bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODIFIED STARCHES IN FOODS
Authors: TRIMBLE E.
Published: July 2007

The properties and uses of modified starches are reviewed and preparative methods outlined. Legislation covering the use of modified starches in foods is briefly discussed together with the toxicity and digestibility of these starches. Some analytical techniques used for modified starches are described. Although modified starches have been in use in the food industry for some time and this use is increasing with increase in convenience foods, information about these compounds in food science textbooks is limited and more detailed material is dispersed throughout technical reviews and research papers. This paper attempts to summarize the information available.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE UTILIZATION OF FINANCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICES
Authors: HECK RAMONA K. Z.
Published: July 2007

Conceptual models were developed to explain the probability of seeking financial counselling services and the amount of time spent utilizing them. The models were estimated using a two‐stage estimation procedure which corrects for sample selection bias. The sample included 912 undergraduate students enrolled at three institutions of higher education in the central New York State area during the fall semester of 1979.

In the visitation model, non‐white students, and students who lived in apartments, who attended private educational institutions, who received financial aid and who perceived their incomes to be inadequate were more likely to seek the financial counselling services offered by the Financial Aid Office. Seniors, students majoring in the natural sciences, students with higher total incomes and students who were dependent on their parents for financial support were less likely to visit the Financial Aid Office.

The amount of time equation also showed that non‐white students, students who were enrolled in private schools, who received high levels of financial aid and who perceived their incomes as inadequate spent more time in utilizing the financial counselling services on their campuses. On the other hand, students who lived with their parents, who had higher sources of non‐financial aid income and who were dependent on their parents financially, spent less time utilizing the services of the Financial Aid Office.
CONSUMER INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN VIDEOTEX: DESIGN AND ACCEPTANCE
Authors: GRUNERT KLAUS G.
Published: July 2007

Comprehensive information about complex products with frequent product changes is delineated as an area where consumer information systems in videotex could be most promising. Four psychological principles for the design of such systems are presented and applied to construct an information system to support automobile purchases. Results from an empirical study show very favourable evaluations of this information system by videotex users. Several possible determinants of acceptance are discussed.
PURPOSE‐BUILT RETIREMENT HOUSING FOR SALE
Authors: PARRY MALCOLM , BAKER STEPHEN
Published: July 2007

Sheltered housing for the elderly has traditionally been provided by local authorities and charitable organizations but it seems that they can no longer meet the housing needs of this group. In the last few decades, there has been a significant rise in home‐ownership amongst retired people. Two features of this are important. First, those retired people who have been used to owning their own homes may be unwilling to consider somewhat institutional types of housing. Second, as a group, although eligible for specialist retirement housing provided by local authorities and charitable agencies, elderly owner‐occupiers find it nearly impossible to qualify for such accommodation as they are not considered to be in need. Recently there has been a move by the private sector to provide purpose‐built accommodation for sale to the elderly. How far the needs of the elderly can be met by this type of housing was investigated in two related studies. The first involved interviewing a sample of residents living in sheltered accommodation, while the second study surveyed respondents of retirement age at present living in ordinary housing. The investigation has shown that a considerable demand exists for purpose‐built housing for sale to the elderly.
CONSUMER ATTITUDES TOWARDS LEVEL OF SOIL REMOVAL AND ENERGY USE IN THE LAUNDERING PROCESS
Authors: WHITE N. L. , PRATO H. H. , MORRIS M. A.
Published: July 2007

A series of fabric swatches depicting various levels of soil removal were presented to consumers, with one‐half of the subjects being given energy requirements to obtain each level of soil removal. A whiteness index of 50 was found to be the minimum acceptable level of soil removal. Information on resources required to obtain the various levels of soil removal did not change the minimum level of acceptance. Attitudes of consumers concerning ecological issues, obtained from a questionnaire, did not correlate with consumers' acceptance scores. There was some indication from the questionnaire data that consumers might be willing to make some trade‐offs for monetary savings in place of maximum levels of soil removal. The level of acceptance of soil removal was most closely related to attitude toward cleanliness and neatness.
HUSBAND—WIFE DIVISION OF LABOUR AND QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE*
Authors: GOEBEL KAREN P. , HENNON CHARLES B.
Published: July 2007

This paper reports data on the relationship between how couples perceive their family life quality and the division of household work. The sample consists of 210 Wisconsin couples. Time diaries and face‐to‐face interviews were used. Analyses indicate that the division of familiwork is not an important correlate of the congruency that the spouses hold concerning their family life quality. The one exception is that less traditional couples tend to be more dissatisfied with the work each does around the home.
MARKET VALUES ESTIMATES OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ATTRIBUTES OF HOUSES
Authors: ABDEL‐GHANY MOHAMED
Published: July 2007

A survey of a sample of homeowners in a North Carolina County provided twenty‐two variables indicating qualitative aspects of housing. In addition, information about quantitative characteristics was obtained. Aggregate measures of residential quality associated with individual housing units were derived by using factor analysis. Market values of housing attributes were estimated by regressing values of housing units on measures of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of housing.
SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF FABRIC COMFORT BY SENSORY HAND
Authors: PAEK SOAE L.
Published: July 2007

Current economic pressure and high energy cost brought about consumer demands for functional qualities from textile products they purchase. Fabrics are styled in a wide range of tactile and physical properties to meet consumer wants. This study investigated subjective and objective assessment of comfort properties of blouse fabrics which represent various fibre content and fabric structure. Subjective ratings showed that blend and natural fibres were preferred to man‐made for all comfort attributes except smoothness and woven was chosen over knit for smoothness, thickness, and openness.

Spearman correlation between subjective rating and objective measurements showed good association for warmth and absorbency but the dearth of relationship for openness, smoothness, and thickness. This may indicate the panel's acceptance of both polar opposites of those hand attributes for blouse fabrics. Multiple regression analyses showed that five subjective attributes entered contributed 47.9% to overall comfort variability, whereas five objective properties chosen explained 53.2% of overall comfort ratings.
The structural weaknesses of the consumer movement
Authors: HORNSBY‐SMITH MICHAEL P.
Published: July 2007

The international consumer market in the western industrial nations is largely the product of the affluent post‐war period. It has grown out of a concern that the legal principle of caveat emptor is inadequate to protect the consumer in the modern, complex marketplace by consumer education and protection, improved consumer information and a general concern for the consumer and physical environments. Consumer groups are typically seen to be self‐help groups for the educated middle classes with little concern for the disadvantaged consumer, and there is no evidence that they have seriously challenged the dominance of producers and distributors. Two contrasting approaches to the structural analysis of consumer groups in the political systems of western industrial nations are considered, the pluralist approach and the conflict approach. It is argued that the analysis of power in the marketplace demonstrates that there is substantial producer dominance in the marketplace. The paper concludes by identifying five structural weaknesses of the consumer movement: negligible communication between consumers; the inability to mobilize; the rejection of effective (but politically radical) forms of action; the acceptance of existing market arrangements; and the provision of ideological support for these arrangements.
Consumer durables, economics of information and public policy
Authors: EASTWOOD DAVID B. , EDMONSON MARY ELLEN
Published: July 2007

The economic concept of the value of the last dollar spent is used to analyse market failure associated with the energy requirements of appliances. A model is developed which focuses on the information problem concerning the energy used to derive service flows from durables. Economic perspectives based upon the model are offered as to (1) why the private sector did not correct the problem, (2) why events in the 1970s prompted public intervention, and (3) how Energy Guide labels enhance the exchange process. But can consumers use the information contained on Energy Guide labels? The results of a study of high school students in the United States suggest that many consumers with problem solving skills comparable to these students would be unable to use the labels effectively. The study also indicated that effective education materials have been developed to help consumers use the labels.
Measuring changes in family energy management: consumption or efficiency
Authors: URICH JUDITH ROGERS , HOGAN M. JANICE
Published: July 2007

The Home Heating Energy Index (HHEI), a tool for measuring energy efficiency, which integrates house size, seasonal temperature variations, and type of heating fuel, was found to be an effective measure. Using 5‐year longitudinal field study data from 24 families living in a cold climate, the tool explained 77% of family energy consumption and provided a definitive benchmark for evaluating home heating energy conservation. Factors which influenced family energy consumption and/or efficiency were: (1) family energy management behaviours, including no‐dollar cost behavioural changes and enhancing the energy efficiency of some mechanical system; (2) housing factors, including structural characteristics and size of house; and, (3) family contextual factors, including socio‐economic status, family size and stage of family life cycle.
The family life cycle concept revisited: a need for new considerations
Authors: POL LOUIS G. , RADER CHARLES H.
Published: July 2007

While the family life cycle concept is widely used in the consumer behaviour literature, its value for explaining variation in buyer behaviour is less than it could be. The major problems with the concept as presently used are that: (1) it was borrowed from sociology without any basic revisions for consumer behaviour use; (2) it is presently generally operationalized as a static classificatory scheme and therefore cannot account for changing family structure; and (3) researchers have failed to link family life cycle to the concept lifestyle ‐ another concept so crucial to explaining variations in buyer behaviour. The present paper focuses on these shortcomings and presents a model designed to make the concept more useful. Furthermore, a way of testing the model is offered. Data are presented which emphasize the need for any model to be able to incorporate the rapid change the American family is presently undergoing.
Family resources related to wife's time inputs to housework
Authors: SCHRAM VICKI R. , HAFSTROM JEANNE L.
Published: July 2007

This study investigates the relationship of family resources to the wife's time spent in housework. Safilios‐Rothschild's inventory of resources was used as a guide in selecting variables to understand utility maximization in time use. Results indicate that the number of hours the wife spent in housework increased as the number of hours spent working outside the home decreased, family size increased and her perception that income was adequate decreased. More time also was spent if she had a chronic health condition which worried her. Implications discussed included those for further research to investigate the relationship of sex roles to housework attitudes and behaviours.
Clothing for the elderly at home and in nursing homes
Authors: ROSENBLAD‐WALLIN ELSA , KARLSSON MARIANNE
Published: July 2007

Age‐related changes and clothing problems of elderly people at home and in nursing homes have been systematically studied in both an objective and a subjective way with medical literature studies, interviews and user studies. There are certain demands which the clothing design must meet in order to fulfil the requirements specified by the functional ability of the ageing individual. The consequences of the age‐related changes on the construction of clothing are analysed and some clothing examples described.
Predictors of voluntary simplicity in consumer behaviour
Authors: WILHELM MARI S. , KEITH JOANNE G.
Published: July 2007

The contribution of income adequacy, conservation‐related attitudes and human resources to voluntary simplicity behaviour was studied using responses from 638 households. Findings suggested that, while both income and attitudes were significant contributors to the variance in behaviour, attitudes were somewhat more so. However, the perception that the respondent or another family member had needed skills to perform various repair and maintenance tasks was the strongest predictor of voluntary simplicity behaviour.
Effect of brochure designs on tourist perceptions of holidays
Authors: ANDREW CHRISTOPHER
Published: July 2007

The aim of this paper is to explore the major factors influencing the selection of holidays from travel brochures, and the effect different brochure designs have on the perception of holidays by potential tourists. The influence of (a) coloured photographs, (b) black and white photographs and (c) the balance of written and photographic material in holiday brochures was investigated using interviews and the repertory grid technique. Three sets of seven sample holiday brochure designs were prepared which varied along these three dimensions. Results indicated that there were differences in the way these sample holidays were construed.
Corrective advertising information processing by teenagers
Authors: STERNQUIST BRENDA , CLARK KAREN
Published: July 2007

In this study teenagers' understanding of corrective advertisements was measured at three levels: beliefs, attitudes and behavioural intentions. The results support the use of beliefs rather than attitudes or behavioural intentions to detect deception.
How well do ‘off‐price’ retailers satisfy consumers?
Authors: HEMMERICK BARBARA THOMPSON , SPROLES GEORGE B.
Published: July 2007

Off‐price retailing is a new form of discount or low‐price retailing that has become prominent in the U. S. during the past decade. In an attempt to satisfy today's quality‐and price‐conscious consumers, off‐price retailers have utilized a marketing strategy of ‘brand and designer names for less’. Based on research assessing consumers' attitudes towards apparel offerings of off‐price versus conventional retailers, we suggest that off‐price retailers are not yet successful at satisfying consumers' needs and wants in their special niche of the market. We recommend several revised marketing strategies to enable off‐price retailers to satisfy consumers better, and thereby maintain their niche in the ever competitive consumer market. We conclude by observing that it is important that consumer‐orientated professionals take an advocacy role in encouraging retail institutions such as off‐price stores to revise their marketing strategies to serve consumer interests better.
Clothing construction for students of merchandising: lecture versus laboratory
Authors: BELLEAU BONNIE D. , WOZNIAK PATRICIA
Published: July 2007

Two methods of teaching clothing construction to students of merchandising were compared using a lecture group, laboratory group and a control group. A pretest, post‐test, and attitude questionnaire were administered to the lecture and laboratory groups. The control group took the pretest only. Statistical analysis of pretest and post‐test data showed no significant difference in the amount of improvement between the lecture and laboratory groups, although there was a difference between groups on the pretest. The questionnaire indicated that attitudes were significantly higher (positive) in the laboratory group than in the lecture group, regardless of the amount of prior clothing construction experience. Implications of the study are that the lecture format of instruction is as effective as the laboratory in conveying principles of clothing construction, even though student attitude in the lecture was not as favourable as in the laboratory group.
Money use and purchases in families in which the wife works: a Turkish example
Authors: TERZIOǦKLU R. GÜNSEL , ŞCAFAK ŞÜKRAN
Published: July 2007

This study, which has been undertaken to find out the manner in which money is utilized and shopping is done in families in which the wife works, has revealed that in more than half of the families studied the spouses co‐operate in financial planning. The study has also found that the nature of shopping determines the shopper in the family.
Experts' assessment of the impact of electronic control on the operation of household appliances
Authors: TURKKI KAIJA M.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to find out what effects electronics have on the operating characteristics of household appliances, and to analyse the differences' in attitudes towards these between male and female groups. The study method used was an expert inquiry. The experts represented different fields involved with household appliances.

Nearly all the respondents agreed that the use of electronics in household appliances is likely to increase. Men took a much more positive attitude toward the prospect of using more electronics than women and were additionally more willing to choose an electronic model than an electromechanical one. Men considered that electronics allowed the development of more versatile, changeable and automatic appliances; while women were more likely to value safety, reliability and ease of operation.

Results indicate that electronic appliances do not comply with all user demands today and most users need more and more advice in buying and using modern appliances.
The father role: father‐child interaction in work on the farm
Authors: DRAUGHN PEGGY S. , ROWLAND VIRGINIA T. , MANESS CHARLOTTE STIPE , LAWRENCE FRANCES COGLE , BUCO STEVEN M.
Published: July 2007

This study examines the relationship between the perceived success of farm men in the father role and (i) frequency of work with their children and (ii) perceived conflicts over work. Data were collected by mail survey from 124 men employed in farm work. This study concludes that fathers who think themselves successful in the father role are likely to have less conflict with their children about work. The age, education and income of the father do not contribute significantly to father‐child conflict about work.
Consumer health beliefs and food supplement use by the elderly
Authors: WILLIAMS DORIS K.
Published: July 2007

Seven western states in the U.S.A. were surveyed by mail and telephone to assess consumer‐health beliefs and the use of food supplements (vitamins and minerals) as part of the overall western region project. A 57.9% return resulted in a sample size of 1,730 adults and 528 of these were 60 years of age and over. The sample included significantly greater numbers of regular users of vitamins and mineral supplements than non‐users or occasional users. More women than men were regular users. Compared with those who never used vitamin and mineral supplements, regular users had distinct patterns of health beliefs and practices. Regularly, they relied heavily on the medical profession for general health information. They obtained supplement and diet information from diet books and periodicals and also believed that taking vitamins and minerals prevented serious illness, reduced stress, prevented colds, skin problems, heart attacks, cancer, and other health problems. While they believed their overall well‐being was improved through the use of supplements, their responses did not indicate that use of supplements ensured good health or that the current food supply filled nutritional needs. Conclusions are that specific educational programmes about the value and use of food supplements need to be designed for the target audience. Furthermore, all professionals who work in the large array of food service positions should share the responsibility for providing accurate information and advertising.
Consumer attitudes towards the quality of domestic and imported apparel and footwear*
Authors: WALL MARJORIE , HESLOP LOUISE A.
Published: July 2007

Due to increased imports and increasingly competitive consumer markets, this study was undertaken to determine consumers' quality images of Canada and the major countries from which men's, women's and children's clothing, and men's and women's footwear were imported. A self‐completed mail survey of 635 members of a consumer panel yielded demographic representation from English‐ and French‐speaking men and women. The Fishbein‐Rosenberg multi‐attribute model was used to compute consumers' attitudes towards countries as producers of clothing and footwear. Consumers had high quality images of Canadian‐, U.S.‐ and European‐made clothing and footwear. The styling of Italian‐made shoes and French‐made clothing was perceived as superior to Canadian‐made products. All consumers were critical of the products from low‐wage countries, particularly consumers with higher education, income and employment status. Implications were drawn emphasizing the need for consumer research and marketing strategies.
Family choices in household production
Authors: ORMSBY TRICIA
Published: July 2007

Families can maintain or raise their standard of living by using their own human resources to produce goods and services for their families' use. Using descriptive methodologies, this study examines household production performed by a random sample of 107 husbands and wives in mid‐Michigan, whose oldest child was between the ages of 6 and 12, and who responded to a self‐administered questionnaire. Given production choices on 54 household production activities, respondents indicated the family chose to perform many activities, purchased less, and omitted few activities. Husbands' and wives' perception of production choices differed significantly. The choices analysed by location of residence, family income, family employment and household size also showed significant differences.

Summary and Implications

Husbands and wives responded that the family participated in 63–45% of the 54 production activities presented, illustrating that families do consider household production as a viable way to meet their needs. Most reported hiring or buying one‐third less than they produced (17–21%). Slightly less reported that the activities did not apply to them in their family situation (12–28%), and only a few husbands and wives reported consciously omitting activities (1–2%). Husbands' and wives' responses to the questions on the number and type of production choices differed significantly, suggesting that there is generally reduced communication and understanding by the couples as to who is doing what in the household. The decisions on task performance may possibly also be assumed by one spouse or the other (perhaps through traditional sex roles) and little discussion or negotiation on the issues exists.
Financial events and coping strategies of households
Authors: VARCOE KAREN P.
Published: July 2007

A survey was sent to a group of households selected at random in six counties to identify financial events and coping strategies of households in the current economic climate. The purpose of the study was to provide information on the occurrence of major financial events and coping strategies to be used in the development of outreach educational programmes in the financial area. Additionally, information was obtained on the types of financial information the respondents would find helpful as well as preferred delivery methods. The inability to save money was a problem for the majority of households, with job‐related events such as losing a job causing the most financial difficulty for the households. Many of the households indicated a desire for information on investments, retirement planning, estates and wills. It was clear from the findings that the methodologies used to teach financial information need to be geared towards learning at home.
Changes in factors influencing consumer debt among Scottish families, 1984—1987
Authors: HIRA TAHIRA K.
Published: July 2007

The major objective of this study was to determine socio‐economic and debt management factors causing debt problems among Scottish families. Data for this study were collected from the records of the debt counselling segment of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Glasgow, Scotland, during 1984–87. The final sample consisted of 404 cases selected at random.

Variables selected for the study included the following socio‐economic characteristics: sex, household size, marital status, employment status, sources of income, and total income. Debt variables included in the study were total debt, sources of debt, amount of debt from each source, and total monthly debt payment.

Total debt owed by debtors increased by 283% over the 4 year period from 295,113 in 1984 to 836,409 in 1986. The majority of the households had debt to income ratio of 0.50 and on the average owed on eight different types of loans. The largest proportion of debtors (87%) borrowed from finance companies and the largest sums of total debt were also owed to finance companies (52%). Finance companies consistently held this position over the 4 year period.

The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicate that employment status, number of sources of borrowing, marital status and sex significantly explained the variation in total debt burden. The number of sources is an important factor in debt management. As the numbers of sources of borrowing increases, not only the management of transactions gets complicated and one can easily lose sight of total debt burden, but it also indicates that people start borrowing from high cost sources of borrowing, such as store credit and finance companies. Educators need to emphasize the importance of the variation in cost of borrowing related to various sources in their materials, and these educational efforts should be targeted to females, singles and those who are recently separated and divorced.
Consumer laundry practices and satisfaction: pre‐ and post‐phosphate detergent ban
Authors: WOODARD J. E. , LOVINGOOD R. P. , BARCLAY N. A. , BARBER J. D.
Published: July 2007

Laundry practices and satisfaction of consumers in soft and hard water areas were compared before and after the state of Virginia initiated a ban on the sale and use of phosphate‐built laundry detergents. Respondents to mail questionnaires (184 before: 174 after) generally had high satisfaction with laundry results before and after the ban despite the fact that they did not always follow currently recommended laundry practices. Post‐ban, few practices had changed, but more respondents in both water areas tended always or frequently to add extra detergent for heavily soiled items. Thus. during the first 2 or 3 months of the ban little effect on laundry practices and satisfaction was apparent. Education about recommended laundry practices appears beneficial because of the implications for family economic well‐being.
Gender and consumption in Finnish society
Authors: ILMONEN KAJ , PANTZAR MIKA
Published: July 2007

When studying the mechanisms by means of which feminine categories appropriate for the existing gender system are produced and preserved, reference has been made to the social division of labour, to the ideology of family life, the educational system and government activities. Little attention has been paid to consumption and consumption objects as requisites to the categorization of womanhood. This, however, is essential the closer one gets to the present day. Today, more than ever before, the identities of different social groups are created with the aid of consumer goods and habits.

This article shows how womanhood and manhood are created with the support of commodities in Finnish society. The article also makes the point that these categories are not stable, because they are asymmetrical. Women in particular have historically shown unease about the content of gender categories and they have begun to use consumer objects that before had been taken as masculine. This in turn has led to attempts to make new distinctions with the help of consumer goods among men.
Women's views of women's roles: a survey of South Australian women
Authors: WORSLEY ANTHONY , WORSLEY ANDREA J.
Published: July 2007

Four hundred and eighteen randomly selected South Australian women answered 18 opinion statements about women's roles, as part of a general postal survey. The results showed that most women supported equality between the sexes, the importance of parenting and mother roles, and physical appearance. However, there were many statistically significant differences between members of demographic groups; generally younger and more‐educated women favoured equality more, and valued motherhood less for personal fulfilment than older, less‐educated women. Women in paid employment placed less value on traditional domestic roles and more on equal pay than those not so employed.

The relationships of these findings to recent changes in women's roles within and outside the family are discussed.
Fashion: the design–marketing mismatch?
Authors: VANS MARTIN E
Published: July 2007

This paper is based on an empirical research programme undertaken to explore the clothing and fashion perceptions of design and design‐related versus management‐related students. It is proposed that there is a cultural divide between design and management students, which could extend into Company life — with implications for organizational effectiveness. The paper therefore explores aspects of the U.K. fashion industry, such as its recent performance and the perceptions of the embryo designers and managers.
Apparel preferences of pregnant employed women
Authors: BELLEAU BONNIE D. , MILLER KIMBERLY A. , ELLIOTT PIA , CHURCH GABIE E.
Published: July 2007

Women who have postponed childbirth to become established in a career are now embarking on parenthood while continuing to work throughout much of the pregnancy. As a result, pregnant employed women need clothing that will project an appropriate image. The purpose of this research was to determine the types of garments that pregnant employed women prefer to wear to work and to identify factors influencing the selection of those garments. Results indicated that there were differences among age range groups in selection of workplace attire, and among educational level groups in general fashion appeal of classically styled garments, selection of attire for the workplace, selection of nylon for the summer season, and in care required for garments. There were differences among income range groups in the classic category of general fashion appeal, in the selection of silk fibre for winter wear, and in care required for garments. This study supported the concept of a new and separate segment of the consumer market dealing with pregnant employed women. They have special needs for attire based on age range, educational level, and income range, that will project an appropriate image in the workplace and offer physical and psychological comfort as well.
A study on the subjective symptoms of the ageing process in middle‐aged men: effects of socio‐economic status, diet and health care behaviour*
Authors: LEE MINJUNE , KIM YOUNGOK , MOON SOOJAE , HOSOYA NORIMASA
Published: July 2007

In order to investigate the factors influencing the ageing process of middle‐aged men, different environmental variables including socio‐economic status, diet, smoking and drinking were studied as possible determinants of the ageing process.

Six hundred and forty‐seven Korean men over 40 years of age were studied. Frequency, chi‐square, t‐test, and stepwise multiple regression analyses were employed to identify the significant variables.

As a result of the analyses, occupation and smoking were found to be the most influential factors. In short, those who did not refrain from smoking and had professional jobs experienced early symptoms in the ageing process.
Fathers' participation in infant‐care
Authors: DAVIS RUTH F. , SANIK MARGARET MIETUS
Published: July 2007

Ordinary least squares multiple regression was used to model time spent in child‐care by 107 fathers of infants, 3–10 months of age. Time in both physical and non‐physical care activities was reported by fathers for a weekday. Number of years married, hours employed for pay the previous week, and fathers' stress score in the child domain were negatively related to time spent in infant‐care.
Physicians' perceptions of consumers' attitudes: satisfaction, quality and selection criteria
Authors: SCHUTZ HOWARD G. , DIAZ‐KNAUF KATHERINE V. , JUDGE DEBRA S.
Published: July 2007

A mail survey of physicians from Sacramento, California, elicited information on perceptions of consumer satisfaction, service quality for 10 types of service providers including physicians and the importance ratings of 12 choice criteria for the selection of a physician by consumers. The two most important selection criteria for physicians as perceived for consumers by physicians were ‘consumer's previous experience with provider’ and ‘reputation/recommendation’. The results are compared with an earlier consumer survey.
Information search in the mutual fund market in the U.S. A.
Authors: ISRAELSEN CRAIG L. , BEUTLER IVAN F.
Published: July 2007

Sequential decision‐making principles are introduced which can be applied to mutual fund investing. Specific attention is given to the nature of the mutual fund market and the expected pay‐off from a low‐cost information search. Empirical results are based on historical returns and information that is readily available in popular press sources. Substantial variation in historical performance was found and the pay‐off from a market search was positive and substantial in many cases.
Some consequences of the single market for European and Danish consumer policy
Authors: JENSEN HANS RASK
Published: July 2007

In this paper, the future of consumer policy within the context of the European single market will be estimated. As the scope of the EC for consumer action is mainly economic, a broader social approach will be used as the theoretical framework. Within such an approach, consumer problems and consumer policy will be characterized, and three paradigms describing the social and political influence of consumers will be discussed as possible guidelines for consumer action. In the light of these guidelines and available published knowledge of the single market, consumer policy at Community level and in Denmark will be analysed.
Consumer microwave use of melt‐blown material for fat reduction
Authors: COSTELLO C. A. , MORRIS W. C. , QUINTON W.
Published: July 2007

Consumers, who use their microwave oven to heat bacon, were asked to heat either bacon or sausage on non‐woven, melt‐blown material and on paper towels in the microwave oven. The consumers were surveyed about their concerns for fat and cholesterol in the diet. The panelists also were asked to evaluate the appearance, greasiness, ease of use and overall acceptability. A survey of the consumers indicated that they were concerned about fat and cholesterol in the diet and purchased items lower in fat. However, 28% of these individuals save and re‐use bacon fat. Panelists liked the appearance of bacon heated in the melt‐blown pad better than on the paper towels and found it easier to use. Sausage heated in the melt‐blown pad was found to be less greasy and more acceptable than that heated on paper towels.
Nine‐nation typology: application to adolescent time use
Authors: DUNCAN KAREN A. , SANIK MARGARET MIETUS
Published: July 2007

In The Nine Nations of North America Garreau1 argues that the North American continent is not so much three countries as it is nine distinctly different cultural regions. The purpose of this research was to compare the time use of North American adolescents by these regions of residence in North America. The time spent in household work, school work and leisure was consistently explained by the weekday/weekend variable and urban/rural area of residence. An interaction between the weekday variable and North American region of residence in the model for time spent in leisure activities may indicate some significant differences.
The role of quality assurance in protecting the U.K. consumer
Authors: FIDLER DAVID G.
Published: July 2007

This paper considers the way in which quality assurance is being used as a tool of consumer protection in the U. K. It examines the way that the legislators and the courts have adopted its principles — whether deliberately or not. Several areas of consumer protection are picked out and the effect of quality assurance principles on them is demonstrated.
Children's role in the domestic economy
Authors: HILL MALCOLM
Published: July 2007

Studies of family finances have largely concentrated on adults. This paper examines the neglected role of children in the receiving and spending of money and reports on an investigation of children's own views on their involvement in handling money. It is shown that pocket money is an institution perceived by both parents and children to be as much a mechanism for transferring adult values about expenditure and saving as to give children independent access to money. Many children receive cash from outside the nuclear family. particularly as part of a wider exchange network of kin. Some money is given freely, some is provided in return for domestic tasks performed by children.
Women's work status and their time use pattern in rural households of Haryana
Authors: SINGAL SAVITA , SRINIVASAN KAMALA , JINDAL RAKESH
Published: July 2007

The work pattern of rural women revolves around a variety of jobs in the home, farm and livestock management. The National perspective Plan (1988) rightly pooints out, ‘For the majority of the women in the country, there is more work than wages, more load titan capacity and more compulsion than choice.’Studies on time utilization pattern (work load) of men and women in rural households in India, though few, indicate that rural women work longer hours than men. A 14–16 h working day is common in certain areas even among pregnant women. Review of the literature however, reveals major gaps in information especially pertaining to work status of rural women and how the time use pattern (workload) varies with their work status and/or agricultural season. The present study was therefore, an attempt in this direction. More specifically, the objectives of the study were:

(a) to study time allocation pattern of rural women in work, rest, leisure and sleep and

(b) to study the time utilization pattern in various categories of work according to women's work status and agricultural season.
Factors influencing the use of microwave ovens and video cassette recorders
Authors: MEEKS CAROL B. , SWEANEY ANNE L.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine ownership of microwave ovens and video cassette recorders (VCRs) and factors influencing their use. Data were collected from 148 consumers who participated in an in‐depth personal interview. For both microwave ovens and VCRs, ownership rates of the sample exceeded that of the general population. Five categories of microwave oven use were examined: use of the oven to heat water or leftovers, prepare convenience foods, prepare foods from scratch, use of alternative power levels and use of programmable features. Three categories of VCR use were examined: watch movies, tape shows to watch later and programming the VCR to record while no one is present. As the complexity of use increased, fewer respondents performed that task often. Use of microwave ovens was influenced by the innovation index score, presence of children, gender, age and education. Use of VCRs was associated with the innovation index score and age.
Consumerism and school uniforms
Authors: BARNETT RICHARD , KNOX COLIN , MCKEOWN PENNY
Published: July 2007

Consumer concerns about school uniforms are a recurring problem particularly in areas such as Northern Ireland characterized by low income and social deprivation. The General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland carried out a systematic in‐depth investigation into the problem to assess current policy, practice and consumer concerns in the purchase of school uniforms. The research highlighted how school principals, who influence uniform policy, underestimate the cost of its provision and the significant relationship between the cost of uniforms and the type of school attended. Problems associated with the quality of uniforms emerge, as do parental and student concerns about the limited range of suppliers and support for ‘nearly new’ facilities in schools.
Weight status and weight dissatisfaction of college students enrolled in a basic nutrition course
Authors: RASOR‐GREENHAEGH SUE A. , HURLEY ROBERTA S. , WITT DAVID D. , BROWN ESTON , REBOVICH E. JEAN
Published: July 2007

It has been suggested that general dissatisfaction with body weight, or anorexia‐like behaviour, may be higher in students majoring in home economics, specifically dietetics, than in students in non‐food and nutrition majors. This observation may be problematic in a student's future personal life or professional practice. The purpose of this study was to document the prevalence of general dissatisfaction with body weight, compared with actual body weight, in a group of college students enrolled in an introductory nutrition course.

The sample included 169 female and 41 male students. Mean body weight and body mass index were 110 ± 20·7% of ideal and 23·4 ± 4·4, respectively. Dissatisfaction with weight was reported by the majority of students, especially females (76·2%). A significant relationship was found between reported weight dissatisfaction and actual weight status for females (P < 0·001). Furthermore, more females in dietetics were dissatisfied with weight (83%) than females in other majors (75%) although the difference was not significant.

These results suggest that, while weight dissatisfaction was not significantly higher in dietetic majors, the high incidence of dissatisfaction in all females is a concern. There are, therefore, potential implications for the educational strategies of home economics faculties regarding appropriate attitudes about weight status and food.
Leisure provision and usage in recently redeveloped areas of Belfast
Authors: WOODS SHEILA , STRUGNELL CHRISTOPHER
Published: July 2007

The provision of leisure facilities within housing developments and redevelopments has been one of the cornerstone features of urban redevelopment in Northern Ireland. This study has shown that there is a high use of leisure facilities by the 22–30 age group but not by the senior citizens in the sample. The cost of such facilities seems to be a deciding factor rather than provision, but apathy and lack of interest appear to be parallel determinants
Does consumption determine social class? On the changing pattern of consumption determination
Authors: TOIVONEN TIMO
Published: July 2007

When the connection between social class (and other socio‐economic variables) and personal consumption expenditure is analysed, three basic approaches may be identified: (i) social class has an impact upon personal consumption expenditure; (ii) personal consumption is determined more by the person's way of life or consumption style, i.e. by a known consumption ‘enclave’ (iii) both socio‐economic and consumption style variables do not have an impact on personal consumption, or rather, consumption is based on utilitarian considerations and individual matters of taste. This study seeks to show that whichever point of view is correct in any given situation depends upon the consumption item in question. The dependent variable chosen was ‘eating out’ in restaurants. This activity was found to involve different types of selection process. The results of the study, based upon the 1985 Finnish Household Survey of economically active households indicate. as expected, that the degree of relationship between given variables and consumption items depends upon the consumption item in question.
The significance of fragrance and olfactory acuity for the consumer household product market
Authors: McPHERSON ANN , MORAN ANNE
Published: July 2007

The research for this paper evolved from fragrance investigations undertaken within the Product Evaluation Department at SC Johnson Research and Development Centre. It aims to assess the odour perception capabilities of consumers, to compare their odour perception levels and fragrance preferences and to determine whether gender or age affect differential sensitivity to odours. Research into olfaction is inconclusive, but it is valuable for establishing some of the factors which affect the sense of smell. Olfaction and the realm of fragrance are closely related and one cannot be fully understood without the other. Both concepts will be examined through this research and reference will be made to the ‘trickle‐down effect’ which is of particular relevance to the household product market.
Fast‐food consumption in South Korea
Authors: WYNE MARIANNE , LEE MIN JUNE , MOON SOO JAE
Published: July 2007

The consumption of fast‐food products in Korea has undergone a rapid increase over the past ten to fifteen years. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency with which South Koreans consume seven common Western‐style fast‐food products and five common Korean‐style fast‐food products, and to find the socio‐economic group most responsible for the increase in fast‐food consumption. Data were collected on the dietary patterns and socio‐economic backgrounds of 1,745 subjects between the ages of 12 and 64 years in urban and rural areas of Korea. This study showed that the fast‐food products investigated were consumed mainly by Koreans under the age of 30, single, female, residents of Seoul, and either presently students or young adults with only grade school education. However, the results indicated that the consumption of most fast‐food products was distributed amongst all income levels.
The effect of marital status, income, age and other variables on insolvency in the U.S.A.
Authors: DEVANEY SHARON A. , HANNA SHERMAN
Published: July 2007

The prodiction of insolvency among U.S. households was the focus of this study with the use of data drawn from the Surveys of Consumer Finance1.2 which were sponsored by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Analysis of panel data for a random sample of 1,934 households showed that age of the household head had a negative relationship with insolvency while income had a strong, negative effect. In the first period (1983), married couples had lower predicted insolvency rates than other household types. In the second period (1984), the relationship between marital status and insolvency was not as clear, but married couples with children had substantially lower predicted insolvency than did single‐parent households.