The goal of this investigation was to examine personal and environmental factors that may influence levels of daily physical activity in a sample of university staff employees who use flexible work arrangements (flextime or telework). Our first aim was to investigate the link between self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and flexible work arrangements on daily physical activity. Our second aim was to investigate the link between work stress, job burnout, work-to-family conflict and flexible work arrangements on physical activity. Lastly, we investigated if the use of flexible work arrangements buffered the relationship between barriers, as well as job burnout, on physical activity. University staff employees who worked full-time, currently used a flexible work arrangement, lived with at least one family member were eligible to participate. Using a daily diary design, data were collected from 61 university staff employees. Participants completed an initial survey followed by daily diaries over the course of one workweek, resulting in 281 diary days. Data were analyzed with multilevel negative binomial models. Daily barriers and use of flextime were associated with lower physical activity. Self-efficacy, telework, work stress, and work-to-family conflict were not significantly associated with daily physical activity. Flexible work arrangements did not moderate the association between barriers and physical activity. However, flextime moderated the association between job burnout and physical activity. Individuals with high job burnout engaged in more physical activity on flextime days compared to non-flexible workdays. Implications regarding physical activity, flexible work arrangements, and workplace wellness programs are discussed. / Doctor of Philosophy / The goal of this study was to examine minutes spent engaging in physical activity each day among university staff members who use flexible work arrangements. Flexible work arrangements can help employees have more control over their work hours and schedules. In our sample, we were interested in exploring how personal factors, such as the confidence in their ability (i.e. self-efficacy), and barriers influenced the amount of time staff spent engaging in physical activity each day. We were also interested in exploring how work factors, specifically stress from work, feeling burned out from work, and feelings of work interfering with family, influenced the amount of time spent engaging in physical activity. Lastly, we examined how the time spent engaging in physical activity differed on workdays staff used a flexible work arrangement and on days they did not use a flexible work arrangement. We collected data from 61 university staff employees. Participants completed an initial survey followed by short surveys each night for one workweek. We found that the more barriers an individual reported, the less time they spent on physical activity. In addition, on workdays when staff used a flextime arrangement (i.e. control over when work is completed), they engaged in fewer minutes of physical activity than on days they worked typical hours. Self-efficacy, work stress, feeling that work interfered with family, and telework (i.e. control over where work is completed) did not influence physical activity. Interestingly, we found that on workdays that flextime was used, staff with high levels of burnout from their job engaged in more physical activity compared to standard workdays (i.e. no control over their schedule). Implications regarding physical activity, flexible work arrangements, and workplace wellness programs are discussed.

Injuries associated with fall accidents pose a significant health problem to society, both in terms of human suffering and economic losses. Existing fall intervention approaches are facing various limitations. This dissertation presented an effort to advance indirect type of injury prevention approach. The overall objective was to develop a new fall event detection algorithm and a new integrative ambulatory measurement (IAM) framework which could further improve the fall detection algorithm's performance in detecting slip-induced backward falls. This type of fall was chosen because slipping contributes to a major portion of fall-related injuries. The new fall detection algorithm was designed to utilize trunk angular kinematics information as measured by Inertial Measurement Units (IMU). Two empirical studies were conducted to demonstrate the utility of the new detection algorithm and the IAM framework in fall event detection. The first study involved a biomechanical analysis of trunk motion features during common Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and slip-induced falls using an optical motion analysis system. The second study involved collecting laboratory data of common ADLs and slip-induced falls using ambulatory sensors, and evaluating the performance of the new algorithm in fall event detection. Results from the current study indicated that the backward falls were characterized by the unique, simultaneous occurrence of an extremely high trunk extension angular velocity and a slight trunk extension angle. The quadratic form of the two-dimensional discrimination function showed a close-to-ideal overall detection performance (AUC of ROCa = 0.9952). The sensitivity, specificity, and the average response time associated with the specific configuration of the new algorithm were found to be 100%, 95.65%, and 255ms, respectively. The individual calibration significantly improved the response time by 2.4% (6ms). Therefore, it was concluded that slip-induced backward fall was clearly distinguishable from ADLs in the trunk angular phase plot. The new algorithm utilizing a gyroscope and orientation sensor was able to detect backward falls prior to the impact, with a high level of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, individual calibration provided by the IAM framework was able to further enhance the fall detection performance. / Ph. D.

BACKGROUND: Both endo- and ectoparasites pose a great challenge to the health of pigs worldwide, placing a significant burden on low-resource countries where veterinary care is minimal. As part of a larger clinical trial assessing the use of ivermectin (IVM) mass drug administration to humans and pigs for the control of malaria vectors in the Mopeia district in Mozambique, a longitudinal study to assess the impact of IVM administration on pig health was performed. METHODS: Beginning in March 2022, IVM was administered to pigs in the intervention area once a month for three consecutive months. Seventy pigs from the treatment group and 70 pigs from the control group were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Fecal samples were collected monthly for three months and analyzed for the presence of strongyle eggs, strongyle eggs in the larval stage (strongyles – larval) and Ascaris suum using the modified McMaster test. Fecal samples were also collected two weeks after each dose of IVM was given to pigs in the treatment group for determination of a fecal egg reduction count. Juvenile pigs were measured twice a month for the first 3 months of the study, then once monthly for another three months. Visual exam for ectoparasites was performed on all pigs for the presence of ticks, lice or scabies at the same time points. RESULTS: Overall, 55% [95% CI: 48-62%] of pigs were positive for Ascaris suum, 95.2% [95% CI: 91-98%] were positive for strongyle eggs, and 72.5% [95% CI: 65.5-79%] were positive for strongyle – larval. A significant difference in the ivermectin treatment group was only seen one month after the second dose of ivermectin was administered: pigs in the treatment group had a 23.6% lower prevalence of strongyles (p = 0.003) and 18% lower prevalence of strongyles – larval (p = 0.03). Pigs in the treatment group also had lower EPG for Ascaris suum (diff = 102 EPG; p = 0.006), strongyles (diff = 642 EPG; p < 0.001), and strongyles - larval (diff = 217 EPG; p < 0.001). Analysis of covariance regression found no significant difference(P>0.05) in average daily weight gain (ADG) between the treatment and control groups. CONCLUSION: IVM delivered once monthly for three months has a small impact on pig health. To counteract the multiple health challenges pigs face in these settings, different dosing schedules along with education on husbandry issues related to nutrition and sanitation should be investigated in order to maximize impact on pig health. / Master of Science / A study was conducted in rural Mozambique in the district of Mopeia to determine the effectiveness of ivermectin against common parasites of swine when administered to pigs. The study began in March of 2022, at the beginning of rainy season, and ivermectin was given to pigs once a month for three months. Pigs were visited twice a month for the first three months, and then once a month for another three months. At various time points, fecal samples were collected, pigs were examined for evidence of ectoparasites (ticks, lice and scabies infestation), and young pigs were measured to determine their rate of growth. Fecal samples were analyzed for the presence of common internal parasites (endoparasites) affecting pigs in the area. The burden of endo and ectoparasites was estimated before any ivermectin was administered, and then compared in treated and untreated pigs over the course of the study. Similarly, the effect of ivermectin on growth rates in young animals was determined. The results of this study found that there was a high burden of common endoparasites in pigs in the Mopeia district, which was only minimally affected by the use of ivermectin delivered once a month. Among the treated pigs, a fecal egg count reduction test suggests that these parasites are potentially resistant to ivermectin, although other issues may be responsible for these results. The burden of ectoparasites was generally low (<10%), with ivermectin only significantly reducing the prevalence of ticks. Young animals that received ivermectin had a 15% increase in their growth rate, but this was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the use of ivermectin once a month for three months in pigs, as part of a malaria intervention, has some minimal positive health effects on treated pigs. Given the poor management practices, poor nutrition and lack of veterinary care in these pigs, it is likely that to have a greater impact on pig health, ivermectin will need to be delivered under a different dosing schedule and alongside owner education on pig management practices.

This study analyzes 2008 presidential election coverage on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report to determine how they confront the tension between the genres of news and entertainment. To this point, much of the scholarly work on political entertainment news has focused on examining its effects on viewers' political attitudes and knowledge. A rhetorical analysis reveals the actual messages they convey and the strategies they employ to discuss contemporary American politics. Through comedic devices such as satire and parody, The Daily Show and The Colbert Report offer a venue for social commentary and criticisms of power at a time when traditional venues are dissipating, and these shows provide a place for serious political discourse that encourages dialogue that promotes civic engagement. / Master of Arts

Both sleep diaries and actigraphy have been recommended to assess sleep in research and clinical settings. Investigators have traditionally used sleep diaries that were completed daily by participants and collected weekly but have recently begun using sleep diaries that are both completed and collected daily. No research had previously assessed the agreement between daily-collected sleep diaries and actigraph data over one week. Undergraduate students were randomly assigned to use daily- or weekly-collected sleep diaries. Sleep parameters obtained from these measures were compared to each other via concordance with concurrent actigraph data. It was hypothesized that daily-collected sleep diaries would have greater concordance with actigraphy than weekly-collected sleep diaries. Results indicated that daily-collected sleep diaries provided more reliable data than weekly-collected sleep diaries, but the differences were not statistically significant. Additional aims examined self-reported sleep diary adherence, the participation day number, and day of the week. There were trends for the Daily group to have better adherence. Overall concordance did not change based on the day number or day of the week. Both sleep diaries yield comparable sleep parameter data, suggesting that clinicians and researchers can use either method to estimate sleep parameters.

Yes / The aim of this article is to examine the limitations encountered by amputees in the performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and its impact on their life satisfaction. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 amputees at the Nsawam Orthopaedic Training Centre (OTC). The Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS) and the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11 (LISAT-11) were used to collect data from the respondents. All statistical analyses were made using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software 23.0 and summarized in tables. A multivariate analysis was used to establish the relationship between activity limitation and life satisfaction. The respondents experienced some limitations in executing ADLs and IADLS with an overall mean activity limitation score of (36.57±10.93). There was a moderate life satisfaction of respondents with a mean score of (3.86±1.15). A multivariate analysis revealed that, there was a strong negative statistically significant relationship between activity limitations and life satisfaction [ß =--0.13, p=0.000] The government of Ghana through the Ministry of Health and its agencies who are involved in the management and rehabilitation of amputees must explore these limitations to inform decision making during the planning and preparation of rehabilitation programs, resource allocation, and policy formulation for amputees to improve their overall satisfaction and well-being.

Yes / Discrepancy scores reflecting the difference between parallel ratings made by people living with dementia (PwD) in the mild-to-moderate stages and by their informants provide a way to investigate awareness of functional ability in relation to activities of daily living (ADL). Methods: Two measures of ADL (Functional Activities Questionnaire; Dependence Scale) were completed by 1,227 PwD and their informants in the IDEAL cohort study baseline assessment. Self-rated and informant-rated scores were used to calculate discrepancies, which were used as an indicator of awareness of functional ability. Smaller discrepancy scores were considered to reflect greater awareness on the part of PwD. PwD completed questionnaires on depression, personality, comorbidities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and completed a measure of cognition. Informants provided ratings of stress. Univariable and multiple regressions were used to investigate factors related to ADL discrepancy. Results: A similar pattern of associations were found for both ADL discrepancy scores. Smaller discrepancy scores were associated with higher levels of depression, higher neuroticism, fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms, higher comorbidity, lower carer stress, and receipt of less than 1 hour of care per day from the informant. Discussion/Conclusion: There was a clear pattern of factors that were associated with greater awareness for both measures of functional ability. These factors associated with smaller discrepancy scores could be used to identify PwD who might benefit from targeted interventions to support their independence. / Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) grant ES/L001853/2; Alzheimer’s Society as a Centre of Excellence, grant number 348, AS-PR2-16-001

Intimate partner violence (IPV; psychological, physical, and sexual abuse) victimization is prevalent among college women and is linked to alcohol-related problems. Theory and prior data suggest that women may be more likely to drink after IPV if they have difficulty regulating their emotions; yet the moderating effect of daily emotion dysregulation on the proximal IPV-alcohol use association remains unexamined. This study investigated the hypothesis that daily IPV victimization would positively and prospectively associate with same-day alcohol use (any drinking, number of drinks, and heavy episodic drinking [HED]), and that higher levels of daily emotion dysregulation would strengthen this association. College women (N = 161) completed daily reports of emotion dysregulation, alcohol use, and IPV over 60 consecutive days. Multilevel modeling did not support hypotheses. IPV victimization did not significantly associate with odds of subsequent, same-day alcohol use, number of drinks consumed, or HED, regardless of daily emotion dysregulation level. Main effects revealed that daily emotion dysregulation positively associated with alcohol use across all models. The effects of IPV on alcohol use may accumulate over time rather than having a subsequent, proximal effect. Enhancing college women’s ability to regulate emotions may mitigate alcohol use and HED, regardless of women’s IPV experiences. / Master of Science / Intimate partner violence (IPV), including physical, psychological, and sexual abuse is common amongst college women and is often linked with alcohol use problems. Previous research suggests that women may be more inclined to consume alcohol following IPV victimization, particularly if they struggle with regulating their emotions. However, the specific role of daily emotion dysregulation in moderating the relationship between IPV victimization and subsequent alcohol use has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether daily experiences of IPV victimization would positively associate with same-day alcohol consumption, evaluated through overall drinking, the amount consumed, and the occurrences of heavy episodic drinking (HED), and whether greater levels of daily emotion dysregulation would intently this relationship. A sample of 161 college women completed daily assessments over 60 consecutive days, reporting their experiences with IPV victimization, alcohol use, and emotion dysregulation. The findings did not support the initial hypotheses. IPV victimization did not significantly increase odds of same-day alcohol use, the number of drinks consumed, or HED, irrespective of the levels of daily emotion dysregulation. However, the data revealed that emotion dysregulation was positively associated with alcohol use across all models. This suggests that the effects of IPV victimization on alcohol use may accumulate over time rather than wield an immediate influence. Improving emotion regulation skills among college women could potentially mitigate alcohol use and instances of HED, independent of their experiences with IPV victimization.

O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Agronômica da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul durante a estação de outonoinverno, com o objetivo de avaliar os parâmetros produtivos de uma pastagem natural fertilizada com diferentes níveis de N e submetida a diferimento e a sua influência sobre a produção animal. A fertilidade do solo foi corrigida 7 anos antes deste experimento (1996) com calcário e adubação de P e K. A área experimental foi roçada e diferida em 15/01/2003, quando foram aplicados os três níveis de nitrogênio (zero, 50 e 100 kg N/ha/ano). O período experimental ocorreu de 15 de abril (entrada dos animais) a 1º de setembro (final do inverno). Foram utilizados novilhos de sobre-ano (18 meses) em lotação contínua com carga variável de forma a manter uma oferta média de forragem de 10 kg de MS/100 kg PV/dia. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas no tempo sendo o tempo considerado na parcela principal e o N na subparcela. A pastagem nativa fertilizada quando diferida no verão por um período de 90 dias permite manter altas cargas animais durante o outono e inverno e em níveis crescentes conforme a adubação nitrogenada (958, 1072 e 1443 kg PV/ha, para zero, 50 e 100 kg N/ha respectivamente). Este efeito é devido fundamentalmente às taxas de crescimento observadas durante o período de diferimento. A performance animal somente é adequada durante o primeiro mês de utilização do pasto, ocorrendo perdas de peso a partir de meados de maio. Os níveis de nitrogênio utilizados não contribuem para atenuar estas perdas. Ainda assim é possível chegar ao final do inverno com o mesmo peso individual inicial dos animais. O diferimento de áreas de pastagem natural adubada revela-se uma estratégia interessante dentro de sistemas de produção animal a pasto, desde que integrado num planejamento forrageiro global da propriedade. / The experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Experimental Station of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, at Eldorado do Sul district, during the autumn-winter seasons of 2003, aiming the evaluation of the parameters of natural pasture and animal production at different levels of nitrogen fertilization and submitted to deferment. Soil fertility was amended seven years before this trial (1996) with limestone and P and K fertilizers. Experimental area was mowed and deferred in 15/01/2003, when three levels of nitrogen fertilization (zero, 50, 100 kg N/ha) were applied. Evaluation period extended from April 15th (beginning of grazing period) to September 1st (final of winter), using eighteen months steers in continuous grazing an variable stocking in order to maintain average dry matter (DM) allowance of 10 kg DM/100 kg LW/day. A randomized complete block design with two replications was utilized, with time considered as main plot and N as sub-plot. Deferring fertilized native pasture at mid summer by 90 days make possible to maintain high stocking rates during the critical autumn-winter period dependent on nitrogen level (958, 1072 e 1443 kg LW/ha, for zero, 50 e 100 kg N/ha respectively). This differential effect is due to the forage growth rate verified during rest period. Animal performance was adequate only during the first month of pasture utilization and losses occur after mid may. The utilized N levels do not contribute to avoid these losses. Instead the observed weight losses, it is possible to keep the animals with the same initial weight of the beginning of autumn by the final of the winter. Deferring areas of natural pasture is a useful strategy inside animal production systems, if integrated on a global feed budget.

Although the yellow press has been in existence in Great Britain and the USA since the start of the 19th century, it has only recently been introduced in the South African media environment. The mainstream press like Rapport and Beeld have showed certain characteristics of the yellow press for a while now, but rather present a combination of both trivial and more serious news to the reader. The arrival of the yellow media which brought along a more sensational approach to news became also visible in more serious papers. This phenomenon is called "tabloidisation". The yellow press can be distinguished from serious papers on the basis of its nature and presentation. These characteristics can be divided into three categories, namely news themes, language and style, and presentation. The yellow press can be recognised by the amount of news items that focus on scandals and gossip involving celebrities, sex and crime. These media communicate in a informal and an easy understandable way with the readers,. These publications often make use of crude language and the stories are mostly people-driven. The yellow press publication can be seen as an entertainment package, because the aim is to entertain the reader. A vivid news package is presented to the reader by using bold headlines, large photos, graphics, colour and a captivating front page. This study investigates the characteristics of the yellow press. It investigates whether and how these characteristics are presented under the categories news themes, language, style and presentation of three local daily tabloids, namely the Kaapse Son, Daily Voice and the Daily Sun. / Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.