RELAXATION ACTIVITY OF TETANUS (LEEA AEQUATA L.) LEAF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON GUINEA PIG ISOLATED TRACHEA

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the relaxation activity of the ethanolic extract of tetanus leaf (EETL) against contracting isolated guinea pig trachea induced by acetylcholine.Methods: Isolated trachea was equilibrated for 45 min until a stable condition in the Creb’s solution with a temperature of 37°C aerated with carbogen gas (O2:CO2=95%:5%). Test of the relaxation effect conducted after guinea pig trachea contracted with maximum acetylcholine concentration (EC80: 2.0449×10–3 mol) and then a cumulative with concentration of EETL (0.5 mg/mL–4 mg/mL) and concentration of atropine sulfate (6.95×10-6 mg/mL–2.08×10–2 mg/mL).Results: The results showed that EETL could lower the contraction smooth muscle of guinea pig trachea induced by acetylcholine. EETL at a concentration of 3.5 mg/mL had the ability to relax the muscle. It was not significantly different compared to that of atropine sulfate 6.95×10-3 mg/ mL (p>0.005).Conclusion: EETL has a relaxation effect on smooth muscle of guinea pig isolated trachea.

RECREATION OFFER AND COMPETENCES NEEDED FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT IN ACCOMMODATION ENTERPRISES OF KURZEME REGION IN LATVIA

Due to changes in tourism habits when planning development of tourism industry both on national and regional scale, the significance of recreation is highlighted. As a result, in tourism products made by guest accommodation enterprises the recreation offer is included more and more often. Within the research it has been found out that in guest accommodation enterprises in Kurzeme, in addition to accommodation opportunities, the offer of catering dominates, but regarding recreation activities- walking and relaxation in nature. The offer of bath-house treatment and cycling are more popular than SPA procedure and water attractions. The tendency of relaxation and entertainment event organization also increases in the companies. One realized imperfection of the offer is the tendency that in half of the regional accommodation enterprises the arrangement of relaxation activities has to be provided by the clients themselves. The aim of the research is to find out the offer of the current recreation in guest accommodation enterprises in Kurzeme Region and the necessary employees’ competences for its further development. Within the research a survey of 32 managers of guest accommodation enterprises in Kurzeme Region was carried out. The outcomes of the research reveal that additional services to accommodation are offered by 55% guest accommodation enterprises of Kurzeme. However, in 53.1% cases the clients, staying at a guest accommodation enterprise in Kurzeme Region, have to provide arrangement of relaxation activities themselves. Only one fifth (21.9%) of the companies provide it involving a specialist working for the company. Complex recreation programmes are offered by 9.7%, but separate recreation activities by 29% guest accommodation enterprises. Managers of guest accommodation enterprises in Kurzeme are aware of the potential in sports recreation events and relaxation activity organization. The outcomes of the research showed that the main competences necessary for the employees of guest accommodation enterprises, according to the managers of the companies, are language skills and the ability to make decisions and solve problem-situations. In 15.6% of the enterprises a manager for relaxation arrangements would be needed right now. Keywords: recreation offer, recreation activities, guest accommodation, specialists of recreation, competences, survey.

Searching for Affective and Cognitive Restoration: Examining the Restorative Effects of Casual Video Game Play

Objective: We investigated the effects of a passive break, relaxation activity, and casual video game on affect, stress, engagement, and cognitive performance. Background: Reducing stress and improving cognitive performance is critical across many domains. Previous studies investigated taking a break, relaxation techniques, or playing a game; however, these methods have not been compared within a single experiment. Method: Participants completed a baseline affective and cognitive assessment (ACA), which included the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, shortened version of the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire, and backward digit-span. Next, participants completed a vigilance task, followed by another ACA. Participants were then assigned at random to complete a break or relaxation activity or play a casual video game, followed by a final ACA. Results: Participants who played the casual video game exhibited greater engagement and affective restoration than the relaxation condition. The break condition slightly decreased affect and prevented cognitive restoration. Conclusion: Playing a casual video game even briefly can restore individuals’ affective abilities, making it a suitable activity to restore mood in response to stress. However, future research is needed to find activities capable of cognitive restoration. Application: Many activities in life require sustained cognitive demand, which are stressful and decrease performance, especially for workers in performance-critical domains. Our research suggests some leisure activities are better than others for restoring fatigued affective processes.