Many south Asian countries are deficient in appropriate documentation, legislation and surveillance related to occupational health and safety (OHS). All these countries have high OHS incidence rate and labourers working in these countries are constantly exposed to occupational accidents and diseases. Although occupational accidents and work-related concerns have been in debate for a long time, no concrete moves have been taken, making situations worse and posing consistent coercions to an increasing labour force. The current research was carried out to examine the main hazards faced by construction workers in Pakistan and the response of health, safety and environment (HSE) department in plummeting these hazards and in certaining sustainability in construction companies in Pakistan. Workers working in the construction industry are incessantly bared to unsafe working conditions and have to confront several kind of hazards. This embraces exposure to sound, dust and toxic substances, issues of ergonomics, stress etc. This study employed a comprehensive fact-finding design. Data was harbored using interviews, academic articles and reports from international and national organisations. Employer, administration and labourers all lack knowledge about OHS issues in Pakistan. The majority of the labourers are unskilled, uninformed and unregistered. There are no native directives, which are coupled with both OHS and the construction industry. There is an absence of safety ethics, and neither reporting nor monitoring is conducted in the construction business. Companies see HSE issues as an economic burden which will eventually end up mounting production costs. Labourers don’t follow safety instructions; they don’t wear personal protective equipment (PPE), they reckon wearing this equipment would cause obstruction in their work and would influence their productivity. The use of PPE is essential in the construction activity, as it is considered as the last line of defence. All this has affected the construction industry tremendously collectively in terms of financial loss, human loss and image loss, and injury incidence rates have increased alarmingly. Implementation of sustainable development is a core responsibility of an HSE department. Dearth of HSE means lack of sustainability in the construction sector. Today, sustainability is an important aspect of development. It means that development should not only be economically feasable but also socially and environmentally viable both for current and future generations. There is much need to formulate new strict policy and laws or to amend old ones, laws which are effective and practical in promoting HSE and sustainability norms in the construction sector of Pakistan. The main hazards that are faced by construction workers are falling from height, lifting activity and electrocution. HSE departments play a chief role in minimizing worksite accidents and in promoting sustainable development in work settings. For ensuring sustainable practices on construction sites, HSE departments formulate integrated working policy, keeping in mind social, environmental and econmical aspects and considering inputs from all stakeholders. In addition, they look for innovative green technologies and green materials which are more environmental friendly, economical and require less energy.

Les peptides antimicrobiens appartiennent au système immunitaire inné de nombreux organismes vivants. Ces peptides permettent une réponse rapide contre l'infection par diverses espèces bactériennes, sans détruire les cellules de l'organisme. Cependant, peu de données sont connues sur leur mécanisme d'action, notamment concernant leur action sur la rigidité de courbure des membranes. Une étude de la variation de la rigidité de courbure de monocouches de Langmuir (imitant de façon simplifiée les membranes cellulaires) en présence ou non d'un peptide antimicrobien a donc été réalisée.<br />Les rigidités de courbure ont été estimées et mesurées à partir de quatre techniques différentes : la technique de Langmuir, la diffraction des rayons X en incidence rasante, la diffusion diffuse des rayons X dans le plan de l'échantillon pour une interface air/liquide et la diffusion diffuse dans le plan d'incidence pour une interface liquide/liquide.<br />Bien que chaque méthode donne, en fonction de l' « échelle » qu'elle sonde, une valeur différente de la rigidité de courbure pour une monocouche donnée, elles confirment toutes que dans le cas des monocouches imitant les membranes bactériennes, la présence du peptide antimicrobien a pour effet de diminuer la rigidité de courbure. Alors que dans le cas des monocouches imitant les membranes des mammifères, du fait d'une absence d'interactions, la rigidité de courbure des monocouches ne varie pas.

L'implantation ionique dans les aciers, bien que largement utilisée pour l'amélioration des propriétés d'usage, entraîne des modifications structurales des couches superficielles, qui restent sujettes à controverse. Dans ce cadre, différents éléments (N, Ar, Cr, Mo, Ag, Xe et Pb) ont été implantés (à des énergies allant de 28 à 280 keV) dans un acier 316LVM austénitique dans une couche d'épaisseur limitée à 80 nm avec une concentration maximale en élément implanté n'excédant pas 10 %.at. L'analyse de la couche implantée par diffraction des rayons X en incidence rasante permet de mettre en évidence des déformations des raies de l'austénite, l'apparition de ferrite et l'amorphisation de la couche.<br />La phase ferritique apparaît aux joints de grains, quelle que soit la nature de l'élément implanté, à partir d'une quantité « seuil » d'énergie totale envoyée (produit de la dose par l'énergie d'un ion). La formation de ferrite ainsi que l'amorphisation de la couche implantée ne dépendent que de la quantité totale d'énergie envoyée.<br />Afin de comprendre les déformations des raies de diffraction de l'austénite, un modèle de simulation de ces raies a été élaboré. Le modèle écrit correctement les déformations (élargissement, décalage, dédoublement) observées à partir de l'hypothèse que l'expansion de la maille austénitique est due à la présence de l'élément implanté et est proportionnelle à la concentration de l'élément au travers d'un coefficient k'. Ce coefficient ne dépend que de l'élément et varie linéairement avec son rayon.

