Swimmers depend on accessory breathing muscles for adequate ventilation. Pectoralis minor is an accessory breathing muscle. The daily repetition of gleno-humeral flexion and medial rotation results in adaptive shortening of Pectoralis, a common phenomenon in competitive swimmers. If Pectoralis minor is shortened the scapula is in an anteriorly tipped position. This anteriorly tipped position will affect scapula kinematics as well as the strength of Pectoralis minor to function as an accessory breathing muscle. One of the risk factors contributing to shoulder dysfunction in competitive swimmers is an altered scapular position. The study aimed to determine if lateral costal breathing dissociation exercises in conjunction with scapular retraining exercises had an effect on the position of the scapula in competitive swimmers. A comparative parallel group longitudinal design was used in this study. During a six week supervised intervention period the intervention group (n=28) and control group (n=30) did retraining of the scapula stabilisers and stretching of Pectoralis minor. The intervention group did breathing dissociation exercises to facilitate lateral costal breathing. No specific breathing exercises were facilitated within the control group. Pectoralis minor length and thoracic expansion had been measured. The function of the scapula stabilisers was evaluated. The resting as well as dynamic scapula positions were evaluated. Evaluations were done at baseline, six weeks and five months post intervention. Treatment groups were compared with respect to change from baseline to six weeks and baseline to five months in PMI, FVC and thoracic expansion utilizing analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with covariates baseline reading. The intervention group showed an increase in the Pectoralis minor Index (PMI) of 0.5 (left & right) and the control group reflected an increase of 0.5 (left) and 0.7 (right). The intervention group reflected continuous improvement in PMI and the control group showed deterioration. In addition to the PMI upper thoracic, expansion decreased and lower thoracic expansion increased in the intervention group. The control group showed a decrease in upper and lower thoracic expansion. Groups were compared with respect to change from baseline to six weeks and five months respectively for categorical parameters, muscle function and scapula position (resting and dynamic) using Fisher’s exact test. After six weeks the intervention group showed significantly (p<0.04) less winging of the distal third of the scapula on the left side when compared to the control group. After five months the scapula showed significantly less tipping (p<0.02) during gleno-humeral flexion, on the left side. The McNemar test for symmetry had been applied to determine if any within group changes occurred. Within the intervention group ten of the thirteen markers used to determine the resting position of the scapula, reflected significant improvement compared to the six markers in the control group. Only the intervention group reflected remarkable improvement in function of the lower fibres of Trapezius muscle. Serratus anterior and middle fibres of Trapezius muscles showed significance within group improvement in function for both groups. The scapula showed significantly less dysrhythmia within the intervention group on the left and right sides (p< 0.0209) when compared to the control group. After five months the resting scapula position reflected deterioration for both groups. Dysrhythmia and winging of the scapula deteriorated from six weeks to five months for both groups. The muscle function of the lower fibres of Trapezius showed significance within group changes for both groups from six weeks to five months. The ability to contract Serratus anterior and the middle fibres of Trapezius agonistically was maintained from six weeks to five months. However the eccentric control and ability to contract the muscle without fatigue within the Serratus anterior and middle fibres of Trapezius showed deterioration from six weeks to five months for both groups. Conclusion: The increase in PMI and increase in lower thoracic expansion for the intervention group could favour swimmers to breathe more effectively. An increase in Pectoralis minor length resulted in a more posteriorly tipped scapula. This better positioned scapula promotes optimum function of the lower fibres of Trapezius. Contracting from a stable scapula, Pectoralis minor can fulfil its function as an accessory breathing muscle more effectively. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2015. / tm2015 / Physiotherapy / PhD / Unrestricted

Magister Artium - MA / The purpose of this study is to explore how “queerness” is both represented and suppressed in select South African fiction. The study will investigate to what extent a post-colonial form of education reinforces the colonial and apartheid traditions of South African normative masculinities in same-sex, educational environments. These aspects will be explored and investigated in John Van de Ruit‟s Spud: A wickedly funny novel (2005), Spud: The madness continues… (2007), Spud: Learning to Fly (2010), and will be complemented with an investigation of the recent South African film, Inxeba (2017). The series of novels and films demonstrate how the contestation between queerness and traditional masculinity threatens heteronormativity and how various forms of violence try to enforce a dominant South African masculinity.

No description available.

No description available.

<P> Type II Secretion (T2S) and type IV pilus (T4P) systems in Gram-negative bacteria share many features that suggest a common ancestral origin. This study examined the role of the minor pilins FimU, PilV, PilW, PilX and PilE, as well as the putative adhesin PilYl in both the T4P and T2S systems, and elucidated the role of these proteins in pilus assembly. Genetic analysis of the major pilin cluster and the minor pilin operon revealed that the major pilin alleles are associated with a specific set of minor pilins, and that unrelated strains of the same major pilin type have identical minor pilin genes, suggesting that the two gene clusters were horizontally acquired as a 'pilin island'. We observed that the minor pilins required a specific stoichiometric ratio for proper assembly, as overexpression either completely abolished, or significantly reduced twitching motility in mutant backgrounds. We demonstrated that the minor pilins were incorporated into the pilus fibre, and that they were dependent on PilA for surface localization. The T4P minor pilins were also shown to play a role in the secretion of effectors through the T2S system, as elastase and haemolytic phospholipase C secretion was reduced in minor pilin mutants, while overexpression of FimU or PilX significantly increased secretion of T2S exoproteins. Therefore, the minor pilins may participate in T2S substrate recognition. We found that PilYl was not essential for assembly in the absence of retraction, but that its absence caused changes in the levels of other T4P biogenesis proteins, namely FimU, PilW, PilF and PilQ secretin multimers. Finally we show that the minor pilin, PilX functions as a strain-specific factor, potentially through specific interactions with non-conserved residues of PilQ that are necessary to induce opening of the secretin. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

No description available.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia is the only woman in Africa that has ever been voted into presidential office. Uncovering the dynamics perpetuating men's continued dominance in presidential office-holding in this region requires a deeper understanding of presidential candidacies particularly as they relate to gendered patterns of major party support that often occur due to party gatekeeping. As such, this thesis poses the following questions: How prevalent are women candidates in sub-Saharan African presidential elections? To what extent do women run for major party labels versus minor party labels or as independent candidates? What factors explain those patterns of party representation for women presidential candidates in the region? I hypothesize that women are altogether less likely than men to run for president. When women do run, I posit that they forge minor party candidacies as opposed to major party or independent candidacies. While minor parties may signal legitimacy, consolidate policy platforms, and provide resources for women candidates who face gatekeeping from major parties, they will ultimately be unlikely to propel them into viable candidacies let alone presidencies. Using a mixed methodological approach, this thesis aims to assess ways party representation differs between men and women presidential candidates in 26 sub-Saharan African countries that were considered "free" or "partly free" as of their 2020 elections (Freedom House). As the role of women in democratization continues to be in question, this research is vital to understanding how women are incorporated into the politics of new democracies. / Master of Arts / Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia is the only woman in Africa that has ever been voted into presidential office, likely because women face disadvantages in gaining political party support. While major parties have significant dominance over minor parties, minor parties may be more likely to support women due to discrimination from major parties. As such, this thesis poses the following questions: How prevalent are women candidates in sub-Saharan African presidential elections? To what extent do women run for major party labels versus minor party labels or as independent candidates? What factors explain those patterns of party representation for women presidential candidates? I hypothesize that women are altogether less likely than men to run for president. When women do run, I posit that they forge minor party candidacies as opposed to major party or independent candidacies. Minor party representation may have important benefits that independent candidacies do not have due to lack of party support. Party representation, even from minor parties, can signal candidate legitimacy, present a clear policy agenda, and provide resources, but minor parties will ultimately be unlikely to propel women into presidencies. This thesis aims to assess ways party representation differs between men and women presidential candidates in 26 sub-Saharan African countries that were considered "free" or "partly free" as of their 2020 elections, denoting their statuses as democracies or at least semi-democracies (Freedom House). I further substantiate the quantitative evidence with evidence from interviews, surveys, and historical context. As the role of women in democracy-building continues to be in question, this research is vital to understanding how women are incorporated into the politics of new democracies.

