Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2016-11-09T10:49:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Nilton Kamigauti.pdf: 18775249 bytes, checksum: fee2ef8d47303da8ab1ca5ef7a3ef5ce (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-11-09T10:49:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Nilton Kamigauti.pdf: 18775249 bytes, checksum: fee2ef8d47303da8ab1ca5ef7a3ef5ce (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-16 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Currently, the high levels of stress pose a challenge to the contemporaneity. Teaching is one of the key professions of our society and which presents one of the highest levels of stress. In this work, it was observed that 65,3% of teachers from two schools of São Paulo suffer from stress. The purpose of this research was to assess the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the level of stress of teachers. The instruments used were Lipp´s Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults (ISSL) to measure the stress levels and, to the individuals that practiced Tai Chi Chuan, a questionnaire to evaluate the impressions of such individuals on practicing Tai Chi Chuan was also used. The proceeding for the selection of participants was, initially, to apply the ISSL on the 49 participating teachers. Out of such individuals, 32 presented stress and were divided, equally (based on their level of stress, age and time they have been teaching), into 16 on the control group and 16 on the experimental group. The 16 participants of the experimental group were ministered classes of Tai Chi Chuan (including Chi Kung and meditation); during the period of 2 months, they attended 8 classes of 1 hour each, once a week. At the end of the 2-month period, the 32 participants of the 2 groups were retested with ISSL and the questionnaire to evaluate the impressions of practicing Tai Chi Chuan was applied solely to the experimental group. As a result, we observed that the experimental group presented a decrease in the stress levels in order of 77,16%, while the control group did not present any relevant change. Tai Chi Chuan was proven to be an efficient technique for stress management, being a low cost activity, easily executed within the premises of the schools themselves and that does not require any equipment to be practiced; it presented a good acceptance, probably due to the swiftly achieved positive effects. Therefore, Tai Chi Chuan was effective in the decrease of the stress levels of the participating teachers / Atualmente, os altos níveis de estresse representam um desafio à contemporaneidade. A docência é uma das profissões fundamentais de nossa sociedade a qual apresenta um dos níveis mais altos de estresse. Neste trabalho, constatou-se que 65,3% dos professores de duas escolas de São Paulo sofrem de estresse. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos da prática do Tai Chi Chuan no nível de estresse de docentes. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Inventário de Sintomas de Estresse para Adultos de Lipp (ISSL) para medir os níveis de estresse e, para os que praticaram o Tai Chi Chuan, também foi utilizado o questionário para avaliar as impressões da prática do Tai Chi Chuan. O procedimento para selecionar os participantes foi, incialmente, aplicar o ISSL nos 49 professores participantes. Destes, 32 apresentaram estresse e foram divididos, igualmente (com base no nível de estresse, idade e tempo que lecionam), em 16 no grupo controle e 16 no grupo experimental. Os 16 participantes do grupo experimental tiveram aulas de Tai Chi Chuan (incluindo Chi Kung e meditação); ao longo de 2 meses, participaram de 8 aulas de 1 hora de duração, 1 vez por semana. Ao final dos 2 meses, os 32 participantes dos 2 grupos foram retestados com o ISSL e apenas no grupo experimental foi aplicado o questionário para avaliar as impressões da prática do Tai Chi Chuan. Como resultado, observamos que o grupo experimental apresentou uma queda dos níveis de estresse na ordem de 77,16%, enquanto o grupo controle não apresentou mudança relevante. O Tai Chi Chuan mostrou-se uma técnica eficaz no gerenciamento do estresse, sendo uma atividade economicamente barata, de fácil execução dentro das próprias escolas e que não requer nenhum equipamento para ser praticado; apresentou boa adesão, provavelmente devido aos efeitos benéficos rapidamente alcançados. Assim, o Tai Chi Chuan foi eficiente na baixa dos níveis de estresse nos professores participantes

Introduction : Le vieillissement modifie la composition corporelle, ce qui accélère la perte d'autonomie. L'activité physique pourrait être une intervention préventive pour contrer ce phénomène. Or, 62 % des femmes post ménopausées sont inactives (Institut de la statistique du Québec, 2009). Objectif : Évaluer l'effet de 12 semaines en tai chi chez des femmes post ménopausées sur la composition corporelle et la capacité fonctionnelle. Méthode : Quarante-six femmes post ménopausées ont été recrutées et divisées en 2 groupes (Novices : NO et expertes : EX en tai chi). Parmi ce nombre, 15 novices et 18 expertes en tai chi ont terminé l'étude. La composition corporelle, les capacités fonctionnelles ainsi que l'état de santé ont été mesurés pré et post tests. Résultats : Le score au test de la chaise s'est significativement amélioré (NO : p<0.001 vs EX : p=0.003) chez nos 2 groupes mais seul nos EX ont une amélioration significative au test de l'escalier (p=0.004). De plus, la perception de l'état de fatigue a diminué significativement dans nos 2 groupes (NO : p=0.002; EX : p=0.03). Seul le groupe NO a connu une augmentation significative de la force musculaire (Kincom; p=0.02). Finalement nous observons une diminution significative de l’IMC (p=0.03) et du tour de taille (p=0.007) chez le groupe EX. Conclusion : Le tai chi semble efficace pour améliorer la composition corporelle et les capacités fonctionnelles chez des femmes post ménopausées novices ou expertes et ce même si ces dernières étaient autonomes et n'avaient pas encore atteint l'âge de 70 ans. Ainsi, le tai chi devrait être considéré comme une avenue adaptée pour maintenir un vieillissement réussi. ______________________________________________________________________________

Ce mémoire a pour but une compréhension globale de ce qu'est l'entraînement de l'esprit à la Société de tai chi taoïste du Canada. Dans le chapitre I, j'ai d'abord décrit certains aspects de la culture de cette organisation et j'ai élaboré quelques concepts qui pourraient être interprétés comme constituant l'entraînement de l'esprit. Ensuite, dans le chapitre II, j'ai approfondi des éléments provenant de mes observations et de mon expérience à la Société, pour faire des parallèles avec des caractéristiques attribuées aux processus de changement en U telles que recensées, entre autres, par Paul Carle (2012). Dans le chapitre III, j'ai décrit les étapes par lesquelles j'ai dû passer pour entrer en relation avec l'organisation en tant que chercheuse. J'ai donc exposé les moments importants dans la mise en place de ma démarche, dont le point culminant a été la diffusion du questionnaire en ligne aux instructeurs. Le chapitre IV expose en détail les réponses reçues et qui m'ont permis de mieux comprendre comment est vécu et perçu ce qu'on appelle l'entraînement de l'esprit à la Société et comment cela pouvait être vécu comme un processus de changement. J'ai aussi témoigné d'une expérience personnelle rappelant un tel processus, suivant une trajectoire en U, et que j'ai vécu dans une situation qui pourrait être interprétée comme l'entraînement de l'esprit à la Société. ______________________________________________________________________________ MOTS-CLÉS DE L’AUTEUR : Entraînement de l'esprit, courbes en U, la Société de tai chi taoïste du Canada, processus de changement.

TITLE Alternative rehabilitation methods in therapy of Parkinson's disease OBJECTIVE The aim of work is to assemble new findings relating the rehabilitation of people with Parkinson disease. Furthermore to elaborate these information in form of literature search to allow their use in common practice. METHODS Up till now there were accomplished many studies which dealt with less common ways of therapy, but didn't find use in common practice. In this work these studies will be presented (in form of literature search). This work will be divided into two parts, where the first will sum up the issue of Parkinson's disease and the second part will deal with the alternative methods. Into this part studies detecting effects of dance therapy, tai-chi, qigong, treadmill training and box on symptoms of Parkinson's disease were chosen. Besides that, in discussion I plan on mentioning conventional therapy (rehabilitation) in Parkinson's disease as well as some guidelines written up in the Czech Republic. KEY WORDS Parkinson's disease, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, dance, therapy, tai chi, taiji, treadmill, gait

Dolphins, whales, and sharks are some of the world’s most iconic animals. Yet, many people will only ever see these animals via the media. The media, then, hold significant power in creating, modifying, or reaffirming the imaginaries around various species which, in turn, influences how much concern is given to matters related to their welfare and conservation. Given the environmental and ecological concerns presently facing the ocean, protecting, conserving, and preserving the marine ecosystem is vital, and time is of the essence. Through the work of activists, three specific marine wildlife issues have received a lot of publicity across various forms of mainstream media: the killing of dolphins in Taiji, Japan for their meat; Antarctic whaling; and the practice of shark-finning. Three activist films, namely The Cove (2009), Whale Wars (2008-), and Sharkwater (2006), are centred on these issues, and filmmakers attempt to compel viewers to support the activists’ protectionist cause. In order for this goal to have a chance of coming to fruition, rhetorical arguments must be carefully crafted. Yet, the study of rhetoric in animal-focused activist films is still an understudied research area. This thesis contributes to this area of research by using the aforementioned films as case studies by applying Aristotle’s rhetorical proofs of ethos, pathos, and logos to analyse the rhetorical arguments. Ethos is demonstrable when the activists construct themselves as credible, moral heroes and the animals as possessors of positive traits worth protecting, and the hunters as immoral villains. The graphic imagery of animal death appeals to pathos to stir strong bodily and emotional responses such as sadness, and disgust in order to mobilize audience support for cause. Lastly, these films appeal to logos through the use of culturally authoritative discourses such as those of biology, western conventional medicine, and the legal system. This thesis essentially argues that these texts work rhetorically and discursively to persuade audiences to feel a connection with and sympathy towards the animals; to be supportive of the activists; and to prompt antipathy towards the hunters and industry spokespeople.

Purpose: Working from lifespan development theory and the theory of Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC), I provide theoretical analyses to inform and direct research on Taijiquan where research questions involve issues of adaptive development (optimization of gains, maintenance of function, and prevention of lost resources). I also used these frameworks to construct a biopsychosocial mind-body practices model that seeks to explain and predict the role of key aspects (curriculum, practice, context) in Taiji-related development. The above frameworks are further substantiated through a comparative analysis of health status between Taijiquan practitioners (N =120; age range = 24-83, M = 54.77) and a nationally representative sample (N = 414,629; age range = 18-99, M = 54.86) collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The model's predictive potential is explored through an analysis of health status within a subset of experienced Taiji practitioners (N = 94; age range = 24-83, M = 55.82). Design: Theoretical and cross-sectional; between- and within-group comparisons. Methods: Responses from a convenience sample of Taiji practitioners were collected using an online survey. The instrument was designed to collect data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), lifestyle variables, and Taiji practice regimens. Data from Taiji practitioners were merged with the CDC's 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) dataset, forming three groups: no exercise, some exercise, and Taiji exercise. Health status was regressed on exercise group while controlling for age, income, and education, as well as the interaction between age and exercise group. Further analyses were also conducted on a subset of the Taiji data (N=94). These analyses examined the relationships among self-reported health, practice regimens, and diet while controlling for age and experience. Results: In the first set of analyses (see paper one), I controlled for the effects of age, income, education, and the differential effects of age on exercise group, while determining associations between health and group membership. A significant interaction effect (p < 0.001) occurred between age and exercise group membership. This interaction showed little difference between exercise groups in the young adult age range, but among older adults, Taijiquan practitioners displayed the best HRQoL. In the second set of analyses (see paper 2), I found significant interaction effects between (a) curricular complexity and out-of-class practice (p < 0.05) and (b) curricular complexity and diet (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The extraordinary health status trajectory among Taiji practitioners may be attributable to several conditions including: (a) the implied presence of SOC-related strategies, (b) the general benefits of psychophysical expertise, and (c) concomitant structure between Taiji-related goals and health behaviors that contributes to optimal aging. Specifically, intervention designers, Taiji teachers, and practitioners should consider the potential benefits of well rounded Taiji curricula, regular out-of-class practice, and healthy diet for optimizing health-related gains and minimizing losses typically associated with aging. / Ph. D.

This thesis theoretically and experimentally studies the characteristics of integrated microresonators (MRs) built by passive (no gain) and non-magnetic materials and characterized by both Hermitian and non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. In particular, I have studied three different microresonators: a typical Microring Resonator (MR), a Taiji Microresonator (TJMR), which consists of a microresonator with an embedded S-shaped waveguide, and a new geometry called the Infinity-Loop Microresonator (ILMR), which is characterized by a microresonator shaped like the infinity symbol coupled at two points to the bus waveguide. To get an accurate picture of the three devices, they were modeled using both the transfer matrix method and the temporal coupled mode theory. Neglecting propagation losses, the MR is described by a Hermitian Hamiltonian, while the TJMR and the ILMR are described by a non-Hermitian one. An important difference between Hermitian and non-Hermitian systems concerns their degeneracies. Hermitian degeneracies are called Diabolic Points (DPs) and are characterized by coincident eigenvalues and mutually orthogonal eigenvectors. In contrast, non-Hermitian degeneracies are called Exceptional Points (EPs). At the EP, both the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors coalesce. The MR is at a DP instead, and the TJMR and the ILMR are at an EP. Since the TJMR and ILMR are at an EP, they have interesting features such as the possibility of being unidirectional reflectors. Here, it is shown experimentally how in the case of the TJMR this degeneracy can also be used to break Lorentz reciprocity in the nonlinear regime (high incident laser powers), discussing the effect of the Fabry-Perot of the bus waveguide facets. The effect of backscattering, mainly due to the waveguide surface-wall roughness, on the microresonators is also studied. This phenomenon induces simultaneous excitation of the clockwise and counterclockwise modes, leading to eigenvalue splitting. This splitting makes the use of typical quality factor estimation methods unfeasible. To overcome this problem and mitigate the negative effects of backscattering, a new experimental technique called interferometric excitation is introduced. This technique involves coherent excitation of the microresonator from both sides of the bus waveguide, allowing selective excitation of a single supermode. By adjusting the relative phase and amplitude between the excitation fields, the splitting in the transmission spectrum can be eliminated, resulting in improved quality factors and eigenvalue measurements. It is shown that this interferometric technique can be exploited under both stationary and dynamic conditions of time evolution. The thesis also investigates the sensing performance of the three microresonators as a function of a backscattering perturbation, which could be caused, for example, by the presence of a molecule or particle near the microresonator waveguide. It is shown that the ILMR has better performance in terms of responsivity and sensitivity than the other two microresonators. In fact, it has both the enhanced sensitivity due to the square root dependence of the splitting on the perturbation (characteristic of EPs) and the ability to completely eliminate the region of insensitivity as the backscattering perturbation approaches zero, which is present in both the other two microresonators. To validate the models used, they were compared with experimental measurements both in the linear regime and, for TJMR, also in the nonlinear regime, with excellent agreement.