Abstract Interrupted behavior chain procedures have been shown to be an effective way to teach individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism to mand for missing objects and information concerning missing objects. Research has shown that an interrupted behavior chain procedure is more effective than traditional mand teach trials, which occur at the onset of a behavior chain or in a massed trial format. However, there is a lack of research evaluating the use of interrupted behavior chain procedures to teach vocal mands for missing items and the possible generalization effects thereof. This study evaluated the acquisition of vocal mands for missing items using interrupted behavior chain procedures, as well as participants' generalization of learned mands to novel behavior chains when said chains were interrupted. Each participant exhibited some form of generalization to a novel chain suggesting that interrupted behavior chains may be an efficient means to teach mands to children with autism. However, the extent to which a mand generalized across topographically distinct chains was different for each participant, suggesting that an individual's verbal repertoire could be a factor influencing generalization.

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(地球環境学) / 甲第19156号 / 地環博第131号 / 新制||地環||27 / 32107 / 京都大学大学院地球環境学舎地球環境学専攻 / (主査)准教授 森 晶寿, 教授 劉 徳強, 准教授 吉野 章 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method that is considered the optical analog to ultrasound, using the technique of optical interferometry to construct two-dimensional depth-resolved images of tissue microstructure. With a resolution on the order of 10 μm and a penetration depth of 1-2 mm in highly scattering tissue, fiber optics-coupled OCT is an ideal modality for the inspection of the mouse colon with its miniaturization capabilities. In the present study, the complementary modalities laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), which offers information on the biochemical makeup of the tissue, and surface magnifying chromoendoscopy, which offers high contrast surface visualization, are combined with OCT in endoscopic imaging systems for the greater specificity and sensitivity in the differentiation between normal and neoplastic tissue, and for the visualization of biomarkers which are indicative of early events in colorectal carcinogenesis. Oblique incidence reflectometry (OIR) also offers advantages, allowing the calculation of bulk tissue optical properties for use as a diagnostic tool. The study was broken up into three specific sections. First, a dual-modality OCTLIF imaging system was designed, capable of focusing light over 325-1300 nm using a reflective distal optics design. A dual-modality fluorescence-based SMC-OCT system was then designed and constructed, capable of resolving the stained mucosal crypt structure of the in vivo mouse colon. The SMC-OCT instrument's OIR capabilities were then modeled, as a modified version of the probe was used measure tissue scattering and absorption coefficients.

En Europe, la France est située entre des zones à haut et bas risque de Sclérose en Plaques (SEP).Nous avons estimé la prévalence de la SEP en France au 31 octobre 2004 et l'incidence entre 2000 et 2007 à partir des données de la Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie des Travailleurs Salariés (CNAMTS) qui assure 87 % de la population. La SEP, comme d'autres maladies chroniques, fait partie des affections de longue durée (ALD). Les variations géographiques de la prévalence et de l'incidence ont été analysées par un modèle Bayesien.La prévalence standardisée sur l'âge était de 94,7 pour 100 000 ; 130,5 pour les femmes ; 54,8 pour les hommes. Le taux de notification de SEP (2000-2007) standardisé sur la population Européenne était de 6,8 pour 100 000 ; 9,8 parmi les femmes et 3,7 parmi les hommes. Avec le modèle Bayesien, la prévalence était plus forte au nord-est et plus faible dans la région parisienne et sur la Côte d'Azur. L'incidence était également plus forte au nord-est mais plus faible sur la côte atlantique et de part et d'autre du Rhône.A partir des autres ALD, les comorbidités survenant avant l'ALD SEP ont été étudiées. Elles étaient rares et essentiellement représentées par les troubles psychiatriques (40,2%) et le diabète (20,3%). Cette étude a été réalisée parmi une population représentative avec une seule et même méthodologie. Le modèle Bayesien prenant en compte l'hétérogénéité et l'auto-corrélation spatiales ne confirme pas l'existence d'un gradient net mais des zones à sur ou sous risque. La meilleure connaissance de l'épidémiologie de la SEP permettra d'avancer sur ses facteurs étiologiques.

Aalen’s additive hazards model has gained increasing attention in recently years because it model all covariate effects as time-varying. In this thesis, our goal is to explore the application of Aalen’s model in assessing treatment effect at a given time point with varying covariate effects. First, based on Aalen’s model, we utilize the direct adjustment method to obtain the adjusted survival of a treatment and comparing two direct adjusted survivals, with univariate survival data. Second, we focus on application of Aalen’s model in the setting of competing risks data, to assess treatment effect on a particular type of failure. The direct adjusted cumulative incidence curve is introduced. We further construct the confidence interval of the difference between two direct adjusted cumulative incidences, to compare two treatments on one risk.

