Panelists' performances and strategies in paper based and computer based projective mapping

Projective Mapping has recently attracted a lot of attention and the main sensory data acquisition software packages have developed interfaces to collect projective mapping data. However, the comparison between paper and computer based projective mapping has never been reported. The objectives of this research were to 1) compare the consensus maps and panelists' performances for paper and computer based projective mapping and 2) analyze the panelists' strategies while performing either tasks. In the first part of the study, 32 panelists were asked to perform both paper and computer based projective mapping on 8 beer samples. In a second part of the study, 10 panelists were asked to repeat the tasks whilst “thinking aloud” their strategy. There was no significant difference in panelists' performance as assessed by the People Performance Index (PPI) between the paper and computer tasks. The consensus maps obtained were similar with respect to sample groupings, RV coefficients and variation explained by the first 2 dimensions. Individual panelists adopted similar strategies on paper and computer but strategies differed greatly between panelists

Exploration of the factors influencing attitudes to breastfeeding in public

Background: Negative attitudes towards breastfeeding in public have consistently been identified as a key barrier to breastfeeding continuation. In order to design effective social marketing campaigns to improve public attitude towards breastfeeding in public, it is critical to identify segments of the population who are less likely to support this activity, their underlying reasons and the medium through which they can be reached. Research aim/question(s): The aims were to identify the underlying dimensions that drive acceptance or opposition to breastfeeding in public; test whether specific population segments were more or less likely to support breastfeeding in public and identify suitable media outlets to reach them. Methods: A cross-sectional survey testing agreement with 60 statements was administered online between May 2016 and May 2017 and was completed by 7190 respondents. Exploratory Factor Analysis was used to identify 12 dimensions driving acceptance or opposition to breastfeeding in public. The influence of demographics and media consumption on attitudes towards breastfeeding in public was tested using Welch's t-tests and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA). Results: Acceptance of breastfeeding in public was found to differ with gender, age, religion, parental and breastfeeding status, but not household income. Support for breastfeeding in public also varied with media consumption habits. Conclusion(s): This work lays the foundation to design effective social marketing campaigns aimed at increasing public support for breastfeeding in public

Caffeine release and absorption from caffeinated gums

The objectives of this study were to estimate the impact of chewing time on caffeine release from gum and to understand caffeine pharmacokinetics. Caffeine release increased with chewing time (2 min < 5 min < 10 min). Furthermore, two plasma caffeine concentration peaks were observed suggesting that caffeine absorption occurs both through the oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract. This is of practical relevance to maximise caffeine doses and to synchronise effort with peak caffeine concentration

Impact of caffeine and information relating to caffeine on young adults' liking, healthiness perception and intended use of model energy drinks

Caffeine is added to energy drinks to boost energy levels however, there is little information on its impact on taste, healthiness image and how it impacts on intended use. The aim of this project was to understand the impact of caffeine and information relating to caffeine on young adults' perception of model energy drinks. A consumer panel of 107 young adults was recruited to assess one caffeinated and one caffeine free model drink in blind condition (no information about the presence of caffeine) and informed condition (with appropriate information about whether the drink contained caffeine or not). Energy drinks only contributed 5.2% to the participants' overall caffeine intake behind coffee and tea and their consumption appeared to be irregular rather than habitual. Caffeine in concentrations found in energy drinks could be detected by consumers and both caffeine presence and caffeine information had a small but significant detrimental effect on overall liking and liking of the bitterness level. Information relating to caffeine presence significantly decreased healthiness perception; however, it had a minimum impact on intended use. The most popular intended use for both the caffeine free and caffeinated model energy drinks was with alcohol

Audio versus written feedback: exploring learners’ preference and the impact of feedback format on students’ academic performance

Very little is known about the impact of the different types of feedback on students’ academic performance. This article explores students’ preference in the use of audio and written feedback and how each type of feedback received by students impacts their academic performance in subsequent assignments. The study involved 68 students who were divided into two groups that received either audio or written feedback in their first assignment which was then recalled and applied into the second assignment. An analysis of results obtained in the second assignment was conducted and comparisons made between students in the audio and written feedback group. Students were also surveyed using an online questionnaire to ascertain their perceptions about the type of feedback they had received. The study established that the type of feedback received did not impact students’ grades in the subsequent assignment. In addition, while students were broadly positive about audio feedback, they indicated a strong preference for written feedback in future assignments. The study recommends, among other things, further investigation into the link between students’ learning styles and their preferences for different types of feedback

Screencasts: how effective are they and how do students engage with them?

The use of screencasts as an instructional technology is increasing rapidly in higher education. While there appears to be a consensus around students’ satisfaction with the provision of technology-enhanced tools, there is limited evidence revolving around their impact in terms of knowledge acquisition. Moreover, the reasons why students choose to engage (or not) with these resources remain largely unreported. The study assessed the effect of using screencasts on undergraduate students’ understanding and engagement with learning material in one of their modules. Customised screencasts were used as optional additional learning and teaching resources. Grades obtained in a test module (with screencasts) and a control module (without screencasts) were compared to gauge the impact of screencasts on knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, the reasons for students’ engagement (or lack thereof) with the screencasts were explored using questionnaires. A modest but significant impact of screencasts on knowledge acquisition was found, and students’ perception of the screencasts was overwhelmingly positive. Students suggested that screencasts should be kept short to summarise lectures or delve in-depth into complex concepts but should not replace whole lectures. Reasons for not using screencasts revolved around a lack of understanding of what the resources were and also a reported lack of fit between the nature of the tool and self-assessed learning style

UK views towards breastfeeding in public: an analysis of the public's response to the Claridge’s incident

Background: The embarrassment UK mothers experience when breastfeeding in public has often been cited as a key factor in the decision of the mother to discontinue breastfeeding. There is convincing evidence that many UK residents are not comfortable with women breastfeeding in public; however, little is known about the underlying reasons for this discomfort. Objective: To assess views on breastfeeding in public in the United Kingdom and to understand why some UK residents object to this practice. Methods: The comment sections of news media websites and parenting forums were systematically identified and reviewed for statements made in response to an incident widely reported in the British press: a woman was asked to cover up while breastfeeding in public at Claridge’s, a London luxury hotel. Of these, 805 comments (73,108 words) met the inclusion criteria and were thematically analyzed. Results: The majority of commenters were supportive of “discreet” breastfeeding in public, but a significant portion felt that breastfeeding in public is always inappropriate. Sexualization of the breast was mainly evoked as something others may experience while viewing a breastfeeding mother, rather than to reflect the commenters' own views. Common justifications cited against breastfeeding in public were onlookers’ embarrassment (not knowing where to look) and disgust (at bodily fluids and/or functions). Conclusion: Campaigns portraying breastfeeding in public as normal and desirable with a focus on human milk as food rather than a bodily fluid may improve societal acceptance of breastfeeding in public. Keywords: Breastfeeding; public