Musical behaviours, such as singing, dancing and musical production, encourage high levels of interpersonal synchrony. In adults, interpersonal synchrony (i.e. moving in time with others) has been shown to encourage affiliative behaviours among those involved. People are more cooperative, helpful, and trusting toward people with whom they have moved synchronously compared to asynchronously. Until the present thesis, it was unknown if these affiliative effects of interpersonal synchrony influenced social behaviour from an early age. In Chapter 2, I provided the first evidence that 14-month-old infants are more helpful toward synchronously- compared to asynchronously-moving partners. In Chapter 3, I showed that interpersonal synchrony only boosts infant helping directed toward their synchronously-moving partner, but not a neutral stranger. However, in Chapter 4, I showed that infants are more likely to help the positive affiliate (“friend”) of their synchronously-moving partner over the “friend” of their asynchronously-moving partner. Chapter 5 explores how background music in Chapters 2-4 contributed to the overall experience. Here, I found that even in a non-musical context, infants still helped synchronously-moving partners more than asynchronously-moving partners. However, infants were more distressed and took more time to help than in Chapters 2-4, suggesting that music may provide an emotionally regulating context within which interpersonal synchrony can be experienced. Together, these findings suggest that behaviours encouraging high levels of synchronous movement, such as musical behaviours, have important consequences for early social development. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

What information is used by the visual system to detect patterns? A standard model hypothesizes that both spatial frequency and orientation information are processed by independent channels, meaning there is no summation among channels. Despite consensus among researchers on how the visual system sums spatial frequency and orientation information there are data in the literature (Kersten, 1987) that ostensibly contradict the standard model. To resolve this conflict, we measured the efficiency of spatial frequency and orientation of filtered noise. To learn what information the visual system uses when detecting filtered noise, we applied a technique that can determine the information used to detect and discriminate filtered visual noise. In Chapter 2 the detection of spatial frequency filtered noise is not only efficient but remains so with stimulus uncertainty and extremely brief (10ms) stimulus duration. When the spatial frequency channel used was measured, we found a fixed bandwidth channel as the spatial frequency of the pattern was increased. To test the standard model, we implemented simulations of the standard model and contrary to the interpretation, the standard model could predict detection of spatial frequency filtered noise. Chapter 3 used spatial frequency filtered noise to relate the detection and discrimination of filtered visual noise. A simple rule relates what information observers use to detect and discriminate spatial frequency filtered noise. Chapter 4 extends the work of Chapter 2 to orientation information and found that orientation filtered noise is detected efficiently. We again measured what information observers used and found that, unlike SF filtered noise, observers use orientation in a flexible or adjustable manner. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The adsorption of fibrinogen from human plasma onto various surfaces was investigated under differing conditions of plasma composition. Previous studies by Vroman have indicated that fibrinogen is only transiently adsorbed from normal human blood plasma, possibly due to displacement by high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK). It is possible that this "Vroman Effect" is a manifestation of the activation of the intrinsic clotting pathway responsible, in part, for thrombus formation on artificial surfaces. The effect was studied using dilutions of human plasma from 0.01% to 20.0% of normal concentration trace-labelled with a small amount of ¹²⁵I labelled fibrinogen. Adsorption of fibrinogen to various materials, including glass and several potentially useful biomaterials was measured. Fibrinogen is initially adsorbed apparently under diffusion limitation and later displaced at a rate which depends on the type of material being tested. There does not appear to be a direct relationship between material properties (contact angle, biocompatibility) and the "Vroman Effect". Studies comparing the effect for a series of clotting factor deficient plasmas seem to indicate that plasminogen and HWNK are the main displacing agents on glass. Factors XI and XII, prekallikrein and other components do not appear to be involved. An attempt to mathematically model the effect was hampered by the lack of adequate models to describe even one-component protein adsorption. An isotherm equation was developed based on a theoretical model of protein exchange and spreading on the surface. The resulting parameter estimates based on data for different surfaces were well conditioned and may provide a good in vitro basis for comparing materials. It is hoped that the theoretical model will also be compatible with dynamic adsorption and ultimately a multicomponent system such as plasma (and the Vroman Effect). This work may lead to a better understanding of blood-material interactions and may provide the basis for a simple in vitro test for the characterization of potential biomaterials. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

