My artwork represents the playful and imaginative phase of life I went through as a young child. My cluttered bedroom floor doubled as a castle courtyard for a princess and her ladies-in-waiting. The unused space in my parent’s garage operated as a gourmet restaurant open to serve the finest cuisine. The fancy skirts, jewelry, and shoes that filled my mother’s closet were the tools for creating my ultimate fantasyland, in which I was already a successful grown up. My work is meant to convey the make-believe mindset from my childhood. To this day, I am inspired by the fluttering excitement that ignites and builds up in my stomach and ends in tickling my brain. The adventure begins when I think of constructing pieces of a magical world - a place where your mind molds a simple item into a sacred, irreplaceable thing of beauty and importance. I hope the viewer is inspired to slip away to a playful spot in their imagination that enchantingly transforms everyday objects into something rare.

No description available.

The purpose of this dissertation is to defend William James's will to believe doctrine from the main lines of criticism which have been leveled against it throughout the last century. Principal among such criticisms are accusations that James fideistically advocated an intrusion of the subject into doxastic practice which opens the door to wishful thinking, and that he confused belief and hypothesis-adoption. My defense of James against such charges will be based upon analyses of two important but neglected components of his position--the "liveness" of certain options and propositions, and the "strenuous mood''-and upon a contextualization of the role assigned by James to "passional nature" within the terms of reference of his work on immediate experience. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

No description available.

No abstract available / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2013 / Biblical and Religious Studies / Unrestricted

Many continuous medical tests often rely on a threshold for diagnosis. There are two sequential testing strategies of interest: Believe the Positive (BP) and Believe the Negative (BN). BP classifies a patient positive if either the first test is greater than a threshold θ1 or negative on the first test and greater than θ2 on the second test. BN classifies a patient positive if the first test is greater than a threshold θ3 and greater than θ4 on the second test. Threshold pairs θ = (θ1, θ2) or (θ3, θ4), depending on strategy, are defined as optimal if they maximized GYI = Se + r(Sp – 1). Of interest is to determine if these optimal threshold, or optimal operating point (OOP), estimates are “good” when calculated from a sample. The methods proposed in this dissertation derive formulae to estimate θ assuming tests follow a binormal distribution, using the Newton-Raphson algorithm with ridging. A simulation study is performed assessing bias, root mean square error, percentage of over estimation of Se/Sp, and coverage of simultaneous confidence intervals and confidence regions for sets of population parameters and sample sizes. Additionally, OOPs are compared to the traditional empirical approach estimates. Bootstrapping is used to estimate the variance of each optimal threshold pair estimate. The study shows that parameters such as the area under the curve, ratio of standard deviations of disease classification groups within tests, correlation between tests within a disease classification, total sample size, and allocation of sample size to each disease classification group were all influential on OOP estimation. Additionally, the study shows that this method is an improvement over the empirical estimate. Equations for researchers to use in estimating total sample size and SCI width are also developed. Although the models did not produce high coefficients of determination, they are a good starting point for researchers when designing a study. A pancreatic cancer dataset is used to illustrate the OOP estimation methodology for sequential tests.

