This study developed and evaluated a 34-item scale designed to measure human and companion animal attachment. A total of 398 individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 87, who have a pet completed the Pet-Attachment Scale (PAS). These individuals also completed the Companion Animal Bonding Scale (CABS), which asks respondents how much caretaking they devote to their pets. The PAS and the CABS were highly correlated, r=-.68 (p<.001), with an overlapping variance of 46%. The inter-item consistency or Chronbach's Alpha of the PAS was .961, compared to a Chronbach's Alpha of .862 for the CABS. The factor analysis of the PAS revealed two factors; Companionship (12 items) and Emotional Fulfillment (7 items). Thus, the PAS can be shortened to 19 items for follow-up research. The factor analysis for the CABS revealed only one factor (i.e., caretaking), and the analysis suggested the scale could be reduced from 8 to 3 items. The strong correlations between the PAS and the CABS suggest concurrent, convergent, and construct validity for the PAS. A stepwise regression for the PAS revealed three significant predictors: 1) responsibility, 2) favorite pet chosen, and 3) gender. Women who were responsible for their pet, and did not select a particular pet as their favorite, scored highest on attachment to their pets. A stepwise regression for the CABS revealed four predictors: 1) responsibility, 2) favorite pet chosen, 3) live with this pet, and 4) gender. These predictors for the CABS were the same as for the PAS, with the addition that those who lived with their pet gave more caretaking than those who did not. Analysis of variance was used to explore the effects of the predictor variables on the PAS and the CABS. These analyses revealed significant effects of gender and age category on both pet attachment (PAS) and pet caretaking (CABS). Women in the middle age category were most attached to their pets (PAS) and gave the most caretaking to their pets (CABS). The unique feature of the PAS, not measured by the CABS, was an Emotional Fulfillment factor. Future research should distinguish between pet attachment as companionship versus emotional fulfillment. / Ph. D.

Rapid technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, big data, the semantic web, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud and mobile computing have given rise to a new generation of AI-driven recommendation agents (RAs). These agents continue to evolve and offer potential for use in a variety of application domains. However, extant information systems (IS) research has predominantly focused on user perceptions and evaluations of traditional non-intelligent product-brokering recommendation agents (PRAs), supported by empirical studies on custom-built experimental RAs that heavily rely on explicit user preference elicitations. To address the lack of research in the new generation of intelligent RAs (RAs 2.0), this dissertation aims to study consumer responses to AI-driven RAs using an affordance perspective. Notably, this research is the first in the IS discourse to link RA design artifacts, RA affordances, RA outcomes, and user continuance. It examines how actualized RA affordances influence user engagements with and evaluations of these highly personalized systems, which increasingly focus on user experiences and long-term relationships. This three-essay dissertation, consisting of one theory-building paper and two empirical studies, conceptually defines "RAs 2.0," proposes a comprehensive theoretical framework with testable propositions, and conducts two empirical studies guided by smaller carved-out models to test the validity of the comprehensive framework. The research is expected to enrich the IS literature on RAs and identify potential areas for future research. Moreover, it offers key implications for industry professionals regarding the effective system development of the new generation of intelligent RAs. / Doctor of Philosophy / Rapid technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, big data, the semantic web, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud and mobile computing have given rise to a new generation of AI-driven recommendation agents (RAs). These agents continue to evolve and offer potential for use in a variety of application domains. This three-essay dissertation, consisting of one theory-building paper and two empirical studies, conceptually defines "RAs 2.0," proposes a comprehensive theoretical framework with testable propositions, and conducts two empirical studies guided by smaller carved-out models to test the validity of the comprehensive framework. The research is expected to enrich the IS literature on RAs and identify potential areas for future research. Moreover, it offers key implications for industry professionals regarding the effective system development of the new generation of intelligent RAs.

Introdução A participação dos pais e companheiros afetivos no processo de parto e nascimento vem crescendo desde a década de 1960. Este fenômeno tem marcado a história das famílias e da Obstetrícia nos mais diversos contextos. Ouvir os pais é uma estratégia importante para melhorar a atenção à saúde das mães e dos bebês, assim como para prover um melhor acolhimento ao acompanhante. Objetivo Descrever e analisar a perspectiva paterna acerca do processo reprodutivo, buscando conhecer os elementos de preparação para o parto, se há implicações para o desfecho da gravidez, assim como as percepções sobre os riscos e benefícios da assistência obstétrica em diferentes modelos de atenção. Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa realizada por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas presenciais, via Skype e e-mail, com amostra auto-selecionada a partir de divulgação institucional e em mídias sociais. Dados analisados a partir de categoriais iniciais propostas pelo roteiro, e novas categorias temáticas advindas do conjunto dos dados. Resultados 23 sujeitos foram incluídos na pesquisa, todos estiveram presentes no momento do nascimento, em partos normais hospitalares, em partos domiciliares planejados, cesáreas intraparto e cesáreas agendadas. Os dados evidenciam que os pais têm desejo para participar do parto como parte essencial de sua experiência reprodutiva, e usufruem de benefícios subjetivos para o exercício da paternidade. Durante o parto, os pais qualificam sua presença com elementos de proteção e companheirismo. O modelo de assistência de conduta expectante só é possível após negociação com o provedor do parto normal, o que depende ainda da qualidade do preparo dos pacientes em termos de informações sobre direitos reprodutivos e recomendações de boas práticas. Nos hospitais, descrevem também os diferentes constrangimentos para o cumprimento estrito da Lei do Acompanhante, assim como para a vivência do nascimento como evento familiar. Conclusões Garantir a presença irrestrita do acompanhante no parto traz benefícios não só para a saúde do binômio mãe-bebê, mas ainda para a experiência subjetiva dos homens com o processo reprodutivo e a paternidade. No entanto, a participação paterna ainda é um desafio imposto por muitos serviços de saúde, sendo valorizada somente em espaços restritos, mais comumente se extra-hospitalares. Em grande parte, os constrangimentos são da ordem do controle e restrição da autonomia dos sujeitos nas instituições de saúde, contrariando as melhores evidências que apóiam o cuidado efetivo centrado na mulher, e valorização do parto como experiência familiar. / Introduction Fathers and husbands attendance to chilbirth is an increasing trend since 1960s. This phenomenon has marked the history of families and Obstetrics in various contexts. Listening to fathers is an important strategy to improve the mother\'s and babies\' health care, as well as to provide better support to the labour companion. Goals To describe and analyze paternal perspective about the reproductive process, getting to know the elements of childbirth prepare, whether there are implications for the outcome of pregnancy, as well as perceptions about the risks and benefits of obstetric care in different care models. Methods Qualitative research conducted through semi-structured interviews in person, via Skype and e-mail, with a self-selected sample from institutional publicity and social media. Data analyzed from pre-determinates categories, and new themes arising from the data set. Results 23 men were included in the study, all were present at childbirth, attending vaginal birth at hospitals, planned home births, cesarean section intrapartum and scheduled cesarean section. Data show that parents have the desire to attend childbirth as an essential part of their reproductive experience, as well as they enjoy subjective benefits for their fatherhood. During childbirth, fathers qualify their presence with elements of protection and companionship. The expectant management model of care is possible only after negotiation with the birth provider, which also depends on the quality of pacient\'s preparation in terms of information on reproductive rights and best practice recommendations. At the hospital, they also describe the different constraints for the strict compliance of brazilian \'Attendance Childbirth Law\', as well as for the experience of birth as a family event. Conclusions Ensure the unrestricted presence of companion during childbirth brings benefits not only to the health of both mother and baby, but also to the subjective experience of men with the reproductive process and fatherhood. However, fathers involvement is still a challenge posed by many health services being valued only in restricted spaces, more commonly outside hospitals. In large part, the constraints are of the order of control and restriction of personal autonomy in health institutions, contrarying best evidence on effective support and women centered care, which values childbirth as a family experience.

Social networks play a significant role in adolescent decision making, specifically when it comes to dietary outcomes. This study, granted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), assessed the connectivity of these social networks and the impact they have on fruit and vegetable, added sugar and sugar sweetened beverage consumption. Additionally, the relationship between shopping companionship and dietary choices was studied. Positive and negative associations were found among adolescents who shop with parents or friends. It was also found that those adolescents with greater social network cohesion were found to have more negative dietary outcomes. Divulging further into the relationships within adolescent social networks may improve fruit and vegetable and decrease added sugar consumption within rural communities.

<p>I skolan är mycket uppbyggt kring att ingå och fungera i en grupp. I 1994 års läroplan, Lpo 94, läggs stor vikt vid att ett av skolans uppdrag är att bidra till förståelse och medmänsklighet mellan elever på skolan. Enligt kursplanen ska ämnet idrott och hälsa ge möjligheter till att stärka gemenskapen mellan barn och ungdomar. I det här examensarbetet analyseras hur idrottsämnet i skolan påverkar gemenskapen. Elever har intervjuats och fått besvara frågor relaterade till gemenskap i skolan och på lektionerna i idrott och hälsa. De frågor som varit centrala för uppsatsen är: Vilka uttryck för gemenskap i skolan ger elever? Vad anser elever vara viktigt för att stärka gemenskapen i skolan? På vilket sätt påverkar idrottsämnet gemenskapen enligt elever? Vilka särskilda betingelser finns under lektioner i idrott och hälsa som kan stärka gemenskapen? Enligt bearbetningar och analyser av resultaten kan elevernas uttryck för gemenskap delas in i fyra huvudsakliga innehållsteman: alla är med, göra saker ihop, skön stämning samt gemensamt intresse. Eleverna menar vidare att särskilt idrottsämnet i skolan stärker gemenskapen på flera olika sätt. Betingelserna eller förutsättningarna som bidrar till en stärkt gemenskap kan sammanfattas som att idrottsämnet innehåller ett flertal fria moment, att eleverna får ingå i ett lag, att eleverna får göra saker ihop och att det på eleverna ställs ett uttalat krav på samarbete. Åsikterna bland eleverna går i sär angående vad som är viktigast för att stärka gemenskapen i skolan. De elever som går i musikklass framhåller att det handlar om att de har ett gemensamt intresse medan eleverna i de allmänna klasserna anser att gemenskapen stärks när de får göra saker tillsammans i klassen.</p><p>In schools, a lot of activities require co-operation among the students. In Lpo 94, a large emphasis is put on the mission of schools to contribute to an understanding and brotherliness among the students in the school. According to the syllabus, the subject Physical Education should include the conditions needed to improve the fellowship among children and youth. In this thesis, the way in which the subject Physical Education affects fellowship among students is analyzed. Students have been interviewed and answered questions related to the fellowship in school and more specifically, during the classes in Physical Education. The main questions that have been answered are: How do students define fellowship in school? What do students consider to be important in order to strengthen fellowship in school? In what way does Physical Education affect fellowship according to students? Which special conditions exist during Physical Education that can strengthen fellowship? The results show that the way in which the students define fellowship can be divided into four main categories: everyone takes part, doing things together, nice atmosphere and a common interest. The students believe that the subject Physical Education strengthens fellowship in several ways. The conditions that contribute to improved fellowship are, according to the students: the “free” elements of the subject, to be part of a team, to do things together and the demands on co-operation put on the students. The students have different opinions regarding what is most important in order to strengthen fellowship in school. The students in the music section mention a common interest whereas the students in the general section believe that fellowship is improved when they get to do things together.</p>

I skolan är mycket uppbyggt kring att ingå och fungera i en grupp. I 1994 års läroplan, Lpo 94, läggs stor vikt vid att ett av skolans uppdrag är att bidra till förståelse och medmänsklighet mellan elever på skolan. Enligt kursplanen ska ämnet idrott och hälsa ge möjligheter till att stärka gemenskapen mellan barn och ungdomar. I det här examensarbetet analyseras hur idrottsämnet i skolan påverkar gemenskapen. Elever har intervjuats och fått besvara frågor relaterade till gemenskap i skolan och på lektionerna i idrott och hälsa. De frågor som varit centrala för uppsatsen är: Vilka uttryck för gemenskap i skolan ger elever? Vad anser elever vara viktigt för att stärka gemenskapen i skolan? På vilket sätt påverkar idrottsämnet gemenskapen enligt elever? Vilka särskilda betingelser finns under lektioner i idrott och hälsa som kan stärka gemenskapen? Enligt bearbetningar och analyser av resultaten kan elevernas uttryck för gemenskap delas in i fyra huvudsakliga innehållsteman: alla är med, göra saker ihop, skön stämning samt gemensamt intresse. Eleverna menar vidare att särskilt idrottsämnet i skolan stärker gemenskapen på flera olika sätt. Betingelserna eller förutsättningarna som bidrar till en stärkt gemenskap kan sammanfattas som att idrottsämnet innehåller ett flertal fria moment, att eleverna får ingå i ett lag, att eleverna får göra saker ihop och att det på eleverna ställs ett uttalat krav på samarbete. Åsikterna bland eleverna går i sär angående vad som är viktigast för att stärka gemenskapen i skolan. De elever som går i musikklass framhåller att det handlar om att de har ett gemensamt intresse medan eleverna i de allmänna klasserna anser att gemenskapen stärks när de får göra saker tillsammans i klassen. In schools, a lot of activities require co-operation among the students. In Lpo 94, a large emphasis is put on the mission of schools to contribute to an understanding and brotherliness among the students in the school. According to the syllabus, the subject Physical Education should include the conditions needed to improve the fellowship among children and youth. In this thesis, the way in which the subject Physical Education affects fellowship among students is analyzed. Students have been interviewed and answered questions related to the fellowship in school and more specifically, during the classes in Physical Education. The main questions that have been answered are: How do students define fellowship in school? What do students consider to be important in order to strengthen fellowship in school? In what way does Physical Education affect fellowship according to students? Which special conditions exist during Physical Education that can strengthen fellowship? The results show that the way in which the students define fellowship can be divided into four main categories: everyone takes part, doing things together, nice atmosphere and a common interest. The students believe that the subject Physical Education strengthens fellowship in several ways. The conditions that contribute to improved fellowship are, according to the students: the “free” elements of the subject, to be part of a team, to do things together and the demands on co-operation put on the students. The students have different opinions regarding what is most important in order to strengthen fellowship in school. The students in the music section mention a common interest whereas the students in the general section believe that fellowship is improved when they get to do things together.

Introdução A participação dos pais e companheiros afetivos no processo de parto e nascimento vem crescendo desde a década de 1960. Este fenômeno tem marcado a história das famílias e da Obstetrícia nos mais diversos contextos. Ouvir os pais é uma estratégia importante para melhorar a atenção à saúde das mães e dos bebês, assim como para prover um melhor acolhimento ao acompanhante. Objetivo Descrever e analisar a perspectiva paterna acerca do processo reprodutivo, buscando conhecer os elementos de preparação para o parto, se há implicações para o desfecho da gravidez, assim como as percepções sobre os riscos e benefícios da assistência obstétrica em diferentes modelos de atenção. Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa realizada por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas presenciais, via Skype e e-mail, com amostra auto-selecionada a partir de divulgação institucional e em mídias sociais. Dados analisados a partir de categoriais iniciais propostas pelo roteiro, e novas categorias temáticas advindas do conjunto dos dados. Resultados 23 sujeitos foram incluídos na pesquisa, todos estiveram presentes no momento do nascimento, em partos normais hospitalares, em partos domiciliares planejados, cesáreas intraparto e cesáreas agendadas. Os dados evidenciam que os pais têm desejo para participar do parto como parte essencial de sua experiência reprodutiva, e usufruem de benefícios subjetivos para o exercício da paternidade. Durante o parto, os pais qualificam sua presença com elementos de proteção e companheirismo. O modelo de assistência de conduta expectante só é possível após negociação com o provedor do parto normal, o que depende ainda da qualidade do preparo dos pacientes em termos de informações sobre direitos reprodutivos e recomendações de boas práticas. Nos hospitais, descrevem também os diferentes constrangimentos para o cumprimento estrito da Lei do Acompanhante, assim como para a vivência do nascimento como evento familiar. Conclusões Garantir a presença irrestrita do acompanhante no parto traz benefícios não só para a saúde do binômio mãe-bebê, mas ainda para a experiência subjetiva dos homens com o processo reprodutivo e a paternidade. No entanto, a participação paterna ainda é um desafio imposto por muitos serviços de saúde, sendo valorizada somente em espaços restritos, mais comumente se extra-hospitalares. Em grande parte, os constrangimentos são da ordem do controle e restrição da autonomia dos sujeitos nas instituições de saúde, contrariando as melhores evidências que apóiam o cuidado efetivo centrado na mulher, e valorização do parto como experiência familiar. / Introduction Fathers and husbands attendance to chilbirth is an increasing trend since 1960s. This phenomenon has marked the history of families and Obstetrics in various contexts. Listening to fathers is an important strategy to improve the mother\'s and babies\' health care, as well as to provide better support to the labour companion. Goals To describe and analyze paternal perspective about the reproductive process, getting to know the elements of childbirth prepare, whether there are implications for the outcome of pregnancy, as well as perceptions about the risks and benefits of obstetric care in different care models. Methods Qualitative research conducted through semi-structured interviews in person, via Skype and e-mail, with a self-selected sample from institutional publicity and social media. Data analyzed from pre-determinates categories, and new themes arising from the data set. Results 23 men were included in the study, all were present at childbirth, attending vaginal birth at hospitals, planned home births, cesarean section intrapartum and scheduled cesarean section. Data show that parents have the desire to attend childbirth as an essential part of their reproductive experience, as well as they enjoy subjective benefits for their fatherhood. During childbirth, fathers qualify their presence with elements of protection and companionship. The expectant management model of care is possible only after negotiation with the birth provider, which also depends on the quality of pacient\'s preparation in terms of information on reproductive rights and best practice recommendations. At the hospital, they also describe the different constraints for the strict compliance of brazilian \'Attendance Childbirth Law\', as well as for the experience of birth as a family event. Conclusions Ensure the unrestricted presence of companion during childbirth brings benefits not only to the health of both mother and baby, but also to the subjective experience of men with the reproductive process and fatherhood. However, fathers involvement is still a challenge posed by many health services being valued only in restricted spaces, more commonly outside hospitals. In large part, the constraints are of the order of control and restriction of personal autonomy in health institutions, contrarying best evidence on effective support and women centered care, which values childbirth as a family experience.

Cette thèse de doctorat est issue d’un étonnement ressenti à la lecture de la réception critique des créations scéniques de Roger Blin quand il monte les pièces de Samuel Beckett et de Jean Genet. Malgré des interrogations sur la présence en scène d’êtres artificiels vidés de toute substance ainsi que sur un certain comique, la critique perçoit le jeu des acteurs comme naturel. Elle évoque à ce propos la création d’un « nouveau réalisme » ou d’un « nouveau théâtre », expressions qui supposent d’abord un renouveau dans la manière de figurer l’humain sur scène.Roger Blin, profondément marqué par les surréalistes et Antonin Artaud, cherche en effet à défendre un théâtre poétique et militant qui, tout en s’attaquant à la bourgeoisie et à ses codes de représentations, propose un être scénique hybride au croisement de diverses formes spectaculaires (marionnette, clown, cabaret, formes extrême-orientales, etc.). En cela, ses rencontres successives avec Beckett puis Genet, dont les pièces altèrent le personnage traditionnel et interrogent formellement la scène, lui permettent d’engager des compagnonnages fructueux. Dans la lignée du Cartel, il cherche en effet à révéler les mouvements profonds de l’oeuvre. Depuis la mise en scène invisible avec Beckett, jusqu’à la mise en scène visible avec Genet, Blin semble réclamer de la part de ses comédiens un jeu en équilibre entre monstration du faire théâtral et recherche de l’évidence littérale du geste et de la parole, ceci afin d’exposer la survivance d’une certaine tendresse humaine. Il semble en résulter un effet poétique puissant qui fait écho aux angoisses intimes des spectateurs, bouleversés par un contexte historique fort : les conséquences de la découverte des camps de concentration, de l’utilisation de la bombe atomique, et de la décolonisation. / This PhD thesis originates from the surprise felt while reading critical receptions of Roger Blin’s stage creations of plays written by Samuel Beckett and Jean Genet. Though reflecting upon the presence on stage of artificial beings bereft of any substance and upon an established comic tone, the critics perceive the performance of the actors as natural. They point out the establishment of some “new realism” or “new theatre”, words that speculate in the first place a renewal in the way the human is figured on stage.Roger Blin, who had been deeply influenced by surrealists and Antonin Artaud, indeed stands up for a committed and poetic theatre that, all the while tackling the bourgeoisie and its codes, introduces on stage a hybrid creature that crosses various performance arts (puppet theatre, the clown, cabaret, far-eastern forms, etc.). In this respect, Blin’s repeated meetings with Beckett and Genet, whose plays distort classic characters and formally interrogate the stage, enable him to commit into fruitful companionships. In line with the Cartel, Blin tries to reveal the very essence of the oeuvre. From his invisible staging of Beckett’s plays to his visible staging of Genet’s plays, Blin seems to demand from his actors a balanced performance in between theatrical demonstration and a quest for the precise combination of gesture and words, in order to expose the persistence of some human kindness. This may trigger a powerful poetic effect that echoes the private anguishes of the members of the audience, facing a hard historical context: the consequences of discovering the concentration camps, of the use of the atomic bomb, and of the decolonisation process.

No description available.

Making a successful Christian marriage is a major challenge that faces the Seventh Day Adventist church (SDA Church) of Malawi. The colonial government of Nyasaland (Malawi) created weak marriages, promoting high divorce rates by its own practices during its era, which have remained to this day. The failure of secular marriages endangers the success of SDA Christian marriages. Little has been done by the Church to educate its members concerning successful Christian marriage. This study focuses on educating the church to deal with the problems that cause marriage failure in the SDA Church. The Malawi government is another tool that the church could use to address marriage failure. I have used the Bible, and scientific research methods to suggest workable solutions for Christian marriage. / Practical Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)