Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'EKS 11'

Bakgrunden till arbetet är att EKS 11 och Eurokod ger möjlighet till egen tolkning vid dimensionering av olyckslaster. Dimensioneringen varierar därmed med den aktuella konstruktörens tolkning. Detta kan medföra en överdimensionering som är ekonomiskt och miljömässigt onödig.   Syftet med arbetet var att utreda byggnadsdelars dimensioneringsprocess för brand och påkörning enligt EKS11 och Eurokod. Målet var att skapa arbetsgångar för dimensionering av en loftgångspelare utifrån brand eller påkörning. Som underlag för dimensioneringsgången användes ett projekt som Sweco tidigare hade arbetet med. Projektet bestod av dimensionering av pelare till loftgångar. Loftgångarna hör till ett bostadshus med tre våningar och stöds av utvändiga pelare.   Branddimensionering gjordes för en oskyddad stålpelare, limträpelare och brandskyddsmålad stålpelare. Utifrån byggnadens förutsättningar kunde den brandtekniska klassen bestämmas till R60 för samtliga pelare. Brandlasten för loftgångspelaren utifrån egentyngder och variabla laster var 68 kN och det antogs att pelaren utsattes för en 4-sidig brand. Utnyttjandegraden för en oskyddad stålpelare med en VKR-profil 120x120x6,3 och hållfastheten S355 var 90 %. Den utvändiga brandkurvan användes vid dimensionering.   Den brandskyddsmålade pelaren med en VKR-profil 80x80x6,3 och hållfastheten S355 krävde 2250 g/m2 av brandskyddsfärg för att klara av brandlasten.   Utnyttjandegraden för en oskyddad limträpelare, i furu, med profilen 215x270 och hållfastheten GL30c var 77 %. Efter 60 minuters brand hade tvärsnittet för limträet minskat från 215x270 till 98x178.   Loftgångspelaren var placerade 2,5 meter från ytterkanten på en cykel/gångbanan, vilket medförde att dimensionering mot påkörning erfordras. Den statiska påkörningskraften för loftgångspelaren var 82 kN. Kraftens storlek baserades på att cykel/gångbanan kräver underhåll, vilket medför att fordon kommer vid upprepade tillfällen bruka vägen. Loftgångspelaren dimensionerades för en horisontal kraft på 82 kN och en vertikal kraft på 53 kN. För stålpelaren med en VKR-profil 120x120x6,3 och hållfastheten S355 var utnyttjandegraden vid böjknäckning 90 %. Utnyttjandegraden vid böjknäckning var 86 % för en limträpelare med tvärsnittet 215x270 mm och hållfastheten GL30c.   Utifrån beräkningarna av brand och påkörning för loftgångspelare upprättades fyra arbetsgångar som redovisas i flödesscheman. Två för brand vid användning av stål eller limträ. Två för påkörning vid användning av stål eller limträ.
The background for the work is that the EKS 11 and Eurocode each are open for interpretation when sizing accidental loads. Therefore, sizing varies according to each constructor’s interpretation. This may result in oversizing which leads to increased economic costs and climate impact.   The purpose of this investigation was to examine the uncertainties of EKS 11 and Eurocode regarding fire and collision. The goal was to create a workflow for designing exterior corridors columns for fire or collision. An earlier project from Sweco Structures were used as the basis for the workflow and design. The project designed columns of glulam or steel for exterior corridors belonging to a residential building with three floors.   The fire design was performed for an unprotected steel column, a fire painted steel column and a glulam column. The fire resistance class was determined to be R60 for all exterior columns based on the building conditions. The fire load for the column was 68 kN based on the self-weight and imposed load. It was assumed that the column was exposed to a 4-sided fire. The utilization rate for the unprotected steel column with a VKR profile 120x120x6,3 mm and the strength S355 was 90%. The external fire curve was used for the design.   The fire painted column with a VKR profile 80x80x6,3 mm and the strength S355 required 2250 g/m2 of fireproof paint to sustain the fire load.   The utilization rate for an unprotected glulam column with a profile of 215x270 mm and the strength GL30c after 60 minutes of fire exposure was 77 %. The remaining area after the fire was 98x178 mm.   The column for the exterior corridor was situated 2,5 meters from the outer rim of a bike and a walkway which means that a collision force needs to be considered. The static collision force was 82 kN. The size of the force is based on the fact that a walkway needs maintenance which means that vehicles will repeatedly use the road. The column was designed for a horizontal force of 82 kN and a vertical force of 53 kN. The steel column with a VKR profile 120x120x6,3 mm and the strength S355 had a utilization rate of 90 % with regards to flexural buckling. The utilization rate for the glulam column with a profile 215x270 mm and the strength GL30c regarding flexural strength was 86 %.   Four workflows were created based on the fire and collision calculations and is reported in flow charts. Two for fire design when using steel or glulam. Two for collision when using steel or glulam.

Abstract [sv] När en konstruktions bärförmåga kontrolleras måste den verifieras för en exceptionell dimensioneringssituation. För att motverka att skadan vid en exceptionell dimensioneringssituation blir oproportionerligt stor tillämpas olika åtgärder. Krav och föreskrifter om åtgärderna finns i Eurokod SS-EN 1991-1-7 2006. Sveriges nationella val till Eurokod görs i EKS. Den 1 juli 2019 reviderades EKS och EKS 11 började gälla.   Syftet med examenarbetet var att utreda vilka förändringar som gjorts för exceptionella dimensioneringssituationer i och med införandet av EKS 11. Målet med arbetet var att tillämpa alla åtgärder för exceptionella dimensioneringssituationer på en referensbyggnad. För att sedan jämföra differensen mellan åtgärderna och analysera orsaken till skillnaderna utifrån EKS 10 och 11. För att inkludera alla åtgärder har två alternativa stommar använts i referensbyggnaden.   En avgränsning till arbete var att endast en sektion av byggnaden beaktades vid beräkningen. Ytterligare avgränsning var att påkörning enbart kunde ske av vägfordon. Referensbyggnaden var ett flervåningshus byggt i Umeå. Byggnaden var ett bostadshus som bestod av sex våningar med en våningshöjd på 2,5 m. Våningsplanen bestod av ett betongbjälklag med en tjocklek på 220 mm. Den bärande stommen för byggnaden utgjordes av 220 m tjocka betongväggar. Den alternativa stommen utgjordes av fyra betongpelare som hade dimensionerna 220x220 mm. Pelarna placerades ut med ett centrumavstånd på 4.2 m.   För alla åtgärder förutom vid dimensionering av pelare som väsentlig bärverksdel blev resultaten större för EKS 10 än för EKS 11. Skillnaden för pelare som dimensionerades som väsentlig bärverksdel ökade mellan EKS 10 och 11 desto större belastningen blev. Orsaken till detta låg hos olika värden på reduktionsfaktorn vid lastkombinationerna som tillämpades. Den vertikala förbandskraften för bärande väggar var betydligt större vid tillämpning av EKS 10 än vid EKS 11. Grunden till det var tolkningen till begrepp som användes vid uträkningen för förbandskraften.    Slutsatsen som drogs var att referensbyggnaden med bärande väggar överdimensioneras för olyckslast vid jämförelse av resultaten från EKS 10 gentemot EKS 11. För ramverk dimensioneras åtgärderna för referensbyggnaden på ett likartat sätt för både EKS 10 och 11.
Abstract [en] The resistance of a construction must be verified for an exceptional sizing situation. Different measurements must be made for an exceptional sizing situation in order to prevent the damage from becoming disproportionately large. Demands and regulations about the measurements can be found in the Eurocode SS-EN 1991-1-7 2006. Sweden’s national choices to the Eurocode is made in EKS. Which was revised on the 1 June 2019.   The purpose of the paper was to clarify uncertainties that Structor Umea experienced about the transition between EKS 10 and 11. The goal was to apply all the measurements for an exceptional sizing situation on a reference building. Thereafter compare the differential between the measurements for EKS 10 and 11 and analyze the cause behind it. An alternative supporting frame has been formed to include all measurements.   One limitation for the paper was to only take one section of the building into account during the calculation. Another limitation was that collision could only occur by road vehicles.   The reference building was a multistory house built in Umea. The building was a residence house that consisted of six floors with a height of 2.5 m in between every floor. Each system of joists was 220 mm thick and made from concrete.  The supporting frame consisted of 220 mm thick concreate walls along the short side of the building. The alternative supporting frame was made of concrete pillars with the dimensions 220x220 mm. Each pillar had a center distance of 4.2 m.   All actions experienced sizeable differences when EKS 10 was applied except the sizing of essential load-bearing pillars. The disparity for the pillars when sized as essential grew larger as the load increased. The cause was that the reduction factor had different values for the various load combinations. The vertical joint force for the load-bearing wall was considerably larger when EKS 10 was applied compared with EKS 11. Based on interpretation of the method when calculating the joint force.   The conclusion was when dimensioned for accidental load according to EKS 10 the reference building with walls as its supporting frame became overdimensioned. The actions for a supporting frame consisting of pillars was dimensioned in a similar way when applying either EKS 10 or 11.

För att kunna säkerställa att en byggnad kan konstrueras enligt lagarna krävs att man vet hur storbelastning konstruktionen kommer utsättas för och därför är lastnedräkning viktig fördimensioneringsprocessen. Syftet med arbetet är att undersöka de skillnader som uppstår när mananvänder förenklingarna som finns i handboksformlerna jämfört med den avancerade finitaelementanalysen och hur materialvalet påverkar skillnaden.Ett typhus skapades med tre olika konstruktionslösningar för huset; en i betong, den andra i stål ochden tredje utförd i trä. I typhusets bottenvåning valdes fem punkter där det analyseras hur mycketlast som kommer ner. Vid handberäkningarna har ett kalkylblad skapats med ekvationer för 6.10 aoch 6. 10 b. För beräkningarna i FEM-design har load combinations skapats baserade på ekvationerför 6.10 a och 6.10 b.De procentuella skillnaderna mellan resultatet från handberäkningarna utan lastreduktion och FEM-design beräkningarna visar små skillnader i beräkningarna för punkt A och B för alla material. Ipunkt C ser man stora skillnader för stål och trä medan betong visar en skillnad på 9%. I punkt Doch E ser man större skillnad.Den här undersökningen visar att det inte är valet av material som avgör hur stor skillnad det blirmellan handberäkningar och FEM-designberäkningar utan hur komplex konstruktionen manberäknar är. Det är viktigt att ha förståelse för de beräkningar man gör i FEM-design annars riskerarman att inte förstå vad som går fel i beräkningarna.

Intresset av att uppföra byggnader i trä har ökat i kombination med att kunskapen inom ämnet har vuxit. KL-T är träskivor som kan formas efter behov, balkar, pelare, bjälklag samt väggar kan samtliga utföras som KL-T element. Ration mellan hållfasthet och vikt är en aspekt som har bidragit till att entreprenörer och konstruktörer ser fördelar med att bygga i just trä. KL-T är en produkt som begränsar träets svagheter i olika fiberriktningar eftersom lamellerna limmas korsvis. Den snabbt ökande användningen av KL-T har lämnat kunskapsluckor inom vissa områden och en av dessa kunskapsluckor är hur robustheten i en byggnad kan ökas för att hantera olyckslaster. Fortskridande ras uppstår när ett lokalt brott skapar ras i omkringliggande bärverk för att sedan fortplanta sig från element till element, vilket leder till kollaps av hela eller en del av byggnaden. För att motverka detta ska en viss nivå av robusthet i byggnaden uppnås. Det finns olika metoder att skapa robusthet i en byggnad, ett av dessa sätt är att sammanbinda bärverk med bjälklag och väggar med dragband enligt bilaga A i SS-EN-1991-1-7. Metoden benämns Indirekt Metod och är frekvent använd i branschen för alla typer av konstruktioner, men för betongkonstruktioner är den betydligt mer välutvecklad med generella metoder för sammanfogning. Hur vertikala och horisontella dragband bör utformas i en KL-T konstruktion är ett område som är i behov av tydliga metoder som uppfyller kapacitetskraven som regelverken ställer. Syftet med studien är att skapa förståelse för det nu gällande regelverket samt ge konkreta exempel på hur dragband kan utföras för att möta de nya kraven som EKS 11 medförde. Syftet är även att visa vad den Indirekta Metoden är och hur kraven uppfylls med hjälp av den. Studien visar kapaciteten för tre olika förbandstyper satta i scenarion där de nyttjas som vertikala samt horisontella dragband, både i och längsmed upplagslinje. Beräkningar visar att de olika förbandstyperna beter sig olika beroende av vilket dragband de sammanfogar med övrigt bärverk sam vilken placering i byggnaden de har. Vidare diskuteras kapacitetskrav och formlers anpassning för KL-T konstruktioner. För att skapa förutsättningar som branschen kan ta till sig behöver reducering av minimikraven för dragbandskapacitet utföras på ett mer tydligt sätt när dimensionering mot olyckslaster ska genomföras med den Indirekta Metoden för konstruktioner med låg egentyngd.
The interest to build in wood has increased in combination with grown knowledge in the subject. CL-T are wooden board that can be shaped in many different form, beams, pillars, wall and floor elements can all be made as CL-T elements. Ration between strength and weight is one aspect that has contributed entrepreneurs and designers to see the benefits of building in wood. CL-T is a product that reduce the weaknesses of the wood in different fiber directions since the slats are glued together crosswise. The rapidly increasing use of CL-T has left knowledge gaps, one of these knowledge gaps is how the robustness of a building can be increased to handle accident loads. Progressive collapse occurs when a local failure creates a collapse in surrounding structural elements and then propagate from element to element, leading to collapse of whole or part of the building. To counteract this a certain level of robustness must be achieved. There are various methods to create robustness in a building, one of these methods are to tie the walls to the floor with tension ties as described in Appendix A of SS-EN-1991-1-7. This method is called indirect method and is frequently used today for all types of structures. But for concrete structures it is considerably more well developed with general methods of how to tie the structure together. How vertical and horizontal ties should be designed in a CL-T construction need distinct methods that meets meet the capacity requirement set by the regulations. The purpose of the thesis is to create and understanding of the current regulations and to provide concrete examples of how tension ties can be carried out to meet the new requirements in EKS 11. It should also show what the indirect method is and how the requirements are met using it. The thesis shows the capacity of three different types and tension ties set in scenarios where they are used as both vertical and horizontal ties. Calculations show that the different types of ties behave differently depending on if they act a vertical or horizontal tie and which location in the building they have. Furthermore, the capacity requirements and the formulas adaption to CL-T designs are discussed. To create conditions that the industry can take on, reduction of the minimum requirements for tie capacity in constructions with a lightweight structural system needs to be made clearer when dimensioning against accidental loads with the indirect method.

Det här examensarbetet går ut på att jämföra EKS 11 och SS-EN 1991-1-7 olika beräkningsmodeller för olyckslaster. Ifall en byggnad endast har ett trapphus som enda nödutgång krävs det att den dimensioneras för olyckslaster. Dessa olyckslaster delas upp i två olika grupper, kända- och okända olyckslaster. Kända olyckslaster är exempelvis påkörning när byggnaden ligger nära en väg och explosion ifall det finns exempelvis gasledningar i byggnaden. Okända olyckslaster är de laster där man inte kan dimensionera för ett exakt värde. Istället dimensionerar man för att minska konsekvenserna av lasten där främsta alternativet är att använda de krav som ställs på väsentliga bärverksdelar och applicera dem på de bärande konstruktionsdelarna. Alternativt när byggnaden inte har gasledningar så kan man beräkna för okända laster genom att dimensionera via värdet som uppkommer från en gasexplosion, 34 kN/m2. Dimensioneringen anpassas efter ett verkligt projekt konstruerat av Structor. Tidigare problem har uppstått vid tolkning av eurokodens beräkningsgång och därför har eks 11 kommit med förtydliganden och med mer triviala lösningar kring olyckslaster. Beräkningsgången för de olika olyckslasterna ser olika ut beroende på om man följer eks 11:s metod eller eurokodens metod. Målet med arbetet är att förtydliga skillnaderna mellan de olika beräkningsgångarna och se vad som ligger till grund för dom. För att kunna skapa en bredare förståelse kring olyckslaster har eurokoden, EKS 11, litteratur och Structor varit till stor hjälp. Examensarbetet är avgränsat till olyckslaster när det bara finns ett trapphus som enda utrymningsväg där det sker en jämförelse mellan EKS 11 och SS-EN 19911-7. Resultatet visar att de två olika beräkningsgångarna ger två olika svar vid beräkning av både kända- och okända laster. Ekvationerna för att räkna fram olyckslaster i de olika standarderna tar hänsyn till olika saker vilket leder till olika resultat. Slutsatsen som går att dra är att det alltid finns olika förutsättningar för varje projekt. Därför bör det göras en riskanalys i projekteringsskedet för att avgöra vilken standard som ska användas för det aktuella projektet.
This dissertation is based on a comparison between the two different procedures on accidental actions in the Swedish norm EKS 11 and SS-EN 1991-1-7. If a construction only has a stairwell as the only emergency exit it requires that accidental actions determines. These accidental actions are categorized mainly to known and unknown accidental actions. Known accidental actions are for example collision by a vehicle or a gas leak from a gas pipe in the building. Unknown accidental actions are those loads that cannot be completely determined. Instead an analyze how to decrease the damage by accidental actions are used. The main approach is to value members as key elements, in effect making them strong enough to withstand a prescribed hazard loading. An alternative if the construction does not have any gas pipes is to use the pressure of 34 kN/m2 to represent the static equivalent from a notional gas explosion. The values in the work are based from a project constructed by the Swedish company Structor. Previously difficulties have occurred while comprehending the Eurocode’s calculation procedures therefore the new Swedish norm EKS have clarified a lot about accidental actions. The calculation procedures results in two different answers between the Eurocode and the Swedish norm EKS. The aim with this dissertation is too clarify the differences between them and perceive the reasons behind it. To be able to have a wider understanding of the subject accidental actions a screening has occurred of the Eurocode, the Swedish norm EKS and literature. The Swedish company Structor has also shared a lot of knowledge on the subject. The dissertation has been limited to accidental actions on stairwells as the only emergency exit and a comparison between the Swedish norm EKS 11 and SS-EN1-7. The outcome of the two different calculations shows two different results of the known and unknown accidental actions. The equations for calculating accidental action in the different standards considerate different things which leads to different results. The conclusion is that there always are different conditions in every project. Therefor a risk assessment should be done before the construction begins to determine which standard is the most suitable for the project.

Purpose: this degree project will examine the possibilities of increasing the structural integrity in case of fire of a preexisting concrete building according to the rules in EKS 11, specifically for a hospital building. Furthermore, the degree project will provide solutions to increase the structural integrity in case of fire. Method: the study is based on a technical report provided by Kadesjös Ingenjörsbyrå AB where information about the hospital buildings technical aspects is presented. To examine current rules for fire-resistance rating of the hospital building, the regulations presented in BBR and EKS 11 were studied. Products had to fulfill the criteria of the European testing standards when they were evaluated as solutions that would increase the structural integrity of the building. The products were then evaluated according to the criteria presented in Eurocode 2 when dimensioning with tabulated data. An interview were held with Michael Försth professor in structural and fire engineering. Professor Försth were asked questions to evaluate potential methods and products that could increase the fire-resistance rating of the hospital building. Results: showed that proposed solutions are able to increase the structural integrity in case of fire of the hospital building to a degree where they were able to fulfill the requirements. Not all solutions were appliable on all building components of the hospital buildings. The difference in technical aspects of the solutions were presented. Conclusions: the identified solutions for increasing the structural integrity in case of fire are rock wool insulation, fire protection paint, additional concrete casting on columns and installation of sprinkler system. The solutions differ in technical aspects such as the space they take when implemented, weight increase when implemented, the amount they increase the structural integrity in case of fire when implemented and the method of implementing the solutions.

Hipóteses teóricas estilizadas apontam para a existência de uma relação em U invertido entre renda e qualidade ambiental, crescente em um primeiro estágio do crescimento econômico e decrescente em um segundo estágio. Relação também conhecida como curva ambiental de Kuznets, do inglês Environmental Kuznets Curve, ou EKC. Diferente de uma infinidade de outras variáveis como o desmatamento e a qualidade da água. Hipóteses empíricas, no entanto, apontam a inexistência para o caso das emissões de poluentes provenientes do consumo de energia (especialmente emissão de carbono). Críticas tanto do ponto de vista teórica quanto da modelagem empírica econométrica apontam para uma série de pontos de falibilidade dos modelos típicos da EKC para tal erro. Essencialmente por serem modelos baseados em hipóteses estilizadas não modeladas que dependem de uma comprovação empírica baseada em modelos pouco robustos. O objetivo do presente é sugerir uma modelagem teórica mais consistente para a relação consumo de energia, qualidade ambiental e crescimento econômico. Para tal objetivo, foi feita uma extensão dos modelos de crescimento de Ramsey-Cass-Koopmans, incorporando as variáveis expressas.
Stylized theoretical hypothesis indicates the existence of an inverted-U shaped relationship between income and environmental quality, up growing in the first step of economic growth and down sloping in a second step. Relationship as well as know as Environmental Kuznets Curve, or simply EKC. However, differently from some other variables such as deforest and water quality, empirical evidences, indicates that for emissions from energy use (specially, carbon emissions) this relationship does not seems to apply. Critics from both views (theoretical and empirical) points up several motivations for EKC fallibility. Essentially because they are models based upon stylized hypothesis (non-proved) and depend upon weak constructed empirical econometrical models. The objective of the present study is suggesting a robust theoretical model for the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption and environmental quality. For the referred objective it has been done a extension of the Ramsey- Cass-Koopmans growth models incorporating the energy and environmental quality.

O ser humano, já nas primeiras civilizações, tem como objetivo principal na vida prosperar e possuir uma quantidade cada vez maior de riqueza e de bens. A cultura do acúmulo de riqueza e de um consumo cada vez maior de bens e serviços faz parte então dos costumes de qualquer sociedade e economia no mundo. O crescimento econômico é, desta forma, objetivo para qualquer economia ao redor do mundo e logicamente do Brasil. Atualmente conceituado com um aumento da produção, este crescimento econômico gera uma série de impactos negativos (degradação) sobre os recursos naturais e ambientais. No longo prazo, estes impactos negativos podem estar levando a uma deterioração irreversível das reservas destes recursos, prejudicando desta forma o desempenho e a prosperidade das economias. O estudo do nível de degradação dos recursos naturais e ambientais e sua relação com o nível de crescimento econômico de uma nação é, desta forma, de grande importância pelos aspectos apresentados. O objetivo do nosso trabalho é, desta forma, exatamente este, estudar a relação entre o crescimento econômico (conceituado como um aumento do nível de renda) e o nível de degradação dos recursos naturais e ambientais, às luzes do modelo EKC (Environmental Kuznest Curve), aplicado ao Brasil. Como a degradação dos recursos naturais e ambientais é multidimensional, necessitando assim uma série de indicadores, e devido a disponibilidade de dados, foram utilizados dois tipos de indicadores: de qualidade de água e de consumo de energia.
Since the beginning of the human society, men have a main objective in life, getting wealthier and have as many goods as possible. The culture of wealthy accumulation and the consuming of a bigger quantity of goods and services is part of the characteristics of any society and economy around the world. This way, economical growth is an essential requirement for any economy, including Brazil. Defined as an improvement of the production, this economical growth also generates some other negative impacts on environmental and natural resources. In the long-run those impacts can be leading to an irreversible situation, bringing up some serious influences on the economical balance and prosperity. For those reasons, the study of the relationship between the economical growth and the degradation of the natural and environmental resources is important for a society. Thinking on it, we have developed a study that analyzes the relationship between economical growth (defined as an increase of the real GDP) and the degradation of natural and environmental resources, applying the concept of the EKC (Environmental Kuznets Curve) model in Brazil. Unfortunately, it’s needed as many indicators of pressure as possible (once that the quality of natural and environmental resources is multidimensional), but, due to that lack of data and to facilitate our study it has been applied the study to two indicators: water quality and energy consume.

Background: Ever since the Brundtland Commission stressed that Social Sustainability (SS) issues are often ignored, there has been mounting research on social sustainability (Boström, Vifell, Klintman, Soneryd, Hallström & Thedvall, 2015). Companies are now addressing sustainability concerns more broadly because of the increasing demand and pressure from society demanding they deal with the negative social impacts associated with their products and activities. This study is delimited to SMEs. While individual SMEs are naturally smaller and have less impact on sustainability than larger businesses, their involvement is important in achieving national SS targets (Weingaertner & Moberg, 2011). Sustainability is often regarded as the privilege of large corporations since they have sufficient funds to improve their carbon footprint (Rodgers, 2010). The activities of SMEs are not well understood and documented, including their entrepreneurial start-ups within communities, of which some are entirely based on sustainable principles (Rodgers, 2010). Given that SMEs play an important role towards sustainable development, understanding the underlying mechanisms of why SMEs are committed to SS within communities is an important research topic. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how SMEs facilitate the ability of communities to develop socially sustainable practices that not only satisfy the requirements of current members but also support the ability of future generations to maintain sustainable communities. Method: Due to the limited literature in social sustainability in the context of SMEs embedded in diverse communities, this thesis employs an exploratory research design together with qualitative and abductive approaches. Qualitative content analysis is used in coding and analysing the empirical findings, and the abductive approach is used in developing an extended framework of social sustainability. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to gain insight into the initiatives implemented by SMEs towards socially sustainable communities and the obstacles they face. Through qualitative research in different sectors of the economy (agriculture, construction, service, retail, manufacturing) and different countries, an empirical understanding of how SMEs engage in social sustainability initiatives was derived. The empirical findings resulted in the extension of a social sustainability framework proposed by Eizenberg and Jabareen (2017). In the extended framework, community social capital was added as the fifth concept of SS and its main components include human capital, social capital, social cohesion, social inclusion, natural capital and philanthropic capital. The variety of sectors and countries enabled us to take into account contextual differences and develop an international view of social sustainability concepts relevant for communities.
Bakgrund: Ända sedan Brundtland kommissionen betonade att SS-frågor ofta ignorerades, har det förekommit forskning om social hållbarhet (Boström, Vifell, Klintman, Soneryd, Hallström & Thedvall, 2015). Företagen är nu pressade att ta itu med sociala hållbarhetsfrågor och denna studie fokuserar på små och medelstora företag. Medan enskilda små och medelstora företag är naturligt mindre och har mindre inverkan på hållbarhetsarbetet än de större företagen, är deras engagemang viktigt för att uppnå nationella SS mål (Weingaertner & Moberg, 2011). Hållbarhet betraktas ofta som ett privilegium för stora företag eftersom de har tillräckliga medel för att förbättra sitt koldioxidavtryck (Rodgers, 2010). De små och medelstora företagens verksamhet är inte väl förstådd och dokumenterad, inklusive företagsetableringar inom samhällen, av vilka vissa är helt baserade på hållbara principer (Rodgers, 2010). Med tanke på att små och medelstora företag spelar en viktig roll för en hållbar utveckling är det viktigt att förstå de bakomliggande mekanismerna bakom varför små och medelstora företag är engagerade i SS inom samhällen. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur små och medelstora företag kan främja en samhällelig förmåga att utveckla socialt hållbara metoder som inte bara tillfredsställer de nuvarande medlemmarnas behov utan också stöder framtida generationers förmåga att bibehålla en hållbar samhällen. Metod: På grund av den begränsade litteraturen om social hållbarhet inom ramen för små och medelstora företag i samhället, använder denna avhandling en explorativ forsknings design tillsammans med kvalitativa och abduktiva metoder. Den kvalitativa innehållsanalysen används vid kodning och analys av empiriska fynd, och den abduktiva metoden används för att utveckla en utvidgad ram för social hållbarhet inom samhällen. Slutsats: Syftet med denna studie var att få insikt i de initiativ som små och medelstora företag genomför för socialt hållbara samhällen och de hinder de står inför. Genom kvalitativ forskning inom olika sektorer av ekonomin (jordbruk, byggande, service, detaljhandel, tillverkning) och olika länder, har en empirisk förståelse för hur små och medelstora företag engagerar sig i sociala hållbarhets initiativ härletts. De empiriska rönen resulterade i en utvidgning av en social hållbarhetsram som föreslogs av Eizenberg och Jabareen (2017). I den utvidgade ramen infördes samhälleligt kapital som det femte konceptet för SS och dess huvudkomponenter är humankapital, socialt kapital, social sammanhållning, social integration, naturkapital och filantropiska kapital. Mångfalden av sektorer och länder gjorde det möjligt för oss att ta hänsyn till kontextuella skillnader och utveckla en internationell syn på sociala hållbarhets begrepp som är relevanta för samhällen.

Wir können Mathematikleistungen über fluide Intelligenz (FI) vorhersagen. Der Einfluss von FI auf kognitive Prozesse und neuronale Mechanismen, die mathematischen Fähigkeiten in verschiedenen Teildisziplinen zugrunde liegen, ist jedoch wenig verstanden. Vorliegende Arbeit spezifiziert FI-bezogene Unterschiede in diesen Prozessen und Mechanismen beim Lösen von Geometrie-, Arithmetik- und Algebra-Aufgaben. Mithilfe eines multimethodalen Ansatzes beleuchtet sie das Zusammenspiel zwischen FI, Leistung und Faktoren wie Aufgabenkomplexität, Lernen und Strategiewahl, die kognitive Prozesse und Anforderungen beim Problemlösen beeinflussen. Leistungsunterschiede wurden durch Messung von Reaktionszeiten und Fehlerraten, Strategien durch Augenbewegungsanalyse erfasst. Als Indikator kortikaler Aktivität diente die ereigniskorrelierte (De-)Synchronisation (ERD/ERS) im Alpha-Band. Um kognitive Prozesse zu unterscheiden, haben wir die ERD/ERS im Theta-Band und den Alpha-Unterbändern einbezogen. Beim Lösen unvertrauter geometrischer Analogien zeichnete sich hohe FI durch verstärkte Verarbeitung visuell-räumlicher Informationen zum Repräsentieren von Merkmalszusammenhängen aus. Schüler mit hoher FI passten ihre Strategiewahl den Anforderungen flexibler an. Erstmals konnten wir durch trialweise Identifikation von Strategien FI-bezogene Unterschiede in der neuronalen Effizienz der Strategieausführung feststellen. Beim Lösen vertrauter arithmetischer und algebraischer Terme zeigten sich bei Schülern mit hoher im Vergleich zu Schülern mit durchschnittlicher FI geringere Anforderungen zur Aktualisierung numerischer Repräsentationen und eine bessere Leistung in komplexen Aufgaben. Weitere Analysen legen nahe, dass Schüler mit hoher FI Zusammenhänge in der Aufgabenstruktur besser erkennen und passende Routinen abrufen können. Die Fähigkeit Zusammenhangsrepräsentationen zu bilden könnte demnach ein Schlüsselaspekt zur Erklärung FI-abhängiger Unterschiede in mathematischen Fähigkeiten sein.
Fluid intelligence (FI) is a strong predictor of mathematical performance. However, the impact of FI on cognitive processes and neural mechanisms underlying differences in mathematical abilities across different subdivisions is not well understood. The present work specifies FI-related differences in these processes and mechanisms for students solving geometric, arithmetic, and algebraic problems. We chose a multi-methodological approach to shed light on the interplay between FI, performance, and factors such as task complexity, learning, and strategy selection that influence cognitive processes and task demands in problem-solving. We measured response times and error rates to evaluate performance, eye movements to identify solution strategies, and the event-related (de-)synchronization (ERD/ERS) in the broad alpha band as indicator of general cortical activity. Further, we considered the ERD/ERS in the theta band and the alpha sub-bands to distinguish between associated cognitive processes. For unfamiliar geometric analogy tasks, students with high FI built relational representations based on a more intense processing of spatial information. Strategy analyses revealed a more adaptive strategy choice in response to increasing task demands compared to students with average FI. Further, we conducted the first study identifying strategies and related cortical activity trial-wise and thereby identified FI-related differences in the neural efficiency of strategy execution. For solving familiar arithmetic and algebraic problems, high compared to average FI was associated with lower demands on the updating of numbers leading to a better performance in complex tasks. Further analyses suggest that students with high FI had an advantage to identify the relational structure of the problems and to retrieve routines that match this structure. Thus, the ability to build relational representations might be one key aspect explaining FI-related difference in mathematical abilities.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc
In this study PbSe quantum dots (QDs) were successfully synthesized via the organometallic and aqueous routes. Optical characterization was carried out using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, structural and morphological characterization were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine the composition of the QDs. All the synthesized QDs were found to have emissions within the near-infrared region of the spectrum (≥1000 nm) with most of them being less than 5 nm in size. The aqueous synthesized QDs had a perfect Gaussian emission spectrum with a FWHM of ~23 nm indicating pure band gap emission and narrow size distribution respectively. The QDs were determined to have a cubic rock-salt crystal structure consistent with bulk PbSe. The aqueous synthesized QDs were however not stable in solution with the QDs precipitating after approximately 48 h. The organometallic synthesized QDs were transferred into the aqueous phase by exchanging the surface oleic acid ligands with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid ligands. The ligand exchanged QDs were however stable in solution for over two weeks. The effects of reaction parameters on the optical and structural properties of the organometallic synthesized QDs were investigated by varying the reaction time, temperature, ligand purity, lead and selenium sources. It was observed that larger QDs were formed with longer reaction times, with reactions proceeding faster at higher reaction temperatures than at lower temperatures. Varying the ligand purity was found to have minimal effects on the properties of the synthesized QDs. The lead and selenium sources contributed largely to the properties of the QDs with lead oxide producing spherical QDs which were smaller compared to the cubic QDs produced from lead acetate. TBPSe was seen to produce smaller QDs as compared to TOPSe. The cytotoxity of the synthesized QDs was determined following the WST-1 cell viability assay with the QDs being found to be non-toxic at all the tested concentrations

Die Reaktionsauswahl und die visuelle Aufmerksamkeit sind kapazitätslimitiert. In Doppelaufgaben des Paradigmas der Psychologischen Refraktärperiode (PRP) wird angenommen, dass die Reaktionsauswahlstufen in Aufgabe 1 und Aufgabe 2 sequentiell verarbeitet werden. Für Konjunktionssuchaufgaben wird angenommen, dass die visuelle Aufmerksamkeit Objekte selektiert und Objektmerkmale zusammen bindet, was zu einem seriellen Suchprozess führt. In der vorliegenden Dissertation wurde untersucht, ob die visuelle Aufmerksamkeit (d.h. Merkmalsbindung) demselben zentralen Verarbeitungsengpass wie die Reaktionsauswahl in Doppelaufgaben unterliegt. Sequentielle Verarbeitung von Reaktionsauswahl und visueller Aufmerksamkeit würde Evidenz dafür zeigen, dass beide Prozesse derselben Kapazitätslimitation unterliegen, während parallele Verarbeitung Evidenz dafür zeigen würde, dass beide Prozesse unterschiedlichen Kapazitätslimitationen unterliegen. Um diese Frage zu untersuchen, wurden Reaktionszeitmaße (locus-of-slack Methode), Targetdetektionsmaße (d’) und Ereigniskorrelierte Potentiale (EKPs; N2pc (N2 posterior contralateral)) gemessen. Schwerpunkt aller Analysen war der visuelle Aufmerksamkeitsprozess in einer Konjunktionssuche, die als Aufgabe 2 in Doppelaufgaben implementiert wurde. Aufgabe 1 war stets eine Wahlunterscheidungsaufgabe. Die Verhaltens- und elektrophysiologischen Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die Reaktionsauswahl in Aufgabe 1 und die visuelle Aufmerksamkeit (d.h. Merkmalsbindung) in Aufgabe 2 parallel verarbeitet wurden unabhängig von der Stimulusmodalität in Aufgabe 1, der Schwierigkeit der Reaktionsauswahl in Aufgabe 1 und der Darbietungsform des Stimulusdisplays in Aufgabe 2. Außerdem wurde eine Methode entwickelt, um die Anzahl der Objekte zu berechnen, die parallel zur Reaktionsauswahl verarbeitet wurden. Die Berechnungen stützten die Konklusion, dass die Reaktionsauswahl und die visuelle Aufmerksamkeit unterschiedlichen Kapazitätslimitationen unterliegen.
Response selection and visual attention are limited in capacity. Concerning dual-tasks of the Psychological Refractory Period (PRP) paradigm, it is assumed that response selection of Task 1 and Task 2 are processed sequentially. On the other hand, concerning conjunction search, it is assumed that visual attention selects the items and binds the item features resulting in a serial search process. In the present dissertation I investigated whether visual attention (i.e., feature binding) is subject to the same bottleneck mechanism as response selection in dual-tasks. Sequential processing of response selection and visual attention would provide evidence that both processes rely on a common capacity limitation, whereas concurrent processing would provide evidence that they rely on distinct capacity limitations. Reaction time (RT) measures based on the locus-of-slack method, target detectability measures based on d’, and the event-related potential (ERP) technique to measure the N2pc (N2 posterior contralateral) were combined to investigate this question. Analyses focused on visual attention deployment in a conjunction search task, which was implemented as Task 2 in dual-task situations. Task 1 was a choice discrimination task. Both tasks were presented at variable temporal overlap (Stimulus Onset Asynchrony, SOA). The behavioral and N2pc results showed that response selection in Task 1 and visual attention (i.e., feature binding) in Task 2 operated concurrently irrespective of the stimulus modality in Task 1, the response selection difficulty in Task 1 and the type of presentation of the search display in Task 2. Based on a method that was developed in the present dissertation, it was possible to calculate how many items of the search display were processed in parallel to response selection. The results supported the conclusion that response selection and visual attention rely on distinct capacity limitations.

In this thesis I outline the contribution Community-based theatre has made to New Zealand theatre. This involves a defining of theatre production as a material practice. Community-based theatre was a tendency from the 1930s, a promise of the left theatre movement and, I argue, was being searched for as a form of practice by the avant-garde, experimental practitioners of the 1970s. At the same time, early Māori theatre began as a Community-based practice before moving into the mainstream. With the arrival of neo-liberalism to Aotearoa in 1984, community groups and Community-based theatre could become official providers within the political system. This led to a flowering of practices, which I describe, together with the tensions that arise from being a part of that system. However, neo-liberalism introduced managerial practices into state contracting and patronage policy, which effectively denied this flowering the sustenance deserved. At the same time, these policies commodified mainstream theatre production. In conclusion, I argue that in the current situation of global crisis, Community-based theatre practice has a continuing role to play in giving voice to the multitude and by being a practice of the Common.

The South African government that was elected in 1994 made tremendous changes in the Education system. The new government came up with the new curriculum for Basic Education (grade R- 12). The new curriculum had new topics in physical science. This made me as a teacher doubt whether I would be able to teach new topics. During my time as a student, I was not taught mining at school or college. As a result, I decided to do a self study in order to investigate how I would learn gold mining as a topic in order for me to be able to teach it to my learners. My study involved studying my own teaching practice while learning and also finding out the key things that made me understand the content knowledge involved in the topic of gold mining. The self study was done in order to ensure that I understood the content knowledge and how best to teach it to the learners. I used a collaboration team, reflective journal, group interviews classroom observation and learners’ responses to collect data. The participants were my grade 11 learners and myself. My data was analysed using a PCK model, CoRes and PaPeRs. I had to learn the content knowledge and transform it to make it understandable to learners. I designed lessons using the prior knowledge of learners and integrating Physical Science and Geography. Lessons did not go as smoothly as I had expected. Learners wanted some of their existing knowledge to be included. The classroom activities depended entirely on the relationship between the teacher and learners. I carried out my study bearing in mind that implementation of the new curriculum depends not only on classroom interactions (DoE, 2002) but most importantly on the content knowledge that the teacher has and how it is transformed. Learners taught me to understand gold mining from the geographical point of view as well from the scientific point of view. From the beginning of the study they were really excited and were looking forward to new things. Using the learners’ science prior knowledge helped me design lessons that allowed me to learn to be a facilitator.

Orientação : Jorge Proença
Este estudo pretende caracterizar a Aptidão Física (ApF) de alunos que praticam e que não praticam atividade desportiva extracurricular, verificando a sua evolução durante um ano letivo e ao longo da idade. A amostra é constituída por 146 alunos, 78 do género masculino e 68 do género feminino, do 5º ao 9° ano de escolaridade, do Agrupamento de Escolas Josefa de Óbidos, com idades compreendidas entre os 11 e os 14 anos. A avaliação da ApF é feita através dos critérios previstos na bateria de testes do Fitnessgram, nas provas de Vaivem (CA), Força Média (FM), Senta e alcança (FL) e o nível e tipo de prática desportiva através de questionário. Para análise dos dados são utilizados procedimentos estatísticos essenciais, com um nível de significância 5% (p<0,05). Aplica-se o Independente-Samples T-test na comparação de não praticantes e praticantes, género e idade e o Teste t-pares na evolução da avaliação inicial para a final, usando o SPSS (versão 19). Das principais conclusões retira-se que: (1) Os níveis de ApF são crescentes e significativos do 1º para o 2º momento em não praticantes, excetuando quando analisados por idade na FM em rapazes e em raparigas não praticantes de 13 e 14 anos; na CA e FL nos não praticantes, rapazes de 12 e 13 anos e raparigas de 12 anos; (2) na comparação de não praticantes e praticantes verificam-se valores estatisticamente significativos em todos os testes, à exceção, do teste da FM, na avaliação inicial e na final. Quando analisados por idade verificam-se igualmente significativos na CA em rapazes de 11, 13 e 14 anos e nas raparigas de 13 anos. Idêntico comportamento ocorre na FL em rapazes de 14 anos e raparigas de 12 e 14 anos, em ambas as avaliações; (3) os níveis de ApF aumentam com a idade - a diferença mais acentuada ocorre dos 11 para os 12 anos na FM (rapazes praticantes e raparigas não praticantes) e na CA (rapazes e raparigas não praticantes); verificam-se pequenas variações na FL, sendo estatisticamente significativas, com decréscimo acentuado, dos 13 para os 14 anos em não praticantes e com aumento significativo, para as mesmas idades, nos praticantes.
The current study aims at understanding the influence of sports practice in the levels of Physical Fitness (ApF) in students that attend extra-curricular physical and students who don’t, during one school year and according to their age. The chosen sample includes 146 students, 78 of them are males and 68 are females, aged between 11 and 14 years old, that attend grades 5th to 9th in Agrupamento de Escolas Josefa de Óbidos. Method: The evolution of ApF was obtained by application of some of the criteria include in the fitnessgram Test, mainly PACER test (CA), Curl-up (FM) e Back saver Sit an Reach (FL), while the level and type of practice in sports was obtained through questionnaires. Some essential statistical procedures were employed to analyze the data obtained, with a level of significance %5 (p<0,05) The Independent Samples T-test was applied to compare those that practice sports and those who don’t, gender and age, and Test t-pares was applied in the evolution of the evaluation mad between 1th and 2th measures, using SPSS (19 version). The main conclusions of the study are: (1) The levels of ApF grow significantly between the moments of evaluation in those who don’t practice physical activity, but not when analyzed by age in boys and girls of 13 and 14 years in the FM test; (2) when comparing those who practice physical activity and those o who don’t, the statistical results are very important in all tests, exception made to the FM test, both in both moments of evaluation. When the data is analyzed by the age of the students, there are also some important results in the CA for boys aged 11, 13 and 14 and for girls aged 13. The same happens for boys of 14 years in the Fl, and for girls aged 12 and 14 in both evaluations. (3) The levels of ApF increase with age – most significant is the one that occurs from 11 to 12 years old in FM (in boys that practice sports and girls that don’t) and CA (boys and girls that don’t practice). FL is not as stable as the previous two. There were small statistical variations in FL, but still statistically relevant, with a slight decrease, from 13 to 14 years old in boys that don’t practice sports and with a slight increase, for the same ages, to those o practice.

Orientação: Jorge Proença
O propósito da presente investigação foi analisar a evolução dos níveis de aptidão física dos alunos da Escola EB 2+3 Conde de Oeiras em função da idade e género. A amostra foi constituída por 252 alunos ( 134 raparigas e 118 rapazes), com idades compreendidas entre os 10 e os 15 anos. Os resultados foram recolhidos ao longo do ano lectivo 2010/2011, em dois momentos de avaliação (inicial e final), através da aplicação da bateria de testes do Fitnessgram. Os procedimentos estatísticos usados foram o teste do Qui-quadrado e o teste Tpares. Os resultados obtidos revelam que existem diferenças significativas entre géneros, sendo que os rapazes apresentam uma percentagem significativamente superior à das raparigas na flexibilidade dos membros inferiores e na força dos membros superiores, na avaliação inicial. Enquanto que as raparigas apresentam uma percentagem significativamente superior na capacidade cardio-respiratória. Em relação à evolução das capacidades motoras, verificou-se que a capacidade com maior incremento foi a cardio-respiratória, em todas as faixas etárias nas raparigas, à excepção dos 15 anos, e nos rapazes dos 10 e 12 anos. Na comparação de géneros na avaliação final, as únicas capacidades motoras com diferenças significativas foram a flexibilidade dos membros inferiores, onde a percentagem de rapazes foi superior às raparigas (p=0.008), e a capacidade cardio-respiratória, em que a percentagem das raparigas foi superior à dos rapazes (p<0.001).
The purpose of this research was to analyse the evolution of physical fitness levels of students of EB 2+3 Conde de Oeiras School, according to age and gender. This sample covered 252 students ( 134 girls and 118 boys) aged between 10 and 15 years old. The data were collected during the school year of 2010/2011, assessed in two evaluations (inicial and final evaluation), using the Fitnessgram program. In statistical terms, the methods used were the chi-square test and the paired t-test. Results revealed that boys obtained significant higher percentage than girls in the lower members flexibility and the upper members strength, at the initial evaluation and girls obtained a significant higher percentage in cardio respiratory capacity. Regarding to the evolution of motor skills, after one year, we noticed that the capacity with a higher improvement was the cardio respiratory at all ages in girls, except the group of the 15 years and in boys was in the ages of 10 and 12 years old. The results of the final evaluation, demonstrated that the motor skills with significant differences between gender, were the lower members flexibility, with a higher percentage to boys (p=0.008) and the cardio respiratory capacity, with a higher percentage to the girls (p<0.001).

Orientação : Jorge Proença
O estudo apresentado tem como objetivo avaliar os níveis de Aptidão Física de crianças e jovens dos 11 aos 14 anos da Freguesia de Bobadela, estabelecendo uma comparação entre aqueles que praticam Atividade Física somente através da Disciplina de Educação Física e os que para além desta realizam Atividades Físicas Extracurriculares. A amostra é constituída por 321 alunos de ambos os géneros, da Escola Básica Integrada de Bobadela, distrito de Lisboa, com idades compreendidas entre os 11 e os 14 anos. Tendo em conta os objetivos do estudo, a amostra foi dividida em dois grupos distintos, sendo que 148 alunos praticam Atividade Física Extracurricular, 81 do género masculino e 67 do género feminino, com uma média de 12,43 anos de idade, e 173 alunos que só praticam Atividade Física durante as aulas de Educação Física, 90 do género masculino e 83 do género feminino, com uma média de idades de 12,31 anos. Para a realização do estudo foi aplicada a bateria de testes do Fitnessgram de modo a avaliar a Aptidão Física das Crianças na dimensão motora (Flexibilidade – senta e alcança; Força Média – abdominal; Resistência – Vaivém e um questionário de prática desportiva fora do contexto escolar). A recolha de dados teve lugar entre 22 de Setembro e 26 de Maio de 2011. A apresentação dos resultados foi efetuada através do uso da estatística descritiva: media, desvio padrão, amplitude; e o teste T-Student. Concluímos que: 1 - No início do ano letivo não existem diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre géneros, em todas as capacidades motoras consideradas; 2- Em termos de evolução da NZSAF para a ZSAF, verifica-se uma melhoria das capacidades motoras em todas as faixas etárias de ambos os grupos, à exceção das raparigas não praticantes no teste da Força Média. A Flexibilidade dos Membros Inferiores foi mais acentuada nas raparigas de 11 anos, não praticantes (3.6%) e praticantes (4.5%). 3 – A percentagem mais elevada de evolução ocorre ao nível da Capacidade Aeróbia (nos rapazes (3.7%) e raparigas (3%) de 12 anos). 4 - Comparando o grupo de Praticantes e de Não Praticantes (rapazes e raparigas) com os valores de referência do Fitnessgram verificou-se que em relação à Aptidão Física, os Praticantes apresentaram maiores percentagens dentro do intervalo da Zona Saudável para todos os testes realizados.
The study presented here intends to evaluate the levels of Physical Aptitude in children and young people from the ages of 11 through to 14 in Bobadela, by establishing a comparison between those who practise Physical Activity solely in Physical Education classes at school and those who, besides this, have Extracurricular Physical Activities. The sample was constituted by 321 students of both genders, all from Escola Básica Integrada de Bobadela, in the Lisbon district, with ages ranging from 11 to 14. Taking into account the objectives of this study, the sample was divided into two distinct groups, with 148 who practise extracurricular Physical Activity, 81 males and 67 females, with an average of 12,43 years of age, and 173 students who only practise Physical Activity during their Physical Education classes at school, 90 males and 83 females, with an average of 12,31 years of age. To carry out the study a battery of tests from Fitnessgram were applied in order to evaluate the Children’s Physical Aptitude in the motor dimension (flexibility – back saver sit and reach; average muscular strenght – abdominal; Endurance – PACER and a questionnaire on their physical practice outside the school context. The data collection took place between September 22nd and May 26th 2011. The presentation of the results was done through the use of descriptive statistics: average, pattern deviation, range and the T-Student test. In the end, we reached the following conclusions: 1 – At the beginning of the school year there were no significant statistical differences between genders, in all the considered motor skills; 2- In terms of the evolution from the NHFZ to the HFZ, an improvement can be seen in the motor skills of all ages in both groups, with the exception of girls who did not take part in the Average Strenght test. Flexibility in the Lower Limbs was more significant in girls aged 11, non-practitioners (3.6%) and practitioners (4.5%). 3 – It was observed that the ability with a higher percentage of evolution took place in Cardiorespiratory (for 12 year-old boys (3.7%) and girls (3%)). 4 – Comparing the group of Practitioners and Non-Practitioners (boys and girls) with the reference values for Fitnessgram it was seen that in terms of Physical Aptitude, the practitioners presented higher percentages within Healthy Zone interval for all the tests done.