Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:30:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_mauro_mesko.pdf: 1218358 bytes, checksum: 91782e3d1bf5a72f4bbadf7935232dc0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-06-02 / Longevity increase is not directly related to quality of life. In Dentistry, it became in evidence by the fact that almost twenty-five percent of the population between 65 and 74 year-old presents a completely edentulous arch. As the elderly have a higher probability of being affected by chronic oral problems they tend to demand complex treatments. The aim of this survey was to: (i) evaluate the relationship between the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaires to assess the oral health quality of life in denture wearers, (ii) evaluate the associated factors to impairment in the oral health quality of life in elderly wearing removable dentures using the OHIP- EDENT and GOHAI. Evaluation of the oral health quality of life in complete denture and removable partial denture wearers was performed according to the World Health Organization criteria. The survey consisted of applying GOHAI and OHIP-EDENT questionnaires and a clinical examination. Questions about socioeconomic conditions were applied aiming to determine which factors have an influence in oral health related quality of life. The hypotheses tested were (1) different questionnaires would provide similar results when assessing oral health quality of life in totally or partially edentulous patients wearing prosthesis; (2) age, socioeconomic profile, type and location of the prosthesis and their stability and retention would not be associated to the oral health quality of life. The results showed that the questionnaires are different tools when both the total and adjusted values were compared. The exception was for Kennedy Class I and II removable partial dentures wearers. Mandibular complete dentures caused a higher impact in individuals quality of life, except for the removable partial denture wearers. For the patients aged 60 years old or more the questionnaires showed themselves quite different. Among the subscales, the only statistically difference was found in functional limitation and the domains food catching was the one that showed difference in the removable partial denture wearers group. Using the same questionnaires the variables age, familiar income, type of prosthesis, stability and retention of the prosthesis were evaluated. Factors associated to the 14 impact in OHRQoL were familiar income, stability and retention of the prostheses. Therefore, OHIP-EDENT and GOHAI are different tools, especially when used with individuals older than 60 years old, poor denture quality was associated to the impact in quality of life while income had influence on the results / O aumento da longevidade nem sempre está associado diretamente a uma melhora na qualidade de vida. Na Odontologia isso é evidente uma vez que quase um quarto da população entre 65 e 74 anos tem um de seus maxilares totalmente desdentados, conforme o levantamento de Saúde Bucal de 2010. Os pacientes idosos têm uma maior probabilidade de apresentarem problemas bucais crônicos e potencial demanda de tratamentos complexos. Os objetivos deste estudo foram (i) avaliar se existe correlação entre os questionários Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous (OHIP-EDENT) e Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) para medir qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em uma população de usuários de próteses removíveis; (ii) avaliar os fatores associados a incapacidades na qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal em uma população de usuários de próteses removíveis utilizando o OHIP-EDENT e o GOHAI. Pacientes usuários de próteses removíveis atendidos nas Clínicas da Faculdade de Odontologia da UFPel foram avaliados seguindo os critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde onde foi realizado exame intrabucal. Foram aplicados os questionários GOHAI e OHIP-EDENT, além de questões sobre condições demográficas e socioeconômicas, visando determinar se algum fator influenciaria na qualidade de vida destes indivíduos. As hipóteses testadas foram as de que: (1) os questionários apontariam resultados semelhantes na mensuração da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em pacientes usuários de próteses removíveis; (2) os fatores idade, condição socioeconômica, tipo de prótese e localização da prótese, bem como sua retenção e estabilidade não estariam associados a incapacidades na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal. Os resultados mostraram que o OHIP-EDENT e o GOHAI são ferramentas diferentes tanto quando se comparam os resultados brutos quanto os ajustados, exceto para as próteses parciais removíveis Classes I e II de Kennedy. As próteses totais mandibulares se mostraram causadoras de maior impacto sobre a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos, porém isto não ocorreu com as 12 parciais removíveis. Para o grupo de pacientes acima dos 60 anos o OHIP-EDENT e o GOHAI mostraram resultados bastante diferentes, parecendo ser o OHIP-EDENT mais sensível. Dentre as subescalas dos dois questionários, a única que mostrou diferença estatística foi a limitação funcional, sendo o domínio que mostrou diferença a retenção alimentar nos grupos de próteses parciais removíveis. Utilizando os mesmos questionários, quando se avaliaram as variáveis idade, renda familiar, tipo de prótese e retenção e estabilidade das próteses, os fatores associados ao impacto na qualidade de vida foram: renda familiar, estabilidade e retenção. Conclui-se que o OHIP-EDENT e o GOHAI são ferramentas diferentes, principalmente para uso em pacientes acima dos 60 anos e que a qualidade da prótese está associada ao impacto na qualidade de vida, além do fator renda ter influência sobre os resultados

No description available.

