Prescription ADHD medication has been shown to be on the rise as a drug of abuse among young people. Unlike other drugs that serve only the purpose of achieving a high, this particular substance can also be perceived as useful and beneficial by those who abuse it. It is these positive attributes given to the illicit use of these drugs that make them so dangerous, especially in the hands of youths. To date extant research has made little effort to contextualize this type of drug use within theories of deviance. This study looks to fill that void as well as bridge the gap between current epidemiological studies on this topic and future etiological studies looking to assess causation within a theoretical context. Examining a national sample of 12th grade students (N=2,384), this study looks at what risk factors and predictors exist for the illicit use of ADHD medication. By testing aspects of social bonding and social learning theories, the goal is to assess which theory can best predict this type of drug use. Due to the low proportion of users, a rare events logistic regression is utilized in the analysis. While social learning items were able to account for the greatest level of variance in use, many of the findings contradict the theory, and therefore no theoretically based conclusions can be made at this time. Overall, more research needed on this topic using better fitting data tailored for theoretical interpretation. Considerations for future studies are also discussed.

This study focused on the reason that close to 500,000 children were in the foster care system in 2009 in the United States, and the average length of care was over 26 months. The primary focus was why foster parents are unable to form a bond with the children placed in their home and the effects of not forming any attachment to the children. The results can be extremely negative for the children for many reasons including the foster parents not being invested in the child and providing only minimal standards of care. Moreover, the child does not receive the nurturance or guidance so desperately needed. The child’s wellbeing was not the primary focus of the foster parent. The child is unable to learn the core value of caring, nor form healthy relationships and unfortunately cannot develop or express other healthy emotions. This compromises the child’s ability to function in society as a healthy productive member. Further examined was the perspective of the child as to what the children’s social worker could do differently.

A significant focus is placed on positive outcomes for children in today’s society. However, mental health clinicians attest that poor attachments, during early childhood, are likely to have negative effects on a child’s long-term outcomes. By using the post-positivist paradigm, 10 mental health clinicians were interviewed and each provided their perspectives regarding the negative social skills and emotional regulations of young children, when parents fail to appropriately bond with their children, during their early years. Their ideas were formulated, connected, and structured to develop a theoretical statement. The resulting theory focused on the parent’s ability to develop and strengthen the parent/child relationship, through a range of interventions. Parent’s inability to form positive attachments were influenced by a variety of issues, such as, depression, drug and/or alcohol dependency, poverty, poor relationships with the child’s parent, mental illness, violence, etc. These factors resulted in poor social dynamics with the parent; thereby, hindering their bonding. Children with poor attachments tend to display poor socioemotional affects, such as, poor social, coping, and problem solving skills, tantrums, clingy, withdrawn, or aggressive behaviors, etc. These negative effects, often impacts the child throughout their developmental years.

There has been a great deal of research published on foster youth’s perspectives regarding their relationships with foster parents, their experiences within the foster care system, and their longing for their biological parents. Limited research exists on foster parents’ experiences with the foster care system. More recently, foster parents have been asked to engage in the concurrent planning process, in which social workers work towards reunifying foster youth with their biological families, while at the same time planning for long-term, alternative placement in case reunification is not possible. The child welfare system depends on foster parents to care for and possibly be a long-term permanent placement for foster youth, yet we have little knowledge of foster parents’ experiences with concurrent planning and whether it impacts the foster parents’ ability to bond with foster youth. This is a quantitative study, which uses survey questionnaires developed by the researcher to explore foster parents’ experiences with concurrent planning and their self-reported experiences with bonding to foster youth. The survey was sent to 107 licensed foster parents at two Southern California foster family agencies using Qualtrics. The results of the survey questionnaires were documented in Qualtrics and a statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 2.1. The foster parent participants in this study reported a range of experiences related to concurrent planning. Some reported receiving explicit training on the process from their social workers, while others received little to no information on concurrent planning. The study found a strong, positive correlation between the level of training and education participants received and their overall perceptions of the concurrent planning process. The study also explored relationship between the age of the foster child and the placement status of the foster child with the foster parent’s reported bonding to the child. The study found a small, positive correlation between the age of the child and the foster parents’ reported bonding. Similarly, the study’s findings suggest that foster parents with permanent placement youth report slightly higher levels of bonding with the youth than those with family reunification cases; however, this finding was not statistically significantly. This study’s findings suggest the need for more research regarding foster parents’ experiences working with concurrent planning and with the child welfare system in general. This study suggests that factors such as foster parent experiences, as well as foster youths’ characteristics, may play a role in bonding between foster parents and foster youth. These factors should be further explored to provide the best chance for children to develop strong, lasting relationships with their foster parents that may lead to permanency. Understanding foster parents’ experiences may provide insight on the kinds of support, education, and training child welfare agencies should provide for foster parents who serve as such crucial resources for the child welfare system and the children it serves.

