bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet quality: associations with health messages included in the Danish Dietary Guidelines 2005, personal attitudes and social factors
Authors: Biltoft-Jensen Anja , Groth Margit V , Matthiessen Jeppe , Wachmann Henrik , Christensen Tue , Fagt Sisse 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo study the association between diet quality and the new health messages in the Danish Dietary Guidelines 2005, i.e. ‘Eat a varied diet’, ‘Engage in regular physical activity’ and ‘Maintain a healthy body weight’.Design/setting/subjectsThe study was cross-sectional, comprising a random sample of 3151 Danish adults aged 18–75 years. Dietary intake was estimated using a 7 d pre-coded food diary. Information on social background, leisure-time physical activity, height, body weight and intention to eat healthily was obtained by in-person interviews. Logistic regression models were used to explore the independent effects of energy intake, leisure-time physical activity, food variety, BMI, age, gender, education, household income, location of residence and intention to eat healthily on the likelihood to have high diet quality measured by an index based on the intake of dietary fibre and saturated fat.ResultsGreater food variety (OR = 1·32 for women, 1·13 for men), high leisure-time physical activity (OR = 2·20 for women, 1·91 for men), frequent intentions to eat healthily (OR = 8·19 for women, 5·40 for men) and low energy intake (OR=0·78 for women, 0·85 for men) were significantly associated with high diet quality. For women education was positively associated with diet quality. The study did not demonstrate any association between BMI and diet quality.ConclusionThe health behaviours ‘Eat a varied diet’ and ‘Engage in regular physical activity’ were positively associated with healthy eating. The dietary habits reported were strongly influenced by personal intentions. Thus, the biggest challenge for public health nutritionists will be to reach non-compliers who seldom have intentions to eat healthily.
Predictors of nutritional status among community-dwelling older adults in Wuhan, China
Authors: Han Yanhong , Li Sijian , Zheng Yanling 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the nutritional and functional status of community older adults in China, to identify the related factors and best predictors of elder nutrition.Design, setting and subjectsA cross-sectional, descriptive correlation design was utilized. A convenience sample of 162 community older adults (aged ≥65 years) were administered three questionnaires, which were used to obtain demographic characteristics, nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment, MNA) and functional status (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, IADL).ResultsThe mean MNA score was 23·8 (sd 3·92), 36·4 % of elders were at risk of malnutrition and 8·0 % were malnourished; 61·7 % were functionally independent. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that age, marital status, education level, personal income, number of chronic medical conditions suffered and functional status had significant correlations with nutritional status. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified that the best predictors were the number of chronic conditions suffered, age, functional status and marital status.ConclusionsThe study has suggested that nutritional health remains a problem among older adults in the Chinese community. A large proportion was on the borderline of malnutrition, and deficiency as well as excesses coexisted. Malnutrition is an increasing hazard especially for those suffering from more diseases, at a highly advanced age, functionally dependent and widowed.
A comparison of weighed and recalled intakes for schoolchildren and mothers in rural Kenya
Authors: Gewa Constance A , Murphy Suzanne P , Neumann Charlotte G 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the relative validity of recalled intake among schoolchildren and mothers in rural Kenya.DesignCross-sectional study. Mothers’ recall of both the schoolchild’s intake and her own intake on the previous day were compared with intakes that were weighed by an interviewer in the home.SettingKarurumo location of Embu District in Kenya.SubjectsA total of forty-two sets of grade 1 students and their mothers.ResultsBetween 08.00 and 17.00 hours, when foods were both weighed and recalled, approximately 70 % of weighed food items were recalled the next day. Under-reporting of food amounts was seen across most food categories for the recall, with added sugars, sweets and fats being most affected. The recall underestimated energy intakes by approximately 6–9 % during this period. Correlation coefficients between nutrient intakes ranged from 0·43 to 0·65, while weighted κ values ranged from 0·22 to 0·50. Higher levels of agreement were noted for nutrient densities, with correlation coefficients between 0·46 and 0·82 and weighted κ values between 0·30 and 0·73.ConclusionsAlthough the recall method provides an acceptable alternative to the more labour-intensive and expensive food-weighing method, there is need to further improve its performance in this population through more accurate recall of single foods, especially fruits, as well as added sugars, fats, dairy products and meats, which are often added in small amounts to mixed dishes.
