Circadian Rhythms (CR) are driven by a biological clock called as suprachiasmaticnucleus (SCN), located in a brain region called the hypothalamus. These rhythms are very much necessary in maintaining the sleep and wake cycle at appropriate times in a day. As a starting step towards non-invasive investigation of CR, aim is to study changes in the physiological processes of two Regions of Interest (ROI), the hypothalamus and the visual cortex. This was studied using a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) technique to investigate for any changes or differences in the Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD)signals extracted from the ROI during a visual stimulation. We acquired and processed fMRI data to extract BOLD signals from ROI and the extracted signals are again further used to study the correlation with the experimental ON-OFF design paradigm. The extracted BOLD signals varied a lot between the two specified brain regions within the same subject and between three types of fMRI data. These variations were found in terms of number of activated voxels and also Signal to Noise ratio(SNR) level present in the signals. The number of activated voxels and SNR werehigh in visual cortex whereas low number of activated voxels and low SNR were found in hypothalamus. The correlation between BOLD responses from primaryvisual cortex were shown as positive with the experimental stimulation whereas BOLD responses extracted from hypothalamus have shown a negative correlation in time with the experimental stimulation. As a start up of the project, these BOLD responses can provide references for a future use in research studies, especially to further study about change in phase of the BOLD signal extracted exactly from the SCN. These phase responses can then be used to study physiological processing in subjects affected by sleep disorders.

Digitalization has given rise to new opportunities for small and medium-sized video game development studios. No longer bound by physical products and creative restrains, the de-veloper has been empowered with independency. This qualitative study is aimed to under-stand how a development studio develops their business model and how underlying strate-gy is formulated. Additionally we evaluate the degree of innovativeness of the business model in terms of radical and incremental innovation according to Damanpour (1991). To achieve this we present a comprehensive literature review as to gain a more theoretical un-derstanding of industry mechanics and to be able to comprehend reasoning behind existing business models. We structure the dynamics of the business model by analyzing nine busi-ness model aspects as suggested by Osterwalder, Pigneur and Clark (2010). Following our theoretical framework we gain practical input from four separate case studies. An interpret-ative research method is used to gain better understanding of reasoning and choices made. We interpret our findings following a narrative approach which shows that the digitaliza-tion has preluded a paradigm shift in the sense that development studios have started to adopt activities otherwise performed by key partners. As barriers dissipate small and me-dium-sized development studios try to make sense of the current industry, but struggle in doing so. Having to reinvent themselves we conclude that a focus towards creating thicker customer relationships is considered and the idea of seeing games as a service is acknowl-edged to depict the future of the industry. The conclusions of this study contribute to both academic science and industry practice.

Le principe de la force obligatoire du contrat à l'épreuve du développement de l'unilatéralisme. / The principle of the binding force of the contract to the test of the development of unilateralism.

This master's thesis is looking to expand on the previously written bachelor's thesis describing the current situation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the Czech Republic. It represents an attempt to interpret medicine as paradigm while reflecting the current political environment. The relevance of the topic is proved by the recently increasing interest of media which have been covering the Czech-Chinese Centre for TCM in Hradec Kralove and activities of the Ministry of Health in discussions about possible synergies between modern medicine and TCM. The thesis compares modern medicine and TCM from the perspective of the theory of paradigms and relativity of knowledge by Thomas Kuhn. It aims to test aspects of the theory by conducting research among practitioners and students of TCM. The thesis also tries to find parallels between the two medicinal approaches and to identify their respective advantages and disadvantages. It attempts to gauge how challenging it is for students of TCM to comprehend two different medicinal approaches and whether they had any issues understanding them. Among other goals of the thesis is to give some insight into the process and possible future trends of the legal basis of TCM in the Czech Republic. In order to accomplish these goals, a set of questionnaires was...

