bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time perception and consumer behaviour: some cross‐cultural implications
Authors: HAYNES PAULA , NIXON JUDY C. , WEST JUDY F.
Published: July 2007

Perception of time differs across cultures. As time perception is a critical component of consumer decision making, awareness of such differences is a key to successful cross‐cultural marketing. Mistakes in international marketing efforts are frequently traceable to ethnocentric cultural assumptions. No culture's perception of time is ‘right’, but there can be a tendency to impose such assumptions without cultural self‐awareness. Time perception differences in four cultures are examined: Anglo, Hispanic, Eastern and Arabic. Implications for marketing efforts due to these cross‐cultural differences are offred.
Analysis of tenure choice and housing expenditure patterns
Authors: HUANG CHUNG L. , RAUNIKAR ROBERT
Published: July 2007

This study employs a selectivity model to account for the simultaneity existing between determinations of tenure status and level of spending. Important socio‐economic characteristics affecting housing tenure were identified. Results indicate that income had a more important effect on the housing expenditures of renters than owners at a lower household income level. The race of the household head had a significant effect on variations in housing expenditures for owners but not for renters, suggesting that race may be a more important factor in owner‐occupant than in renter‐occupant housing.

While household size may be an important factor in a family's decision‐making in terms of buying a home, it is suggested that once tenure status is selected family size had no significant impacts on housing expenditures. Similarly, married couples were most likely to own their own homes than were other household types; however, married households did not spend more or less than other types of households on either owned or rented accommodation. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that in assessing empirical results, attention should be given to meaningful interpretation of estimated selectivity effects as well as to testing for occurrence of selectivity bias.
It's power that counts: reflections on recent consumer market‐place research
Authors: GABBOTT MARK , RICHARDSON BILL
Published: July 2007

The consumer protection literature relies for much of its theoretical support upon concepts such as ‘market power’ and ‘inequalities of bargaining power’. This article seeks to fill a perceived gap in the literature by providing examples of market place application of ‘power, will and skill’—concepts drawn from the literature of management strategy. These examples have arisen as side benefits from research into the workings of Fair Trading Act 1973 based codes of practice, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, and the Scottish used car market. The authors seek to demonstrate, for the benefit of those involved in the regulation of the consumer market place, how the effectiveness of regulation in a variety of forms and situations is determined, significantly, by economic muscle and by an associated will on the part of powerful enforcers to exercise meaningful sanctions on trader organizations.
Adult consumers of UHT milk and their descriptions of the product
Authors: PEARSON JOANNE M. , PHILLIPS JEAN A. , McGILLIARD MICHAEL L.
Published: July 2007

A supermarket survey in the U.S. of 200 purchasers of dairy products, revealed that 29% had tried UHT milk. These consumers of the product, resulting from a relatively new technology available in the country, were more frequently in the age range 25–44 years than were the total survey respondents. They were also more frequently female than male. Convenience features topped the list of terms selected as descriptions of UHT milk.
Finance charges for car loans by size of city
Authors: JUNG ALLEN F.
Published: July 2007

This study presents empirical data on finance charges for new car loans. It compares finance charges by size of city and by type of lender. It did not find significant differences among cities but there were significant differences among lending institutions.
Telecommunications deregulation and rural consumers: the impact on decision‐making
Authors: CUDE BRENDA J.
Published: July 2007

Deregulation of the U.S. telecommunications industry has made a major impact on the consumer decisions of both urban and rural telephone consumers. This article focuses on rural consumers and examines their relative satisfaction with local and long‐distance service, attitudes toward and knowledge about deregulation, and use of information in specific local service and equipment decisions. Implications for consumer educators are identified.
Household production time by sex and employment status: a cross‐national comparison between Finland and the U.S.A.
Authors: KIRJAVAINEN LEENA M. , BARCLAY NANCY A.
Published: July 2007

Two time‐budget studies, from Finland and the U.S.A., were examined across nations and across sexes with regard to household production time in two parent, two‐child households. Time‐use difference in various household activity categories (basic housework, child‐ and member‐care, maintenance, and shopping and management) were analysed according to respondents' employment status. Three‐way analysis of variance revealed that all three variables, nationality, sex and employment status made a significant difference in the time‐use mean scores. Part‐time employed Finnish men allocated more time to household production than other Finnish men. The equality ratios confirmed that women in both countries carry the heaviest burden in the house‐hold work, especially in traditionally female basic housework tasks. In Finnish households the equality ratios were consistently smaller than in the U.S. households indicating a more egalitarian division of household work. Implications for future cross‐national time‐use research including gender issues are discussed.
Conceptual framework to study rural women's work patterns and economic contribution to family resource development
Authors: SINGAL SAVITA , SRINIVASAN KAMALA
Published: July 2007

