Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Brain damage - Social aspects'

Conversation is a highly interactive and coordinated effort between interactants. For example, interactants often mimic the behaviors and speech of one another and coordinate the timing of behaviors, or interactional synchrony. Despite being affected in certain neurological and psychiatric disorders, the neural mechanisms underlying these processes are not understood. The goal of this study is to understand the role of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), an area of the brain involved in social and emotional behavior, for interpersonal coordination, including mimicry and interactional synchrony. To test the role of the vmPFC for mimicry, normal comparison (NC), brain damaged comparison (BDC), and participants with vmPFC damage interacted in two sessions with a research assistant (RA) who was performing a target behavior (1st session: nodding, 2nd session: face touching). The amount of time the participants spent nodding or touching their face in each session was recorded. NC and BDC participants tended to mimic the partner and nodded slightly more in the session in which the RA was nodding, and touched their face slightly more in the session in which the RA was touching their face. In contrast, vmPFC patients showed no difference in their behaviors in either session, suggesting that they were not influenced by the partner's behaviors and did not mimic them. In a second experiment, all of the above participant groups had a naturalistic conversation with an unfamiliar interactional partner. The conversational data were analyzed for numerous aspects of interpersonal coordination, including convergence of number of words, words per turn and backchannels, reciprocity of self-disclosures, the use of questions, interactional synchrony, and a time series analysis of response latency and speech rate. The vmPFC participants performed consistently worse than NC participants on convergence of words and words per turn, self-disclosures and asking questions. All brain-damaged participants were impaired on aspects of interactional synchrony, and no conclusive results were found for the time series analysis of response latency and speech rate. This study provides support for the hypothesis that the vmPFC is important for interpersonal coordination as the vmPFC group differed significantly from the NC group on the majority of the analyses. The final goal of this study was to understand the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on interpersonal coordination. TBI patients participated in all of the experiments described above and preliminary results showed that they also seemed to be impaired on the mimicry task, and they performed slightly worse than NC participants on many of the interpersonal coordination analyses of the conversational data. This suggests that TBI also does seem to affect certain aspects of interpersonal coordination.

In order to assess flexibility in acquiring and using conflicting response rules, rats with selective lesions of the NBM or sham-lesion controls were subjected to serial reversal training in a simple operant discrimination paradigm. The NBM lesion group did not differ from the control group in acquisition of the original rules; the NBM lesion group required more time to master the changes in rules in the first reversal, but not in subsequent reversals.

[Truncated abstract] Controlled and automatic processing are broad categories, and how best to measure these constructs and their impact on functioning after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains uncertain. The purpose of this thesis was to examine automatic and controlled processing aspects of attention after mild TBI using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and event-related potentials (ERPs). The PASAT is one of the most frequently used tests to evaluate attentional functioning. It has been demonstrated to be a measure sensitive to both acute and longer-term effects of mild TBI, presumably due to demands for rapid processing and executive attentional control. ERPs provide a noninvasive neurophysiological index of sensory processing and cognitive functions and have demonstrated sensitivity to even minor cognitive dysfunction. The parameters provided by this functional technique may be those most likely to distinguish individuals with mild TBI from controls. Initially, it was hypothesized that successful novice PASAT performance requires the engagement of executive attention to establish novel controlled information processing strategies. Ten individuals who had suffered a mild TBI an average of 15.20 months previously were therefore expected to demonstrate processing abnormalities on the PASAT, relative to 10 healthy matched controls. Although the mild TBI group reported significant intensification of subjective symptoms since their injury, compared to controls, the mild TBI group provided a similar amount of correct PASAT responses. ... In the first experiment a visual search task consisting of an automatic detection and a controlled search condition was developed. In the second experiment the search task was performed concurrently with the PASAT task in a dual-task paradigm. In the mild TBI group, prior failure to establish more efficient forms of information processing with practice was found to significantly interfere with simultaneous performance of the PASAT task and the attention demanding condition of the search task. The pattern of impaired performance was considered to reflect a reduction in processing resources rather than a deficit in resource allocation. Dual-task performance in the control group was not associated with a large interference effect. In general, the results of this thesis suggest that individuals with mild TBI are impaired in their ability to progress from the stage of effortful controlled information processing to a stage of more efficient, automatic processing, and thus suffer a subtle attentional deficit. Following mild TBI, performance levels equivalent to controls may only be achieved with an abnormal expenditure of cognitive effort. As a result of the neuropathologic consequences of injury, individuals who have sustained a mild TBI are less able to benefit from practice, experience difficulty coping with simultaneous performance of secondary task, and are susceptible to distressing subjective symptomatology.

The study investigated the long-term neuropsychological effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) due to participation in a contact sport amongst South African final year male high school athletes (N=189). The sample was divided by sports affiliation (Contact n = 115; Non-Contact n = 74) and concussion history (2+ Concussion n = 43; 0 Concussion n = 108). Comparative subgroups were statistically equivalent for age, education and estimated IQ (P > 0.05), with the Contact sport groups having markedly higher incidences of concussion than controls (p < 0.000). Measures included the ImPACT Verbal and Visual Memory, Visuomotor Speed and Reaction Time Composites, Digit Symbol Substitution and Digit Symbol Incidental Recall (immediate and delayed), the ImPACT Symptom Scale and a Post-concussion Symptom (PCS) questionnaire. Independent t-tests on cognitive measures at pre-and post-season revealed a predominant trend of Contact and 2+ Concussion groups performing worse, although only ImPACT Reaction Time at pre-season reached significance (p = 0.014). PCS comparisons revealed an overwhelming tendency of enhanced symptoms for Contact and 2+ Concussion groups with total scores being significantly different in most instances at pre-and post-season. Fatigue and aggression were the symptoms most pervasively high for the Contact and 2+ Concussion groups. Dependent t-test analyses at pre- versus post-season, revealed significant practice effects for the Contact group, not in evidence for controls on ImPACT Visual Motor Speed and Digit Symbol Incidental Recall-Delayed. Overall the results imply the possible presence of lingering neurocognitive and symptomatic concussion sequelae amongst South African final year high school participants of a contact sport. The indications gain potency when understood against the background of (i) Brain Reserve Capacity threshold theory, and (ii) the known risk of Type II error in group MTBI research, that might result in under-emphasis of subtle effects and miscalculation of cost-benefit risks. Clinical implications, and the need for prospective case-based research to ratify the results of this predominantly cross-sectional study, are discussed.

Memory of some forms requires the hippocampus, a brain structure in the medial temporal lobe that reveals remarkable synaptic plasticity. Most synapses in the hippocampus require NMDA-receptors for the induction of this plasticity. Memories that require the hippocampus may also require NMDA-receptor mediated plasticity. This thesis tested the involvement of NMDA receptor activity in memory for a non-spatial, social learning task that requires the hippocampus: the social transmission of food preference, NMDA receptor antagonist (CPP) injected systemically 55 minutes prior to training impaired performance 72 hours later, but not 48 hours, 24 hours, or 15 minutes later. NMDA receptor antagonist (AP-5) injected into the dorsal hippocampus 30 minutes prior to training also impaired performance at the 72-hour delay. Injections of CPP at 10 minutes or 24 hours post-training had no effect on performance. These results suggest that hippocampal NMDA receptor activity is necessary for stable learning of the non-spatial social transmission of food preference.

A study was conducted on the self-reported symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury sustained in Rugby Union at the pre- and post-season stages. A full sample of 30 rugby players at Rhodes University was compared to 27 non-contact sport controls. A reduced sample of 20 rugby players and 9 control participants provided improved control for education and IQ and was compared. Measures included the WAIS-III Vocabulary and Picture Completion Sub-tests to estimate IQ level, the symptom checklist on a widely used computer-based program (ImPACT), and a paper and pencil self-report 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire. Independent and Dependent T-Test comparisons were conducted on the full and reduced samples. The symptoms reported by the rugby group appeared to be more pronounced on both the ImPACT Symptom Scale and the 31-Item Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire when compared to the control group at both the pre-and post-season stages. It was concluded that the rugby players demonstrated evidence to support the hypothesis of having sustained more previous concussions and reporting more symptoms at the pre-season stage when compared to comtrol participants. No prevalent changes for either the rugby or control groups were seen in dependent comparisons from pre-to post-season.

The present study comprises the second phase of a larger and ongoing research study investigating the brain damage effects of cumulative mild head injury in rugby. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cumulative mild head injury sustained in the game of rugby would cause brain injury as evidenced by impaired performance on sensitive neuropsychological tests. Participants were Springbok professional rugby players (n = 26), Under 21 rugby players (n = 19), and a non-contact sport control of national hockey players (n = 21). Comparisons of performance were carried out across a spectrum of neuropsychological tests for the three rugby groups (Total Rugby, Springbok Rugby, and Under 21 Rugby) versus the performance of the non-contact sport control group (Hockey Control), as well as comparisons of performance f9r the subgroups of Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. Comparisons revealed a consistent pattern of poorer performance across all rugby groups relative to the performance of the controls on tests highly sensitive to the effects of diffuse brain damage. Within rugby group comparisons (Forwards versus Backs) showed significantly poorer performance for Total Rugby Forwards and Springbok Rugby Forwards relative to the performance of the respective Total Rugby Backs and Springbok Rugby Backs on sensitive, as well as on somewhat less sensitive, neuropsychological tests. The performance of Under 21 Rugby Forwards relative to Under 21 Rugby Backs demonstrated similar trends. Brain reserve capacity theory was used as a conceptual basis for discussing the implications of these findings.

