"Nothing endures but change" - Heraclitus. Buildings are designed and built to house a specific program for a set period of time. The end of a building's life marks a change in its use. In today's building practices, some building owners opt to demolish an entire building prior to constructing a new one. Unfortunately, this world-wide attitude results in the production of millions of tons of waste every year and is not an ecologically sustainable practice. However, as green building methods become more valued in today's society, building owners and designers are becoming more conscious of buildings' end lives. Construction methods are increasingly involving concepts of designing for disassembly, wherein parts and materials can be easily taken apart for reuse or recycling. Such practices are vital in minimizing the unnecessary production of construction waste. Everything on earth exhibits change. This thesis explores the development of a newly constructed building and its transformation at the end of its life into a new building. The project consists of two designs; the program of the first was predetermined while the program of the second was chosen by the committee at the concluding stage of the first design. This thesis seeks to develop a position on architectural design and construction methods that acknowledges the fact that buildings are not permanent objects and that they will, at some point in time, change. / Master of Architecture

This thesis aims at investigating numerical methods through which the accuracy in landing of a Mars entry-descent-landing (EDL) vehicle can be improved. The methods investigated include the collocation method and model predictive control (MPC). The primary control variable utilized in this study is the bank angle of the spacecraft, which is the angle between the lift vector and the vertical direction. Modulating this vector affects the equations of system of equations and the seven state variables, namely altitude, velocity, latitude, longitude, flight path angle, heading angle and total time taken. An optimizer is implemented which utilizes the collocation method, through which the optimal bank angle is found at every discretized state along the trajectory which are equally separated through a definite timestep, which is a function of the end time state. A 3-sigma wind disturbance model is introduced to the system, as a function of the altitude, which introduces uncertainties to the system, resulting in a final state deviating from the targeted location. The trajectory is split into two parts, for better control of the vehicle during the end stages of flight. The MPC aims at reducing the end state deviation, through the implementation of a predictor-corrector algorithm that propagates the trajectory for a certain number of timesteps, followed by running the optimizer from the current disturbed state to the desired target location. At the end of this analysis, a new set of optimal bank angle are found, which account for the wind disturbances and navigates the EDL vehicle to the desired location. / M.S. / Landing on Mars has always been a process of following a set of predetermined instructions by the spacecraft, in order to reach a calculated landing target. This work aims to take the first steps towards autonomy in maneuvering the spacecraft, and finding a method by which the vehicle navigates itself towards the target. This work determines the optimal control scheme a Mars reentry vehicle must have through the atmosphere to reach the target location, and employs method through which the uncertainty in the final landing location is mitigated. A model predictive controller is employed which corrects the disturbed trajectory of the vehicle at certain timesteps, through which the previously calculated optimal control is changed so as to account for the disturbances. The control is achieved by means of changing the bank angle of the spacecraft, which in turn affects the lift and drag experienced by the vehicle. Through this work, a method has been demonstrated which reduces the uncertainty in final landing location, even with wind disturbances present.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the reach and representativeness of participants enrolled in behavioral trials, including nutrition and physical activity trials, helps inform the generalizability of study findings and potential public health impacts. Exploring the reach and representativeness of trials that target low socioeconomic and low health literate participants in rural and medically underserved areas, such as southwest Virginia (SWVA), is especially important. The proposed research is part of Talking Health, a six-month, pragmatic randomized-control trial aimed at decreasing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption (SIPsmartER) as compared to matched contact control targeting improving physical activity (MoveMore). This community-based trial targets an 8-county region in SWVA. OBJECTIVES: Guided by the reach dimension of the RE-AIM framework, the primary objectives of this study were to determine if eligible and enrolled participants in the Talking Health trial were representative of: 1) eligible, but declined participants, and 2) the broader targeted 8-county region based on 2010 US county level census data. We hypothesized that eligible and enrolled participants would be represented in terms of age, race, ethnicity, educational attainment, income, and health literacy when compared to eligible and declined participants, as well as to the broader US census data. We also hypothesized that males would be underrepresented. METHODS: Eligibility requirements for the study included being 18 years of age or older, having reliable access to a telephone, drinking 200 kilocalories of SSB per day, and being a resident of SWVA. A variety of recruitment strategies were used such as active recruitment at health departments, free clinics, and local businesses with help from Virginia Cooperative Extension agents along with passive methods such as flyers, newspaper ads, and word of mouth. The eligibility screener included basic demographic information such as gender, age, race, marital status, occupation, income, educational attainment, number of children in household, and insurance provider. The screener also had three validated subjective health literacy questions. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, Chi-square tests, and One Way ANOVA tests to examine the representativeness of enrolled participants. RESULTS: In total, 1,056 participants were screened, 620 were eligible (58.7%), and 301 (48.5%) enrolled. On average, demographic data for enrolled participants included: 93% Caucasian; 81.4% female; income of $23,173±$17,144; 32% high school (HS) education; and health literacy score 4.5±2.2(3=High, 15=Low). Among eligible participants, when comparing enrolled vs. declined participants there were significant differences (p<0.05) in educational attainment [enrolled=32% HS, declined=48% HS], health literacy scores [enrolled=4.5(2.2), declined=5.0(3.1)], gender [enrolled=81% female, declined=73% female], age [enrolled=41.8(13.4) years, declined=38.3(13.6) years], and race [enrolled=93% white, declined=88% white]. However there were no significant differences in ethnicity and income. When compared to average US Census data across the eight counties, enrolled participants had a higher educational attainment [enrolled sample=68%HS, Census=58%HS], higher proportion of females [enrolled sample=81%, Census=48%], and lower mean income [enrolled sample= $23,173, Census=$36,675]. There were no meaningful differences in terms of race and ethnicity between the enrolled sample and Census data. DISCUSSION: Contrary to our hypothesis, eligible and enrolled participants differed from non-enrolled participants in terms of age, race, education, and health literacy. Our enrolled sample was slightly older, predominately Caucasian, with higher educational attainment and higher health literacy. However, as hypothesized, there were no significant differences for ethnicity and income status, and men were underrepresented. When the study sample was compared to US Census data, the sample was well represented in terms of age, race, and ethnicity; however, enrolled participants had a much lower average annual income and a higher educational attainment. Men were also underrepresented when compared to the census data. There was no census data to compare health literacy status, which limits information regarding the representativeness of the enrolled sample. Importantly, this study has revealed the representativeness of individuals enrolled in this behavioral trial, helps inform the generalizability of study findings, and identifies future research for community-based studies targeting rural and medically underserved areas in SWVA. For example, future behavioral interventions need concerted recruitment strategies to target males, individuals with lower health literacy status, and individuals with less than a high school degree. Exploring and addressing barriers for study enrollment among these sub-groups is also important. / Master of Science