<p>Across the world, physical inactivity was found to be associated with cardiovascular and chronic diseases of lifestyle which often leads to an increased rate of various physical disabilities andpremature death. To combat these high incidences of chronic diseases of lifestyle, WHO strongly encourages people to become physically active on a daily basis to reduce the risk of&nbsp / premature death. Running has thus become the preferred choice of physical activity by thousands of people to help improve their overall health and wellbeing. Apart from the health benefits&nbsp / that running provides, it can also predispose the runner to potential injury especially when runners follow an inappropriate training programme and have inadequate knowledge about factors causing injury. Therefore, baseline data about the prevalence, incidence of injury and the identification of the aetiological factors associated with running injuries are needed to develop and&nbsp / implement preventative programmes to allow runners to optimally perform in training and races without injury. In South Africa, there is limited research available on the incidence of injury in runners yet there is an annual increase in participation in races such as Two Oceans and Comrades marathon which could lead to an increase in the number of running injuries.Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of injuries and identify the various risk factors that are associated with injuries in road runners at a local athletic club. Methods: A prospective cohort study design over a 16 week period using quantitative research methods was used. A sample of 50 runners had consented to participate in the study. The participants had to complete a self-administered questionnaire and clinical measurements of BMI, Q-angle, leglength, muscle strength of lower leg and ROM of hip and knee were recorded. The participants had&nbsp / to complete an injury report form to record any new injuries sustained over the 16 week period of the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18 and software SAS v9 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) was used for data capturing and analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done to summarize the data and was expressed as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Injury prevalence and cumulative incidence was calculated as a proportion rate along with 95% confidence interval. The Poisson regression model was used to analyse the association between running injury and the independent variables of interest such as demographics, anthropometric measurements, training methods, running experience and&nbsp / previous injury. The alpha level was set as p&lt / 0.05. Results: The study found that the majority (92%) of the participants (n=46) sustained running injuries in the past prior to the study. A total of 16 participants sustained a number of 50 new injuries over the 16 week study period. Thus the prevalence rate of injuries was 32%. The incidence rate of injuries for this study was 0.67 per&nbsp / 1000km run at a 95% confidence interval of 0.41, 1.08. Furthermore, the most common location of new injuries reported were the calf (20%) and the second most common location was the&nbsp / knee (18%). PFPS was the most common type of knee injury diagnosed, followed by lumbar joint sprain. The results showed that none of the identified factors (running distance, stretching, age, Q-angle, BMI, running experience, leg-length discrepancy and previous running injuries) were directly associated with running injuries. However, a marginal significance was found for&nbsp / running distance (p = 0.08) and leg length discrepancy (p = 0.06). Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence and incidence rate of injury thus the need for preventative programmes have been highlighted. There was no statistical significance found between the identified factors and risk of injury however, there was clinical relevance found between factors identified. One major&nbsp / limitation was the small sample of participants and the short duration of study period. Thus, future research is needed to further determine possible factors associated with running injuries over a longer period and including a larger sample. The results of the study will be made available to all the stakeholders (runners, coaches and medical team) to implement in athletic club. </p>

L'épidémie de West-Nile en Amérique du Nord en 2002, qui a touché plus de quarante états aux Etats-Unis, a conduit les Agences de santé à s'interroger sur le risque d'émergence, à l'extérieur de la zone intertropicale, de zoonoses vectorielles. Cette épidémie associée au changement climatique, a bien mis en évidence le rôle central de l'avifaune migratrice dans la diffusion du virus. La biologie des oiseaux, tout particulièrement le phénomène migratoire, permet un transport des virus sur de longues distances et entre espèces très diversifiées. Le Moyen-Orient, qui est situé au carrefour de différents continents, est extrêmement propice à la propagation des virus émergents dans les pays du Nord. La circulation du virus West Nile a été rapportée dans différents pays de la région, tels que l'Egypte, Israël, Liban, Irak, Emirats Arabes Unis et Iran. Saidi et al. (1970) ont montré la présence d'anticorps anti-virus du Nil occidental au sein de la population de la côte caspienne (Nord de l'Iran), des provinces du Khorassan (Nord-Est) et du Khuzestan (Sud-Ouest). Notre étude, conduite dans le cadre d'un programme associant TIMC-IMAG UMR 5525 UJF CNRS VetAgroSup, le Réseau International des Instituts Pasteurs et le Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, vise: (i) à caractériser la circulation du virus de West-Nile au sein des populations équines d'Iran ; et (ii) et à modéliser l'impact sanitaire de l'environnement et du climat sur la transmission. Les résultats acquis permettent d'apprécier le risque associé à la dissémination spatio-temporelle du virus par les oiseaux migrateurs. Une attention toute particulière est portée à l'étude des déterminants environnementaux et climatiques susceptibles d'accroitre le potentiel de transmission du virus.