This qualitative study explores daily environmental sustainable attitudes and behaviours of Gauteng’s urban youth. A social constructivist paradigm underlines the views, challenges and activities expressed. The Reasonable Person Model (RPM) and Social Networking Theory ensure that the content, as well as methodological elements and results herein adhere to a psychological framework. Focus groups and online interviews were utilised to explore the link between community well-being and the state of the natural environment and the sample was drawn using purposive and snowball sampling. The literature reviewed focuses on existing climate change concerns, pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, and emerging local and international practices, including the importance of expanding local practices. A thematic analysis, ensured for a broad variety of responses, and hence detailed discussion -of and dissemination of results. Using common threads in the results, recommendations and suggestions were made, to improve future studies and research practices concerning Environmental Responsible Behaviours (ERBs).

La présente thèse se donne non pas un mais deux objets d’étude : le théâtre tchèque des années 1960 d’une part, d’autre part la représentation imaginaire qui en est faite a posteriori. En suivant la « méthode » d’Edgar Morin et la « mythanalyse » de Gilbert Durand en tant que deux principales inspirations théoriques, ce cheminement commence par « un prologue » (1re partie) qui revient sur les héritages du passé, du XIXe siècle aux années 1950. Un « épilogue » (3e partie) prolonge la réflexion sur l’immédiat après-1968 mais aussi sur notre époque, qui est celle d’une célébration de cette décennie. La décennie des années soixante est étudiée de manière métadisciplinaire pour rendre compte d’un phénomène aussi riche que complexe (2e partie). Le re-nouveau théâtral des années 1960 arriva de deux fronts analysés dans deux parties consécutives de la thèse : d’une part par les grandes scènes institutionnelles grâce aux oeuvres d’Otomar Krejča au Théâtre National de Prague, du « triumvirat » Miloš Hynšt, Evžen Sokolovský et Bořivoj Srba au Théâtre d’État de Brno, et l’œuvre singulière d’Alfréd Radok (Laterna Magika, mélangeant théâtre et cinéma) ; d’autre part grâce aux petites scènes indépendantes. Ces dernières, très nombreuses, se divisaient en deux groupes : « les théâtres de petites formes » et les « petits théâtres », les premiers (comme Semafor, Cimrman, le « Non-théâtre » d’Ivan Vyskočil, ou le Théâtre Noir de Jiří Srnec) s’attachaient aux genres mineurs et pratiquaient différentes formes d’humour ; les seconds (comme le Théâtre Sur la Balustrade et Théâtre Za Branou) restaient attachés au texte dramatique.fronts analysés dans deux parties consécutives de la thèse : d'une part par les grandes scènes institutionnelles grâce aux œuvres d'otomar krejča au théâtre national de prague, du « triumvirat » miloš hynšt, evžen sokolovský et bořivoj srba au théâtre d'état de brno, et l'œuvre singulière d'alfréd radok (laterna magika, mélangeant théâtre et cinéma) ; d'autre part grâce aux petites scènes indépendantes. ces dernières, très nombreuses, se divisaient en deux groupes : « les théâtres de petites formes » et les « petits théâtres », les premiers (comme semafor, cimrman, le « non-théâtre » d'ivan vyskočil, ou le théâtre noir de jiří srnec) s'attachaient aux genres mineurs et pratiquaient différentes formes d'humour ; les seconds (comme le théâtre sur la balustrade et théâtre za branou) restaient attachés au texte dramatique. / The purpose of this dissertation thesis is double: in one hand to analyse the Czechs theatre of Sixties, in the second to examinate the imaginative representation of this artistic period in our days. Edgar Morin’s “Method” and Gilbert Durand analysis of myths are the principal elements of the theorical approach used. The first part called Prologue is dedicated to the historical legacy of Czech theatre (from XIX c. to the socialist realism of 1950’s.) The third part called Epilogue opens a reflexion on the heritage of the theatre of the 1960’s after 1968. The main part is study of renewal in Czech theatre in two parts. First of all, on main national theatre scenes (such as National Theatre in Prague, State Theatre in Brno) in work of such creators as Otomar Krejča, Miloš Hynšt, Evžen Sokolovský et Bořivoj Srba; secondary also in the universe of little theatre groups (Laterna Magika, Semafor, Cimrman, No-Theatre of Ivan Vyskočil, Black Theatre of Jiří Srnec).

Magister Theologiae - MTh / The purpose of this investigation is to discuss the relevance of Black theology in light of the emergence of reconstruction theology. It offers a critical survey of a range of contributions on this issue, questioning whether scholars who have used Black theology as a form of self description should shift emphasis, from the paradigm of liberation to reconstruction. The significance of this study has to be understood within the context of the proposal to redirect African theological initiatives from liberation theologies to reconstruction theology. The basis for this call was the end of apartheid in South Africa, which signalled the independence of all countries on the African continent. / South Africa

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This study sought to examine independent clause Sesotho personal names as authentic social discourse using the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory. It sought to analyze their structure and map them to social functions to demonstrate that they are enacted messages in socio-cultural context of Basotho. It used a form-meaning approach to interpret Sesotho names in socio-cultural contexts of use (cf. Halliday 1994, 2001, Eggins, 1996, 2004 and Martin & Rose 2007) as an alternative to the current formalist approach to onomastica interpretation. The SFL analysis was compared and contrasted mainly with the formalist syntactic specific and semantic specific analyses currently in use by Guma, Sesotho Academy and subsequent authors of Sesotho grammar and other linguists. The purpose of displaying these names as texts in social context enfolded the intent to reflect a systemic interface of lexico-grammar and social activity. The study used the clause-text-culture paradigm to explore Sesotho names as texts or semantic units. The idea was to access their ‘meanings beyond the clause’ (Martin & Rose 2007). Data was collected from national examinations pass lists, admission and employment roll lists from Public, Private, Tertiary, Orphanage institutions. Other data was identified in Telephone directories and Media. The purely linguistic lexico-grammatic analysis of the structure of names was supplemented by interview data from real interpretations from families, owners and senior citizens who have social and cultural knowledge of the meanings of some names. The study has established that Sesotho personal names can present as an independent clause feature. Sesotho personal names can also be described as lexico-grammatical properties and are meaningful in social contexts. They are used to exchange information as statements, demands and commands, and as questions and as exclamations. This means that these names can be categorized according to Halliday’s Mood types which make them function as declaratives, imperatives, interrogatives and exclamatives depending on the awarder’s evaluation. The study also finds that in negotiating attitudes, modality is highly incorporated. The study concludes that Sesotho names conform to the logical structures of the nominal group and the verbal group and these groups reciprocate in use. The verbal group is the core constituent in these names and it serves as a foundation for the nominal and verbal groups particularly because they function as reciprocating propositions. This includes the names with the sub-modification features. This extends the formalist description of Sesotho independent clause in that the identified sub-modifications which are opague and taken for granted by formalist analysts of Sesotho, are explicated as essential elements embedded in the formmeaning relation in SFL. The main contribution is that this is the only study on SFL and onomastica. There is no study that has been conducted using SFL to describe African names. It presents that Sesotho personal names are texts that have been negotiated in socio-cultural contexts. It provides a major departure from most studies that have used the Chomskian formulations or other sociolinguistic theories to describe the naming systems. It displays the art and importance of language use based on experience and culture in the naming system. The study also contributes to fields such as education, history, and others. Lastly, the study has established a new relation of onomastica and SFL theory and onomastica can now be added to the areas “being recognized as providing a very useful descriptive and interpretive framework for viewing language as a strategic, meaning-making resource.” (Eggins 1996:1).