The study sought to determine whether there is evidence for the presence of residual (chronic) deleterious effects on cognition due to repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in top team university level rugby players, using ImPACT 3.0, Trail Making Test (TMT) and Digit Span. The initial sample of 48 participants was divided into groups; Rugby (n = 30) and Controls (n = 18), Rugby Forwards (n = 14) and Rugby Backs (n = 16). A reduced sample (N = 31) comprised of Rugby (n = 20) and Controls (n = 11), Rugby Forwards (n = 9) and Rugby Backs (n = 11). Comparative subgroups were equivalent for estimated IQ but not for age and educational level in the full sample; in the reduced sample there was equivalence for all three variables of age, education and estimated IQ. All cognitive test measures were subjected to independent t-test analyses between groups at the pre- and post-season, and dependent t-test analyses for Rugby and Controls at pre- versus post-season. Overall, the results implicated the presence of deleterious effects of concussive events on Rugby players in the areas of speed of information processing, working memory and impulse control. Significant practice effects were found on the TMT and Digit Span for controls, but not on ImPACT 3.0, supporting the use of this computer-based programme in the sports management context.

This paper explores the discourses of emigration in a South African daily newspaper from 1988 to 2001, and discusses the implications of these discourses on the way in which emigration is constructed within South African society In this paper, Potter and Wetherell 's (1987) approach to discourse analysis is utilized. It makes use of interpretative repertoires, to explore the functions and consequences of the discourses. The discursive framework thereby reveals the different subject positions related to nationalism, race and class. It is argued that economics and notions of culture and social class, do more than provide a useful medium through which the phenomenon of emigration can be understood. They also support the affirmations of certain groups of people above others, by claiming that emigration is unpatriotic and disloyal. This paper concludes by identifying the negative connotations of media discourses in the construction of emigration and acknowledges that many alternate constructions are silenced in this matter.

Neurocognitive and symptom profiles of concussed and nonconcussed adult provincial rugby union players were investigated over one rugby season, including early season (baseline), intermittent postconcussion, and end of season testing. In a non-equivalent quasi-experimental design, nonconcussed (n = 54) and concussed (n = 17) rugby groups were compared with demographically equivalent noncontact sport controls (n = 37, and n = 17, respectively). Measures included the ImPACT cognitive and symptom composites, and the WMS-III Visual Reproduction and Verbal Paired Associates subtests. The independent and dependent comparative analyses in respect of both nonconcussed and concussed groups, provided cross-validation of poorer acute and/or chronic neuropsychological outcomes for the rugby groups on the ImPACT Reaction Time, Visual Motor Speed, Impulse Control and Symptom composites, and the WMS-III Verbal Paired Associates. The finding of significantly poorer scores on Verbal Paired Associates up to 24 days post concussion for the rugby players versus controls, was longer than the 7 – 10 day recovery period frequently cited in the literature. The overall implication of the study is that even in a group with high cognitive reserve such as these provincial level athletes, there may be prolonged acute recovery, as well as permanent deleterious neuropsychological consequences of cumulative concussive injury in association with a sport such as rugby. Accordingly, the move towards careful individualised postconcussion monitoring of neurocognitive functioning is endorsed, including early identification of any significant permanent reductions in cognitive reserve. Sensitivity of the ImPACT test might be enhanced via inclusion of a verbal associate learning task.

The present study attempts to further define the neuropsychological characteristics associated with mild, moderate, and severe closed head injuries (CHI). The Dean-Woodcock Neuropsychological Assessment System (D-WNAS), a new neuropsychological battery, was administered to 119 CHI patients. The scores of the cognitive portion of the D-WNAS were then analyzed via cluster analysis in an attempt to further delineate neuropsychological impairment into more specific classifications occurring within types of brain trauma.Results suggested that the cognitive portion of the D-WNAS was effective in separating 4 subtypes within CHI, which are best interpreted as "profiles" or characteristics associated with "levels" of impairment. These levels of impairment were characterized by distinctly different subtest profiles, and were labeled as mild/high functioning, mild, moderate, and severe. The highest performing group, mild/high functioning, showed no neuropsychological deficits. The most severely impaired group was characterized by many deficits in short-term memory, visual stimuli, new learning, processing speed, visual-spatial abilities, abstract reasoning, attention/concentration, and remote memory tasks. A multivariate analysis showed that educational level was significant in differentiating between the subtypes and suggested that, depending on the severity of injury, educational level might also protect individuals from obtaining a poorer prognosis.From this investigation, the cognitive portion of the D-WNAS appears to offer valuable utility in identifying CHI patients and in further classifying their varied neuropsychological characteristics. Implications for diagnosing and differentiating between different levels or profiles of CHI was discussed.<br>Department of Educational Psychology

This thesis examines the role of the public in Flood Risk Management (FRM) service provision at a time when the perceptions of the distribution of benefits provided by FRM interventions are in flux, and the role the public should play in FRM highly contested among stakeholders. Two schemes have marked the revised role of the public in FRM - Partnership Funding and Flood Re - both of which challenge existing judgments of the excludability and rivalry of benefits delivered by FRM interventions. The Partnership Funding scheme allocates capital for FRM projects proportionately to the public benefits they provide, allowing communities to top-up grants through local contributions. In comparison, by increasing accessibility to affordable insurance through cross-subsidies and pricing signals, Flood Re highlights a growing recognition that the distribution of gains as a result of widespread insurance uptake is greater than the benefits received by the policyholder alone. Following the identification of these schemes, we tested their social feasibility, examining both the scale and distribution of benefits. Due to the different stages of implementation of each scheme at the time of writing this thesis, two distinct methods were developed. The Partnership Funding Chapter used field data to examine how public-private funding of flood defences has changed service provision and the public acceptance of this transition. Whereas the Flood Re chapter used computer-based experiments to hypothesize how Flood Re may make the purchase of insurance a more or less attractive investment for different types of consumer. We found that Partnership Funding enabled more FRM projects to go ahead, raised public awareness of flood risk, and improved collaboration between stakeholders, but encouraged lower-cost projects, which, in the longer term, could transfer the expense of managing residual risk to the householder. In comparison, Flood Re provided peace of mind to householders struggling to afford rises in insurance premiums, but disproportionately benefited those who annually purchased insurance. Combining this proposed inequity in Flood Re with increasing residual risks, we identify a gap in service provision for the public who cannot afford household mitigation measures. We propose that loss mitigation and flood defence should become increasingly collaborative in line with the complexities of flooding within a community. We seek a move away from the information asymmetry which currently exists between insurance providers and policyholders, and yet simultaneously call for local authorities to recognise the capacity of the public to participate in FRM, and sustain resilience in the face of rising flood risk.

Flash flood is among the most hazardous natural disasters, and it can cause severe damages to the environment and human life. Flash floods are mainly caused by intense rainfall and due to their rapid onset (within six hours of rainfall), very limited opportunity can be left for effective response. Understanding the socio-economic characteristics involving natural hazards potential, vulnerability, and resilience is necessary to address the damages to economy and casualties from extreme natural hazards. The vulnerability to flash floods is dependent on both biophysical and socio-economic factors. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of socio-economic vulnerability to flash flood alongside a novel framework for flash flood early warning system. A socio-economic vulnerability index was developed for each state and county in the Contiguous United States (CONUS). For this purpose, extensive ensembles of social and economic variables from US Census and the Bureau of Economic Analysis were assessed. The coincidence of socio-economic vulnerability and flash flood events were investigated to diagnose the critical and non-critical regions. In addition, a data-analytic approach is developed to assess the interaction between flash flood characteristics and the hydroclimatic variables, which is then applied as the foundation of the flash flood warning system. A novel framework based on the D-vine copula quantile regression algorithm is developed to detect the most significant hydroclimatic variables that describe the flash flood magnitude and duration as response variables and estimate the conditional quantiles of the flash flood characteristics. This study can help mitigate flash flood risks and improve recovery planning, and it can be useful for reducing flash flood impacts on vulnerable regions and population.