The concern of this paper is to present a methodologylstrategy to study rural women's work patterns in Haryana. The major concern of the study was to analyse the work patterns of rural women belonging to different work status categories and to determine their economic contribution to family resource development both in terms of real income (unpaid work/household production for use) and money income (paid work).
Sex equity in early childhood environments
Authors: MARTIN RUTH E. , MULLIS ANN K.
Published: July 2007

Many children spend their days in day‐care centres where they have the opportunity to learn about sex appropriate behaviours. The instrument Sex Equity in Early Childhood Environments (SEECE) was developed for use in promoting equiry. Field‐tested and revised, the instrument addresses the areas of teaching behaviour, child awareness, centre and community, facilities and equipment and career awareness. The SEECE instrument can be used with relative ease in focusing on changes needed to achieve a more equitable environment.
Motives for purchase decision‐making: combining attribution and functional approaches
Authors: HAYNES PAULA J. , HELMS MARILYN M.
Published: July 2007

The motivations which lead to consumer decisions have been given relatively little research attention, since motivations are difficult to quantify. The four part typology developed by Katz,1 when combined with self‐perceived attributions, provides a useful method of examining the motivational underpinnings of consumer‐purchase decisions. This study involved an experimental design to evaluate self perceptions of the four functional motives—ego defensive, value expressive, knowledge and utilitarian. A sample of 105 undergraduate students attributed their use or purchase for each of 52 items to one of the four functional motives. Using these responses as self‐perception attributions, two research questions were examined: (i) would the four part typology be useful in explaining self‐perceptions of past behaviour? and (ii) would one function of the typology dominate these reports for each item? An across‐subject analysis suggested the four part typology could be meaningfully employed within a self‐perception context. However, one functional motive dominated attributions for only six of 52 items. Since motivations and consumer behaviour are clearly linked, this research offers a method of providing additional insight into that linkage. The paper concludes with further research possibilities that integrate the functional motive approach and self‐perception attributions.
The effect of country of origin on purchase behaviour: an intercept study
Authors: GIPSON KAY , FRANCIS SALLY K.
Published: July 2007

In the present study, consumers were intercepted and surveyed at point of purchase to measure the influence of country of origin on apparel purchase behaviour. In addition, actual consumer awareness of the country of origin of the garment purchased was measured. The findings offer an indication of the relationship between consumer attitudes and purchase behaviour with regard to country of origin. This information may prove useful to retailers involved in or considering involvement in ‘American made’ promotions. Results also offer the residual benefit of gauging the impact of the Crafted With Pride ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ campaign 6 months after the introduction of intense promotion.
An investigation into women's perceptions of fibre types used for holiday clothes to be worn in hot climates
Authors: HEWITT FIONA M. , BYRNE MICHAEL S.
Published: July 2007

When clothes are taken on a summer holiday in a hot climate, their performance properties may become particularly important. The purpose of this research was to determine women's fibre preferences for holiday clothes and to discover the perceptions underlying those preferences. Results showed a strong preference for cotton and an extreme dislike of nylon. There was a tendency to regard all man‐made fibres with disfavour, with perceptions founded primarily on past unfavourable experiences of nylon only.
Influence of apparel quality knowledge, purchase attitudes and demographics on patronage preferences of rural and urban women
Authors: SUMMERS TERESA A. , WOZNIAK PATRICIA J.
Published: July 2007

The influence of extrinsic cues (price, quality, store image), intrinsic cues (apparel quality knowledge) and demograpics on the store‐patronage preferences of rural and urban consumers was determined. Multiple linear regression was used to generate three predictor models of store patronage (P < 0.05) for 192 rural and 149 urban women responding to a mail survey on attitudes toward discount stores. No differences were noted in attitudes of rural and urban consumers. Attitudes toward apparel price, quality and store image in discount and non‐discount stores were much better predictors of store‐patronage preferences than were apparel quality knowledge and demographic characteristics.

The results of this study may help retailers in defining and reaching their target markets and help educators in assisting students to understand consumer‐purchase attitudes and patronage preferences.
Assessing nutritional adequacy of Americans based on individual food intake patterns
Authors: HUANG CHUNG L. , MISRA SUKANT K.
Published: July 2007

The study assumes that different food patterns are the major attributes that contribute and affect the adequacy of an individual's diet and nutritional status. Analysis of dietary patterns provides a means for generalization of the diversity of diets among individuals. It also provides a basis for assessing the nutritional adequacy of such diets. The study uses individual food intake data obtained from the 1977–1978 USDA Nationwide Household Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) to classify individuals into groups of similar food consumption patterns. Nutritional profiles associated with each identified food pattern were evaluated to determine the nutritional adequacy of such diets.

To analyse nutritional adequacy, the study identifies four major dietary patterns based on cluster analysis. The concepts of nutrient density and index of nutritional quality were then used to assess the adequacy of each food pattern and to identify groups of individuals that may be at risk for malnutrition and other health concerns. Furthermore, regression analyses were used to estimate the relationship between individuals' socioeconomic characteristics and selected nutrient density of their diets.
The effects of water hardness level on washing quality using commercial laundry detergents
Authors: BROWN DONNA M. , CAMERON BRUCE A. , MEYER SONYA S. , UMBER JO J.
Published: July 2007

The water hardnesses were determined for 10 samples of water. A wide variation of water hardnesses were found ranging from very soft to very hard. The effectiveness of six commercial laundry detergents of different formulations were evaluated. The detergent containing a non‐ionic surfactant with a phosphate builder was found to give the best whiteness results, regardless of water hardness. Because of the possible environmental problems associated with the use of phosphates, consumers may wish to select the next most effective detergent formulation, which varied between water samples.
Adolescent evening meal practices and attitudes toward the maternal role in evening meal preparation
Authors: HEBERT KAREN A. , JACOBSON ARMINTA L.
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether maternal employment is related to adolescent evening meal practices and to examine the attitudes of adolescents regarding the mother's role in evening meal preparation. A questionnaire was administered to 1,180 high school students in a suburban area of North Texas. Results indicated that maternal employment affects adolescent evening meals in the number of meals (i) offered per week, (ii) fully prepared by mother, and (iii) eaten away from home. Adolescent participation in meal preparation was higher for the employed group. Attitudes are different between the sexes and those with employed and unemployed mothers.
Attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology
Authors: BELLEAU BONNIE D. , DAGRO PHYLLIS
Published: July 2007

Current literature has suggested that there is a reluctance on the part of the domestic apparel industry to adopt advanced computer technology. This study was designed to investigate the attitudes of Louisiana apparel manufacturers towards computer technology. An attitude questionnaire was mailed to all identified apparel manufacturers in the state. The results indicated that the apparel industry in the state of Louisiana is comprised of many small, privately owned companies. A large array of products in a variety of size ranges is produced in the state. Statistical analyses indicated that there were some differences between attitudes of apparel manufacturers and contractors. In general, contractors were not as aware of the availability and transferability of advanced technology for the apparel industry as manufacturers. Manufacturers and contractors who had some formal training with CAD/CAM systems had more positive attitudes toward the competitiveness of the industry with imported products. It is recommended that the apparel industry in the state explore the technological options available to modernize for a more competitive future.
Investigating dietary behaviours related to reducing dietary fat in the over‐45 population: a case study in the American Pacific North‐West
Authors: ARMSTRONG JILL E. , GILLIAM JAN , STEM DONALD E.
Published: July 2007

An exploratory and descriptive study was conducted with individuals over the age of 45 (n = 510) in three Pacific North‐West states of the U.S.A. to assess consumption patterns of high‐fat foods, dietary behaviours to reduce dietary fat, and selected perceptions related to dietary fat. Subjects completed a postal questionnaire. Many (56%) respondents perceived a link between dietary fat and increased risk of heart disease. Behaviours reportedly tried by many respondents to reduce dietary fat included draining grease from foods (86%), eating more fruit and vegetables (82%), trimming visible fat from meat (81%), and using lean meats (72%) and chicken (75%). Principal components factor analysis of dietary data related to the use of high‐fat foods indicated four independent patterns of dietary change to reduce dietary fat: a cluster of 25 of the 29 behaviours that were listed; using low‐fat milks; using skimmed milk; and draining grease from foods. Independent consumption patterns of high‐fat foods included a 17‐item ‘high‐fat’ food pattern; 2% butterfat milk; butter; and peanut butter. Respondents who were more likely to consume the ‘high‐fat’ food pattern were also less likely to have tried and maintained behaviours to reduce dietary fat. There was evidence of misconceptions about certain types of dietary fat and food sources of fat that could be addressed with nutrition education.
Income inequality within the U.S.A.: with emphasis on the ‘South’
Authors: ABDEL‐GHANY MOHAMED
Published: July 2007

This is an empirical descriptive study of income distribution within the U.S.A., with a special detailed focus on the Southern states. Income inequality and distribution are quantified with Gini coefficient, quantile income distribution, and income polarization ratio. The overall results conclusively demonstrate that income of households in the South is less equally distributed than that of the U.S.A. as a whole.
Resident participation in a community‐based garden/yard waste reclamation programme
Authors: LEONAS KAREN K. , CUDE BRENDA J.
Published: July 2007

Resident participation in a community‐based garden/yard waste reclamation programme was investigated. A survey to determine if the participants in the programme exhibited traits as innovators was completed and the acceptance patterns of various aspects of the garden/yard waste reclamation programme were compared to established diffusion patterns for innovations. The results indicate that the diffusion of innovation theory can be used to describe resident participation in the programme evaluated in this study. Individuals with more education and higher incomes were more likely to participate than those with less education and lower incomes. The rate of adoption of the degradable bags at 27% was higher than the 16% projected by theory. However, rate of adoption of the degradable ties (11%) and reclamation products (11%) was somewhat lower. An effort to reduce the complexity of the issues surrounding the programme may increase the rate of adoption for all aspects of the programme.
Appliance service and repair
Authors: ZIEBARTH ANN C.
Published: July 2007

The appliance industry trade journal Appliance reported that during 1989 manufacturers shipped over 55 million major household appliances. Previous studies have explored length of appliance service life for a given household and the economic cost of energy consumption for major appliances. However, limited information is available on availability and cost of maintenance and repairs which affect the total useful life of equipment. Survey results from a study of Nebraska appliance service and repair firms are presented here. This research provides information regarding the distribution and cost of appliance service and repair. The findings serve as current estimates of service and repair information for consumers as well as manufacturers.
A study of the nutritional composition of primary school children's packed lunches and school meals
Authors: TILSTON C. H. , NEALE R. J. , GREGSON K. , DOUGLAS CARYN J.
Published: July 2007

A survey of the nutritional composition of primary school children's packed lunches and school meals over I week in October 1990 was carried out in an inner‐city school in Nottingham where the majority of children had free school meals and were therefore by definition from low‐income families. Maximum, minimum and mean levels of energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate and dietary fibre were calculated from food composition tables, together with the proportions of the energy contributed by fat, carbohydrate and protein. There were very large differences in the ranges of protein (2.6–24.7 g), fat (10.0–55.3 g) and carbohydrate (33.7–160.9 g) in packed lunches compared to those from school meals (protein 23.3–81.9 g, fat 24.0–65.5g and carbohydrate 37.2–140.3) although the mean percentage of energy from fat was similar in the packed lunches compared to the school meals (43.1 vs. 42.7). The mean energy provided by the school meals was approximately 33% higher than that from packed lunches (2554 kJ vs. 3386 kJ). Whilst accurate food consumption measurements were not performed, observational studies of the children indicated that food was left uneaten, particularly with packed lunches where the crisps and chocolate were often eaten first and the sandwiches remained half‐eaten or untouched.
Acceptability of goat's, sheep's and cow's milk in Malawi
Authors: BANDA J. W.
Published: July 2007

Two sets of questionnaires were administered to 206 individuals at three locations in Salima District, central Malawi, in order to evaluate and compare consumers' attitudes to and acceptance of goat's and sheep's milk relative to identically prepared cow's milk. One hundred and seventy‐two goat farmers around Bunda College, Lilongwe, central Malawi, were also included in the study to assess their general attitude towards the consumption of goat's milk. About 62% and 96% of consumers in Salima have never consumed goat's and sheep's milk respectively. Unavailability was the major factor (P < 0.D001) influencing the attitudes of the people towards consumption of goat's and sheep's milk, followed by the fact that it is not traditional to milk goats and sheep and consume their milk, a major reason (P < 0.D001) in Lilongwe. Strong flavour and taste was a tertiary factor in the study. Respondents failed to associate coded milk samples with actual sources. Mean taste scores (based on a five‐point scale of 1 = like very much, 5 = dislike very much) for goat's, sheep's and cow's milk were 1.81, 2.12 and 2.77, respectively. There were no significant differences among milk sources in these scores. The results indicate that goat's and sheep's milk is just as acceptable as cow's milk.
Control of lipid oxidation in cooked ground beef with water and salts*
Authors: YOUNATHAN MARGARET T. , BAEK JU‐YOUNG , MONLEZUN CHARLES J.
Published: July 2007

The effects of exogenous water and salts on lipid oxidation in ground beef were determined. Deionized water, salts, or both, were added to treatment samples. Salts used were sodium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium sulphate, all at 3% concentration. The Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test was used to assess lipid oxidation. Addition of water at a 10% or 20% level had no effect on rancidity. Sodium chloride and potassium chloride reduced TBA numbers. Adding water to those samples containing potassium chloride and sodium sulphate raised moisture content.
Spatial behaviour of rural consumer households in highly developed economies. Survey results for Western Germany
Authors: CÉCORA J.
Published: July 2007

This contribution attempts to identify effects of residential location of rural family households on their economic behaviour. Economic behaviour is understood to be reflected in the total spectrum of income and allocation of household resources. A holistic approach must go beyond activity on the labour and consumer markets and include non‐market (‘informal’) activities of household members, taking into account domestic production of goods and services, interaction within social networks, the use of public commercial infrastructure, etc.

The cost of living depends, among other things, on patterns of consumption, on regional price levels for consumer breadbaskets, as well as on costs involved in reaching public and commercial points of distribution. These factors result themselves from the interplay of economic forces giving rise to identifiable ‘economic territories’ and ‘market areas’ and ultimately to observable consumptive behaviour and ‘activity spaces’ of individual private households.

Since data was available only for our rural survey households, comparative analysis of locational aspects was limited to consumption expenditures for which data could be found in administrative statistics for households in urban and periurban areas. The rural survey sample was found to have a higher average level and a different structure of expenditures when compared with their non‐rural counterparts. At the same time, a preliminary effort was made in our own rural survey sample to determine the importance of non‐market consumption for rural households. This included household consumption of domestic self‐services (‘housework’), the utility value of owner‐occupied dwellings, do‐it‐yourself production of substitutes for commercial goods and services, and exchanges within social networks. Results of this initial investigation of non‐market elements of the household economy indicated that they were very important for the household's level‐of‐living and that they had a potential for compensating inequalities due to different degrees of access to market resources. Household strategies for optimizing their resource allocation to both market and non‐market consumption were also examined.

In general, ‘objective’ criteria and ‘subjective’ assessments by the survey households with respect to living conditions in rural Western Germany were found to give a positive image of rural life; however, differences in resource allocation strategies for market consumption between urban and rural households having been confirmed above, the question remains for future research about possible locational differences in household acquisition and use of non‐market resources.
A survey of commercial laundry detergents — how effective are they? Part II: liquids
Authors: CAMERON BRUCE A. , BROWN DONNA M. , MEYER SONYA S.
Published: July 2007

The effectiveness of 11 unbuilt liquid detergents and eight built liquid detergents, of varying formulations, in cleaning a standard soiled fabric in soft water (5 ppm) were evaluated. It was found that in soft water there were no significant differences between washing in warm or hot water with either type of detergent, except for a melaleuca oil based detergent which was significantly better in hot water. However, although not significant, in general, washing with unbuilt liquid detergents did give somewhat better results in both warm and hot water.
Pre‐retirees' assessment of housing adequacy and their propensity to move
Authors: JOHNSON‐CARROLL KAREN J. A. , BRANDT JEANETTE , SWARD MARY ANN
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this study is to determine how adequate pre‐retirees perceived their homes would be for retirement, and their propensity to move after retirement. This study assesses the relationships between certain socio‐demographic variables and feelings and plans for retirement, current housing tenure and structure conditions of the home, the anticipated adequacy of the size of the current home for retirement, and the anticipated locational decision after retirement. Three hypothesized models were tested, each succeeding model adding another level, using the above variables. The hypothesized models were tested using logistic regression. Marital status and family income are statistically significant in the prediction of current housing tenure and structure conditions. The amount of planning for retirement, assessed by the respondent in comparison to others of similar age, is a significant predictor of anticipated satisfaction with the present dwelling at retirement. Anticipated satisfaction with the present dwelling at retirement and age are statistically significant in the prediction of likelihood of moving at retirement.
Integrating factual nutritional knowledge and healthy eating practice
Authors: PALOJOKI PAIVI
Published: July 2007

The concept of nutritional knowledge needs to be analysed in a multidimensional way. Previous approaches have concentrated on measuring specific content domains. This study is a pilot study aiming to test a questionnaire using variables derived from the theoretical basis of a multidimensional approach to nutritional knowledge. A sample of young Finnish mothers (n= 42) was shown to be very health‐conscious but still had certain difficulties in integrating factual knowledge and practice. This may imply that if nutritional education ignores practical knowledge and favours factual knowledge, the ordinary homemaker can have difficulties in relating nutritional knowledge to food behaviour.
Consumer issues in the evolving environment: characterizations of the U.K. marketplace
Authors: NWANKWO SONNY , RICHARDSON BILL , MONTANHEIRO LUIZ
Published: July 2007

It is now 10 years since Greyser and Diamond1 published their study which examined how U.S. consumers viewed the marketplace. This study, to some extent, is a reprise. It aims to provide an insight into how the U.K.'s marketplace is characterized by household consumers, private and public sector organizations. The result suggests that fundamental changes have occurred in the perception of the marketplace, with less visible consumer activism and less overt support for antibusiness sentiments.
A cross‐cultural examination of the aetiology of attitudes towards money
Authors: BAILEY WILLIAM C. , LOWN JEAN M.
Published: July 2007

Few cross‐cultural studies have been conducted on the aetiology of attitudes toward money. Such research becomes more important with increased international economic exchange. This study compares attitudes towards money in Great Britain and the U.S.A. The purpose was to replicate Furnham's British study made in 1984 using the Money in the Past and Future Scale (MPFS) with an American sample to provide a cross‐cultural comparison. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine which of the sociodemographic variables were related to respondent attitudes toward money in the past and future. Differences in the MPFS were found between the two countries. The origin or aetiology of these differences in attitudes towards money can be, in part, attributed to cultural differences that begin in the context of the family and are reinforced by society.
Social construction of consumer risk assessments
Authors: SAPP STEPHEN G. , HARROD WENDY J. , ZHAO LI‐JUN
Published: July 2007

Subjects in a laboratory experiment were randomly assigned to a condition wherein they were able to discuss potential benefits and risks of a new technology within a small group, or a condition wherein they evaluated the new technology as individuals only. Structural equation analysis indicated that perceived risk, when formed through contact with others, had a significantly different impact on risk response, as measured by intentions and behaviour, than perceived risk that was formed without contact with others. Incorporating a social process perspective and methodology into future research may provide improved understanding of the determinates of consumer risk perception and of the relationship between risk perception and risk response.
Study of food preferences of an elderly population receiving meals on wheels in Nottinghamshire
Authors: TILSTON COLIN H. , NEALE ROGER J. , GREGSON KEITH , PRICE ALISON
Published: July 2007

A survey of 900 meals on wheels (MOW) recipients (20% total client sample) in all areas of the county of Nottinghamshire (East Midlands of England with a population approximately one million) aimed to evaluate consumer food preferences in the existing MOW provision of both main and sweet courses. A self‐completed questionnaire was administered by Nottinghamshire County Council Social Services Department in November 1992. A response rate of 52% allowed calculations of preference rating on a scale of 1 to 5 (poor to excellent) to be made for the seven districts and two city areas of the county.

Overall for the whole county there was a distinctive pattern of main course preference, the most popular being the sliced meat courses but in different areas of the county and city of Nottingham there was a very big range in preference rating for various types of main meal provision. In a similar manner the sweet courses provided an overall distinctive preference pattern across the county with apple pie and ‘Blackwell’ tart achieving the highest grades. Across the various districts and areas of Nottingham, however, these preference ratings were very variable with some areas giving almost all dishes scores above average while others gave nearly all dishes scores below average.

The reasons for these variations in food preference are not known in the various areas but if poor preference rating leads to low food intake then these elderly people are very likely to be at nutritional risk.
Media portrayal of foods during Saturday morning television programming and in children's magazines
Authors: WARNKE MICHELE R. , ALBRECHT JULIE A.
Published: July 2007

Eating habits are established in childhood and media portrayal of foods may affect food choices of children. To determine how foods are portrayed by the media, the contents of Saturday morning television programmes and commercials and three children's magazines were analysed.

Foods portrayed during Saturday morning television programmes and commercials and in children's magazines were categorized as normal ‘food use’ (97.1% and 86.0%, respectively). Foods on television (91.3%) and in magazines (77.4%) were portrayed in a positive context. Foods were more often portrayed neutrally in magazines (206%) than on television (64%). The number of fruits and vegetables mentioned or shown on television did not statistically differ from the number of breads or cereals (P ≥ 0–05). In contrast, when combined as one group. fruits and vegetables that were included in magazines appeared more often than bread or cereals (P ≤ 0.05). Eighty per cent of all foods mentioned/shown on Saturday morning television were part of commercials, whereas only 12% of all foods in magazines were located in advertisements.

Results indicate that opportunities exist in print and electronic media to convey positive nutritional messages about foods to children.
Consumer concern and behaviour regarding food and health in Norway
Authors: WANDEL MARGARETA
Published: July 2007

This study was undertaken to answer four questions. How widespread is the interest in health issues related to food among consumers in Norway? What types of food‐related health risks are the consumers concerned about? How is the concern expressed among different groups and subgroups of the population? How is the interest in food and health expressed in terms of food behaviour? The paper is built on results from two nationwide consumer surveys in Norway: one telephone interview including 1,021 persons and one postal questionnaire including 13,857 persons. The data revealed that 72% of the consumers were very or rather concerned that the food they eat could be harmful to health. Contrary to results from some other studies, the majority of the Norwegian consumers (57%) were mostly concerned that the food they eat could contain too much fat. Even though the fat issue attracted most attention, many were also concerned about food additives (39%) and contaminants from environmental pollution (43%). Logistic regression analyses showed that the expression of concern is different in various subgroups of the population, divided according to age, income, education and place of residence, Data on food behaviour confirmed the heavy emphasis that consumers put on the fat issue and on additives in food.
Fashion: a new paradigm of consumer behaviour
Authors: EVANS MARTIN , BLYTHE JIM
Published: July 2007

In clothing markets, ‘fashion’ has traditionally been defined as something that is accepted by a sizeable proportion of a market. This paper is based on empirical research amongst over 500 students investigating a variety of dimensions of ‘fashionability’. The findings support the ‘outer‐directedness’ of ‘prevailing styles’ but also identify a potentially important set of ‘individualistic’ influences. It is suggested that this indicates the necessity for a redefinition of what is fashionable, and an explanation is offered for the apparent contradictions in current thinking about fashionability.
Impact of sociodemographic and economic factors on sodium intake in the U.S.A.
Authors: NAYGA RODOLFO M.
Published: July 2007

The effect of sodium intake on human health has received increased attention in recent years. This paper evaluates the impact of various sociodemographic and economic factors on sodium intake of a sample of Americans. Results indicate that urbanization. region, race, weight and height of an individual, gender, diet status, household size, age and income significantly affect sodium intake. Knowledge of the influence of sociodemographic and economic factors on sodium intake is necessary especially in the design and practical implementation of nutrition education and outreach programmes.
Attitudes towards computer technology: comparison of retail buyers and apparel manufacturers in the U.S.A.
Authors: BELLEAU BONNIE D. , SUMMERS TERESA
Published: July 2007

Apparel retailers and manufacturers are incorporating advanced technologies such as CAD/CAM systems and electronic data interchange into their businesses. Attitudes held by key personnel toward these new technologies can enhance or hinder implementation. This study was designed to investigate and compare the attitudes of manufacturers and buyers towards computer technology. Fifteen Likert‐type attitude statements were developed by the researchers. A pilot test of the instrument resulted in minor changes. A total of 105 usable questionnaires were returned: 57 from manufacturers and 48 from retail buyers. t‐test results indicated that buyers' and manufacturers' attitudes differed significantly on five of the 15 attitude statements. A discriminant analysis showed that the same five statements significantly discriminated buyers from manufacturers. Manufacturers' responses were more positive than buyers' on four of these statements. Overall, the results indicated that apparel manufacturers and retail buyers held favourable attitudes towards computer technology.
Exploring factors influencing addictive buying behaviour in the U.S.A.
Authors: PARK KWANGHEE , HESLIN RICHARD
Published: July 2007

This study proposes two models of addictive buying behaviour. The first model assumes that childhood experiences of parental discord influence depression and low self‐esteem which, in turn, increase addictive buying behaviour in adulthood. The data were obtained from questionnaires completed by 149 subjects (college students, Chicago residents, and members of Debtors Anonymous). Testing the first model indicates that parental discord is indeed positively related to depression and addictive buying, and that depression is related negatively to self‐esteem and positively to addictive buying. The second model indicates that addictive buying is positively related to depression and low self‐esteem.
A survey of commercial laundry detergents ‐ how effective are they?: Part III: powders, liquids and hard water
Authors: CAMERON BRUCE A. , BROWN DONNA M.
Published: July 2007

The effectiveness of 42 detergents, 11 non‐phosphate containing powdered detergents, 12 phosphate containing powdered detergents, 11 unbuilt liquid detergents and eight built liquid detergents, of varying formulations, in cleaning a standard soiled fabric in water of varying hardness was evaluated. Powdered detergents were found to be significantly affected only at very high water hardness levels. There was no significant difference between washing in warm and hot water for the liquid detergents, except for a melaleucaoil based detergent which performed significantly better in hot water. Increasing water hardness had no significant effect on liquid detergents. Powdered detergents performed better than liquid detergents in cleaning the standard soiled fabric. While no one detergent was significantly better than the others, in general, washing with detergents that contained phosphates did give somewhat better results in warm water. Detergents that contained bleach as an additive did not result in whiter fabric.
The response of the UK's eight largest grocery retail organizations to growing environmental concern
Authors: STRONG CAROLYN
Published: July 2007

Environmental issues have had an impact on grocery retailing in the UK, with all the large organizations responding to growing public concern for the environment. The proposition of ‘choice’ availability in large retail outlets is such that the demands of the greener consumer have led to the sourcing and supply of greener products and the provision of a greener retail environment.
Retention of banana flavour in dehydrated milk
Authors: COUDERC L. , ROBERTS D. G.
Published: July 2007

This research investigates the loss of flavour during the spray drying of banana‐flavoured milk. The effect of encapsulation using gum arabic on the flavour loss compounds was investigated. The changes were investigated using gas chromatography headspace analysis, sensory panels and scanning electron microscopy. Spray drying without encapsulation showed a banana flavour loss of 74% as opposed to 34% with encapsulation.
High school students' knowledge of telemarketing fraud tactics in the U.S.A.
Authors: MEYERS JILL E. , MAULDIN TERESA A. , LEWIS JOAN K. , MEEKS CAROL B.
Published: July 2007

Telemarketing fraud is a rapidly increasing problem with widespread economic implications for consumers and society. Given the extent of the problem, government agencies and consumer organizations are involved in educational efforts aimed at reducing telemarketing fraud. But does education make a difference? The effects of an educational experience on the knowledge of high school students with regard to telemarketing fraud tactics were explored in a controlled setting, in this study. Analyses of pre‐ and post‐test results for treatment and control groups revealed an increased knowledge of telemarketing fraud tactics from a lesson on legitimate and fraudulent telemarketing practices. Even after controlling for age, gender and rural/urban residence a significant difference in average test scores continued to exist.
Users versus nonusers of supplements: socioeconomic characteristics
Authors: BOCK MARGARET ANN , MEDEIROS DENIS , ORTIZ MELCHOR , RAAB CAROLYN , READ MARSHA , SCHUTZ HOWARD , SHEEHAN EDWARD T. , WILLIAM DORIS
Published: July 2007

The objective of this research was to determine the socioeconomic characteristics of supplement users versus nonusers. Seven western states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming) were surveyed to determine the socioeconomic profile of persons who either use or do not use supplements. Results indicated that 60.2% of the supplement users were female. The largest percentage was 31–40 years of age. By most definitions, supplement users tended to be well educated. Under adverse economic conditions, only a small percentage (7%) of users would give up supplements first when asked to choose from a variety of items that were considered to be nonessential.
Consumer benefits of policies and regulations in the tent and sleeping bag industry
Authors: CUMMINGS MOLLIE , SLATER KEITH
Published: July 2007

The need for information on tents and sleeping bags, to enable consumers to make informed purchase decisions, is becoming more urgent as the popularity of outdoor activities increases. From an approach made to a number of companies with international sales of these items, it became obvious that there is a lack of regulation and that information on important attributes of tents (such as water repellency, wind resistance, breathability, ultraviolet resistance and durability) is sadly lacking. For sleeping bags, more of the critical details tend to be available, but the most important one of all, the temperature rating, is not provided in a standard form. The information obtained enabled the authors to speculate on the requirements for an ‘ideal’ tent and sleeping bag.
Testing for the utility maximization hypothesis of consumers using the revealed preference theory
Authors: MOLINA JOSE ALBERTO
Published: July 2007

The objective of this paper is to test the utility maximization hypothesis in various Western countries using the non‐parametric approach based on the revealed preference theory. The data employed are annual time series covering the period 1964 to 1992 of per capita consumption and prices from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden and Canada. The results indicate that all sample countries are consistent with the weak, strong and generalized axioms of the revealed preference theory. This implies that the observed behaviour of these consumers is consistent with the condition of utility maximization or, in other words, that the hypothesis of stability of individual preferences is accepted.
Returns to investments in information: can investments reduce bad purchase experiences of consumers?
Authors: LEWIS JOAN K. , MAULDIN TERESA
Published: July 2007

A maximum likelihood probit analysis was used to examine the impact of stock of information, specific information sources, research, value of time, and demographic characteristics on the probability of having a bad purchase experience over the past 12 months. Results indicated that age and degree of social contacts, all representing stock of information, were significantly related to the probability of having a bad purchase experience. Using sales persons' advice as a source of information prior to making prior purchases was also a significant predictor.
The environmental burden imposed by the family's activities
Authors: DALL OLE , TOFT JESPER
Published: July 2007

Calculations of the environmental burden from a model family's consumption show that family activities associated with eating make up more than one‐third of the family's total consumption of resources and discharges to the surroundings. Car transport and residential heating together also account for one‐third of the family's resource consumption and discharges to the surroundings. The remaining third of resource consumption and discharges to the environment relates especially to the consumption of goods during leisure activities around the home, clothing, hygiene and health as well as cleaning.
Textile characteristics, laundering and the environment
Authors: GROOT‐MARCUS ANS P. , VAN MOLL MIRJAM
Published: July 2007

The environmental impact of laundering is dependent on the laundry methods used by households. This study investigates the relation between laundry methods (frequency, load size and wash temperature) and the composition of wash loads. Three definitions for the composition of wash loads are used: the respondent's classification and two objective definitions. These are constructed in two different ways from three specific characteristics of the textiles: colour, textile fibre and the type of article. The data are from a survey with a 2‐week diary about laundry practices of 1026 Dutch households in 1990. The results show that all three definitions of the composition of wash loads can explain one factor of the laundry method, wash temperature; frequency and load size, however, are not influenced by the composition of the wash load.
The importance of research functions in promoting home economics education in Finland
Authors: TURKKI KAIJA
Published: July 2007

This article aims to clarify the meaning of research for developing home economics education. The need for new kinds of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches are subjected to discussion. The description of research done at the University of Helsinki is put forward. Some national and international proposals for promoting research are introduced.