The primary purpose of study is to identify predictors of willingness to communicate (WTC) and of actual frequency of English communication at work inside and outside the foreign language classroom among 439 university students (male = 226, female = 213) learning English in Japan. Based on Wen and Clément’s (2003) theory of L2 WTC, I replicated Peng and Woodrow’s (2010) structural path model using the variables of state L2 communicative confidence, L2 learning motivation, positive classroom climate, L2 WTC, with the newly added variable of actual speaking frequency. A hypothesized structural model was examined in two contexts, WTC inside the classroom and WTC outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, communicative confidence was the predictor of L2 WTC. L2 WTC and L2 learning motivation were predictors of actual frequency of L2 communication. Positive classroom climate was a mediating variable that indirectly predicted L2 WTC through state L2 communicative confidence and task motivation. In contrast, outside the classroom, state L2 communicative confidence, L2 learning motivation, and positive classroom climate were the predictors of L2 WTC. State L2 communicative confidence, task motivation, and positive classroom climate were the predictors of actual frequency of L2 communication. The results supported Wen and Clément’s (2003) model and Peng and Woodrow’s (2010) study. Second, Dӧrnyei and Kormos’ (2000) study was replicated to investigate a significant difference for the four types of the students’ speaking behavior between pretest and posttest. A repeated-measures ANOVA was performed for English turns, Japanese turns, English words, and interjections with 13 students (male = 8 and female = 5) aged 18-19. The 13 participants were part of those who completed the first questionnaire. There were no significant differences for the four dependent variables. Finally, a qualitative content analysis was performed using transcribed interview data with nine university students (6 male and 3 female students), who completed the first questionnaire. Ten variables emerged from the interviews. Four variables—teacher support, group cohesiveness, L2 learning motivation, and perceived communicative competence—supported both quantitative (Peng & Woodrow, 2010) and qualitative studies (Cao, 2011; Peng, 2007, 2012). Four additional variables—security of speaking, interlocutors, small group, and topic familiarity—supported qualitative studies by Cao (2011) and Kang (2005). The other two variables—point system and tests—were new variables identified in this study. Positive classroom climate and task motivation (Dӧrnyei & Kormos, 2000) were key variables influencing state L2 communicative confidence, L2 WTC, and L2 Use. As a result, I propose that task motivation and positive classroom climate should be added into MacIntyre et al.’s (1998) L2 WTC model. / Teaching & Learning

<p dir="ltr">This study uses the giant panda as the case in point to explore the impact of virtual animal tourism on travelers’ place attachment and well-being. As digital technologies advance, virtual animal tourism experiences are becoming an alternative or complementary means for individuals to be engaged in tourism activities. This study attempts to develop a typology of virtual animal tourism activities and experiences. It intends to showcase how virtual activity design factors may influence tourist sense of place development and their sense of well-being as a result of participating in virtual animal tourism. An exploratory mixed-method approach is utilized. The data comes from participant interviews and online surveys. The outcome of this research lends theoretical and practical insights into animal conservation and virtual tourism experience design.</p>

Text in Afrikaans / A study of the philosophical and historical foundations of infinity highlights the problematic development of infinity. Aristotle distinguished between potential and actual infinity, but rejected the latter. Indeed, the interpretation of actual infinity leads to contradictions as seen in the paradoxes of Zeno. It is difficult for a human being to understand actual infinity. Our logical schemes are adapted to finite objects and events. Research shows that students focus primarily on infinity as a dynamic or neverending process. Individuals may have contradictory intuitive thoughts at different times without being aware of cognitive conflict. The intuitive thoughts of students about both the actual (at once) infinite and potential (successive) infinity are very complex. The problematic nature of actual infinity and the contradictory intuitive cognition should be the starting point in the teaching of the concept infinity. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Mathematic Education)

The focus of this thesis is on Actual Entities, a concept created by the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, and how the concept can be applied to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as a behavioral control method. Actual Entities are vector based, atomic units that use a method called prehension to observe their environment and react with various actions. When combining multiple Actual Entities a Colony of Prehending Entities is created; when observing their prehensions an intelligent behavior emerges. By applying the characteristics of Actual Entities to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, specifically in a situation where they are searching for targets, this emergent, intelligent behavior can be seen as they search a designated area and locate specified targets. They will alter their movements based on the prehensions of the environment, surrounding Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and targets.

