The number of families with children experiencing homelessness, seeking asylum, or fleeing domestic violence is rising globally. However, the design of family shelters often overlooks the specific needs of children. To foster innovation in creating child-friendly shelter environments, this study explores …

This cross-cultural study examines the relationship between perceived COVID-19 changes due to the impacts on everyday life by the pandemic with social exclusion and across 32 cultures and their levels in collectivism. With data from the start of the first outbreak from March 2020 to June 2020 (N = 9245), …

Vlissingen is turning into an unattractive student city with an increasing student outflow due to several factors like the ‘Wet Internationalisering in Balans’ (a national policy affecting international education), few educational institutions, limited variety of study programs, limited nightlife and …

This study analyzes how consumers in Germany and the Benelux perceive ready-made meals. Using a combination of surveys and in-depth interviews, five value dimensions are evaluated: taste, health, convenience, sustainability, and price/value. The results show that taste and convenience are the main drivers …

In turbulent times marked by environmental urgency and democratic uncertainty, Generation Z is emerging as a vital actor in sustainability transitions. Defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is known for growing up in a digital world, with strong values around inclusion, climate action, and …

Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly used for collaborative learning in education. To navigate these virtual learning environments, people use avatars. Understanding how people perceive avatars, and treat them humanly, is crucial for designing inclusive virtual learning environments. This study examines …

The visual portrayal of tragic events in news media has been widely debated. While some scholars advocate for the occasional use of graphic imagery, others support the exclusive publication of nongraphic or sanitized images to shield the audience. To address this controversy, ample research has focused …

In this thesis, we focus on developing behaviours for socially interactive agents (SIAs). The context in which the agent is used is a self-regulated learning system for children. We focus on personalising learning objectives and interaction content within an intelligent tutoring system (ITS). We envision …

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals in the hospital setting frequently assume primary caregiving responsibilities, which often leads family members to perceive this as standard practice during hospitalization. This dynamic may create a gap between actual and desired levels of family involvement. The …

Background: Nutrition and nutritional care are essential for optimal outcomes, and, therefore of importance for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) given their high risk of complications. However, insight is lacking in how healthcare professionals directly involved in the care of patients …