Introduction: The cognitive benefits of physical activity and sport on executive function are of interest to researchers, especially considering the subsequent interventions that could be implemented. However, researchers frequently use different approaches to conceptualize and measure executive function, often using only a few computerized tasks. My Master’s thesis, therefore, aims to investigate the associations between executive function and physical activity and sport through two different studies to obtain a robust evaluation of executive function: 1) A quantitative study examining physical activity, sport and concussion history in university students and their effect on executive function, and 2) A qualitative study exploring the executive functions engaged during a game from elite university athletes’ experiences. Methods: Quantitative Study. Canadian university students (n=247) completed an online study with nine computerized executive function tasks and a behavioural self-report of executive function, as well as questions assessing weekly physical activity, athletic status, and concussion history. Structural equation modelling and linear regression were conducted to predict executive function based on age, sex, physical activity, athletic status and concussion history. Qualitative study. Canadian university athletes (n=19) participated in semi-structured interviews via Zoom to determine the executive functions engaged during a game. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. Results: Quantitative Study. The three-factor model of executive function had an overall good fit: χ2 = 66.38, df = 51, p = 0.07, CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.04 [90% CI: 0.00–0.06], SRMR = 0.05. No direct relationship was found between the factors and age, physical activity, concussion history, or athletic status. Sex was significantly related to inhibition, b = 0.52, p = 0.02, such that males had greater inhibition. Physical activity (b = 0.09, p < .01), concussion history (b = 3.29, p < .05) and athletic status (b = -4.01, p < .05) were found to be significant predictors in the regression predicting self-reported executive functioning. Qualitative study. Three themes were generated: 1) Engaging in pre-play or pre-game planning, organization and decision making, 2) Engaging in mid-play problem solving and purposive action and 3) Engaging in post-play or post-game information processing, emotional control and effective performance. Conclusions: The quantitative study found that physical activity, athletic status and concussion history were predictive of subjective but not objective executive function. The qualitative study determined that athletes engage many executive functions that are dependent on the timing of both the play and the game (pre-, mid- or post-). Real-life behavioural manifestations of executive functioning are more challenging to assess and measure but may be better predicted by and relate to life factors such as physical activity and sport participation. The results of my thesis provide support for future research to utilize and develop more unique and ecologically valid methods of measuring EF in the field of physical activity and sport. / Graduate

This thesis is focused on the study of the effectiveness of active ingredients from natural extracts such as milk thistle and turmeric. The thesis describes the use of modern methods of analysis and identification of active substances located in plants of milk thistle and turmeric. In the experimental part of thesis, which was preceded by a literature search focused on the biological effects of active substances in the chosen natural extracts, the extracts were characterized according to group characteristics (total assessment of polyphenols and flavonoids, assessment of antioxidant activity, and assessment of vitamin C volume and tocopherol). The next part is focused on the study of the encapsulation of natural active substances into the organic particles: liposomes. Silymarin and curcumin were encapsulated as active substances. The idea of a plant with a single active ingredient is usually erroneous. Plants usually contain hundreds of components which cooperate on a given effect. Therefore, the majority of herbalists believe that a simple plant is an active ingredient. However, some plants are known to be containing a particular active phytochemical. For instance, plants such as the milk thistle, turmeric, or a ginkgo are great examples of the plant containing a particular active phytochemical. In these cases, the active compound is disproportionately more effective than the plant itself. Encapsulation efficiency of active ingredients of Silymarin and curcumin was determined by HPLC/PDA. The aim of the analysis was to observe the behavior of elements during the incubation in surrounding of gastric juice model, and the stability while maintaining the particles in model food.

Abstract I have made a detailed study of the fundamental properties of the solar photospheric magnetic field, which helps in better understanding the Sun’s radiative and particle outputs that affect the Earth’s near-space environment, as well as the entire heliosphere. Photospheric magnetic field is an essential parameter for space weather and space climate. The photospheric magnetic field includes a wide range of large-scale and small-scale structures, but the contribution of weak, small-scale fields to the total flux on the solar surface is dominant. This thesis discusses the spatial-temporal structure and long-term evolution of the solar photospheric magnetic field. Particularly, the thesis presents, for the first time, the spatial distribution of the asymmetry of weak field values and its evolution in solar cycles 21–24. I found that the asymmetry (also called shift) of the distribution of positive and negative weak-field values is a real physical phenomenon. I also found that the shifts are most effectively produced at the supergranulation scale. I studied the asymmetry of the distribution of weak field values separately in the two solar hemispheres. My results show that the shifts of weak-field field distributions in the two solar hemispheres have always the same sign as the new polarity of the polar field in the respective hemisphere and solar cycle. I also found that the hemispheric shifts change their sign in the late ascending to maximum phase of the solar cycle and attain their maximum in the early to mid-declining phase. This evolution of the hemispheric weak-field gives a new signal of the solar magnetic cycle. We also studied the long-term spatial-temporal evolution of the weak-field shift and skewness of the distribution of photospheric magnetic field values during solar cycles 21–24 in order to clarify the role and relation of the weak field values to the overall magnetic field evolution. Our results give evidence for the preference of even the weakest field elements toward the prevailing magnetic polarity since the emergence of an active region, and for a systematic coalescence of stronger magnetic fields of opposite to produce weak fields during the poleward drift of the surge. / Original papers Original papers are not included in the electronic version of the dissertation. Getachew, T., Virtanen, I., &amp; Mursula, K. (2017). Structure of the Photospheric Magnetic Field During Sector Crossings of the Heliospheric Magnetic Field. Solar Physics, 292(11). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11207-017-1198-9 http://jultika.oulu.fi/Record/nbnfi-fe201802083259 Getachew, T., Virtanen, I., &amp; Mursula, K. (2019). Asymmetric Distribution of Weak Photospheric Magnetic Field Values. The Astrophysical Journal, 874(2), 116. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ab0749 http://jultika.oulu.fi/Record/nbnfi-fe2019061320447 Getachew, T., Virtanen, I., &amp; Mursula, K. (2019). A New Signal of the Solar Magnetic Cycle: Opposite Shifts of Weak Magnetic Field Distributions in the Two Hemispheres. Geophysical Research Letters, 46(16), 9327–9333. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019gl083339 Mursula, K., Getachew, T., &amp; Virtanen, I. (2019). Spatial-temporal evolution of photospheric weak-field shifts in solar cycles 21-24. Astron. Astrophys., submitted.

In this study, the experiences of six-year-old preschool learners in a structured movement educational assessment activity are explored. This qualitative study focused on the role of structured movement educational assessment activities in preschool learners, and assessed the way in which movement as a medium in a structured movement educational assessment activity supports learners understanding of numeracy and literacy concepts. A case study design was utilised to gather information about the experiences of the preschool learners during the activities, as well as the class teacher who facilitated the sessions. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interview, non-participant observations, a research journal, observation sheets, reflection notes, document analysis (worksheets of learners) and visual data (photographs). Thematic data analysis was applied to the gathered data, and various themes and sub-themes were identified. These were confirmed by the participants before the completion of the study. The study adhered to the norms, values and principles of qualitative research, which entailed dealing professionally with aspects related to the different modalities of data. Further principles, namely that of informed consent, confidentiality, protection from harm, trustworthiness and anonymity, privacy and empowerment, caring and fairness were also adhered to (McMillan, & Schumacher, 2010). This study found that the value of structured movement educational assessment activities strongly create positive outcomes associated with preschool learners in terms of their social and cognitive development. Furthermore, when preschool learners are physically involved in movement activities, they engage in tasks of listening, seeing, and doing, and practical application of concepts of numeracy and literacy. The finding further suggests that the value of assessing the preschool learners qualitatively during practical activities seemed favourable, as underlying conceptual knowledge of numeracy and literacy difficulties, as well as poor motor skill acquisition, were identified during the structured movement activities. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