Yes

In this study brand loyalty of pharmaceutical livestock products among commercial farmers was measured. The purpose of the study was to assist agribusinesses to identify the dominant determinant when commercial farmers purchase pharmaceutical livestock products from them. The study analysed two marketing mix elements price and product (specifically brand name) in farmer buying behaviour. A structured questionnaire was used to employ an empirical study in a quantitative style to determine the commercial farmers‟ perceptions and buying behaviour when they buy pharmaceutical livestock products. For agribusinesses the study makes it clear where to focus resources and energy in today‟s dynamic, uncertain and competitive environment that agribusinesses operate in, specifically in the North West Province of South Africa. The literature study addressed the brand loyalty constructs and their application in the agricultural market. Resultantly the contribution to the body of knowledge pertains to brand loyalty‟s influence in the marketing strategy (price and brand name). The study also explored opportunities for the successful distribution of pharmaceutical livestock products through agribusinesses. Management of agribusinesses will have to adopt a market-oriented strategy that will assist agribusinesses on various dimensions of performance and will have a significant positive effect on return on assets, sales growth and sustainability. The inputs and assistance of the suppliers and marketers are of utmost importance and will add value to the execution of agribusinesses‟ marketing strategy. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

In this study brand loyalty of pharmaceutical livestock products among commercial farmers was measured. The purpose of the study was to assist agribusinesses to identify the dominant determinant when commercial farmers purchase pharmaceutical livestock products from them. The study analysed two marketing mix elements price and product (specifically brand name) in farmer buying behaviour. A structured questionnaire was used to employ an empirical study in a quantitative style to determine the commercial farmers‟ perceptions and buying behaviour when they buy pharmaceutical livestock products. For agribusinesses the study makes it clear where to focus resources and energy in today‟s dynamic, uncertain and competitive environment that agribusinesses operate in, specifically in the North West Province of South Africa. The literature study addressed the brand loyalty constructs and their application in the agricultural market. Resultantly the contribution to the body of knowledge pertains to brand loyalty‟s influence in the marketing strategy (price and brand name). The study also explored opportunities for the successful distribution of pharmaceutical livestock products through agribusinesses. Management of agribusinesses will have to adopt a market-oriented strategy that will assist agribusinesses on various dimensions of performance and will have a significant positive effect on return on assets, sales growth and sustainability. The inputs and assistance of the suppliers and marketers are of utmost importance and will add value to the execution of agribusinesses‟ marketing strategy. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The study of organisations’ information security cultures has attracted scholars as well as healthcare services industry to research the topic and find appropriate tools and approaches to develop a positive culture. The vast majority of studies in Saudi national health services are on the use of technology to protect and secure health services information. On the other hand, there is a lack of research on the role and impact of an organisation’s cultural dimensions on information security. This research investigated and analysed the role and impact of cultural dimensions on information security in Saudi Arabia health service. Hypotheses were tested and two surveys were carried out in order to collect data and information from three major hospitals in Saudi Arabia (SA). The first survey identified the main cultural-dimension problems in SA health services and developed an initial information security culture framework model. The second survey evaluated and tested the developed framework model to test its usefulness, reliability and applicability. The model is based on human behaviour theory, where the individual’s attitude is the key element of the individual’s intention to behave as well as of his or her actual behaviour. The research identified a set of cultural and sub-cultural dimensions in SA health information security and services.

The following Master thesis deals with the problem of clothing disposal in Greece examining primarily the psychosocial factors that influence this behaviour. More specifically, the author sets a theoretical framework using the Triandis’ (1977) model of Interpersonal Behaviour and examines how the factors included in the model influence clothing disposition among young individuals in Greece as well as to what extend they do it. Furthermore, the author explores the clothing disposition behaviour of the above mentioned sample regarding an old t-shirt.The thesis consists of six chapters. In the first chapter, the author examines the problem of clothing disposal in terms of how it is formulated and what are the environmental effects deriving from it. Due to the fact that there is no information about clothing disposal in Greece, the problem is examined in relation to countries like the USA and the UK and then the findings are connected to Greece so the reader can understand the importance of the problem in the country.The second chapter sets the theoretical framework of the problem by examining the existing theories and studies in the fields of disposition and clothing disposition. Moreover, in this chapter there is a thorough analysis of Triandis’ (1977) Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour to guide the reader through the rest of the paper.In the third chapter, the research methodology is analysed in respect to the general design, the sampling technique used and the questionnaire development and distribution.After setting all the necessary elements, in chapter four the author analyses the results of the research with a statistical method based on SPSS. Findings of the three research questions are demonstrated in this chapter with a small discussion regarding them.Chapter five consists of the discussion around the findings of the research. Under this section the author discusses how and why the psychosocial factors, as presented in Triandis’ (1977) Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour, influence clothing disposal behaviour among young individuals in Greece as well as the actual disposal behaviour.Finally, in chapter six of this thesis a conclusion of the findings takes place with parallel suggestions about further research in this field and some proposals in relation to the problem. / Program: Master in Fashion Management with specialisation in Fashion Marketing and Retailing