In this thesis we focus on modeling stochastic mortality and parameter risk in assessing mortality. We explore two mortality stochastic models for modeling the number of deaths in portfolio which consist of one or more than one cohort. We define the term mixture of distributions and introduce Beta-Binomial and Poisson-Gamma model. We address immediate life annuities and we apply Bayesian Poisson- Gamma model to quantify longevity risk on data. The obvious increasing trend of average lifetime leads insurance companies to greater protection against longevity risk. We show how to deal with solvency rules by internal models designed consistently with the requirement in the standard formula of Solvency II. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Apart from the personal and socioeconomic burdens of dementia, the immense, intangible emotional and psychological suffering endured by dementia patients, their carers and families are difficult to quantify. Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) accounts for over 50% of all dementias and is responsible for a large percentage of morbidity and mortality in older adults. It is also recognised as a disease qualitatively distinct from the normal ageing process. Identified almost 95 years ago by Alois Alzheimer, it poses a seminal problem, which in the twenty-first century is compounded by the predicted extension in human longevity. Caregivers thus bear a considerable financial, social and emotional burden due to the progressive debilitating nature of the disease. It is hypothesised that social support buffers the individual from the negative emotional effects of stressful circumstances associated with the caregiving process; and although the inevitable course of the disease cannot be stopped, improving support to caregivers may decrease feelings of isolation and improve psychological health. Caregivers of AD patients often report experiencing a lack of social support due to the nature and progression of this disease. This study thus aims to investigate the relationship between real and/or perceived social support and psychological health (depression, loneliness, and perceived burden of care) amongst a cohort of Alzheimer’s caregivers. The following standardised measuring instruments were used to elicit data: the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), UCLA Loneliness Scale, Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ85) and a biographical questionnaire. Data were analysed using correlation and regression statistical techniques. The main findings of this study were that there is a significant positive correlation between loneliness and depression; loneliness and personal strain (burden) as well as both role and personal strain (burden) with depression. A significant negative correlation was also found between perceived social support and loneliness. Additional findings were that participants with higher educational qualifications experienced more personal strain and role strain (burden); caregivers with patients in the two younger age groups scored higher on the BDI-II; and the cognitive status of the patient correlated with the burden experienced by the caregiver. A significant negative correlation between summaries of reactions (burden) and duration of caregiving was also reported. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Psychology / unrestricted

Holistic studies of mammalian life history factors and their consequences on population demography require an intensive, multifaceted field methodology and effort over long temporal scales. A 25-year longitudinal mark-recapture experiment on southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, at Subantarctic Marion Island provide such a foundation for demographic analyses and relevant methodology advancement. Two gaps in the methodology related to life history and population demographic research are, the absence of large samples of known mass individuals, and an inability to identify mother-pup relatedness. A novel three-dimensional photogrammetric technique is designed here that allows for mass estimation of large samples of southern elephant seals in the field. An effective temporary marking technique for unweaned pups is implemented that allows for identification of large samples of pups with known mothers prior to the maternal bond being severed at weaning. These known pups can then be marked with more robust tags and relatedness information is preserved long-term. Thus, mass estimates can now be applied as covariates in modelling analyses to address questions of, for example, maternal investment, kinship associated behaviour, and the consequences thereof on survival and reproductive parameters. The state change in the Marion Island southern elephant seal population from decrease to stabilisation/increase is shown to have resulted from improved survivorship in both juvenile and adult female age classes. Male seals of all ages did not indicate improved survivorship following the period of decline. The inflexion in survivorship is identified as 1994, whence improved survivorship of juvenile seals preceded that of young adult females. This inflexion in survivorship is postulated to have resulted in a population trend inflexion around 1998. Female southern elephant seals do not show evidence of actuarial senescence, but reproductive senescence is apparent after 12 years of age. A longterm reproductive cost (reduced breeding effort) is associated with early primiparity (age three) as compared with later primiparity (4- 5- or 6-year-old). The mean proportion of 3-year-old breeders has not increased after 1994 as has been hypothesized in previous studies. Contrary to previous assumptions, females do not as a rule breed every year. Annually interrupted breeding efforts are more common than consecutive breeding efforts. No difference in the proportions of interrupted versus uninterrupted breeding efforts was identified between periods of population decline and stabilisation/increase. Longevity as predicted by survival estimates exceeds the observed frequencies. This study provides unique longevity and fertility schedules for the species. The improved survivorship, reproductive senescence and breeding schedules of female southern elephant seals in this population provide groundwork for reevaluation of previous studies and their conclusions. The addition of relatedness and body condition information will allow for sophisticated multistate modelling of population demography in future studies. However, analytical procedures and techniques employed need to be meticulously designed and thoroughly thought through to avoid mis-interpretation of biological data. In addition to a multistate single species analytical approach, the importance of an ecosystem approach to species population demographic studies is highlighted through the augmenting of data on relevant potential drivers of population change, such as killer whales, Orcinus orca. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

