bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aid Volatility and Donor–Recipient Characteristics in ‘Difficult Partnership Countries’
Authors: FIELDING DAVID , MAVROTAS GEORGE
Published: July 2007

One factor limiting aid effectiveness is its volatility. We examine aid volatility in 66 countries over 1975–2004, paying particular attention to the characteristics of ‘difficult partnership countries’ and making a distinction between sector aid and total aid. We explore whether weak recipient institutions and policies are associated with greater volatility, allowing for differences in donor characteristics. Institutional quality and macroeconomic stability affect the stability of all kinds of aid, as does reliance on a small number of donors. However, the relative importance of these effects varies across different aid types.
The management of dyslipidaemias in antiretroviral‐treated HIV infection: a systematic review
Authors: McGoldrick C , Leen CLS
Published: July 2007

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the currently available evidence concerning the management of dyslipidaemias in HIV‐infected individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

Randomized trials, published within the 5 years preceding 5 October 2005, were identified in PubMed Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were then included or excluded, dependent on their meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria. The evidence obtained in the studies that were included was assessed using methods employed by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).

Results

Thirteen relevant trials were identified, concerning the use of statins, fibrates, antiretroviral drug switches and insulin‐sensitizing drugs. Most contained small numbers of trial participants.

Conclusions

Most studies suggested beneficial effects and satisfactory safety profiles for the interventions studied. However, the insulin‐sensitizing drug rosiglitazone appeared to have some detrimental effects on lipid profiles. With the small numbers of participants in the majority of studies, these studies were likely to have been inadequately powered to assess the effects of the interventions examined. Larger trials are therefore necessary.
Visual field defect during therapy with valproic‐acid
Authors: Tilz C. , Wang‐Tilz Y. , Jünemann A. , Stefan H. , Michelson G.
Published: July 2007

Visual field defect because of antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment has been widely reported during the clinical application of vigabatrin. But other gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic and non‐GABA‐ergic AEDs could also affect the visual field with different mechanisms of action. Here we report a case of a 22‐year‐old female patient, who suffered from bilateral concentric visual field defect during the long‐term therapy with valproic‐acid (VPA). A VPA‐related metabolic dysfunction was found through blood and urine examination. Reduced B‐waves were shown by electroretinography and a bilateral concentric visual field defect was confirmed by both manual and automated perimetry. In conclusion, the concentric visual field defect related to VPA treatment is rare but possible.
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction and functional outcome after ischaemic stroke
Authors: Bassi A. , Colivicchi F. , Santini M. , Caltagirone C.
Published: July 2007

ischaemic stroke has been associated with an impairment of cardiac autonomic balance. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiac autonomic derangement on functional outcome after a rehabilitation program in patients with recent ischaemic stroke. The study population included 85 consecutive first‐ever stroke survivors (46 men and 39 women; mean age 60.0 ± 12.4 years), who underwent 24‐h Holter monitoring before the beginning of a 60‐day rehabilitation program. Time‐domain measures of heart‐rate variability (HRV) were considered in all cases. By the end of the rehabilitation program an unfavorable functional outcome with dependency (Barthel Index score of <75) was found in 44.7% of patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age [odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.19, P = 0.002], stroke severity (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.34, P = 0.004), Barthel Index score (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87–0.98, P = 0.01) and Rankin Scale score (OR 3.88, 95% CI 2.13–7.56, P = 0.02) on admission, as well as lower values of the standard deviation of normal‐to‐normal R wave to R wave (RR) intervals (OR 9.67, 95% CI 2.58–18.67, P = 0.006) were independent predictors of an unfavorable functional outcome. Assessment of HRV before a rehabilitation program may provide additional information on the probability of a functional recovery in stroke survivors.
A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO ANALYSING CONSUMER COMPLAINTS *
Authors: Mitchell Jeremy
Published: July 2007

In conjunction with local authorities, and Citizens' Advice Bureaux, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has set up a system for recording and classifying consumer complaints. OFT aggregates statistical returns that are made quarterly to produce national figures showing the pattern of consumer complaints, classified both by type of goods or service and by trading practice. Over 400,000 consumer complaints were recorded and classified for the first full 12‐month period during which the system operated, ending in September 1975. The system has two uses. First, it signals areas of difficulty for consumers which should be studied by OFT. Second, the records of individual consumer complaints held by local authorities provide a data base which can be drawn on when OFT is carrying out detailed studies.
A NOTE ON T. H. HUXLEY AND THE SOCIETY OF ARTS
Authors: Bayliss Robert A.
Published: July 2007

T. H. Huxley's wide‐ranging scientific and educational interests included support for home economics in the new 1870 school system. Part of this interest was expressed in his attendance at the first Domestic Economy Congress of the Society of Arts in 1877, itself prominent in supporting reform in housing, health and education.
THE FUTURE IN CONSUMER EDUCATION
Authors: Boggis Fred
Published: July 2007