Mergers and acquisitions remain a constant feature of both the local and international markets, but little is definitely know about what determinants of aggregate merger activityThe aim of this research report is to evaluate the dynamic relationship between a selected number of determinants and aggregate merger activity. We limited our selection of determinants to either macroeconomic or market factors, and limited our acquirers listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.We defined aggregate merger activity using three measures, namely, quarterly deal frequency, quarterly deal value and a relative measure, which took the ratio of deal value over the JSE All Share Index. We utilised Gross Domestic Product, the Repurchase Rate, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) as our macroeconomic variables. Our market variables were the JSE All Share Index, the All Bond Index and the USD/ZAR Foreign Exchange Rate. Employing the appropriate data transformations, unit root, regression analysis and cointegration tests we were able to statistically test for the hypothesized relationships.Results indicated that only the Repurchase Rate was applicable in explaining the variation in the deal frequency variable, while none of the chosen determinants were significant in explaining the variation in the deal value and relative deal value measures. Overall, we found in all three cases that the fitted regression model did not explain the variation in our aggregate merger measure well.On a long-term equilibrium basis, we found that the All Bond Index and CPI were cointegrated with the deal frequency measure. The deal value measure had a long-term equilibrium relationship with the JSE All Share Index, while the relative deal value measure had a long term equilibrium relationship with the All Bond Index, CPI and PPI / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Background: Cancer is a troublesome disease for the individual; physically, mentally and socially. The disease and its treatment have many side effects, of which fatigue is experienced as the most trying by the patient. Cancer-related fatigue is perceived and defined as a painful, stubborn, and subjective experience of general, physical, psychological, emotional fatigue related to cancer or its treatment. Current research hows that individualized physical activity is a recommended care action in cancer-related fatigue, however, the effect of physical activity on the different dimensions of fatigue has not been established.   Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of physical activity on the different aspects of cancer-related fatigue.   Method: This study is a literature overview comprising 12 original research articles. The articles were randomized controlled trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies. The databases Pubmed, Cochrane, and SBU were used for the search. Included articles were reviewed for quality according to a method presented by Forsberg &amp; Wengström (2015).    Result: Eleven articles showed the effectiveness of physical activity physical fatigue. An uncertain effect was seen on general fatigue. No significant decrease in fatigue was shown between the control- and intervention group on mental and emotional fatigue.   Conclusion: It can be shown through these studies that there is evidence that physical activity has a positive effect on physical fatigue and an uncertain effect on general fatigue. Physical activity should therefore be applied as a nursing measure in the clinic more frequently. The intervention should be individualized and focused on the individual's strengths and weaknesses. However, the same positive effects on the aspects of mental and emotional fatigue are not seen. There is a need for another type of intervention to alleviate the degree of mental as well as emotional cancer related fatigue. Consequently, the need for further research on mental and emotional fatigue is great. / Bakgrund: Cancer är en mycket påfrestande sjukdom för individen; fysiskt, psykiskt och socialt. Cancersjukdomen och dess behandling har många biverkningar, av vilka fatigue upplevs som den besvärligaste av patienten. Cancerrelaterad fatigue definieras som en plågsam, envis och subjektiv upplevelse av generell, fysisk, psykisk, emotionell trötthet eller utmattning relaterad till cancer och dess behandling. Aktuell forskning visar att individualiserad fysisk aktivitet är en rekommenderad omvårdnadsåtgärd vid cancerrelaterad fatigue, däremot är effekten av fysisk aktivitet på cancerrelaterad fatigue inte fastställd. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att kartlägga vilken effekt fysisk aktivitet har på de generella, fysiska, psykiska samt emotionella aspekterna cancerrelaterad fatigue. Metod: Denna studie är en allmän litteraturöversikt innefattande 12 originalartiklar. Artiklarna var randomiserade kontrollerade studier (RCT) samt kvasiexperimentella studier. För sökning användes databaserna Pubmed, Cochrane samt SBU. Inkluderade artiklar kvalitetsgranskades enligt metod från Forsberg och Wengström (2015). Resultat: Elva artiklar visade på fysisk aktivitets effektivitet vid fysisk fatigue samt oviss effekt vid generell fatigue. Däremot sågs ingen signifikant minskning mellan kontroll-och interventionsgruppen gällande de psykiska och emotionella aspekterna av fatigue. Slutsats: Det framkom i denna studie att fysisk aktivitet har en positiv effekt på fysisk fatigue samt en oviss effekt på generell fatigue, därför bör fysisk aktivitet förskrivas som omvårdnadsåtgärd vid fysisk fatigue oftare. Interventionen bör individanpassas och fokuseras på individens styrkor och svagheter. Det visade sig även att fysisk aktivitet inte hade någon signifikant effekt på psykisk och emotionell fatigue. Därmed är behovet av vidare forskning beträffande lindrandet av psykisk och emotionell fatigue stort.