El presente estudio es de tipo cuantitativo, no experimental de diseño descriptivo correlacional y de corte transversal; el objetivo del presente estudio consistió en conocer la relación entre el autoconcepto y el vínculo que existe entre el niño (a) y su mascota en un grupo de 181 niños de ambos sexos (51.9% hombres, 48.1% mujeres) que pertenecieron al tercer (n = 64) , cuarto (n = 58) y quinto grado de primaria (n = 59) provenientes de dos colegios privados de Lima. Los participantes tenían edades de entre 7 y 13 años (M = 9.7, DE = 1.01) de los cuales 152 tenían un perro como mascota. Los integrantes respondieron al Cuestionario de Autoconcepto para Niños (Váldez-Medina, González, López, & Reusche, 2001) y la Escala de Vínculo con la Mascota (Schencke & Farkas, 2012). Con relación a las variables psicológicas, se encontró que el autoconcepto positivo y el vínculo con la mascota presenta una correlación positiva y no significativa (r = .13). En cuanto al autoconcepto negativo y el vínculo con la mascota presenta una correlación negativa y no significativa (r = -.10). Se discuten los resultados en función a la correlación entre los ítems con las dimensiones de Autoconcepto Positivo y Autoconcepto Negativo, en donde se encontró que existe una relación positiva entre el autoconcepto positivo y las conductas asociadas al cuidado de la mascota, así como también entre el autoconcepto positivo y la frecuencia con la que el niño le hace cariño a su mascota. Por último, se encontró una relación positiva y significativa entre el autoconcepto negativo y el número de hermanos que posee el niño. / The present research is a quantitative, non-experimental study of descriptive correlational and cross-sectional design, which objective is to explore the relationship between self-concept and the bond between the child and his/her pet in a group of 181 children of both sexes (51.9% male, 48.1% female) that belonged to the third (n = 64) , fourth (n = 58) and fifth grade (n = 59) from two private schools in Lima. The participants were between the ages of 7 and 13 years old (M = 9.7, DE = 1.01) of which 152 had a dog as a pet. Participants responded to the Self-concept Questionnaire for Children (Váldez-Medina, González, López, & Reusche, 2001) and the Companion Animal Bonding Scale (Schencke & Farkas, 2012). Regarding the psychological variables, it shows that positive self-concept and pet bonding have a positive but not significant correlation (r = .13). As for the negative self-concept and pet bonding, it was found that it has a negative but not significant correlation (r = -.10). The results are discussed according to the correlation between the items and the positive and negative self-concept dimensions, where it was found that there is a positive relationship between the positive self-concept and the behaviors associated with pet care, as well as between the positive self-concept and the frequency with which the child cares for his pet. Finally, a positive and significant relationship was also found between the negative self-concept and the number of siblings the child possesses. / Tesis

The use of the versatile universal adhesive systems aims to improve adhesion to dentin and simplify the bonding procedure. The association between functional monomer as 10-methacryloyloxydecyl-dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) and proteolytic inhibitors seems to be a promising strategy to improve the longevity of hybrid layer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of Adper Single Bond Universal (SU) combined with proteolytic inhibitors, especially chlorhexidine (CHX), in different dentin substrates overtime. In article 1, the interaction between CHX and E-64 with SU (in etch-and-rinse mode) was investigated in sound, artificial carious and eroded dentin over 18 months aging. It was found that carious substrate was the most affected and none of the inhibitors tested were able to maintain stability over 18 months. Furthermore, it was observed that CHX negatively impacted regardless of the substrate, leading to the hypothesis of possible competition between CHX and 10-MDP, since both involve calcium ions in their mechanism of action. For a better comprehension, article 2 purposed the evaluation of proteolytic activity and bonding to dentin tests, focusing on the performance of SU in both modes (etch-and-rinse and self-etching) compared to a conventional MDP-free 2- step adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2), associated with CHX over 6 months aging. It was observed that proteolytic activity was evidenced when all dentin bonding systems (DBS) was used. SU in self-etching mode showed the highest values of microtensile bond strength. CHX was able to reduce proteolytic activity, regardless of DBS even in 6 months aging. Moreover, CHX did not affect negatively mechanical properties. In conclusion, CHX is capable of reduce proteolytic activity, however it did not provide long lasting up to 18 months. / A utilização dos versáteis sistemas adesivos universais tem por objetivo melhorar à adesão à dentina e simplificar o procedimento adesivo. A associação entre monômeros funcionais como o 10-Metacriloiloxidecil dihidrogênio fosfato (10-MDP) e inibidores proteolíticos tende a ser uma estratégia promissora para melhorar a longevidade da camada hibrida. Desta forma, este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o desempenho do Adper Single Bond Universal (SU) combinado com inibidores proteolíticos, especialmente a clorexidina (CHX), em diferentes substratos dentinários ao longo do tempo. No artigo 1, a interação entre CHX e E-64 com SU (modo convencional) foi investigada em dentina sadia, artificialmente cariada e erodida em 18 meses de envelhecimento. Foi encontrado que o substrato cariado foi o mais afetado e nenhum dos inibidores testados foram capazes de manter a estabilidade ao longo de 18 meses. Além do mais, observou-se que a CHX impactou de forma negativa independente do substrato avaliado, levando a hipótese de uma possível competição entre ela e o 10-MDP, visto que ambos envolvem íons Ca em seus mecanismos de ação. Para uma melhor compreensão, no artigo 2 foi proposto testes para avaliação de atividade proteolítica e resistência de união à dentina, com foco no desempenho do SU nos dois modos (convencional e autocondicionantes) comparado a um convencional de 2 passos livre de MDP (Adper Single Bond 2), associados com CHX em 6 meses de envelhecimento. Foi observado que a atividade proteolítica foi evidente em todos os sistemas adesivos (SA). O SU no modo autocondicionantes apresentou os maiores valores de resistência de união. A CHX foi capaz de reduzir a atividade proteolítica, independente dos SA mesmo em 6 meses de envelhecimento. Além disso, a CHX não afetou negativamente as propriedades mecânicas. A CHX é capaz de reduzir a atividade proteolítica, no entanto não perdura até 18 meses.

This thesis presents the design and fabrication of a re-configurable micromirror array which can be used as a component of an optical microspectrometer. In an optical microspectrometer, an array of mechanically positionable micromirrors can be implemented as a reconfigurable exit slit to selectively focus particular wavelengths of a diffracted spectrum onto the detector stage. The signal to noise ratio and response time of an optical microspectrometer can be vastly improved by this technique. In the approach presented here, a hybrid bulk- and surface- micromachining process is demonstrated for fabrication of a 1XN array of micromirrors. The reconfigurable micromirrors presented here comprise of two elements, a surfacemicromachined positioning mechanism, and a bulk-micromachined mirror. These elements are finally integrated using a flip-chip bonding technique. The integrated micromirror assembly can be positioned by means of a driving mechanism consisting of arrayed electrothermal actuators. Various techniques for fabricating the micromirror array components are discussed in detail in this thesis along with a review of techniques applicable for integrating the individual components. In order to enhance the efficiency of the positioning system, the classic electrothermal actuators were redesigned in this research. The modified design of thermal actuators is introduced in this thesis. An analysis of the modified thermal actuators is also presented to demonstrate the validity of the suggested modifications.

A Corner Cube Retro-reflector (CCR) is a device that can be used as transmitters in wireless free space optical communication systems, or remote sensing instruments. A novel approach to fabricate the CCR is developed, where almost 100% of the planar chip area acts as the CCR compared to the maximum of 33% in the prior MEMS CCRs. Unlike the conventional micro machined CCRs that have two planes (mirrors of the CCR) normal to the surface of the wafer, our approach yields all the mirrors within the bulk of the wafer, ensuring very high packing densities and wide acceptance angles. The crystallography of single crystal silicon wafer along with different micromachining and wafer bonding techniques are used to fabricate and assemble the CCR. The solid models of both the active and passive CCRs were built using Coventorware simulation software. In the active CCRs, one of the mirror was electrostatically actuated; this is simulated using the software. The results which show a three fold decrease in the pull-in voltage as compared to surface micromachined cantilevers with the same dimensions as presented. Fabrication of the passive CCR along with various fabrication and assembling processes used are discussed. Experimental results are presented and then discussed.

The synthesis or the interaction between two or more molecules is known as supramolecular chemistry. The concept of supramolecular chemistry can be applied to the design of new pharmaceutical materials affording new compositions of matter with desirable composition, structure and properties. The design of a two-molecule, or binary, compound using complementary molecules represents an example of an application of crystal engineering. Crystal engineering is the understanding of intermolecular interactions, in the context of crystal packing, in the design of new solid materials. By identifying reliable connectors through molecular recognition or self-assembly, one can build predictable architectures. The study of supramolecular synthesis was accomplished using known pharmaceutical molecules such as Nifedipine (calcium channel blocker used for cardiovascular diseases) and Phenytoin (used as an anticonvulsant drug) and model compounds containing synthons common in pharmaceutical drugs (Crown ethers and Trimesic acid with ether linkages and carboxylic acid dimers, respectively) with complementary molecular additives. The co-crystals formed were characterized by various techniques (IR, m.p., XPD, single X-ray diffraction) and preliminary results were found to exhibit characteristics different from the parent compounds as a direct result of hydrogen bonding and self-assembly interactions. These crystalline assemblies could afford improved solubility, dissolution rate, stability and bioavailability.

Orientador: Rebeca Di Nicoló / Coorientadora: Fernanda Alves Feitosa / Banca: Eduardo Bresciani / Banca: Eduardo Galera da Silva / Banca: Levy Anderson Cesar Alves / Banca: Fabio Matuda / Resumo: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência da utilização ou não do bond do sistema adesivo Adper Scotchbond Multiuso(A) e o bond Gluma da Heraeus(G) na resistência de união entre as resinas do tipo flow Filtek Bulk Fill Flow(F) e X-tra base (X) como base e uma convencional nanoparticulada Z350 XT(Z)) como cobertura. Simulando assim seu uso em reparos de restaurações diretas em dentes posteriores. Foram confeccionados 120 espécimes em resina composta do tipo flow no formato tronco-cônico com as dimensões de 2mm base menor, 4mm de altura e 4 mm de base maior. 60 Filtek Bulk Fill(F) e 60 X-tra base (X). Metade de cada grupo (n=30) foi envelhecida por termociclagem 5.000 ciclos de 5°C a 55°C, (FE, XE), a outra metade não sofreu envelhecimento (FN e XN). Esses espécimes foram divididos em 3 subgrupos (n=10), sobre a base menor dessas 10 amostras foi aplicado o Bond de cada sistema adesivo após condicionadas pelos seus respectivos ácidos nos tempos preconizados pelos fabricantes. As outras 10 unidades de cada grupo não receberam qualquer sistema adesivo. Na simulação do reparo as duas primeiras metades em teflon foram invertidas ficando a área menor voltada pra cima. Sobre essa face foram colocadas outras duas metades em teflon com a área menor voltada para baixo. Foi inserida então a resina Z350 pela técnica incremental e fotopolimerizada por 20s a 800mw/cm². Após 24h de armazenamento em água destilada, em estufa bacteriológica os espécimes, agora com formato de ampulheta,... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / The aim of our paper was to analyse the bonding influence of Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose Adhesive (A) and Heraeus Gluma universal bond (G), or no bond application, on bond strength between microhibrid Filtek Bulk Fill Flow (F) and nanohibrid X-tra base (X) as based composite resin and the conventional nanoparticulate Z350 XT (Z)) as cover. Simulating non-invasive repairs of direct restorations on posterior teeth. A total of 120 specimens were made from flow composite resin in the conical trunk format with the dimensions of 2x4x4, for 40s with Led-5 (N/S LD51803005) at 800mw/cm². Sixty Filtek bulk fill (F) and sixty X-tra base (X) were made. Half of each group (n=30) was aged by thermocycling 5,000 cycles from 5° C to 55° C, (FE, XE), the other half were not subjected to any aging procedure (FN, XN). These specimens were randomly divided into 3 subgroups (n = 10), on the smaller diameter of the 10 samples the Bond of each adhesive system were applied after conditioned by their respectively acids at the time recommended by the manufacturers. The other 10 units of each group did not receive any adhesive system. In the sequency of repair simulation the first two Teflon halves were turned up with the smaller diameter turned upwards. Above this face were placed two other halves in Teflon with the smaller diameter facing down. The Z350 repair composite resin were inserted by incremental technique and photopolymerized for 20s at 800mw/cm². After 24h of storage in distilled water in a bacteriological oven, the now hourglass-shaped specimens were drawn in the universal testing machine EMIC. All the fractured specimens had the type of failure analyzed in stereomicroscope. The most significant faulting specimens were evaluated with electronic microscope (MEV). The data collected at the traction test were analyzed through 3-factor ANOVA and Tukey's test (p <5%). There was... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor