bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pervasive interactions: a purposive best evidence review with methodological observations on the impact of housing circumstances and housing interventions on adult mental health and well‐being
Authors: Johnson Robin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to present an overview of the current state of evidence on the effect of housing circumstances, and housing‐related interventions, on adult mental health and well‐being. It covers the entire range of health from chronic illness to positive thriving, and both individual and community‐level/public health.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based upon a purposive review, commissioned originally for the UK Department of Health; and therefore is selective in giving priority to research relevant to public policy considerations, and to the UK context. Research with a variety of methodological foundations is considered, where robust enough by its own standards.FindingsThe available evidence gives conditional support to policies accentuating empowerment at individual and community levels; early intervention; locality or place‐based interventions; and integrated working practice. The complexity of methodological issues emerges as a key challenge for research in this field, and for the prospect of evidence‐based national policy. Meanwhile local knowledge and interpretation of data in context may be more reliable than context‐blind studies.Research limitations/implicationsWhere “hard evidence” is unavailable, reports of the lived experience of individuals and in communities remain a legitimate basis for policy and commissioning.Originality/valueThis appears to be the first attempt in print to cover such a wide canvas in one overview.
Social engagement and healthy ageing in disadvantaged communities
Authors: Beech Roger , Murray Michael 
Published: March 2013

PurposeSocial engagement is important for healthy ageing but may be challenging for residents of disadvantaged urban communities. For older residents of one such community, this project aimed to examine levels of social engagement and its link with wellbeing and community attachment.Design/methodology/approachThe project introduced activities to promote social engagement and used a survey to assess participants' wider involvement in local activities and their feelings of wellbeing and community attachment.FindingsSixty five people completed the survey: most lived alone (over 69 per cent) but had contact at least monthly with family, friends and neighbours (over 70 per cent) and made regular use of local amenities (over 79 per cent). Only 34.7 per cent were classified as “not lonely” and participants' mean health related quality of life score was lower than the national average. However, over 65 per cent of participants rated their generic quality of life as good or better and over 67 per cent had a positive sense of community attachment. Statistically significant associations were identified between a person's feelings of loneliness and generic quality of life and their level of contact with relatives, neighbours and friends and their sense of community attachment.Originality/valueResults confirm the need for strategies to promote the social engagement of older people. The link between community attachment and wellbeing also demonstrates that community wide strategies are required. The importance of maintaining the “corner shop” was evident.
Modeling enablers of TQM to improve airline performance
Authors: Singh Alok Kumar , Sushil  
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interactions among different enablers of total quality management (TQM) and its outcome variables in service sector specific to Indian domestic airline industry. No study has been done regarding the implementation of TQM in Indian domestic aviation sector. To fill this gap interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) based quality framework model has been developed to understand the mutual interactions among the variables and to identify the driving and dependence power of these variables.Design/methodology/approachAn ISM and TISM based approach have been used to study and analyze the interactions between identified variables.FindingsIn this research work, a total of 14 variables have been identified based on extensive literature review, brainstorming and experts opining from the Indian airline industry and academia. The result showed that top management commitment, training, continuous improvement, benchmarking, employee involvement and commitment have strong driving power and weak dependence power and are at the lowest level in hierarchy in the ISM and TISM model, while the outcome variables of TQM have low driving power but have high dependence power.Practical implicationsTop management must stress on variables having strong driving power for efficient implementation of TQM. By implementation of TISM model in the Indian airline industry, organizations would become more productive, competitive and would eventually become more profitable.Originality/valueIn this research work, ISM and TISM based quality framework structural model have been proposed for Indian domestic aviation industry which is a new effort in the area of TQM implementation in this sector.
Knowledge production, communication and utilization: studying biomedical alcohol research
Authors: Bogren Alexandra , Winter Katarina 
Published: March 2013

PurposeA growing body of social research analyzes how the biomedical interest in detailed molecular aspects of people's bodies (genes, biomarkers, DNA) affect everyday notions of health, risk, and responsibility for health problems. However, this research focus has been largely neglected in social alcohol research. The purpose of this paper is to report on some early findings from a study of media portrayals of biomedical alcohol research and to present a rationale for studying biomedical alcohol research more broadly.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical discussion is based on textual analysis of 90 newspaper articles published in Swedish newspapers between 1995 and 2010 and one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews with 24 newspaper readers about their interpretation of the newspaper portrayals. The motives for studying biomedical alcohol research more broadly are discussed in relation to existing research and theories of biomedicalization.FindingsIt is found that a large majority of the newspapers cite biomedical researchers to explain the mechanisms of addiction, and that biomedical research is often presented as revolutionary in scope. However, journalists also act as storytellers who explain the biomedical research results to readers. The reward system proved to be a central notion among the interviewees, who had their own, different and varying definitions of the concept. The authors suggest a framework for analyzing how biomedical knowledge is produced, communicated and utilized by three types of key actors.Originality/valueThe study presents a novel framework for studying biomedical alcohol research.
Collectivist and individualist values traits in Finnish and Italian adolescents' alcohol norms
Authors: Hellman Matilda , Rolando Sara 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe study aims to investigate a possible application of the concepts of individualist and collectivist (I‐C) value traits in inquiries on alcohol drinking norms in different alcohol cultures.Design/methodology/approachData from focus group discussions (n=16) with Italian and Finnish adolescents (aged 13‐16) is trialled against some typical dissimilarities featured in the literature on I‐C cultures.FindingsThe study shows that the features identified in the I‐C dichotomy regarding personality traits and parental goal for children correlate with some culturally anchored meaning‐making of agency and autonomy emphasized in judgements of correct ways of drinking.Originality/valueThe authors conclude that with certain caveats I‐C dichotomy could indeed be applied more in the cross‐cultural alcohol research.
One modification of fuzzy TOPSIS method
Authors: Prascevic Zivojin , Prascevic Natasa 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present one modification of the fuzzy TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and to develop a corresponding computer program which could be used for the multicriteria decision making for problems in practice.Design/methodology/approachThis method is based on the uncertainties and probabilities of input data for ratings of alternatives with respect to criteria and weights of criteria that are presented by triangular fuzzy numbers as probabilistic fuzzy values. These input data are transformed in the procedure into output data that are relevant for the ranking of alternatives and decision making.FindingsThe proposed method is based on the generalized mean and spread of fuzzy numbers that are calculated according to probability of fuzzy events due to Zadeh. Ranking of alternatives for relevant criteria performs according to relative expected closeness, coefficient of variation and relative standard deviation of distance of alternatives to the ideal solutions. The most acceptable rule is related to the minimal value of the expected relative distance to positive ideal solution, especially when the coefficient of variation of distance to this solution is small. The attached example, related to a real project, confirms these findings.Originality/valueThis paper proposes three novel contributions in this area. Unlike the methods proposed by other authors, the weighted fuzzy decision matrix is expressed by the matrix of generalized expected values and matrix of generalized variances. To compute elements of these two matrices, exact formulae are derived and then the modified fuzzy TOPSIS procedure is carried out.
Public health implications of spiritual healing practice, in conditions such as depression
Authors: Bell Charles J.M. 
Published: March 2013

PurposePatient‐defined spiritual aspects of mental health care are an understudied and potentially important aspect to non‐pharmaceutical treatments. A review of this area will lead to improved rigorous research and better patient outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the public health implications of spiritual healing practice, in conditions such as depression.Design/methodology/approachThe current research into spiritual healing was reviewed, and in particular its use in depression. Scientific and anecdotal evidence was considered, and areas of improvement were identified.FindingsThe attitudes of physicians and patients may affect the efficacy of patient‐defined spiritual healing, which is currently lacking in rigorous academic research. A better scientific understanding may aid in a cost‐benefit analysis of such treatments in the future.Originality/valueThis paper should aid those involved in public health‐care planning or who practice psychotherapeutic methods to ensure they utilise all possible methods, whilst working within a rigorous evidence‐based framework.
Environmental attitude and ecological behaviour of Indian consumers
Authors: Singh Narendra , Gupta Karnika 
Published: March 2013

PurposeTo create a sustainable environment, the aim of this study is to explore and identify the components of environmental attitude that can drive the specific ecological behaviour of Indian consumers. Further, it defines environmental attitude components as moderators and investigates them as predictor of ecological behaviour.Design/methodology/approachThe constructs of environmental attitude (EA) and ecological behaviour (EB) are measured using standardized scales with modifications that represent demography of Indian consumers, then, introduced among 300 respondents. Factor analysis, correlations of the factors, and regression analysis are used to draw the results.FindingsConstructs of EA and EB are found to be multidimensional and support the literature. Many of their components are found to be significantly correlated inferring that consumers behave ecologically in specific manners depending on the formed attitude. Also, findings suggest that EA components work as predictors of EB. Further, developing a positive environmental attitude is a step to achieve sustainable environment.Research limitations/implicationsAn attempt is made to improve scales to best suit Indian conditions but development of a reliable and valid measure never ends. This may partly limit the generality of the results. To study fresh issues on Indian conditions, a new scale index can be tested. Researcher, producers, media, policy planners and executives will get a cue to generate relevant value of their work.Originality/valueThe paper is a maiden attempt on Indian consumers and has enough potential to change the behaviour for achieving sustainable living. It will strengthen the literature in extrapolating the consumer classes besides identifying two new components of EB: costly exercise and uncaring behaviour.
Corporate social reporting and human resource disclosures: experiences from insurance companies in India
Authors: Das Sudhir C. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which Indian insurance companies have adapted socially responsible reporting practices, HR disclosures and also to identify areas of corporate social reporting and HR disclosures.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts longitudinal design and has analyzed qualitative data by using content analysis in 26 insurance companies in India disclosed in annual reports. The paper focuses on annual reports of Indian insurance companies starting from the financial year 2002‐2003 to 2009‐2010, which are analyzed with regard to the nature of their human resource disclosures and social reporting. Finally, a test of legitimacy theory is then conducted.FindingsThe study found that the non‐life insurance companies disclosed significantly less social information than life insurance companies. The study also reveals that public life insurers disclosed significantly more social information than the other life insurance companies. On the other hand, a paired difference t‐test shows private general insurance companies disclose more social information as the difference significant.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has ignored longitudinal variations and the sample organizations comprised 26 government and private insurance organizations, restricting generalizations to the companies examined in the study.Practical implicationsThe study recommends that a checklist of disclosures should be developed jointly by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).Originality/valueThe study, while providing valuable insights, highlights the dearth of research of corporate social reporting in emerging economies and opens up many avenues for further research.
The V formation model: a unifying force for double bottom line ventures illustrated with European and North American examples
Authors: Myrah Kyleen K. , Odinsky‐Zec Tina L. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeBoth social entrepreneurship (SE) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are explored as parts of the contemporary movement toward sustainable business practices. In particular, this paper aims to address some of the confusion with the emerging field of SE through an exploration of theoretical models and practical applications across contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis article reviews an array of research that has focused on defining a continuum of social mandate across the for‐profit to non‐profit arenas. It further experiments with plotting examples from North America (Canada) and Europe (Croatia) to test the models' practical value.FindingsThere are many gradations but the basic elements of intention and implementation along the lines of double (mission and money) and triple (people, planet, profit) bottom lines are converging. As the SE movement gains momentum across the world both experts and those new to the field are in search of a common tool to aid in consensus building and development across borders and sectors.Research limitations/implicationsThe V formation model emphasizes the importance of the starting point of a social organization in terms of whether it is rooted in charitable or business practices, before allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the depth and intensity of its commitments to balance at the V‐Point of symmetry.Originality/valueThe authors present their own conceptual model with ten mini case studies presenting a diverse spectrum of SE activity that supports an inclusive rather than exclusive view of the present and future of both social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Risk disclosure during the global financial crisis
Authors: Nur Probohudono Agung , Tower Greg , Rusmin Rusmin 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine voluntary risk disclosures within annual reports in four key South‐East Asian countries' (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia) manufacturing listed companies over the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) 2007‐2009 financial years.Design/methodology/approachLongitudinal and cross‐country analyses test the veracity of agency theory to predict the level of firms' risk disclosures. A comprehensive risk disclosure index (RDI) checklist is created with key predictor variables (country, company size, managerial ownership and board independence) tested to explain the dissemination of CSR information over time.FindingsThe findings show that the communication of risk data stays relatively consistent (26‐29 per cent across the three GFC “crisis” years). This is arguably a low level of communication from a social responsibility corporate lens. Multiple regression analysis provides evidence that country, size and board independence are positively significantly associated and leverage is negatively significantly associated with the extent of voluntary risk disclosure. Interestingly, Indonesia, the least developed country with arguably the highest business risk factors, consistently has statistically lower levels of risk disclosure compared with their three neighbours.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample frame is selected from the stock exchange population of manufacturing companies in key South‐East Asian countries. However, for complete generalization the findings should be tested in other countries and other industries.Practical implicationsThe study findings are useful for firm self‐evaluation and benchmarking of risk communication by other corporations across countries.Social implicationsThe study shows relatively low levels of risk disclosure over the GFC crisis time period. Communication of these items are influenced by key firm characteristics and economic drivers. Arguably, higher risk disclosure leads to better understanding of a company's social responsibility stance.Originality/valueThis is a critically important time span to investigate risk disclosures as it encompasses those years most directly impacted by the global financial crisis (GFC).
Online marketing of food products to children: the effects of national consumer policies in high‐income countries
Authors: Lascu Dana‐Nicoleta , Manrai Ajay K. , Manrai Lalita A. , Brookman Amissah Fabienne 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe marketing of food products to children through online media has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly in high‐income countries, where children spend considerable amounts of time on computers. Most food products marketed to children online are obesity‐causing, and childhood obesity has grown to epidemic proportions, with harmful effects on society. Marketers use creative methods to engage children online, entertaining them, offering rewards and promoting products through interactive activities. Online media is monitored much less than conventional media and little is known about online marketing of food to children. This study seeks to examine policies related to food marketing in three high‐income countries, France, Spain, and the USA, and their impact on the methods marketers use to engage children.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a conceptual framework linking several aspects of the policies and the socio‐cultural environments in these countries with the design of the food companies' web sites. Six hypotheses are advanced based on this framework and tested using content analysis.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that there are significant differences in online marketing of food products to children in the three countries studied in the authors' research, France, Spain, and the USA, and these differences are largely attributable to these countries' policies. The web sites of French food companies placed greater emphasis on nutrition‐related and interactions‐related features compared to the web sites of US and Spanish food companies. On the other hand, the web sites of US and Spanish food companies placed greater emphasis on games‐related, rewards‐related, attributes‐related, and brand‐related features compared to the web sites of French food companies. These differences in the web sites were conceptualized to result from the differences in the socio‐cultural and policy/regulatory environments of the three countries.Originality/valueThe study provides several useful insights related to understanding of consumer behavior, consumer policy, and design of food companies' web sites in the three countries. The design of food companies' web sites in terms of their emphasis on different categories of features reflects the companies' understanding of consumers in the respective country and government policy and enforcement of online communications. The article provides a conceptual framework that identifies six factors hypothesized to influence the design of food companies' web sites, three related to the socio‐cultural environment, namely attitudes toward health and nutrition, food and nutrition communication, and brand building, and three related to the policy/regulatory environment, namely, government regulatory agencies, self‐regulation by companies, and enforcement and compliance.
Does game self‐congruity increase usage and purchase?
Authors: Davis Robert , Lang Bodo 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to measure the empirical relationship between self‐congruity and game usage and purchase. This is important because it highlights that games affect self concept and the symbolic value that can be obtained from the game. It is aimed to implement this study across four game types.Design/methodology/approachA total of 493 consumers were surveyed and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling conducted across four game groups to model this same relationship.FindingsIt was found that self‐congruity was positively related to game usage and purchase.Practical implicationsGame development for consumers online, on wireless devices and on consoles should place greater emphasis on the practical implications of self‐congruity. Games impact self concept through self‐congruity. So, it is important that marketers understand the potential harm and positive impact of games on the consumers' cognition.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to explore and model self‐congruity and game purchase and usage behaviour. This paper is further unique because it provides results across four games groups: all games representing, followed by the alternative models, Sports/Simulation/Driving, Role‐playing Game (RPG)/Massively Multiplayer Online Role‐playing Game (MMORPG)/Strategy, and Action/Adventure/Fighting,