Validity of adult lifetime self-reported body weight
Authors: Kovalchik Stephanie 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of self-reported weight status over the adult lifespan.DesignEstimates of self-report bias were obtained from a linear regression analysis and the magnitude of the discrepancy was studied for demographic groups (based on gender, race and educational attainment), weight status, number of years from the age of the reported weight and current age of the respondent.SubjectsA subset of 6101 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiological Follow-Up constituted the study sample.ResultsGender, elapsed time and BMI contributed to self-report bias. Effects of gender and elapsed time were small relative to the effects of BMI, with women tending to underestimate weight by 0·82 kg (1·8 lb), men overestimating by 2·27 kg (5·0 lb) and bias increasing by 0·09 kg (0·2 lb) for each year of retrospection. Every increase of one unit in BMI was associated with an additional 0·91 kg (2·0 lb) underestimate in self-reported weight.ConclusionAccuracy of adult self-reported weight profiles will be greatly underestimated if samples have individuals of current or past high relative weight. Adjusting for underestimation based on the respondent’s weight status alone will considerably improve the validity of weight information.
An economic model of social capital and health
Authors: FOLLAND SHERMAN 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper presents an economic model to connect with the substantial empirical literature on social capital and health that exists largely outside of economics. Representative papers from that literature are reviewed and these show that disagreements exist on the nature and definition of social capital. The paper presents a new line of reasoning to support the view of social capital as a network of interpersonal bonds to include the bonds of family and close friends, not just the community at large. It then adapts and extends the work of Becker and Murphy on social economics to explain the demand for health goods as well as health bads in the presence of increased social capital. It further develops choice under risk to explain the demand for goods that entail a risk of death, such as cigarettes, illegal drugs, or excessive drinking. Empirical examples, including new statistical analyses are presented to illustrate the derivations.
Aging, social capital, and health care utilization in Canada
Authors: LAPORTE AUDREY , NAUENBERG ERIC , SHEN LEILEI 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper examines relationships between aging, social capital, and healthcare utilization. Cross-sectional data from the 2001 Canadian Community Health Survey and the Canadian Census are used to estimate a two-part model for both GP physicians (visits) and hospitalization (annual nights) focusing on the impact of community- (CSC) and individual-level social capital (ISC). Quantile regressions were also performed for GP visits. CSC is measured using the Petris Social Capital Index (PSCI) based on employment levels in religious and community-based organizations [NAICS 813XX] and ISC is based on self-reported connectedness to community. A higher CSC/lower ISC is associated with a lower propensity for GP visits/higher propensity for hospital utilization among seniors. The part-two (intensity model) results indicated that a one standard deviation increase (0.13%) in the PSCI index leads to an overall 5% decrease in GP visits and an annual offset in Canada of approximately $225 M. The ISC impact was smaller; however, neither measure was significant in the hospital intensity models. ISC mainly impacted the lower quantiles in which there was a positive association with GP utilization, while the impact of CSC was strongest in the middle quantiles. Each form of social capital likely operates through a different mechanism: ISC perhaps serves an enabling role by improving access (e.g. transportation services), while CSC serves to obviate some physician visits that may involve counseling/caring services most important to seniors. Policy implications of these results are discussed herein.How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it. … That we often derive sorrow from the sorrow of others, is a matter of fact too obvious to require any instances to prove it; for this sentiment, like all other original passions of human nature, is by no means confined to the virtuous and humane, though they perhaps may feel it with the most exquisite sensibility. The greatest ruffian, the most hardened violator of the laws of society, is not altogether without it.Adam Smith,The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Chapter 1, Part first.
Social capital, economics, and health: new evidence
Authors: SCHEFFLER RICHARD M. , BROWN TIMOTHY T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn introducing this Special Issue on Social Capital and Health, this article tracks the popularization of the term ‘social capital’ and sheds light on the controversy surrounding the term and its definitions. It sets out four mechanisms that link social capital with health: making information available to community members, impacting social norms, enhancing the health care services and their accessibility in a community, and offering psychosocial support networks. Approaches to the measurement of social capital include the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey (SCCBS) developed by Robert Putnam, and the Petris Social Capital Index (PSCI), which looks at community voluntary organizations using public data available for the entire United States. The article defines community social capital (CSC) as the extent and density of trust, cooperation, and associational links and activity within a given population. Four articles on CSC are introduced in two categories: those that address behaviors – particularly utilization of health services and use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs; and those that look at links between social capital and physical or mental health. Policy implications include: funding and/or tax subsidies that would support the creation of social capital; laws and regulations; and generation of enthusiasm among communities and leaders to develop social capital. The next steps in the research programme are to continue testing the mechanisms; to look for natural experiments; and to find better public policies to foster social capital.
Social capital and the social formation of health-related preferences and behaviours
Authors: COSTA-FONT JOAN , MLADOVSKY PHILIPA 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSocial capital appears to be an important determinant of health production and health utilization and demand. However, there is limited evidence on the mechanisms underlying this relationship. In this article we draw on the evidence and insights reported in this special issue along with findings from the economic and other social science literature to develop a discussion on the explanations of the likely (behavioural) mechanisms that underpin the connection between social capital and health. An important and under-explored influence mediating the relationship between social capital and health (behaviour) lies in the ‘social formation of health preferences and constraints’ individuals face in determining their life-styles and in using health care. In particular, we point to the interdependence in how individuals in the first place perceive and also respond to common health risks and the role of cultural transmission and social identity as conveyors of this process. We argue that an emerging body of evidence suggesting that interdependent preferences influence health calls for further re-formulation of traditional demand for and production of health models. Additionally, methodological problems are highlighted and possible ways forward suggested.
A Gender-Specific Retinoblastoma-Related Protein inVolvox carteriImplies a Role for the Retinoblastoma Protein Family in Sexual Development
Authors: Kianianmomeni Arash , Nematollahi Ghazaleh , Hallmann Armin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractHere, we describe the cloning and characterization of RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED PROTEIN1 (RBR1) from the green alga Volvox carteri. RBR1 expression increases substantially during embryogenesis and in response to the sex-inducer glycoprotein, but it decreases significantly under heat stress. While RBR1 is expressed in gonidia (asexual reproductive cells) and embryos, the largest proportion of RBR1 mRNA is found in parental somatic cells. The presence of 4 splice variants and 15 potential cyclin-dependent kinase phosphorylation sites suggests that RBR1 is subject to control at the posttranscriptional and posttranslational levels. Surprisingly, RBR1 is a gender-specific gene, mapping exclusively to the female mating-type locus. A procedure for stable nuclear transformation of males was established to generate RBR1-expressing males. These transformants exhibit enlarged reproductive cells, altered growth characteristics, and a prolonged embryogenesis. The results suggest that a functionally related analog of RBR1 exists in males. The reason for the divergent evolution of RBRs in females and males appears to be based on sexual development: males and females respond to the same sex-inducer with different cleavage programs and substantial differences in cellular differentiation. Thus, the gender-specific presence of RBR1 provides evidence for an additional, novel role for retinoblastoma family proteins in sexual development.
Two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation: a comparison and implications
Authors: Shankar Pawar Badrinarayan 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to outline and compare two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation and to derive conclusions and suggest implications for research and practice.Design/methodology/approachThe article uses two real‐life descriptions from the existing literature to outline two approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation. It outlines similarities and differences between them. It also compares them on key features and outlines their implications and complementarities. Based on this, it describes conclusions and implications for research and practice.FindingsThe paper finds that the first approach, with its starting point of organizational spiritual values and emphasis on organizational processes to facilitate the transmission of these values, can be identified as an organization‐focused approach. At the centre of the second approach is a program for transformation or spiritual development of individual employees.Research limitations/implicationsInputs from the present paper will help future research to specify: comprehensive classifications – typologies and taxonomies – of various types of approaches to workplace spirituality facilitation; and new theories of workplace spirituality facilitation.Practical implicationsThe paper can inform workplace spirituality implementation efforts in organizations.Originality/valueTheory development in workplace spirituality is at a formative stage. Thus, various inputs, outlined in the research implications part of the paper, for further theory development will be a valuable contribution to workplace spirituality research.
The effects of humour usage by financial advisors in sales encounters
Authors: Bergeron Jasmin , Vachon Marc‐Antoine 
Published: September 2008

PurposeFor many years, the financial industry has been perceived as conservative, old‐fashioned, and somewhat tedious. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of humour usage by financial advisors on several sales performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA survey was completed by more than 400 buyer‐seller dyads. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted. An important strength of SEM is its ability to incorporate the psychometric notions of constructs and measurement errors in the same estimation procedure.FindingsA financial advisor's good sense of humour has a positive impact on the clients' perceptions of service quality, trust, satisfaction, purchase intentions, and word‐of‐mouth propensity.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough only customer perceptions were used, the paper suggests many ways to use the results as a spring board by sales researchers to accrue research efforts in understanding the truly rich role of humour.Practical implicationsMany practical implications are suggested to entice organizations to emphasize salespeople's humouristic skills as a competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis is believed to be the first paper to investigate the effects of humour usage in sales encounters in the financial industry. A better understanding of humour is useful for service providers owing to its mass potential, its low cost, and its positive benefits for customers and financial advisors alike.
The role of satisfaction and website usability in developing customer loyalty and positive word‐of‐mouth in the e‐banking services
Authors: Casaló Luis V. , Flavián Carlos , Guinalíu Miguel 
Published: September 2008

PurposeCustomer loyalty and positive word‐of‐mouth (WOM) have been traditionally two main goals aimed at by managers. Focusing on the online banking, the importance of these concepts is even greater due to the increasing competence in electronic commerce. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to characterize both concepts in the e‐banking context.Design/methodology/approachThe influence of satisfaction and website usability in developing customer loyalty and positive WOM in the e‐banking business were measured. After the validation of measurement scales, hypotheses are contrasted through structural modelling.FindingsThis research showed that satisfaction with previous interactions with the bank website had a positive effect on both customer loyalty and positive WOM. In addition, website usability was found to have a positive effect on customer satisfaction and, as expected, loyalty was also significantly related to positive WOM.Practical implicationsIn order to develop customer loyalty and positive WOM, banks that operate in the internet should: prioritize ease‐of‐use in website development, and identify the needs of online customers (e.g. in terms of services offered) in order to offer them what they really want.Originality/valueAlthough the increasing competitiveness in e‐business is motivating an exponential growth in the number of studies that analyze loyalty development and WOM in the internet, there is still a lack of studies that analyze the formation of both concepts in the e‐banking context. Thus, this work represents a new contribution to the field of online banking, which has acquired a notable popularity in recent years.
The dynamics of quality costs in continuous improvement
Authors: Kim Seokjin , Nakhai Behnam 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe ideals of total quality view contradicts with the traditional prevention‐appraisal‐failure (PAF) model. The PAF model, based on the “higher quality‐higher cost” notion, fails to explain the “higher quality‐lower cost” premise of total quality. The purpose of this study is to examine the behaviour of quality costs and investigate the two contradicting views.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature, a generic descriptive model is developed to examine the dynamics of quality costs and quality level over time. Through illustrative examples, the behaviour of quality costs is demonstrated and relevant implications are highlighted.FindingsThe proposed model supports continuous improvement regardless of the effectiveness of the firm's quality improvement programs. When the quality improvement program is highly effective, the “higher quality‐lower cost” phenomenon is observed; whereas, in a less effective quality improvement program, the authors observe the “higher quality‐higher cost” phenomenon, which still calls for increased improvement effort necessary for quality sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed model explains well the dynamics of quality costs, however, it can be further enhanced by incorporating the dynamics of the effectiveness of the firm's quality improvement program and its relation to quality level and quality costs.Practical implicationsThe proposed model is a useful tool especially for quality improvement planning and budgeting decisions.Originality/valueBalancing between the two contradictory views of quality costs, this study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship of quality costs and quality level.
The moderating role of industrial experience in the job satisfaction, intention to leave relationship: an empirical study among salesmen in India
Authors: Purani Keyoor , Sahadev Sunil 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to explore the moderating role of industrial experience in the relationship between different facets of a sales person's satisfaction with the job and his/her intention to quit the job.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the data collected from sales persons from a pharmaceutical company in India. Dimensions of job satisfaction have been specifically developed for this study due to the cultural specificity of the context. The job satisfaction scale was developed through a process of qualitative research.FindingsThe paper finds that industry experience moderates the job satisfaction, disinclination to quit relationship for most of the job satisfaction dimensions. Specifically it is seen than Industry experience has a moderating effect when the effect of a salesperson's satisfaction with the organizational HR policies, supervisor satisfaction, compensation policies and career development and disinclination to quit, are considered.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper contributes to the existing literature by considering the moderating effect of Industry experience, a variable hitherto not considered in sales management literature. This extends knowledge on the factors that affect a sales person's disinclination to quit – an extremely important factor in sales force managementOriginality/valueWhile this paper extends the already existing knowledge about the moderating variables that affect the relationship between job satisfaction and intention to quit, its original contribution is in terms of the setting – India, as well as the identification of a moderating variable‐industry experience.