Cognitive and weight-related correlates of flexible and rigid restrained eating behaviour

Objectives: Examine the association between components of restrained eating, cognitive performance and weight loss maintenance. Methods: 106 women, all members of a commercial slimming organisation for at least 6. months (mean ± SD: 15.7 ± 12.4 months), were studied who, having lost 10.1 ± 9.7 kg of their initial weight, were hoping to sustain their weight loss during the 6. month study. Dietary restraint subcomponents flexible and rigid restraint, as well as preoccupying cognitions with food, body-shape and diet were assessed using questionnaires. Attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli was measured using a modified Stroop test. Working memory performance was assessed using the N-back test. These factors, and participant weight, were measured twice at 6. month intervals. Results: Rigid restraint was associated with attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli (r = 0.43, p < 0.001 resp r = 0.49, p < 0.001) whereas flexible restraint correlated with impaired working memory (r = - 0.25, p < 0.05). In a multiple regression analyses, flexible restraint was associated with more weight lost and better weight loss maintenance, while rigid restraint was associated with less weight loss. Conclusions: Rigid restraint correlates with a range of preoccupying cognitions and attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli. Flexible restraint, despite the impaired working memory performance, predicts better long-term weight loss. Explicitly encouraging flexible restraint may be important in preventing and treating obesity. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd

The Design of Hybrid Systems using the SEA Environment

... this paper we propose a design methodology and accompanied tool support for complex hybrid system design, based on the single common model of extended Predicate/Transition Nets (Pr/T--Nets). This paradigm has been enlarged so that complete models of hybrid systems, including continuous, discrete and interface parts, can be captured. Based on this paradigm we propose a design methodology consisting of the phases specification and modeling, analysis and synthesis. For evaluation we have applied our concepts to the design of a series hybrid drive for vehicles. We mainly concentrate on the modeling issues, i.e. we describe how to capture different behaviors, how to interface between such models and how to gradually refine these models. We then describe the necessary steps within the design phases of analysis and synthesis and conclude with experiences derived from the application of our methodology