This dissertation is original in using the contrasting ideas of two leading 20th century philosophers of science, Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn, to provide a philosophical understanding, firstly, of the shift from traditional software methodologies to the so-called Agile methodologies, and, secondly, of the values, principles and practices underlying the most prominent of the Agile methodologies, Extreme Programming (XP). This dissertation will take a revisionist approach, following Fuller—the founder of social epistemology—in reading Popper against Kuhn's epistemological hegemony. The investigations in this dissertation relate to two main branches of philosophy— epistemology and ethics. The epistemological part of this dissertation compares both Kuhn and Popper's alternative ideas of the development of scientific knowledge to the Agile methodologists' ideas of the development of software, in order to assess the extent to which Agile software development resembles a scientific discipline. The investigations relating to ethics in this dissertation transfer concepts from social engineering—in particular, Popper's distinction between piecemeal and utopian social engineering—to software engineering, in order to assess both the democratic and authoritarian aspects of Agile software development and management. The use of Kuhn's ideas of scientific revolutions and paradigm shift by several leading figures of the Agile software methodologies—most notably, Kent Beck, the leader of the most prominent Agile software methodology, Extreme Programming (XP)—to predict a fundamental shift from traditional to Agile software methodologies, is critically assessed in this dissertation. A systematic investigation into whether Kuhn's theory as a whole, can provide an adequate account of the day-to-day practice of Agile software development is also provided. As an alternative to the use of Kuhn's ideas, the critical rationalist philosophy of Karl Popper is investigated. On the one hand, this dissertation assesses whether the epistemological aspects of Popper's philosophy—especially his notions of falsificationism, evolutionary epistemology, and three worlds metaphysics—provide a suitable framework for understanding the philosophical basis of everyday Agile software development. On the other hand, the aspects of Popper's philosophy relating to ethics, which provide an ideal for scientific practice in an open society, are investigated in order to determine whether they coincide with the avowedly democratic values of Agile software methodologies. The investigations in this dissertation led to the following conclusions. Firstly, Kuhn's ideas are useful in predicting the effects of the full-scale adoption of Agile methodologies, and they describe the way in which several leaders of the Agile methodologies promote their methodologies; they do not, however, account for the detailed methodological practice of Agile software development. Secondly, several aspects of Popper's philosophy, were found to be aligned with several aspects of Agile software development. In relation to epistemology, Popper's principle of falsificationism provides a criterion for understanding the rational and scientific basis of several Agile principles and practices, his evolutionary epistemology resembles the iterative-incremental design approach of Agile methodologies, and his three worlds metaphysical model provides an understanding of both the nature of software, and the approach advocated by the Agile methodologists' of creating and sharing knowledge. In relation to ethics, Popper's notion of an open society provides an understanding of the rational and ethical basis of the values underlying Agile software development and management, as well as the piecemeal adoption of Agile software methodologies. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Computer Science / unrestricted

The purpose of the current study was two-fold. Firstly, to explore and describe how school staff members, learners and parents collaborate to prevent violence at two urban secondary schools and secondly, to help school staff members, parents and policymakers to gain a better understanding of the complex and multi-faceted problem of addressing school violence, which should result in guiding them to adopt effective strategies to prevent violence. The ecosystemic perspective, which is an integration of ecological and systems theories combined with the typology of violence, was the theoretical lens through which the phenomenon of adolescent learner violence was viewed. The study was rooted in the sociological interpretative research paradigm and a qualitative descriptive and exploratory case study design was employed. Multi-method data collection strategies (individual, dyad, triad and group interviews; document reviews) were employed to obtain trustworthy data from the three population units of analysis (school staff members, learners and parents) at the two selected urban secondary school sites situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. The inductive qualitative content analysis of the framework approach was used to give a transparent account of the data analysis process. Constant comparative analysis was employed to discover the emergent themes. The main research findings were interpreted by relating the results to the research purpose, the socio-ecological theoretical framework and the existing knowledge base on collaborative strategies for violence prevention. The findings of the current study suggest that family-school collaboration in violence prevention is especially important for families with adolescent children. Adolescence is characterised by many physical and psychological changes and development. Adolescents strive to find their independence and establish their own identities. However, this experimentation may lead to risk-taking or antisocial behaviour. Contrary to current belief, the findings of the current study suggest that adolescent learners want their parents to be involved in their lives and that parents want to support their children’s education but may lack the know-how. The learners explicitly expressed their need for the support and guidance of both their parents and also the school staff members in withstanding the peer and societal pressures that can result in their acting in aggressive or violent ways at school. To promote the positive development of all young people, the school staff members and most centrally young people and their families, must actively work together to establish positive and effective family-school collaborative partnerships as part of their violence prevention strategies. Copyright / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted