South Africa is a heterogeneous society. It is a multilingual, multicultural country with more than eleven official languages. It is a country that also has big educational and economic inequalities. These differences are pertinent barriers that often obstruct communication, also and especially in health communication. This study addresses such a problem, by first exploring the effectiveness and/or appropriateness of existing schizophrenia information material The Alliance Programme which was produced in the USA for universal consumption and is currently used in the South African context. In the study the externally produced schizophrenia information material is adapted to fulfil in the specific needs and preferences of the audience targeted in this study. The study was conducted based on the assumption that people need to access information that is relevant, easy to understand and appropriate to them in order to make informed decisions about their health. This study was conducted at the Weskoppies hospital in Pretoria (South Africa) among Tshwana-speaking patients suffering from schizophrenia. The specific aim of this study was to communicate the information in such a way that this group could use it optimally. Since this empirical study’s main aim was to evaluate and adapt the Alliance Programme to make it more suitable for the South African context, a formative research design was implemented. Usability testing was chosen as the research method. Literature review, individual semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews and participant observation were employed as data collection methods. The data was analysed by means of qualitative content analysis. The findings of this study indicated that the adapted messages or information about schizophrenia did improve the patients’ reception of the information. It was then concluded in this study that messages or information should either be adapted or created to suit the needs of a specific audience. This study also recommended that in order to make sure information (about schizophrenia) is communicated effectively and/or appropriately to any group (of patients suffering from schizophrenia), a participatory communication design should be used. / Dissertation (MIS)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Information Science / unrestricted

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Aimed to verify the effect of maturation of Longissimus thoracic lumborum of Nelore cattle, with four cutting thicknesses (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 cm) for four periods of maturation (0, 7, 14 and 21 days) on the physical characteristics (pH, color, weight loss for cooking and shearing force); biological (microbiology - mesophilic and psychrotrophic - and sarcomere length); and sensory (softness, odor, flavor and overall acceptance). 64 were used Longissimus thoracic lumborum of Nellore carcasses barrows with 6:08 teeth, acquired Fridge Nutrial, the State of Sergipe. The experimental design was completely randomized, corresponding to a factorial (4x4) with 16 treatments and four replications. Microbiological analysis has revealed the hygiene conditions in which the samples were handled and stored, resulting in psychrophilic counts (2,18x105 UFC/g) and mesophilic (2,4 x105 UFC/g) well below the critical level of impairment (106 UFC/g), indicating the fitness for consumption. For the parameters evaluated in the physical analysis, these were not affected by the thickness of the cuts (P> 0.05). However, different (P <0.05) versus aging time for the red color of the meat (0 = 15.26; 7 = 16,64; 14 = 18,87; 21 = 18.34) and color fat (a * 0 = 9.05, 7 = 7.87, 14 = 13,85; 21 = 12.01 / b * 0 = 14.64; 7 = 13,43; 14 = 12.62 ; 21 = 11.68), shear force (0 = 7.01; 7 = 5.56; 14 = 4.80; 21 = 4.76 kgf) and sarcomere length (0 = 1.49; 7 = 1.67, 14 = 1.62; 21 = 1.58 uM). The pH (5.67), light (45.74), yellow meat content (6.56), and weight loss by cooking (22.35%) did not change as periods of maturation and thicknesses. The Longissimus thoracic lumborum maturation process adult Nelore cattle can be accomplished with any slice thickness and a minimum of 14 days, presenting itself as a quality meat. Sensory analysis has shown that the odor was not significantly different (P> 0.05). The softness of the aged samples showed higher (P <0.05) to non-aged samples did not differ in relation to the thickness of the cut. Regarding flavor and overall acceptance of the product was no difference (P <0.05) between treatments. By means of cluster analysis it was possible to prove the existence of different consumer groups in the most preferred treatments with 21 days of aging, independent of the cutting thickness, and / or the variability of the composition of the groups. Regarding intention to purchase 85% consumers would buy the aged beef for 21 days maturity, regardless of the thickness of the cut. / Objetivou-se verificar o efeito da maturação do Longissimus thoracic lumborum de bovinos Nelores, com quatro espessuras de corte (2,5; 5,0; 7,5; e 10 cm), por quatro períodos de maturação (0; 7; 14 e 21 dias), sobre as características físicas (pH, cor, perda de peso por cocção e força de cisalhamento); biológicas (microbiologia – mesófilos e psicrotróficos – e comprimento de sarcômero); e sensoriais (maciez, odor, sabor e aceitação global). Foram utilizados 64 Longissimus thoracic lumborum de carcaças de bovinos Nelore, machos castrados, com 6 e 8 dentes, adquiridos do Frigorífico Nutrial, do Estado de Sergipe. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, correspondendo a um fatorial (4x4) com 16 tratamentos e quatro repetições. A análise microbiológica permitiu revelar as condições higiênicas na qual as amostras foram manuseadas e estocadas, resultando em contagens de psicrotróficos (2,18x105 UFC/g) e mesófilos (2,4 x105 UFC/g) bem abaixo do nível crítico de deterioração (106 UFC/g), indicando a aptidão ao consumo. Para os parâmetros avaliados na análise física, estes não foram influenciados pela espessura dos cortes (P>0,05). Entretanto, diferiram (P<0,05) em função do período de maturação para a intensidade de vermelho da carne (0 = 15,26; 7 = 16,64; 14 = 18,87; 21 = 18,34) e cor da gordura (a*: 0 = 9,05; 7 = 7,87; 14 = 13,85; 21 = 12,01 / b*: 0 = 14,64; 7 = 13,43; 14 = 12,62; 21 = 11,68), força de cisalhamento (0 = 7,01; 7 = 5,56; 14 = 4,80; 21 = 4,76 kgf) e comprimento de sarcômero (0 = 1,49; 7 = 1,67; 14 = 1,62; 21 = 1,58 μm). O pH (5,67), luminosidade (45,74), teor de amarelo da carne (6,56), e perda de peso por cocção (22,35%) não sofreram alteração conforme os períodos de maturação e espessuras. O processo de maturação do Longissimus thoracic lumborum de bovinos Nelore adultos pode ser realizado com qualquer espessura de corte e por um período mínimo de 14 dias, apresentando-se como uma carne de qualidade. A análise sensorial permitiu verificar que o odor não apresentou diferença significativa (P>0,05). A maciez das amostras maturadas apresentou valor superior (P<0,05) às amostras não maturadas, não diferindo em relação à espessura do corte. Para os parâmetros sabor e aceitação global do produto houve diferença (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos. Por meio da análise dos clusters foi possível comprovar a existência de diferentes grupos de consumidores em que a maioria preferiu os tratamentos com maturação de 21 dias, independente da espessura de corte, e/ou da variabilidade da composição dos grupos. Quanto à intenção de compra, 85% consumidores participantes comprariam as carnes maturadas por 21 dias de maturação, independente da espessura do corte.

Several research projects all over the world have considered transport pricing measures and policies as promising attempts to solve urgent traffic problems in urban areas. One important precondition for the successful implementation of pricing strategies is public acceptability. However, empirical findings have shown that the acceptability of such strategies in general is very low. Aim of this dissertation is to analyse the reasons for the low acceptability of road pricing. The dissertation is organized as follows: Firstly, the problems related to transport and the measures to cope with these problems are outlined. The focus is thereby on economic measures such as road user fees, whose economic and traffic-related assumptions are discussed. Then, a definition of the terms used is given and main European results concerning the current acceptability level of various travel demand management (TDM) strategies are reported. Moreover, a theoretical framework is developed which attempts to identify the essential factors determining transport pricing acceptability. In two empirical studies (N1 = 923, N2 = 667), it is investigated whether and to what extent these factors contribute to the explanation of acceptability. Finally, conclusions are drawn and some recommendations for future research are given. / Straßenbenutzungsgebühren für den privaten Autoverkehr sind vielfach als sinnvoll und wünschenswert vor allem zur Lösung der zahlreichen Verkehrsprobleme in städtischen Ballungsräumen begründet worden. Bisher ist es jedoch nicht zu einer nennenswerten Umsetzung dieser Maßnahmen gekommen. Es herrscht in der Literatur Einigkeit, daß die geringe Akzeptanz von Straßenbenutzungsgebühren in der Bevölkerung und die deutliche Ablehnung bei den betroffenen Autofahrern die wesentlichen Gründe für den fehlenden politischen Willen sind, road pricing einzuführen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, die Ursachen und Bedingungen für die mangelnde Akzeptanz von Straßenbenutzungsgebühren bei den betroffenen Autofahrern zu untersuchen. Die Arbeit ist wie folgt aufgebaut: Im ersten Abschnitt wird die Ausgangslage und der Problemhintergrund dargestellt. Es wird erläutert, welche negativen Konsequenzen des motorisierten Individualverkehrs vorliegen, und mit welchen Maßnahmen ihnen begegnet werden kann. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf preispolitischen Maßnahmen wie Straßenbenutzungsgebühren, dessen ökonomische und verkehrswissenschaftliche Annahmen dargestellt werden. Dem gegenübergestellt wird die gesellschaftspolitische Realität: zum einen in Form der massiven Ablehnung von Straßenbenutzungsgebühren durch Bevölkerung und betroffene Autofahrer und zum anderen in Form der zahlreichen, erfolglosen und gescheiterten Versuche, Straßenbenutzungsgebühren einzuführen. Dies mündet in die Ableitung erster Forschungsfragen und in die Entwicklung des Untersuchungsansatzes. Im darauf folgenden Abschnitt werden die theoretischen Grundlagen zur Untersuchung der Akzeptanz von Straßenbenutzungsgebühren gelegt. Dabei wird zunächst geklärt, wie sich der Begriff &amp;quot;Akzeptanz&amp;quot; definieren läßt und in welche relevanten psychologischen Theorien er sich einordnet. Im Anschluß wird das Modell zur Akzeptanz von Schlag vorgestellt und analysiert. Darauf aufbauend werden die zentralen Variablen des Modells auf ihre theoretische und empirische Relevanz und unter Berücksichtigung potentiell konkurrierender Ansätze dargestellt und untersucht. Ziel ist die Klärung der logischen und kausalen Struktur des Modells und der Beziehungen der Variablen untereinander. Dies führt schließlich in die Ableitung überprüfbarer Hypothesen in Form eines erweiterten Akzeptanzmodells. Zur Überprüfung des Modells, der aufgestellten Hypothesen und Forschungsfragen werden zwei Untersuchungen berichtet (N1 = 923, N2 = 667), die inhaltlich aufeinander aufbauen. Diese wurden im Rahmen der EU-Forschungsprojekte TransPrice und AFFORD durchgeführt. Generelles Ziel ist die Validierung der Modellkonstrukte und ihrer angenommenen Beziehungen. Im letzten Abschnitt werden zusammenfassend und basierend auf den beiden Studien die wesentlichen Ergebnisse rekapituliert, sowie offene Forschungsfragen und Anforderungen abgeleitet, die sich zukünftigen Studien stellen. Schließlich wird diskutiert, welche Implikationen sich aus dieser Untersuchung ziehen lassen und welche Aspekte zu berücksichtigen sind, wenn Straßenbenutzungsgebühren der Öffentlichkeit präsentiert werden. - Die Druckexemplare enthalten jeweils eine CD-ROM als Anlagenteil: 490 KB - Nutzung: Referat Informationsvermittlung der SLUB

Undertexter skapade av fans, så kallade fansubs, utmärker sig ofta med att utmana de standardiserade normerna inom undertextning genom att vara friare från deras inflytande. En serie som det har skapats relativt mycket fansubs för är den norska webbaserade ungdomsserien SKAM, som fans började skapa egna undertexter till eftersom de ville göra serien mer tillgänglig för tittare från andra länder. Syftet med denna uppsats är att utföra en kvalitetsundersökning av två engelskspråkiga fansub-versioner till tv-serien SKAM. Undersökningen utfördes med hjälp av FAR-modellen, som är en modell skapad för kvalitetsanalys av mellanspråkliga undertexter. FAR-modellen bedömer kvaliteten på undertexter i tre olika områden: funktionell ekvivalens, acceptans och läsbarhet. Undersökningens resultat visar att kvaliteten på fansubs till SKAM är jämförbar med andra fansubs. Kvaliteten varierar dock en del inom de olika områdena, då båda versionerna fick sämst resultat inom läsbarhet, men presterade relativt bra inom funktionell ekvivalens och acceptans. / Subtitles created by fans, so called fansubs, are known to often challenge standardized norms in translation by being freer from their influence. A TV series that many fansubs have been created for is SKAM, the Norwegian web-based series aimed at teens, which fans started creating their own subtitles for because they wanted to make it more accessible to viewers from other countries. The aim of this paper is to carry out a quality assessment study of two English fansub versions for the TV series SKAM. The study was carried out with the help of the FAR model, a model that was created for assessing the quality of interlingual subtitles. The FAR model investigates quality in three different areas: functional equivalence, acceptability and readability. The results of the study show that the quality of the fansubs for SKAM is comparable to that of other fansubs. However, the quality varies somewhat between the different areas, as both versions had the lowest results in readability, but performed better in functional equivalence and acceptability.

En France, les volumes de sédiments de dragage générés chaque année pour la maintenance des ports et des voies navigables sont estimés à environ 50 millions de mètres cubes. La gestion de ces sédiments représente un enjeu économique, social et environnemental pour les gestionnaires. Aujourd’hui, l’une des solutions privilégiées est le développement de la gestion à terre de ces matériaux, qui consiste à les réutiliser comme matières premières secondaires en substitution partielle ou totale de matières nobles. De nombreux travaux de recherche ont été effectués sur la problématique de la valorisation des sédiments de dragage et de curage et de nouvelles filières sont actuellement toujours à l’étude (ciments, enrochements pour travaux maritimes et fluviaux, bétons cellulaires, granulats artificiels, etc.). Ce travail de thèse s’inscrit dans un contexte d’économie circulaire et vise à permettre le développement d’une gestion durable et responsable des ressources naturelles non renouvelables. Ceci à travers la réutilisation des sédiments de dragage dans la formulation de matériaux composites traités par des liants thermodurcissables ou thermoplastiques. Ainsi, après un travail de synthèse bibliographique sur les principales propriétés des sédiments de dragage, les méthodes de formulation des mortiers polymères et les modalités d’intégration des matériaux alternatifs dans ces matrices sont été décrites. Les expérimentations portent plus particulièrement sur la formulation de matériaux à partir de polymères thermodurcissables (résines de type Epoxy ou Polyester) et thermoplastiques (plastiques recyclés issus du tri des déchets). La validation des performances techniques des formulations optimisées pour chacun des traitements a été effectuée pour des usages en revêtements de sols ou en granulats légers dans des bétons hydrauliques. Enfin, la dernière partie de la thèse a été consacrée à l’étude de l’acceptabilité environnementale des nouveaux matériaux à travers la réalisation des essais de lixiviation dynamique sur monolithes. Les travaux menés ont permis de démontrer la faisabilité technique et environnementale de la valorisation des sédiments en tant que charge minérale dans des matrices polymères, avec des taux d’incorporation de sédiments significatifs pouvant atteindre jusqu’à 80 %. Ce qui confirme l’intérêt de cette typologie de traitement pour la valorisation des sédiments de dragage. / In France, the volume of dredged sediments generated each year through maintenance of ports and waterways, is estimated at around 50M cubic meters. The management of these sediments represents an economic, social and environmental stake for the managers of the waterways. Today, one of the solution is the onshore management of these sediments, which consists on their reuse as secondary raw materials in partial or total substitution of natural materials for civil engineering applications such as sub-base road materials, embankments, concrete, bricks/tiles, and cement production. In this context this study was initiated in order to define a long-term value chain for dredging sediments for a sustainable and responsible management of natural resources. This through the valorization of dredged sediments in polymer matrix mortar formulations. Indeed, this research presents an innovative solution that preserves natural resources by promoting the use of local resources, such as dredged sediments. In order to achieve this objective, the study included several phases : the first part is devoted to the state of the art concerning dredged sediments, polymer mortars and the recovery of waste in polymer mortars. In the second part, we studied recovery of sediment in thermosetting matrix polymers (Epoxy-Polyester). In the third part we studied the possibilities of incorporating sediments in recycled thermoplastic matrix. The materials from this combination have been used as lightweight aggregates for mortar formulation. Finally, in the last part was devoted to environmental monitoring of new formulated materials. This is done through leaching tests carried out on crushed samples and monoliths, to ensure the environmental safety of these materials. The result obtained with the different formulations tested, show the technical and environmental feasibility of valorization of sediments as mineral filler in polymer mortars, with sediments incorporation rates range between 50 and 80%. Indeed, the use of a polymer matrix makes it possible to have better physico-mechanical and chemical results with cementitious matrix mortars.

Depuis de nombreuses années, la recherche dans le domaine du vieillissement s'attache à comprendre ce phénomène complexe et à identifier des solutions aux problématiques médicales, psychologiques, économiques ou sociologiques qui en découlent. Dans ce cadre, le présent travail rend compte des résultats obtenus dans l'identification des facteurs d'utilisation des jeux vidéo comme support de la stimulation cognitive. Afin de répondre à cette question, deux études ont été mises en place : une première expérience s'est attachée à explorer la jouabilité de la console Wii de Nintendo, tandis qu'une seconde visait à déterminer les facteurs d'acceptabilité des jeux vidéo par les seniors. Les travaux portant sur la Wii se sont focalisés sur le critère d'apprenabilité, en s’appuyant sur le cadre théorique de l'utilisabilité dans les Interfaces Homme-Machine. L'objectif était donc d'analyser les données recueillies au terme d'une observation comportementale, afin d'évaluer l'évolution de la maîtrise de l'interaction entre le joueur et le jeu. Les deux jeux retenus étaient le Bowling et le Tennis, auxquels les participants devaient jouer lors de 4 séances comprenant chacune deux parties de chaque jeu. Trois groupes de participants ont été ainsi constitués, comprenant des sujets jeunes, des seniors sans troubles cognitifs, et des seniors souffrant d'un MCI. Trois patients souffrant de la Maladie D'Alzheimer ont également participé à cette étude. Les résultats confirment un effet de l'âge, modéré par l'effet d'apprentissage ; l'effet du profil cognitif s'est avéré plus discret, et l'étude individuelle des trois volontaires souffrant de démence nous encourage à postuler la préservation d'un apprentissage moteur implicite, mais aussi à la présence obligatoire d'un médiateur humain. L'investigation des représentations de nos aînés sur un divertissement « réservé aux jeunes » a été opérationnalisée grâce à la constitution de deux focus groupes. L'objectif était de proposer une prise en main de différents jeux modernes, et d'explorer l'univers des jeux vidéo sous différents aspects, incluant le gameplay, les questions éthiques ou l'investissement financier. Les différentes thématiques étaient abordées de manière à susciter un libre échange entre les participants. Le matériel recueilli a par la suite été soumis à une analyse de contenu thématique : les différents extraits des échanges recueillis lors des deux focus groupes ont été étiquetés au moyen de mots clé, et les étiquettes ainsi obtenues ont permis de construire un arbre thématique. Les résultats de cette étude nous ont permis de mettre en évidence un intérêt très variable pour les jeux vidéo, mais un souci prégnant de préserver ses facultés cognitives. L'amusement est possible mais semble répondre à des critères très hétérogènes ; un consensus sur des jeux impliquant de la réflexion, de la créativité et l'acquisition de nouvelles connaissances s'est néanmoins dégagé. D'un point de vue plus pragmatique, il existe un refus clair d'investir financièrement dans du matériel spécifique (consoles) ou dans les jeux eux-mêmes. Enfin, les jeux de type First Person Shooter, mis en avant pour la sollicitation du réseau visuo-attentionnel, sont massivement rejetés en raison de la violence associée au gameplay. Dans la dernière partie de ce travail, ces résultats sont d'abord mis en relation avec les données de la littérature afin de dégager les apports réalisés et les limites expérimentales des études décrites. Notre réflexion se termine sur une synthèse des recommandations sur l'implémentation du jeu comme support d'entrainement ou de réhabilitation cognitive, mais aussi sur les questions de recherche et les problématiques identifiées au terme de ce cheminement intellectuel et humain. / For many years, research in the field of aging has focused on understanding this complex phenomenon and identifying solutions to medical, economic, psychological or sociological issues linked to it. In this context, the aim of this thesis was to identify factors that facilitate the use of video games as a medium for cognitive stimulation in older adults. To answer this question, two studies were carried out: the first one focused on exploring the gameplay of the Nintendo Wii, and the second one aimed at determining the factors of acceptability for video game in older adults. The work on the Wii was focused on the criterion of learnability, based on the theoretical framework of usability in Human Machine Interfaces. The objective was to analyze the data collected throughout a behavioral experimentation in order to assess the process by which the older adults were able to master the game (either bowling or tennis). Participants had to play four sessions and each session encompassed two sets of each game. Three groups of participants were implemented: younger patients, older adults without cognitive impairment and suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment respectively. Three patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease also participated in this study. The results confirm an effect of age, which is moderated by the learning effect. The effect of the cognitive profile was more subtle. The analysis of the data for each volunteer with dementia showed that positive results in the games were probably due to the preservation of implicit motor learning, but also required the mandatory presence of a human mediator. The investigation on older adults' representations of entertainments "dedicated to young people" was carried out in two focus groups. The aim was to let older adults play with different modern games, and explore the world of video games from different angles, including gameplay, ethical issues or financial investment. Different themes were brought up in order to encourage free discussion between participants. The collected material was subsequently subjected to thematic content analysis: the different items of material collected during the two focus groups were labeled with key words, and then the tags that we obtained were used to build a theme tree. The results of this study showed that older adults had various interests in video games, but a strong desire to preserve their cognitive functions. For older adults, fun is possible when playing videogames but seems to be linked to very heterogeneous criteria. However, our results showed a consensus among older adults on criteria for appropriate games such as stimulating thinking, creativity and new knowledge. From a more pragmatic point of view, there is a clear refusal to invest in specific equipment for games. Finally, games like First Person Shooter, put forward because of their potential benefit on visual and attentional functions, were rejected because of the violence associated with the gameplay. In the last part of this work, we compared our results with those of the literature in order to identify our contributions as well as the experimental limits of our studies. Then our reflection focused on a summary of guidelines for the implementation of games aiming at supporting cognitive training or rehabilitation. We also analyzed the research questions and issues identified at the end of this intellectual and human process.

No description available.

[pt] Este trabalho visa avaliar um sistema de doações via internet para operações humanitárias e assistência, o SmartDonation, cujo principal objetivo é gerenciar os recursos necessários para suprir as necessidades dos beneficiários. Através da interface de uma loja virtual, permite a efetuação de doações para diversas campanhas, através de doações monetárias. Desta forma, o sistema propõe uma melhor gestão nas operações de assistência humanitária através da compra em maior escala, trazendo maior economia nos processos operacionais. O objetivo do estudo é analisar a aceitabilidade do sistema, além de compará-lo com ferramentas já existentes no campo de gestões humanitárias. Para isto, utilizou-se como métodos de pesquisa a revisão sistemática da literatura (RSL), a fim de identificar as principais ferramentas utilizadas em gerenciamento de doações e comparar suas funcionalidades; o estudo de caso, a fim de investigar a aceitabilidade por parte das instituições; e a pesquisa survey, para investigar a aceitabilidade do sistema por parte de potenciais doadores. Como resultado da RSL foram identificadas 17 ferramentas utilizadas na otimização de doações. Das 19 funcionalidades avaliadas, o sistema atende a 12. Na análise do estudo de caso foi constatada a necessidade de resolução de problemas encontrados pelas instituições, mas que não comprometeram sua utilidade percebida. Na análise da survey identificou-se a potencialidade do sistema em mudar positivamente o comportamento de usuários avessos a doação financeira; e maior inclinação à doação em desastres de início súbito e causas naturais. Os três métodos são complementares e atestam a aceitabilidade do sistema pelos stakeholders envolvidos. / [en] This work aims to analyze a system of internet donations for humanitarian operations and social assistance, the SmartDonation, whose main objective is to manage the resources needed to meet beneficiaries s needs. An online store interface allows monetary donations to various campaigns. In this way, the system proposes a better management in humanitarian assistance operations through the large scale purchasing, bringing greater economy in the operational processes. The study objective is to analyze the acceptability of the system by potential donors and institutions, as well as to compare it with existing tools in the field of humanitarian management. For this, the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was used as research method, in order to identify the main tools used in donation management and to compare their functionalities; the case study was used in order to investigate the acceptability of institutions; and a survey to investigate the acceptability of the system by potential donors. As a result of the RSL, 17 tools were used to optimize donations, and of the 19 functionalities evaluated, the system caters to 12 of them. In the case study analysis, it was verified the need to solve problems encountered by users in the usability test, but did not compromise their acceptability and perceived utility. The analysis of the survey identified the potential of the system to positively change the behavior of users averse to financial donations, and a greater inclination to donate in sudden-onset disasters and natural hazards. The three methods are complementary and attest to the acceptability of the system by the stakeholders involved.

Background: A Healthy School Start (HSS) is an evidence-based family-support program in the school setting aiming to promote health-related behaviors and prevent childhood obesity. However, there is a research gap how to implement programs effectively and what indicators to use for evaluation of implementation success.  Aim: This thesis aimed to investigate how four constructs and indicators of implementation called organizational readiness for change, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility among deliverers of the HSS differed at baseline between teachers, school nurses, and principals in Swedish schools, and if they were related to staff and school characteristics.  Methods:  Participants (n=79) answered validated short questionnaires in the fall of 2021. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the mean scores in implementation indicators. Univariate linear regression was used to investigate associations between the staff and school characteristics and each indicator.  Results: There was no significant difference in any score between the professions. Teachers had non-significantly higher organizational readiness for change, and principals expressed somewhat higher acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility while school nurses scored lowest overall. The number of students at the school was positively and significantly related to organizational readiness for change in the total sample, and higher parental education was associated with higher  acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. The readiness constructs were positively associated with the implementation indicators. Conclusion: School staff were overall positive at baseline towards implementing the HSS program. These results can be used when developing implementation strategies to support staff delivering health promotion programs in the school setting involving different school professions.

This study examined the effects of wet aging on water-soluble flavor compounds, descriptive flavor, consumer acceptability, and willingness-to-pay of beef strip steaks. Twenty USDA Select boneless beef loins (NAMP #180) were dorsally divided into four equal portions, which were randomized to receive either 0, 7, 14, or 21 d of wet aging. Short-chained peptide concentration increased from 4.11 mg/g on d 0 to 5.12 mg/g on d 7 (P = 0.011) and subsequently increased to 7.14 mg/g on d 21 (P < 0.001). Cooked beef contained 1.85 mg/g less short-chained peptides than raw beef (P < 0.001). Wet aging for 21 d increased the concentrations of amino acids, which are precursors for the Maillard reaction, including methionine, threonine, cystine, serine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine (P < 0.001). Wet aging decreased the nucleotide concentrations (P ≤ 0.003) and increased hypoxanthine concentration, a compound that imparts bitter flavor (P < 0.001). Flavor intensity of steaks was greater on d 14 than on d 21 (P = 0.009). Steaks that were not aged (d 0) had a more intense umami taste than those aged for 7 and 21 d (P ≤ 0.042); whereas d 7 steaks had less off-flavor, described as metallic, oxidized, and cardboard, than steaks from other aging treatments (P ≤ 0.038). Demand analysis indicated that 14-d steaks would be sold at 5.2, 5.2, and 6.7 units (0.454kg/unit) less (P < 0.001) than steaks aged for 0, 7, and 21 d if holding price constant at $14/0.454kg. Wet aging alters the content of water-soluble flavor compounds in beef, which contributes to flavor development during cooking. Wet aging for 21 d decreased umami taste and flavor intensity. However, amino acid concentrations increased during aging, which contributes to meaty and browning flavors that may be more prevalent in other direct heating methods such as grilling. In addition, results indicated that wet aging for 14 d was not sufficient to provide the flavor and tenderness improvements that were apparent after 21 d of aging since aging beef for 14 d decreased consumer acceptance and demand.