The purpose of this thesis was to determine the combined effects of protein, creatine, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation during resistance training. These nutritional supplements are popular during resistance training and we wanted to determine if they would have additive effects for improving body composition and strength. Forty-four participants (32 males, 12 females, mean age 20y) were randomized into three groups to receive: 1) 36 g/d protein (PRO), 2) protein and 9 g/d creatine (PRO/CR), or 3) protein, creatine and 6 g/d CLA (PRO/CR/CLA) for 5 weeks while resistance training on a four-day cycle (three days of resistance training, followed by one day of rest). Measurements at pre- and post-testing included body composition, muscle thickness of the elbow and knee flexors and extensors, and bench and leg press strength. There were time main effects (p<0.01) for strength, and muscle thickness. The PRO/CR/CLA group had significant increases in knee extensor muscle thickness over time compared to the other groups (p<0.05). There were no other differences between groups over time. The combinations of creatine and protein, or creatine, protein and CLA had no effects on body composition. It is concluded that combining protein, creatine, and CLA has minimal effects on muscular strength, muscle thickness, and body composition.

Medan gymbranschen i Sverige domineras av gymkedjor som Friskis &amp; Svettis och SATS, som erbjuder främst gymträning med mindre fokus på tilläggsprodukter för ett relativt lågt pris, domineras marknaden i Storbritannien av företag som t.ex. David Lloyd och Virgin Active. Där är priserna betydligt högre men förutom gymträning finns där även aktiviteter som t.ex. tennis, tillgång till simbassäng, spa, barnpassning och restaurang med fokus på hela familjen. Denna kvantitativa studie i form av konsument- och konkurrentundersökningar ämnade utreda den potentiella efterfrågan och marknadsmöjligheten för ett liknande koncept i Sverige, med norra Stockholm som utvald miljö. Studien visade att det finns viss potentiell marknadsmöjlighet för konceptet samt att intresse för konceptets attribut och tilläggsprodukter finns bland respondenterna. Dock är de tillfrågade respondenterna i synnerhet priskänsliga och nöjda med nuvarande träningsanläggning. Meningen med undersökningen var även att ta reda på vilka av de tillgängliga attribut och tilläggsprodukter som efterfrågades mest från respondenterna. Följande var med ordningsföljd mest intressanta; gym, spa/massage bastu och bubbelbad, racketsporter, simbassäng samt gruppträningar, yoga och danspass.

The dissertation investigates the postmodern features of Salman Rushdie’s novels Shame and Midnight’s Children within the theoretical framework of postmodernism. The inward-directed approach to a literary text, which has been chosen as a basis for the research, incorporates the body of texts by the famous theorists of postmodernism Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Ihab Hassan, Jean Baudrillard and others. With the view to the indeterminacy of the approach, the concept of decentering, embracing such terms as the elimination of the transcendental signified, supplement, simulacrum, indeterminacy, the death of the author, has been chosen as a key concept to discuss text-oriented propositions. The analysis of Salman Rushdie’s novel Midnight’s Children explores the undermining of the traditional connotations of synecdoche. The interpretation of the text reveals how the strategy of play is employed to incorporate traditional images into the postmodern narrative of the novel. The connotations attributed to different images are constantly subjected to subversion and undermining in the text. The investigation of the concept indeterminacy with the view to the narrative of Midnight’s Children focuses on the imagery related to the concept of the void and its supplements. The analysis of Salman Rushdie’s novel Shame draws on the concept of the image as a simulacrum/supplement, employing J. Derrida and J. Baudrillard’s theoretical propositions. It uncovers the detachment of... [to full text] / Disertacijos tyrimo objektu pasirinktos postmodernizmo apraiškos Salman Rushdie romanuose Vidurnakčio vaikai ir Gėda. Tyrimo teoriniu pagrindu buvo pasirinktas į tekstą orientuotas požiūris, atstovaujamas šių mokslininkų: Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Roland Barthes, Ihab Hassan, Jean Baudrillard ir kt. Atsižvelgiant į pasirinkto požiūrio neapibrėžtumą, pagrindine teorine sąvoka buvo pasirinkta išcentrinimo sąvoka, kuri yra sietina su šiais terminais: transcendentalinio subjekto nesatis, suplementas, simuliakras, neapibrėžtumas, autoriaus mirtis. Salman Rushdie romano Vidurnakčio vaikai interpretacijoje tiriama tradicinių sinekdochos reikšmių transformacija. Analizuojant atskleidžiama, kaip rašytojas naudoja žaidimo strategiją tradicinių įvaizdžių panaudojimui postmoderniame kūrinyje, nuolat transformuodamas ir neigdamas įvaizdžių reikšmes. Romano Vidurnakčio vaikai naratyvas analizuojamas neapibrėžtumo sąvokos pagrindu. Pagrindinis dėmesys šioje interpretacijoje skiriamas įvaizdžiams, siejamiems su tuštumos ir suplemento sąvokomis. Salman Rushdie romano Gėda interpretacijoje dėmesys skiriamas postmodernaus įvaizdžio kaip simuliakro/suplemento sampratos analizei. Teorinis interpretacijos pagrindas- J. Derrida ir J. Baudrillard veikalai. Analizė atskleidžia postmodernaus įvaizdžio ir realybės santykio nesatį bei realybės suplementų pažeidžiamumą. Apibendrinant, Salman Rushdei romanų interpretacija atskleidžia išcentrinimo sąvokos sudėtingumą ir neapibrėžtumą, bei bendrą... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

An efficient micropropagation protocol for large scale production of hazelnut plants is required for consistent supply of elite germplasm to support the growing industry in Ontario. The main focus of current research was to develop a bioreactor based micropropagation protocol for hazelnut multiplication. An integrated approach was developed to increase the multiplication rate by optimizing the nutrient medium supplements and culture technology using a temporary immersion bioreactor system (TIS). As compared to conventional semi-solid and liquid based culture system, the Liquid LabTM temporary immersion bioreactor system (LIS) showed a significant enhancement in the number of shoots (3.3 shoots/explant), shoot height, leaf area and chlorophyll content in micropropagated plantlets. Antioxidant supplements such as ascorbic acid and melatonin along with iron (460 µM FeEDDHA) significantly increased the shoot proliferation (5.5 shoots/explant). However, a much higher shoot proliferation (10.9 shoots/explant) was observed with the addition of aspirin (10 µM) in the presence of BA (17.6 µM). Among several hazelnut cultivars, HF-16 had the highest multiplication rate followed by Geneva and Epsilon. Medium supplemented with 10 µM IBA was the best for rooting of microshoots of HF-16 and the plantlets acclimatized in the green house with 80% survival rate. / Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs

The dissertation investigates the postmodern features of Salman Rushdie’s novels Shame and Midnight’s Children within the theoretical framework of postmodernism. The inward-directed approach to a literary text, which has been chosen as a basis for the research, incorporates the body of texts by the famous theorists of postmodernism Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Ihab Hassan, Jean Baudrillard and others. With the view to the indeterminacy of the approach, the concept of decentering, embracing such terms as the elimination of the transcendental signified, supplement, simulacrum, indeterminacy, the death of the author, has been chosen as a key concept to discuss text-oriented propositions. The analysis of Salman Rushdie’s novel Midnight’s Children explores the undermining of the traditional connotations of synecdoche. The interpretation of the text reveals how the strategy of play is employed to incorporate traditional images into the postmodern narrative of the novel. The connotations attributed to different images are constantly subjected to subversion and undermining in the text. The investigation of the concept indeterminacy with the view to the narrative of Midnight’s Children focuses on the imagery related to the concept of the void and its supplements. The analysis of Salman Rushdie’s novel Shame draws on the concept of the image as a simulacrum/supplement, employing J. Derrida and J. Baudrillard’s theoretical propositions. It uncovers the detachment of... [to full text] / Disertacijos tyrimo objektu pasirinktos postmodernizmo apraiškos Salman Rushdie romanuose Vidurnakčio vaikai ir Gėda. Tyrimo teoriniu pagrindu buvo pasirinktas į tekstą orientuotas požiūris, atstovaujamas šių mokslininkų: Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Roland Barthes, Ihab Hassan, Jean Baudrillard ir kt. Atsižvelgiant į pasirinkto požiūrio neapibrėžtumą, pagrindine teorine sąvoka buvo pasirinkta išcentrinimo sąvoka, kuri yra sietina su šiais terminais: transcendentalinio subjekto nesatis, suplementas, simuliakras, neapibrėžtumas, autoriaus mirtis. Salman Rushdie romano Vidurnakčio vaikai interpretacijoje tiriama tradicinių sinekdochos reikšmių transformacija. Analizuojant atskleidžiama, kaip rašytojas naudoja žaidimo strategiją tradicinių įvaizdžių panaudojimui postmoderniame kūrinyje, nuolat transformuodamas ir neigdamas įvaizdžių reikšmes. Romano Vidurnakčio vaikai naratyvas analizuojamas neapibrėžtumo sąvokos pagrindu. Pagrindinis dėmesys šioje interpretacijoje skiriamas įvaizdžiams, siejamiems su tuštumos ir suplemento sąvokomis. Salman Rushdie romano Gėda interpretacijoje dėmesys skiriamas postmodernaus įvaizdžio kaip simuliakro/suplemento sampratos analizei. Teorinis interpretacijos pagrindas- J. Derrida ir J. Baudrillard veikalai. Analizė atskleidžia postmodernaus įvaizdžio ir realybės santykio nesatį bei realybės suplementų pažeidžiamumą. Apibendrinant, Salman Rushdei romanų interpretacija atskleidžia išcentrinimo sąvokos sudėtingumą ir neapibrėžtumą, bei bendrą... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

