Factor score profiles based on scores in the standardization sample for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Revised were visually surveyed for patterns of the demographic characteristics sex, race, parent’s occupation and religion and area of residence, these characteristics having been listed with the intelligence quotients obtained in the standardization sample. Patterns of the demographic characteristics and frequencies were described over the range of profiles, then the various profiles were described individually in terms of percentage of frequency and predominant demographic characteristics. The profile descriptions demonstrate a differential distribution of characteristics in relation to profiles, and suggest investigation of associations between the profiles and other variables, such as personality traits and pathological behaviors.

This study investigated demographic characteristics of 240 Chamber of Commerce members in terms of their expectations for customer service in hotels. Subjects reported their age, gender, marital status, race, educational level, income level and ethnicity, and completed a 26-item questionnaire which measured expectations for customer service. Principal components analysis was used to reduce the 26 items to five dimensions of service quality, and multivariate analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effect of the demographic variables on those dimensions. Gender of the customer was found to have a significant effect on the combined dimensions of service quality; other variables were not significant.

A osteoporose tem sido apontada como grave problema de saúde pública, que compromete a qualidade de vida dos seus portadores. Um dos principais fatores que influencia na prevenção à fraturas provenientes dessa enfermidade é o diagnóstico precoce. O diagnóstico das alterações morfológicas da mandíbula por meio de radiografias panorâmicas (RP) é um método barato, simples e indicado para o rastreamento da desmineralização óssea que mostrou estar associado às alterações sistêmicas. O presente estudo descritivo-analítico objetivou avaliar se existem e quais são as variáveis que podem interferir na determinação do diagnóstico por meio das RPs. Foram analisados dados sócio-biológicos, radiografias panorâmicas e densitometrias ósseas (DO) de um total de 435 pacientes. A análise das RPs foi realizada por meio do Índice Panorâmico Quantitativo e Qualitativo (IPQQ), estabelecido em outra parte desta pesquisa. Essas observações foram então relacionadas aos resultados da DO e às variáveis coletadas no questionário de dados sócio-biológicos. A análise das RPs mostrou estar correlacionada com a DO (kappa = 0,7) e mostrou ainda que pode ser influenciada pelo uso de bisfosfonatos ( p = 0,0137), renda ( p = 0,0264), e perda dentária representada pelas variáveis uso de prótese parcial removível ( p = 0,0249) e prótese parcial fixa ( p = 0,0320). O presente estudo propõe ainda outras investigações conduzidas com desenhos mais rigorosos, para compreensão do problema que ainda guarda muitas lacunas. / Osteoporosis has been identified as a serious public health problem affecting patients\' life quality. One of the major factors that influences fractures prevention from this disease is early diagnosis. The diagnosis of mandible morphological changes using panoramic radiographs (PR) is an inexpensive, simple method suitable for screening bone demineralization associated with systemic changes. This descriptive- analytical study aimed to evaluate whether there are and what are the variables that can interfere in the determination of PRs\' diagnosis. Socio-biological data, PR and bone densitometry (BO) of 435 patients were analyzed. The analysis was performed by RPs\' Quantitative and Qualitative Panoramic Index (QQPI) previously established in another part of this research. These observations were then related to BO results and variables collected from socio-biological data questionnaire. The PR analysis were correlated with BO (kappa = 0.7) and could be influenced by the use of bisphosphonates (p = 0.0137), income (p = 0.0264), and tooth loss, represented by the variables: use of removable partial dentures (p = 0.0249) and use of fixed partial denture (p = 0.0320). This study also suggests the conduction of more rigorous designs researches to understand this problem that still has many gaps.

O estudo busca identificar como a expansão do mercado de crédito brasileiro pode amenizar o problema de déficit habitacional no país através da criação de mais moradias. Entre 2000 e 2010, o país adotou novas regras institucionais que permitiram um aumento da oferta de crédito. Dentre elas podemos citar a lei de alienação fiduciária e mudanças na lei de direcionamento de crédito que expandiram o volume de financiamento habitacional. Comparando os dados do Censo 2000 com o Censo 2010, também é possível perceber que houve alguma melhora no problema de déficit habitacional, uma vez que houve redução do número médio de moradores por domicílio e por dormitório. Uma maneira de verificar como a expansão do mercado de crédito esteve relacionada a essa melhora, é identificar qual o impacto do financiamento na criação de moradias. Esse estudo utilizou dados dos municípios brasileiros nos anos de 2000 e 2010 para tentar responder essa questão empiricamente. Os resultados indicam que uma expansão de 100% do volume de financiamento aumenta em cerca de 10% o número de domicílios. Esse resultado foi obtido utilizando o método de variável instrumental, pois é possível que crédito seja uma variável endógena devido a uma características locais não observadas, como o preço dos imóveis. A variável instrumental proposta foi crédito para empresas, pois existem aspectos locais que devem expandir o crédito em diversas modalidades. Para embasar a análise empírica, foi desenvolvido um modelo teórico que destacou a importância de controlar por fatores como renda e demografia. Na análise empírica, a estrutura etária da população demonstrou ter um papel relevante na demanda por moradias. Por fim, esse resultado permaneceu robusto controlando por outras fontes de heterogeneidade local. / The study seeks to identify how the expansion in Brazilian credit market can relieve the problem of housing shortage by creating more housing. Between 2000 and 2010, the country adopted new institutional rules that allowed an increase in credit supply. Among them we can mention the fiduciary law and changes in non-earmarked credit regulation that expanded the volume of mortgage. Comparing the data from the 2000 census with the 2010 census, we can see that there was some improvement in the problem of housing shortage, since there was a reduction in the average number of residents per household and per bedroom. One way to verify how the credit market expansion was related to this improvement is to identify how mortgage impacts on household formation. This study used data from municipalities for the years 2000 and 2010 to try to answer this question empirically. The results indicate that an increase of 100% in credit volume increases by 10% the number of households. The results indicate that an increase of 100% in outstanding credit increases by about 10% the number of households. This result was obtained using an instrumental variable, since it is possible that credit is an endogenous due to unobserved local characteristics, such as real estate prices. Credit for legal entities was proposed as an instrumental variable, since there are local aspects that may expand credit in general. To support the empirical analysis, it was developed a theoretical model that emphasized the importance of controlling for factors such as income and demographics. In empirical analysis, age has shown to performance a decisive role for determining housing demand. Finally, this result remained robust after controlling for other kinds of local heterogeneity.

A osteoporose tem sido apontada como grave problema de saúde pública, que compromete a qualidade de vida dos seus portadores. Um dos principais fatores que influencia na prevenção à fraturas provenientes dessa enfermidade é o diagnóstico precoce. O diagnóstico das alterações morfológicas da mandíbula por meio de radiografias panorâmicas (RP) é um método barato, simples e indicado para o rastreamento da desmineralização óssea que mostrou estar associado às alterações sistêmicas. O presente estudo descritivo-analítico objetivou avaliar se existem e quais são as variáveis que podem interferir na determinação do diagnóstico por meio das RPs. Foram analisados dados sócio-biológicos, radiografias panorâmicas e densitometrias ósseas (DO) de um total de 435 pacientes. A análise das RPs foi realizada por meio do Índice Panorâmico Quantitativo e Qualitativo (IPQQ), estabelecido em outra parte desta pesquisa. Essas observações foram então relacionadas aos resultados da DO e às variáveis coletadas no questionário de dados sócio-biológicos. A análise das RPs mostrou estar correlacionada com a DO (kappa = 0,7) e mostrou ainda que pode ser influenciada pelo uso de bisfosfonatos ( p = 0,0137), renda ( p = 0,0264), e perda dentária representada pelas variáveis uso de prótese parcial removível ( p = 0,0249) e prótese parcial fixa ( p = 0,0320). O presente estudo propõe ainda outras investigações conduzidas com desenhos mais rigorosos, para compreensão do problema que ainda guarda muitas lacunas. / Osteoporosis has been identified as a serious public health problem affecting patients\' life quality. One of the major factors that influences fractures prevention from this disease is early diagnosis. The diagnosis of mandible morphological changes using panoramic radiographs (PR) is an inexpensive, simple method suitable for screening bone demineralization associated with systemic changes. This descriptive- analytical study aimed to evaluate whether there are and what are the variables that can interfere in the determination of PRs\' diagnosis. Socio-biological data, PR and bone densitometry (BO) of 435 patients were analyzed. The analysis was performed by RPs\' Quantitative and Qualitative Panoramic Index (QQPI) previously established in another part of this research. These observations were then related to BO results and variables collected from socio-biological data questionnaire. The PR analysis were correlated with BO (kappa = 0.7) and could be influenced by the use of bisphosphonates (p = 0.0137), income (p = 0.0264), and tooth loss, represented by the variables: use of removable partial dentures (p = 0.0249) and use of fixed partial denture (p = 0.0320). This study also suggests the conduction of more rigorous designs researches to understand this problem that still has many gaps.

Master of Agribusiness / Department of Agricultural Economics / Aleksan Shanoyan / Competition in the retail animal feed business can be challenging. Millennials are emerging as an increasingly important consumer group. Companies want to attract Millennials as new customers while at the same time retaining current customers of Baby Boomers and Gen X generations. Consequently, an important question is how do Millennial retail shopping habits for animal feed differ from that of other generations. To help answer this question the thesis research utilizes customer survey data obtained, from the Kent Nutrition Group. The data was collected through an online survey which was conducted with customers from Company W’s customer list. The total sample consists of 1068 customers. The data is analyzed using exploratory data analysis to gain insights on key differences and important attributes related to marketing and selling to customers from different generation groups. The results indicate that word of mouth serves as the largest initial source of awareness for all customers. Not surprisingly, the results show higher tendency to shop online and a preference for social media as a source of information by Millennials compared to Baby Boomers and Gen X customers. Knowledgeable staff and a positive in-store shopping experience continue to be a high priority for all customers. In general, e-mail or a mailed newsletter were identified as important communication methods by respondents of all generations. The results also show high preference by customers of all generations for receiving sales circulars and tips for animal and pet care. Sales circulars, direct mailers and newspaper ads are the core communication channels that customers view advertising from Company W. Three quarters of Company W’s customers expressed some level of interest in shopping online through Company W if the option were available. This implies that offering online shopping options will not only enhance the current customers’ experience but also attract new customers. The gained insights will be used by Company W to adapt and enhance their marketing and sales strategies to a) effectively engage and attract more Millennial customers and b) improve retention and service for customers of Baby Boomers and Gen X generations. The researcher will use the insights gained from this study to improve marketing efforts for the Kent Nutrition Group.

ABSTRACT The Audiology profession in South Africa appears to be lacking direction. Many challenges to Audiology service delivery are said to exist. However, no official national investigation regarding the range of audiological services provided has been conducted. The purpose of this study was to investigate at a national level, the demographics of Audiologists in SA, to conduct an audit of service delivery, and to identify issues impacting on audiology service delivery. Respondents were requested to indicate reasons for non-provision of audiology services. Research participants included all South African qualified Speech-Language and Hearing Therapists, Audiologists, Speech Therapist and community service graduates currently registered with the Health Professional Council of South Africa. A cross-sectional ex post facto, descriptive survey research design within the quantitative paradigm was selected. Descriptive statistics were utilised to analyse the data and were presented to display service delivery provided by respondents employed in the private and public sectors. Results: A significant difference in professional registration and practice was evident. The audit of service delivery revealed that the provision of advanced diagnostic audiology procedures, paediatric audiology services as well as rehabilitation services was significantly lacking. Audiology service delivery in both the public and private sector were analogous. The lack of equipment was a central reason for the non-provision of services amongst all respondents. Key issues influencing service delivery included the lack of knowledge by associated professionals and the public, delayed referrals, limited budgets, lack of staffing, and restrictions regarding advertisements. Conclusion: The profession of audiology in SA is under transition. The scope of audiology service delivery is slowing moving towards the implementation of advanced diagnostic audiology services however support from associated professionals is lacking. To this end the Audiology profession in SA must focus on advertisement and marketing regarding the range and clinical relevance of audiological services available. Future directions for the profession include the development of unified test protocols and norms, forming data bases, equipping audiology departments, and hosting a forum to discuss a vision of audiology services in SA.

Cancer screening is useful for improving survival rates and treatment outcomes, which is why there are screening recommendations for the most prevalent types of cancer. Despite gains in the reduction of cancer-related mortality rate worldwide in the past few years, the Haitian community continues to experience high mortality rates due to cancer. The prevalence of prostate cancer in the Haitian population is among the highest worldwide at 767 per 100,000, with a mortality rate of 403 per 100,000. One of the causes may be the low prostate cancer screening rate in the Haitian community; however, no studies have been focused on an association between demographic factors within this community and the low prostate cancer screening rate. This study's purpose was to address this gap through a cross-sectional quantitative design using the health belief model as a theoretical framework and a convenience sample of 282 Haitian males. The rate of prostate cancer screening among Haitian immigrants living in Brooklyn was examined based on the demographic variables of age, income, and education. Participants' perceptions regarding prostate cancer screening were also evaluated based on the same variables. Loglinear, and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Although education was found to be the strongest and only significant predictor variable for prostate cancer screening participation within the target population, no conclusion could be drawn regarding the effect of the select variables on the participants' perceptions on prostate cancer screening. The implications for this study include increased knowledge for public health promotion initiatives and for those in the Haitian community working to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates due to prostate cancer.

Hepatitis (HCV) is a communicable disease that impacts many Americans. The scholarly literature lacked the knowledge pertaining to the relationships between poverty and HCV diagnosis and prescription for HCV medication. The purpose of the study was to measure the magnitude and statistical significance of these relationships, as modeled by the health belief model and public health surveillance and action framework. Specifically, the study was designed to determine whether there is a statistically significant relationship between living below the poverty line and being diagnosed with HCV, as well as living being below the poverty line and being prescribed HCV medication. A total of 78 records of HCV-positive individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset were evaluated by applying the statistical procedure of odds ratio (OR) analysis. The results of the analysis revealed that (a) there was not a statistically significant relationship between being below the poverty line and being diagnosed with HCV, OR = 0.99 (SE = 0.38, z = -0.03, p = .974); and (b) there was not a statistically significant relationship between being below the poverty line and being prescribed HCV medications, OR = 0.32 (SE = 0.55, z = -0.66, p = .507). Numerous recommendations for improving measurements of the relationship between poverty and HCV are provided. This study may promote positive social change by indicating the importance of poverty as an agenda item for public health policy and practice.

Using data from the American National Election Studies from 1968 to 2016, I explore the historical relationship between voter income, other demographic factors, and political polarization. I find that while having a higher income and a better education generally correlates with increased Republican political preference, though the relationship between higher income and increased Republican preference does not hold in lower income groups. Race is by far the most significant indicator of political preference, with whites and blacks on opposite ends of the political spectrum, and Hispanics as well as other races somewhere in between the two. In addition, I analyze the data from 20th century elections separately from 21st century elections and discover key differences in how each factor influences political preference.