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Fish scales can be considered as a laminated composite based on collagen fibrils arranged in a cross-plywood structure. This collagen-based composite is often partially mineralized (primarily hydroxyapatite) in the scale exterior in order to resist penetration and hence to enhance protection. Together with the overlapping assembly, the fish scales offer an excellent model system for developing fiber composite materials and flexible armor systems. The primary objective of this thesis is to characterize the distribution of the mineral phase within individual scale and to investigate the corresponding mechanical consequences of the scale as a whole and its different fields through experimental and computational approaches. In this thesis, we chose the scales from the black drum (Pogonias cromis) fish as a model system. First of all, the exterior surface morphology of individual scales was systematically studied, from which several distinct structural regions are identified, including focus field (central), lateral field (dorsal and ventral), rostral field (anterior), and caudal field (posterior). In the focus field, the classic two-layer design, i.e., mineralized exterior layer and collagen-based interior layer, was observed, and nanoindentation results revealed that the high mineral exterior layer results in a much higher hardness (800 vs 450 MPa). Moreover, macroscopic tensile tests indicate that the mechanical removal of mineralized layer did not lead to reduction in strength values, whereas acid-treated demineralized scales showed reduced mechanical properties. Finally, we identified a previously unreported mineral distribution pattern in the rostral field, in which the mineral phase is segregated into long strips along the anterior-posterior direction (width, ~300 μm). In addition, towards the interior of the scale, it appears that the mineral deposition is highly correlated with the collagen orientation, resulting a unique mineralized-unmineralized collagen-based composite structure. We built finite element models to compare this unique structure to two other mineral phases in different fields at the individual scale. This unique structure demonstrates a larger deformation displacement when load was applied, indicating that it provides further flexibility in anterior end of an individual scale. The mineralized phases and structures of various fields within a single scale provide different mechanical characteristics and properties. The structural and mechanical analysis of the various regions of the fish scale can further investigate the flexibility and protective capacity of the individual scale. / Master of Science / There are many protective systems that attracted scientists' attention, and the typical examples include the nacre, crustacean exoskeletons, and teleost fish scales. Fish scales can be considered as the most common flexible bio-inspired armor system, because they consist of mostly collagen fiber and a highly mineralized hydroxyapatite external layer. Due to the need for swimming and effective protection from predators, fish scales need to have excellent flexibility and penetration resistance. In the previous studies on fish scales, researchers usually focused on the entire scale as a multilayered composite, looking at their response against tension and fracture. The primary objective of this thesis is to characterize the distribution of the mineral phase within individual scale and to investigate the corresponding mechanical consequences of the scale as a whole and its different fields through experimental and computational approaches. In this thesis, we chose the scales from the black drum (Pogonias cromis) fish as a model system. First of all, the exterior surface morphology of individual scales was systematically studied, from which several distinct structural regions were identified, including the focus field (central), lateral field (dorsal and ventral), rostral field (anterior), and caudal field (posterior). In the focus field, the classic two-layer design, i.e., mineralized exterior layer and collagen-based interior layer, was observed, and nanoindentation results revealed that the high mineral exterior layer results in a much higher hardness (800 vs 450 MPa). In addition, we identified a previously unreported unique mineralized-unmineralized collagen-based composite structure in the rostral field, in which the mineral phase is segregated into long strips along the anterior-posterior direction (width, ~300 μm). We built finite element models to compare this unique structure to two other mineral phases in different fields at the individual scale. This unique structure demonstrates a larger deformation displacement when load was applied, indicating that it provides further flexibility at the anterior end of an individual scale, implying that the flexibility is more important at the anterior end of scales where the multi-scales overlap and are covered. The structural and mechanical analysis of the various regions of the fish scale can further investigate the flexibility and protective capacity of the individual scale, and provide further design inspiration for flexible armor designs.

No / A set of instruments with different response formats is usually used to assess parenting practices in clinical settings and in research studies. These complex protocols can be problematic for parents with low-literacy levels. The Parenting and Family Adjustment Scales (PAFAS) is a brief, easy to read instrument that has been developed to address these concerns. The English version of this instrument suggested that it has good internal consistency (range from .70 to .96), as well as satisfactory construct and predictive validity. The aim of the present study was to explore the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the PAFAS. A sample of 174 Spanish-speaking parents (85 % mothers; M = 37 years old; SD = 9.1) from Panama in Central America completed the instrument alongside the Parenting Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Psychometric evaluations revealed that the measure had satisfactory construct and concurrent validity as well as good internal consistency (values >.60 for all subscales) and test–retest reliability (ICC >.60 for all subscales). The PAFAS shows promise as a brief outcome measure to assess parenting practices and family functioning with Spanish-speaking parents. Potential uses of the measure and implications for further validation with diverse samples are discussed.

Background: The treatment outcome of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be assessed with Symptom Severity Index (SSI). In addition to this self-report measure, Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) provides information about the overall impression of change. The use of SSI and PGIC when assessing treatment outcome in the field of TMD, and their correlation, has not previously been reviewed. Aim: The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation between the scales SSI and PGIC, to gain knowledge about which factors that contribute to the impression of change and to identify the diagnoses that have the most improvement. Methods: Data from 193 patients was analyzed. The percentage change in symptoms between baseline and follow up was compared to PGIC. The patients were divided into three groups based on main diagnoses, for further analysis. PGIC categories “much improved” and “very much improved” were set as successful treatment outcome. Different factors impact on PGIC were analyzed.  Results: Majority of the patients had a successful treatment outcome. A higher mean percentage change correlated with a better PGIC value. Patients with articular related diagnoses needed a greater reduction in SSI to rate the impression of change as improved. According to the regression analysis, diagnosis group, age, number of treatment visits and SSI-baseline were associated with treatment outcome. Conclusions: The present study supports the use of both SSI and PGIC for assessment of the treatment outcome when treating TMD. However, a possible discrepancy between the scales addresses the need for further examination and change of treatment approach.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-04T18:27:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcelo Salomao Aros.pdf: 301474 bytes, checksum: fec723691e0499cfd0306cb8994ba743 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-02-17 / This study was aimed at evaluating scientific production about depression from 2004 to 2007 with a special focus on male depression and the tools used to assess this condition. By using the entries depression and scales, papers indexed within the Medline database were accessed. Approximately 6,400 abstracts were identified. Among these, 66 depression evaluation instruments were identified. For the study of the remaining variables, a decision was made to restrict the analyses to the production of 2007 due to the limited length of time for research. Among the 988 abstracts of 2007, 656 were regarded as appropriate for the aims of research and were then listed in chronological order. The following variables were analyzed: gender of the sample, country, age, language, type of instrument used for depression evaluation. Results point the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) as the most usual tool. The samples of research are mainly comprised by participants of both genders. Adulthood was the most usual age under study. The United States of America is the nation where most papers were published on the topic within that period of time. English is the most usual language of such publications. The nature of the instruments was mainly of self report type. Among the papers, 1.2% belonged to Brazilian authors and displayed the same profile presented by the global production. Only 3.7% of the papers were devoted to male depression. No tool was identified to measure male gender depression exclusively. Eight issues of interest were identified to study depression in male individuals and all of them referred to high stress situations: biological, social, and occupational. A considerable gap was perceived in the study of depression in male individuals with the most frequent profile found in hospital out-patient departments which assist the community. As a matter of conclusion, it was found that new instruments must be developed to evaluate depression, bringing features concerned with gender into focus, as the psychic demands and dynamics are particular and differentiated either for men or women. / A pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a produ??o cient?fica sobre depress?o no per?odo de 2004 a 2007, com especial ?nfase sobre a depress?o masculina e os instrumentos utilizados para avali?-la. Utilizando os verbetes, depress?o e escalas, foram acessados os artigos indexados na base de dados Medline. Foram identificados aproximadamente 6400 resumos. Neles, foram identificados 66 instrumentos de avalia??o de depress?o. Para o estudo das demais vari?veis, decidiu-se limitar as an?lises ? produ??o relativa ao ano de 2007, devido ?s limita??es de tempo. Dentre os 988 resumos do ano de 2007, 656 foram considerados adequados aos objetivos da investiga??o e foram listados pela sua ordem cronol?gica. Foram analisadas as seguintes vari?veis: g?nero da amostra estudada, pa?s, faixa et?ria, idioma, tipo de instrumento utilizado para a avalia??o da depress?o e a natureza dos instrumentos. Os resultados mostram que o instrumento mais utilizado ? a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). As amostras das pesquisas s?o prioritariamente compostas por participantes de ambos os g?neros. Os adultos foram a faixa et?ria mais estudada. Os Estados Unidos da Am?rica s?o a na??o que mais artigos publicou sobre o tema. O ingl?s ? o idioma mais utilizado. A natureza dos instrumentos para mensurar a depress?o foi prioritariamente de tipo self report. Dentre os artigos, 1,2% eram de autores brasileiros e conservavam o mesmo perfil da produ??o mundial. Apenas 3,7% dos artigos estudaram a depress?o no g?nero masculino. Nenhum instrumento foi identificado para mensurar exclusivamente a depress?o no g?nero masculino. Foram identificados oito temas de interesse para se estudar a depress?o no g?nero masculino e todos eles se referiam a situa??es de alto estresse: biol?gico, social e ocupacional. Verificou-se uma consider?vel lacuna no estudo da depress?o em indiv?duos masculinos com o perfil mais freq?entemente encontrado em ambulat?rios que assistem ? comunidade. Conclui-se que devem ser desenvolvidos novos instrumentos para a avalia??o da depress?o, em que caracter?sticas concernentes ao g?nero sejam valorizadas, pois as demandas e din?micas ps?quicas s?o particulares e diferenciadas para homens e mulheres.

Tse, Chun Yan Victor. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 204-226). / Photocopy. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest LLC, 2011. xi, 226 p. : music ; 29 cm. / Abstract also in Chinese; includes Chinese characters. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract in Chinese --- p.iii / Acknowledgments --- p.iv / List of tables --- p.viii / List of graphs --- p.ix / List of appendices at the end of individual chapters --- p.ix / List of abbreviations of qin handbooks --- p.X / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Background of the research --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Overview of the research methodology --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- An illustrated methodology in reconstructing qin music from past scores guyuan 古怨 of the Southern Song Dynasty --- p.36 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Chromaticism in Ming Dynasty scores -baixue 白雪 in Shenqi mipu 神奇秘譜 --- p.67 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- From chromaticism to pentatonism - baixue 白雪 in other Ming and Qing Dynasty handbooks --- p.91 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Non-circle-of-fifths intonations in Qing Dynasty scores --- p.119 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Varying 4th and 7th degrees - dongting qiusi 洞庭秋思 in Ming and Qing Dynasty handbooks --- p.143 / Chapter Chapter 8 --- Convergence of ideology and practice --- p.168 / Chapter Chapter 9 --- Conclusion ´ؤ looking back and looking forward --- p.199 / References --- p.204

The purpose of this study was to investigate how a small selection of guitar teachers go about to teach chords on electric guitar, as well as how a small selection of guitar students have experienced the phenomena during their studies. To answer the research questions, two experienced guitar teacher and two guitar students were subjects to qualitative interviews. The theoretical perspective of the study was hermeneutic. The results showed that the methods employed by the teachers to a high degree related to how they have been taught and also learned by themselves. Another result is that the combination of systems, music theory and practical musical performance can help guitar students to reach a point of musical independence. The results provide an insight in how chordal playing on electric guitar can take place on a higher level, and also opens up for research within several areas of guitar education. / Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka hur ett mindre urval av gitarrlärare lär ut ackord på elgitarr, samt hur ett mindre urval gitarrelever upplevt att de undervisats i ackordspel. För att besvara forskningsfrågorna genomfördes kvalitativa intervjuer med två erfarna gitarrlärare, samt två gitarrelever som studerat elgitarr på musikgymnasium och folkhögskola. Studiens teoretiska perspektiv var hermeneutiskt. Resultaten visar att lärarna till stor del undervisar med metoder som fungerat för dem själva, samt att en kombination av system, musikteori och framförallt praktiskt musicerande kan ge gitarrelever de grundkunskaper som behövs för att vara självgående som elgitarrist. Resultat ger en inblick i hur ackordundervisning kan ta form på högre nivå, och öppnar upp för flera områden av framtida forskning i elgitarrmetodik.

Dans cette thèse, nous affinons l'étude des fonctions presque automorphes sur time scales introduites dans la littérature par Lizama et Mesquita, nous explorons de nouvelles propriétés de ces fonctions et appliquons les résultats à étudier l'existence et l'unicité de solution presque automorphe d'une nouvelle classe d'équations dynamiques sur time scales. Puis nous introduisons la notion de fonction presque automorphe de classe Cn, nous investiguons les propriétés fondamentales de ces fonctions et utilisons les résultats pour établir l'existence, l'unicité et la stabilité globale et exponentielle de solution presque automorphe de classe C1 d'un système d'équations dynamiques avec délai variable fini modélisant un réseau de neurones. Ensuite nous présentons le concept de fonctions asymptotiquement presque automorphes de classe Cn. Nous démontrons quasiment toutes les propriétés de ces fonctions, lesquelles nous permettent, sous des hypothèses convenables, d'établir, d'une part, que l'unique solution d'un problème avec condition initiale est asymptotiquement presque automorphe de classe C1, et d'autre part, l'existence et l'unicité de solution asymptotiquement presque automorphe pour une équation intégro-dynamque avec conditon initiale non locale sur time scales. Enfin, en utilisant la notion de semi-groupe sur time scales de Hamza et Oraby, nous généralisons les résultats de Lizama et Mesquita en dimension infinie, c'est-à-dire, nous étudions l'existence et l'unicité des solutions presque automorphes pour des équations dynamiques semi linéaires abstraites sur time scales. / In this thesis, we refine the notion of almost automorphic functions on time scales introduced in the literature by Lizama and Mesquita, we explore some new properties of such functions and apply the results to study the existence and uniqueness of almost automorphic solution for a new class of dynamic equations on time scales. Then we introduce the concept of almost automorphic functions of order n on time scales, we investigate the fundamental properties of these functions and we use the findings to establish the existence and uniqueness and the global stability of almost automorphic solution of one to a first order dynamical equation with finite time varying delay. Then we present the concept of asymptotically almost automorphic functions of order n on time scales. We study the properties of these functions and we use the results to prove, under suitable hypothesis, that the unique solution to a problem with initial condition is asymptotically almost automorphic of order one at the one hand, and the existence and uniqueness of asymptotically almost automorphic solution for an integro-dynamic equation with nonlocal initial conditon on time scales in other hand. Finally, using the concept of semigroup on time scales introduced by Hamza and Oraby, we generalize the results in Lizama and Mesquita's paper for abstract Banach spaces, that is, we study the existence and uniqueness of almost automorphic solution for semilinear abstract dynamic equations on time scales.

The relationship between citizenship performance and overall performance and the relationship between citizenship performance and reward recommendations were investigated, with gender and scale type as possible moderators. Two hundred and fifty-four University of South Florida students were used in this study. The majority of these participants were undergraduate, psychology majors, female, and between the ages of 17 and 23. Participants were given statements describing a teacher's performance and were asked to evaluate the professor on citizenship and overall performance and recommend them for rewards. No support was found for the hypothesis that men would have a stronger relationship than women between citizenship and overall performance. No support was found for the hypothesis that men would have a stronger relationship than women between citizenship performance and reward recommendations. Scale type was not found to influence these relationships. These results are not consistent with the shifting standards model. Numerous suggestions are made for changes to the experiment, including performing a field study instead of a lab study.