Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Mate quality'

[Truncated abstract]Judgements of physical attractiveness are thought to reflect evolved preferences for a high quality mate. The central aim of this thesis was to investigate the hypothesis that female preferences are adaptations for finding good quality mates and that faces and bodies signal honest information about mate quality. To date, most human mate preference studies have examined face or body attractiveness alone, and many have created stimuli using computer graphic techniques. Throughout these studies, I endeavoured to maximise the biological relevance of my studies by incorporating both face and body attractiveness, and using photographs of individual participants. Most research on attractiveness has focused on faces or bodies separately, while our preferences have evolved based on both seen together. A fundamental requirement of studying face and body attractiveness independently is that there is no interaction between the two. My first study confirmed that the face and body did not interact when an overall attractiveness judgment was made. I also investigated the independent contributions of rated attractiveness of the face and the body to ratings of overall attractiveness. Face and body attractiveness each made significant independent contributions to overall attractiveness in males and females. For both sexes, facial attractiveness predicted overall attractiveness more strongly than did body attractiveness, and this difference was significant in males. ... This study indicates that although current levels of T covary with male mating success, this effect may not be mediated by women's preferences for visual cues to T levels conveyed in static face or body features. The fourth study in this thesis investigated the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis, which proposes that females obtain reliable information on male fertility from male expression of sexual traits. A previous study of Spanish men reported that facial attractiveness was positively associated with semen quality. I aimed to determine whether this effect was widespread by examining a large sample of Australian men. I also extended my study to determine whether cues to semen quality are provided by components of attractiveness: masculinity, averageness, and symmetry. I found no significant correlations between semen quality parameters and attractiveness or attractive traits. While male physical attractiveness may signal aspects of mate quality, my results suggest that phenotype-linked cues to male fertility may not be generalised across human populations. Together, these studies challenge current methodologies and theories of preferences for secondary sexual traits as honest signals of mate quality. The findings show that it is important to study human mate preferences in biologically relevant contexts, for example by using photographs of both faces and bodies, to maximise the real life application of results. In addition, the findings suggest that male attractiveness does not signal cues to testosterone or semen quality, although testosterone is associated with mating success. The implications of these findings and possible avenues for future research are discussed.

Thesis (PH.D.)--Michigan State University. Zoology Ecology, Evolutionay Biology, and Behavior, 2008.
Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Aug. 11, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-72). Also issued in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007.
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 title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on February 29, 2008) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

O uso de extrato de plantas na suplementação tem sido considerado uma potencial alternativa para melhorar a estabilidade redox da carne. Alguns compostos bioativos presentes nos extratos de plantas atuam como antioxidantes e podem melhorar a saúde e o bem estar do animal e proteger a carne da oxidação. Propriedades farmacológicas e efeitos antioxidantes têm sido demonstrados em extratos de lúpulo e erva mate. Porém, os efeitos do uso de extrato de lúpulo e de erva mate como suplemento em dieta animal no perfil metabólico e na estabilidade redox da carne ainda não foram reportados. A adição de 0,5%, 1,0% e 1,5% de extrato de erva mate a uma ração composta de milho e soja destinada à alimentação de gado resultou no aumento da concentração de inosina monofosfato, creatina, carnosina e ácido linoléico conjugado na carne. A tendência à formação de radicais livres em homogenatos de carne diminuiu conforme aumentou o teor de erva mate na ração indicando um aumento da resistência da carne à oxidação. A adição de extrato de lúpulo (0, 30 ppm, 60 ppm e 240 ppm) à ração de frangos de corte promoveu efeitos significativos na concentração média de metabólitos polares que são de relevância para a qualidade da carne. As maiores diferenças nos perfis metabólicos entre o grupo controle (sem suplemento) e as amostras de carne de frango que foi alimentado com ração suplementada com β-ácidos foram obtidas usando 30 ppm de lupulonas na dieta. Como determinado pela técnica de spin-trapping, uma maior estabilidade redox foi observada nas amostras relacionadas aos animais alimentados com 30 ppm de lupulonas e podem ser relacionadas a um maior nível de antioxidantes endógenos, especialmente anserina, carnosina e NADH. Miosina e actina demonstraram ser os alvos principais da oxidação de proteínas em carne de frango. As proteínas miofibrilares de animais alimentos com β-ácidos mostraram ser menos susceptíveis à oxidação quando comparado ao grupo controle. Extratos de mate e de β-ácidos demonstraram ser aditivos promissores para dieta animal de gado e frango, respectivamente, e podem melhorar a estabilidade oxidativa, o valor nutricional, a qualidade sensorial e a aceitação da carne.
The use of plant extracts in animal feeding trials has been considered as a potential alternative to improve the redox stability of meat. Bioactive compounds from plant extracts can provide the antioxidative mechanisms required to improve animal health and welfare and, to protect meat against oxidation. Pharmacological properties and antioxidant effects have been associated to the extract of hops and to the extracts of yerba mate. However, the effects of hops and yerba mate as dietary supplement for animal feeding on the metabolic profile and the redox stability of meat have not been reported yet. Addition of extract of mate to a standard maize/soy feed at a level of 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5% to the diet of feedlot for cattle resulted in an increased level of inosine monophosphate, creatine, carnosine and of conjugated linoleic acid in the fresh meat. The tendency to radical formation in meat slurries as quantified by EPR spin-trapping decreased for increasing mate extract addition to feed especially after storage of the meat indicating an increased resistance to oxidation for meat. Addition of hops extract at different levels (0, 30 ppm, 60 ppm, 240 ppm) to the diet of broilers demonstrated to have significant effects on the averaged concentration of polar metabolites that are of relevance for meat quality. The major metabolic differences between control group (no supplements) and broilers fed different levels of β-acids were achieved using 30 ppm of supplement. As determined by EPR spin-trapping, increased redox stability was obtained in the samples referring to the animals fed 30 ppm of lupulones and may be related to the highest level of endogenous antioxidants, especially anserine, carnosine and NADH. Myosin and actin were recognized as the main targets of protein oxidation in meat. Myofibrillar proteins from animals fed with hops β-acids showed to be less susceptible to oxidation when compared to control group. Mate and hops β-acids extracts demonstrated to be promising additives to feedlot for, respectively, cattle and broilers and can improve the oxidative stability, nutritive value, sensory quality, and consumer acceptance of meat.

Sexual selection shaped psychological mechanisms in both sexes to assess potential mates for evidence of mate quality (Buss, 2005). Attraction preferences are one such mechanism (Sugiyama, 2005) and physical attraction preferences are sensitive to fitness-promoting traits present in a potential mate. Physically attractive traits are thought to act as signals of good genetic quality (Neff & Pitcher, 2005) and are preferred because of the advantage such quality bestows towards reproductive success. Specifically, genetic quality is proposed to be a biological requirement necessary for physically attractive traits to develop and be maintained (Johnstone & Grafen, 1993). Furthermore, genetic quality is heritable to offspring, thereby increasing offspring reproductive success (Orr, 2009). All mating decisions inherently involve trade-offs due to costs inflicted on time and resources when choosing a long-term mate. Assessing a mate for genetic quality is imperative to ensuring one selects a quality mate with heritable fitness benefits towards offspring reproductive success (Buss, 2005). In order to minimize costs and maximize benefits when making mate selection decisions, humans use multiple and redundant signals of mate quality (Fink & Penton-Voak, 2002; Møller & Pomiankowski, 1993). Accordingly, this study supposed that siblings act as redundant signals of genetic quality that would factor into mating decisions. Because genetic quality is heritable (Houle, 1991) and visible through physical attractiveness (Thornhill & Gangestad, 1999), this study explored the possibility that knowledge of relatedness influenced attractiveness judgments of human faces. Supporting the main hypothesis of the current study, siblings affected judgments of physical attractiveness for target faces. Analyses showed this effect to be driven entirely by female raters for both male [t(62)=3.87, p<.001] and female [t(61)=2.24, p=.029] target faces. Secondary analyses examining the effects of sibling pair attractiveness differences (low vs. high) showed that relatedness significantly increased female ratings of facial attractiveness for both low and high facially attractive male and low facially attractive female target faces. Results offer two possible conclusions as to the role relatedness may serve in mate quality assessments that align with parental investment as well as kin selection assumptions.

[Truncated abstract] The assumption that facial attractiveness signals mate quality is central to current evolutionary theories of human sexual selection. Evidence for direct links between attractiveness and mate quality is, however, scarce, and the exact nature of mate quality remains the subject of debate. Mate quality may include genetic diversity, because genome-wide diversity has been linked to individual fitness, and diversity within the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) has been associated with immunocompetence and health in many species. This thesis investigates whether individual genetic diversity plays a role in human sexual selection. The main aim is to examine whether MHC diversity, compared to genetic diversity in general, is especially important for mate preferences, health and mating success. The four studies herein are based on data collected from a large sample of heterosexual, Caucasian males and females. Participants were photographed, provided a DNA sample, and completed questionnaires regarding sexual history and health. Genetic diversity was calculated as both mean heterozygosity (H) and standardised mean-d2 (d2), separately for 12 MHC microsatellite loci and 11 nonMHC loci. The photographs were rated for various attractive features by opposite-sex raters. The first study investigated whether MHC diversity influences preferences for facial appearance in a potential mate, and if so, are they specific to the MHC and are they mediated by specific facial characteristics? I found that MHC-H, but not nonMHCH, positively predicted male facial attractiveness, and that this relationship was mediated by facial averageness. For females, nonMHC-d2 predicted facial symmetry, and potentially attractiveness. These findings indicate that faces contain visual cues to mate quality in both males and females, providing support for evolutionary theories that our preferences are adaptations for identifying mates of high quality. ... Measuring them both allowed me to tease apart their effects on mate preferences, and on health and mating success. Indeed, the MHC appears to be especially important in sexual selection as MHC diversity predicted female mate preferences after controlling for nonMHC diversity, and MHC dissimilarity predicted male mate preferences after controlling for nonMHC dissimilarity. Moreover, although MHC diversity did not appear to influence males’ preference for females, it did predict female mating success, suggesting that males also attend to MHC-related cues, although perhaps non-facial cues, when seeking mates. Additionally, nonMHC diversity predicted both male preferences for female faces and health, suggesting that such preferences are adaptive. Importantly, by providing direct links between facial attractiveness and biological markers of individual quality, genetic diversity, these results support the commonly held assumption that facial attractiveness signals mate quality.

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The herb mate is a Brazilian tree species from the South and Midwestern of Brazil. The quality of its product is determine by its answers to ecophysiological stress, since it is a climax plant which natural habitat is a microenvironment sheltered by larger arboreal extracts. The use of herb mate leaves and branches as chimarrão and tererê beverages are the best-known and popularized ones in the Southern states of Brazil. Currently, there has been a strong competition from more profitable annual crops expanding, and a growing demand for pharmaceutical and food industries due to its rich composition in phenolic compounds and antioxidants, which concentration depends on the production environment condition, resulting in prices increase of the products obtained and the demand for more favorable environment to high quality. Thus, more appropriate cultivation and handling practices are necessary to different micrometeorological conditions, depending on the region and time of year. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecophysiological responses of herb mate under different levels of shading, concerning the effect of soil cover by plant residues, and mechanical stress resulting from the increase of wind speed. Two experiments were conduct with the DF /UFSM. In experiment one, conducted with young plants of herb mate, the field, the land cover factor (covered and bared soil) and the percentage factor of plants shading (0, 18, 35 and 50%) were evaluated in a completely randomized design. Each sample consisted of 12 plants of a progeny with four replications. In experiment 2, conducted in field by taking advantage of a side protection structure of an old greenhouse, the shading factors were tested (18 and 35%) and wind speed (natural ( 0), 2, 4 and 6 m s-1), being tht each sample had 12 plants in three repetitions. Ventilation was generated by portable fans of different powers. The results showed that the soil cobetura is beneficial for young plants having an increased height, the number of sprouts and more intense staining green hue. The shading of 35 and 50% had higher gain in dry mass, higher leaf area, more intense green color and increased stomatal opening. As the phytochemical composition the concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids was higher in sombremamentos getting 35% higher antioxidant capacity. The application of forced ventilation reduced the number of shoots and stomatal opening, and the leaves were less intense green color and slightly altering the phytochemical composção of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. Young erveiras have better establishment to higher growth and better development with greater accumulation of phytochemicals compounds covered soils with partial shading of 50% and places with little wind.
A erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) é uma planta arbórea nativa do Sul e Centro-Oeste brasileiro. A qualidade de seu produto é determinada pelas respostas dessa planta a estresses ecofisiológicos, por tratar-se de uma planta climácica em que seu habitat natural é um microambiente abrigado por extratos arbóreos maiores. A utilização das folhas e ramos da erva-mate como chimarrão e tererê são os mais conhecidos e popularizados nos estados da região Sul do Brasil. Atualmente observa-se uma forte competição com culturas anuais mais rentáveis em expansão e uma demanda crescente pela indústria farmacêutica e alimentícia, devido a sua composição rica em compostos fenólicos e antioxidantes, cuja concentração depende da condição do ambiente de produção, resultando em aumento dos preços dos produtos obtidos e na procura do ambiente mais favorável à alta qualidade. Assim, são necessárias práticas de cultivo e manejo mais adequadas às diferentes condições micrometeorológicas, decorrentes da região e da época do ano. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de avaliar as respostas fenométricas e qualidade da erva-mate sob diferentes níveis de sombreamento, quanto ao efeito da cobertura do solo por restos vegetais e ao estresse mecânico ocasionado pelo aumento da velocidade do vento. Foram conduzidos dois experimentos junto ao Departamento de Fitotecnia UFSM. No experimento 1 conduzido com plantas jovens de erva-mate, a campo, avaliou-se o fator cobertura do solo (solo coberto e desnudo) e o fator percentual de sombreamento das plantas (0, 18, 35 e 50%) em um delineamento inteiramente causualizado. Cada parcela se constituiu de 12 plantas de um progênie, com 4 repetições. No experimento 2, conduzido a campo com uma estrutura de proteção lateral foram, testados os fatores sombreamento (18 e 35%) e o velocidade do vento (natural ( 0), 2, 4 e 6 m s-1), sendo cada parcela constituída por 12 plantas, em três repetições. A ventilação foi gerada por ventiladores portateis de diferentes potências. Os resultados demonstraram que a cobetura do solo é benéfica para as plantas jovens havendo um aumento na altura, no número de brotos e coloração com tonalidade verde mais intenso. Os sombreamentos de 35 e 50% apresentaram maior ganho na massa seca, maior área foliar, cor verde mais intensa e aumento da abertura estomática. Quanto a composição fitoquímica a concentração de polifenóis e flavonoides foi maior nos sombremamentos 35% obtendo maior capacidade antioxidante. A aplicação da ventilação forçada reduziu o número de brotos e a abertura estomática, sendo que as folhas apresentaram coloração verde menos intensa e pouco alterando a composção fitoquímica dos compostos fenólicos e flavonoides e a capacidade antioxidante. As erveiras jovens possuem uma melhor estabelecimento com maior crescimento e melhor desenvolvimento com maior acúmulo de compostos fitoquímicos em solos cobertos, com sombreamento parcial de até 50% e locais com pouco vento.

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Fundação Araucária de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Paraná
A erva mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. -Hil.), utilizada como bebida tônica e estimulante. O grande interesse na erva mate deve-se aos compostos químicos presentes, o que leva a uma crescente busca pelo conhecimento científico. Caracterizar comparativamente amostras de erva mate comercializada tipo chimarrão, bem como sua infusão, produzida nos estados da região sul do Brasil, a fim de propor critérios de confiabilidade do produto foi o objetivo deste trabalho. As análises físicoquímicas apresentaram valores médios para os parâmetros de cor de 44,11 a 61,79 para luminosidade, -3,33 a 1,28 para a* e 7,56 a 21,12 para b*. A atividade água apresentou valores médios de 0,32 a 0,68. A porcentagem de umidade na matéria seca ficou entre 3,3 a 9% e o teor de cinzas em matéria seca variou entre 3,5% a 6,3%, para a cafeína foram encontrados valores entre 4,4 a 13,5 mg g-1 para teobromina 0,48 a 3,55 mg g-1 e para os minerais, Na (sódio) 6,33 a 12 mg g-1 , Zn (zinco) 0,20 a 0,66 mg g-1 , K(potássio) 101 a 209 mg g-1 , e para o Mg(magnésio) três amostras do Rio Grande do Sul e uma de Santa Catarina apresentaram valores muito superiores a média geral. A partir dos resultados encontrados e considerando os parâmetros nos quais houve diferença significativa entre as regiões de produção no sul do Brasil, podem ser propostos como novos critérios de confiabilidade como parâmetros de cor, atividade água, umidade, cinzas.
The yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A. St. -Hil.), used as a drink tonic and stimulant. The great interest in yerba mate due to chemical compounds present, which leads to a growing quest for scientific knowledge. To characterize compared samples of yerba mate marketed chimarrão type, as well as its infusion, produced in the southern region of Brazil, in order to propose criteria for the reliability of the product was the objective of this work.The physicochemical analyzes showed average values for the parameters of color from 44.11 to 61.79 for brightness, -3,33 the 1.28 to a* e 7.56 to 21.12 of b*. The water activity presented mean values of 0.32 to 0.68.The percentage of moisture in dry matter was between 3.3 to 9%, and the ash content in dry matter ranged from 3.5% to 6.3%,for the caffeine were found values ranging from 4.4 to 13.5 mg g-1 for theobromine 0.48 to 3.55 mg g-1 and for minerals, (sodium) 6.33 the 12 mg g-1 , zinc (Zn) 0.20 to 0.66 mg g-1, K (potassium) 101 to 209 mg g-1 , and the Mg (magnesium) three samples of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina presented values much higher than the overall average.From the results found and considering the parameters in which there was a significant difference between the production regions in southern Brazil, may be proposed as new criteria of reliability as parameters of color, water activity, moisture, ash.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
This work was aimed at evaluating the effect of the exposure to stressing ammonia and oxygen levels in vivo as well as the effect of the treatment with erva-mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis) post mortem on the lipid stability of fillets of dourado (Salminus brasiliensis). The influence of different levels of ammonia and oxygen on the proximate composition, fatty acid composition and lipid peroxidation of dourado fillets, as well as on the stability of these fillets during the frozen storage (12 months at -7±1oC) was evaluated. The effect of erva-mate extract on lipid and colour changes of raw fillets of dourado during the frozen storage and on the sensory characteristics and lipid oxidation of cooked dourado fillets during chilled storage was also evaluated. The exposure of dourado during 15 days at high ammonia concentration (0.1 mg/L) affected the composition of fillets, while the exposure to high oxygen (> 6.0 mg/L) increased the value of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) measured immediately after slaughtering. However, the in vivo exposure to stressing ammonia and oxygen levels for 12 hours, did not change TBARS formation during the frozen storage. A 12-hours exposure to high ammonia increased the susceptibility of fillets to lipid oxidation during the frozen storage (higher conjugated dienes and peroxides values). On the other hand, the exposure to low oxygen concentration (4.5 mg/L) did not increase the lipid oxidation of fillets. The aqueous 10% (w/v) erva-mate extract had an antioxidant capacity equivalent to 25.8 mg trolox/mL extract in the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The treatment of dourado fillets with this extract (fillets dipped in the extract for 1 min) reduced the colour changes during frozen storage (lower changes in luminosity and hue values) and the fillets treated with erva-mate extract had lower increase of free fatty acids, conjugated dienes and TBARS values during the frozen storage (12 meses at - 7±1oC). The treatment of dourado fillets with aqueous crude 10 or 20% erva-mate extract did not modify the taste, but caused important changes in the colour (decrease of luminosity and increase in the yellowness) of cooked dourado fillets. Since crude erva-mate extract changed the colour, it was decided to purify the extract in order to eliminate chlorophyll and other pigments. Liquid-liquid partition yielded a clear upper phase with antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging assay (1.2 vs. 0.7 mg trolox equivalents/ml extract, upper phase vs. lower phase). The purified erva-mate extract reduced peroxides, but had no significant effect on the content of TBARS of cooked dourado fillets during chilled storage (6 dias at 7±1oC). No effect of ammonia or oxygen was observed on the fatty acid composition. Similarly, there was no effect of the frozen storage or of the treatment with erva-mate extract. The results indicate that the exposure to high ammonia levels increased the susceptibility of fillets to lipid oxidation during the frozen storage. In addition, ervamate had antioxidant activity in frozen fillets and some protective effect against lipid oxidation of cooked dourado fillets under chilling storage. This demonstrates the possible use of erva-mate to extend the shelf-life of fish fillets.
Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da exposição in vivo a concentrações estressantes de amônia e oxigênio na água e do tratamento com extrato de erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) post mortem sobre a estabilidade lipídica de filés de dourado (Salminus brasiliensis). Foi avaliada a influência de diferentes níveis de amônia e oxigênio sobre a composição centesimal, composição de ácidos graxos e a peroxidação lipídica de filés de dourado, assim como a estabilidade desses filés durante o armazenamento congelado (12 meses a -7±1oC). Avaliou-se também o efeito do extrato de erva-mate sobre alterações lipídicas e de cor de filés crus de dourado durante o armazenamento congelado e sobre as características sensoriais e a oxidação lipídica de filés cozidos de dourado durante o armazenamento refrigerado. A exposição do dourado durante 15 dias a alta concentração de amônia (0,1 mg/L) afetou a composição dos filés e a exposição a alto oxigênio (>6,0 mg/L) aumentou os valores de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS) medidos logo após o abate. No entanto, a exposição in vivo a níveis estressantes de amônia e oxigênio por 12 horas, não afetou a formação de TBARS durante o armazenamento congelado. A exposição durante 12 horas à alta amônia aumentou à susceptibilidade dos filés a oxidação lipídica durante o armazenamento congelado (maiores valores de dienos conjugados e peróxidos). Por outro lado, a exposição à baixa concentração de oxigênio (4.5 mg/L) não aumentou a taxa de oxidação lipídica dos filés. O extrato aquoso de erva-mate 10% (p/v) apresentou uma capacidade antioxidante equivalente a 25,8 mg trolox/ml extrato no ensaio de remoção do radical DPPH. O tratamento dos filés com este extrato (filés mergulhados por 1 min no extrato) reduziu as alterações de cor durante o armazenamento congelado (menor alteração de luminosidade e ângulo de matiz) e os filés tratados com o extrato de erva-mate apresentaram menor aumento nos valores de ácidos graxos livres, dienos conjugados e TBARS durante o congelamento (12 meses a -7±1oC). O tratamento dos filés de dourado com extrato bruto de erva-mate (10 e 20%) não alterou o sabor, mas provocou importantes alterações de cor (redução na luminosidade e aumento na tendência ao amarelo) dos filés cozidos de dourado. Como o extrato bruto alterou a cor, decidiu-se purificar o extrato de erva-mate para eliminar a clorofila e outros pigmentos através de partição líquido-líquido, obtendo-se uma fase superior límpida com atividade antioxidante no ensaio de remoção do radical DPPH (1,2 vs. 0,7 mg equivalentes de trolox/ml extrato, fase superior vs. fase inferior). O extrato purificado de erva-mate reduziu o valor de peróxidos, sem efeito significativo no conteúdo de TBARS de filés cozidos de dourado durante a armazenagem refrigerada (6 dias a 7±1oC). Não foi observado efeito da amônia ou do oxigênio sobre a composição de ácidos graxos, da mesma maneira que não houve influência do armazenamento congelado ou do tratamento com extrato de erva-mate. Os resultados indicam que a exposição a altos teores de amônia aumentou à susceptibilidade dos filés a oxidação lipídica durante o armazenamento congelado e a erva-mate apresentou atividade antioxidante nos filés congelados e certa proteção contra a oxidação de filés de dourado cozidos e armazenados sob refrigeração. Isto demonstra o possível uso da erva-mate para estender a vida útil de filés de pescados.

Chez les espèces où mâles et femelles portent des traits voyants et élaborés, les traits observés chez les femelles peuvent être des sous-produits non-fonctionnels de la sélection sexuelle exercée sur les traits mâles ou alors être directement soumis à la sélection. Cette thèse a eu pour objectif de tester l'hypothèse de sélection sexuelle chez les femelles de Mésange bleue (Cyanistes caeruleus) sur trois traits présents chez le mâle et la femelle : (1) la coloration structurelle UV/bleue de la tête, (2) la coloration jaune basée sur les caroténoïdes de la poitrine et (3) l'agressivité. Pour cela, nous avons testé expérimentalement (1) le lien entre les traits colorés et le transfert de composants potentiellement bénéfiques dans les ufs, (2) la condition-dépendance des traits colorés, (3) l'utilisation de la coloration du plumage dans les interactions femelle-femelle et (4) le lien entre l'agressivité des femelles et leur investissement dans la reproduction. Enfin, nous avons exploré le rôle potentiel des couleurs femelles dans le choix de partenaires mâle en testant le lien entre la couleur UV/bleue des femelles et le nombre de jeunes issus de copulations hors couple et l'appariement selon la couleur bleue et jaune dans notre population. Nos résultats suggèrent (1) qu'il existe un lien entre la qualité maternelle et la coloration de leur plumage, (2) que les couleurs UV/bleues et jaune du plumage sont conditions-dépendants, (3) que les UV/bleus de la tête sont utilisés comme badge de statut dans les interactions femelle-femelle, (4) qu'il pourrait exister un compromis entre l'agressivité femelle et son investissement dans la reproduction et (5) qu'il existe un potentiel choix mutuel de partenaires basés sur les couleurs. Au final, cette thèse a ainsi permis de mettre en évidence que chez une espèce où mâles et femelles sont ornementés, les traits colorés femelles ont le potentiel d'évoluer sous l'effet direct de la sélection sexuelle
In mutually ornamented species, female conspicuous traits could be non-functional by-products of sexual selection acting on male traits or could be directly under selection. The aim of this PhD was to test the hypothesis of sexual selection in Blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) females on three traits present in both males and females: (1) the structural coloration of the UV/blue crown, (2) the yellow chest coloration based on carotenoids and (3) aggressiveness. To do so, we experimentally tested (1) the links between plumage coloration and the transfer of potentially beneficial components in egg yolks, (2) the condition-dependence of the plumage coloration, (3) the use of the plumage coloration in female-female interactions and (4) the link between female aggressiveness and investment in reproduction. Finally, we explored the role of female plumage coloration in male mate choice by testing the link between female UV/blue crown coloration and the n umber of extra-pair young in the nest and by estimating whether the individuals were assortatively mated in respect of their yellow and blue coloration in the studied population. Our results suggest that (1) there is a link between female plumage coloration and maternal quality, (2) plumage UV/blue and yellow coloration is condition-dependant, (3) the UV/blue crown is used as a badge of status in female-female interactions, (4) there could be a trade-off between female aggressiveness and female investment in reproduction and (5) there is a potential mutual mate choice based on both coloration. So, this PhD supports the hypothesis that in a mutually ornamented species, female ornaments are potentially under direct sexual selection

Background: Research concerning sexual selection suggests that ornaments and traits convey information that is valuable to observers when making decisions based on adaptive problems. In the animal kingdom males perform dynamic courtship displays and females assess such displays when choosing a mate. In humans however this avenue of research is in its infancy but an emerging field of study has sought to find out if dance movements, which are thought to be courtship displays, provide observers with condition dependent information. Objectives: i) To create a methodology that records dance movements with high accuracy whilst eliminating structural cues known to influence mate choice decisions while maintaining a highly realistic human form. ii) Use this methodology to assess whether traits of interest (health, fitness, strength and age) can be detected by observers. iii) To establish if particular movements are mediating perceptions of dance quality and their condition. Methods: A cutting edge motion capture system and professional animation software was used to record dances. Each male dancer either provided information on his health status, physical fitness, strength or age. Dance animations were shown to observers and their perceptions were correlated against the traits of interest. These were also correlated against basic biomechanical characteristics to establish possible mediators. Results: It was revealed that whilst health measures were not related to dance ratings, strength measures were and these perceptions were mediated by movements of the upper body. A final study found that age was detectable by male participants and related to masculinity ratings of female raters but no biomechanical mediators were found. Conclusion: Men and women are able to derive certain quality cues from observing male dance and in some instances biomechanical characteristics mediated this relationship. This provides evidence that dance may be used in the assessment of males in the context of sexual selection.

The present thesis is aimed at analyzing the concept of quality and at dis-cussing, in a unified manner, its role not only in operations management but also in strategic thinking. It criticizes the widespread view that quality is meeting the client’s needs and expectations in such a way that the gap between perceptions and expectations is minimized. Essentially it develops a systematic proposal in order to understand the concept on the intui-tive basis that quality is tantamount to how well something works for a given purpose. The analysis is based on the fact that anytime that the quality concept is used there are actors that carry out an action with the help of a means—thus quality is a particular sort of means-ends fitness. Roughly speaking, the quality of a means is its capability to improve the expected conse-quences of the action. The analysis shows under which conditions this conclusion can be understood in terms of multi-attribute preference orderings under uncertainty—some ideas from decision theory, which are required in order to do that, are presented. In short, whether the expected consequences improve or not depends on an assumed preference ordering that has to be correct given the actors’ circumstances and purposes—but it may be distinct from the actual preferences of many individual actors. Quality is neither subjective (it does not change depending on the psychological processes of any particular individual) nor objective (in a sense, it depends on action and cognition), but it is relative to a given set of reference preferences. Some conditions apply to what it counts as a means, how it relates to an end, which attributes are relevant to assess consequences, or which reference preferences are well-formed. In particular, I discuss to which kind of means the concept is properly applied. As a complement, a basic model of means-ends relationships (built on several properties of Boolean functions) is presented. At a slightly more technical level, it shows relevant insights, but strictly speaking it is not required in order to understand the rest of the thesis. Quality appears in management under two interrelated forms: (a) or-ganizations’ interventions in the quality of what they use and provide and (b) organizations’ initiatives to compete through quality. (a) The basic structure behind quality management is examined under the lens of the quality concept’s analysis. The following issues are dis-cussed: setting quality criteria, product design, process design, onsite planning, onsite control, standardization, product improvement, process improvement and rethinking reference preferences. (b) The role of quality on competitive advantage and sustainable profit-ability depends on how quality relates to entry barriers. I show different ways in which quality can interact (if it does) with product differentiation, experience effects, scope economies, reputation, capital requirements, access to distribution channels, switching costs, legal barriers or scale economies. The strength of quality as a driver of profitability is dis-cussed—the conclusion is that it is not easy to build sustainable competitive advantages on the basis of quality alone and that its complementary role in competition has several aspects that are needed to be taken into account. Finally, the particular example of how the quality concept works in re-lation to information flows is treated in some detail. Information flows are processes that move information from the firm’s inner or outer environ-ment to actions. Decisive factors of its quality (basically, information asymmetries and coherence) are discussed. Two actual case studies are presented. The example of information flows is aimed at showing the mo-tivation for a general analysis of the quality concept beyond sloganlike statements about clients, products, perceptions and expectations.
La tesis tiene como objetivo analizar el concepto de calidad y discutir de forma unificada su papel tanto en la dirección de operaciones como en el pensamiento estratégico. El trabajo argumenta en contra de la opinión generalizada de que la calidad es satisfacer las necesidades y expectativas del cliente de tal manera que la diferencia entre percepciones y expectativas se reduzca. Se desarrolla una propuesta sistemática con el fin de entender el concepto sobre la base intuitiva de que la calidad se relaciona con lo bien que funcionan las cosas para un fin determinado. El análisis se basa en el hecho de que cualquier uso del concepto de calidad supone que hay actores que realizan una acción con la ayuda de un medio. En consecuencia, la calidad es un tipo particular de relación entre medios y fines. En términos generales, la calidad de un medio es su capacidad para mejorar las consecuencias esperadas de la acción. El análisis muestra cómo ésta conclusión puede entenderse en términos de preferencias multiatributo bajo condiciones de incertidumbre. Que las consecuencias sean mejores o no depende de suponer una relación de preferencias que debe ser correcta dados los propósitos y circunstancias de los actores, pero que puede ser distinta de las preferencias reales de muchos actores individuales. La calidad no es subjetiva (no cambia en función de los procesos psicológicos de un individuo en particular) ni objetiva (en cierto sentido, depende de la acción y la cognición), sino que es relativa a ciertas preferencias de referencia. En la tesis se estudia qué se considera un medio, cómo se relaciona con un fin, qué atributos son relevantes, cuándo las preferencias de referencia están bien formadas, y a qué tipo de medios tiene sentido aplicar el concepto. Como complemento, se presenta un modelo simple (construido a partir de propiedades de las funciones booleanas) sobre relaciones medios-fines. El concepto de calidad aparece en la gestión bajo dos formas interrelacionadas: (a) las actividades de las organizaciones para intervenir en la calidad de lo que utilizan y proporcionan, y (b) las iniciativas para competir a través de la calidad. (a) Las actividades básicas de la gestión de la calidad se examinan bajo la perspectiva del análisis del concepto: definición de criterios de calidad, diseño de productos, diseño de procesos, planificación operativa, control, estandarización, mejora del producto, mejora de procesos, y redefinición de las preferencias de referencia. (b) El papel de la calidad en la rentabilidad y la ventaja competitiva sostenibles depende de cómo la calidad se relaciona con las barreras de entrada. El trabajo trata diferentes formas en que la calidad puede interactuar con la diferenciación del producto, los efectos de aprendizaje, las economías de alcance, la reputación, los requisitos de capital, el acceso a canales de distribución, los efectos red, las barreras legales o las economías de escala. Se argumenta que no es fácil de construir ventajas competitivas sostenibles solamente sobre la base de la calidad; su papel complementario en otras estrategias competitivas tiene varios aspectos a considerar. Por último, se trata el ejemplo concreto de la calidad de los flujos de información (procesos que mueven información desde el entorno hasta las decisiones para modificarlo). Se estudian, y se ilustran mediante dos casos reales, los factores decisivos de su calidad: la coherencia y las asimetrías en la información. El ejemplo de la información tiene por objetivo mostrar la necesidad de un análisis del concepto de calidad más allá de exhortaciones sobre clientes, productos, percepciones y expectativas.
L’objectiu de la tesi és analitzar el concepte de qualitat i discutir de forma unificada el seu paper tant en la direcció d'operacions com en el pensament estratègic. El treball argumenta en contra de l'opinió generalitzada de que la qualitat consisteix en satisfer les necessitats i expectatives del client de manera que la diferència entre percepcions i expectatives es redueixi. Es desenvolupa una proposta sistemàtica per tal d'entendre el concepte sobre la base intuïtiva de que la qualitat es relaciona amb com de bé funcionen les coses per una finalitat determinada. L'anàlisi es basa en el fet que qualsevol ús del concepte de qualitat suposa que hi ha actors que realitzen una acció amb l'ajuda d'un mitjà. En conseqüència, la qualitat és un tipus particular de relació entre mitjans i fins. En termes generals, la qualitat d'un mitjà és la seva capacitat per millorar les conseqüències esperades de l'acció. L'anàlisi mostra com aquesta conclusió es pot entendre en termes de preferències multiatribut sota condicions d'incertesa. Que les conseqüències siguin millors o no depèn de suposar una relació de preferències que ha de ser correcta donats els propòsits i circumstàncies dels actors, però que pot ser diferent de les preferències reals de molts actors individuals. La qualitat no és subjectiva (no canvia en funció dels processos psicològics d'un individu en particular) ni objectiva (en certa manera, depèn de l'acció i la cognició), sinó que és relativa a certes preferències de referència. En la tesi s'estudia què es considera un mitjà, com es relaciona amb un fi, quins atributs són rellevants, quan les preferències de referència estan ben formades, i a quin tipus de mitjans té sentit aplicar el concepte. Com a complement, es presenta un model simple (construït a partir de propietats de les funcions booleanes) sobre les relacions entre mitjans i fins. El concepte de qualitat apareix en la gestió sota dues formes interrelacionades: (a) les activitats de les organitzacions per intervenir en la qualitat d’allò que fan servir i proporcionen, i (b) les iniciatives per competir a través de la qualitat. (a) Les activitats bàsiques de la gestió de la qualitat s'examinen sota la perspectiva de l'anàlisi del concepte: definició de criteris de qualitat, disseny de productes, disseny de processos, planificació operativa, control, estandardització, millora del producte, millora de processos , i redefinició de les preferències de referència. (b) El paper de la qualitat en la rendibilitat i l'avantatge competitiu sostenibles depèn de com la qualitat es relaciona amb les barreres d'entrada. El treball tracta diferents formes en les que la qualitat pot interactuar amb la diferenciació del producte, els efectes d'aprenentatge, les economies d'abast, la reputació, els requisits de capital, l'accés a canals de distribució, els efectes xarxa, les barreres legals o les economies d'escala. S'argumenta que no és fàcil construir avantatges competitius sostenibles només sobre la base de la qualitat; el seu paper complementari en altres estratègies competitives té diversos aspectes a considerar. Finalment, es tracta l'exemple concret de la qualitat dels fluxos d'informació (processos que mouen informació des de l'entorn fins a les decisions per modificar). S'estudien, i s'il•lustren mitjançant dos casos reals, els factors decisius de la seva qualitat: la coherència i les asimetries en la informació. L'exemple de la informació té per objectiu mostrar la necessitat d'una anàlisi del concepte de qualitat més enllà d’exhortacions sobre clients, productes, percepcions i expectatives.

Se observa como la calidad de vida de las personas se ve afectada al tener que realizar muchas actividades, lo que ocasiona que se disponga de escaso tiempo para disfrutar con sus allegados. Asimismo, puede suceder que no se disponga de las habilidades propicias para ejecutar tareas en casa como gasfitería, cerrajería, pintura, limpieza o electricista. Por esta razón, es que se ha desarrollado un novedoso modelo de negocio basado en una aplicación, el cual ofrece simplicidad, seguridad y calidad en cada uno de sus servicios dirigidos al cuidado del hogar, al cual llamamos Make it Easy. Se pretende llegar al cliente final mediante una interacción cercana con ellos con la cual perciban atributos positivos de la marca, mediante acciones en redes sociales y activaciones en puntos estratégicos. Por su parte, respecto a la captación de nuestros técnicos se considera que esta es factible a través de anuncios en distintos lugares como grandes cadenas mejoramiento del hogar en los que se ofrece servicios relacionados o también grandes afiches ubicados en quioscos. Es preciso indicar que nuestro segmento a atender son personas del NSE A y B que viven en la zonas 6 y 7 de la ciudad de Lima, según la clasificación de APEIM; el cual nos brinda un mercado de S/. 13 659 651 del cual pretendemos, con una inversión inicial de S/. 65,409.67, obtener el 1%; así como también obtener un Valor Actual Neto de S/ 191,136.38 y una TIR de 94.2% proyectados a 3 años.
It is observed how the life quality of people is affected while having to carry out a large amount of activities leaving little time to enjoy with friends or family. Also, many times it can happen that you do not have the proper skills to perform tasks at home such as plumbing, locksmith, painting, cleaning or electrician. For this reason, we have developed a new business model, which offers simplicity, safety and quality in each of its services aimed at home care, which we call Make it Easy. It's intended to reach the final customer through a close interaction with them where they can perceive positive attributes of the brand, this will mainly be through actions on social networks and activations at strategic points. On the other hand, regarding the recruitment of our technicians it is considered that this is possible through advertisements in different places such as large home improvement chains in which related services are offered or also large posters located in kiosks. It is necessary to indicate that the segment to be attended are people from socioeconomic level A and B who live in zones 6 and 7 of the city of Lima, according to the APEIM classification; which gives us a market of S /. 13 659 651 of which we intend, with an initial investment of S /. 65,409.67, obtain 1%; as well as obtaining a Net Present value of S / 191,136.38 and an internal rate of return of 94.2% projected to 3 years.
Trabajo de investigación

Young adult women in their first and second year of college are a group more commonly impacted by health-related concerns associated with condom use. Due to lack of consistent condom use and the increase in sexual partners, STIs remain an epidemic. Various types of studies have been conducted to investigate condom use among women college students. One factor that may influence condom use is the partner relationship. The literature on safe sex practices shows a gap regarding relationship quality and its potential influence on condom use. Guided by the Fletcher et al. model and Sternberg's triangular theory of love, the goal of this study was to explore whether the likelihood of using condoms is influenced by relationship quality components. Using a sample of 85 women college students, relationship quality was examined using the Perceived Relationship Quality Components Inventory. Using a binary logistic regression model, no statistically significant associations among relationship satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, trust, passion, love, overall relationship quality and condom use were found. The findings in this study confirm the existing knowledge, that is, condom use trends and behaviors among young college women remain unpredictable. Limitations to the study include a small sample size, age of majority in Nebraska, and failure to screen for important demographics. For the future, longitudinal studies would offer insight into how condom use behaviors vary depending on fluctuations in relationship quality. This study has implications for positive social change: It suggests an emphasis on a relationship-focused approach to condom use behaviors when working with freshman and sophomore college women.

This study examined the relationships between math engagement, teacher quality, school factors, and math achievement in middle school students. This study used the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) data from the 2007 wave. The data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM). The results EFA and CFA showed that students’ engagement in math classrooms consists of three dimensions: behavior, cognition, and emotion. The results provided evidence in supporting the multidimensional theory of student engagement, and provided a well-developed instrument that could measure students’ math engagement. The findings of HLM analysis indicated that students’ emotional engagement had a positive association with math achievement. In addition, teacher content knowledge displayed a positive effect on achievement, and teacher subject knowledge preparation and students’ emotional engagement showed an interactional effect on achievement. What’s more, school SES was a significant factor that influences math achievement. The findings suggested that students’ math achievement was not only related to students’ engagement, but also varied across class and school level factors. The study had both theoretical and practical significance, providing valuable insights for math education and math learning.
Ph. D.

This thesis is of originality and value as it is the first piece of research to explore whether older male prisoners are satisfied with quality of life (QoL) and wellbeing and if the most appropriate prison regime for an older prison population could be identified. The thesis offers the most recent insight into the experience of being older in prison across three prison regimes, high secure, training, and open. A mixed methodology explored older male prisoners' satisfaction with QoL and wellbeing and is the first research study to adopt this approach with an older prison population. The mixed methodology consisted of two phases, the first phase, a quantitative questionnaire to assess QoL and wellbeing was circulated to all older male prisoners aged 50 years and over across three prison regimes. The quantitative results were then analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics. The second phase, qualitative interviews with older male prisoners and prison staff, explored their experiences of being older in prison and aspects of prison life that reduced and increased their satisfaction with QoL and wellbeing. Interviews were then analysed using thematic analysis. The main quantitative findings suggest older prisoners are more satisfied with their QoL and wellbeing in an open prison regime than training and high secure. The main qualitative findings illustrate aspects of humanity and the opportunity to promote positive identities contribute to a good QoL and high wellbeing in the older prison population. However, the experience of constraints within the prison regime limits older prisoners' potential and subsequently reduces their satisfaction with QoL and wellbeing. These original findings are discussed in reference to previous academic literature on older prisoners and recommendations for prison policy are made to ensure older male prisoners are located within an age appropriate prison regime that accentuates the positive aspects of being older in prison.

The purposes of this study were (1) to identify selected consumers' attitudes toward purchasing domestic- made shirts and those imported from a low-wage country, and (2) to evaluate the relative effects of price, brand name, and country-of-origin on perception of quality of menâ s dress shirts. A convenience sample of 120 male undergraduate students registered at Virginia Tech completed questionnaires in selected classes.

Research hypotheses that consumers' attitudes toward selected beneficial and imagery attributes would be more positive for domestic shirts than for imported shirts were supported in the single cue situation. The effects of price, brand name and country-of-origin on consumers' quality perception were significant with price and brand name slightly more important than country-of-origin. The interactions between price and country-of-origin, and between brand name and country-of-origin were not significant.

Master of Science

Major depressive disorder is a prevalent and serious mental health disorder that negatively affects individuals and their intimate relationships. Given little is known about the experience of depression for men, and the co-occurrence of male depression and marital discord, the current study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of spouses\' experience of male depression, and how depression affects their relationships. Using a stress generation perspective, this qualitative study interviewed depressed men and their partners about both partners\' experiences of male depression in their relationships and their experience of the relationship between marital discord and depression. Couples identified behaviors and aspects of their relationships that influenced the relation between depression and relationship quality and partially supported the applicability of stress generation theory among couples with a depressed male partner. In addition to partially supporting stress generation theory, couples highlighted several positive experiences in their relationships as a result of enduring these struggles together. The findings pointed to several clinical implications and areas of future research among this population.
Master of Science

It is generally assumed that the reproductive success of both males and females is not limited by the availability of ejaculates. However, when male ejaculate production is physiologically constrained, the maintenance of high fertility can be an important determinant of fitness. Under the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis, females can maximise their fertility by choosing mates on the basis of external phenotypic indicators (exaggerated sexual ornaments or displays) of male reproductive quality. I test the phenotype-linked fertility hypothesis in the stalk-eyed fly Cyrtodiopsis dalmanni, a species characterised by sexual dimorphism in the length of the eyestalks that project laterally from the head (eyespan). I demonstrate that females prefer large eyespan males as mates and exhibit higher fertility when housed with large eyespan males than when housed with small eyespan males. I also show that male eyespan predicts the growth rates and final sizes of the accessory glands and testes of males raised under different levels of nutritional stress. Thus male eyespan is a reliable indicator of male reproductive quality, and female preference for this trait can directly increase female fitness through fertility assurance. The higher fertility of large eyespan males is associated with the ability to copulate at a higher frequency rather than greater success on a per-mating basis. Using artificial selection experiments and behavioural observations, I provide evidence that male mating frequency is physiologically constrained by the size of the accessory glands. As eyespan reflects male accessory gland size, females can improve their chances of obtaining an ejaculate by choosing mates with large eyespan. Moreover, I show that males allocate larger ejaculates to females that offer a greater number of fertilisation opportunities. Based on my results, I have proposed a physiological mechanism for the signalling of male mating frequency by male eyespan mediated by circulating levels of juvenile hormone.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2003.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-77). Also available in electronic version. Access restricted to campus users.

As cidades industriais ainda mantêm estruturas para uma dinâmica de produção e consumo em massa, que resultam em vários problemas, como desemprego, falta de moradia, engarrafamentos, poluição, doenças, violência e entre outros. Esta configuração industrial urbana já não está mais condizente com os princípios de criação de valor do novo paradigma do século XXI. A dinâmica do novo paradigma técnico-econômico exige que as cidades resgatem sua própria essência, que é a de aproximar pessoas para interagirem e compartilhar ideias e conhecimentos de modo que seja possível iniciar um novo ciclo de criação de riqueza. Para superar essa crise e entrar nesta nova dinâmica, as cidades do futuro devem encontrar trajetórias adequadas para se tornarem cidades inteligentes. No entanto, não há consenso sobre o que realmente torna uma cidade mais inteligente. O que é uma cidade inteligente? Quais são os elementos que podem aumentar a inteligência de uma cidade? O objetivo deste estudo é propor uma estrutura integrada para entender o processo de tornar as cidades mais inteligentes Para atingir este objetivo, foi realizado uma revisão sistemática da literatura para definição do conceito e também um estudo de casos múltiplos de projetos de cidades inteligentes em quatro cidades europeias (Amsterdã, Barcelona, Lisboa, Viena) onde alguns especialistas foram entrevistados. Os resultados mostraram que as cidades para se tornarem mais inteligentes devem integrar suas dimensões e elementos, a fim de oferecer alta qualidade de vida e um ambiente próspero para inovação e criatividade da maneira mais sustentável. Se uma cidade deseja iniciar esse processo de transformação, deve desenvolver projetos específicos que utilizem e melhorem sua configuração ambiental urbana, sua dinâmica tecno-econômica e sua estrutura sócio institucional, a fim de criar riqueza através de um abrangente processo de inovação. Portanto, o desafio de tornar uma cidade mais inteligente está em definir como articular adequadamente esses elementos direcionadores de cada dimensão, a fim de construir seu próprio ecossistema urbano de inovação.
Industrial cities still maintain structures for a mass production and consumption dynamics, which result in several issues such as unemployment, homeless, traffic jams, pollution, diseases, violence and so on. This urban industrial configuration no longer fits with the value creation principles of the new techno-economic paradigm. The dynamics of the new techno-economic paradigm demand that cities redeem their very essence in order to start a new cycle of wealth creation. In order to overcome this crisis and encompass this new dynamics, cities of the future must find suitable trajectories to become smart cities. However, there is no consensus about what really makes a city smarter. What is a smart city? What are the driving elements that can enhance the smartness of a city? The objective of this study is to propose an integrated framework in order to understand the process to make cities smarter To achieve this objective, it was realized a systematic literature review and a multiple case studies from smart cities projects in four European cities (Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna) where some experts were interviewed. Results show that cities to become smarter should integrate their dimensions and elements in order to offer high quality of life and a prosperous environment for innovation and creativity in the most sustainable way. If a city wants to start this process of transformation, it should develop some specific projects that that use and improve its enviro-urban configuration, its techno-economic dynamics and its socio-institutional structure in order to create wealth through a comprehensive innovation process. Therefore, the challenge to make a city smarter lies on defining how to articulate those driving elements in each dimension properly in order to build up its own urban innovation ecosystem.

The aim the thesis was to investigate, the prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Moreover, we examine symptom severity and different levels of distress and describe how different symptoms from the lower urinary tract affect the self-assessed health, sadness, happiness and the quality of life in men.

The studies are based on two data collections. In the first data collection, all men aged 40 – 80 years (n=2571) living in the Swedish community received a postal questionnaire. Twelve months later, 504 men who had earlier reported LUTS and 504 who had not reported symptoms were asked to complete the DAN-PSS and the SF-36 questionnaires.

The overall prevalence of LUTS was 24%. Post-micturition dribbling (21%) was the most frequent symptom, and stress incontinence (2%) was the least frequent symptom. Urge incontinence, stress incontinence and “other” incontinence cause a high level of distress, even if the symptoms do not occur very often. Men experiencing mild, moderate or severe urge, stress or “other incontinence” had lower mean scores for all of the eight dimensions measured by the SF-36 than men without the same symptoms. Men experiencing a moderate/severe degree of weak stream or nocturia reported a poorer quality of life in all dimensions compared to men with a mild level of the same symptoms. The total burden of moderate/severe LUTS is related to self-assessed health, sadness and happiness. For each of the 12 specific LUTS, men with mild, moderate or severe symptoms had lower scores for self-assessed health and happiness, and higher scores for self-assessed sadness, than men without the same symptoms.

In conclusions, one of every four men reports LUTS. Urinary incontinence causes high level of distress even to men who experience this symptom rarely. LUTS have a negative impact on quality of life, health, sadness and happiness.

In Malawian agriculture, the use of compost as a soil amendment has received much attention over the last few decades. Despite this, little is known about the commonly practiced composting systems in Malawi and their potential in mitigating soil fertility problems experienced by smallholder farmers. This study characterized the Changu (turned and watered regularly) and Chimato (covered with mud and static) systems and investigated optimum conditions required for effective composting. It further investigated nutrient release characteristics of the composts from these systems and their impact on maize crop establishment. Replicated compost heaps were formed from wheat (Triticum aestivum) straw and grass /clover (Lolium perenne/Trifolium repens) (in the UK) and maize (Zea mays L.) straw and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) residue (in Malawi) using the Changu and Chimato systems. Four initial C:N ratios of 20:1, 25:1, 30:1 and 60:1 were studied in the UK whereas two initial C:N ratios of 20:1 and 30:1, chopped into two lengths (5 or 10 cm) were used in Malawi. All the treatments were set in a randomized complete block design and the composting experiments ran for 112 days in the UK study and for 77 days in Malawi. Incubation-mineralization studies using the resultant composts were run for 42 days and 84 days for UK and Malawi respectively, followed by a maize establishment study run for 25 days. The Changu systems had significantly longer mesophilic phases (19 days) and active composting periods (24 days) compared to the Chimato systems (14 and 22 days respectively). The temperature profiles for the two systems were similar in the glasshouse, but differed in the field due to reduced insulation in the Changu (uncovered) system. The composting processes in these systems contributed to the production of compost with as high as 1.1% total N. A higher concentration of NO3-N (406 mg/kg dwt.) was produced in the Changu system cf. Chimato (359 mg/kg dwt.) whereas a higher concentration of NH4-N (36 mg/kg dwt.) was produced in the Chimato system cf. Changu (34 mg/kg dwt.) for the Malawi compost. Similarly, Changu system resulted in greater concentrations of TON (61 mg/kg dwt.) cf. Chimato (24 mg/kg dwt.) whilst Chimato contained high concentration of NH4-N (61 mg/kg dwt.) cf. Changu (8 mg/kg dwt.) for the UK compost. No differences were observed in the concentration of extractable-P and extractable-K in the two systems for the UK studies whereas Changu treatments and those from initial C:N had more P in Malawi. Resultant compost pH ranged between 6.8 and 8.6 for the UK-based studies and between 7.2 and 8.9 for the Malawian-based study. Incubation-mineralization studies indicated temporal differences when the resultant compost from the two systems (Changu and Chimato) was incubated in the soil with respect to nutrient release. Initial feedstock C:N ratio had a significant effect, treatments with C:N 20:1 mineralized nitrogen whilst those with initial C:N 30:1 and 60:1 immobilized nitrogen compared to the control for the UK experiments. No immobilization was observed for Malawi resultant compost. This was reflected in the maize establishment trials when compost from the two systems was used as a soil amendment. Treatment with materials from initial C:N 20:1 produced significantly larger plant stalks and high plant biomass (0.92 g/plant (dry basis)) than the other treatments. Varied differences were observed between UK and Malawi with respect to composting system on plant growth. The use of compost from this study increased CEC of the soil by 2.1 cmol/kg. Efficient composting requires low C:N material and the required compost time and resultant quality is dependent upon the C:N ratio of the initial feedstock. The longer active composting time in the Changu systems appeared to influence production of TON compared to the Chimato. It is suggested that to optimise the compost quality there is a need to encourage the smallholder farmers to grow green leguminous crops which they can mix with the straw to reduce the initial C:N ratio to improve its compostability. It is also important to increase the number of aeration holes in the mud coat of the Chimato heap in order to improve the oxygenation process of the material and to use them for moisture adjustments. A cost benefit analysis conducted suggested that the lower the initial C:N ratio and the longer the chop length (≤ 10 cm), composting using the Changu system, the higher the net benefits which can be attained.

Female veterans' combat exposure to trauma places them at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has consequences for healthful reintegration to family and civilian life. Previous research found that wives who provide continuous care to male veterans with PTSD experience symptoms of psychological distress; however, little research has been conducted on the influence of female veterans' PTSD on their intimate male partners' (IMPs) psychological well-being. A multivariate correlational design was used to examine the influence of female veteran PTSD on psychological distress and relationship quality in IMPs. The couples' adaption to traumatic stress model was used as the theoretical framework. The research questions examined (a) the difference between female veterans with and without PTSD on the length of time in the relationship, combat experience, the total number of deployments, and IMP psychological distress and (b) the influence of female veterans' combat experience, PTSD, and IMP psychological distress on relationship quality. A sample of 71 IMPs between the ages of 18 and 65 provided survey research data on the variables of interest. Psychological distress, number of partner deployments, and length of time in relationship discriminated significantly between IMPS whose partners were diagnosed with PTSD, not diagnosed, or did not know about the PTSD diagnosis. The regression results revealed that the psychological distress of IMPs and the number of partner deployments positively predicted relationship quality. Attention to female veterans and their families can contribute to increased retention of female service members in the Army and successful integration into family and civilian life.

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory multiple-case study was to explore the lived experiences and the challenges African American male nurses faced in leadership roles and in providing quality care for minority patients. Participants included 15 African American male registered nurses (RNs) working in executive, administrative, and managerial leadership positions in Florida’s hospitals and other healthcare organizations. The participation criteria included being an African American male RN working in a leadership position in Florida with experiences in leadership and providing quality care for minority patients and at least 5 years of leadership experience. Participants completed in-depth face-to-face, digitally recorded interviews answering open-ended questions. Analysis of the interview data identified emerging themes and patterns using NVivo 10 qualitative data analysis software. Four major themes were identified: (a) specific leadership challenges associated with being an African American male leader, (b) general leadership challenges, (c) patient-level challenges limit the ability to provide quality care for minority patients, and (d) systemic challenges limit the ability to provide quality care for minority patients. Recommendations to healthcare leaders include a work environment free of gender segregation and racial discrimination, organizations adequately funded to deliver quality care, and strong leadership support for nurses and staff. Future studies should include additional geographic locations to increase the generalizability of findings to other populations.

Expenditure on wheat importation in sub-Saharan African countries is increasing greatly arising from the region’s rapidly expanding human population, urbanisation, and unfavourable conditions for wheat cultivation. Adoption of composite flours is encouraged to reduce wheat importation and promote local agriculture. Barley brewer’s spent grain (BSG), a high-fibre by-product of the brewing industry, is relatively inexpensive and available at large quantities. Sorghum, which is well-adapted to cultivation in sub-Saharan Africa, is an underutilized grain-crop. BSG and sorghum are potential vehicles for producing less expensive bread of improved nutritional properties. However, both lack functional gluten, which is responsible for good viscoelastic dough and high bread volume. BSG particle size reduction in combination with a sourdough fermentation were investigated as BSG pre-treatment technologies to improve wheat-BSG composite dough and bread quality. Fractionation of dried BSG through roller milling enriched the protein of BSG flour, but gave poor loaf volume and denser crumb. Additionally, the much lower flour extraction yields compared to hammer milling which gives a 100 % extraction rate flour would impact negatively on the product economic viability. Mixolab dough rheology showed that a 15 % BSG substitution significantly increased dough development time and flour water absorption. However, application of a short (3 h) ‘sponge and dough’ sourdough process improved the gas-holding properties of composite, increased loaf volume and crumb softness compared to a straight dough method. At 20 % BSG substitution, the composite wheat bread had 71.4 % more dietary fibre as well as higher protein and mineral contents than a commercial wheat brown bread. The effects of chemical (using glacial acetic acid) and physical treatment (through sheeting) on the functionality of sorghum doughs from normal and transgenic high protein digestibility (TG-HD) lines with supressed ?-kafirin expression were investigated. Normal sorghum flour doughs were subjected to sheeting in combination with sourdough addition. Partial flour pre- gelatinization, by cooking, was a pre-requisite for formation of a cohesive dough and was hence applied throughout this study. Upon baking, the combination of sheeting (15 passes) and sourdough addition (50% w/w of total flour) produced bread with a more aerated crumb and greater volume compared to the untreated control. Tensile tests of TG-HD doughs showed 38 and 42 % higher extensibility, compared to their null control doughs. These effects were attributed to the greater accessibility of ?-kafirins in the invaginated protein bodies of these high protein digestibility lines. Shear forces applied by manual sheeting and glacial acetic acid treatment were used in attempt to free the protein body-encapsulated kafirins and hence functionalise them in sorghum dough. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of these doughs revealed successful disruption of protein bodies by the respective treatments. Starch granules observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) seemed to remain intact, indicating the effects to be protein-related. However, the elevated temperature (>50oC), glacial acetic acid treatment and combination thereof, reduced dough extensibility. This was possibly due to the presence of other components in the dough system apart from the kafirins, mainly the starch granules, as well as insufficient plasticisation. The study shows that a combination of physico-chemical treatments, with emphasis on functionalising inert components such as fibre and protein, can substantially improve the dough functionality and consequent bread quality of gluten-void cereal grain materials.
Dissertation (MSc (Agric))--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Food Science
MSc (Agric)
Unrestricted

CAPES
A germinação pré-colheita é um dos principais problemas da triticultura mundial. Na germinação pré-colheita ocorrem transformações bioquímicas próprias da germinação que também ocorrem na maltagem, porém sem controle e com intensidade variável. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o uso de trigo com germinação pré-colheita na produção de malte. Treze amostras de trigo com germinação pré-colheita obtidas de diferentes regiões do Paraná e Rio Grande do Sul foram analisadas a fim de avaliar a intensidade das mudanças nas propriedades físicas, composição química e atividade enzimática, em função da intensidade do dano causado pela chuva. Foram avaliados falling number (FN), peso hectolitro, peso de mil sementes, nitrogênio total, nitrogênio solúvel (NS), nitrogênio de aminoácidos livres (NAL), cinzas, açúcares redutores, atividade enzimática e alterações na fração de gliadina. A segunda etapa teve como objetivo otimizar a maltagem de uma amostra de trigo com germinação pré-colheita, utilizando metodologia de superfície de resposta e avaliando o efeito da temperatura de embebição e germinação, umidade inicial de germinação e tempo de germinação. Os maltes foram avaliados quanto as perdas de maltagem, extrato, atenuação limite, viscosidade, atividade de α e β-amilase, nitrogênio total, NS e NAL. Na terceira etapa foi avaliada a qualidade do malte de amostras de trigo com diferentes intensidades de germinação pré-colheita, quanto às perdas de maltagem, extrato, atenuação limite, viscosidade, atividade de α e β-amilase, nitrogênio total, NS e NAL. Nas amostras de trigo com germinação pré-colheita, as variáveis açúcares redutores, NS, NAL, atividade de α-amilase, β-glucanase e protease apresentaram correlações significativas com FN. À medida que houve redução do falling number, as gliadinas apresentaram alterações nas bandas entre 40 e 30 KDa que ficaram mais intensas. No estudo de otimização da maltagem, a temperatura de embebição e germinação foi o fator que influenciou um maior número de parâmetros de qualidade do malte, seguido por tempo de germinação e umidade inicial de germinação. A metodologia de superfície de resposta possibilitou otimizar a maltagem do trigo, e as melhores condições definidas pela ferramenta de desejabilidade foram 45% de umidade inicial, embebição e germinação a 12,5oC e germinação por 78 horas. A maltagem de amostras com diferentes intensidades de germinação pré-colheita nas condições anteriormente citadas, produziram maltes que atenderam aos parâmetros de viscosidade, extrato, níveis de perdas, nitrogênio de aminoácidos livres, nitrogênio solúvel e índice de Kolbach. A amostra com falling number acima de 200 s apresentou nitrogênio solúvel inferior; mas atividade de α e β-amilase e extrato, superiores às amostras com germinação pré-colheita. O conjunto de resultados obtidos indica a viabilidade técnica de produção de maltes de trigos com germinação pré-colheita.
The preharvest sprouting damage (PHSD) is one of the main problems in world wheat crop. During the preharvest sprouting typical germination biochemical process occurs, which also happens in malting, but without control and with variable intensity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of preharvest sprouted wheat in malt production. Thirteen samples of preharvest sprouted wheat were collected in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul states and were analyzed to assess the changes in physical properties, chemical composition and enzyme activity, due to rain damage. Falling number (FN), hectoliter weight, thousand seed weight, total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen (SN), free amino acid nitrogen (FAN), ash, reducing sugars, enzyme activity and changes in the gliadin fraction were investigated. In the second study response surface methodology was used to optimize the malting of preharvest sprouted wheat. The influence of three malting parameters (degree of steeping, germination time and temperature) on the quality of wheat malt was investigated. Malt quality was evaluated as malting losses, extract, attenuation limit, viscosity, α and β-amylase activity, total nitrogen, Kolbach index, SN and FAN. In the third study, the quality of preharvest sprouted wheat malt containing various levels of PHSD was investigated about malting losses, extract, attenuation limit, viscosity, α and β-amylase activity, total nitrogen, Kolbach index, SN and FAN. In samples of preharvest sprouted wheat, reducing sugars, SN, FAN, α and β-amylase activity, and protease activity showed significant correlations with FN. In samples with lower falling number values, the gliadins displayed changes to the 40 and 30 kda bands, which become more intense. In the malting optimization study, temperature of malting was the factor that influenced a greater number of malt quality parameters, followed by germination time and degree of steeping. The response surface methodology enabled to optimize the malting of the wheat, and the best conditions defined by the desirability tool were degree of steeping 45%, temperature 12.5oC and germination time 78 hours. Wheat malt samples containing various levels of PHSD reached the desible parameters: viscosity, extract, malting losses, free amino nitrogen, soluble nitrogen and kolbach index. The sample with falling number greater than 200 s showed lower soluble nitrogen concentration; but higher α and β-amylase activity and extract than the samples of preharvest sprouted wheat with lower values of falling number. The set of results indicates that is possible to produce malt, using pre-harvest sprouting wheat.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to get an increased insight on a governmental regulator's view on independence in a Swedish context, with the aim to contribute to the research regarding auditor independence. Design/methodology/approach – The research is in the form of a quantitative study examining the Swedish Supervisory Board of Public Accountant’s disciplinary rulings from the years 2004-2010. Findings – The study concludes that the SSBPA view independence in fact as one, if not the most, important attribute for an auditor, while independence in appearance is on the other side of the spectrum, being one of the least vital. Originality/Value – The findings of this paper show that the SSBPA’s view on auditor independence is in stark contrast to the propositions made by the European Commission and SOX, as they are more focused on mitigating issues related to independence in appearance. Keywords – Auditor independence; Independence in Appearance; Independence in Fact; Practical Definition; Quality affecting Issues; Non-Quality affecting Issues; Regulatory Oversight; Disciplinary RulingsPaper Type – Research paper

Studies have discovered higher frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different mitochondrial genes are associated with subnormozoospermia. However, the frequencies of SNPs in ND1 and ND2 are not unknown. The present research was aimed to determine the frequencies of SNPs in ND1 and ND2 genes of the mitochondrial genome in fertile and subfertile men and whether changes in codon usage was associated with fertility phenotypes. Total genomic DNA from 157 semen samples was extracted using the proteinase K/SDS digestion procedure, followed by phenol/chloroform purification and ethanol precipitation. ND1 and ND2 genes were amplified respectively from 80 and 92 DNA samples from different fertility groups. Each PCR product was sequenced to identify mutations. Codon change resulting from a nucleotide substitution was determined by comparison with a reference mtDNA sequence obtained from the NCBI database. The frequency of codon usage in the reference mtDNA was determined by the computer program MEGA version 2.1. Eleven synonymous nucleotide substitutions and two non-synonymous substitutions were found in this study. Four SNPs were previously characterized; all SNPs were homoplasmic. None of the SNPs were likely to affect the function of the proteins on the basis of the hydrophobicity plots or secondary structure predictions. Sixty two percent of synonymous mutations were found to change from a high to a low relative codon usage values; 37% of synonymous mutations changed from a low to a high relative usage value. Chi-square (χ²) test (χ²= 0.067 with 1 d.f.) showed that there was no significant difference at the 5% level between these changes. Thus, change in codon usage was not related to semen quality in men. Further, there were no statistically significant differences in the observed frequencies of SNPs of fertile and subfertile men. However, the sample size was small and this study was only focused on a single NZ Caucasian population. Further study including larger and more diverse population samples may provide further insight into the functional importance of codon usage and its relevance to fertility

Teenage marriage is a topic that has received limited attention from researchers. In 1990 nearly one out every five first time brides in the United States was under the age of 20. Although it is commonly accepted that these marriages are likely to end in divorce, there is little scientific evidence to validate that. The focus of most studies has been on negative outcomes of these marriages however little concrete evidence has been found to condemn all teen marriages as doomed. This study is a qualitative look at how six couples that married as teenagers have created successful and long lasting unions. Six white couples from the Eastern U.S. participated in 60 to 90 minute long interviews. Using a qualitative method and a phenomenological perspective this study describes the processes these couples believe are most important to their success. The couples provided their personal experiences as well as their unique perspectives on the ingredients necessary for marital success. Five major themes emerged from the couples' interviews including commitment, communication, shared values, spirituality, intimacy, and family. These five themes are common within the literature on strong marriages. In addition to these themes, the role of couple individuality and the process of growing together are discussed.
Master of Science