Various hormones have been studied as regards prediction of pregnancy outcome after infertility treatment, but no ideal candidate has been found. Folate and genetic variations in folate metabolism have also been associated with infertility, but it remains unclear how these factors affect IVF pregnancy outcome. It is known that infertility is associated with active folic acid supplement use, but the effect of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on folic acid supplement use in infertile women has not been well investigated. The overall aim of this work was to obtain information on the prediction of live birth, and to study factors affecting the role of folate and folic acid intake in relation to IVF pregnancy outcome. Infertile women with various infertility diagnoses were studied. Healthy, fertile non-pregnant women were used as controls in three of the studies. Blood samples were taken for assay of eight different hormones, folate and homocysteine, and for genomic DNA extraction. A questionnaire was used to assess background data and use of folic acid supplements. Twenty-four-hour recall interviews were performed for validation of the questionnaire. The studied hormones were not good predictors of live birth. The best predictor was age of the women, together with ovulatory menstrual cycles, and thyroid-stimulating hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) status. Well-educated women, high-status employed women, and married and infertile women used the most folic acid supplements. Infertile women had better folate status than fertile women. However, pregnancy outcome after infertility treatment was not dependent on folic acid intake, folate status, genetic variation of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase or socioeconomic status. In conclusion, AMH levels vary less than those of other hormones during the menstrual cycle, and AMH could be used as a predictive marker of live birth together with age and ovulation. Folate might play a minor role in IVF pregnancy outcome, but the importance of folate as regards other health perspectives should not be forgotten.

Background The debate about the budgets being and not being has been going on for 40 years. On one hand advocates for abolishing the budget have been criticising the budget, arguing for example that it is a waste of resources that only provides an illusion of control. Whereas on the other hand, business students are still taught to use the budget and previous studies show that companies are still holding on to it. Hence, there seems to exist a budget paradox.   Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to examine the use and perception of fixed budgets within larger companies of today and to clarify the reality behind the debate about the usefulness of budgets. Further, to get an understanding of what purposes are deemed as important when using different control measures, and how well these are fulfilled.    Method This study is predominantly quantitative with a deductive approach, as it via a self-administrative web survey has collected data from 58 publicly traded companies in Sweden. The questionnaire has consisted of open- and close-ended questions, to provide a deeper understanding of the role the fixed budget.   Conclusion The overall percentage of companies that have abolished the budget has increased when compared to previous studies, but the majority of 81% still use the fixed budget in one way or another. Out of the participating companies, 67% stated that they supplement the fixed budget with other control measures, and as the percentage of those considering abolishing the budget have decreased, the overall perception of the fixed budget has improved.