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is high in South Africa. Behavioural conducts and lifestyle factors, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are the major contributors to the development of NCDs among South Africans. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable risk factor that is also low in cost for preventing and managing NCDs. PA for health outcomes remains low among black South Africans. Regular engagement in PA is influenced by the knowledge and perception that a person has about the influence of PA as a healthy lifestyle. No studies that investigate perceptions and knowledge of NCDs and PA among black South Africans could be found in literature. The main purpose of this study was to explore and determine the knowledge and perceptions of NCDs and PA among black South Africans. A total of 93 black South Africans from the Northern Cape and North West provinces voluntarily participated in the study. The participants consisted of groups of employed and unemployed men and women residing in an urban community, men working in unskilled labour conditions residing in rural areas and unemployed women residing in a deep rural area. The recruitment procedures included flyers, local radio announcements, participants recruited from previous researchers, mass communication, and word of mouth. A mixed method approach was performed that consisted of quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods were employed to determine the point prevalence of NCD risk factors among 93 participants. Of these participants, 54 participated in a survey to determine knowledge of NCDs and PA. Participants from deep rural areas were excluded from the survey owing to a high incidence of illiteracy. A qualitative exploration of perceptions of NCDs and PA was performed. The quantitative procedures included a survey for heart disease knowledge and PA knowledge questionnaires. This was followed by NCD risk factor profile measurements; weight, height, waist and hip circumference, resting blood pressure, peripheral blood measurements for glucose and total cholesterol and objective PA measurements using combined accelerometry and heart rate (Actiheart®) for seven consecutive days. Qualitatively, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore perceptions of the PA and NCDs using an open-ended semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 22 was used in all quantitative statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics reporting means and standard deviations and frequencies were performed to determine knowledge of NCD risk factors and PA, and to determine the point prevalence of NCD risk factors. Partial correlation analyses were performed to determine the relationship between knowledge of heart disease, knowledge of PA and current PA and risk factors of heart disease. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Qualitative data was analysed. FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. The Noticing, Thinking and Coding approach was used to analyse data using Atlas. ti7. Black South Africans have high risk profiles for NCDs. The highest prevalence was for systolic blood pressure (71%), physical inactivity (68%) and markers of overweight and obesity with 67%. NCD knowledge was 59 ± 8 % and the total sample mean for PA was 84 ± 16%. The results of this study found a significant relationship between NCD knowledge and activity levels among males (r = 0.38; p =0.03). Among women PA knowledge positively associated with PA, though not statistically significant (r = 0.29; p = 0.42). The knowledge of NCDs and NCD risk factors results from the qualitative exploration of this study showed that black South Africans have limited knowledge about NCDs and negative perceptions about NCDs. They have an undistinguished knowledge of PA and are unable to apply the PA knowledge for disease prevention or management. It is therefore concluded that among black South Africans there is limited knowledge and misconception about PA. Black South Africans also lack knowledge on NCDs and have negative perceptions about NCD. An improved understanding of the perceptions of the population about physical activity and disease outcomes should be assessed in future studies in order to ensure the adoption of physical activity for the management of risk factors for NCDs. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is high in South Africa. Behavioural conducts and lifestyle factors, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are the major contributors to the development of NCDs among South Africans. Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable risk factor that is also low in cost for preventing and managing NCDs. PA for health outcomes remains low among black South Africans. Regular engagement in PA is influenced by the knowledge and perception that a person has about the influence of PA as a healthy lifestyle. No studies that investigate perceptions and knowledge of NCDs and PA among black South Africans could be found in literature. The main purpose of this study was to explore and determine the knowledge and perceptions of NCDs and PA among black South Africans. A total of 93 black South Africans from the Northern Cape and North West provinces voluntarily participated in the study. The participants consisted of groups of employed and unemployed men and women residing in an urban community, men working in unskilled labour conditions residing in rural areas and unemployed women residing in a deep rural area. The recruitment procedures included flyers, local radio announcements, participants recruited from previous researchers, mass communication, and word of mouth. A mixed method approach was performed that consisted of quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods were employed to determine the point prevalence of NCD risk factors among 93 participants. Of these participants, 54 participated in a survey to determine knowledge of NCDs and PA. Participants from deep rural areas were excluded from the survey owing to a high incidence of illiteracy. A qualitative exploration of perceptions of NCDs and PA was performed. The quantitative procedures included a survey for heart disease knowledge and PA knowledge questionnaires. This was followed by NCD risk factor profile measurements; weight, height, waist and hip circumference, resting blood pressure, peripheral blood measurements for glucose and total cholesterol and objective PA measurements using combined accelerometry and heart rate (Actiheart®) for seven consecutive days. Qualitatively, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore perceptions of the PA and NCDs using an open-ended semi-structured questionnaire. SPSS version 22 was used in all quantitative statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics reporting means and standard deviations and frequencies were performed to determine knowledge of NCD risk factors and PA, and to determine the point prevalence of NCD risk factors. Partial correlation analyses were performed to determine the relationship between knowledge of heart disease, knowledge of PA and current PA and risk factors of heart disease. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Qualitative data was analysed. FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. The Noticing, Thinking and Coding approach was used to analyse data using Atlas. ti7. Black South Africans have high risk profiles for NCDs. The highest prevalence was for systolic blood pressure (71%), physical inactivity (68%) and markers of overweight and obesity with 67%. NCD knowledge was 59 ± 8 % and the total sample mean for PA was 84 ± 16%. The results of this study found a significant relationship between NCD knowledge and activity levels among males (r = 0.38; p =0.03). Among women PA knowledge positively associated with PA, though not statistically significant (r = 0.29; p = 0.42). The knowledge of NCDs and NCD risk factors results from the qualitative exploration of this study showed that black South Africans have limited knowledge about NCDs and negative perceptions about NCDs. They have an undistinguished knowledge of PA and are unable to apply the PA knowledge for disease prevention or management. It is therefore concluded that among black South Africans there is limited knowledge and misconception about PA. Black South Africans also lack knowledge on NCDs and have negative perceptions about NCD. An improved understanding of the perceptions of the population about physical activity and disease outcomes should be assessed in future studies in order to ensure the adoption of physical activity for the management of risk factors for NCDs. / MSc (Biokinetics), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Submitted by admin tede (tede@pucgoias.edu.br) on 2016-11-11T11:53:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DIONIVALDO ROSA PIRES.pdf: 2859981 bytes, checksum: bf75090423870d3c2180c351665b4bbf (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-11T11:53:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DIONIVALDO ROSA PIRES.pdf: 2859981 bytes, checksum: bf75090423870d3c2180c351665b4bbf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-03 / This research aims to investigate exegetically professed faith in John 9:7b-38. The goal is to demonstrate that, from the itinerary traveled by the typological figure of the former blind, narrated in John 9:7b-38, the community builds up smartly and boldly its protagonism and its history, becoming a source of inspiration and alternative response to the Synagogue that questions, intimates, intimidates and expels (9:18.22.34). The study, from a hermeneutic bias, presents the situation and the reality of the first century in which lived the Johannine community, punctuating his existential trajectory. It reflects on the use and semantics of the term Jews, highlighting which the identity and role that it assumes. Starting with the semantics of verbs and keywords of the pericope, it seeks to respond to a controversy with the Jews. We Seek to analyze exegetically the judicial process through which the former blind was submitted and his faith profession and how his protagonism was developed, thus making the story a literary response to the historical moment. The research aims to highlight the consequences of former blind confession/protagonism. On the one hand, the expelling; on the other, the accusation forged the gradual gestation of the community identity and building of its christological confession through major titles proclaimed by the former blind man: at the beginning it is only a man named Jesus (9:11), but not only; then a prophet (9:17) and, at last, the Son of Man (9:35). Finally, the former blind protagonism becomes synonymous with professed faith and therefore prophetic paradigm, inspiring and alternative promoter precisely because he preferred to be expelled out of the synagogue in order to remain faithful to the community. / A presente pesquisa se propõe a inquirir exegeticamente a fé professada em Jo 9,7b-38. Objetiva-se demonstrar que, a partir do itinerário percorrido pela figura tipológica do ex-cego, narrado em Jo 9,7b-38, a comunidade constrói inteligente e ousadamente seu protagonismo e sua história, sendo fonte de inspiração e resposta alternativa frente à Sinagoga que interroga, intima, intimida e expulsa (9,18.22.34). O estudo, a partir de um viés hermenêutico, apresenta a situação e a realidade do primeiro século na qual viveu a comunidade joanina, pontuando sua trajetória existencial. Reflete sobre o uso e semântica do termo os Judeus, destacando qual a identidade e função que o mesmo assume. Iniciando pela semântica dos verbos e palavras chave da perícope, busca-se responder a uma polêmica com os Judeus. Procura-se analisar exegeticamente o processo judiciário que o ex-cego é submetido e sua profissão de fé e como se desenvolve seu protagonismo, tornando assim, a narrativa uma resposta literária ao momento histórico. A pesquisa pretende ressaltar as consequências da confissão/protagonismo do ex-cego. De um lado, a expulsão; do outro, a incriminação forçou a gestação gradual da identidade da comunidade e a construção de sua confissão cristológica por meio dos títulos importantes proclamados pelo ex-cego: no início é apenas um homem chamado Jesus (9,11), mas não só; em seguida um profeta (9,17) e, enfim, o Filho do Homem (9,35). Finalmente, o protagonismo do ex-cego se torna sinônimo de fé professada e, portanto, paradigma profético, inspirador e promotor de alternativas justamente porque prefere ser expulso da Sinagoga para continuar sendo fiel à comunidade.

Le but de cette thèse est de clarifier le concept de « fiction » tel qu’il apparaît dans ses usages ordinaires et techniques, en en explicitant les présupposés et les effets. Dans un premier temps sont étudiées les théories de la fiction formulées par les philosophes analytiques, de Frege à Walton ; ces analyses aboutissent à une définition mentaliste en termes de conditions nécessaires et suffisantes, comme attitude prescrite de croyance feinte (make-believe), caractérisation dont on mesure les mérites et les limites. Contre une approche essentialiste, nous proposons, dans un deuxième temps, une analyse contextualiste du jugement de fictionalité, de ses motifs et motivations. Pour ce faire, un appareillage semi-formel est introduit, qui articule les sept règles du jugement, ainsi que les métarègles requises et les standards à partir desquels nos attributions de fictionalité sont variables, dépendantes d’enjeux externes ontologiques, épistémiques et éthiques. Afin d’éviter le risque de relativisme excessif, nous nous focalisons enfin sur les actes d’invention qui interviennent autant dans la genèse que dans la réception des œuvres dites de fiction, et en particulier, des œuvres romanesques. Une approche pragmatiste, entée sur une grille conceptuelle tripartite (Information, Interprétation, Invention), et couplée à une étude de quelques théories littéraires de la fiction, permet alors d’esquisser des réponses cohérentes aux principales questions concernant ces expressions issues de l’imagination et de la créativité humaine. / The goal of this thesis is to clarify the concept of “fiction” as it appears in its ordinary and technical uses, by making explicit its presuppositions and effects. First, we study several theories of fiction given by analytical philosophers, from Frege to Walton; these analyses lead to a mentalist definition in terms of necessary and sufficient conditions, as a prescribed attitude of make-believe, a characterization for which we appreciate the merits and limits. Then, against an essentialist approach, we offer a contextualist analysis of the judgment of fictionality, its patterns and motivations. So we introduce a semi-formal apparatus which articulates the seven rules of judgment, their meta-rules and standards that make variable our attributions of fictionality, depending on external ontological, epistemical and ethical issues. Finally, in order to avoid the risk of excessive relativism, we focus on the acts of invention which are at play in the genesis and reception of so-called works of fiction, especially, novels. A pragmatist approach, together with a ternary conceptual framework (Information, Interpretation, Invention) and a study of some literary theories of fiction, allow us to sketch coherent answers to central questions about these expressions coming from our imagination and human creativity.