Older adults represent one of the fastest growing populations as well as one of the most inactive. The effects of inactivity (e.g., fall risk, reduced quality of life, inability to age in place) may be mitigated through health promotion programs that include strength-training components. In addition to targeted exercises, it is recommended that programs for older adults incorporate principles of group dynamics (e.g., group goal setting, group distinctiveness) as these types of interventions have previously increased adherence and compliance of physical activity beyond the life of the program and are more effective than individually delivered interventions (e.g., at home DVD, one-on-one). However, these programs are not readily adopted and sustained in practice, which could reflect a lack of programmatic fit within the intended delivery setting. Forming a partnership with key stakeholders within the intended practice setting (e.g., communities and clinics) to identify or develop an evidence-based program that satisfies the mission, values, and resources of the deliver setting, may influence program uptake and sustainability. It is essential to assess setting- and staff-level perceptions of program fit prior to successful implementation. Once interventions are embedded within the standards of care or practice, the intervention has the potential to reach a greater number of older adults and improve their functional fitness outcomes. These intervention attributes are outlined in the prominent RE-AIM Framework: Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Taken together, practice- and research- adaptations may increase the adoption of an intervention, and it is necessary to also measure the degree to which an adapted program impacts Reach, Effect, Implementation, and Maintenance. Practice- and evidence-based adaptations are often necessary and inevitable to improve intervention fit within an intended delivery setting. The overall objective of this dissertation was to use an integrated research-practice partnership approach to select, adapt, and evaluate effects of a multi-faceted strength-training program for older adults in community and clinical settings. The aim of Manuscript 1 was to describe the process by which an evidence-based intervention was adapted to meet the needs of a community entity as well as the initial Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance dimensions of the RE-AIM framework. Manuscript 2 aims to evaluate the initial Reach of older adults and Effect on functional fitness of the adapted program, LIFT, to generate evidence in support of the adapted intervention through an integrated research-practice partnership with a community entity. Manuscript 3 outlines the development, processes, and temporal outcomes of an integrated research-practice partnership approach aimed at linking stakeholders across the academic-clinical-community continuum to assess feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness outcomes associated with Implementation of a LIFT referral scheme. Based on the research presented in this dissertation, it is concluded that an integrated research-practice partnership, although time intensive, may be an effective approach to report real-world adaptations based on the needs of the delivery setting without compromising effects of an evidence-based strength-training intervention for older adults. / Ph. D.

