The present study examined the impact of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) on adults’ ability to discriminate between various facial expressions of emotions. Additionally, the study examined whether individuals reporting PTSS exhibited an attentional bias toward threat-related facial expressions of emotions. The research design was a 2 (expression intensity) x 3 (emotional pairing) x 2 (PTSS group) mixed-model factorial design. Participants for the study were 89 undergraduates recruited from psychology courses at Western Kentucky University. Participants completed the Traumatic Stress Schedule to assess for prior exposure to traumatic events. A median split was used to divide the sample into two groups (i.e., low and high PTSS). Additionally, participants also completed a demographics questionnaire, the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales to assess for possible covariates. Then, participants completed the discrimination of facial expressions task and the dot probe position task. Results indicate that individuals experiencing high levels of PTSS have difficulty discriminating between threatening and non-threatening facial expressions of emotions; additionally, these individuals’ difficulty is exacerbated by comorbid levels of anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, results suggests these individuals focus attention on threatening facial expressions while avoiding expressions that may activate memories associated with the prior trauma. These findings have significant clinical implications, as clinicians could focus treatment on correcting these difficulties which should help promote more beneficial social interactions for these individuals experiencing high levels of PTSS. Additionally, these behavioral measures could be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Effective treatment should help alleviate these difficulties, which could be measured by improved performance on the discrimination of facial expressions task and the dot probe position task from baseline to post-treatment.

Title How do sensory cues and trust affect the customer experience?, A study on the relationships between sensory cues, trust and experience in the Swedish nightclub industry Author Miralem Hasanovic Tutor Soniya Billore Examiner Sarah Philipson Course Marketing Master Programme, Advanced, Spring 2013, Master thesis, 30 ETCS Keywords Experience, Trust, Sensory Marketing, Sensory Cues in Offering Experiences, Nightclubs, Five Senses, Swedish restaurant industry. Purpose Purpose is to investigate the relationships between sensory marketing, trust and experience in nightclubs. Theory Sensory cues in offering experiences, Trust, Experiences. Method Mixed method approach/ Sequenced method 14 observations 7 interviews with companies 102 answers in a survey Findings Visual cues affect the experience mostly positive. Audio cues affect the experience both positive and negative, depending on other aspects as the possibility to escape the loud sound. Touch cues affect the experience mostly negative, which is possible to alter through interior and design. Scent cues are not affecting the industry as for the moment and there is a big gap to fill in here for the industry. Taste cues seem not to matter as much as the other cues. Trust is inflicting experience through expectation and fulfillment of promise. There is a weak (or least enough) correlation of trust and positive experience in nightclubs. Violence does not affect trust considerably towards a nightclub

As a method of marketing communications between companies and consumers, packages serve as a ¡§spokesperson¡¨ of the product on the point-of-sale. These may have significant impacts on the process of consumers¡¦ purchase decisions. Consumers also make inferences from the products packages, and the location of the product image on a package facade was one of the factors that influences consumers¡¦ perceptions of the visual heaviness of the product and evaluations of the package, which is called ¡§product image location effect.¡¨ Based on previous studies on the product image location effect, this study distinguished the product image locations into two places: perceived as heavy or light. Furthermore, three types of sensation cues (¡§vision-only¡¨, ¡§vision and touch simultaneously¡¨, and ¡§vision then touch¡¨) are considered in this study in order to understand how the product image location effect works. In addition, individual differences in need for touch (NFT) is also incorporated into this research to examine how it may sway the results of product image location effect and consumers¡¦ confidence when judging products. The present study employed an experimental design to investigate the effects of product image location (bottom-right vs. top-left), the type of sensation cues (vision-only vs. vision and touch simultaneously vs. vision then touch), and autotelic need for touch (low vs. medium vs. high) on consumers¡¦ evaluation of perceived product heaviness and confidence in product judgments. A 2x3x3 factorial design was conducted. Six different scenarios were established through virtual packages and different sensation inputs. A quantile method was used to distinguish consumers into low, medium and high autotelic NFT. Consumers¡¦ evaluation was measured by perceived product heaviness and confidence in product judgments. The results indicated that when there was a tactile input, the product image location effect would disappear. Besides, compared to those who were medium and high in autotelic NFT, product image location effect was more influential on those who were low in autotelic NFT. In addition, in vision-only condition, location of the product image influenced consumers¡¦ confidence in product judgment. According to these findings, this research contributes to the further understandings of product image location effect and provides implications for researchers and marketers on package design.

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on January 5, 2010). Vita. Thesis advisor: Dr. Judith C. Goodman. Includes bibliographical references

As humans, we have evolved to see in three dimensions. Our ancestors developed two eyes that only look forward, which allows the visual area that can perceive depth to be most of the field of view. A variety of sensors have been developed which can determine depth in the environment. They range from producing individual points of depth to the depth of everything in the environment. These sensors have become cheap and can now reliably produce accurate depth. Research is needed to determine how to present the proximity information to the people using the sensors. Touch, sound, and vision have all been used to provide depth information to the users. This research focuses on vision and compares methods of visually presenting proximity information to a user. The methods examined are stereovision and false color visual proximity mapping. False color mapping proved most effective while, surprisingly, stereovision was not helpful.

Although Asian Americans have the highest growth rate, their electoral participation does not commensurate with their numerical strength. This research explores the causes of Asian Americans' low level of electoral participation. I argue that acculturation presents barriers for Asian Americans to exert their political power. This project combined a survey-based experiment on and in-depth interviews with Asian Americans in Austin, in addition to existing data (CPS and the PNAAPS). I first estimate the effects of socioeconomic status on turnout across racial and ethnic groups. The results demonstrate that while education and income have limited effects on Asian American turnout at the aggregate level, their positive influence on turnout still holds for Asian Americans at the individual level, though the effect varies by nativity. Furthermore, education and income effects on turnout are greatest among Whites. The differences of these effects between Whites and Asians are especially prominent among the higher socioeconomic stratum. I next find that acculturation experiences, group connectedness, and hybrid identity elevate levels of turnout among Asian Americans. Those who are more residentially stable and sense shared Asian culture are more likely to vote, while the Asian-born are less likely to vote. In addition, experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination are likely to turn Asians away from their American-ness, while shared cultural commonality helps to foster the "Asian American" identity. Last, the experiment results suggest that a lack of ethnic cues for Asian Americans may have contributed to their low turnout rates: Asian American voters value descriptive representation, and ethnic cues effectively operate among them, especially the less politically engaged. While voters' support for a coethnic candidate is evident in the study, the evidence of their cross- or pan-ethnic support is limited. The project provides a window into the political incorporation of immigrant populations. The study speaks to the literature on political participation, racial/ethnic politics and identity politics. In addition, the findings broaden our understanding of minority political behavior, and the process by which immigrant populations incorporate into American political system, a promise of democratic representation. / text

Many environmental cues are thought to influence nest site selection by loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, and much debate exists over the possible influence of sand temperature. This study had two primary objectives: (1) to measure thermal differences across transects of a major nesting beach of Casey Key (28.7 N, 82.3 W), Florida and (2) to evaluate thermal pattern variation that influenced nesting patterns of adult female loggerhead sea turtles. A secondary objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of infrared thermometers to collect sand surface temperatures in the field. Temperature data were collected from 145 nest events and 8 false crawls in the 2008 and 2009 nesting seasons. Infrared thermometers and thermocouple probes were used to obtain surface temperatures from the water, waterline, beach sand, body pit attempts, nest chamber attempts, eggs, and the surface of the gular skin of the nesting female, within the crawl track created by the female and at one meter adjacent to the crawl track (from undisturbed sand). Weather influences at the time of nesting were recorded, including the presence or absence of rain, wind, or clouds. Beach slope was measured using an angle locator. Temperature data from the infrared thermometer and the thermocouple probe were highly correlated, indicating that an infrared thermometer is an effective measurement tool on a nesting beach. In 2008, there was a significant difference between temperatures collected within the crawl tracks of false crawl events and nest events, indicating a potential for females to use thermal cues in choosing whether to false crawl or nest. In both nesting seasons, the sand temperature in the body pit and the surface of the gular skin of the nesting female were nearly identical, suggesting females may locate a suitable nest site using their skin temperature. Data collected at other loggerhead rookeries in the United States and Australia yielded similar results, however, variability in the use of temperature may arise seasonally, and according to different nesting environments. Rain, wind and cloud cover significantly thermally altered several locations on Casey Key, but it remains unclear if these weather events significant affect turtle nesting behavior. Additionally, crawl distance and beach slope were significantly, positively correlated. Gravid females most likely use multiple environmental cues to select a nest site. Assimilating information from multiple sources allows for the highest degree of adaptability, and future studies should consider implications for climate change and beach renourishment projects.

Conventional stereoscopic displays present a pair of stereoscopic images on a single and fixed image plane decoupled with the vergence and accommodation responses of the viewer. In consequence, these displays lack the capability of correctly rendering focus cues (i.e. accommodation and retinal blur) and may induce the discrepancy between accommodation and convergence. A number of visual artifacts associated with incorrect focus cues in stereoscopic displays have been reported, limiting the applicability of these displays for demanding applications and daily usage.In this dissertation, methods and apparatus for generating addressable focus cues in conventional stereoscopic displays are proposed. Focus cues can be addressed throughout a volumetric space, either through dynamically varying the focal distance of a display enabled by an active optical element or by multiplexing a stack of 2-D image planes. Optimal depth-weighted fusing functions are developed to fuse a number of discrete image planes into a seamless volumetric space with continuous and near-correct focus cues similar to the real world counterparts.The optical design, driving methodology, and prototype implementation of the addressable focus displays are presented and discussed. Experimental results demonstrate continuously addressable focus cues from infinity to as close as the near eye distance. Experiments to further evaluate the depth perception in the display prototype are conducted. Preliminary results suggest that the perceived distance and accommodative response of the viewer match with the addressable accommodation cues rendered by the display, approximating the real-world viewing condition.

University students have low levels of fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). There is a paucity of research about changing FVC in this population, including the specific use of environmental cues to influence behaviour change. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of a cue (a modified plate design and/or plate size) on FVC while exploring explicit cognitions and attitudes in first year undergraduates. Methods: This study utilized an experimental pre-post randomized control group design across six weeks, with two recruitment waves. First year full-time University students living off campus and consuming less than six servings of fruits and vegetables were eligible. Participants (n=39) were randomly assigned to intervention with an 8-inch dinner plate displaying recommended portion sizes, with an 8-inch dinner plate with no design, or a control group. All participants completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), 24-hour food recall (24Hr), demographics, anthropometry and intentions toward FVC, with intervention groups receiving a lesson on Canada’s Food Guide in addition to their plate. Results: Eight out of twelve outcome measures had meaningful time by group effect sizes (ɳ2>0.06). For fruit frequency (per day), the effect was statistically significant (p=0.03). Adherence to plate use varied (design plate: 0.69±2.38 to 4.23±5.55 times per week; plain plate 3.39±7.31 to 12.80±7.89 times per week) but was low in the designed plate condition (average 4 use: 2.46±3.88 times per week). Baseline intention, affective and instrumental attitudes, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms and automaticity did not predict FVC. Conclusion: An environmental cue in the form of a modified dinner plate may significantly influence fruit and vegetable consumption in young adults. Change occurred despite low plate use, which appears to indicate that the role of the plate was more explicit; participants may have become more consciously aware of portion size because of the plate cue. It also appeared, based on effect sizes, that affective attitudes, subjective norms and automaticity may have been influenced. This pilot study established the effect sizes needed to power a larger randomized controlled trial and fully test the impact of the environmental cue. / Graduate / 0573 / 0570 / 0680 / hmrose@uvic.ca

The skin of many fishes contains large epidermal club cells (ECCs) that are known to release chemicals (alarm cues) that warn other fishes of danger. Initial research on ECCs focussed on their role in predator avoidance behaviour, however later research revealed that these cells might also have immune functions. Anthropogenic activities have dramatically increased over the past decades, with the consequence that many organisms simultaneously get exposed to multiple environmental stressors. We have seen considerable reductions in stratospheric ozone with a concomitant increase in global ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Metal pollution associated with industrial activity is also increasing on a global scale. Cadmium (Cd) is one such ubiquitous pollutant which is known to be toxic to organisms at extremely low concentrations. The main goal of my PhD research was to understand how multiple environmental stressors play a role in altering ECC investment and chemically-mediated predator-prey interactions by indirectly elucidating the evolutionary role of ECCs. The first experiment investigated the effects of in vivo ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure on ECC investment, physiological stress responses and potency of alarm cues in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Subsequently, I investigated the interactive effects of UVR and/or waterborne cadmium (Cd) exposure using the same end points. I found that minnows exposed to UVR, either in the presence or absence of Cd, showed consistent decrease in ECC investment compared to non-exposed controls. There was a significant increase in cortisol levels of UVR exposed minnows compared to unexposed minnows. However, the combined exposure of UVR and Cd reduced cortisol levels relative to that in UVR only exposure. Surprisingly, there was no difference in the potency of the cues prepared from the skin of UVR and/or Cd exposed or non-exposed fish indicating that UVR and/or Cd exposure combined may have little influence on chemically-mediated predator-prey interactions. In aquatic systems, much of the negative effects of UVR are minimized by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) which is known to attenuate rates of UVR across the water column. In my third study, I investigated if DOC played a role in ameliorating the effects of in vivo UVR exposure on physiological stress and ECC investment in fathead minnows. I used two sources of DOC, a commercial soil based DOC (Sigma Aldrich Humic Acid) and a terrigenous source of DOC (Luther Marsh Natural Organic Matter). I found that fish exposed to UVR, in the presence of either source of DOC, in the presence and absence of UV blocking filter, maintained high ECC investment and reduced cortisol levels compared to fish exposed to UVR only. Studies that have examined factors that influence ECC investment have often been hampered by large variation in baseline levels of ECC. The larger the baseline variation in ECC number, the more difficult it is to elucidate factors responsible for changes in ECC investment. While I did not find this problematic in my work with UVR and Cd, others have failed to find effects in manipulative experiments. Consequently, my fourth study examined between and within variation in ECC investment across multiple sites in Saskatchewan and tried to investigate if holding fish under controlled laboratory conditions for up to 28 days would help reduce variation in ECC investment between and within populations. I found some evidence that I could reduce within population variation in ECC investment through time, but could not reduce among-population variation in mean ECC investment.