Krossade drömmar där kris och sorg möts•En kvalitativ studie om vilket stöd föräldrar får vars barn hjärnskadats under förlossningenSitnik, Magdalena. Krossade drömmar där kris och sorg möts – en kvalitativ studie om vilket stöd föräldrar får vars barn hjärnskadats under förlossningen. Examensarbete i socialt arbete, 15 högskolepoäng. Malmö högskola: Fakulteten för hälsa och samhälle, institutionen för Hälsa och samhälle, 2016.Många föräldrar som väntar barn drömmer och skapar en mental bild av sitt ofödda barn. Alltså när det händer att ett barn hjärnskadas under förlossning kan föräldrar befinna sig i en kris och sorgesituation. Studien visar att det inte är så många barn som hjärnskadas i samband med förlossningen årligen i Sverige. Därför har syftet med min studie varit att utforska vilket stöd de föräldrar får vars barn hjärnskadats under förlossningen. Den här studien undersöker vilket stöd professionella på neonatalklinikerna upplever att dessa föräldrar är i behov av. Studien illustrerar även hur professionella tillgodoser dessa individers behov och hur föräldrarna bemöts av yrkesverksamma personer på neonatalklinikerna. Studiens resultat visar att kris och sorgeprocess liknar samt överlappar varandra. Både kris och sorg är inte tidsbunden och kan saktas när och även dra sig tillbaka i sina respektive stadier. Resultat visar även att professionella inom neonatalkliniker måste ha individuellt förhållningssätt gentemot sina klienter. Där de erbjuder både praktiskt såväl som sociopsykologiskt stöd och hjälp till föräldrar varvs barn hjärnskadades i samband med förlossning. De yrkesverksamma personerna tillgodoser dessa föräldrarnas behov genom att lyssna på deras individuella behov noggrann. Resultatet pekar även på vikten av samverkan mellan professioner och organisationer för att erbjuda bästa möjliga hjälp för dessa föräldrar. Nyckelord: drömbarn, föräldrar, funktionshindrad, hjärnskada under förlossning,kris, det ickeperfekta barnet, sorg.<br>SHATTERED DREAMS WHEN CRISIS AND SORROW MEET• A QUALITATIVE STUDY ABOUT WHAT SUPPORT PARENTS TO BRAIN DAMAGED CHILDREN DURING DELIVERY GETSitnik, Magdalena. Shattered dreams when crisis and sorrow meet - a qualitative study about what support parents to brain damaged children during delivery get with a focus on parents. Examination paper in social work, 15p. Malmö University: Faculty of health and society, Department of health and society, 2016.Many parents who are expecting a child dream and create a mental image of their unborn baby. So when the parents are told that their new born child has got brain damage during delivery, parents end up in a situation of crisis and sorrow. The study shows that there are not many children who are brain damage during delivery in Sweden on a yearly basis. Therefore, the purpose of the study has been to explore what support parents to brain damaged children during delivery get.This study explores what support professionals in neonatal clinics experience that parents whose children are brain injured during delivery are in need of. My study also illustrates how professionals meet these needs of individuals and how they treat and respond to those parents in neonatal clinics.Study results show that the crisis and the grief process are similarly and can merge into each other. Both the crisis and grief is not time-bound and can be slowed and also pull back in their respective stages. Results also show that professionals in neonatal clinics must have an individual approach towards their clients. They offer practical as well as socio-psychological support and assistance for these parents whose children are brain injured during delivery. The professionals meet the parents’ needs by listening to them carefully. The results also point out the importance of cooperation between professions and organizations to provide the best possible help for those parents. Keywords: brain damage during birth, disabled, crisis, dream child, grief, not perfect child, parents.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was conducted in the Cuvelai Basin in Northern Namibia to assess vulnerability and socio-economic impacts of flooding on local residents, and to suggest ways to counteract the consequences of flooding in rural areas of the Basin. This followed severe flooding in 2009, 2011 and 2012. These combined flooding episodes had a substantial impact on local residents and the Namibian economy, with estimated losses of approximately US$136.4 million (NAD1364 million) in direct damage and US$78.2 million (NAD780 million) in indirect losses. The consequences of flooding amounted to ~1% of the country’s 2009 Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Rural residents in the Cuvelai Basin live predominantly on small farm holdings (‘ekove’) allocated by local village leadership, and depend heavily on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. Since higher-lying ground with soil best suited for crop production becomes scarcer, residents are allocated land in low-lying areas which are smaller and more susceptible to floods. The destruction of crops, farm and grazing land, trees and livestock, by floods and similar disasters is of a huge concern. The study sought to assess the impacts of flooding, geographical or physical circumstances that place residents at risk, and socio-economic conditions that lead to vulnerability. The study also attempted to assess whether traditional leaders (headmen) and village residents can use flood risk maps to create plans to reduce flood vulnerability. Over the past flood years, initiatives by the government to cope with floods have been response (relief), short-term and heavily donor dependent. To cope with floods and agro-climatic changes in their basin, rural residents have evolved their practices, some of which are traditional, to help lessen the impacts of floods on their livelihoods. Unfortunately such knowledge is not fully acknowledged by policy, decision makers and disaster risk managers. As a result of this knowledge gap, the study’s objective of compiling these practices, serves as a means to document localized traditional flood response, mitigation and adaptive measures. Moreover, the study will suggest contemporary adaptive measures as recommended by the local rural residents. Residents in 314 households were interviewed during August to November 2012. The households were selected following recommendations by village headmen, and consisted of 273 flooded homes, 42 village leaders, and 35 homes that were not flooded from 45 randomly selected villages. The qualitative data was captured, pre-coded, processed and analysed in Microsoft Excel, SPSS and STATISTICA to derive descriptive and inferential statistics. Following consultations with village headmen and residents, recommendations were made on practical adaptive strategies to flooding. The study found that there is a need to foster community level participation, buy-in and involvement in disaster risk management strategies in order to reduce the gap between technical early warning mechanisms and indigenous knowledge. Results revealed that households with coinciding socio-economic and geographic vulnerability are heavily impacted by flood disasters. However, these two vulnerabilities are not directly proportional to each other. Other vulnerable groups in society were outlined and structural and non-structural mitigation and preparedness measures at household level were recommended by the residents. It is the study’s intention that this will assist in strengthening local residents adaptive capabilities during events of flooding, thereby mitigating their impacts. The project’s intention of documenting this technical and indigenous knowledge, will serve as a knowledge base that can be compiled and integrated into an effective village friendly flood early warning system. It is further hoped that this initiative will garner support at the policy level and contribute to the prioritization of flood response to pending disasters being placed at the centre of development planning and execution.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is uitgevoer in die Cuvelai-opvangsgebied om die kwesbaarheid en sosio-ekonomiese impak van vloede op die plaaslike inwoners te bepaal ten einde maniere te vind om die gevolge van oorstromings in die landelike gebiede van die Cuvelai teen te werk. Ernstige oorstromings in 2009, 2011 en 2012 het 'n aansienlike impak op die Namibiese ekonomie gehad met geraamde verliese van ongeveer US$136.4 million (NAD1364 million) in direkte skade en US$78.2million (NAD780 million) in indirekte verliese vir die land. Ongeveer een persent (1%) van die land se 2009 bruto binnelandse produk (BBP) is benut om die gevolge van hierdie oorstromings aan te spreek. Landelike inwoners in die Cuvelai-opvangsgebied woon op kleinhoewes, plaaslik bekend as ekove, wat toegeken word deur plaaslike gemeenskapsleierskap. Hulle is hoofsaaklik afhanklik van bestaansboerdery. Aangesien hoër-liggende gebiede met goeie landboupotensiaal toenemend skaarser word, word nuwe kleinhoewes toegeken in laer-liggende gebiede, waar die negatiewe gevolge van oorstromings op inwoners erger kan wees. Skade aan gewasse, landbougrond en weiding, boorde en vee deur oorstromings en soortgelyke rampe is dus kommerwekkend. Die doelstelling van die studie was dus om die impak van oorstromings te bepaal, die geografiese of fisiese omstandighede wat plaaslike inwoners in gevaar stel te evalueer, en sosio–ekonomiese toestande wat lei tot kwesbaarheid te bepaal. Verdere doelwitte was om vas te stel of gemeenskapleiers en plaaslike inwoners vloedrisikokaarte kan gebruik om vloedkwesbaarheid te bepaal, in oorleg met plaaslike owerhede en inwoners alternatiewe praktiese aangepaste strategieë vir oorstromings vas te stel en aanbevelings aan die nasionale rampsbestuursbeleid en praktyk waar toepaslik te maak. Tydens die afgelope oorstromings was regeringsinisiatiewe om oorstromings te hanteer korttermyn vloedverligting, grootliks afhanlik van skenker. Om vloede en landbou-klimaatsveranderinge the hanteer, het landelike inwoners nuwe praktyke ontwikkel, sommige van tradisionele aard, om die impak van oorstomings op hulle lewensbestaan the verminder. Ongelukkig word sodanige kennis nie ten volle erken deur beleid, besluitnemers en ramprisikobestuurders nie. As gevolg van hierdie kennisgaping, dien die studiedoelwit om hierdie praktyke saam te stel die doel om gelokaliseerde tradisionele maatreëls aangaande vloedreaksie, versagting en aapasbaarheid te dokumenteer. Verder sal die studie onlangse maatreëls voorstel soos aanbeveel deur die plaaslike landelike inwoners. Ten einde kwalitatiewe data van die gemeenskappe wat in die Cuvelai woon te bekom is daar vir vier maande (Augustus tot November 2012) opnames gedoen by 314 huishoudings, gekies op aanbeveling van die plaaslike owerhede wat insluit 273 vloedslagoffers, 42 gemeenskapsleiers, en 35 huishoudings wat nie deur vloede beïnvloed is nie, vanuit 45 verskillende gemeenskappe. Die kwalitatiewe data is opgeneem, vooraf-gekodeer, verwerk en ontleed in Microsoft Excel, SPSS en STATISTICA om beskrywende en inferensiële statistieke te bekom. Die studie het bevind dat daar 'n behoefte is om die vlak van gemeenskapsdeelname te bevorder, inkoop en betrokkenheid by die ramp risikobestuurstrategieë te verkry ten einde die tegniese gaping tussen vroeë waarskuwingsmeganismes en inheemse kennis te verminder. Die studie het ook getoon dat huishoudings met ‘n gekombineerde sosio-ekonomiese en geografiese kwesbaarheid groter newe-effekte ondervind van vloedrampe. Die twee kwesbaarhede is egter nie direk eweredig aanmekaar nie. Ander kwesbare groepe in die samelewing is uitgewys, en strukturele en nie-strukturele versagting en paraatheidsmaatreëls op huishoudelike vlak is deur die inwoners aanbeveel. Die studie se doelwit is om die aanpasbaarheid van die plaaslike inwoners tydens oorstromings te bevorder, en sodoende die impak te verminder. Dokumentasie van hierdie tegniese en inheemse kennis sal dien as 'n kennisbasis wat saamgestel en geïntegreer kan word in 'n effektiewe gemeenskapsvriendelike vroeë vloedwaarskuwingstelsel. Indien hierdie inisiatief ondersteuning vind op beleidsvlak, kan dit bydra tot die prioritisering van vloed- en rampreaksie in ontwikkelingbeplanning en uitvoering.

