Includes list of Supplementary refereed publications relating to thesis; and of Refereed conference papers, as appendix 1 Includes bibliograhical references (p. 316-343) Focusses particularly on the purchase of wine and the factors that influence consumer choice and the values that drive the decision process across different consumption occasions. The effectiveness of occasion as part of the theoretical model of means-end chain analysis is investigated, as well as the feasibility of occasion in the Olsen and Thach (2001) conceptual framework of consumer behavior relating to wine.

Part one of the thesis studies differential diagnosticity towards substantive extrinsic information available in the environment. This research tests the interaction between regulatory focus and availability of extrinsic-substantive information such as consensus information, on the range of acceptable price. Prior research on regulatory focus led us to two divergent predictions. Our findings lend support to the asymmetric-elaboration account. Under this account, only prevention-oriented consumers are likely to change their acceptable price range if combinations of favorable-and-unfavorable consensus information are available in the environment, while promotion-oriented consumers disregard such information. We find that this difference is due to the differences in the level of difficulty experienced in specifying acceptable price range across the two regulatory foci. Further, we also undertake random-parameters regression models that provide unique general findings. For example, we find that for promotion-oriented consumers it is their high-level product construal, while for prevention-oriented consumers it is their low-level product construal that influences their respective acceptable price ranges, irrespective of level of external information available. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Transport Policy and Planning / Master / Master of Arts in Transport Policy and Planning

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major public health problem in developing countries, including South Africa. The potential of provitamin A-biofortified maize for use as a complementary strategy to alleviate vitamin A deficiency in developing countries, where maize is the dominant staple food, is currently a subject of research. Although the nutritional composition of white maize is thought to be similar to that of biofortified maize, apart from the differences in provitamin A carotenoid content, the comparative nutritional composition of the two maize types seems not to have been subjected to a comprehensive scientific study. When setting the target level of provitamin A in the provitamin A-biofortified maize, it is important to consider the potential effect of processing on the final provitamin A carotenoid content of the biofortified food products, as the provitamin A carotenoids levels may decrease on processing. Furthermore, the yellow/orange provitamin A-biofortified maize may not be widely accepted by African consumers who are vulnerable to VAD, and are traditional consumers of white maize. This study firstly aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition, including provitamin A composition, and grain quality of provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties, compared to white maize. The second aim was to assess the effect of processing (milling and cooking) on the retention of provitamin A carotenoids and other nutrients in popular South African maize food products prepared with provitamin A-biofortified maize. Thirdly, the study aimed to assess the acceptability of maize food products prepared with provitamin A-biofortified maize by consumers of different age and gender in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The grains of the provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and grain of a white maize variety (control) were analysed for their nutritional composition using standard or referenced methods. The carotenoid content of the grains was analysed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy. The provitamin A carotenoids β-cryptoxanthin, and trans and cis isomers of β-carotene, and other unidentified cis isomers of β-carotene were detected in varying levels in the provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties. The total provitamin A content in the biofortified maize varieties ranged from 7.3-8.3 μg/g dry weight (DW), with total β-carotene ranging from 3.5-3.6 μg/g DW, and β-cryptoxanthin from 3.7-4.8 μg/g DW, whilst no carotenoids were detected in the white maize variety. Results of the evaluation of the content of other nutrients showed that, when compared with the white maize variety, the provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties had higher levels of starch, fat and protein but were lower in iron. The zinc and phosphorus levels in the white maize and the biofortified maize were comparable. The biofortified maize varieties were better sources of most of the essential amino acids relative to the white maize, but, similar to the white maize, they were deficient in histidine and lysine, indicating that further improvement is required. Selected quality attributes (grain density, susceptibility of kernels to cracking, milling quality and resistance of the kernels to fungal infection) of grains of 32 provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and a white variety (control) were assessed. Overall, the quality of the grains of the provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties were found to be superior to that of the white maize grain, although the biofortified maize grains showed less resistance to fungi, including mycotoxin-producing types. This indicates that the trait of grain resistance to infection by fungi should also be incorporated in the provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties during breeding. To assess the retention of provitamin A carotenoids and other nutrients in maize food products, three selected provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and the control (white maize variety) were milled into mealie meal and samp. The milled products were cooked into three products: phutu and thin porridge (from the mealie meal) and cooked samp. Nutrient retention during processing was determined. Milling resulted in either an increase or slight decrease in the provitamin A carotenoid levels, but there was no major decrease in the total provitamin A level. Most of the other nutrients were well retained during milling, but there were substantial losses of fibre, fat and minerals. Provitamin A carotenoid levels decreased on cooking. In phutu 96.6 ± 20.3% β-cryptoxanthin and 95.5 ± 13.6% of the β-carotene was retained after cooking. In thin porridge 65.8 ± 4.6% β-cryptoxanthin and 74.7 ± 3.0% β-carotene; and in samp 91.9 ± 12.0% β-cryptoxanthin and 100.1 ± 8.8% of the β-carotene was retained after cooking, respectively. Provitamin A retention seemed to be influenced by both maize variety and food form, indicating that suitable varieties and food forms should be found. There was generally a high retention of the other nutrients in all the three cooked products, except for the substantial losses of fat in thin porridge and iron and phosphorus in cooked samp. These findings indicate that an optimal delivery of provitamin A to the consumer can be achieved by processing provitamin A-biofortified maize into foods that have a good retention of provitamin A carotenoids, such as phutu and samp. These food products would be recommended in areas where VAD is prevalent. In order to assess consumer acceptability of provitamin A-biofortified maize, a total of 212 subjects aged 3-55 years from Mkhambathini Municipality, in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, participated in the sensory evaluation of phutu, thin porridge and cooked samp prepared with provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and a white variety (control). Preference for yellow maize food products was negatively associated with an increase in the age of the subjects. Overall, preschool children preferred yellow maize to white maize food products: phutu (81% vs. 19%), thin porridge (75% vs. 25%) and samp (73% vs. 27%). In contrast, primary school children preferred white maize to yellow maize food products: phutu (55% vs. 45%), thin porridge (63% vs. 38%) and samp (52% vs. 48%). Similarly, secondary school children and adults also displayed a similar preference for white maize food products. There was no association between gender and preference for maize variety. Focus group discussions revealed that participants had a negative attitude towards biofortified maize due to its colour, taste, smell and texture. However, the participants expressed a willingness to consume biofortified maize if it was cheaper than white maize and was readily available in local grocery stores. These findings indicate that there is a potential to promote the consumption of provitamin A-biofortified maize and its food products in this part of South Africa, thereby contributing to a reduction in the incidence of VAD. This study has shown that provitamin A-biofortified maize has a good potential to be used as an additional strategy to alleviate VAD in poor communities of South Africa, including similar environments in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the study has revealed that there are still challenges to be overcome in order to achieve the target provitamin A content of 15 μg/g in provitamin A-biofortified maize, set by HarvestPlus, an international challenge program. This may also explain why provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties with this level of provitamin A have been scarcely reported in the literature. Thus, more research is required to achieve the target provitamin A level in maize by conventional breeding. The results of this study indicate that besides provitamin A, the biofortified maize is also a good source of other nutrients including starch, fat, protein and zinc. However, improving the consumer acceptability of the provitamin A-biofortified maize remains a challenge, due to the negative attitudes towards the yellow/orange maize by African consumers. On the other hand, the results of this study indicate that there is an opportunity to promote the consumption of provitamin A-biofortified maize food products by preschool children, a finding which has not been previously reported in the literature. Nutrition education on the benefits of provitamin A-biofortified maize, as well as improved marketing are recommended, in this part of South Africa and also in similar environments in other sub-Saharan countries. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

This study is focused on identifying cultural typologies of the Indian population group. These typologies or dimensions are analysed from a consumer behaviour perspective with strong implications for marketers who need to take cognisance of these typologies when developing new product offerings and devising marketing campaigns targeted at this population group. The consumption behaviour of Indians are compared and contrasted with the other predominant race groups in South Africa (namely Whites, Blacks and Coloureds), in terms of expenditure and buying power. Further, an analysis of Indian culture typologies provides marketers with insight into cultural issues that have a bearing on the development of marketing strategies. The findings that have emerged from this study are important for various reasons. Over 75% of the total Indian population live in KwaZulu-Natal (Census 1996). Further, compared to other race groups, the Indian population has a high rate of urbanisation with 96.8% of the population living in metropolitan areas (ibid.). Education levels supercedes those of the Black and Coloured population groups with 30.4% of Indians having completed matric and l0.4% having furthered their education (South Africa in Transition: StatsSA). In keeping with this trend, in comparison with the other race groups, Indians have a high penetration of English spoken as a first language (93.2%). While 21% of the Indian population are characterised as middle to upper income earners, occupying LSM's 6 to 10, Indian households in the Durban Metropolitan area have more earners (33.2%) per household in comparison to the Black and White population groups (Stats South Africa). In addition, an increasing number of Indian women are entering the workforce and are becoming more active in decision-making. Findings related to Indian culture have unearthed that while Indian culture has imbibed a global culture as far as dress, entertainment and lifestyle are concerned, traditional beliefs and values, including that of religion, are steadfastly held onto. However, this dissertation also finds that the Indian population group is highly materialistic and great attention is focussed on the accumulation of possessions. Further, materialism within the Indian population, is seen as a reflection of status. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic; and for South African Authorities it is still a huge concern. 17 per cent of the population aged 15 to 49 live with the HIV virus and KwaZulu-Natal remains the area most affected by the pandemic. In order to prevent the disease’s expansion among university students, the health authorities have make available across all campuses and for free Choice and Love condoms.This study explores the perception of the positioning of these government brands compared to the other commercial condoms available among students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The study is in part a survey, using research questionnaire administered to more than 200 students at the Westville and Howard College and Nelson Mandela Medical School campuses to determine their perceptions of the competing condom brands. The study primarily makes use of the marketing theory of brand positioning to address the issue; a perceptual map is designed indicating the respective positions of the competing brands. The survey revealed that the Love brand is not very well known by students, and confirmed that the Choice brand is perceived as poor. One reason provided is the negative association of the South African government with the brand. Many students complained of experiencing a bad smell after using Choice. That led to the variant of scent being used in the study as an essential component for condom preference. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Introduction: Micronutrient malnutrition has been identified as a serious health problem globally and is on the rise in South Africa. This is evident from the escalating burden of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in South Africa. Rural infants are the most affected, as their diets often lack micronutrients. Food fortification, vitamin A supplementation and dietary diversity are the strategies that have been employed in South Africa to alleviate VAD. However, these strategies have not been effective, for various reasons. Biofortification is the production of micronutrient dense staple crops to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. This strategy could complement existing strategies in the alleviation of VAD in South Africa and in other countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where VAD is prevalent. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional composition and acceptance of a complementary food (soft porridge) made with provitamin A-biofortified maize by female infant caregivers from the rural areas of Umgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Objectives: (i) To evaluate the nutritional composition of soft porridge made with provitamin A-biofortified maize compared to non-biofortified white maize porridge; (ii) To assess the sensory acceptability of soft porridge made with the biofortified maize by black African female infant caregivers of varying age; and (iii) To determine the perceptions of the black African infant caregivers about the biofortified maize relative to the non-biofortified white maize. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Grains of two provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and one white variety (control) were used. Grain and soft porridge of each variety of maize were analysed for their nutritional composition. The sensory acceptability of the porridges were evaluated by black African female infant caregivers, using a five-point facial hedonic scale. Focus group discussions were conducted, using some of the study subjects, to determine their perceptions about the provitamin A-biofortified maize. Results: The results showed that the grains of the provitamin A-biofortified maize varieties and their soft porridges were more nutritious than the control white variety in terms of energy, fibre, fat, protein, iron, zinc and phosphorus content. The results of the sensory evaluation indicated that there was no significant difference in the sensory acceptability of the biofortified soft porridges and the white maize soft porridge, irrespective of the age of the sensory evaluation panellists. The female caregivers perceived the biofortified maize as nutritious and health-beneficial and thought that infants would like its unique yellow colour and taste. However, the black African female caregivers perceived the provitamin A-biofortified maize as an animal feed or food for the poor. Nevertheless, the female caregivers expressed a willingness to give their infants porridge made with provitamin A-biofortified maize if it was cheap, readily available and health-beneficial. Conclusion: This study suggests that provitamin A-biofortified maize has the potential to be used as a complementary food item. Biofortification of maize with provitamin A could be used as a possible complementary strategy to assist in the alleviation of VAD in SSA. Furthermore, the relatively higher energy, fibre, fat, protein, iron, zinc and phosphorus content of the biofortified maize could contribute to the alleviation of protein-energy malnutrition and mineral deficiencies, respectively, which are prevalent in children of SSA. Although the findings of this study, like other previous studies, indicate that there are some negative perceptions about the provitamin A-biofortified maize, this study shows that provitamin A-biofortified maize soft porridge is as acceptable as white maize soft porridge to female infant caregivers from the rural areas of Umgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The female caregivers are thus likely to accept the biofortified maize for use as an infant complementary food in the form of soft porridge. Further research is recommended to expand the study area and consumer sample size in order to increase the confidence of inferring these results for large rural populations. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2014.

This study set out to establish artificial neural networks (ANN) as an alternate to regression methods (multiple linear, principal components and partial least squares regression) to predict consumer liking from trained sensory panel data. The study has two parts viz., I) Flavour study - evaluation of ANNs to predict consumer flavour preferences from trained sensory panel data and 2) Fragrance study ??? evaluation of different ANN architectures to predict consumer fragrance liking from trained sensory panel data. In this study, a multi-layer feedforward neural network architecture with input, hidden and output layer(s) was designed. The back-propagation algorithm was utilised in training of neural networks. The network learning parameters such as learning rate and momentum rate were optimised by the grid experiments for a fixed number of learning cycles. In flavour study, ANNs were trained using the trained sensory panel raw data as well as transformed data. The networks trained with sensory panel raw data achieved 98% correct learning, whereas the testing was within the range of 28 -35%. A suitable transformation methods were applied to reduce the variations in trained sensory panel raw data. The networks trained with transformed sensory panel data achieved between 80-90% correct learning and 80-95% correct testing. In fragrance study, ANNs were trained using the trained sensory panel raw data as well as principal component data. The networks trained with sensory panel raw data achieved 100% correct learning, and testing was in a range of 70-94%. Principal component analysis was applied to reduce redundancy in the trained sensory panel data. The networks trained with principal component data achieved about 100% correct learning and 90% correct testing. It was shown that due to its excellent noise tolerance property and ability to predict more than one type of consumer liking using a single model, the ANN approach promises to be an effective modelling tool.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 2009. / A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics, Department of Rural Economy. Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on September 20, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Department of Geography, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.