulle kunna vara en tänkbar motivationsfaktor till ökad motion. Detta eftersom det i vår studie framkom att mer information om motion inte skulle leda till ett högre motionsutövande. Vi är medvetna om att endast friskvårdstimmen i sig inte kan förändra ett beteendemönster, men att den kan vara ett inledande steg till att förbättra sin levnadsstil.

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ingesting an 8% carbohydrate (CHO) beverage during a moderate intensity exercise trial on performance outcomes, fuel utilization and blood glucose levels of wheelchair athletes (spinal cord injury (SC I) or cerebral palsy (CP)). The secondary purpose was to analyze the dietary intake of the eight participants and to determine if they were meeting current sport nutrition guidelines for macronutrients and fluids recommended in the joint position statement developed by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Dietitians of Canada (DC).<p> Under random, double blind conditions eight athletes (6 males, 2 females); mean age 36 ± 8.5 y with a SCI (n = 7) or CP (n = 1) completed two exercise trials on an adapted stationary hand cycle; each trial was 60 minutes in duration at 65 % VO2peak followed immediately by a 30-minute performance trial. During the first 60-minutes the participants were given four 200 ml dosages (15, 30, 45, 60-min) of an 8% CHO beverage or a taste-matched placebo beverage. Blood lactate and glucose levels were sampled during the 60-minute exercise trial (pre, 20, 40, 60-min) and immediately after the 30-minute performance trial (post, 2, 5, 10-min). Heart rate was monitored continuously during the exercise and performance trial. Expired gas samples were also taken for 5-min periods during the exercise trial and then continuously during the performance trial. These values were used to calculate respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and carbohydrate oxidation. Dietary intake was assessed with a three day food record.<p> No significant differences were apparent between beverage trials for total distance (km), average speed (kmhr-1) or maximum speed achieved (kmhr-1). Significant differences were evident for blood glucose values, RER and CHO oxidation between the two beverage trials (p< .05). At the end of the 30-minute performance trial blood glucose values were significantly higher in the CHO trial (4.8 ± 1.3 mmol.l-1 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5 mmol.l-1 for placebo trial; p< .05). The CHO beverage resulted in higher CHO oxidation during the last 5 minutes of the performance trial, 2.1 ± 1.0 gmin-1 vs. the placebo beverage 1.9 ± 1.0 gmin-1 (p< .05). The CHO beverage trial resulted in significantly higher RER values during the final 5 minutes of the exercise trial and during the final 10 minutes of the performance trial. At the 20-25 minute mark RER values were significantly higher with the CHO beverage trial (1.04 ± 0.10) vs. the placebo trial (1.01 ± 0.11) (p< .05). During the final 5 minutes of the performance trial RER values were also significantly higher with the CHO beverage trial (1.06 ± 0.11) vs. the placebo trial (1.01 ± 0.10) (p< .05). The results indicated the participants were not meeting the current dietary guidelines for able-bodied athletes and active adults. Only 25% of the participants met the daily caloric requirements for active adults. Carbohydrate recommendations of 6 to 10 gkg-1 body weightd -1 were not met by any of the wheelchair athletes Seven participants were within the acceptable macronutrient range (AMDR) for CHO. For protein intake, 63% of the participants were meeting the protein recommendations active adults and all of them were within the AMDR. Average caloric intake from fat exceeded current recommendations of 20 to 25%; two participants were above the AMDR. The results demonstrate that the 8% CHO beverage consumed during exercise resulted in higher CHO oxidation rates and elevated blood glucose values, but it did not result in a performance gain.

This thesis analyzes tourism and tourism policy in Russia from Tsarist to post-Soviet period. In this respect the main focus will be on the post-Soviet period. The collapse of the Soviet Union negatively affected tourism and tourism industry in the country. Tourism and tourism industry found itself in an uncertain environment during the transition period. With the establishment of Russian Federal Agency for Tourism in 2004, tourism policies became more effective in the Russian Federation. This study discusses the implementation of tourism policies and efforts of the Russian government for transforming the country into a well known touristic destination of the world.

No description available.