Hjärndatorgränssnitt är enheter som fångar upp hjärnsignaler via elektroder på huvudet och översätter dem till datamängder och instruktioner mot externa enheter och applikationer. Gränssnitten har främst använts inom den medicinska domänen för att hjälpa personer med neurofysiologiska åkommor, men har även på senare tid börjat användas av ickemedicinska skäl av privatpersoner. I takt med att gränssnitten ökar i popularitet och når en bredare massa kommer det att innebära ett större informationsflöde av användardata som i sin tur kan bära på väldigt känslig information. Information såsom hälsodata och autentiseringsmetoder är några av flera informationstillgångar som ligger i farozonen enligt flera artiklar och kan råka ut för ett eller flera hot. För få en tydligare bild av de olika hoten samt dess konsekvens och sannolikhet har det genomförts en riskanalys gällande hemanvändares informationssäkerhet. För att få fram sårbarheter, hot och åtgärder som förekommer i riskanalysen har det utförts en tematisk analys. Genom den tematiska analysen visade det sig att det fanns flera hot mot hemanvändarnas konfidentialitet där användares PIN-koder, autentiseringsmetoder och hälsodata låg i farozonen. För att få en bättre förståelse kring hur gränssnitten fungerar samt hur stor sannolikhet det är för olika hot har det även genomförts en intervju med en lektor i kognitiv neurovetenskap, följande tillsammans med artiklarna från den tematiska analysen utgjorde därmed grunden för riskanalysen. Genom riskanalysen visade det sig att hoten mot hemanvändarnas möjlighet att använda gränsssnitten hade en ännu större sannolikhet att inträffa än hot mot användares konfidentialitet.<br>Brain- Computer Interfaces are devices that capture brain signals via electrodes on the head and then translates them into data sets and instructions to external devices and applications. The interfaces have mainly been used in the medical domain to help people with neurophysiological disorders but have also recently begun to be used for non-medical reasons by private persons. As the interfaces increase in popularity and reach a wider mass, it will mean a greater flow of information of user data that in turn can carry very sensitive information. Information such as health data and authentication methods are some of several information assets that are at risk according to multiple articles and may face one or more threats. To get a clearer picture of the various threats, their consequences and probabilities, a risk analysis has been carried out. In order to identify vulnerabilities, threats and measures that appear in the risk analysis, a thematic analysis has been performed. The thematic coding showed that there were several threats to the home user’s confidentiality where user’s PIN-codes and health data were at risk. In order to gain a better understanding of how the interfaces work and how likely it is for various threats to succeed, an interview was conducted with a senior lectrurer in cognitive neuroscience, the following together with the articles from the thematic analysis thus formed the basis for the risk analysis. The risk analysis showed that threats to home users' ability to use the interfaces were even more likely to occur than threats to user confidentiality.

Studien fokuserar kommunikation mellan vuxna personer med grav förvärvad hjärnskada och deras närstående. Syftet är att med utgångspunkt från de närståendes berättelser beskriva hur kommunikationen manifesteras, samt att ge en teoretisk beskrivning av vilka faktorer som understödjer respektive motverkar kommunikationen. Elva gravt hjärnskadade personer ingår i studien. Orsaken till hjärnskadan är stroke, traumatisk hjärnskada eller syrebristskada. Personernas ålder varierar från 16 till 64 år vid skadetillfället. Samtliga har som en följd av hjärnskadan grava språkstörningar och kognitiva funktionshinder. Datamaterialet baseras på intervjuer och videofilm. Den teoretiska utgångspunkten är symbolisk interaktionism och den metod som används är grundad teori. Resultatet presenteras i en empiriskt grundad teoretisk modell för hur kommunikation hos studiens aktörer manifesteras. Kommunikationsmodellen innehåller kärnprocessen, kommunikationsnycklar. De öppnande nycklarna består av inledande och vidmakthållande faktorer, samt av den betryggande faktorn. Den senare får stor betydelse, utan den kommer inte kommunikationen till stånd. Resultatet diskuteras i förhållande till sociala kommunikationsteorier och begreppet kommunikativ kompetens. Teorin förväntas ge de närstående stöd i hur de förhåller sig i mötet med en person som har ett kommunikativt funktionshinder.<br>This study focuses on communication between adults with severe acquired brain damage and persons close to them. The purpose of the study is to describe, on the basis of accounts given by caregivers, the caregivers are referred to as relatives and personnel, how communication is manifested and to provide a theoretical description of the factors that facilitate or hinder communication. Eleven persons with severe brain damage are included in the study along with their caregivers. The brain damage has been caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury or lack of oxygen and in all cases has resulted in severe language impairment and cognitive disabilities. Age at time of injury varies from 16 to 64 years. The empirical material consists of interviews and video film. The theoretical framework applied is Symbolic Interactionism and the method used is Grounded Theory. The results are presented in the form of an empirically grounded theoretical model of how communication is manifested in the context of the study. This model comprises the core process and the communication keys. The keys are the introductory and maintaining factors as well as the confidence factor. The confidence factor has great significance; without it, communication cannot be established. The results are discussed in relation to theories of social communication and the term communicative ability. It is expected that application of the theory can make it easier for caregivers to interact with persons with severe communicative disability.

