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Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The purpose of local government is to promote the realisation of human rights, socio-economic development, and cultural, civil, and political rights to improve communities (Ojochenemi, 2016). Residents are known to be dissatisfied with the poor quality services provided by the local government, which has resulted in unending protests and apathetic citizens. The research focused on the nature of civic participation and the causes of civic apathy in Mankweng Township, as well as the mechanisms that can be implemented to increase civic participation in Mankweng Township and how citizens‟ awareness can be raised. The study discovered that there is high levels of civic apathy in Mankweng Township, which hinders the operation of the municipality, whether it is the service delivery process or the municipality's responsiveness to the citizen's needs, based on the literature, distributed questionnaires, and conducted interviews. Civic apathy also leads to poor governance, which leads to distrust between the government and the citizens. Recommendations were made to help Mankweng Township overcome the challenges of civic apathy; one of these recommendations included encouraging township participation.

La schizophrénie (SZ), maladie psychiatrique invalidante, est caractérisée par des symptômes positifs, négatifs, cognitifs, désorganisés, affectifs et moteurs. De par l’absence de résultats positifs dans la prise en charge des symptômes négatifs, nous avons décidé de nous intéresser à l’apathie dans la SZ. Elle se définit par une baisse des comportements dirigés vers un but ayant une origine cognitive, émotionnelle ou comportementale. Notre objectif est d’apporter un éclaircissement sur le concept d’apathie en s’intéressant aux liens entre apathie, anhédonie et BIS/BAS. Le protocole 1 porte sur la validation de la Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), outil multidimensionnel de l’apathie validée dans la maladie de Parkinson, dans la SZ, auprès de 112 patients. Le protocole 2 (étude transversale) s’intéresse aux liens entre apathie, plaisir consommé, anticipatoire, sociale et BIS/BAS, auprès de 112 patients. Enfin, le protocole 3 (étude longitudinale d’un an) porte sur l’évolution de l’apathie et explore les déterminants émotionnels et comportementaux qui pourraient la prédire, auprès de 61 patients. Nos résultats ont mis en évidence une LARS à quatre facteurs avec de bonnes qualités psychométriques dans la SZ. Le facteur 1 est associé au BAS, à l’anhédonie sociale et anticipatoire. Le facteur 2 corrèle avec le BIS et l’anhédonie sociale. Trente-six pourcent des patients ont une apathie trait. Enfin, seul leplaisir anticipatoire prédit le facteur 4. L’apathie nécessite donc pour sa compréhension une approche multidimensionnelle. L’anhédonie et le BIS/BAS ne peuvent expliquer à eux seuls l’apathie émotionnelle et comportementale. D’autres pistes méritent donc d’être explorées. / Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic psychiatric disease characterized by positive, negative, cognitive, disorganized, emotional and motor symptoms. The lack of positive results in the treatment of negative symptoms led us to be interested in apathy. Apathy is defined as a multidimensional psychopathological state (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral) manifesting as a reduction of voluntary behaviors directed toward one goal. Our aim is to provide a clarification of the concept of apathy by focusing on the relationship between apathy, anhedonia and BIS/BAS. The first study deals with the validation of the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (LARS), which is a multidimensional tool of apathy validated in Parkinson’s disease, in 112 SZ patients. The second study (cross-sectional study) focuses on the link between apathy, consummatory and anticipatory pleasure, social pleasure and BIS/BAS, in 112 SZ patients. Finally, the third study (one year longitudinal study) deals with the evolution of apathy and explores the emotional and behavioral derminants that could predict it. Ours results have shown that the LARS is structured in four factors and has good psychometric properties in SZ. The factor 1 is associated to the BAS and the social and anticipatory anhedonia. The factor 2 is linked to the BIS and the social anhedonia. Thirty-six percent of the patients have an apathy trait. Finally, only anticipatory pleasure predicts the factor 4. Therefore, apathy requires for its understanding a multidimensional approach.Anhedonia and the BIS/BAS cannot by themselves explain the emotional and the behavioral apathy. Consequently, others lines of research need to be explored.