Aristotle discusses the nature of soul in De Anima, defining it as the "form of a natural body having life potentially" or "first actuality of a natural, instrumental body." I argue that these definitions characterize soul as the capacity for the activity of life. In chapter one I examine key terminology from Aristotle’s account of soul: the terms used to discuss soul, life, and the vital functions. In particular, the soul and life terminology must be kept separate, as must the terms referring to vital capacities and those referring to vital activities. In chapter two I use these terminological distinctions to trace Aristotle’s arguments for his definition of soul, contending that they begin by positing life as the vital activities and soul as the cause of life. From that beginning, Aristotle twice argues for a definition of soul, in De Anima 2.1 and 2.2. In the transition between the two arguments Aristotle says that the first is sketched in outline and that a proper definition shows the cause. While this is usually taken to mean that Aristotle prefers the second definition, I argue that the definitions reached are the same. In chapter three I argue that Aristotle’s definitions of soul state that it is the capacity for life. He defines it as a first actuality, and upon examination this phrase means that it is a capacity. He also defines it as a form and calls form an actuality, but I explain that due to the relativity of actuality and potentiality, it is permissible to view form as a capacity as well. In chapter four I reconcile the general account of soul as a capacity with Aristotle’s discussions of a particular kind of soul, examining what he says in De Anima and his biological works about the most fundamental kind—the nutritive. Aristotle locates nutritive soul in the heart and says that it is responsible for the size of an organism, but this fits with nutritive soul also being the capacity of an organism to nourish itself. I also discuss why Aristotle says the body is the instrument of soul.

This study examined factors that motivate parents to involve their children in organized gymnastics programs. A questionnaire based on McCullagh et al.'s (1993) study of recreational soccer players was used along with open-ended questions. The questionnaire was administered to parents of children who were involved in a private gymnastics club. Descriptive statistics of 156 surveys showed that fitness, skill development, and fun were most frequently cited reasons for parents in their decision to enroll and keep their child in gymnastics programs. Competition was the least important factor. ANOVA showed that competition and team membership factors were more important to the parents of competitive gymnasts than parents of recreational gymnasts. Coaches and youth sport program organizers could use these findings to develop and market youth activity programs.

This narrative study examines using a real life simulated problem base learning activity during education of clinical staff, which is expected to design and develop clinically correct electronic charting systems. Expertise in healthcare does not readily transcend to the realm of manipulating software to collect patient data that is pertinent to the care of patients. To gain the expertise, troubleshooting abilities and knowledge required to maintain their clinical system, each participant in this study has gone through the RLSPBL activity. Education in the corporate world must be effective and efficient while providing a good return on the educational investment. Corporate education must use material contextually similar to a workplace, and the techniques for education must provide both near and far transfer of the material. Ten individuals (eight clinical, two non-clinical) who work across the United States were interviewed; their reflections on their career as a clinical interface designer are told here. The participants varied in their age, educational background, and current work responsibility and computer experience. Their insights revealed four major themes which summarize their stories: problem-based learning, collaboration, hands-on activities and the use of a real-life simulated problem-based learning activity.The clinical environment requires patient safety as a paramount parameter in building a clinical charting system. Up to the moment information along with trending capabilities is critical to a clinician caring for a patient. Adhering to best practices and maintaining an efficient data entry system must seamlessly blend technology into the clinician's practice. An understanding of the education of individuals who have created such charting systems is presented here in hopes that what these participants have found to be significant can be shared with others in similar situations.

The plasma inorganic phosphate level may be influenced by (1) factors affecting the intermediary metabolism of phosphorus, (2) alternation in the degree of absorption of phosphorus, (3) alteration in the degree of excretion of phosphorus. In the introduction, the intermediary metabolism of phosphorus, particularly as far as the endocrine glands are concerned, is discussed in detail, whereas the absorption and excretion are but briefly outlined.