Approximately 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur annually in the United States, with an annual estimated societal cost of at least $76.5 billion. Addressing the growing TBI epidemic will require a multi pronged approach: developing novel treatment strategies and enhancing existing preventative measures. The specific aims of this thesis are: (1) to modulate astrocyte activation as a potential therapeutic strategy post TBI, (2) to determine the relationship between tissue deformation and alterations in electrophysiological function in the living brain, and (3) to investigate underlying mechanisms of functional changes post TBI by utilizing stretchable microelectrode arrays (SMEAs). In response to disease or injury, astrocytes become activated in a process called reactive astrogliosis. Activated astrocytes generate harmful radicals that exacerbate brain damage and can hinder regeneration of damaged neural circuits by secreting neuro developmental inhibitors and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Since mechanically-activated astrocytes upregulate GAG production, delivery of GFP-TAT, a mock therapeutic protein conjugated to the cell-penetrating peptide TAT, increased significantly after activation. A TAT-conjugated peptide JNK inhibitor was delivered to activated astrocytes and significantly reduced activation. These results suggest a potentially new, targeted therapeutic utilizing TAT for preventing astrocyte activation with the possibility of limiting off-target, negative side effects. While modulating astrocyte activation is a promising treatment strategy for TBI, effective therapeutic treatments are still lacking. Preventing TBI, by developing more effective safety systems, remains crucial. We determined functional tolerance criteria for the hippocampus and cortex based on alterations in electrophysiological function in response to controlled mechanical stimuli. Organotypic hippocampal and cortical slice cultures were mechanically injured at tissue strains and strain rates relevant to TBI, and changes in electrophysiological function were quantified. Most changes in electrophysiological function were dependent on strain and strain rate in a complex, nonlinear manner. Our results provide functional data that can be incorporated into finite element (FE) models to improve their biofidelity of accident and collision reconstructions. TBI causes alterations in macroscopic function and behavior, which can be characterized by alterations in electrophysiological function in vitro. We utilized a novel in vitro platform for TBI research, the SMEA, to investigate the effects of TBI on pharmacologically induced, long lasting network synchronization in the hippocampus. Mechanical stimulation of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures significantly disrupted this network synchronization 24 hours after injury. Our results suggest that the ability of the hippocampal neuronal network to develop and sustain network synchronization was disrupted after mechanical injury, while also demonstrating the utility of the SMEA for TBI research. Herein, we identified a novel therapeutic strategy for treating the deleterious effects of astrocyte activation post-TBI. We also developed tolerance criteria relating mechanical injury parameters to electrophysiological function, an important step in developing more accurate computational simulations of TBI. Equipping FE models with new information on the functional response of the living brain will enhance their biofidelity, potentially leading to improved safety systems while reducing development costs. Finally, we utilized a novel in vitro TBI research platform, the SMEA, to investigate the effects of TBI on long-lasting network synchronization in the hippocampus. Compared to more labor intensive in vivo approaches, the ability of the SMEA to efficiently test TBI hypotheses within a single organotypic slice culture over extended durations could increase the speed of drug discovery through high-content screening. This multi-pronged approach is necessary to address the growing public health concern of TBI.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology<br>This study investigated the emotional functioning of people who had been diagnosed as having traumatic brain injuries (TBI) of the frontal lobes. This was done with a view to examining whether there were changes in the emotional functioning of people with TBI in the period following their injuries. The pre-injury (or premorbid) emotional functioning of the respondents with TBI was assessed retrospectively through self-reports, which were compared with the ratings by the primary and secondary care-givers of these respondents. The current (post-injury) emotional functioning of the participants with TBI was also assessed through self-reports and the ratings by the primary and secondary care-givers. (abbreviation abstract)<br>Andrew Chakane 2019

The nonrecurring-items delayed nonmatching-to-sample (DNMS) task is an integral part of contemporary monkey models of brain-damage-produced amnesia. This thesis began the development of a comparable rat model of brain-damage-produced amnesia. First, a DNMS task for rats was designed by adapting key features of the monkey task. Then, the rat DNMS task was studied in three experiments; each assessed the comparability of the rat DNMS task to the monkey DNMS task. Experiment 1 determined the rate at which the rat DNMS task is learned and the asymptotic level at which it is performed, Experiment 2 assessed the memory abilities that it taps, and Experiment 3 investigated the brain structures that are involved i n its performance. In Experiment 1, rats were trained on the DNMS task and their performance was assessed at retention delays of 4, 15, 60, 120, and 600 s. All of the rats learned the DNMS task, and their performance was comparable to that commonly reported for monkeys in terms of both the rate at which they acquired the nonmatching rule at a brief retention delay and their asymptotic accuracy at delays of up to 120 s. These results establish that rats can perform a DNMS task that closely resembles the monkey DNMS task and that they can approximate the level of performance that is achieved by monkeys. Experiment 2 examined the effects of distraction during the retention delay on the DNMS performance of rats. Rats were tested at retention delays of 60 s. On half of the trials, the rats performed a distraction task during the retention delay; on the other half, they did not. Consistent with findings from monkeys and humans, distraction during the retention delay disrupted the DNMS performance of rats. This suggests that similar memory abilities are involved in the DNMS performance of rats, monkeys, and humans. Experiment 3 investigated the effects of separate and combined bilateral lesions of the hippocampus and the amygdala on DNMS performance in pretrained rats. Rats were tested both before and after surgery at retention delays of 4, 15, 60, 120, and 600 s. Each experimental rat received bilateral lesions of the hippocampus, amygdala, or both. There were no significant differences among the three experimental groups, and the rats in each of the three experimental groups were significantly impaired, in comparison to no-surgery control rats, only at the 600-s delay. In contrast, rats that had sustained inadvertent entorhinal and perirhinal cortex damage during surgery displayed profound D N M S deficits. These results parallel the results of recent studies of the neural basis of DNMS in monkeys. They suggest that, in contrast to one previously popular view, neither the hippocampus nor the amygdala play a critical role in the DNMS of pretrained animals and that the entorhinal and perirhinal cortex are critically involved. On the basis of these findings, it appears that the rat DNMS task may prove to be a useful component of rat models of brain-damage-produced amnesia. This conclusion is supported by the preliminary results of several experiments that are currently employing the task.

這項研究利用多角度方法，去探索簡短靜觀訓練對因被排斥而導致的心理困擾有否影響;更會將靜觀訓練與自律鬆弛法和控制組作比較。本實驗的參加者包括了161名香港中文大學的本科生和研究生。並用了Cyberball遊戲去模擬社會排斥。所有參加者被隨機分成三組: 1) 靜觀、 2) 自律鬆弛、 3) 控制組。我根據他們的生理反應測量 (如皮膚電導、心率), 混合動機任務，隱含測試(i.e. lexical decision task)，和自我評估去度量情緒困擾、互動模式、對自己和他人的態度、和在靜觀能力及態度的改變。 本實驗採用了生理反應測量 (如皮膚電導, 心率), 混合動機任務、隱含測試、和自我報告去評估幾方面的反應:情緒困擾、 與別人互動樣式、對自己和他人的態度、和靜觀能力的改變。結果顯示，靜觀組 的自尊心和存在意義感相比其他兩組高; 然而，靜觀組和自律鬆弛組之間沒有顯著差異。在靜觀的改變上，我們使用兩套問卷: （一）Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (SMQ), （二）Self-Other Four Immeasurables (SOFI) 。結果顯示，靜觀組在 SOFI Positive-Self 方面有明顯的提升; 而在SOFI Positive-Other能維持不變，相反其他兩組就有顯著的下降。可是，SMQ 和 SOFI問卷的其餘部分 (例如：SOFI Negative-Self, SOFI-Negative-Other)，沒有發現顯著的組間差異。除了採用兩份靜觀問卷外，我也使用了Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) 來測量慈心品性對結果的影響。結果顯示，性格較為靜觀及慈心的人, 沒有那麽容易受排斥而引至有不良影響。有趣的是，不同層次的靜觀性格和自我慈悲能有不同的訓練受益。例如，慈心的人在靜觀後會更為慷慨。然而，對於那些SOFI Negative-Other 低分的人，在靜觀後會減少對別人指責的傾向。可是，其他結果 (例如: 混合動機任務、隱含測試 ) ，卻找不到跨組的差異。在生理反應測量方面，結果便與預期不太一致: 靜觀組和自律鬆弛組的皮膚電導，在post-Cyberball 期間甚至比控制組為高; 而其他時段則找不到跨組間差異。在這篇文章的總結中，我也提到這個實驗之不足之處以及可以改善的方法。總括而言，雖然實驗結果所發現的成效不是太明顯，但我們不能忽視靜觀簡化版本的實用價值。尤其是對那些被邊緣化的人來說，簡化版本能使他們更容易參與訓練並從中受益。在文章的末尾，我會提及更具體的意義和建議，希望能對今後的研究有所影響。<br>This study utilized the experimental multimodal approach to explore the effectiveness of brief mindfulness training in reducing the psychological distress induced by ostracism, comparing with brief relaxation training and no intervention control. Participants included 161 undergraduate and graduate students from CUHK. Cyberball game paradigm was used to simulate social exclusion. All participants were randomized into 3 groups: 1) meditation, 2) relaxation, 3) no intervention control. Physiological measures (i.e., skin conductance, heart rate), mixed-motive task, and implicit test (i.e. lexical decision task), and self-reports were used to assess emotional distress, interactions styles, attitudes toward self and others, and change in mindfulness. Results indicated that meditation group expressed higher level of self-esteem and sense of meaningful existence despite of social rejection in comparison with no intervention control. However, there was no significant difference between meditation and relaxation group. In terms of the mindfulness qualities as measured by Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (SMQ) and Self-Other Four Immeasurables (SOFI), meditation group reported greater enhancement in SOFI Positive-Self, while other two groups remain statistically unchanged. For SOFI Positive-Other, only meditation group remained as positive as before while other two groups dropped. However, the result from other mindfulness measurement (i.e. SMQ) and dimensions (i.e. SOFI Negative-Self, SOFI Negative-Other) revealed no significant group difference. In addition to the two mindfulness scales, the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) was also used to capture the baseline self-compassion disposition. Correlational result showed that, being more mindful and self-compassionate was in general associated with feeling less threatened by the exclusion task. Interestingly, people of various levels of mindfulness and self-compassion could benefit from mindfulness training differently. For example, participants who were more self-compassionate would display more generous behavior only if they were in meditation group. However, for those who scored low on baseline SOFI Negative-Other, meditation reduced their tendency to blame others. Contrary to expectation, no statistically significant difference was found across conditions in implicit self-other attitudes and interaction styles. For physiological arousal, no significant cross group difference was identified with the exception of during the post-Cyberball period, in which skin conductance was significantly higher for meditation and relaxation groups relative to no-intervention control. . Limitations in the Cyberball manipulation and intervention implementation were noted, which may impact the study findings. In sum, despite the small effect observed in the mindfulness training condition, the practical value of an abbreviated mindfulness format cannot be ignored, particularly for the socially ostracized population whom may not have the luxury to experience the full-scale mindfulness training. More specific implications and suggestions for future research were discussed.<br>Detailed summary in vernacular field only.<br>Chan, Tsz Ying Amy.<br>Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012.<br>Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-79).<br>Abstracts also in Chinese; appendix A includes Chinese.<br>Abstract --- p.iv<br>Introduction --- p.1<br>Stigmatization and Ostracism --- p.1<br>Ways to Combat Stigma --- p.2<br>Existing Efforts --- p.2<br>Mindfulness Mechanism in Reducing the Negative Impacts of Being Socially Excluded --- p.3<br>What is Mindfulness? --- p.3<br>Suggested Mechanism on How Mindfulness Deals with Ostracism --- p.7<br>Mindfulness Based Approach --- p.9<br>Evidence of Mindfulness on Stigma Reduction --- p.10<br>Constraint Of Current Mindfulness Intervention --- p.11<br>Objectives of This Study --- p.13<br>Main Hypothesis --- p.13<br>Hypothesis 1 --- p.14<br>Hypothesis 2 --- p.15<br>Hypothesis 3 --- p.15<br>Hypothesis 4 --- p.15<br>Hypothesis 5 --- p.16<br>Method --- p.17<br>Pilot --- p.17<br>Participants --- p.17<br>Measures --- p.17<br>Screening Measure --- p.17<br>Baseline Measure --- p.18<br>Procedure --- p.22<br>Result --- p.28<br>Hypothesis 1.1: Meditation Group Has the Lowest Physiological Arousal (i.e. HR, SC) Followed by Relaxation and Control Groups during and after Cyberball Game --- p.29<br>Hypothesis 1.2: Meditation Group was Least Threatened by the Social Exclusion Effect of the Cyberball Game, Followed by Relaxation and Control. --- p.31<br>Hypothesis 1.3: Meditation Group had the Most Positive Attitude and Least Negative Attitude toward Self and Other, Followed by Relaxation and Control. --- p.32<br>Hypothesis 2: Meditation Group was the Most Mindful, Measured by SMQ and SOFI, Followed by Relaxation and Control Groups. --- p.33<br>Hypothesis 3 Meditation Group has the Most Positive Communication Style (3.1) and Give the Largest Amount of Points to Opponents (3.2), Followed by Relaxation and Control Groups --- p.36<br>Hypothesis 4: Mindfulness Trait’s Interaction with Group Assignment in Affecting Outcomes --- p.36<br>Correlational Analysis --- p.36<br>Group X Baseline Mindfulness Interaction Effect --- p.39<br>Hypothesis 5: Trait Self-Compassion’s Interaction with Group Assignment in Affecting Outcomes --- p.41<br>Discussion 43<br>Was the Brief Mindfulness Training Successful in Reducing the Negative Effect of Ostracism? --- p.43<br>Decrease in Physiological Arousal --- p.43<br>Stronger Resilience toward Ostracism? --- p.44<br>Does Mindfulness Increase Selfless Behavior? --- p.45<br>Implicit Attitudes toward Self and Others --- p.46<br>Was Brief Mindfulness Session Successful in Improving Mindfulness? --- p.47<br>How Does the Mindfulness and Self-Compassionate Predisposition Affect One’s Receptivity toward Brief Mindfulness Training? --- p.48<br>Limitations --- p.50<br>Implications and Conclusion --- p.52<br>APPENDIX A --- p.57<br>Instruction for meditation group --- p.57<br>Instruction for relaxation group --- p.60<br>APPENDIX B --- p.64<br>DASS 21 --- p.64<br>APPENDIX C --- p.65<br>Self-Compassion Scale (26 Items) --- p.65<br>APPENDIX D --- p.66<br>Southampton mindfulness questionnaire (SMQ) 16 item --- p.66<br>APPENDIX E --- p.67<br>Self-Other Four Immeasurable (SOFI) --- p.67<br>APPENDIX F --- p.68<br>Assessment of manipulations, need satisfaction, and mood following ostracism (31 items) --- p.68<br>APPENDIX G --- p.70<br>Communication Checklist-Key --- p.70<br>REFERENCES --- p.72

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent and progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting both white and gray matter and resulting in lesions and atrophy within the central nervous system (CNS) (Bermel & Bakshi, 2006; Confavreux & Vukusic, 2006; Cree, 2012; Friese, Schattling, & Fugger, 2014). Fine motor impairment, including manual motor speed and fine motor dexterity deficits, is common in MS patients (e.g., Benedict et al., 2011; Chipchase, Lincoln, & Radford, 2003). However, impairment does not progress uniformly across patients (Confavreux, Vukusic, Moreau, & Adeleine, 2000; Filippi & Rocca, 2011; Scalfari, Neuhaus, Daumer, DeLuca, & Muraro, 2013) and the association between disease burden and physical disability is moderate at best (Bermel & Bakshi, 2006; Filippi et al., 2013). Though the brain reserve hypothesis has helped to explain the clinico-pathologic dissociation between cognitive functioning and disease burden in MS patients (Sumowski et al., 2013; Sumowski et al., 2014a), there is no published literature on brain reserve and motor functioning in MS. Instead, only preliminary data have been presented on brain reserve and general physical disability (Sumowski et al., 2014b). As such, the purpose of this dissertation was to examine the protective effect of brain reserve, estimated via intracranial volume (ICV), on fine motor functioning in relapse-onset MS patients. A sample of 178 relapse-onset, right-handed MS patients underwent neuropsychological testing along with neurological examination, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As part of the evaluation, patients were administered the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT; a measure of fine motor speed and dexterity) and the Finger Tapping Test (FTT; a measure of manual motor speed), which served as this study’s outcomes (i.e., dependent variables). Predictors (i.e., independent variables) included demographic variables (age, sex), disease variables (disease duration and disease phenotype, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)), MRI estimates of disease burden (T2 lesion volume [T2LV], normalized brain volumes as measures of cerebral atrophy), and MRI-derived measures of ICV as an estimate of brain reserve. Results revealed that phenotype (r = .56, p < .001) significantly predicted performance on the NHPT, such that patients with SPMS did worse than patients with RRMS. Regarding disease burden, T2LV (r = .24, p = .001) and normalized gray matter volume (r = -.18, p = .019) predicted NHPT, with less disease burden associated with better performance. Greater ICV (r = -.21, p =.006) was also significantly associated with better performance on the NHPT. Next, phenotype (r = -.45, p < .001) predicted FTT with SPMS patients again performing worse than RRMS patients. Sex (r = .40, p < .001) was a significant predictor of FTT with men outperforming women, on average. For FTT, normalized gray matter volume (r = .36, p < .001) was the only measure of disease burden that predicted performance, with greater volume (i.e., less atrophy) associated with better performance. Similarly, greater ICV (r = .31, p < .001) significantly predicted better performance on the FTT. For both NHPT and FTT, interactions between measures of disease burden and ICV were not significant. As such, some evidence from this study was not consistent with the reserve hypothesis; however, this finding may be due to differences in the way brain reserve impacts motor outcomes (relative to cognitive outcomes). Nonetheless, as ICV was associated with better performance for both outcome measures, these findings provide partial support for the brain reserve hypothesis in fine motor functioning in MS. Therefore, findings from this study have real-life applications with regard to improved understanding of fine motor disability in MS and identification of patients at risk for upper extremity dysfunction, leading to the possibility of early intervention. Findings also have implications for informing clinical research in MS. Future research should examine the protective effect of brain reserve on fine motor functioning within larger cross-sectional samples (i.e., RRMS vs. SPMS), within primary-progressive MS (PPMS) patients, and when using additional measures of upper extremity disability (e.g., Grip Strength Test). Longitudinal research would also help to determine whether there is a moderating effect of brain reserve on fine motor disability progression as well as allow patients to serve as their own baseline, which would control for individual differences in motor functioning. Next, examining reserve in patients experiencing lesions and atrophy in specific brain regions underlying motor function (e.g., cerebellum and precentral gyrus) may help explain why interactions between disease burden and ICV were not significant within the present study. Finally, by testing the brain reserve hypothesis as it relates to fine motor functioning in non-clinical, healthy controls, it would be possible to determine whether the protective effect of reserve is present premorbidly.

