Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world while obesity, a condition tied to numerous chronic conditions throughout the lifespan, is at epidemic levels throughout most of the world. Adolescence is a crucial transition period for physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Adolescents, particularly girls, are at high risk of developing depression and obesity. Some studies suggest that obesity is a risk factor for the development of depression while others suggest that depression alters health habits, thereby leading to obesity. The overall goal of this work is to examine both of these questions in adolescent girls and further to explore whether the relationship between obesity (and other related risk factors) and depression is a bi-directional one. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Growth and Health Study (NGHS) is an observational study of 2379 adolescent black and white girls. Height and weight was measured annually (and used to estimate body mass index) over 10 years from early to late adolescence. Diet and other risk factors were also measured longitudinally over 10 years. Depression was measured twice using the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D): first at exam 8 and then at the final exam (exam 10). Multivariable logistic regression and longitudinal (repeated measures) mixed models were used to control for potential confounding by age, socio-economic status, physical activity, hours of television/video watching per day, and dietary factors. The first objective was to determine whether young adolescent girls who were already overweight or obese had a higher risk for developing depression during the follow-up exams in later adolescence. Overall, the prevalence of moderate (or worse) depression was much higher in girls who were classified as obese (474% with depression) than either overweight (37.8%) or normal-weight (34.3%) girls. After adjusting for baseline age, race, SES, television/video hour per day), physical activity level, diet quality (using Healthy Eating Index scores), and percent of energy from protein, obese girls had a 68% increase risk of subsequent depression (95% CI: 1.17 to 2.39) compared with normal weight girls. There was no increased depression risk for overweight girls. The risk of incident depression associated with obesity was the same for blacks and whites in the study. Finally, after controlling further for a measure of self-worth (using the Harter Scales), the effect of obesity was somewhat attenuated. The second objective of the study was to explore other risk factors for depression in these adolescent girls. In these analyses, several factors from the early adolescent years predicted the development of later depression (moderate or worse). These included hours spent watching television (risk increased by 6% for each additional hour watched per day), white race, SES, obesity, and self-worth score. While the self-worth score ranged only from 1 to 4, there was nearly a 60% reduction in risk for each increase of one point in the score. Thus, self-worth was a particularly important predictor, with higher self-worth scores protecting these girls from incident depression. The final objective of this work was to examine the change in behavioral risk factors associated with prevalent depression at exam 8. Depressed (vs. non-depressed) girls who were not obese at exam 8 were approximately 75% more likely to become obese by exam 10. The results of this study support a finding of a bi-directional relationship between obesity and depression in adolescent girls.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / This study is concerned with eight alcoholic adult patients at the Washingtonian Hospital. The parent-child relationships of these adult patients, when they were children, will be investigated to gain some understanding as to the factors involved in their present alcoholism.

The aim of this thesis is to examine the evolving relationship between food and tourism through the twentieth century. Devon, a county in the South West of England, and a popular tourist destination is used as the geographical focus of the case study. Previous studies have tended to focus on particular locations at a fixed point in time, not over the timescale of a century. The research presents a social and economic history of food in the context of tourism. It incorporates many food related interests reflecting the topical and evolving, embracing leisure, pleasure and social history, Burnett (2004). Food is presented from the perspectives of production and consumption, not only its commercial provision in the hospitality industry, but also that emanating from the domestic, home, and farmstead. The significance of food and tourism is emphasised by Hall and Sharples (2003), and Croce and Perri (2010) in the development of Food tourism (and Wine tourism), reflecting increasingly specialised and niche interests. However, this thesis aims to show how food and tourism encompasses, food, culture, and history, and plays an important role in the economic development of the county. The thesis presents multiple data sources, primary and secondary, questionnaires and in-depth interviews. It utilises these in conjunction with numerous historical records and archival materials to investigate evolving trends and patterns in the food and tourism evolution. A case study demonstrates ways in which food is an experience, attraction, and motivation to visit a destination, and shows how tourism’s relationship with food has evolved throughout the twentieth century.

Relationsmarknadsföring har idag blivit en central del i många företags marknadsföring. Kort sammanfattat är relationsmarknadsföring ett marknadsföringssätt som fokuserar på att etablera och utveckla relationen till kunden. Eftersom en konsument idag, bland annat med hjälp av Internet, har tillgång till väldigt mycket information ökar medvetenheten och ger kunden en större möjlighet att välja var och av vem hon ska handla. De konventionella marknadsföringsmetoderna blir alltmer ineffektiva och företagen lägger istället mer energi på att skapa en relation till kunden som individ. Inom modebranschens detaljhandel syns detta tillvägagångssätt i form av kundklubbar, nyhetsutskick och den personliga interaktionen i butikerna. Samtidigt som mer kraft läggs på relationsbyggande åtgärder märks det ändå i underskningar att en stor andel är missnöjda med kundklubbar, nyhetsutskick och det personliga bemötandet, vilket leder fram till rapportens syfte: att undersöka konsumenternas uppfattning i detta.För att genomföra denna undersökning utformades en kvantitativ, standardiserad enkät som distribuerades via internet till män och kvinnor i åldern 18-30 år som var boende inom Borås med omnejd. Primärdata som undersökningen genererade jämfördes sedan med sekundärdata från studielitteratur, vetenskapliga artiklar, artiklar från olika tidskrifter, samt i viss mån uppsatser på minst C-nivå. Detta ledde fram till resultat som visade på att en majoritet av de svarande är kundklubbsmedlemmar samt får nyhetsutskick i någon form, att de främst är ute efter rabatter och snabba nyheter, men att de i viss mån är missnöjda med hur de får information från butikerna.Relationship marketing is today a vital part of most companies marketing. Shortly summarized, the relationship marketing is a way of marketing which focuses on establishing and developing relationships with the customers. As the consumers today, much thanks to the Internet, have access to a lot of information, it raises awareness and gives the customer a greater choice of where and by whom she should buy. Conventional marketing methods are increasingly ineffective and companies spend more energy to create a relationship with the customer as an individual. Within the fashion industry's retailing business, this approach is shown in the terms of customer clubs, newsletters and personal interaction in the stores. While more and more companies spends time and money in relationship-building measures, surveys are yet saying that a big part of the customers are dissatisfied with the customer clubs, newsletters, and the personal treatment, which leads us to the main purpose of this report: to investigate consumer attitudes in this matters.To conduct this study we designed a quantitative, standardized questionnaire that was distributed via the Internet to men and women aged 18-30 years who were living in Borås and the surrounding areas. Primary data that were generated by the survey were then compared with secondary data from the studyliterature, scientific papers, articles from various magazines, and to some essays of at least C-level. This led to results that showed that a majority of respondents are customer club members and receive newsletters in some kind of form, that they are primarily looking for discounts and fast news, but that they are dissatisfied with how they obtain information from stores. / Program: Butikschef, textil och mode

This dissertation presents novel sequential dose-finding designs that adjust for inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability in phase I cancer clinical trials. Unlike most traditional dose-finding designs whose primary goals are the determination of a maximum safe dose, the goal of our proposed designs is to estimate a patient-specific dosing function such that the responses of patients can achieve a target safety level. Extending from a single compartment model in the pharmacokinetic theory, we first postulate a linear model to describe the relationship between the area under concentration-time curve, dose and predicted clearance. We propose a repeated least squares procedure that aims to sequentially determine dose according to individual ability of metabolizing the drug. To guarantee consistent estimation of the individualized dosing function at the end of a trial, we apply repeated least squares subject to a consistency constraint based on an eigenvalue theory for stochastic linear regression. We empirically determine the convergence rate of the eigenvalue constraint using a real data set from an irinotecan study in colorectal carcinoma patients, and calibrate the procedure to minimize a loss function that accounts for the dosing costs of study subjects and future patients. When compared to the traditional body surface area and an equation based dosing methods, the simulation results demonstrate that the repeated least squares procedure control the dosing cost and allow for precise estimation of the dosing function. Furthermore, in order to enhance the generality and robustness of the dose-finding designs, we generalize the linear association to a nonlinear relationship between the response and a linear combination of dose and predicted clearance. We propose a two-stage sequential design, the semiparametric link-adapted recursion, which targets at individualizing dose assignments meanwhile adapting for an unknown nonlinear link function connecting the response and dose along with predicted clearance. The repeat least squares with eigenvalue constraint design is utilized as the first stage, and the second stage recursively applies an iterative semiparametric least squares approach to estimate the dosing function and determine dosage for next patient. The simulation results demonstrate that: at first, the performance of repeated least squares with eigenvalue constraint design is acceptably robust to model misspecifications; at second, as its performance is close to that of repeated least squares procedure under parametric models, the semiparametric link-adapted recursion does not sacrifice much estimation accuracy to gain robustness against model misspecifications; at last, compared to the repeated least squares procedure, the semiparametric link-adapted recursion can significantly improve the dosing costs and estimation precision under the semiparametric models.

O ambiente econômico atual de alta concorrência impulsiona a busca inteligente por soluções que capacitem as empresas a apresentarem reduções de custos e aumento de rentabilidade, além de proporcionar a satisfação do consumidor, fatores fundamentais para a garantia de sobrevivência e crescimento. É sob esse contexto que surge o ECR (Efficient Consumer Response), iniciativa em que fabricantes de produtos de mercearia, varejo, atacado e demais facilitadores trabalham em conjunto para reduzir custos desse canal de marketing e possibilita maior valor ao consumidor. O Gerenciamento por Categorias é uma ferramenta que faz parte do ECR e permite a redução de custos de fornecedores e varejistas propiciando melhor exposição, abastecimento e variedade de produtos; calendário eficiente de promoções; maior giro e menor estoque, aumento na rentabilidade e preços competitivos, ao mesmo tempo em que focaliza práticas de merchandising e marketing eficientes orientadas para o cliente, foco principal desta ferramenta. Esta dissertação procurou conhecer o relacionamento entre fornecedor e varejo com a utilização da ferramenta, identificando as opiniões dos varejistas sobre seus fornecedores e vice-versa, apresentando os principais pontos de divergência e semelhança entre estas opiniões, além de identificar e caracterizar as variáveis do relacionamento entre os parceiros que prejudicam e os que favorecem o processo de Gerenciamento por Categorias. Devido à natureza dos objetivos estabelecidos, foi adotado o método exploratório com base em estudo de caso. Foram analisados uma rede de varejo supermercadista e dois fornecedores de categorias distintas: café e limpeza. Utilizaram-se questionários eletrônicos estruturados e entrevistas para levantamento das informações. Foi possível identificar pontos convergentes e divergentes quanto ao conceito de parceria, mostrando a necessidade de alinhamento em alguns aspectos fundamentais do conceito para melhor atendimento das expectativas dos parceiros. O tempo de parceria e a utilização de um instrumento legal menos formal (maior interação interpessoal) mostraram afetar negativamente o relacionamento. Os principais problemas levantados no estudo são referentes às variáveis: comunicação, investimento específico, comprometimento, confiança e cooperação, contradizendo o que estas empresas afirmam ser importante para uma boa relação de parceria. O relacionamento entre fornecedor e varejo no Gerenciamento por Categorias precisa ser mais bem desenvolvido, estimulando o maior envolvimento dos parceiros, principalmente os varejistas que se mostram com menor empenho no desenvolvimento do relacionamento e da ferramenta. Embora existam divergências entre os parceiros, as empresas participantes deste estudo disseram estar satisfeitas quanto aos resultados obtidos com a implantação do Gerenciamento por Categorias. / The very competitive recent economic environment propels the intelligent search for solutions that enable the companies to present costs reduction and profitability increase, besides meeting the consumer satisfaction, which are the fundamental factors for survival and growing warranty. It is under this context that the Efficient Consumer Response (ECR), an initiative in which manufacturers of products, such as, from grocery stores, from retail, from wholesale, and other facilitators, work together to reduce costs of this marketing channel and enable higher value to the consumer. The Category Management is a tool from the ECR, it allows the costs reduction of suppliers and retailers, providing better exposition, supply, and variety of products; sales promotion efficacy calendar; bigger rotation and lower inventory, profitability increase and competitive prices, by also focusing on efficient merchandising and marketing practices directed to the client that is the main focus of this tool. The present dissertation aimed at reporting the relation between the supplier and retail by using the tool, identifying the retailers opinions about their suppliers and vice-versa, presenting the main divergence and similarity points among these opinions, besides identifying and characterizing the relation variables between the partners that injure and those that favor the Category Management process. Due to the established objectives nature, the exploratory method was taken based on the case study. A supermarket retail chain and two different categories of suppliers coffee and cleaning were analyzed. Structured electronic questionnaires and interviews to survey information were used. It was possible to identify convergent and divergent points as to the partnership definition, showing the need of aligning in some fundamental aspects of the definition to better serve the partners expectations. The partnership time and the use of a less formal legal instrument (better interpersonal interaction) seemed to negatively affect the relation. The main issues that were reported in the study refer to the variables: communication, specific investment, commitment, trust, and cooperation, which are opposed to what these companies state to be important for a good partner relation. The relation between the supplier and retail in the Category Management needs to be more developed, encouraging the greatest involvement of the partners, specially the retailers that have better performance in the relation and tool development. Although there are divergences between the partners, the companies that are participating of this study stated that they are satisfied as to the results obtained with the Category Management implantation.

This paper introduces the construct of generalized shared reality—the experience of sharing inner states (e.g., feelings, beliefs, or concerns) in common with a partner about the world in general. Across eleven studies using varied methodologies (intensive longitudinal, experimental, and dyadic interactions) and varied measurements (self-report, linguistic markers, and behavioral coding), we identified the occurrence of generalized shared reality both between close and newly-acquainted partners. Further, we examined the relational outcomes, epistemic outcomes, and behavioral antecedents of generalized shared reality. In Studies 1a and 1b, generalized shared reality predicted self-other overlap between close partners in daily life. In Studies 2a-2d, this effect persisted when accounting for conceptually-related close relationship constructs. In Studies 3a and 3b, linguistic analyses revealed that experimentally threatening generalized shared reality with a romantic partner decreased self-other overlap and increased efforts to restore one’s sense of certainty. Next, in Studies 4a and 4b, experimentally manipulating shared reality between strangers using an established paradigm increased closeness, anticipated rapport, the desire to work together again, and epistemic trust. Finally, in Study 5, generalized shared reality between stranger dyads chatting online predicted key relational outcomes, such as closeness and ‘clicking,’ and key epistemic outcomes, such as joint sense-making and certainty, over and above other constructs. Further, generalized shared reality mediated the relationship between observable shared reality behaviors and these outcomes. These results suggest that generalized shared reality plays an important role in shaping both interpersonal relationships and perceptions of reality.

Aim: The aim of this work is to study the role that culture plays in business relationships between the Netherlands and Sweden. Further, the effects of time and trust on the business relationships are also investigated. The investigation entails whether there are cultural differences between the two countries and how those differences are managed. Method: The research is conducted by a qualitative approach with the use of primary and secondary data. The empirical study is conducted through semi-structured interviews participated by seven Dutch and six Swedish employees from an organization with business operation in the Netherlands and Sweden. Interviews involve one face-to-face meeting and all others are done through Skype due to time, location and cost constraint. Scientific theory is compared against the empirical findings and the coded themes are discussed in analysis. Results and conclusions: The national culture dimensions of Hofstede are compared with the empirical findings and this study supports that the four national culture dimensions of Hofstede’s; Power Distance, Individualism, Femininity and low and middle Uncertainty Avoidance correspond with the description of the Dutch and Swedish interviewees behavior. These national characteristics are observed to have influence in the cross cultural business relationship between the employees in the Netherlands and the employees in Sweden. The two largest cultural difference are in the way the Dutch communicate compared with the Swedes and the perception on pace of work. Although both parties work in different countries, they interact with each other frequently by phone, Skype and face to face meetings due to the fact that they share common customers. The common customers are managed through the local country operation such as Sweden and also at the headquarters level in the Netherlands. As such, the frequent communication results in the development of a working relationship between the Dutch and Swedish colleagues. The efforts to adapt to each other’s cultural differences further increases the trust level in each other's working method in order to serve their customers better. Suggestions for future research: The limitation of the research is that it focuses on one company which belongs to one specific industry. Therefore integrating participants from different companies within the same industry or across industries could result in a dissimilar result. The shortcoming is addressed by suggesting that for future research, this study should be replicated in different industries in the Netherlands and Sweden. Contribution of the thesis: This research contributes to the improvement of business relationships in multinational companies and managers can implement these improvements. Keywords: Culture, Time, Trust, Adaptation, Business Relationship

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-12T17:38:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 arquivo4001_1.pdf: 1707662 bytes, checksum: 323a7d76ae2a2ab2b9f308fffae2e81f (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Inseridas num cenário altamente competitivo, as organizações primam pelo alcance de vantagem competitiva, embora para isto tenham que enfrentar desafios cada vez maiores. Nesse contexto, surge o Customer Relationship Management (CRM) como estratégia para sobrevivência e alcance de vantagem competitiva. Deve-se enfatizar, entretanto, a importância dos processos organizacionais, das tecnologias e das pessoas para o desenvolvimento desta estratégia, visto que eles compõem a empresa. Desse modo, esta pesquisa tem como objeto de estudo as práticas de CRM, apresentando como objetivo geral o desenvolvimento de um modelo de fidelização para clientes no setor de serviços de saúde. Este trabalho caracteriza-se como sendo uma pesquisa exploratória de abordagem qualitativa, utilizando a pesquisa bibliográfica como procedimento para alcance do objetivo geral. A partir da revisão bibliográfica foi desenvolvido um modelo capaz de contribuir para fidelização e a satisfação dos clientes de serviços de saúde. Para consecução do trabalho foi necessário estabelecer objetivos estratégicos para cada fase do modelo e incorporar ferramentas compatíveis com a proposta da pesquisa, tais como o SERVQUAL, o modelo de Kano, os Fatores Críticos de Sucesso, com a finalidade de auxiliar o processo de aplicação do Modelo Proposto. Este trabalho mostrou-se relevante uma vez que identifica junto aos clientes os atributos que para eles são mais importantes, além de guiar as empresas de serviços de saúde quantos aos rumos a serem seguidos

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