<p>The overall purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyse interpersonal behaviour in career counselling sessions. The importance of the relationship in counselling for the outcome of sessions has been acknowledged in earlier research. How the actual interaction process between client and career counsellor looks like has been sparsely investigated. The present research explores expected, experienced behaviours and self-image of 15 adolescent clients’ and counsellors’ dyads in career counselling. The research was guided by interpersonal theory and the model of structural analysis of social behaviour (SASB) developed by Lorna Smith Benjamin. The research focuses on four different aspect of interpersonal behaviour. First, the significance of different behaviours by the clients and the career counsellors related to session evaluation. Second, the significance of expected and experienced similarity in perceptions of self and other behaviours related to session evaluation. Third, differences of perceived behaviours and possible influence by self-image over the course of sessions and fourth, comparing the influence of positive and negative self-image to expected and experienced behaviours, perceived important events during session and session evaluation session by clients’. Results indicate the importance for clients to become close to the career counsellor in session, while the career counsellors’ encouragement of clients’ independency during sessions showed to be of less importance for the clients’. This pattern imply a difficult balance act for career counsellors between providing a safe and close relationship and promoting independence and exploration for the clients. Further, it was found that career counsellors had difficulties in identifying their own contributions to a positive session evaluation, indicating a problem for the career counsellors’ to make conscious adjustments of behaviours. The degree to which client and career counsellor agreed of their behaviours only mattered for experiences of the career counsellors’ behaviour when related to their evaluation of session. Only minor tendencies of influence by the career counsellors’ self-image of clients’ perceived differences in behaviours were found. Self-image played a significant role in how the clients’ expected and experienced behaviours, perceived important events in session and in their session evaluation. Clients’ with positive self-image showed consistently more positive perceptions on each of the involved variables.</p>

The overall purpose of this thesis is to describe and analyse interpersonal behaviour in career counselling sessions. The importance of the relationship in counselling for the outcome of sessions has been acknowledged in earlier research. How the actual interaction process between client and career counsellor looks like has been sparsely investigated. The present research explores expected, experienced behaviours and self-image of 15 adolescent clients’ and counsellors’ dyads in career counselling. The research was guided by interpersonal theory and the model of structural analysis of social behaviour (SASB) developed by Lorna Smith Benjamin. The research focuses on four different aspect of interpersonal behaviour. First, the significance of different behaviours by the clients and the career counsellors related to session evaluation. Second, the significance of expected and experienced similarity in perceptions of self and other behaviours related to session evaluation. Third, differences of perceived behaviours and possible influence by self-image over the course of sessions and fourth, comparing the influence of positive and negative self-image to expected and experienced behaviours, perceived important events during session and session evaluation session by clients’. Results indicate the importance for clients to become close to the career counsellor in session, while the career counsellors’ encouragement of clients’ independency during sessions showed to be of less importance for the clients’. This pattern imply a difficult balance act for career counsellors between providing a safe and close relationship and promoting independence and exploration for the clients. Further, it was found that career counsellors had difficulties in identifying their own contributions to a positive session evaluation, indicating a problem for the career counsellors’ to make conscious adjustments of behaviours. The degree to which client and career counsellor agreed of their behaviours only mattered for experiences of the career counsellors’ behaviour when related to their evaluation of session. Only minor tendencies of influence by the career counsellors’ self-image of clients’ perceived differences in behaviours were found. Self-image played a significant role in how the clients’ expected and experienced behaviours, perceived important events in session and in their session evaluation. Clients’ with positive self-image showed consistently more positive perceptions on each of the involved variables.