No description available.

Syftet med studien har varit att ta reda på vad det är som gör att vissa möbler och inredning finns kvar hos oss en längre tid. Hur designers kan skapa hållbara produkter som konsumenten vill behålla en längre tid. På så sätt förlängs produktens livslängd och bidrar till en hållbarare konsumtion. Teorier som användes i studienvar produktanknytning, produktlivslängd, produktutbyte, tidlös design, estetik, form och material med ett övergripande fokus på hållbar design. Genom teorierna, möbelanalyser, intervjuer, skiss och prototypande har exempel för att designa för en lång livslängd tagits fram. Resultatet av studien blev en färgglad bordslampa med de typiska karaktäristiska dragen av en lampa och samtidigt en unik och skulptural design. / The purpose of the study has been to find out what it is that makes certain furniture and furnishings remain with us for a long time. How designers can create sustainable products that the consumer wants to keep for a longer period of time. In this way, the product lifetime is extended and contributes to more sustainable consumption. Theories used in the study have been product attachment, product longevity, product replacement, timeless design, aesthetics, form and materials with an overall focus on sustainable design. Through the theories and furniture analyzes, interviews, sketches and prototyping, examples for designing for an extended product life have been found. The result of the study was a colorfull table lamp with the typical characteristic features of a lamp and at the same time with a unique and sculptural design.

Orientador: Sadao Omote / Banca: Maria de Lourdes Horiguela / Banca: Maria Alves de Toledo Bruns / Resumo: A longevidade da espécie humana tem sido pesquisada mundialmente com objetivos diversos. Com o conhecimento das implicações biológicas, psicológicas e sociais do envelhecimento, a sociedade pode melhorar as condições de saúde, lazer, cultura e educação das pessoas, além de, ao favorecer o contato intergeracional, diminuir o preconceito ao idoso permitindo que os conhecimentos da tradição cultural sejam aprendidos e multiplicados pelos jovens. Este estudo se propôs investigar se as Universidades Abertas à Terceira Idade poderiam funcionar como uma rede de apoio afetivo e social para seus alunos. Através de dois instrumentos para medir atitudes, avaliaram-se as redes que funcionariam como suporte afetivo e social. Como rede afetiva, os alunos escolheram os filhos, marido e netos e por extensão, os cunhados e irmãos. Em situações difíceis, a oração e a fé forneciam apoios importantes. Entes queridos falecidos também foram lembranças que confortavam. Como rede social, médicos, vizinhos, serviçais, amigos conquistados na UNATI, professores, monitores e a coordenação foram referidos como suportes importantes em suas vidas. Conclui-se que as UNATIS foram consideradas pela população estudada, como importantes redes de apoio social. / Abstract: The longevity of human specie has been worldwide researched with different objectives. With the knowledge about the biological, psychological and sociological implications of aging, society could look up for the people health, leisure, culture and education conditions, and while improving the intergeneration contact, decrease prejudice against the elder, allowing the knowledge about the cultural tradition to be learned and multiplied by the youth. This study proposed to investigate if the Universities for the Elderly (UNATI) could work as an emotional and social support network for its students. It was evaluated, by two instruments that measure attitudes, the networks that could work as emotional and social supports. Students chose kids, husband and grandchildren as the emotional support network, and for extension, brothers-in-law and brothers. In difficult situations, prayer and faith were important supports. Deceased dear relatives were supporting memories, too. As the social network, doctors, neighbors, employees, friends from UNATI and its professors, monitors and co-ordination, were referred to be important supports in their lives. The conclusion of this research was that UNATIs were considered an important social support network. / Doutor

Cette thèse s’intéresse à la relation de long-terme entre la longévité et le développement économique. Dans le premier chapitre, j’analyse l’impact des dépenses de santé sur la croissance et le bien-être. Pour cela, j’étudie l’influence du taux d’imposition dans une économie avec temps de vie endogène (Chakraborty (2004)). Je détermine le taux d’imposition qui maximise le taux de croissance. Puis je m’intéresse aux variations du niveau de production dans l’état stationnaire par rapport au taux d’imposition. Enfin, j’étudie le taux d’imposition qui maximise le bien-être dans l’état stationnaire. Dans le second chapitre, j'analyse l’impact sur la croissance de dépenses de santé choisies par les agents. En effet, je développe un modèle de croissance endogène dans lequel les individus peuvent dépenser des ressources pour vivre plus longtemps dans leur période de retraite. Je donne une caractérisation complète de l’équilibre général dynamique puis je détermine l’impact sur la croissance des dépenses de santé. Enfin, le troisième chapitre étudie l’impact théorique du vieillissement sur l’allocation sectorielle des travailleurs. Je développe un modèle multi-sectoriel dans lequel j’examine les conséquences sur le revenu par travailleur et l’allocation sectorielle des travailleurs d’un choc de longévité et de fertilité. Je montre que contrairement aux modèles uni-sectoriels, le revenu n’est pas forcément monotone par rapport aux variables démographiques. Des chocs démographiques réalistes produisent des mouvements non-négligeables de travailleurs. / This dissertation is interested in the long-run relationship between longevity and economic development. In the first chapter, I analyse the impact of health expenditures on economic growth and welfare. For this, I study the influence of the tax rate in an economy à la Chakraborty (2004). I first determine the growth-maximizing tax rate, which is shown to be 0 in low-income countries. Second, I show that the steady-state income level is an inverted U-shaped function or a decreasing function of the tax rate. Third, I study the tax rate that maximizes the steady-state welfare level. In the second chapter, I propose a theoretical model to study the growth impacts of health expenditures chosen by the agents. Indeed, I develop a Diamond model with endogenous growth in which young individuals can spend resources to increase their longevity in retirement period. I give a full characterization of the dynamic general equilibrium and determine the growth impacts of health expenditures. They can speed up or slow down economic growth. They can be a barrier or a necessity for growth to take place. A calibration to OECD countries suggests that the latter case is the most likely one. Finally, the third chapter studies the theoretical impact of the aging process on the sectorial labor allocation. To this aim, I develop a multi-sector two-period overlapping generations model in which I examine the consequences of both a longevity shift and a fertility shift on the labor allocation of the economy and on the income per worker level. I show that contrary to one-sector models, the income per worker level is not necessarily monotonic with respect to demographic variables. Realistic demographic shocks are also shown to create significant labor reallocation across sectors.

Parental and offspring life spans are modestly associated and a transmission of disease risk from parents to offspring has been proposed as a possible explanation. Using birth cohort data consisting of 86 168 offspring and their parents, the aim of this explorative study was to quantify and describe the association between parental age-at-death and risk of disease in offspring over a 33-year follow-up period. Hospitalizations due to diseases of the circulatory, musculoskeletal, and digestive systems, as well as mental and behavioural disorders and neoplasms were studied using standard survival analysis methods. Increased parental age-at-death was clearly associated with lower hazard rates for all disease outcomes except for neoplasms. Offspring to short-lived parents had a 59% higher hazard rate (HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.52 – 1.67, p<0.00) for hospitalization due to circulatory diseases compared to offspring of long-lived parents. For all disease outcomes except for neoplasms, there was a strong gradient in the offspring’s hazard rates based on parental age-at-death. Hazard rates were only minimally reduced when adjusting for parental SEI and parental household income. The results support a disease-mediated pathway linking parental age-at-death to disease risk in offspring across a wide range of disease outcomes.