The purpose of the current study was to determine the relationship between the PEAK Relational Training System Assessments and the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Third Edition long form in children with autism and other cognitive or language delays. 29 participants were administered the PEAK Relational Training System Battery of Assessments and the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement. This study sought to extend previous literature examining the validity of PEAK Assessments as compared to previously validated assessments as well as add to the body of literature examining the relationship between academic achievement and language and cognition development. Understanding the interaction between verbal behavior skills, derived relational responding, and academic skills may enable clinicians and educators to serve their learners in a more effective, comprehensive way. The results of this study suggest there is a moderately strong, statistically significant relationship between the PEAK assessments and the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement Academic Skills Battery Composite (r=0.6675, p<0.0001, R2=.4455) and a strong, statistically significant relationship with the Kaufman Brief Achievement Composite (r=0.7974, p<0.0001, R2=.5611).

Individuals with autism are largely taught using direct contingency learning, limiting their already potentially limited relational repertoire. A multiple baseline design across skills with an embedded multiple probe design was implemented to demonstrate the efficacy of training procedures used to established nonarbitrary relations in the context of block design. The PEAK – Transformation module (PEAK-T) is a curriculum designed to develop the relational repertoire of individuals with and without developmental disabilities, from which procedures were adapted. Training phases were each preceded by test probes of each of the target relations. Transfers of stimulus function were tested by presenting a novel context in which the trained and derived relations were used in completion of a task. The entailment probes across each of the programs showed transfers of function across three relational stimulus classes. All three directly trained relations across three frames resulted in mastery level responding. The results support the efficacy of the PEAK-T curriculum such that complex relational responding can be taught to a child with intellectual disabilities.

Orientador: Claudio Alexandre Gobatto / Banca: Sergio Augusto Cunha / Banca: Pedro Balikian Junior / Resumo: Dentro do âmbito do treinamento competitivo evidencia-se a necessidade de criar e aperfeiçoar testes que possam ser aplicados no próprio ambiente de treinamento, priorizando a busca da especificidade na avaliação e de variáveis que possam melhor explicar as alterações do desempenho do atleta. Então, surge uma problemática ao avaliar a aptidão anaeróbia em velocistas em função das metodologias e dos protocolos propiciarem difícil aplicação e inespecificidade, principalmente por não possuírem nenhum teste com o movimento específico para esse grupo. Entretanto, destaca-se na literatura alguns testes laboratoriais utilizados para avaliação da aptidão anaeróbia de corredores, dentre os quais estão o Máximo Déficit de Oxigênio Acumulado (MAOD), o teste de Wingate (TW) e os testes de salto vertical (SV). Com isso, o objetivo do estudo foi padronizar o teste de corrida atada (TCA) analisando a validade, reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade. O protótipo criado para o TCA proporciona a obtenção de valores de força e de velocidade durante o teste que, por sua vez, fornecerá parâmetros de potência pico do TCA (PPTCA), potência média do TCA (PMTCA) e do índice de fadiga do TCA (IFTCA). Para tanto, 10 velocistas do sexo masculino (22,0 l 2,8 anos; 68,1 l 8,9 kg; 1,76 l 0,09 m; 8,1 l 3,1 % Gordura) participaram do estudo. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a avaliação antropométrica, teste incremental para determinação do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) e do limiar anaeróbio (LAn), teste para determinação do MAOD, TW, dois TCA (teste e re-teste) e um esforço máximo na distância de 300 metros (D300m). Através de coletas sangüíneas retirada do lóbulo da orelha após os testes de TW, TCA e D300m, foram determinadas as concentrações pico de lactato sangüíneo ([Lac]p) para cada um dos testes, respectivamente... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In the competitive training area, it is observed the necessity to create and improve tests that could be applied in its own training environment, prioritizing the search of the specificity in the evaluation and the variables that can explain the changes of the athlete’s performance better. So, we find a problem concerning the anaerobic fitness evaluation in sprinters due to the methodologies and the protocols, mainly because there are no tests with the specific movement for this particular group. However, it is possible to mention some laboratorial tests that are used to verify the anaerobic fitness performance of the runners, which are, the maximal deficit oxygen accumulated (MAOD), the Wingate test (TW) and the tests of vertical jump (VJ). Thereby, the aim of this study is to standardize the tied running test (TRT), analyzing the validity, reproducibility and reliability. The TRT prototype provides the instantaneous strength and speed values during the test that give peak power (PPTRT), mean power (PMTRT) and fatigue index (FITRT) parameters. Therefore, ten male runners (22.0l2.8 years old, 68.1l8.9 kg, 1.76l0.09 m; 8.1l3.1 % Fat) participated in this study. All the subjects were submitted into the anthropometric assessment, incremental test to determination the maximal consume of oxygen (VO2max) and anaerobic threshold (AT), the MAOD determination test, the TW, the two TRT (test and re-test) and maximum effort in 300 meters of distance (D300m). Through blood samples removed from the earlobe after the TW, TRT and D300m tests, the blood peak lactate concentration ([Lac]peak) was determined in each test, respectively, [Lac]peakTW, [Lac]peakTRT and [Lac]peakD300m. The tests were separated with intervals of 24 to 72 hours. The data were presented in mean and stand deviation (M l SD)...(Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Resilience has become a prominent concept to understand system vulnerabilities flexible ways of adapting to crises. Recently, it gained importance in discussions a the possible peak in oil production (peak oil) and its consequences, which might a economic performance, social well-being and political stability, and thus also the e transition to a low-carbon economy. The paper presents a new way of measuring resilience as absolute resilience related to a best practice-model of a resilient socie The resilience model is grounded in explicit theoretical assumptions. All indicators justified by theoretical and empirical arguments. We present a case study of Austr municipalities and broader-scale spatial types, which were defined according to th degree of urbanization. The mean resilience of Austrian municipalities is moderate difference between resilience values of municipalities is small. Significant different between spatial types exist. Higher resilience is displayed by less urbanized types due to a higher share of agricultural activities and a more favorable level of GDP per capita. Austria has considerable latitude to improve resilience. Corresponding policies should target resilience components with the lowest values first. A sole focus on regionalization is not recommended. These conclusions are applicable to OECD countries in general. (authors' abstract)