In the theoretical part of this thesis are described the synthesis, properties and mechanism of biodegradation of aliphatic polymers - polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and their copolymer PLGA. There are also discussed the possibilities of modifying the properties, such as block copolymer PEG-PLGA synthesis. Summary informations concerning the production and use of biodegradable polymers are also shortly described. The aim of the experimental part was to observe the effect of PLGA polymer matrix size and ionic strength of the aqueous medium on the polymer swelling and erosion. Samples with weight 150 mg and 1000 mg were placed into 37 řC citrate buffer with pH 6. Each of the used mediums had various concentration c [0; 0,125; 0,25; 0,5; 1]. Measurement was carried out in period of 28 days. Values of degree of swelling and of erosion were measured. The pulsion behavior of swelling in both sample sizes was confirmed. However, the sample size has a strong impact on the rate and extent of swelling. It was demonstrated that larger samples disintegrate faster which is explained by a higher rate of autocatalysis within the polymer matrix. The results demonstrated also the effect of ionic strength on erosion when isotonic solution suppressed erosion rate.

AABBSSTTRRAACCTT TTiittllee:: How to find the rate of border stress in the survival drill PPuurrppoossee:: Purpose of this master thesis is try to find acceptable instruments for determination of border stress in the survival drill. MMeetthhooddss:: This master thesis was worked up as empiric quantitative research observation type. We have tested 15 participants of course "Přesuny na sněhu a ledu" and 16 participants of course for survival instructors. For testing we used four motoric tests which were prepared to find actual stress of probands, psychological test OPTIM and in the second course hematologic research. RReessuullttss:: Measured values demonstrate possible connection in two motoric tests where the results are getting worse in border stress and in the extreme stress. In rest two tests there was not proved any connection between the results of tests and stress. KKeeyy wwoorrddss:: Actual stress, stress, soft motorics, equilibrium abilitiy, reaction ability, action ability, tapping rate. Vytvořeno pomocí Software602 Print2PDF 8. Tuto řádku odstraníte zakoupením licence a aktivací na http://www.software602.cz/

AABBSSTTRRAACCTT TTiittllee:: How to find the border stress in the survival drill PPuurrppoossee:: Purpose of this master thesis is to find acceptable instruments for determination of border stress in the survival drill. MMeetthhooddss:: This master thesis was worked up as empiric quantitative research observation type. We have tested 16 probands. For testing we used four motoric tests which were prepared to find actual stress of probands, psychological test OPTIM and in the second course hematologic research. RReessuullttss:: Measured values demonstrate possible connection in two motoric tests where the results are getting worse in border stress and in the extreme stress. In rest two tests there was not proved any connection between the results of tests and stress. KKeeyy wwoorrddss:: Actual stress, stress, soft motorics, equilibrium abilitiy, reaction ability, action ability, tapping rate.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T20:23:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luciana Gerbovic Amiky.pdf: 838773 bytes, checksum: 876c534fe040733c463a9617149bae9e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-09-03 / This dissertation addresses stalking, an ancient social phenomenon, little known and seldom studied in Brazil. The term, kept in English throughout this work for lack of equivalence in Portuguese, could be translated as "relentless persecution of" someone. The most frequent victims are women, and the action often derives from a relationship ended against the will of the one who will become the stalker. After discussing some concepts in stalking, built especially by jurists, physicians and psychologists, we will present the constitutive elements of the phenomenon, its categories and a brief history, also listing the framework of stalking under the laws of countries like the United States and European nations. The emphasis of this dissertation is on the Civil Law, which is why the criminal aspects of stalking will not be covered, even though they are basal to the prevention of the damage caused by the pursuer. Starting from the only two civil cases judged on stalking so far in the country, we will show how the stalker can be civilly liable based on Brazilian legal grounds, without the need for a specific antistalking civil law. We will then access the damage suffered by victims, which forms the basis for due compensation. Finally, we will discuss the principles of prevention and solidarity, as the damage caused by the practice of stalking is so onerous that effectively compensating the victim becomes an impossibility. Precisely because of the severity and growth of the phenomenon over the past few years is that we believe in the importance of the study of stalking by legal practitioners / A presente dissertação trata do stalking, um fenômeno social antigo, embora pouco conhecido e estudado no Brasil. O termo, mantido na língua inglesa ao longo deste trabalho por falta de correspondência fiel em português, poderia ser traduzido como perseguição implacável a alguém. As vítimas mais frequentes são mulheres, e a ação costuma ser decorrente de um relacionamento interrompido contra a vontade daquele que virá a se tornar o perseguidor. Após expor alguns conceitos de stalking construídos especialmente por juristas, médicos e psicólogos, apresentaremos os elementos constitutivos do fenômeno, suas categorias e um breve histórico, enumerando também o enquadramento do stalking consoante a legislação de países como os Estados Unidos e nações da Europa. A ênfase desta dissertação está no Direito Civil, razão pela qual os aspectos criminais do stalking não serão abordados, ainda que sejam basais para a prevenção dos danos causados pelo perseguidor. Partindo dos dois únicos julgados cíveis acerca do stalking existentes até o momento no país, mostraremos como o perseguidor pode ser civilmente responsabilizado, com base no arcabouço jurídico brasileiro atual, sem necessidade de uma lei cível antistalking específica. A partir da responsabilidade civil, adentraremos os danos sofridos pelas vítimas, os quais servirão de base para a devida indenização. Por fim, abordaremos os princípios da prevenção e da solidariedade, visto que os danos provocados pela prática do stalking são tão gravosos que tornar a vítima indene torna-se uma impossibilidade. Justamente por conta da gravidade e do crescimento do fenômeno ao longo dos últimos anos é que acreditamos na importância do estudo do stalking pelos operadores do Direito

The aim of this essay is first and foremost to clarify which kind of different answers there are to identify within an evangelical-lutheran tradition considering what a person should confess and take responsibility for as their sin and guilt. Secondly this essay aims to suggest the most plausible one. This essay thematically present four different figures of ideas that answers to the question of what a person should confess as their sin and guilt. These figures are: 1) To confess the ontological state of guilt 2) To confess the subjective sin and guilt 3) To confess the objective sin and guilt 4) To confess participation in the structural sin and guilt. These four different views of what to confess have been tested through three different criterias: a criteria of theology - by testing the coherence with an evangelical-lutheran tradition, a criteria of pastoral psychology - by testing the correspondence with theories in pastoral psychology and a criteria of good consequences - to see if the views of what to confess have a liberating effect on an individual and collective level. After testing these different views of what to confess my conclusion is that the most valid one is “ to confess our objective sin and guilt” because it expresses the violation of the “relation”. Some of the other views may serve as a good explanation for the human “situation”, but are not appropriate to confess as guilt.

O pensamento de Bergson situa a estética no seio de uma filosofia da natureza, cujo princípio metafísico está longe de qualquer determinismo e do arbítrio do acaso, remetendo-se à irreversibilidade do tempo. Ao invés de disciplina intelectual que busca a natureza da beleza, trata-se, antes, de conduta vital, processo de diferenciação virtual rumo à posição de novidades radicais, podendo ou não desembocar na atividade artística. A arte não é, portanto, um conjunto de atributos atualmente dados ou a prática de habilidades específicas e, sim, um modo de ação que entrelaça os regimes do virtual e do atual sem permitir que a existência se sobreponha à consistência, realizando-se, inclusive, na sua própria abertura. Se o impulso da vida é o que comunica espírito e matéria, inserindo liberdade na necessidade, segue-se que a atividade artística é uma das vias em que desemboca o elã, ao lado dos seres vivos e da expressão mística. A individuação de uma obra implica certos graus de liberdade e níveis de consciência que não se explicam nem pela espécie, nem pelo indivíduo, já que sua contração intuitiva submete a duração do artista a tonalidades não psicológicas e a-subjetivas. Tocado por uma emoção criadora, vai-se realmente do Todo Aberto à colocação de novos mundos. O veículo de ação confunde-se com a própria ação, criatura com criador, de modo que o corpo artístico instaurado é puro transbordamento de vitalidade, consciência de si do tempo. / Bergson's aesthetics lies within a philosophy of nature, whose metaphysical principle is far from any determinism or chance as it refers to the irreversibility of time. Instead of an intellectual discipline that seeks the nature of beauty, it is rather defined by a vital conduct, a process of virtual differentiation towards the position of radical novelties, which may or may not culminate in artistic activity. Therefore, art is not a set of actual attributes or the practice of specific skills; its, on the other hand, a mode of action that interweaves the regimes of the virtual and the actual without allowing its existence to overlap its consistency. Its realization indeed relies in its own opening. If the impulse of life is what communicates spirit and matter, by inserting liberty into necessity, it follows that artistic activity is one of the ways in which the élan flows, alongside living beings and mystical expression. The individuation of a piece involves certain degrees of freedom and levels of consciousness that cannot be explained neither by the species nor by the individual because its intuitive contraction takes the duration of the artist to tones of vitality that are not psychological or subjective. Touched by a creative emotion, one goes from the perspective of the Open Whole to the placement of new worlds. The vehicle of action then merges with the action itself, creature with creator, so that the artistic body is pure overflowing vitality, when time regains consciousness of itself.