Au delà des symptômes moteurs classiques de la maladie de Parkinson (MP), d'autres troubles comportementaux, émotionnels, ou cognitifs sont fréquemment observés chez le patient parkinsonien. L'apathie, définie comme une réduction des comportements motivés, est l'un des troubles neuropsychiatriques les plus souvent rapportés en clinique, en particulier chez les patients traités par stimulation haute fréquence du noyau sous-thalamique. De nombreuses données récentes ont permis de suggérer que la résurgence de l'état apathique chez ces patients stimulés pourrait être liée à la diminution du traitement dopaminergique. Plus précisément, il semble que ce déficit motivationnel puisse s'expliquer, au moins en partie, par un hypofonctionnement affectant le système dopaminergique. En se basant sur des approches de lésions sélectives, partielles et bilatérales des neurones dopaminergiques du mésencéphale, notre laboratoire a récemment développé un modèle animal chez le rat reproduisant un déficit motivationnel pouvant s'apparenter à l'apathie parkinsonienne. L'objectif de ce travail doctoral a été d'élucider les mécanismes neurobiologiques qui sont à l'origine de l'apparition du déficit motivationnel observé dans ce modèle animal (rat 6-OHDA SNc). Dans une première partie, en utilisant la microdialyse intracérébrale, nous avons analysé les modifications neurochimiques induites par les lésions mésencéphaliques réalisées, au sein de différents territoires cibles (le noyau accumbens ou N.Acc et le striatum dorsolatéral ou DLS) des projections dopaminergiques ascendantes. Nous avons ainsi pu montrer que le DLS est affecté par une situation d'hypodopaminergie chez les rats 6-OHDA SNc. Dans une deuxième partie expérimentale, nous avons étudié les modifications d'expression du transporteur de la dopamine et des récepteurs D1, D2 et D3 (RD3), au niveau du mésencéphale et des territoires de projections dopaminergiques. Cette étude autoradiographique nous a permis de mettre en évidence une diminution d'expression des RD3 qui concerne spécifiquement le DLS chez les rats 6-OHDA SNc. Enfin, dans une troisième partie, nous avons utilisé des approches de micro-injections in situ avec des antagonistes dopaminergiques sélectifs, qui nous ont permis de caractériser le rôle fonctionnel des RD3 au sein du striatum dorsal (DLS et striatum dorsomédian) et du N.Acc dans les comportements motivés. Les données pharmaco-comportementales que nous avons obtenues suggèrent une implication centrale de la neurotransmission médiée par les RD3 dorsostriataux dans les processus motivationnels qui sous-tendent le phénotype apathique observé dans notre modèle animal. Au total, les données obtenues au cours de ce travail doctoral confirment l'implication de la voie dopaminergique nigro-striée, et en particulier du DLS, dans la physiopathologie des troubles apathiques. De plus, cette étude a permis d'identifier les RD3 comme une cible thérapeutique intéressante pour améliorer les troubles motivationnels de la MP. / Beyond the classical motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), behavioural, emotional or cognitive impairments are also commonly observed in PD patients. Apathy, which is defined as a decrease in motivated behaviours, is one of the most frequently reported neuropsychiatric symptom in PD, especially in patients with high frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. A growing body of data suggests that the resurgence of an apathetic state in these stimulated patients may be linked, at least in part, to a dopaminergic hypofunction. Through neurotoxic selective, partial and bilateral lesion-based approaches of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, we recently developed in the laboratory an experimental model in the rat of motivational deficits that are reminiscent of the Parkinsonian apathy. The aim of this thesis was to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the motivational deficits observed in this animal model (6-OHDA-SNc rats). In a first part, we have investigated, with intracerebral microdialysis, the neurochemical alterations induced by our lesional approach of the main projection territories of the mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, namely the nucleus accumbens (N.Acc) and the dorsolateral striatum (DLS). Hence, we have confirmed the presence of a hypodopaminergic state within the DLS, in our 6-OHDA-SNc experimental model. Next, we have studied the modifications of dopamine transporter and D1, D2 and D3 receptors (D3R) expression in different mesencephalic and striatal sub-regions. In this autoradiographic study, we have found a specific decrease in D3R levels within the DLS of 6-OHDA-SNc rats. Lastly, in a third part, we set out to determine the functional implication of D3R in motivated behaviors, with in situ microinjections of selective dopaminergic receptor subtype antagonists within the DLS, the dorsomedial striatum and the N.Acc. The psychopharmacological data obtained, suggest a central role of dorsostriatal D3R-mediated neurotransmission in the motivational processes that underlie the apathetic-like phenotype observed in our model. Finally, the data obtained during this doctoral work confirm the implication of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, and particularly of the DLS, in the pathophysiology of apathy. Moreover, we identified the D3R as a potential interesting target for treating motivational impairments in PD.

This thesis uses two frameworks for effective gamification and makes a realization of part of them, with the aim of proposing a stage before gamification itself: the enterprise anticipation of gamification, which can be either of optimism or apathy. It can reveal to an enterprise willing to foster people’s motivation which gamification elements are more likely to succeed due to the uncertainties that the concept still carries. A survey was used as an instrument to measure people’s expectations towards game elements to increase the psychological satisfaction according to the Self Determination Theory, and shaped by an instrument to measure maturity in lean. The result of the survey in a company showed that there is an overall interest in gamification elements to increase autonomy and competence, but not relatedness, and also that even if people are aware of a gamification project their expectations are not significantly different from those who are not. Future studies should compare if the anticipation towards game elements are correspondent with the actual feelings when using a gamified solution.

The Problem Physical Education in Papua New Guinea (PNG) schools did not appear to be widespread nor progressing effectively. Its place in education appeared uncertain. Therefore the study's key question was, "What is the status of physical education in PNG, and the implications of this status?" The focus was narrowed to the history of the development of physical education curriculum, and considered decisions made by curriculum officers about what ought to be taught. Purposes The study's purposes, in answering the key question, were to: § evaluate the existing physical education curriculum § generate recommendations for physical education programs. The Research Postmodern ethnography was chosen to undertake the evaluation, through the analysis of historical records and personal narratives. As there was little available literature on physical education curriculum development in PNG, the narratives and opinions of a variety of policymakers, policydevelopers, policyimplementers, and clients of this curriculum development were recorded. The curriculum itself was analysed, as well as related articles and official documentation. The collective data were evaluated, to provide an overall view of physical education curriculum development. Methodology Following the search for literature in libraries, data were collected from Curriculum Development Division records. As many curriculum documents (such as syllabi and advisory memos) as possible were collected. Key personnel were identified and personally interviewed by the researcher. For a wider group (school principals) an interview guideline was used, while for the oneonone interviews, an unstructured interview format was adopted, allowing respondents considerable control, as they recounted their histories, experiences, and opinions. Further data were collected from correspondence from teachers' colleges, and the former director of the National Sports Institute. The data were analysed by viewing through seven key concepts central in postmodern literature: knowledge, power, culture, postcolonialism, hegemony, globalism, and apathy. The analysis was constructed upon the historical background information, issues that arose during the research activities and the collection of the raw data and, additionally, upon the researcher's own evaluative feelings. Outcomes During the analysis of the literature, the narratives, the curriculum, and related documents, four recurrent issues emerged: § physical education's low status § problems in understanding the concept of physical education § apathy towards physical education § PNG knowledge versus global knowledge The analysis of the data was therefore undertaken around these issues, as viewed through the key concept's lenses. It was found that there was a lack of usefulness in the existing physical education documents, and that there was a lack of availability of existing physical education documents. Key Education authorities were unfamiliar with physical education curriculum. Its history, both in colonial and postcolonial times, was weak. It continued to receive little attention by curriculum administrators, or schools. The National attitude of apathy towards physical education had been established by the colonial administrators and educators, and reproduced. CDD administration had little time for physical education. Consequently, there was little physical education taught in PNG schools, even though it was in the national curriculum. The only physical activity which had some place in schools was the commercial modified rules sport program, Pikinini Sport. Global activities dominated any thought of local input and activities.