A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social and Psychological Research to the Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2017<br>Introduction. The provision of appropriate long term care facilities for people with acquired brain injury is a portentous issue internationally. There is a global lack of long term care facilities for people with acquired brain injury and they are often placed in facilities for the physically disabled or the elderly. It is unclear whether these facilities are suitable and what effect they may have on well-being and social isolation. Aim. This interpretive phenomenological study explored how adults with acquired brain injury experience living in such long term care facilities. Additionally, it described how such living arrangements impact on social isolation, a particularly devastating psychosocial consequence of acquired brain injury. Method. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adults who had acquired a brain injury. Each participant had been living in a long term care facility for at least one year. They were asked questions related to their general lived experience as well as specific questions to explore their experience of social isolation. Findings. Thematic content analysis of the interview data led to the following five categories of themes: overall evaluations (guarded approval, and disapproval); general lived experience (autonomy, choice, freedom, burden, boredom, and basic needs); social isolation (loneliness, companionship, and belonging); sources of isolation (living with the disabled, different disability, age differences, pets, and facility setup); and sources of well-being (positivity, and meaning). The main findings were that the general lived experience of people with ABI was mainly negative. The facilities generally met only basic needs and seldom met higher level psychological needs. Social isolation was commonly reported among residents with ABI in long term care facilities and was linked to age differences and having a brain injury in a facility geared for people with other disabilities. The findings were understood in relation to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Conclusions. The findings of this study contribute towards filling a theoretical gap in understanding the lived experience of people with ABI in long term care facilities and how this contributes to social isolation. The findings have potential value to family members of people with acquired brain injury considering various living arrangement options. They can also be useful for long term care facilities housing people with brain injury to make changes that may result in greater well-being of their residents.<br>MT 2018

While the cognitive disturbances that frequently follow severe TBI are relatively well understood, the ways in which these affect the psychosocial functioning of people with TBI are yet to be determined and have thus received little attention in treatment research. Growing evidence indicates that that a significant proportion of individuals with TBI demonstrate deficits in the perception of affective information from the face, voice, bodily movement and posture. As accurate evaluation of emotion in others is critical for the successful negotiation of social interactions, effective treatments are necessary. Until recently, however, there have been no rehabilitation efforts in this area with TBI groups. The present research aims to redress this absence. The literature on emotion perception deficits in TBI is examined, and a theoretical rationale for intervention is presented. Several lines of research are reviewed which suggest that rehabilitation targeting such deficits is tenable. These include research on emotion perception remediation with other cognitively impaired populations, findings from cognitive neuroscience suggesting the potential for neuronal restoration after brain damage, and the successful applications of remediation techniques, in particular errorless learning and self-instruction, for treating other cognitive deficits in a range of neurological disorders and TBI. Discussion of this research is followed by a description of two randomised controlled trials aimed at improving emotion perception in individuals with TBI. The findings are discussed with reference to useful theoretical models of rehabilitation, learning and emotion perception. Suggestions for future directions of research are outlined together with relevant design issues.

Studies of sustained-attention retraining following brain injury are reviewed, and found to have produced inconclusive results. The reason for this, it is suggested, is that a standard operational analysis of attention has not been applied, as evidenced by considerable inconsistency in the dependent measures and treatment methods used from study to study. The present study addresses this concern by applying well established principles of operant conditioning to the analysis and remediation of attention deficits. After briefly reviewing the variety of task parameters in the attention literature, noting ambiguities inherent in the various conceptualizations of attention, it is decided to train vigilance task performance, a relatively unambiguous and uncontroversial operational definition of sustained attention. Both the principle of immediacy, of reinforcement (feedback of correct and incorrect on each trial) and shaping (gradual increase of speed demands contingent on increased performance accuracy) are employed. The issue of generalization is deemed central to concerns of treatment efficacy, and is explored by administration of alternate versions of the same basic vigilance task. Results show that training with immediate reinforcement and speed-shaping produced better acquisition of the trained task than delayed feedback and invariant speed of stimulus presentation. Furthermore, gains resulting from training were essentially limited to the task on which training was conducted, with little evidence for generalization to like tasks employing different stimuli. These results are discussed in terms of the applicability of the construct of sustained attention to head injury rehabilitation.<br>Graduate

Staff who work in front line, direct contact support positions with community based clients with acquired brain injuries (ABI) hold unique responsibilities, and face unique challenges in their work due to the combination of three key factors: autonomous work environments, socially sanctioned power status over clients, and the decision making deficits of clients with ABI. These factors further contribute challenges to staff in the presently complex and ambiguous outreach context, where the embedded ideologies of the medical model of treatment remain in tension with the purported ideologies of the social model of disability and client self determination that drive outreach services. Using constructivist grounded theory methods and narrative and interpretive analysis strategies, this research interviewed fifteen (15) ABI outreach support workers to explore and examine their perceptions of the outreach context, how they negotiate decision spaces, and how they deal with the central ethical dilemma of outreach - achieving balance between their duty of care and the client's dignity of risk. The thesis documents decision making strategies used by the interview participants, examines the factors that influence their decision space when in the field with clients, and explores the role staff awareness of professional and personal values plays in making decisions in the best of interest of the client. Staff awareness is shown to be a critical, yet oft neglected factor in consideration of staff ethical decision making in ABI outreach. Implications for best practices in the field are discussed.<br>PhD Doctorate

The research process illustrates the interaction between the therapist and the neuropsychological impaired client in the therapeutic context where we utilised drawing and painting as a creative medium I descn'be the interaction from a systems paradigm New paradigm research is used as the researcher is included in the research findings. The focus is on new meanings that the therapist and clients generated. Three case studies are descn'bed in this study. A circular description is given of the use of drawing and painting in therapy. The losses that the clients suffer are described and explained to make sense of the interaction. The use of art is described and incorporated in the therapeutic process as creative exercises were important ways to connect with the clients. This study illustrates that creativity should always be part of the therapeutic endeavour, especially when understanding the verbal expression of the client is difficult.<br>Psychology<br>M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

This research study consisted of an examination of the role played by the educational psychologist in the emotional and social rehabilitation of the TBI adolescent. A survey of the literature reveals that traumatic brain injury during adolescence negatively impacts on their adaptation, development and functioning after the acute phase of the rehabilitation process. In order to study this phenomenon, a psycho-educational perspective was utilised. An in-depth qualitative study was undertaken by means of a case study design. The two cases being presented offers the reader insight into the cases pre-morbid functioning, the accident and its aftermath, the specific traumatic brain injuries, the emotional and social problems encountered by these adolescents as well as the psychotherapeutic interventions applied by the educational psychologist in the rehabilitation process of the cases under investigation. The conclusions reached from this investigation were that traumatic brain injury during the developmental phase of adolescence, negatively impacts on the emotional and social well being of these adolescents, and that the educational psychologist plays a valuable role in the emotional and social rehabilitation of these adolescents.<br>Educational Studies<br>M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The aim of this study is to discover to what extent and in what way Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) twenty-four character strengths are present in Winnie the Pooh storybooks, and how they are depicted. Character strengths are a well-known theory in positive psychology and the analysis of children’s literature is a respected genre. A qualitative examination of the text was conducted using content and thematic analyses to extract examples of the strengths. The exemplars were coded and recoded before being subjected to a peer and supervisor review. The excerpts indicated that all strengths are depicted in the text, but Pooh is the only character to exhibit them all. A discussion of the findings revealed that no single strength could be deemed more prominent as they are intrinsically interconnected. It is recommended that the findings be reworked into a training manual for guardians to foster character strengths in young children.<br>Psychology<br>M.A. (Psychology)

The thesis is focused on the social work with people after brain damage and is part of the GAJU project called "Coordinated Rehabilitation of Patients after Brain Damage (Reg. No. GAJU 138/2016 / S)". Collaboration with social workers from the region of České Budějovice was part of this thesis. Their work also consists of working with people after brain damage. The purpose of the collaboration was to map out follow-up services after hospitalization of people after brain damage. Information about these organizations has been shared with the patients who were included in the GAJU project. The complex results of the project will be elaborated within the publishing activities. The diploma thesis is divided into two parts. The first - the theoretical part - is focused on the basic description of brain damage, there is more about the cerebral stroke, the coordinated rehabilitation team, the role of the social worker. There is also described the burden that the social worker as a person in the helping profession may face and burnout syndrome as a possible consequence of this burden. In the research part, the main objective was to find out what positives and negatives the social workers perceive in working with people after brain damage. This objective was completed through interviews with the social workers situated in České Budějovice. We can fully understand the extend of the social workers' work with people after brain damage thanks to the interviews. In connection with the goal, research questions have been identified: What are the positive and negative aspects of social work related to work with patient after brain damage according to the subjective opinion of a social worker? Another one: What influences the perception of positives and negatives which the social workers experience during their work? A qualitative research strategy was used, a technique of interviewing with use of instructions was chosen for the interviews with fourteen social workers of the organizations, whose target group also includes people after brain damage. Data was processed in Atlas.ti 7. The administration which is more and more demanding due to the legislation. That results in less time with client and more time with paperwork. Finance which is related to the funding of services, lack of resources for employee remuneration and the financial difficulty for clients. Lack of qualified staff, time consuming activities that are closely tied to the extensive administration and the fact that social workers often work beyond their job responsibilities and competencies. Non-cooperation of a client's family or lack of interest of family on the client, there is also the legislation, which is often in contradiction with practice according to interviews. The social workers have to follow the actual amendments of the law and that is time-consuming and exhausting, absence of follow-up organizations for patients after brain damage, lack of competencies/authority/information of social workers, insufficient motivation, lack of financial remuneration or lack of benefits for employees, conflicts with authorities, barriers that may occur during work of a social worker or insufficient resources. The analysis also reveals that social workers subjectively perceive these positives during their work with patients after brain damage: client satisfaction, helping people, the good feeling after job well done, positive feedback, fulfilling job, positive in relation to the work environment. The results of the thesis show that the positive aspects dominates over the negative ones. Work in a multidisciplinary team has been perceived positively amongst the social workers and beneficial for the clients and for the team. This work will serve as a sub-part for the elaboration of complex outcomes of coordinated rehabilitation of patients after brain damage from the GAJU project. Research results will become part of the publication outputs from the above-mentioned project.

