This dissertation encompassed three studies involving precision pinch strength and 5% submaximal fine-motor control. One hundred participants (30-79 years old) were divided into 10-year categories, with 10 males and 10 females in each decade. A Manual Force Quantification System containing a platform and force-transducer apparatus, along with a computer and visual monitor, was used. Each subject performed four tasks -- maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), force-matching, tracing, and tracking -- by applying force on the transducers with the thumb and index finger while attempting to produce a desired force level or task displayed on the computer monitor. The first study measured MVIC, accuracy (rRMSE, Root Mean Square Relative Error), and force variability (Coefficient of Variation, CV) during a 5% MVIC force-matching task. The second study measured accuracy (rRMSE), task time, and group variability during a 5% MVIC tracing task. The third study measured accuracy and group variability during a 5% MVIC tracking task. Tracing and tracking were each divided into six Segments (S1-S6), three of which (S1-S3) required the increasing application of force from 50g up to 5% MVIC and the remaining three (S4-S6) requiring a release of force from MVIC down to 1% MVIC. The force-matching and force-tracking task times were scaled to each participant's MVIC, while the tracing task was performed at the participant's self-selected speed. The participants were encouraged to be accurate but also to trace the target line as quickly as possible. Declines in precision pinch strength and force control began to occur in the 70s for easier force-control tasks and in their 60s for more advanced force-tracking tasks. Men were stronger than women at all age levels. Participants in their 30s were the fastest; those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s slowed down to be accurate; and those in their 70s moved faster but were the least accurate. Three segmental factors affected error and time: low force level, releasing as opposed to applying force, and location along the target line with respect to reversal or ending points. Finally, variables for females were more heterogeneous at earlier decades than for men, and the older the age group was, the greater the variable heterogeneity was.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(人間健康科学) / 甲第23122号 / 人健博第84号 / 新制||人健||6(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科人間健康科学系専攻 / (主査)教授 黒木 裕士, 教授 青山 朋樹, 教授 松田 秀一 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Human Health Sciences / Kyoto University / DFAM

Virtual reality is rapidly expanding its capabilities and accessibility to consumers. The application of virtual reality in training for precision tasks has been limited to specialized equipment such as a haptic glove or a haptic stylus, but not studied for handheld controllers in consumer-grade systems such as the HTC Vive. A straight-line precision steadiness task was adopted in virtual reality to emulate basic linear movements in industrial operations and disability rehabilitation. This study collected the total time and the error time for the straight-line task in both virtual reality and a physical control experiment for 48 participants. The task was performed at four different gap widths, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm, to see the effects of virtual reality at different levels of precision. Average error ratios were then calculated and analyzed for strong associations to various factors. The results indicated that a combination of Environment x Gap Width factors significantly affected average error ratios, with a p-value of 0.000. This human factors study also collected participants’ ratings of user experience dimensions, such as difficulty, comfort, strain, reliability, and effectiveness, for both physical and virtual environments in a questionnaire. The results indicate that the ratings for difficulty, reliability, and effectiveness were significantly different, with virtual reality rating consistently rating worse than the physical environment. An analysis of questionnaire responses indicates a significant association of overall environment preference (physical or virtual) with performance data, with a p-value of 0.027. In general, virtual reality yielded higher error among participants. As the difficulty of the task increased, the performance in virtual reality degraded significantly. Virtual reality has great potential for a variety of precision applications, but the technology in consumer-grade hardware must improve significantly to enable these applications. Virtual reality is difficult to implement without previous experience or specialized knowledge in programming, which makes the technology currently inaccessible for many people. Future work is needed to investigate a larger variety of precision tasks and movements to expand the body of knowledge of virtual reality applications for training purposes.

Estudos prévios têm indicado que o aumento da demanda de estabilidade manual induz maior estabilidade do equilíbrio corporal no controle das posturas quieta e perturbada. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da demanda de estabilidade imposta por uma tarefa manual sobre a regulação postural dinâmica em função da frequência de oscilação da base de suporte. Participaram desse estudo 20 estudantes universitários de ambos os sexos. A tarefa consistiu em manter um cilindro o mais estável possível sobre uma bandeja enquanto o equilíbrio em postura ereta era mantido em translações sinusoidais contínuas da plataforma móvel por 1 min., nas frequências de 0,4 Hz (baixa) ou 1 Hz (alta). A demanda de estabilidade manual foi manipulada por meio da disposição do cilindro. Na condição chamada de alta restrição (AR), o cilindro foi apoiado sobre sua face circular; na condição chamada de baixa restrição (BR), o cilindro foi apoiado sobre sua face plana. Os resultados mostraram que AR induziu menores amplitudes de oscilações de cabeça, centro de massa e bandeja na frequência de 0,4 Hz, porém não na frequência de 1 Hz. A análise das variáveis de coordenação revelou que na frequência de 0,4 Hz, AR levou a maiores valores de fase relativa entre as rotações cíclicas de tornozelo-quadril e tornozelo-ombro, como também na coordenação entre CM-plataforma e CP-plataforma. As análises mostraram que a condição de alta restrição também afetou o controle postural e manual na frequência de oscilação de 1 Hz, com aumento da amplitude de oscilação de CP e de rotações do ombro. Estes resultados sugerem que o controle postural dinâmico é regulado em diferentes parâmetros de maneira integrada e flexível, com interação recíproca entre os componentes da tarefa manual e postural, para atender à demanda de estabilidade imposta por uma tarefa posturomanual / Previous studies have indicated that increased steadiness constraints given by a manual task leads to gains of postural stability in quiet and perturbed standing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of manual task constraints on the regulation of dynamic postural control according to the frequency of sinusoidal translations of the base of support. Twenty university students performed a dual posturomanual task consisting of maintaining a cylinder on a handheld tray as stable as possible while maintaining the dynamic upright balance on a platform oscillating in sinusoidal translations at 0.4 Hz (low) or 1 Hz (high) frequencies during intervals of 1 min. The effects of manual task were studied through the manipulation of task constraint conditions set by positioning the cylinder supported on its round or flat side, corresponding respectively to high (HC) and low (LC) manual task constraints. Results showed that HC led to reduced oscillation amplitudes of the head, center of mass, and tray at 0.4 Hz, but not at 1 Hz. The coordination variables indicated that at 0.4 Hz, HC led to increased relative phase values between ankle-shoulder and hip-shoulder rotations, as also between center of mass-feet and center of pressure-feet oscillations in the slow oscillation frequency. Further analyses showed that the high manual task constraint also affected variables related to both postural and manual task components at 1 Hz, with increased center of pressure and shoulder rotation amplitudes of oscillation. These results suggest that dynamic postural control is regulated through different parameters in a flexible and integrated way in order to attend the stability demands imposed by a posturomanual task

Estudos prévios têm indicado que o aumento da demanda de estabilidade manual induz maior estabilidade do equilíbrio corporal no controle das posturas quieta e perturbada. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da demanda de estabilidade imposta por uma tarefa manual sobre a regulação postural dinâmica em função da frequência de oscilação da base de suporte. Participaram desse estudo 20 estudantes universitários de ambos os sexos. A tarefa consistiu em manter um cilindro o mais estável possível sobre uma bandeja enquanto o equilíbrio em postura ereta era mantido em translações sinusoidais contínuas da plataforma móvel por 1 min., nas frequências de 0,4 Hz (baixa) ou 1 Hz (alta). A demanda de estabilidade manual foi manipulada por meio da disposição do cilindro. Na condição chamada de alta restrição (AR), o cilindro foi apoiado sobre sua face circular; na condição chamada de baixa restrição (BR), o cilindro foi apoiado sobre sua face plana. Os resultados mostraram que AR induziu menores amplitudes de oscilações de cabeça, centro de massa e bandeja na frequência de 0,4 Hz, porém não na frequência de 1 Hz. A análise das variáveis de coordenação revelou que na frequência de 0,4 Hz, AR levou a maiores valores de fase relativa entre as rotações cíclicas de tornozelo-quadril e tornozelo-ombro, como também na coordenação entre CM-plataforma e CP-plataforma. As análises mostraram que a condição de alta restrição também afetou o controle postural e manual na frequência de oscilação de 1 Hz, com aumento da amplitude de oscilação de CP e de rotações do ombro. Estes resultados sugerem que o controle postural dinâmico é regulado em diferentes parâmetros de maneira integrada e flexível, com interação recíproca entre os componentes da tarefa manual e postural, para atender à demanda de estabilidade imposta por uma tarefa posturomanual / Previous studies have indicated that increased steadiness constraints given by a manual task leads to gains of postural stability in quiet and perturbed standing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of manual task constraints on the regulation of dynamic postural control according to the frequency of sinusoidal translations of the base of support. Twenty university students performed a dual posturomanual task consisting of maintaining a cylinder on a handheld tray as stable as possible while maintaining the dynamic upright balance on a platform oscillating in sinusoidal translations at 0.4 Hz (low) or 1 Hz (high) frequencies during intervals of 1 min. The effects of manual task were studied through the manipulation of task constraint conditions set by positioning the cylinder supported on its round or flat side, corresponding respectively to high (HC) and low (LC) manual task constraints. Results showed that HC led to reduced oscillation amplitudes of the head, center of mass, and tray at 0.4 Hz, but not at 1 Hz. The coordination variables indicated that at 0.4 Hz, HC led to increased relative phase values between ankle-shoulder and hip-shoulder rotations, as also between center of mass-feet and center of pressure-feet oscillations in the slow oscillation frequency. Further analyses showed that the high manual task constraint also affected variables related to both postural and manual task components at 1 Hz, with increased center of pressure and shoulder rotation amplitudes of oscillation. These results suggest that dynamic postural control is regulated through different parameters in a flexible and integrated way in order to attend the stability demands imposed by a posturomanual task

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T20:30:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Rugero Guibo.pdf: 1573495 bytes, checksum: 9def86b958a0b96eaf9030646ce2f8da (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-08-04 / nenhum / The present work is related to the study of the tension between, on one side, the necessity of the steadiness of the dispute by which the claimant is not allowed to modify the cause of action, and on the other side, the recognition that the new facts have to be taken into consideration by the judge, thus interfering on the judgement of the lawsuit. The main goal is to examine the origin and historic evolution of the cause of action as the identifying element of the lawsuit, to arrive at the study of the steadiness of the dispute theme in the comparative law, as well as in the Brazilian statutory law. Further, the problem is analyzed as the way it is presented in the current civil proceeding s system, where a parallel is made with a very similar but not identical institute, the contingency principle. Also the different implications of the preclusive characteristic of the res judicata are analysed, if it is related to a new fact which benefits the claimant and the defendant, as well as the relation of the steadiness theme of the lawsuit with the congruency and causality principles. Finally, the question is posed from the appeal theory point of view. The purpose of the present work is to seek a systematization of the concepts involved which allows the harmonization of the rules which will take to the steadiness of the lawsuit, due to the necessity of dealing with the new fact. Without prejudice to the discussion in respect to the theoretical aspects, it is intended not to lose track of the practical interest of seeking criteria capable of making operable, coherent and efficient the group formed by the above mentioned institutes, with the view to delimitate the exact reach of the immutability of the cause of action in the Brazilian civil proceeding s system, due to the appearance of new facts. / O presente trabalho volta-se para o estudo da tensão existente entre, de um lado, o imperativo da estabilização da demanda, segundo o qual é vedado ao autor alterar a causa petendi, e de outro, o reconhecimento de que os fatos supervenientes devem ser tomados em consideração pelo juiz, influindo, assim, no julgamento da lide. Busca-se, primeiramente, examinar a origem e evolução histórica da causa petendi, como elemento identificador da ação, para chegar ao estudo da temática da estabilização da demanda, tanto no direito comparado quanto no direito positivo brasileiro. Passa-se, então, à análise do problema tal como se apresenta no ordenamento processual em vigor, quando se traça um paralelo com um instituto bastante correlato, porém distinto, que é o princípio da eventualidade. Examinam-se, ainda, as diferentes implicações decorrentes da eficácia preclusiva da coisa julgada, conforme se trate de fato superveniente que beneficie o autor ou o réu, bem como a relação da temática da estabilização da demanda com os princípios da congruência e da causalidade. Por fim, coloca-se a questão sob a ótica da teoria dos recursos. O objetivo do presente trabalho é buscar uma sistematização dos conceitos envolvidos, de modo a harmonizar as normas tendentes à estabilização da demanda, em face da necessidade de lidar com o fato superveniente. Sem prejuízo da discussão quanto aos aspectos teóricos, pretende-se não perder de vista o interesse prático na busca de critérios aptos a tornar operável, coerente e eficiente o conjunto formado pelos institutos mencionados, com vistas a delimitar o exato alcance do postulado da imutabilidade da causa de pedir no direito processual civil brasileiro, em face da ocorrência de fatos supervenientes.

Psychometric testing is becoming more influential in the recruitment and development of individuals within the corporate environment globally, with over 80% of Fortune 500 companies in the USA and over 75% of the Times Top 100 companies in the UK using psychometric testing, the same trend is emerging in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between an individual’s preferred behavioural approach on various behavioural dimensions and the manner in which they complete a psychometric measure, more specifically, a learning potential measure within the corporate environment, as an individual’s preferred behavioural approach may act as a biasing factor with regard to the result that they obtain. A causal research design was utilised and two psychometric measures used to respectively determine an individual’s preferred behavioural style and learning potential. The sample consisted of 398 economically active adult candidates in either a development or recruitment assessment centre. Both the Personal Profile Analysis (PPA) and Test for Selection and Training (TST) were administered on these 398 individuals. Statistical analysis was carried out on the test results with the use of SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The reliability and validity of the measuring instruments was also ascertained and found acceptable. Descriptive statistics, contingency tables, significant differences, t-test statistics and p-values were used to analyse the data. These statistical methods were used to indicate if a relationship exists. The results indicate that various behavioural dimensions, (Dominance, Influence and Steadiness) amongst individuals within the South African Corporate environment do have an impact on how they complete a learning potential measure, when consideration is given to the speed and accuracy with which they complete such a measure. Recommendations for the organisation and future research were made. / Psychology / M.A. (Research Psychology)

L’objectif de ce travail de thèse est de caractériser, chez les amputés unilatéraux du membre inférieur, les modalités posturales qui interviennent dans la régulation de l’équilibre orthostatique et d’étudier l’impact de l’amputation sur la production de force à la cheville physiologique. Une première étude a révélé la présence de trois modalités posturales afin de réguler le contrôle postural : les amputés transfémoraux adoptent une modalité posturale basée sur les paramètres de stabilité, les amputés transtibiaux optent pour une modalité posturale mixte et les non amputés se réfèrent aux paramètres de l’attitude posturale. Etant donné que l’articulation de la cheville joue un rôle essentiel dans la régulation de l’équilibre postural, il était alors pertinent d’investiguer la production de force à la cheville physiologique. Toutefois, les ergomètres permettant d’étudier l’articulation de la cheville présentent des biais de mesure majeurs. Dans ce cadre, une deuxième étude a été menée afin de développer et valider un nouvel ergomètre pour cheville : le B.O.T.T.E. Parallèlement, la mise en place d’une méthode de mesure basée sur le retour visuel permettant une quantification fiable du couple de force a fait l’objet d’une troisième étude. Ensuite, une quatrième étude visait à utiliser le B.O.T.T.E. pour investiguer l’impact de l’amputation sur la production de force à la cheville physiologique. Les résultats de cette étude confirment la présence d’un déficit au niveau du couple de force généré en flexion plantaire (conditions maximale et sous maximale) chez les amputés transfémoraux. Enfin, ce travail de thèse vise à aider les rééducateurs et les cliniciens à optimiser la prise en charge des patients amputés. / This Ph.D. thesis aims to evaluate the standing posture modalities and the ankle joint torque in the intact limb in unilateral lower limb amputees. A first study shows the presence of three posture modalities: the non-amputee group relied on standing erect, the transfemoral amputees’ stance depended on balance control and the transtibial amputees exhibited a mixed modality of simultaneously maintaining an upright stance and standing balance. Since the ankle muscles have a functional importance in standing posture modalities, it is imperative to investigate the ankle joint torque in the intact limb. However, the current devices used to assess the ankle joint present substantial limitations for the measurement. Thus, a second study was designed to develop and to validate a new ankle ergometer B.O.T.T.E. Moreover, a third study was achieved in order to estimate the effect of visual feedback on enhancing isometric maximal voluntary contractions. A fourth study was realized to investigate the ankle joint torque in the intact leg of unilateral lower limb amputees. The results show that transfemoral amputees produce less torque and are less steady compared to transtibial amputees and able-bodied individuals. Overall, the present findings of this Ph.D. thesis could have implications for clinical practice and for rehabilitation of patients with a lower limb amputation.

Psychometric testing is becoming more influential in the recruitment and development of individuals within the corporate environment globally, with over 80% of Fortune 500 companies in the USA and over 75% of the Times Top 100 companies in the UK using psychometric testing, the same trend is emerging in South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between an individual’s preferred behavioural approach on various behavioural dimensions and the manner in which they complete a psychometric measure, more specifically, a learning potential measure within the corporate environment, as an individual’s preferred behavioural approach may act as a biasing factor with regard to the result that they obtain. A causal research design was utilised and two psychometric measures used to respectively determine an individual’s preferred behavioural style and learning potential. The sample consisted of 398 economically active adult candidates in either a development or recruitment assessment centre. Both the Personal Profile Analysis (PPA) and Test for Selection and Training (TST) were administered on these 398 individuals. Statistical analysis was carried out on the test results with the use of SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The reliability and validity of the measuring instruments was also ascertained and found acceptable. Descriptive statistics, contingency tables, significant differences, t-test statistics and p-values were used to analyse the data. These statistical methods were used to indicate if a relationship exists. The results indicate that various behavioural dimensions, (Dominance, Influence and Steadiness) amongst individuals within the South African Corporate environment do have an impact on how they complete a learning potential measure, when consideration is given to the speed and accuracy with which they complete such a measure. Recommendations for the organisation and future research were made. / Psychology / M.A. (Research Psychology)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / For nonprofit organizations, securing and sustaining funding is essential to survival. Many nonprofit managers see government funding as ideal because of its perceived security (Grønbjerg, 1993; Froelich, 1999). However, there is little evidence to support the claim that such funds actually make nonprofits more sustainable, and some research has even suggested that nonprofits receiving “fickle” government funds are more likely to fail (Hager et al., 2004). The primary purpose of this work is to examine the relationship between government funding and nonprofit failure. Its secondary purpose is to understand the relationships between failure, government funding, and the causes for failure suggested by previous research—instability of the funding source and low funding diversification. To examine these relationships, I chose to use survival analysis and employed the Cox regression technique. Here, I analyzed the NCCS-Guidestar National Nonprofit Research Database, which archives nonprofit IRS filings from 1998 to 2003. This data set is noteworthy for its level of detail and its comprehensive nature. I found that organizations receiving government funding are less likely to fail, especially if this funding is part of a balanced portfolio. Organizations with higher percentages of nonprofit funding and organizations with less diversified overall portfolios do not. Furthermore, nonprofit organizations with less diversified portfolios were more likely to fail, and, among organizations receiving government funding, those with the highest percentage of their revenue from the government were more likely to fail than their counterparts with less funding.