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Even two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting and event industry's efforts must focus on understanding attendees' purchase behaviors and event modality preferences. This study aims to address these factors by using a 2 (Event modality: in-person or virtual) × 6 (six dimensions of perceived value: social value, emotional value, monetary value, functional value, novelty value, and convenience value) between-subject experiment design and a 6 (Six dimensions of perceived value (PV): social value, emotional value, monetary value, functional value, novelty value, and convenience value) x 2 (PV effect on word-of-mouth (WOM) intent and repeat purchase intent (RPI)) between-subject experimental design. Specifically, it applies the perceived value theory in investigating the effects of different value dimensions (social, emotional, monetary, functional, novelty, and convenience) based on attendee event modality (in-person or virtual) and their impact on WOM intent and RPI. The data was collected via Prolific. Different ANOVA and t-tests were conducted. The results suggest that event modality had little bearing on the six dimensions of PV. Results also showed that PV positively impacts WOM intent and RPI.

Students in upper secondary school write in a number of different genres, and do this in school contexts as well as in their spare time. The study presented here is an overview of this activity and the genres concerned. The theoretical framework of the study is that of genre theory whereby genre is understood as a socially situated concept. The study is based on 2 000 texts gathered from students on different study programmes all over Sweden in the school year of 1996-97. The texts were written in different situations. The most important distinction made here is between test texts (i.e. texts from national tests) and self-chosen texts, which may come from schoolwriting or spare-time writing. The texts are categorized according to genre. This text inventory shows a repertoire of 33 different genres in the text material. A small number of genres, such as story, book-review and expository essay dominate the school writing. The test genres differ from this pattern in that they clearly imitate texts with a genuine communicative intent. The most frequent genres are studied further and each of them is demonstrated by an interpretative reading. This reading shows that the genres differ considerably with respect to genre character and stability of text structure. A quantitative study of text length and variation in vocabulary further shows that texts written by two categories of students, those on vocationally oriented programmes and those on programmes preparing for higher education, differ significantly. Reference cohesion is studied in a smaller sample of the texts. This lexico-semantic mechanism of cohesion proves to exhibit an interrelation with variation in vocabulary as well as with text type. One particular cohesive tie, inference, shows different patterns in texts written by the two categories of students mentioned above.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Psychological Sciences / Gary Brase / Brand Equity is a common phrase in consumer research, but there is still a lot of ambiguity surrounding the measurement of this concept (Keller, 2008). Several methods of measurement have been proposed over the years, but no one method has been adopted as the ideal way to predict purchase intent and measure brand equity. The current research tested three theories—Social Exchange Theory (SET), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the Yoo and Donthu model—to see which is the best predictor of purchase intent and brand equity. SET assumes consumers weigh the costs and rewards of purchasing the product. TPB uses consumers’ attitudes over purchasing the product, subjective norms of what others would do, and the perceived behavioral control consumers have in actually purchasing the product. The Yoo and Donthu model has been used most often of the three theories in measuring brand equity and includes measures of brand loyalty, perceived quality, brand awareness/associations, and overall brand equity. Study 1 assessed consumer durable products (TV and athletic shoes) and Study 2 assessed consumer non-durable products (soap and toothpaste). Consumers evaluated these products online based on a picture of the product, the brand name, price, customer reviews, quality ratings, and an advertisement and then indicated their likelihood to purchase the product. Theory of Planned Behavior was the best predictor of purchase intent across all four products assessed indicating that consumers look at external factors such as what others would do as well as how much control they have over purchasing the product as much as they consider their own attitudes.

This article considers the nature of interpretation as important question in constitutional interpretation from a theonomic epistemological perspective. Theonomic epistemology is summarily described. The modem language philosophy's view of the nature of interpretation is then investigated, after which a theonomic definition of interpretation and hermeneutics is suggested. Different approaches to interpretation commonly found in legal practice are evaluated on the basis of the suggested definition. The theonomic approach is then applied to another issue in constitutional interpretation, the nature of the judicial function, and broad guidelines are given for the practical application of theonomic epistemological considerations. / Hierdie artikel ondersoek die wese van interpretasie as belangrike vraagstuk by grondwetuitleg vanuit die perspektief van die teonome epistemologie. Die teonome epistemologie word oorsigtelik beskryf. Die modeme taalfilosofie se beskouing van interpretasie word dan behandel, waama 'n teonome definisie van interpretasie en hermeneutiek voorgestel word. Die verskillende uitlegbenaderings wat algemeen in die praktyk voorkom, word aan die hand van die voorgestelde definisie geevalueer. Vervolgens word die teonome benadering op 'n ander vraagstuk van grondwetuitleg - die aard van die regterlike funksie - toegepas, en word bree riglyne vir toepassing van teonome epistemologiese oorwegings in die praktyk van regspraak gegee. / Department of Constitutional International & Indigenous Law / LL.M.

Since the pre-requisites for common-purpose liability where there was no prior agreement were laid down in S V Mgedezi 1989 (1) SA 687 (A), the appellate division has moved to resolve related controversial issues. These include the question whether a joiner-in is a perpetrator or accomplice, and whether he should be convicted of murder or attempted murder. It is the question of dissociation which has remained elusive. Courts accept that a person should only be criminally liable when his dissociation from a common purpose takes place after the commencement of execution stage is reached. My submission is that whether one dissociates himself should be a question of fact, to be determined according to the circumstances of each case. Such determination should pay close attention to the doctrine of proximity. Where a person played a minor role, or acted under the influence of a dominant partner, this should be reflected in the punishment imposed. / Criminal & Procedural Law / LL.M. (Criminal & Procedural Law)

AIM AND OBJECTIVES The main aim of this thesis was to explore the possibilities of promoting the cultivation, utilisation and consumption of indigenous and traditional plant foods (ITPF) among urban and rural communities in the North West Province of South Africa that could possibly lead to increased IK and dietary diversity. The objectives were the following: Assess consumption of TLV in the rural and urban communities. Compare nutritional status of consumers and non-consumers of TLV using data obtained from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE-SA) study. Assess the availability, cultivation and consumption patterns of ITPF. Assess indigenous knowledge (IK) within the rural and urban communities. Assess consumers’ views of ITPF in the rural and urban communities. Assess consumers’ acceptance of, preference for and consumption intent of dishes made from cowpea leaves. To compile recipes for the most important ITPF commonly consumed in the study areas in order to promote the cultivation and consumption of ITPF (see Addendum D). STUDY DESIGN Health profile study: For the health profile study, a comparative study was conducted on the baseline data of the population that participated in the PURE-SA study (1004 urban and 1006 rural participants) which follows the health transition in urban and rural subjects over a 12 year period. The baseline data for the North West Province of South Africa were collected from October to December 2005. Utilisation of ITPF study: The study on the utilisation of ITPF used a sequential explanatory study design which involved the collection of quantitative and qualitative data and analyses. The consumer acceptance study consisted of an explorative and experimental phase. Participants were male and female, aged older than 20, residing in the selected communities and knowledgeable on the indigenous and traditional foods of the area. METHODS A variety of quantitative and qualitative research techniques were used. Data were generated through questionnaires, focus groups and individual - and group interviews. Health profile study: Demographic characteristics and frequency of consumption of TLV data were collected by the researcher from 396 randomly selected subjects from participating subjects in the PURE-SA study. An extensive nutritional profile of these subjects was compiled including blood samples, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and total dietary intake by means of a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Utilisation of ITPF study: A comparative study was conducted in rural and urban populations of the North West Province. Data were collected by the researcher using a questionnaire (n=396 households), key informant interviews (n=4), and four focus groups. Consumer study: Four focus groups were conducted by the researcher, two in rural and two in urban communities, to investigate consumers’ views about ITPF. Eighty-seven participants were recruited based on a specific purpose rather than randomly. Consumers’ acceptance of, preference for and intended consumption of products made with cowpea leaves were assessed. A 5-point hedonic scale and a 7-point food action rating scale were used for sensory evaluation. RESULTS Health profile study: As expected, rural inhabitants were more likely to consume TLV. However, no household reported to consume TLV more than ten times a month. Factors such as price (affordability) and availability and easy-to-get-to points of purchase were found to be major constraints in the consumption of TLV, especially in urban communities. Urban respondents had significantly higher macronutrient intakes than rural subjects. There was no significant difference between the selected micronutrient intakes between consumers and non-consumers of TLV. Non-consumers of TLV had higher blood lipid levels than consumers from both the rural and urban areas. In the urban subjects the relative risk to develop high blood pressure was higher in non-consumers of TLV than in the consumers. However, the risk ratios of raised serum cholesterol and triglycerides were not significantly different. Utilisation of ITPF study: More plant foods were available and consumed in the rural area than the urban area. However, fewer species were available than expected due to insufficient rainfall, poor soil quality, deforestation and over harvesting. Consumption of indigenous foods was influenced by price, culture, seasonality/availability, accessibility and diversity in markets. A lack of markets for indigenous crops, insufficient rainfall and diseases and pests were cited as the major cultivation problems, followed by a lack of capital to buy farming implements, veld fires and poor soil quality. Consumer study: Based on the qualitative focus group discussions, factors that influence the consumption of ITPF were identified. These factors included benefits and barriers of ITPF consumption. Ways to increase ITFP consumption were also identified. Health and nutrition; tradition and culture; and food safety emerged as drivers for ITPF consumption. A lack of knowledge and skills of food preparation and negative images and unfamiliarity of ITPF acted as barriers. Differences in views existed between older and younger consumers. In general younger consumers found ITF rather revolting and undesirable, humiliating to consume. Sensory evaluation of food samples for the pooled data of the total study population showed that significant differences existed between the acceptability of all attributes, overall acceptance and consumption intent. Socio-demographic backgrounds such as place of residence (urban or rural), levels of education and age were shown to influence the acceptability of food samples and consumption intent. There was no positive association between acceptability of food and gender. CONCLUSIONS Health profile study: This study showed the possibility of beneficial effects of rural diets, however, the lack of knowledge concerning the bioavailability of nutrients from TLV and lack of information on food consumption database, of these vegetables constitute main barriers to obtaining information on nutrient intake. The low frequency of consumption of TLV is of concern. Taking into consideration safe agricultural practices, the promotion of TLV might be a solution towards healthier diets and combating poverty. More research is needed to investigate the health effects of these vegetables. Utilisation of ITPF study: It is evident that there was a limited number of ITPF species cultivated and consumed. Consumers, especially older people, were found to possess extensive knowledge regarding the availability of ITPF species, their habitat and uses, seasonality and potential health benefits. There is a need to intensify education on conservation of natural resources and more studies should be undertaken to document and disseminate traditional food systems. In addition, there is a need to integrate existing health and nutrition interventions with traditional food promotion. Consumer study: The results highlighted the importance of making use of a mixed method approach which made it possible not only to identify factors that influence the consumption of ITPF but also to understand the dynamics thereof from focus group discussions and how they influence acceptability, preference and consumption intent. Important benefits (drivers) of and barriers to ITPF consumption as well as suggestions on how to increase ITPF consumption were identified. Barriers to ITPF consumption and low scores of acceptability provided by younger participants can be connected to misconceptions about ITPF and lack of familiarity with the products. Therefore, a combination of strategies aimed at enhancing individual awareness of the health benefits of ITPF, decreasing barriers and conducting more acceptability studies may have a positive impact on the younger segment of the population. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Consumer Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The overall aim of the thesis is to explore legislators’ perceptions of unaccompanied children in the development of migration law, and how case-officers transform the policy in arguments for and against residency in asylum-cases. More specifically, this thesis explores how Swedish legislators experienced parliamentary work when putting in place the 2005 Aliens Act and the new system for appeals and procedures. In addition, it explores legislators understanding of the concept of unaccompanied minors, and how the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) case-officers understand unaccompanied minors’ credibility. It draws on interview data with 15 legislators of the Swedish parliament and an analysis of 916 decisions in asylum cases concerning unaccompanied minors. The thesis is theoretically informed by interpretative phenomenology and social constructionism. The method used builds on detailed coding procedures in qualitative social research as they are applied in interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), thematic analysis and text analysis. Study 1 examines the experiences of 15 legislators when negotiating migration reform in parliament. The findings indicate that the preceding political negotiations can be one of the reasons for unclear aims when politicians’ propose new legislation. In addition, it seems that other policy areas, such as fiscal considerations and state-municipality relations, took precedence in the negotiations when the legislators were attempting to make sense of their experiences in discussing asylum policy. Study 2 explores legislators’ perceptions of unaccompanied minors arriving in Sweden. The findings show that chronological age is a key reference point concerning how legislators understand unaccompanied minors’ claims for asylum and other needs. In addition, the findings suggest that legislators perceive unaccompanied minors as an ambivalent category and that this understanding is influenced by deep-rooted welfare ideology. Furthermore, the findings indicate that legislators develop policy concerning unaccompanied children without considering that they need to be recognised as individuals with different backgrounds, agendas and needs. Study 3 scrutinises how SMA case-officers construct unaccompanied minors credibility in asylum decisions. It shows that case-officers use similar techniques both when approving and rejecting decisions. These techniques consistently question the competence and political agency of the chid in such a way that the element of individual assessment in asylum procedure can become severely restricted. In brief, this thesis identifies that the connection between migration and child policy is complex as legislators appear to struggle with “drawing the limits” of who to include or exclude in policy aims. Hence, the juridical field was seen as the answer to improve legitimation. This also means that the concept of asylum has become de-politicised. In addition, case-officers also seem to use a limited repertoire of arguments when drawing the limits for unaccompanied minors’ credibility in asylum decisions. This thesis points to possible dilemmas in asylum policy and procedure concerning unaccompanied minors. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 1: Accepted. Paper 3: Manuscript.</p>

A linguagem tem um papel fundamental para o desenvolvimento infantil, uma vez que possibilita à criança construir conceitos do self e do outro, especialmente nos contextos construídos por seus cuidadores e nas trocas interacionais. A proposta da presente pesquisa é analisar associações entre o tipo de discurso materno, quanto a características de orientação cultural para a interdependência e/ou para a autonomia, e o desenvolvimento cognitivo da criança avaliado pelo desempenho em testes de compreensão de intencionalidade e direção do olhar, no contexto de depressão pós-parto. O projeto insere-se em um estudo longitudinal mais amplo (Temático FAPESP nº 06/59192), que acompanha díades mãe-criança de uma amostra atendida pelo sistema público de saúde, em que era aferido haver ou não depressão por meio da Escala de Edimburgo (pós-parto e 36 meses). Foram feitos registros em vídeo da interação livre mãe-criança por 10 minutos, para avaliação do discurso materno, e da criança nos testes em interação com um pesquisador. O estilo de discurso materno foi classificado segundo categorias elaboradas por Heidi Keller, associadas à ideia de autonomia (ex. agência, autorreferência) ou de relacionamento (ex. coagência, referência a autoridade). O escore correspondente à autonomia e ao relacionamento foi calculado pela soma das frequências das respectivas categorias, controlado pelo número de emissões da fala categorizadas. A compreensão de intencionalidade foi avaliada por meio de duas histórias ilustrativas que mostram um personagem no processo de busca de um objeto (A) em um local previsto e, em seguida, a descoberta inesperada de um objeto diferente, mais desejável (B) em seu lugar. O protocolo avalia cada etapa de aplicação do teste. O teste de direção do olhar foi composto por três tarefas nas quais a criança deveria identificar: qual das figuras está olhando para ela?; o personagem está olhando para onde?, e apontando para onde?, associadas a perguntas sobre o que o personagem quer? Foi verificado um efeito da DPP na adesão à tarefa no teste Compreensão de Intencionalidade (CI). A dificuldade do teste de Direção do Olhar (DO) prevaleceu com o cansaço. Todavia, foi identificada correlação negativa entre o escore da DPP e o desempenho em etapas do teste. A DPP parece ter produzido mais efeito do que a depressão aos 36 meses. Os casos que indicam cronicidade da depressão são mais prejudicados. Um elemento destaque foi a análise do discurso, que revelou muito sobre o contexto de depressão e do desempenho das crianças. O discurso autônomo esteve negativamente relacionado ao escore DPP e aos 36 meses, e positivamente ao desempenho. Destaca-se que no contexto de depressão, as crianças que tiveram bom desempenho foram as das mães que apresentaram maior percentual nas categorias de autonomia, quando comparado com o grupo baixo desempenho e DPP. De modo geral, não encontramos efeitos lineares e diretos da DPP prejudicando o desenvolvimento, mas verificamos variações sugestivas. Tudo indica que o comportamento materno e, principalmente, o resultado deste em termos de desenvolvimento, irá depender muito da configuração geral do contexto socioafetivo, e que a depressão é um dos elementos efetivos desta conjugação / Language has a vital role in children´s construction of self and the relation to others in interactional exchanges. Mothers´ talk to their children reflects their cultural models or ethno-theories. In this presentation the results of a study focusing on the relation between maternal speech, as presenting the characteristics of a cultural orientation to interdependence and / or autonomy, with children\'s cognitive development, assessed by performance on tests of understanding of intentionality and direction of gaze, in the context of postpartum depression. The project is part of a larger, longitudinal study (FAPESP No. 06/59192), which follows a sample of mother-child dyads served by a public health system, when it was measured whether or not depression through Edinburgh Scale (postpartum and 36 months). Video recordings of free mother-child interactions for 10 minutes were made to evaluate the conversational maternal style. Children were observed in their interactional tasks with an experimenter. Mother´s speech style was classified according to categories developed by Heidi Keller, associated with the concept of agency (i.e. mental states, self-reference) or relationship (i.e. co-agency, reference to authority). Scores on both categories were calculated as the sum of the frequencies of the respective categories, controlling the total number of emissions categorized. Intentionality understanding was evaluated by means of two illustrative stories that show a character in the process of searching for an object (A) in a place provided, and then, the unexpected discovery of a different object, the more desirable (B) in its place. The protocol evaluates each step of the test. The test of gaze direction was composed of three tasks that the child should identify: what the figures are looking at; To what is the character is looking; where is he/she pointing, associated to questions about \"what the character wants?\" The effect of PPD was found in adherence to the task in testing Intentionality Understanding (IC). The difficulty of the Gaze Direction (GD) test has prevailed with tiredness, but a negative correlation was identified with scores of PPD and performance in steps of the test. The DPP produced more effect than depression at 36 months, and indicates to the importance of early development. The cases of chronic depressions suggest to be more affected. One key element was the of speech analysis, this revealed much about the context of depression and performance of children. The style of autonomy speech was negatively related to score PPD and the 36 months, and positively to the children\'s performance. It is noteworthy that in the context of depressed children who had good performance their mothers presented greater percentage in autonomy compared to the group of low performance and PPD. Overall, we found no direct linear effects of the DPP that could hinder the development, but we found suggestive variations. Everything indicates that maternal behavior, and especially the result from this in terms of development will greatly depend on the socio-affective context configuration and depression is one of the effective elements of this combination