Se evaluó la toxicidad individual y binaria de los plaguicidas metomilo y rotenona en la macrofita Lemna minor (Linnaeus, 1753) para determinar la acción sinérgica o antagónica de una mezcla equitóxica. Los ensayos se realizaron bajo condiciones de laboratorio (T 29 ± 2°C; H 48,6 ± 9,4 %) y los resultados fueron analizados con los programas estadísticos BMDS® y Probit para calcular la concentración efectiva media (CE50) a través de los parámetros Área de la Fronda (AF) y Nuevas Frondas (NF). Los resultados sugieren una mayor precisión al utilizar el Método del Punto de Referencia del programa BMDS® para el cálculo de la concentración efectiva. Adicionalmente, se calculó la concentración total de clorofila (CTC) y peso húmedo (PH) para determinar la inhibición del crecimiento (Ir). Del mismo modo, se realizó una comparación entre los valores NOAEL (nivel de efecto no observado) y LOAEL (nivel bajo de efecto observado) versus los valores de BMDL (límite inferior del punto de referencia) y BMD (nivel de variación en el punto de referencia), respectivamente. El análisis muestra que existe una mayor precisión al emplear los valores BMD y BMDL. La acción fitotóxica varió según el parámetro analizado. La CE50 mostró mayores valores en el parámetro NF (1079,22 mg·L-1 para rotenona; 7147,42 mg·L-1 para metomilo; 597,904 mg·L-1 mezcla binaria: metomilo y 298,93 mg·L-1 mezcla binaria: rotenona) que en el parámetro AF (782,173 mg·L-1 para rotenona; 6919,79 mg·L-1 para metomilo; 629,513 mg·L-1 mezcla binaria: metomilo y 314,754 mg·L-1 mezcla binaria: rotenona). Finalmente, el modelo de concentración-adición mostró que la acción fitotóxica de la mezcla de ambos plaguicidas en Lemna minor tiene un efecto sinérgico. Macrophyte Lemna minor (Linnaeus, 1753) was used to evaluate the phytotoxicity of the individual and mix action of methomyl and rotenone pesticides under laboratory conditions (Temperature 29 ± 2°C; Humidity 48,6 9,4 %). The taken measures to establish half effective concentration (EC50) were the frond area (AF) and production of new fronds (NF). In this study, BMDS® and Probit stadistical data analyses were used to compare the results about effective concentration. Results suggest Benchmark dose method of BMDS® program was more effective than Probit program when EC50 were determined. Additionally, total chlorophyll concentration (CTC) and humidity weight (PH) parameters were calculated to determinate the growth inhibition (Ir). Likewise, NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) and LOAEL (low observer adverse effect level) were compared with BMDL (lower bench mark dose) and BMD (Bench mark dose), respectively. BMD and BMDL values were more accurate than NOAEL and LOAEL values. Phytotoxic action varied according the parameter. EC50 values of Lemna minor showed poor sensibility to methomyl pesticide with an elevated concentration in both parameters (6919,79 mg•L-1 and 7147,42 mg•L-1 for AF and NF, respectively). Results of rotenone pesticide were lower than methomyl, with 1079,22 mg•L-1 (NF) and 782,173 mg•L-1 (AF). Finally, the mix toxicity was 597,904 mg•L-1 (methomyl: NF), 298,93 mg•L-1 (rotenone: NF), 629,513 mg•L-1 (methomyl: AF) and 314,754 mg•L-1 (rotenone: AF). For synergy calculation, Concentration-Adition value was used, concluding a higher synergism.

<p>Syftet med föreliggande studie var att med avseende på upplevelser av delaktighet och livstillfedsställelse samt arbetssituation och sjukvårdskonsumtion jämföra två grupper som deltagit respektive inte deltagit i ett Strokescreeningprogram. En strukturerad enkät skickades ut till konsekutivt, retroaktivt utvalda personer. Det inkomna resultatet analyserades med hjälp av Chi2-test, Mann Whitney test, T-test, linjär regressionsanalys och multivariat logistisk regressionsanalys. Några signifikanta skillnader mellan grupperna kunde inte påvisas även om vissa tendenser noterades.</p><p>Gruppen som deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet upplevde en mindre delaktighet i den personliga vården än gruppen som ej deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet. De strokedrabbade upplevde en signifikant lägre livstillfredsställelse än en referensgrupp bestående av en normalpopulation svenskar. Det fanns en markant skillnad mellan grupperna gällande sysselsättning före strokeinsjuknandet. Vid tillfället för studien var det en högre procent ur gruppen som deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet som återgått till arbete. Flera av deltagarna i gruppen som inte deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet hade en regelbunden, återkommande kontakt med primärvården. Föreliggande studies resultat väckte en del frågor gällande nyttan med Strokescreeningprogrammet i relation till kostnaden. Eftersom metoden att göra en enkätstudie hade en del svagheter både genom ett relativt högt bortfall och fråga om huruvida frågorna varit adekvata vore en uppföljande studie med intervjuer av studiens deltagare högst intressant. Intressant vore även en undersökning om frekvens av återinsjuknande i stroke i respektive grupp för att se om Strokescreeningprogrammet haft en sekundärpreventiv effekt.</p> / <p>The aim of this study was that, with focus on experiences of participation and life satisfaction, work situation and consumtion of non institutional care, compare two groups that had participated versus not participated in a stroke program for Strokescreening. A questionnaire was sent retrospective to a consequetive group of people. The results were analyzed with Chi2-test, Mann Whitney-test, T-test, linear regression analyzes and multiple logistic analyze. No significant differences could be shown between the groups even though some tendences were noted. The group who participated in the Strokescreening program experienced less participation in personal care than the group who did not participate. The strokepatients that participated in this study experienced a significant lower level of life satisfaction than a reference group of a normal population of Swedes. There was a prominent difference between the groups about occupation before the stroke. In time of this study there where some higher percentes in the group who participated in the Strokescreening program that had returned to work. Several of the participants in the group that had not participated in the Strokescreening program had a regulary contact with the non institutional care. The results of the present study arouse some questions about the benefit with the Strokescreening program related to the expences. The method of a questionnairy study had some weekness, both in a relatively high level of reduction of participants and a question about the relevace of the questions asked. Therefore, it would be of great interest to make an interview study of this population. It would also be of great interest to examin if there are any differences in the frequency of how many of the participants who gets another stroke in respective group. The purpose of that would be to see if the Strokescreening program has any secondary preventive effect.</p>

Syftet med föreliggande studie var att med avseende på upplevelser av delaktighet och livstillfedsställelse samt arbetssituation och sjukvårdskonsumtion jämföra två grupper som deltagit respektive inte deltagit i ett Strokescreeningprogram. En strukturerad enkät skickades ut till konsekutivt, retroaktivt utvalda personer. Det inkomna resultatet analyserades med hjälp av Chi2-test, Mann Whitney test, T-test, linjär regressionsanalys och multivariat logistisk regressionsanalys. Några signifikanta skillnader mellan grupperna kunde inte påvisas även om vissa tendenser noterades. Gruppen som deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet upplevde en mindre delaktighet i den personliga vården än gruppen som ej deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet. De strokedrabbade upplevde en signifikant lägre livstillfredsställelse än en referensgrupp bestående av en normalpopulation svenskar. Det fanns en markant skillnad mellan grupperna gällande sysselsättning före strokeinsjuknandet. Vid tillfället för studien var det en högre procent ur gruppen som deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet som återgått till arbete. Flera av deltagarna i gruppen som inte deltagit i Strokescreeningprogrammet hade en regelbunden, återkommande kontakt med primärvården. Föreliggande studies resultat väckte en del frågor gällande nyttan med Strokescreeningprogrammet i relation till kostnaden. Eftersom metoden att göra en enkätstudie hade en del svagheter både genom ett relativt högt bortfall och fråga om huruvida frågorna varit adekvata vore en uppföljande studie med intervjuer av studiens deltagare högst intressant. Intressant vore även en undersökning om frekvens av återinsjuknande i stroke i respektive grupp för att se om Strokescreeningprogrammet haft en sekundärpreventiv effekt. / The aim of this study was that, with focus on experiences of participation and life satisfaction, work situation and consumtion of non institutional care, compare two groups that had participated versus not participated in a stroke program for Strokescreening. A questionnaire was sent retrospective to a consequetive group of people. The results were analyzed with Chi2-test, Mann Whitney-test, T-test, linear regression analyzes and multiple logistic analyze. No significant differences could be shown between the groups even though some tendences were noted. The group who participated in the Strokescreening program experienced less participation in personal care than the group who did not participate. The strokepatients that participated in this study experienced a significant lower level of life satisfaction than a reference group of a normal population of Swedes. There was a prominent difference between the groups about occupation before the stroke. In time of this study there where some higher percentes in the group who participated in the Strokescreening program that had returned to work. Several of the participants in the group that had not participated in the Strokescreening program had a regulary contact with the non institutional care. The results of the present study arouse some questions about the benefit with the Strokescreening program related to the expences. The method of a questionnairy study had some weekness, both in a relatively high level of reduction of participants and a question about the relevace of the questions asked. Therefore, it would be of great interest to make an interview study of this population. It would also be of great interest to examin if there are any differences in the frequency of how many of the participants who gets another stroke in respective group. The purpose of that would be to see if the Strokescreening program has any secondary preventive effect.