For an ideal impact energy absorber, the initial peak force should be low and the average crushing force should be high. Also, a long stroke and a stable force history are expected. The thin-walled tube under axial loads is a kind of energy absorber that can produce controlled progressive collapse during a crash. It is a promising collapse mechanism for energy absorption with demonstrated success in industry. But the conventional thin-walled tubes still have high initial peak force and force fluctuations during a crushing process. To help to achieve a better energy absorbing structure, a research work has been carried out in this thesis. The aim of the present research is to achieve an improved understanding of the crushing behaviour of thin-walled tubes under axial loads. In the study, the entire crushing process, including the initial stage of collapse, its localization and the subsequent progressive folding has been carefully investigated by experiment. The relation between the localized plastic deformation and the corresponding crushing force is built by comparing the cross section of series of specimens and their load-displacement curves, which give a deep insight of the collapse mechanism of circular thin-walled tube under axial loads. Then some trigger systems are proposed, which is proved to be a good way to reduce the initial peak force and influence the collapse behaviour. To achieve higher energy absorbing efficiency, the multi-cell thin-walled tube has been investigated. Finally, based on the analysis in this study, a new multi-cell profile which is composed of coaxial tubes with different lengths and dented grooves is proposed. The new design is proved to be a good energy absorber with low initial peak force and very high energy absorption efficiency.

The purpose of this research was to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. At present, there is a lack of clinical knowledge, research knowledge and in-depth public discourse concerning the nature of healthy sexuality. The theoretical and research literature in this area has focused almost exclusively on defining and conceptualizing sexual dysfunctions with little attention paid to either normal or satisfactory experiences. Very little theory exists on the nature and components of optimal sexuality. To date, no empirical investigations have been done to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. In order to identify the contributors to optimal sexual experiences, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals who reported having experienced “great sex”. A phenomenologically-oriented content analysis was performed on interview transcripts to determine the contributors to optimal sexual experiences. Analysis led to the identification of seven major contributors, two pathways towards optimal sexual experiences and two minor contributors. The major contributors included developmental contributors, individual qualities overall, individual qualities in-the moment, skills, relationship qualities overall, relationship qualities in-the-moment and environmental, situational and preparatory contributors. Each of these larger themes was also characterized by a variety of more specific themes. The two pathways that led to optimal sexual experiences included individual qualities that facilitated relationship qualities and relationship qualities that facilitated individual qualities. Finally, the minor contributors consisted of personal proclivities and miscellaneous contributors. Noteworthy findings of this investigation are discussed and then compared and contrasted with existing research and theory. The implications of this work for the general public, sex therapy, sex education, theory and research are considered as well as the strengths and limitations of this study.

The world is facing a 'perfect storm' of socio-ecological crises: adverse climate change, natural resource depletion, water conflict, to name but a few. With many of these future pressures looming, it is essential to learn how to shift from traditional command-and-control strategies to more adaptive ones. Adaptive governance is an approach from institutional theory that combines ecological systems theory, natural resource management and the study of self-governing institutions to manage common pool resources. The Dark Peak of the Peak District National Park is one of the UK’s largest carbon stores, fraught with a history of frequent change in policies and land management activities, conflicting knowledges and interests, convoluted property rights regimes, and carbon emissions. The recent development of a carbon agenda made it an excellent example to explore how this restructures the Dark Peak social network, how its key stakeholders adopt and respond to it, and finally how an adaptive framework can facilitate in mitigating carbon emissions. This thesis offers the first analysis of the Dark Peak’s social network managing for a carbon agenda, and also provides a critical reflection on the possibilities and limitations of using an adaptive framework in this particular context. This has been achieved by combining social network analysis, with stakeholder mapping, observation, and semi-structured interviews to identify the key stakeholders steering the Dark Peak’s carbon agenda.

The diploma thesis focuses on world oil supply and aims to distinguish symptoms undoubtedly pointing to a possibly upcoming era of altered consumption and extraction patterns of oil products, which will be launched by "peak oil" -- a point when oil production reaches its maximum continues to decline. The thesis' objective is to analyse the probability of peak oil occurring and possible implications for world economy and selected countries. If proven true, it provides a an answer to the question whether the world economy can survive peaking without repercussions or whether it will shrink and decline into crisis. The first part defines the supply of oil and -- it's an overview of conventional and unconventional types of oil, petroleum products, oil fields, extraction techniques, energy effectiveness and substitutes. Furthermore, it defines "peak oil", it clarifies its history, strives to determine its possible date and compares it with the current oil situation. The second part surveys general implications of peak oil for world economics and politics -- it observes an unsatisfied oil demand, impact on the outputs of economies and the role of oil in economic crises. The political part follows with possible changes in the field of international politics. Lastly it tries to determine the effect on American suburbia. The third and final part is dedicated to selected countries, which are either important exporters or importers.

The current study evaluated the effects of discrete trial training versus the effects of relational training on the acquisition and retention of skills in four children with autism. Using a multiple baseline design across subjects, participants were trained on the skills sequencing from longest to shortest, discriminating full versus empty versus half empty, tacting “you” versus “I,” and responding to reasons why people cry. One of the four participants acquired and retained the skill. Many factors effected the results for the other three participants. Participant 2 never met mastery criteria with relational training procedures. Participant 3 learned PEAK programming four times faster than DTT, however, when using PEAK with the original target, 10 days were required to score all points opposed to the four days DTT required. Participant 4 displayed similar performance results using DTT and PEAK. Implications and limitations will be discussed.

Flash flooding, as a result of excessive rainfall in a short period, is considered as one of the worst environmental hazards in arid regions. Areas located in the western provinces of Saudi Arabia have experienced catastrophic floods. Geomorphologic evaluation of hydrographic basins provides necessary information to define basins with flood hazard potential in arid regions, especially where long-term field observations are scarce and limited. Six large basins (from North to South: Yanbu, Rabigh, Khulais, El-Qunfza, Baish and Jizan) were selected for this study because they have large surface areas and they encompass high capacity dams at their downstream areas. Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing techniques were applied to conduct detailed morphometric analysis of these basins. The six basins were further divided into 203 sub-basins based on their drainage density. The morphometric parameters of the six basins and their associated 203 sub-basins were calculated to estimate the degree of flood hazard by combining normalized values of these parameters. Thus, potential flood hazard maps were produced from the estimated hazard degree. Furthermore, peak runoff discharge of the six basins and sub-basins were estimated using the Snyder Unit Hydrograph and three empirical models (Nouh’s model, Farquharson’s model and Al-Subai’s model) developed for Saudi Arabia. Additionally, recommendations for flood mitigation plans and water management schemes along these basins were further discussed.