Le but de ce travail est d’étudier deux dimensions sémiologiques, identifiées dans la littérature comme associées au trouble dépressif résistant, l’anxiété et l’apathie. Ces marqueurs cliniques et leurs corrélats radiologiques seront ensuite testés dans une analyse longitudinale du pronostic à 6 mois d’une cohorte de patients souffrant de dépression. Les données originales de ce travail sont issues de la cohorte LONGIDEP. Cette étude prospective, naturalistique, a été menée chez des patients souffrant d’un épisode dépressif majeur qui bénéficiaient, dans le cadre des soins courants, d’une évaluation clinique, neuropsychologique et d’une imagerie cérébrale à l’inclusion. Une nouvelle évaluation a été proposée à 6 mois de l’inclusion. Cette étude nous a permis de montrer que 1) l’apathie dans la dépression est associée à un profil clinique et physiopathologique spécifique, 2) l’analyse catégorielle et sémiologique de l’anxiété dans une population de sujet déprimés résistants n’étaient pas concordantes. Les déprimés résistants présentaient une hyperperfusion amygdale centro-médiane, 3) l’anxiété trait, un pattern cognitif associé à la mémoire visuo-spatiale étaient prédictifs d’une évolution péjorative de la dépression. Des anomalies structurales de régions impliquées dans la régulation émotionnelle et plus précisément l’adaptation au danger/peur, étaient associées à une évolution péjorative de la dépression. Des deux dimensions sémiologiques étudiées, l’anxiété apparaît être impliquées dans le pronostic de la dépression. L’étude des liens entre l’anxiété et les troubles de la motivation est une perspective de recherche pour la dépression résistante. / The aim of this work is to study anxiety and apathy in treatment resistant depression. These clinical factors and its imaging correlates will be tested in prediction of outcome in a 6-months follow-up. Original data were retrieved in LONGIDEP cohort. This is a prospective study conducted in routine care. Patients suffering from a mood depressive episode benefited from a clinical, neuropsychological and brain imaging. They were assessed once again at 6 months. Our study has shown that 1) apathy in depression is associated with specific clinical and pathophysiological patterns, 2) categorical and dimensional approach of anxiety in treatment resistant depression are not convergent. This latter population exhibited higher brain perfusion of centro-medial amygdala, 3) trait anxiety, cognitive patterns of visuospatial memory were predictive of pejorative outcome. Structural abnormalities in key regions involved in emotion regulation were associated with pejorative outcome of depression. Only anxiety was involved in outcome of depression. The link between anxiety and motivation should be studied in further works.

The purpose of this thesis is to explore whether the drop in voter turnout between the 2009 and 2014 European Parliament elections, as well as the general apathy toward the politics of the European Union, in the Czech Republic was contributed to by the mass media. Specifically, this thesis will examine the two most read daily newspapers of both 2009 and 2014, Blesk and Mladá Fronta Dnes, and analyze its articles with the use of search words in order to assess whether any change occurred in the way the European Union, its policies and institutions, were presented immediately prior to the 2009 and 2014 European Parliament elections. This will be achieved through the use of content analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, while evaluating the articles in comparative fashion. The thesis will argue that, given the essential role of the media as intermediary between the world of politics and the electorate, the portrayal, or lack thereof, of the European Union is a factor in explaining the electoral dynamics of the country. Key Words: voter turnout; European Parliament elections; mass media; electoral apathy Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

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The aim of this study is to explore questions regarding the concept of suffering and the relationship between a suffering world and a suffering God. The theology of Dorothee Soelle and Jürgen Moltmann are presented and then analysed through the feminist-theological lens of Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker. The feminist-theological perspective is used to highlight the theological strengths and weaknesses of Soelle and Moltmann. The issues of suffering can be found all through human history and across all religious views or life stances. Soelle and Moltmann show that to create a sustainable theology regarding suffering there needs to be an awareness of what image of God is presented. The conclusion of the study is that both Soelle and Moltmann use the term “apathy” throughout the theology that has been presented. The concept is regarded as a hindrance to forming and maintaining relationships and being able to sympathise with the suffering party. This hinderance is present both in the relationships between humans and between God and humanity. The focus of Soelle and Moltmann lies in the interpretation of God the Father and how the Father relates to the suffering of humanity. The importance of how the suffering of the Son is regarded is presented through the feminist theology of Brock and Parker. According to Brock and Parker, the church needs to examine how the suffering of Jesus is presented. If the suffering of Jesus is presented as an example of how suffering should be endured then the concept of Jesus willingly suffering might put pressure on the suffering individual to stay in the context that causes suffering.