The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate the impact of the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) implementation of the USDA's Team Nutrition training program on Virginia elementary schools from 2017-2020. The VDOE provided training for school nutrition directors (SNDs) at workshops in June 2018 and September 2019 and continued technical assistance to help SNDs improve the school food environment within their divisions. SNDs' perceived support, self-efficacy, and intention to implement changes to the school food environment was measured through pre- and post-training surveys and quarterly check-ins. Implementation was measured using lunchroom environment observations and strategic plans created at the workshops. SNDs representing 83.9% of Virginia elementary students (512,953 students) in 111 divisions attended at least one of the workshops. Within effectiveness, perceived support from cafeteria staff was highest among all stakeholders for both the 2018 and 2019 trainings, though it significantly decreased from before to after the training for both workshops. Average perceived support did not significantly change over time. Self-efficacy was significantly higher following the 2018 training workshop only. The intervention was adopted by 84% of divisions and both intention to implement and actual implementation were highest for strategies related to Farm to School, a VDOE priority. Effectiveness and implementation are expected to improve as it takes up to years for changes to occur in schools. Despite RE-AIM not being part of the initial evaluation plan, 62% of indicators were assessed. With some adaptations to improve effectiveness, the intervention should continue and be expanded. / Master of Science / Interventions to improve the dietary habits of children are often conducted in schools, as most children attend school and children consume up to two meals while at school. USDA's Team Nutrition initiative trains school nutrition staff to serve healthy school meals and provides materials to implement nutrition education for students. The Virginia Department of Education implemented the Team Nutrition program statewide through two training workshops for school nutrition directors (SNDs), June 2018 and September 2019, and technical assistance between the trainings. This study examined the process of implementing the intervention, as well as the outcomes. Overall, 84% of Virginia elementary students were represented by SNDs at the training workshops. SNDs were most likely to intend to implement and implement changes in their divisions related to Farm to School programs and least likely change their culinary skills trainings for staff. It can take up to two years after a training for changes to be implemented in schools, therefore it may be too early to know the full effect of the training. The results showed that the intervention was widely adopted, with 84.1% of divisions in Virginia attending at least one of the training workshops. Although participation was high in-person, less SNDs participated in the intervention activities outside of the trainings. Overall, the intervention was successful in reaching many students and had a small positive effect. With some adaptations to improve the effectiveness, the intervention should continue to be implemented and expanded to the rest of the state.

This study investigates the further development of the commercially available re-entrant steel deck profile. The effects of various embossments and continuous construction are investigated through three Series of composite slab load tests. The test specimens in this study were constructed to simulate actual field construction of composite slabs as part of reinforced concrete structures. The results of this experimental study are analyzed using methods given in the ASCE Standard for the Structural Design of Composite Slabs. Recommended design procedures for the improved re-entrant profile are given and various future profile modifications are suggested. / Master of Science

Yes / This study explores how global and local forces influence the processes of consumer re-acculturation amongst third-generation British Sikhs in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Data is collected over a three-year period using multiple methods that focus on the experiential consumption of shaadi.com by third-generation British-born Sikhs. Data is analysed using thematic analysis, and findings reveal three transcultural identity patterns: accommodating, re-acculturating, and resisting Sikh culture. We argue that the emergent identity patterns are fluid, as our participants feel neither wholly British, wholly Sikh, nor wholly British-Sikh, positioning themselves beyond, rather than against, Sikh or British culture. We uncover the connectedness between the traditional cultural practices of arranged marriages and the space of shaadi.com, a matrimonial website. We interpret this website as a medium through which transcultural identities are constructed. We contribute to theory by showing the development of transcultural patterns of consumption and consistent transcultural identity construction in non-migrating ethnic communities.

No / The hair follicle has an established role in wound re-epithelialisation, a phenomenon that has been appreciated since at least the first half of the last century. The bulge niche, one location of hair follicle epithelial stem cells has been of particular interest to researchers over recent years, with numerous studies showing its ability to directly contribute to epidermal repair. However, recent work has highlighted other progenitor regions of the hair follicle that appear to act as stem cells during epidermal repair. In addition, several studies within the last 12 months have questioned the importance of the bulge during re-epithelialisation, producing conflicting literature. Here we provide a new model to demonstrate how several important differences in experimental design between studies could account for these seemingly opposing findings, which may have implications for how future studies are conducted.

This thesis on the project Anti-age takes an interest in the passing of time, the different ways in which we have historically measured it and its respective effects on how we view the subject. Time as a theme came about from reading about the period prior to us having a wide availability to clocks. There is an old practise in Sweden were you sing a psalm when boiling an egg, as to keep time. The psalm in turn becomes a clock, a time-keeper. The abstractness of time takes another form.  Because of the climate crise which we start seeing unravel, this project turns its attention to objects which exist in the realm of the ordinary and therefore is invisible or uninteresting to us. Here, a regular tin can, the official office chair of Konstfack and a balcony table that we’ve seen one too many times are being turned into pre-historic clocks. With their rather unprecise measuring of time, the clocks designed in this project works as sort of vessels. The objects become a sundial, clepsydra and what we know to be the oldest clocks in the world. Sand, sun and shadow are visible units of time which remind us and grant acess to a sense of something bigger, other and further away from ourselves.

This thesis aims at developing a (dis/re)assembly oriented methodology towards product end-of-life. Particular focus in this thesis is on the circularity of furniture via design for (dis/re)assembly. The main motivation behind this study was the need for a method to evaluate the (dis/re)assembly options of furniture designs to be able to facilitate repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, or recycling. The study draws upon relevant theories and prior research on Circular product Design, Design for EoL, Design for Environment, and Design for (Dis)assembly of vehicles, electrical and elocronic equipments, whitegoods, as well as office furniture, though relatively limited. The proposed methodology determines major aspects of design for (dis/re)assembly to be taken in to consideration in the early stages of product development. It further provides a set of parameters that are relevant to cabinet type and upholstery furniture group. The study involves a variety of qualitative research methods that are embedded in an interactive research conduct with the engagement of different stakeholders that are charged with the task of product development at Ikea of Sweden (IoS), the collaborator of this study.  The proposed methodology is implemented on three selected furniture designs in a pilot study. The results of the study, above all, suggest that (dis/re)assemblability of a product is a strategic choice that needs to be made at early phases of product development, namely the design phase. Two particular features of the furniture groups, upon which this study focuses, emerges as factors having negative impact on the disassemblability of products: first, wooden frame sofas with respect to their complex structure and connectivity of componants and, second, permanent joints with respect to their destructive impact on the product. The study concludes that it is feasible to develop and implement a potentially comprehensible method to evaluate the ease of disassembly of furniture products and to design for disassembly. The proposed methodology in this study is a contribution to support product design for disassembly towards product circularity.