A model of the household enterprise is examined in the light of significant socio‐economic trends and the uncertainties these produce. The implications of the growth of the household‐enterprise sector of the economy is examined for relationships between consumers and industry. The case is argued for a shift in the emphasis of consumer education from consumer technology to an awareness of alternative futures.
FLAMMABILITY OF TEXTILES: I.
Authors: Woolliscroft D. H.
Published: July 2007

The discussions and research work leading to the recent publication of BS 5438 are reported and the new standard is described. Present activity concerning durability procedures and flammability performance specifications in preparation are also reported together with a brief account of UK activity on textile flammability within ISO.
PUBLIC MEASURES AFFECTING SMALL BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Kerr Alex
Published: July 2007

Certain institutional arrangements in Australia seem to operate to the disadvantage of small business particularly in the fields of finance, taxation and access to specialized services. But the Australian Trade Practices Act is based upon two value judgements–the acceptance of competitive capitalism as a socio‐economic system and the need to curb the misuse of economic power. This second aim, in particular has benefitted small businesses through the restriction of arrangements in restraint of trade (Section 45), through regulating monopolization (Sec. 46), through forbidding exclusive dealing (Sec. 47), through banning resale price maintenance (Sec. 48), through regulating price discrimination (Sec. 49) and through regulating mergers (Sec. 50). The misuse of economic power may be related to the concept of ‘public benefit’ or ‘social efficiency’ as contrasted to ‘economic efficiency’ and it is on these grounds that arguments for assistance to small business can be most convincingly made.
THE CONSUMER MOVEMENT AND ITS DOCUMENTATION
Authors: Thomas Peter A.
Published: July 2007

This review of the literature of the consumer movement discusses the history of the development of resources. It also considers contemporary sources throughout the world.
INNOVATIONS IN LODGING ACCOMMODATION
Authors: EHRCKE LOUIS A. , HITCHCOCK MARY JO
Published: July 2007

Levels of agreement about facilities in lodging accommodation between families and motel operators in the East South Central States of Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Mississippi are examined. Families questioned also indicated additional facilities that would be welcome in motel accommodation in the future. The procedure utilized in this project could be applied to a variety of geographical or corporation boundaries.
THE MICROBIOLOGICAL SAFETY OF SLOW COOKING IN ELECTRIC CASSEROLES
Authors: PAGE E. ANNE
Published: July 2007

Slow cooking is examined from the point of view of micro‐biological safety. Temperature penetration rates are examined and related to bacterial numbers found in various meats during and at the end of the cooking period. Possible hazards are pointed out, and preventive measures suggested.
PRACTICAL USE OF ENERGY IN THE HOME
Authors: MATTHEWS WENDY
Published: July 2007

This paper is based on evidence submitted to the Watt Committee on Energy by members of the Association of Home Economists working in relevant fuel and appliance industries and in consumer advice. The paper considers the evidence available about practical energy use in the home and its relation to energy saving. The energy management of different categories of domestic equipment is considered together with the concept of energy labelling. The educational aspects are considered and recommendations are made.
PROCESSED FOODS IN PERSPECTIVE: I.
Authors: DALE K.
Published: July 2007

This paper briefly discusses the history of preservation and processing and the author considers the need for preservation. The uses and properties of additives are described and the legal and economic considerations are discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF INSTRUCTION IN CONSUMER EDUCATION ACADEMIC UNITS ON CONSUMER ECONOMIC PROFICIENCY *
Authors: LANGREHR FREDERICK W. , MASON J. BARRY
Published: July 2007

This research sought to determine whetehr formal classroom instruction improves students' consumer economic competencies. Students who were enrolled in a course that presented information in the areas of credit use, money management, savings and investment, and insurance when compared to students who did not take the course demonstrated a higher level of consumer economic competency. Significant differences in competency were also found when social class, post‐high school career plans, and sex of student were considered.
THE CHANGING PATTERN OF BRITISH MEAT PRODUCTION *
Authors: HARRINGTON G.
Published: July 2007

Home economists play a key role in the communications business, helping the housewives and consumers of today and tomorrow to get the best out of meat, the central item in our diet. This involves both sensible choice at the shop counter or display, and clever utilization in the kitchen. This paper provides an opportunity for those concerned with helping the British meat industry to meet the changing needs of consumers, to provide home economists with the latest information on how this huge, increasingly technology‐based, industry is adapting to changing circumstances. This paper describes how meat is produced in Britain in the late 1970s and highlights some of the more important changes that have happened in production patterns in recent history.
DEVELOPMENTS IN SIZE LABELLING OF WOMEN'S GARMENTS
Authors: BOUGHEY RUTH
Published: July 2007

This article describes the developments in the womenswear trade which brought about the need for a standard system of size labelling, and how this has evolved to the present day where an international system of size labelling is now being adopted.
EDUCATION FOR ACTION: A REPORT ON THE 1978 HOME ECONOMICS WEEKEND SCHOOL AT LEEDS POLYTECHNIC
Authors: BENNETT PETER
Published: July 2007

The paper reports on the recent Home Economics Weekend School at Leeds Polytechnic and suggests that the main problem arising for home economists from its theme, Education for Action, is the definition and prioritization of human needs.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO ADVERTISING ACCOUNTABILITY
Authors: MORISON LINDSEY
Published: July 2007

In this paper the author discusses the purpose of advertising, its all‐pervasive character in modern life, the techniques that are used in advertising and the ways in which advertising influences people's lives in the UK. Recommendations are made about the form of advertisements and the changes needed to ensure that the market in which both advertisers and the public participate operates rather more in favour of the consumer than it does at present.
HOME ECONOMICS IN CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES 1978
Authors: FENIAK ELIZABETH
Published: July 2007

This paper outlines the development of programmes in home economics education in Canadian Universities in this century. It also considers the work done at postgraduate level and Home Economics enrolment statistics for 1976–1977 are included. Opportunities for graduates in Home Economics in Canada are also discussed.
HOME ECONOMICS—THE FUTURE*
Authors: MATHIESON A. R.
Published: July 2007

The future development of the subject matter of home economics, and of the professional activities of home economists, are considered in relation to current developments in the educational system, to discernible trends in lifestyles and to long‐term changes in the structure of society. The effects on the subject of the move of the home economics colleges into the universities and polytechnics, the nature of the careers followed by home economists, and of international contacts are also examined.
ENERGY CONSERVATION IN TEXTILE DRYING BY SELECTION OF RINSE TEMPERATURE
Authors: STEADMAN ROBERT G. , GEISSLER JAYNE E.
Published: July 2007

In washing apparel and related articles, a cold rinse does not always conserve energy. Removal of water in spin drying becomes more complete as its temperature is raised, thus reducing the amount of costly thermal drying. When gas‐heated water is used in washing followed by electric drying, total energy cost is minimized by using at least a warm rinse cycle. When the same type of energy is used in water heating and drying, no energy is saved by heating rinse water.
MOISTURE MEASUREMENTS OF EVERYDAY MATERIALS*
Authors: FLANNERY A. B.
Published: July 2007

The relative humidity of the air inside a house has an important effect on people's comfort and behaviour; in particular it affects the need for ventilation, and consequently the heating energy use. The actual level of r.h. in a house is affected primarily by the relative rate of production and loss of moisture. However, the process is a dynamic one, and the r.h. in the non‐steady state is affected by moisture uptake and release by building and furnishing materials.

Published data on moisture absorption is inadequate, and measurements were made at ECRC of the behaviour of some common materials.
PATIENT PARTICIPATION IN GENERAL PRACTICE*
Authors: SHAW IAN
Published: July 2007

Existing mechanisms for the representation of patient interests in the primary care sector of medicine in the U.K. are rudimentary and only partly effective. Elected, practice‐based patient committees. which have begun to emerge in recent years, are an attempted solution to problems in this sphere. Drawing on a study of one particular committee of this kind, this paper discusses the representative role of committee members, and analyses the possible functions of patients' committees. Problem areas are identified in relation to medical staff. the future development of such committees is considered, and some suggestions are put forward.
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES—FOR THE BENEFIT OF CONSUMERS OR PRODUCERS?
Authors: ASSUM TERJE , DAHL ROLF
Published: July 2007

Two hypotheses are presented on the basis of the consumerist and private enterprise points of view of technical development of household appliances: H1: maintaining or increasing sales of household appliances by product development can be done regardless of, or even conflicting with, consumer needs. H2: maintaining or increasing sales of household appliances can only be done by developing products that satisfy consumer needs.

To test these hypotheses the concept of utility has to be defined operationally. Assuming that household appliances are bought to be used according to their functions, utility is defined as use frequency and way of using.

Using data from a Norwegian survey on the purchase and use of electric ranges and sewing machines, it is shown that all equipment studied is used frequently and correctly by too many respondents to declare them generally without utility. But for each device there was quite a large share of the respondents who did not use it. The hypothesis that products cannot be sold to consumers who do not need them, is thus rejected.

The causes of the problem as well as possible means of solving it are discussed.
THE NATIONALIZED INDUSTRIES AND THE RETAIL PRICE INDEX 1962–1978
Authors: JONES TREFOR T.
Published: July 2007

This paper explores the impact of nationalized industries upon the Retail Price Index. It shows that the prices of nationalized industries have increased at a faster rate than those for all retail prices and examines reasons for these differences. It also discusses why the prices of nationalized industries appear to play a role in determining consumer welfare larger than their statistical significance in household budgets.
CONSUMER PROTECTION, CONSUMERS AND BUSINESS
Authors: MITCHELL JEREMY
Published: July 2007

This paper is based on a speech given to an OYEZ‐IBC Conference in London on 10 November 1979. It argues that U.K. consumers and business generally have benefited from recent changes in the law. The ‘backlash’ against consumer protection legislation by some elements in business is wholly misguided.
PRODUCTIVE TIME OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS
Authors: SCHNITTGRUND KAREN P.
Published: July 2007

This study is an analysis of the utility value of time. Time is viewed on a productivity continuum with activities that result in measurable products such as income or home sewing at one extreme of the continuum and activities such as sleep at the other extreme.

The use of time by unemployed and employed heads of households was the basis for this analysis. Four measures of time were constructed to determine the amount of time spent in market, household, leisure and personal activities.

Unemployed heads of households spent more time in household and leisure activities than employed heads. Assuming that household activities have productive value, time spent in child care, shopping, house cleaning, etc., were viewed as having utility value for the household. Thus, reallocated time had utility value for the household. In addition, it was found that a significant relationship existed between employment status and use of time, regardless of position on the productivity continuum.

From this study comes a better understanding of how time is reallocated during unemployment so that the economic loss for the household as well as the economy can be minimized.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAST FOODS AND CONVENIENCE FOODS–DEFINITIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: PEPPER AUDREY W.
Published: July 2007

Recent social and economic trends affecting the development of fast‐food systems are examined, and the effect of these changes upon the food industry and the home consumer is analysed. A system for categorising convenience foods is formulated which includes an analysis of the relationship between methods of preparation and methods of preservation and storage. The use of this system as a means of assessing a degree of convenience on a five‐point scale related to methods of preparation is discussed, and definitions which are appropriate to both the industry and the consumer are suggested.
THE DIFFUSION OF SALT INTO POTATOES DURING BOILING AND CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR VARIOUS FINAL SALT CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: BENNETT RODERICK , HAMILTON MORAG
Published: July 2007

This paper describes an investigation of the diffusion of salt into potatoes, which are boiled in salt water, and the perception by and preferences of the consumer for various final salt concentrations.

Potatoes were cooked in boiling salted water and tested by untrained taste panels. It was established that:

Salt only penetrates the outermost layers of the potato during cooking.

Despite this fact the cooked potato is perceived as ‘salted’.

Mashing the potatoes gives a final internal salt concentration of about 0.05 M.

The internal salt concentration preferred by most people is 0.1–0.15 M.
CLOTHING, AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AND COMFORT – I
Authors: IRVING R. J. , OKUKUBO A. , SAKAI T.
Published: July 2007

Male and female students prefer much the same ambient temperature in their study‐bedrooms but it is noticeable that men wear significantly more clothing than women. The same is true of Japanese students even though the preferred temperature is lower than the English students find comfortable.

Overseas students of recent arrival in England tend to keep their rooms at the same temperature as the English students but wear more clothing. After a longer period in England these overseas students wear less clothing but keep their rooms significantly warmer.
DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERNS OF ASIA'S APPAREL INDUSTRY
Authors: BARRY MARY , DICKERSON KITTY
Published: July 2007

People in many parts of the world depend upon the manufacture of textile and apparel products for their livelihood. The status of these two closely related industries has a major impact on the economic health of many countries, both large and small. In fact, the growth of the textile and apparel industry may be one of the strongest, most reliable indicators of a developing country's economic development. Further, the level of sophistication of production in this industry may be viewed as a ‘barometer’ of the level of technological progress in a country. For this reason the developmental patterns of Asia's apparel industry are studied.
ACTION IN HOME ECONOMICS*
Authors: WATTERS MARGARET E.
Published: July 2007

The research on which this paper is based was aimed at examining the knowledge base for home economics practitioners. Here Jurgen Habermas’ theory relating to knowledge and systems of action is reviewed briefly and the rationale for using his theory to try to understand the family is outlined. A description of how the theory was used in a research project follows and, finally, some implications for home economics in Australia are identified.
DWELLING LAYOUT AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ROOMS: TOPOLOGICAL REPRESENTATION AND A CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Authors: JOHNSTON DEBORAH K. , CASS‐BEGGS ROSEMARY
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a method for the topological representation of dwelling floor plans and a system for the classification of a floor plan according to the amount of communication possible between the rooms.
UNAVAILABILITY OF ADVERTISED PRODUCTS IN SELECTED NON‐FOOD STORES
Authors: GRANT‐WORLEY JOYCE , SALTFORD NANCY C. , ZICK CATHLEEN
Published: July 2007

Five major non‐food chains in Syracuse, New York were surveyed to determine the extent of unavailability of advertised products. Over a 6‐month period, 3, 725 products from twenty‐three separate newspaper advertisements were checked. Criteria based on FTC substantive policies used in regulating food store practices were developed as benchmark data for this study. The 11·8% average rate of unavailability found in Syracuse was significantly higher than the calculated performance index. Practices found to be significantly related to unavailability were sale period duration, number of items advertised, product type, chain outlet, and whether or not there had been a statement of limited quantities. If future work supports the preliminary findings discussed here, consideration should be given to extending the 1971 Trade Regulation to non‐food chain retailers.
EDUCATION AND AGE AS RELATED TO ATTITUDES TOWARD FEMINISM AND CONSUMERISM
Authors: GODWIN DEBORAH D. , ABDEL‐GHANY MOHAMED
Published: July 2007

The findings of multivariate analysis of variance indicate that women with high school education or more were more supportive of feminist and consumerist ideology and of consumer activism than were subjects with less than high school education. Women 30–40 years old tended to be more supportive of feminist and consumerist issues, but less supportive of an activist consumer movement than younger women tended to be. The absence of significant interaction indicated that these attitudes were found for subjects grouped according to age regardless of subjects' level of education and vice versa.
ENTENSITY OF FAMILY DISAGREEMENT OVER FINANCES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS*
Authors: WILLIAMS FLORA L. , BERRY RUTH
Published: July 2007

Results from survey research using regression techniques indicate that disagreement over family finances for men was a function of management practices (negative), years married (negative), and wife's employment, with those who had part‐time employed wives reporting more disagreement than those with non‐employed wives. Disagreement over family finances for women was a function of frequency of communication (negative), perceived future financial security (negative), and wife's employment, with full‐time employed wives reporting less disagreement over finances than non‐employed wives. Since the stress and reduced maximization of resources implied by the high percentage of families reporting intense disagreement over finances ultimately affect their well‐being, it is imperative that the skills of financial management and communication be developed through counselling and education.
DIMENSIONS OF SATISFACTION WITH PURCHASES OF WOMEN'S DRESSES: BEFORE AND AFTER GARMENT CARE
Authors: FRANCIS SALLY K , DICKEY LOIS E.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this research was to assess the appropriateness of grouping evaluative criteria used by women in their dress purchases according to instrumental, expressive, and market aspects. Respondents from a random telephone sample were divided into two groups, ‘Care’ and ‘Nocare’, according to whether or not the consumers had cared for (washed or cleaned) their dresses at the time satisfaction was measured. For both groups, factors were generated which were representative of the three aspects of evaluative criteria proposed. The factors reflected expressive, price, selection/size, and performance dimensions of clothing satisfaction. Hence, in analysing clothing satisfaction, researchers must recognize that several functions are served by clothing and reflect these in the research methodology.
Use of intrinsic and extrinsic cues to assess textile product quality*
Authors: HATCH KATHRYN L. , ROBERTS JEANNE A.
Published: July 2007

Use of intrinsic and extrinsic cues to assess quality of textile items was studied. Product‐knowledgeable subjects rated the quality of socks and sweaters and completed a questionnaire which asked how they judged quality. Subjects relied more on product information (intrinsic cues), i.e., compositional features and performance properties, to assess quality than on price and warranty/certification seals (extrinsic cues). Significance lies in increased understanding of the process involved in quality assessment of textile items in the marketplace.
Product knowledge of fabric sales personnel: a comparison of three measurement methods
Authors: RUCKER MARGARET H. , BURTIS EILEEN K.
Published: July 2007

This study was designed to compare responses of fabric sales personnel to three types of product knowledge measures. These measures were: (1) written test items on a questionnaire; (2) oral items administered by a researcher posing as a consumer; and (3) projective items that require estimation of other clerks' knowledge. Fifty‐four clerks participated in the consumer interviews and 100 completed a questionnaire containing the written test and projective items. Forty clerks completed all three measures. In contrast to some of the findings regarding the measurement of attitudes, estimation of other people's knowledge was not found to be a useful indicator of the estimator's own knowledge. Furthermore, the consumer interview and written test methods were found to produce similar, but not completely interchangeable, results. A major implication of these findings is that one should consider the objectives of the measurement process in selecting a method for measuring product knowledge.
The managerial behaviour of families with preschool children
Authors: GARRISON MARY E. , WINTER MARY
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study is to examine the managerial behaviour of families with preschool children. Dummy variable regression analysis is used as an analysis of covariance procedure in order to ascertain how reported managerial behaviour scores of families with only younger children vary with regard to other family types. This study has resulted in two major findings. The first is that there is indication that managerial behaviour is more a function of family composition than socio‐economic/demographic characteristics. The second finding is that families with only preschool children are more similar to families with only older children than to families with both younger and older children or families without children. The conclusion is that it is not just the presence of preschool children that makes a difference in managerial behaviour, but whether or not there are only preschool children in the family.
Impact of energy audits on home energy consumption
Authors: JUNK VIRGINIA W. , JUNK WILLIAM S. , JONES JOANN C.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of energy audits on home energy consumption rate, and to determine factors affecting participation in energy audit/weatherization programmes. Objectives included: (i) developing a linear model for predicting home energy consumption; (ii) examining the role of home energy audits in consumption rate; (iii) determining whether audit participation had increased over a two‐year period; (iv) surveying reasons for non‐participation, and (v) identifying sources of audit/conservation information which were most acceptable to consumers.

The model expressed home energy consumption per square foot as a linear function of demographic, attitudinal and structural variables. The three most significant predictors in the model were adequacy of information, housing tenure and income. Eight out of 10 conservation measures studied were significantly more likely to exist in the homes of those who had had an audit. Three of these measures were also significant in the model.

Study findings included a 7% increase in audit participation from 1981 to 1983. Lack of money and information were the two major factors inhibiting participation. Consumers indicated a need for conservation information from acceptable sources such as short courses or workshops, county extension agents, or skilled craftspeople.
Elderly consumers: a British comment
Authors: LYON PHIL , BAYLISS ROBERT A.
Published: July 2007

Elderly people in Britain, a substantial minority of some 18% of the total population, are not only market‐place consumers but major users of social services. With reference to a recent investigation in the U.S., this paper looks at the British situation. Issues discussed include the limitations arising from relatively low incomes, advice opportunities and trends, and major problems in the supply of social services.
Husbands' and wives' household work: moving towards egalitarianism?
Authors: DOLAN ELIZABETH M. , SCANNELL ELIZABETH
Published: July 2007

Whether husbands are increasing their time in household tasks, especially when their wives are employed, has been a topic of debate in recent years. Several studies have found that husbands are participating in more child care now than in the past. But are husbands also doing other tasks now? Is there any relationship between the amounts of time that husbands and wives allocate to various household tasks? Are there any weekday versus weekend differences?

A small sample of husbands and wives recorded their time spent in various activities for 7 consecutive days. The findings reveal that wives spent more time in general doing household tasks than did their husbands. Employed wives and their husbands both decreased their total time in household work, compared with full‐time homemakers and their husbands. At weekends, however, both employed wives and homemakers decreased their overall time in household work while the husbands increased theirs. The t‐test revealed that at weekends there were no significant differences in the times allocated to various household tasks by employed wives and their husbands, and significant differences only in time spent in child care and food preparation/clean‐up by homemakers and their spouses.

There appears to be a more egalitarian approach by husbands and wives to household tasks at weekends than on weekdays, even when the wives are not employed. Although these findings should not be generalized to the population, they indicate an intriguing possible trend which deserves further investigation.
Money resources, time demands, and situational factors as predictors of shopping time
Authors: ACKERMAN NORLEEN M.
Published: July 2007

Shopping is a major household activity; time spent shopping has opportunity costs. Linder proposed that, as income rose, time would be allocated away from shopping to more productive activities, resulting in purchase deciriom being made with less information. This paper tests money resources, time demands and situational and demographic factors as predictors of shopping time. Data from 420 family time schedules and accompanying questionnaires were analysed using Tobit analysis. Findings indicated that situational factors were the best predictors of shopping time; money resources and time‐demand factors had limited predictive power; and time allocated to shopping was quite inelastic. Conclusions and implications are drawn.
Satisfaction with current commuting expense as related to the relative fuel efficiency of a desired car purchase
Authors: WINTER MARY , WOLF MARY JANE SHUMARD
Published: July 2007

Although projecting the demand for cars in North America has been the subject of research for almost half a century,1–6 increases in the price of petroleum and petroleum products during the 1970s prompted an interest in projecting the demand for fuel‐efficient cars. The purpose of this paper is to assess factors affecting the relative fuel efficiency of a desired car purchase among households with at least one individual employed outside the home. In addition to socio‐economic and demographic characteristics of the household, sex of the worker, distance to work and satisfaction with the expense involved in the journey to work are used to predict relative efficiency of a potential car purchase. The analysis is not intended to follow the lines of a traditional economic analysis. Rather, its purpose is to add other dimensions to such analyses.
Chemical forms of iron in commercial soy sauce and the soy sauce fortified with iron salts
Authors: HORI KOHJI , OKITA TAKUO
Published: July 2007

Chemical forms of iron were examined in commercial soy sauce and the soy sauce fortified with iron salts. Commercial soy sauce contained 10–46 p.p.m. of iron. The content depended on the kinds of soy sauce. The iron was soluble and most of it was in the ferrous state. Soy sauce had reducing activity, so that the ferric iron in soy sauce fortified with ferric iron salts was converted to ferrous iron. Ferrous iron was stable in soy sauce during the storage at 50°C for 40 days. Iron fortification of soy sauce at the level of 250 p.p.m. produced the undesirable changes in colour and flavour.
The effect of customer dress on attitudes towards selling service by sales associates
Authors: HARP SHELLEY S. , HORRIDGE PATRICIA E. , STRICKLER SUSAN C.
Published: July 2007

Eliminating the criticism levelled towards customer service in retail firms is a current consumer/marketing issue. Customer satisfaction encompasses factors such as sales service and first impression. Research focusing on variables pertaining to emotional labour has the potential of increasing sales productivity and consumer satisfaction. This study represents an exploratory attempt to determine if relationships exists between customer appearance and first impressions and sales service. Results of the study suggest that the potential exists for apparel to influence sales associate customer evaluations as a positive association was found between sales service and first impression.
Automobile prices and the value of shopping
Authors: LAVENKA NOEL M. , JUNG ALLEN F.
Published: July 2007

Consumers shopping for a new car in the U.S.A. or Canada are faced with having to negotiate a ‘good deal’ from the listed ‘sticker’ price. This study investigates the price variations among new car dealerships in 10 major cities. A standardized shopping procedure was used to collect price information based on selected models and options for comparable Chevrolet and Ford automobiles. The findings indicate that consumers clearly benefit from shopping at more than one dealership for a new car.
A path analysis interpretation of consumer decision‐making under conditions of potential risk
Authors: JACKSON HAZEL O. , NOEL CHARLES J.
Published: July 2007

This study investigates consumer decision‐making processes under conditions of potential risk to personal safety. Potential risk was defined as the individual's subjective interpretation of the likelihood of exposure to hazard or danger and their estimation of the consequences of such exposure. The main concerns were to determine under what conditions consumers would choose a flame resistant apparel item over a non‐flame resistant apparel item and to discover the amount of money consumers were willing to pay for the flame resistant (FR) characteristic in apparel. A model of the expected decision process was developed. The variables in the model were (i) internal/external (I/E) control (x1), (ii) awareness of flame‐resistant facts (x2), (iii) perceived risk (x3), (iv) buying goals (x4), and (v) willingness to pay for the FR characteristic. Data used to test the hypothesized relationships among the variables were collected from 136 mothers of pre‐school‐age children. Path analysis interpretations revealed that the following were the most salient variables affecting the consumer's willingness to pay: (i) perceived risk of clothing‐burn injuries; (ii) consumer's feelings of I/E control; and (iii) FR safety as a buying goal.
Nutritive value of germinated mung beans and lentils
Authors: KAVAS AYSEL , EL SEDEF N.
Published: July 2007

Changes in the nutritive value of germinated mung beans (Phaseolus aereus) and lentils (Lens esculenta) were studied. Water, energy, protein, amino acids, vitamins B2 and C, iron and zinc contents increased with germination. The possible use of these germinated seeds for human consumption was determined by sensory evaluation.
Consumer information‐seeking behaviour in the travel decision‐making process
Authors: CHON KYE‐SUNG
Published: July 2007

One popular tourism promotional medium available to tourism destination marketing organizations is destination‐specific travel information packages made available to potential visitors upon request. This paper discusses the importance of the tourist‐directed information package as a promotional tool. The findings of this study indicate significant differences between information‐seeking tourists and non‐information‐seeking tourists with regard to their socio‐economic and vacation travel characteristics.
Impact of wife's employment on service expenditures
Authors: FOSTER ANN C. , MAMMEN SHEILA
Published: July 2007

Data from the 1986 Consumer Expenditure Survey were used to examine the relationship between wife's employment and spending on services that are expected to be sensitive to the value of time. Tobit regression analysis indicated that wife's employment status was influential in explaining expenditure on food away from home, child care and total services only. Other independent variables, such as income, education and age. were more influential in explaining expenditure than was wife's employment status.
Credit card usage and consumer debt burden of households
Authors: WASBERG CYNTHIA AAMLID , HIRA TAHIRA K. , FANSLOW ALYCE M.
Published: July 2007

The primary objectives of this study were to examine changes in credit card usage and the amount of debt between 1982 and 1986 and to identify factors influencing the amount of and changes in consumer debt held by households. Personal interviews were completed in 1982 and again in 1986 with the money managers of households in a small midwestern town in the U.S.A. The sample consisted of the 123 households that were represented both in the 1982 and 1986 surveys. Paired‐samples t‐tests were used to identify changes over time. Significant differences were found between 1982 and 1986 total household assets and total amount of debt. Regression analysis indicated that significant predictors of the amount of consumer debt burden were age, net income, total assets, and the degree to which managers felt comfortable with debt. Younger money managers were more likely to make larger monthly debt payments and have more consumer debt. Households with larger incomes and higher levels of assets also had higher total debt. Significant predictors of change in debt burden over the 4‐year period were change in net income and total assets, with year‐end savings being negatively correlated with consumer debt.
Price and profitability in fish smoking in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: AKINPELU O. A.
Published: July 2007

Comparative market prices for four freshwater and four marine fish species in the raw and processed forms were determined in a survey within Lagos and Oyo States of Nigeria. Costs of processed fish were calculated relative to the sale prices of their raw equivalents, taking moisture differences and cost of processing into consideration. All the species would have to be sold in the processed form for much higher prices than was found during the survey if sales were to be by weight. Processed catfish, sardine, mudfish and mackerel appear to be sold at a loss while three species (tilapia, sole and bongafish) are sold at very marginal profit. Only tigerfish is sold at reasonable profit. It is suggested that anyone going into fish smoking as a modern business venture should be prepared to face unfair competition in pricing from the small operators who appear to be underpricing their products and who currently dominate almost the entire fish market in Nigeria.
Consumers' willingness to innovate: ownership of microwaves, computers and entertainment products
Authors: MEEKS CAROL B. , SWEANEY ANNE L.
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the factors influencing the probability and years of ownership of four technological products: microwaves, home computers, video cassette recorders (VCRs) and compact disc players. Family income increased the probability of ownership of microwaves and video cassette recorders and the length of ownership of microwaves. Males were more likely to own a computer than females and the probability and length of computer ownership increased with educational level. Innovation adapters as measured by an innovation index had owned microwaves and VCRs longer. The identification of the indicators of product adoption provides guidance for future acceptance of innovative products.
The impact of bias and unexpectedness on message response
Authors: HAYNES PAULAJ.
Published: July 2007

Behavioural research has produced mixed results as to the various effects perceived bias can produce on message response. Though bias and unexpectedly unbiased messages have not been much researched in an advertising framework, perceived bias in advertising messages is an inherent problem. This study presents the results of an experiment designed to test the effect of bias and unexpectedness on message response in an advertising context. The results suggest bias may be more of a problem with advertisements using a comparative format. Unexpectedness, while less effective in comparative approaches, performed well in a non‐comparative format. Unexpected messages appeared to produce greater attention to message content, suggesting that this tactic may result in lower advertising exposure levels producing response.
Consumer credit search behaviour
Authors: CHANG YU‐CHUN REGINA , HANNA SHERMAN
Published: July 2007

The study applies Stigler's economic model of information to the external search for a popular financial service — consumer credit — and seeks to explore factors associated with diverse consumer search behaviour. Logistic regression analysis was used. The empirical analysis revealed findings similar to those of several product information search studies. Consumers engage in little information search. Large expenditure (in this study, the size of loan) and education have significantly positive effects on credit search. Income has a curvilinear effect on search. Implications of these results may contribute to consumer education, public policy making and future research.
Hidden costs of consumption
Authors: KOLLMANN KARL
Published: July 2007

Consumers often underestimate the costs resulting from their consumer decisions. This is especially the case when purchasing durable consumer goods, but also for recreational activities, for which e.g. athletic equipment is bought. A similar situation exists when pets are kept. This disregard for the costs of subsequent use connected with the purchase of household appliances is problematic for consumers. In a study on the usage life of consumer goods1 in the household, it was recognized that many consumers do not pay attention to these subsequent costs. The decisive consumer problem was not the durability of consumer goods, nor their tendency to become defective, but the resulting costs of the purchase, the operating costs of household appliances. On one hand, the working expenses are not considered at the time of purchase and their effect is not included in the purchase decision. On the other, the operating costs vary greatly, depending on the chosen type and model of appliance and, of course, on the specific form of utilization. In this paper, the question of the durability of consumer goods is first discussed with the help of empirical work. Then the hidden resulting costs, i.e. operating costs or costs of usage of consumer goods, are described. The resulting costs of keeping pets are also discussed. In the final part, the question of objective help for the consumer making purchase decisions is discussed.
Older Americans' knowledge of consumer rights and legal protection
Authors: GARMAN E. THOMAS , MIESCIER MELANIE C. , JONES PAMELAS.
Published: July 2007

Consumer knowledge and legal protection were measured in a telephone survey of a stratified random national sample of 1,305 older adults in the United States. The sample was divided into five age groups: 25–49, 50–64, 65–74, 75–84 and 85 and older. Respondents were aksed eight questions dealing with knowledge of consumer rights and protection. Consumer knowledge was poor and was not gender specific. As the age of the respondents increased, their knowledge score decreased. Those who were married or who were previously married scored higher than other groups.