Text in English<br>The field of neuroscience is increasingly gaining exposure in the leadership domain, where it is now beginning to contribute to research and development. In this study an exploratory investigation of leadership development was undertaken with four primary aims. Firstly, to find out whether exposing participants in managerial positions to cognitive neuroscience knowledge contributes to their development as leaders. Secondly, to explore and illuminate the underlying processes that support such behavioural change. Thirdly, to investigate how behaviour changes in leaders exposed to social cognitive neuroscience knowledge are manifested within an organisational setting. Fourthly, to determine what the perceived impact on the leaders and others are regarding such behaviour changes in a specific organisational context, namely a retail environment. In the study, leaders were exposed to a social cognitive neuroscience workshop over a 5-month period. They were provided with foundational knowledge of social cognitive neuroscience in workshops with two objectives. Firstly, the workshops were intended to enhance their understanding of the brain and cognitive systems underlying thinking and behaviour of the self and others. Secondly, in the workshops the complex interaction between brain systems and subsystems such as the executive and emotional systems were shown to mirror, in a metaphorical way, some of the complex interactions between structures in business organisations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 participants, as well as with some their line managers and direct reports. Data were qualitatively analysed by means of content analysis. Findings support the view that gaining social cognitive neuroscience knowledge led to increased self-awareness and an understanding of others. Implicit behavioural change resulted from cognitive and affective changes. Explicit behaviour changes were the result of conscious choice and were supported by both personal and organisational motivational drives. Leaders made behaviour changes at both personal and interactive levels based on their understanding of social cognitive neuroscience. Behaviour changes related to increased emotional regulation, a change in leadership style, an inclusive communication style, cultivating relationships, recognition strategies and strengthening trust. The implemented behaviour changes had a positive impact on participants and their direct reports and related mostly to positive affective changes, growth and development, improved relationships, personal effectiveness and team dynamics.<br>Psychology<br>D. Phil. (Consulting Psychology)

Text in Afrikaans<br>In this study an instrument is suggested for implementation by the Educational Psychologist to design a support programme, aimed at handling family members' stress where a child has sustained a brain injury. Attention was paid to the phenomenon "brain injured child" to ascertain demands and needs (physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional). Specific note was taken of the toll on each family member in their observance, experience, assistance and giving· meaning to the child. Reference was made to existing support programmes for such family members from the acute care phase to the final acceptance and readjustment of the family. With this study the need for a continuous support programme and the contents of such a programme was addressed. Using these guidelines the Educational Psychologist will be able to prepare the family for the stress possibilities in dealing with the brain injured child.<br>Met hierdie studie is 'n instrument daargestel vir die ontwerp van 'n hulpverleningsprogram vir gebruik deur die Opvoedkundige Sielkundige. Hierdie hulpprogram het as doel, die hantering van stres, deur die gesin van 'n kind, wat 'n breinbesering opgedoen het. In die studie is aandag gegee aan die tipiese gedrag wat oor die algemeen van 'n breinbeseerde kind verwag kan word. Daar is ook gepoog om te bepaal hoe elke lid van die gesin die breinbeseerde kind beleef, aan hom betekenis gee, en hom probeer help ten opsigte van die eise (fisiek en emosioneel) wat hy stel. Verder is daar gekyk na bestaande hulpverlening (gerig op die hantering van stres) aan die gesinslede van 'n breinbeseerde kind vanaf die akute versorgingsfase tot en met die aanpassing en herorganisering van die gesin. Met hierdie studie is 'n behoefte aan 'n kontinue hulpverleningsprogram en die inhoud van so 'n program by gesinslede aangespreek. Aan die hand van die riglyne sal die Opvoedkundige Sielkundige 'n gesin kan voorberei op die stres wat hulle ten opsigte van die hantering van 'n breinbeseerde kind te wagte kan wees.<br>Psychology of Education<br>M. Ed. (Voorligting)

En assurance de dommages, l’article 2474 C.c.Q. prévoit la possibilité pour l’assureur d’être légalement subrogé dans les droits de l’assuré contre l’auteur du préjudice, à concurrence des indemnités qu’il a payées. L’assureur ne pourra jamais être subrogé contre les personnes faisant partie de la maison de l’assuré. Dans un premier temps, le présent mémoire fait un survol historique du droit à la subrogation de l’assureur en vertu du Code civil. Depuis la codification de 1865, les principes relatifs à la subrogation de l’assureur ne sont pas demeurés statiques. Ils firent l’objet de plusieurs modifications législatives et de nombreuses controverses et développements jurisprudentiels. Dans un deuxième temps, un portrait global de l’état actuel du droit est dressé en ce qui concerne l’article 2474 C.c.Q., tant sur le plan des composantes du droit à la subrogation que de ses aspects procéduraux.<br>In damage insurance, article 2474 C.c.Q. provides the possibility for the insurer to be legally subrogated to the rights of the insured against the person responsible for the loss, up to the amount of indemnity paid. The insurer may never be subrogated against persons who are members of the household of the insured. Firstly, the present Master’s thesis makes a historical overview of the right of subrogation of the insurer under the Civil Code. Since the codification of 1865, the principles governing the insurer’s subrogation have not remained static. They were subject of many legislative amendments and numerous controversies and case law developments. Secondly, a global portrait of the current state of law is made in relation to article 2474 C.c.Q., with regard to the components of the subrogation and its procedural aspects.

This study followed a qualitative research approach, and semi-structured interviews regarding the subject matter were conducted with the knowledgeable and experienced respondents in the Gauteng traffic-related departments. A literature review was also conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem in both local and international context. The research stresses the fact that motorists are continuing to lose their lives on Gauteng province, as a result of violent traffic disputes, therefore people suffer financial, physical, psychological as well as social effects as a consequence of such actions. The findings revealed that all the traffic stakeholders are working cooperatively towards implementing the crime prevention strategic plans, but for policing road rage in particular there is no specific strategy in action. In addition, this study reveals that it is impossible for the traffic police to curb road rage incidents because the latter occur as a result of unpredictable human behavior.<br>Police Practice<br>M. Tech. (Policing)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)<br>Methamphetamine (MA) is a widely abused psychostimulant that has been shown to evoke an array of neurobiological abnormalities and cognitive deficits in humans and in rodent models (Marshall & O'Dell, 2012). Alterations in cognitive function after repeated drug use may lead to impaired decision-making, a lack of behavioral control, and ultimately the inability to abstain from drug use. Human studies have shown that alterations in neurobiology resulting from prolonged MA use may lead to a number of cognitive deficits, including impairments in executive function, learning, memory, and impulsivity. These impairments, specifically those that engage the prefrontal cortex (PFC) or hippocampus (HC), may persist or recover based on the duration of abstinence. In rodents, repeated intermittent injections of MA yield protracted changes in neurobiology and behavior, which have been shown to effectively model a number of the biological and cognitive abnormalities observed in addiction. In order to assess the temporal evolution of impaired cognitive function throughout abstinence, sensitization was first induced in rats (7 x 5.0 mg/kg MA over 14 days). MA-treated rats initially exhibited a robust increase in locomotion that transitioned to stereotypy as the induction phase progressed. Then, the effects of MA sensitization on social interaction (SI), temporal order recognition (TOR) and novel object recognition (NOR) was assessed at one-day and 30-days post induction. No differences were observed in SI in either group or after a single injection of MA. However, an acute injection of 5.0 mg/kg of MA 30-minutes prior to testing dramatically reduced SI time. Impairments in TOR and NOR were observed in MA-treated rats after one day of abstinence, and impairments in TOR, but not NOR, were observed on day 30 of abstinence. No differences in TOR and NOR after a single injection of MA or saline were observed. These data establish that after 30 days of abstinence from a sensitizing regimen of MA, the ability to recall the temporal sequence that two stimuli were encountered was impaired and that was not attributable to impaired novelty detection. These data also suggest that at least some of the neurocognitive abnormalities caused by chronic MA administration may normalize after prolonged abstinence, since the ability to detect novelty recovered after 30 days of abstinence. These data provide compelling support that, since MA-sensitization caused temporal deficits in memory, PFC and HC function may be differentially impaired throughout the time course of abstinence.