Introduction The last national micronutrient survey of Iran showed that, in spite of a national supplementation program, the prevalence of anaemia, and zinc deficiency were 37.8% and 20% among 15-23 months old infants, respectively. Data show that more than 60% of infants do not consume supplements regular. Moreover, the current supplementation program does not provide a zinc supplement. Home fortification has been promoted as an alternative approach, where families are able to add micronutrients to home-made food for infants. The majority of efficacy trials of multiple micronutrient containing ‘Sprinkles’ powder and crushable ‘Foodlets’ tablets have been conducted in areas where maize-based complementary food is common. The potential effects of home fortification supplement in Iran are uncertain as the staple food is different (wheat and rice vs. maize in other trials) and acceptability of the Sprinkles and Foodlets is unknown. This thesis aim to assess efficacy, adherence, and acceptability of Sprinkles and Foodlets as compared with current supplement (Drops) on micronutrient status (iron, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D) and growth in Iranian infants aged 6-18 month. Methods A total of 405 infants were recruited from Hashtgerd, 80 km west of Tehran, Iran; 43 were excluded due to not meeting the inclusion criteria. The infants were randomly assigned to receive daily supplementation of Sprinkles (n=120), Foodlets (n=121) or Drops (n=121) for four months. Sprinkles and Foodlets contain iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, folate, and multiple B vitamins similar except that levels of iron are higher in the Sprinkles group. Drops do not contain zinc, vitamin B12, or folate. The persons responsible for the laboratory test and data entry were blinded to randomization. Haemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum retinol, serum zinc, 25(OH)D concentration and anthropometric measures were assessed at baseline and four months. At each monthly phase of the follow-up, adherence to supplements and side-effects related to supplements were reported by mothers. Six focus group discussions assessed mother’s perceptions about the supplements. Within group change in means over 4 months intervention was examined by Student’s paired t-test. The within group changes in proportions were assessed using McNemar’s test. Change across the three treatment groups were compared using analysis of covariance. Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethics committee of both the University of Queensland in Australia and the Ministry of Health in Iran. Results Of the total 362 infants included in the study, 313 (86%) had complete anthropometric and haemoglobin data, and 301 infants (83%) also had both initial and final serum samples. There were no significant differences between the three groups for baseline data. Baseline data showed approximately one fourth of anaemic children had iron deficiency anaemia and 38% of infants were zinc deficient. The children had a relatively good baseline status for vitamin A, vitamin D and growth. After four months intervention mean haemoglobin increased significantly in the three groups. Serum ferritin concentration increased in the Drops group (p<0.001) and Sprinkles group (p<0.05). A significant improvement was seen in zinc status for the Sprinkles and Foodlets but not the Drops group. Mean percentage of adherence to Sprinkles, Foodlets, and Drops (total amount of supplement used divided by total amount expected to be used) was (90.4±17.25), (80.7±25.01), and (88.5±16.85) respectively. Vomiting was higher in the Foodlets compared to other groups (p<0.001). Staining of the teeth was higher in Drops than the other groups (P<0.001). Most mothers in the Sprinkles group (97.3%) preferred this supplement over current supplement whereas 87.2% of mothers in the Foodlet group preferred Foodlets over the current supplement. In the focus group discussions, mothers stated that the new supplements were more acceptable and easier to use compared to current supplement. However, they had some issues about the new supplements; for example, lack of appropriate food to add the Sprinkles or Foodlets. Conclusion The combination of multivitamins plus iron and zinc when added to wheat or rice-based complementary foods improved iron and zinc status. Combining iron and zinc in Sprinkles and Foodlets did not show negative effects on iron or zinc status. No differences were seen in efficacy of the Sprinkles and Foodlets on outcomes except a little higher improvement of iron status in Sprinkles and a slight higher weight gain of infants in the Foodlets group. According to this efficacy trial and formative study, Sprinkles had a higher acceptability in the study population and there are factors to encourage its use (easy to use, tasteless, containing all required vitamins and minerals, shape, easy to transfer, and stimulates appetite). The trial identified trade-offs in combining multiple micronutrients into a single delivery mechanism, with no benefit from addition of vitamins A and D on nutritional status in this sample of infants. We might consider different acceptability to Sprinkles in some regions by different cultural practices but in summary Sprinkles is likely to be the best option as an alternative choice to the current supplementation (Drops).

Background Empirical research on how and why nutritional supplements (including vitamin/mineral supplements and herbal supplements) are being taken by middle-income populations in South Africa is lacking. This study quantifies the types of nutritional supplements being taken. It unpacks beliefs regarding benefits and risks. This information is useful for healthcare practitioners in similar settings as it could affect their practice of history taking and alert practitioners to the need to know more about nutritional supplement benefits and risks. The information could be used to influence policy regarding advertising and labelling of nutritional supplements. Method The study was a cross-sectional survey. An anonymous self-completed structured questionnaire was completed by 123 participants attending a medical centre during the data collection period. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted on 16 participants to gather qualitative information. Results Nutritional supplements were widely taken in this questionnaire sample (59%). Consumption was not related to age, language, ethnic group, education and smoking, but nutritional supplements were more commonly used by women and higher income groups. Women who felt they had fair/poor health, women with chronic medical conditions, especially those with depression or women on chronic prescription medication were more likely to take nutritional supplements than those without these characteristics. Wellness, treating tiredness and short-term disease prevention were the most common reasons for taking the supplements, although research proving these benefits is lacking. Chronic disease prevention was an uncommon reason for consumption. Participants were mostly unaware of possible drug interactions and side-effects and therefore felt it unnecessary to inform their practitioner of consumption habits. Conclusion Healthcare professionals should include a nutritional supplement question in their routine history taking, especially when prescribing chronic medication and in the presence of chronic conditions. They should be knowledgeable regarding efficacy, safety, possible side-effects and drug interactions of commonly consumed nutritional supplements in order to advise patients appropriately. Further empirical research is needed into proven benefits of nutritional supplements.

Orientador: Marcos Jun Watanabe / Resumo: O cavalo atleta necessita de um sistema termorregulatório eficiente para garantir sua homeostasia e funções vitais. O nível de exigência das competições aumenta a cada dia, sendo necessário uma alta conversão energética para produção de trabalho, sem sobrecarga gástrica e com menor produção de calor metabólico. A inclusão de óleos na alimentação equina tem sido realizada neste intuito. Objetivou-se analisar a influência da suplementação com óleo de avocado na termorregulação de equinos submetidos a exercício em esteira, com base nas temperaturas retal e superficial corpórea. Oito equinos machos da raça Árabe, não treinados, foram distribuídos em delineamento randomizado cruzado, sendo um grupo sem suplementação (GC) e outro grupo suplementado com óleo de avocado (GOAv) por um período de seis semanas. Ao fim da sexta semana, os animais foram submetidos a teste padrão de exercício progressivo (TPEP) e após sete dias a teste de baixa intensidade e longa duração (BILD). Após o primeiro ciclo, houve período de descanso “washout” de 30 dias para troca de grupos para o segundo ciclo, que seguiu o protocolo do primeiro. A termorregulação foi avaliada com base na temperatura retal e na temperatura superficial corpórea, obtidas por termografia, de 15 regiões de interesse, sendo 10 na face dorsal distal do membro torácico, quatro na face caudal proximal dos membros pélvicos e uma na face lateral esquerda da cabeça. A temperatura retal e as imagens termográficas foram obtidas antes, um m... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The athletic horse needs an efficient thermoregulatory system to ensure its homeostasis and vital functions. The level of demands of the competitions increases every day, requiring a high energy conversion for work production, without gastric overload and with less metabolic heat production. The inclusion of oils in equine feed has been carried out for this purpose. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of supplementation with avocado oil on the thermoregulation of horses submitted to treadmill exercise, based on rectal and body surface temperatures. Eight non-trained Arabian male equines were distributed in a randomized crossover design, one control group (CG) without supplementation and another group supplemented (SG) with avocado oil for a period of six weeks. At the end of the sixth week, the animals were submitted to standard exercise test (SET) and after seven days the low intensity test (LIT). After the first cycle, there was a 30-day washout rest period to exchange groups for the second cycle, which followed the protocol of the first one. Thermoregulation was evaluated based on rectal temperature and body surface temperature, obtained by thermography, of 15 regions of interest, ten of the dorsal distal aspect of the thoracic limb, four of the proximal caudal aspect of the pelvic limbs and one of the left lateral aspect of the head. Rectal temperature and thermographic images were obtained before, one minute and 15 minutes after exercise. There was n... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor