Used Cooking Oil Campaign Experience in São Bernardo do Campo City

Faced with the objective of carrying out environmental education campaigns and arousing the attention of Sao Bernardo do Campo´s residents to the correct disposal of used cooking oil, in 2019 a cooperation agreement between the Municipality of Sao Bernardo do Campo and the Triangulo Institute aiming at recycling used cooking oil was signed. The collection execution began with the installation of the used cooking oil voluntary delivery points. Before the installation, the awareness and training of the team involved in the receiving activity was carried out; in addition, it is important after the collection to pack, transport, and dispose of the oil.

Optimizing Images for an E-Cigarette Messaging Campaign: Liking and Perceived Effectiveness

Introduction: Given the prevalence of electronic vapor product (EVP) use among young people in the US, there is a need for effective vaping education campaigns. This study tested 32 images for liking and perceived effectiveness (PE) to identify optimal images for a messaging campaign. Method: Images were selected from current campaigns, warning labels, and other images based on young adult reasons for use. Images were coded for the presence of (1) people, (2) vapor, (3) device, (4) color, and (5) similarity to warning label image. Young adults (n = 200) were recruited from the Amazon Mechanical Turk platform. Participants were randomly assigned to view and rate six of the 32 images on liking as well as PE, which measured the potential impact of the image to discourage vaping appeal and use. Results: Images containing vapor and/or a device or e-liquid were not well-liked but were perceived as effective in discouraging vaping (ps < 0.05). Images from warning labels were also not well-liked but were perceived as significantly more effective than those not from a warning (p < 0.01). Liking and effectiveness of features was similar for both EVP users and non-users. Discussion: Images with specific features were rated as less likable but rated as higher on PE. However, the consistency of image features rated as effective by EVP users and non-users supports the utility of similar imagery for vaping prevention and reduction efforts.

Why do people prepare for natural hazards? An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to household preparation

<p>Natural hazards impact millions of people globally and lead to billions of dollars of economic loss each year. New Zealand is one of many countries vulnerable to multiple natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruption, and high impact weather. Despite these well-known risks, many residents of the capital city of Wellington have taken few steps to be more prepared. This location, therefore, presented an appropriate population for the investigations within this thesis. Decades of social science research has identified a multitude of factors related to preparation behaviour. However, many of these factors, such as risk perception and previous experience of natural hazards, are difficult to manipulate successfully in broad public education campaigns. The first main aim of this thesis was therefore to identify thoughts and beliefs about preparing which predict people’s preparation behaviour, with the aim of identifying specific factors which can be efficiently and effectively targeted in campaigns encouraging preparation. This research was structured using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) which proposes a specific set of cognitions that affect intention formation as well as beliefs which inform those cognitions. In addition to using this model to structure the investigation, this thesis undertook several refinements and extensions to the model to address inconsistencies within TPB research. The intent of doing so was to provide a set of findings and a questionnaire which are not limited by those inconsistencies and which can be adapted for a range of behavioural contexts. Four empirical studies were carried out, involving a total of 2,298 participants from the general population. Study 1 tested the applicability of this theory to the context of natural disaster preparation and clarified the nature of that context. Using an online survey of 722 residents of the urban Wellington region, Study 1 demonstrated low levels of preparation, identified not “getting around to it” as a main barrier to preparation, and supported a more extensive application of the TPB with the factors explaining approximately 16% of the variance in intentions. Study 2 tested a full TPB questionnaire including both the two-factor distinction (splitting attitudes into instrumental and experiential, norms in descriptive and injunctive, and perceived behaviour control into controllability and self-efficacy) and belief components which are proposed to precede attitudes, norms, and control. This study used an online sample of 603 Wellington residents. All the cognitions within the theory except perceived descriptive norms were significantly associated with either past behaviour or intentions to prepare, explaining approximately 47% of the variance in intentions. This study also included an experimental framing manipulation, demonstrating benefits of referring to “natural hazard” preparation rather than “natural disaster” preparation. Study 3 concluded the development of the TPB questionnaire by assessing intentions, cognitions, and beliefs at one point in time and behaviour one month later to allow for stronger inferences about causality, with a sample of 61 participants across both time points. This study used a different recruitment method than the previous studies: posted survey invites using addresses randomly selected from the electoral roll. Although this method did not produce a more demographically representative sample than the recruitment method used in Studies 1 and 2 as intended, Study 3 reproduced the findings of the “natural hazard” condition in Study 2. Finally, this study identified several key beliefs related to preparing such as the belief that preparing helps people to get through a natural hazard event better, that people can make the effort to prepare, and that preparing can be fun and rewarding. These beliefs offer specific and tangible factors which can be efficiently addressed in public education campaigns. An intervention run previously by the New Zealand National Emergency Agency, the ShakeOut earthquake drill, was retrospectively evaluated in Study 4 by comparing those who did and those who did not participate (N = 480) using the TPB framework. Those who participated in the drill demonstrated better knowledge and use of the protective actions that are the focus of the drill than those who did not participate. Although this intervention was not informed by the findings of the previous studies, drill participants also demonstrated more positive scores for the TPB cognitions and intentions compared to non-participants, although more of the variance in intentions was explained for the latter (approximately 41%) than the former (approximately 31%). Overall, findings from the empirical studies support the recommendation for consistent inclusion of all tested refinements to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (i.e., the two-factor distinction, the inclusion of belief measures, and careful development of behavioural measures). This thesis represents a uniquely thorough test of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to natural hazard preparation with important implications for both the contextual value of the theory and how the theory is applied in research broadly. The research also supports previous findings of the importance of instrumental attitudes and self-efficacy for natural hazard preparation and contributed the novel factor of experiential attitudes as well as identifying new, specific beliefs to target in public education campaigns. These contributions to our understanding of why people prepare for natural hazards can be used to encourage more people in Wellington, in New Zealand, and globally to be more prepared.</p>

Why do people prepare for natural hazards? An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to household preparation

<p>Natural hazards impact millions of people globally and lead to billions of dollars of economic loss each year. New Zealand is one of many countries vulnerable to multiple natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruption, and high impact weather. Despite these well-known risks, many residents of the capital city of Wellington have taken few steps to be more prepared. This location, therefore, presented an appropriate population for the investigations within this thesis. Decades of social science research has identified a multitude of factors related to preparation behaviour. However, many of these factors, such as risk perception and previous experience of natural hazards, are difficult to manipulate successfully in broad public education campaigns. The first main aim of this thesis was therefore to identify thoughts and beliefs about preparing which predict people’s preparation behaviour, with the aim of identifying specific factors which can be efficiently and effectively targeted in campaigns encouraging preparation. This research was structured using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) which proposes a specific set of cognitions that affect intention formation as well as beliefs which inform those cognitions. In addition to using this model to structure the investigation, this thesis undertook several refinements and extensions to the model to address inconsistencies within TPB research. The intent of doing so was to provide a set of findings and a questionnaire which are not limited by those inconsistencies and which can be adapted for a range of behavioural contexts. Four empirical studies were carried out, involving a total of 2,298 participants from the general population. Study 1 tested the applicability of this theory to the context of natural disaster preparation and clarified the nature of that context. Using an online survey of 722 residents of the urban Wellington region, Study 1 demonstrated low levels of preparation, identified not “getting around to it” as a main barrier to preparation, and supported a more extensive application of the TPB with the factors explaining approximately 16% of the variance in intentions. Study 2 tested a full TPB questionnaire including both the two-factor distinction (splitting attitudes into instrumental and experiential, norms in descriptive and injunctive, and perceived behaviour control into controllability and self-efficacy) and belief components which are proposed to precede attitudes, norms, and control. This study used an online sample of 603 Wellington residents. All the cognitions within the theory except perceived descriptive norms were significantly associated with either past behaviour or intentions to prepare, explaining approximately 47% of the variance in intentions. This study also included an experimental framing manipulation, demonstrating benefits of referring to “natural hazard” preparation rather than “natural disaster” preparation. Study 3 concluded the development of the TPB questionnaire by assessing intentions, cognitions, and beliefs at one point in time and behaviour one month later to allow for stronger inferences about causality, with a sample of 61 participants across both time points. This study used a different recruitment method than the previous studies: posted survey invites using addresses randomly selected from the electoral roll. Although this method did not produce a more demographically representative sample than the recruitment method used in Studies 1 and 2 as intended, Study 3 reproduced the findings of the “natural hazard” condition in Study 2. Finally, this study identified several key beliefs related to preparing such as the belief that preparing helps people to get through a natural hazard event better, that people can make the effort to prepare, and that preparing can be fun and rewarding. These beliefs offer specific and tangible factors which can be efficiently addressed in public education campaigns. An intervention run previously by the New Zealand National Emergency Agency, the ShakeOut earthquake drill, was retrospectively evaluated in Study 4 by comparing those who did and those who did not participate (N = 480) using the TPB framework. Those who participated in the drill demonstrated better knowledge and use of the protective actions that are the focus of the drill than those who did not participate. Although this intervention was not informed by the findings of the previous studies, drill participants also demonstrated more positive scores for the TPB cognitions and intentions compared to non-participants, although more of the variance in intentions was explained for the latter (approximately 41%) than the former (approximately 31%). Overall, findings from the empirical studies support the recommendation for consistent inclusion of all tested refinements to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (i.e., the two-factor distinction, the inclusion of belief measures, and careful development of behavioural measures). This thesis represents a uniquely thorough test of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to natural hazard preparation with important implications for both the contextual value of the theory and how the theory is applied in research broadly. The research also supports previous findings of the importance of instrumental attitudes and self-efficacy for natural hazard preparation and contributed the novel factor of experiential attitudes as well as identifying new, specific beliefs to target in public education campaigns. These contributions to our understanding of why people prepare for natural hazards can be used to encourage more people in Wellington, in New Zealand, and globally to be more prepared.</p>

Fighting illiberalism: The role of awareness raising projects

Illiberalism recently became a favorite catchphrase of several political actors around the world. Although not necessarily precise, the term conjures alternative understandings of democracy, by contesting the inherent need of a democratic political system to be intimately tied to liberal values. This lack of precision is often instrumentalized to boost popular support for taking measures leading to discrimination and resisting or even fighting pluralism. This text aims to familiarize the reader with the existing conceptual debates surrounding the concept of illiberalism, while also offering a glimpse into the causes responsible for its popularity. Theoretical knowledge is then juxtaposed with information regarding an awareness raising project aiming to fight illiberalism in countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The conclusion stresses the need for communication and education campaigns regarding the perils of illiberalism, especially in the more fragile democratic contexts of post-communist Europe. Citizens need to be aware of how illiberalism endangers democracy and have at their disposal mechanisms for raising awareness regarding illiberal measures taken by various governments.

How Cannabis Use Status Affects Responses to Anti- Cannabis Messages

Background: The current study examined how cannabis use status impacts cognitive and emotional reactions to public health campaigns about cannabis, and the degree to which these reactions influence message likeability and attitudes about cannabis-related harms. Methods: In a between-subjects design, 252 subjects recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk viewed six real-world cannabis education messages: three message themes (cognitive ability, driving, and health harms) from each of two real-world public campaigns. Subjects answered questions measuring their cognitive and emotional reactions to each message as well as message likeability and harm perceptions of cannabis. Analyses examined the mediating effects of message responsiveness on the association between baseline cannabis use (user vs non-user) with indices of liking and harm. Results: For all three message themes, informativeness ratings mediated the effect of cannabis user status on the outcomes of perceived harmfulness and message likeability. Specifically, cannabis users perceived cannabis as less harmful and reported all messages as less likeable compared to non-users, partly because they perceived the messages to be less informative than non-users. Surprisingly, users found some of the messages to be more pleasant, which was associated with increased perceptions of harm and message liking compared to non-users. Conclusions: Cannabis education campaigns that take into account differences in emotional and cognitive reactions by use experience, rather than use a “one size fits all” approach, could possibly maximally impact likeability and harm perceptions of these messages.

Determinants of Consistent Condom Use Among Filipino Women: Results From the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey

Background: Consistent condom use had been perennially low in the Philippines, despite being a tested and proven public health intervention to prevent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Considering the high fertility rate, teenage pregnancy rate, and the rapidly increasing incidence of HIV in the country, we identify the determinants of consistent condom use in the country. Methods: We used data from the individual recode of the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey. We used logistic regression for survey data to identify factors associated with consistent condom use. Results: Out of 25,074 respondents, only 261 (1.13%) have used condoms consistently with their most recent partner. Reach of information and education campaigns on contraceptive use via different media ranged from 62% via television to 7% via SMS. After adjusting for confounders, those who were able to ask their partners to use condoms during sexual intercourse has 6.10 times (adjusted odds ratio: 6.10; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 2.00. 18.61) odds of consistent condom use than those who were unable to ask their partners to use condoms during sexual intercourse. Meanwhile, HIV knowledge (aOR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.99, 1.39), hearing about contraception in television (aOR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.39), age (aOR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.00), and number of children (aOR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.20) have borderline significant associations with consistent condom use. Conclusions: The low percentage of those who use condoms consistently, together with the low reach of information and education campaigns highlight the need to further intensify information and education campaigns to promote consistent condom use. Interventions to improve sexual agency and promote HIV knowledge should be implemented to address the burden of unwanted pregnancies and HIV in the Philippines.

Optimal Control of a Mathematical Model of Smoking with Temporary Quitters and Permanent Quitters

This article discusses the optimal control of a mathematical model on smoking. This model consists of six population classes, namely potential to become smoker snuffing class irregular smokers regular smokers temporary quitters and permanent quitters The completion of this research uses the Pontryagin minimum principle and numerically using the forward-backward Sweep method. Numerical simulations of the optimal problem show that with the implementation of education campaigns and anti-nicotine medicine, the smokers can be decreased more quickly and the smoking population who quit permanently can be increased. The implementation of both through large amounts needs to be done from the beginning. The use of control in the form of education campaigns is of great value until the end of the research period means that it needs to be done continuously to reduce the number of smokers in the population.

Let's Talk about Constitutions

Let’s talk about constitutions! is designed to present difficult constitutional concepts to non-specialist and young audiences in an entertaining and informative way. It has been developed to promote young people’s understanding of constitutional issues and thereby empower and inspire youth to play a full and meaningful part in their own constitution-building process. With dynamic images, relatable characters and simple language, Let’s talk about constitutions! illustrates key concepts to answer the questions: what is a constitution and why is it important? The cartoon is an educational tool that can be enjoyed by youth and adults alike, whether integrated into youth centre curricula or non-governmental organizations civic education campaigns. The booklet is designed primarily for Myanmar and the characters and scripts are tailored to this context. The information shared in the cartoon, however, is relevant for people interested in learning and teaching about constitutions all around the world.