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1 – 10 of over 3000Ning Sun, Yuhan Peng, Yingchen Lu, Wanting Liu and Zhenhua Zheng
This study aims to investigate the relationships between the perceived neighborhood walkable environment (PNWE), neighborhood interaction (NI) and residents’ mental health, with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationships between the perceived neighborhood walkable environment (PNWE), neighborhood interaction (NI) and residents’ mental health, with a focus on examining differences among residents of different age groups.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an electronic survey questionnaire, data on PNWE, NI and mental health were collected from 1,159 residents across 205 communities in Shanghai, China. Our study utilized a structural equation modeling (SEM), employing the maximum likelihood estimation method. The structural equation model was fitted using the MPLUS software.
Findings
The mental health of young and middle-aged adults is generally poor, and they are at higher risk of depression than children and older adults. The effects of PNWE and NI on the mental health of residents varied among different age groups. As residents get older, their mental health is more affected by the PNWE. In addition, the influence of the PNWE on children and older adults’ mental health is direct and not mediated by NI. For young and middle-aged adults, the influence of the PNWE on their mental health needs to be mediated by NI.
Originality/value
This study marks the first examination of the relationship between PNWE, NI and mental health among different age groups of residents in China. The findings of this research can assist policymakers in gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which PNWE affects mental health. Furthermore, it can contribute to the development of more targeted walkable environment designs aimed at enhancing mental health among various age groups.
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Albania's commitment to safeguard and protect Roma minority rights, and integrate this community in society is expressed in its regular broad-based efforts and continuous policy…
Abstract
Albania's commitment to safeguard and protect Roma minority rights, and integrate this community in society is expressed in its regular broad-based efforts and continuous policy dialogue to adopt its domestic legislation to find durable solutions to expand social coexistence. Its valuable contribution to shape diversity at local and national level combined with the fight against discrimination has fostered the development of national strategies on Roma minority inclusion and encouraged the implementation of various action plans to deconstruct prejudicial structures and stereotypes. Jointly sharing responsibility with various Roma and non-Roma civil society organizations through a cooperation model, the Albanian government has supported socio-economic empowerment of the Roma minority and promoted its equal access to education, health care, housing and employment. In line with the European Union enlargement process, Albania adopted Poznan Declaration setting clear goals to achieve full integration of this community.
Despite various efforts made to reduce the gap between the Roma and the Albanian population, limited progress has been achieved in the social inclusion of the Roma minority. In general, the institutional capacity to coordinate Roma-related policies is weak. Low socio-economic standards of this community including the lack of digital skills to unlock individual opportunities, segregation in schools, low health insurance coverage and poor access to technology hinder the acceleration of its inclusion (European Commission, 2022, pp. 36–37). This chapter will be mainly focused on education of Roma children in Albania highlighting some of the challenges they face and indicating some positive models to address them at local level.
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Saniya Bhutani and Kamlesh Singh
The purpose of this study is to adapt and validate Edinburgh social cognition test (ESCoT) for Indian children. In addition, exploring the effect of demographics on ESCoT.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to adapt and validate Edinburgh social cognition test (ESCoT) for Indian children. In addition, exploring the effect of demographics on ESCoT.
Design/methodology/approach
For content validity, 10 practicing psychologists and clinical psychologists gave their feedback about the test scenarios based on which the items were retained. The adaptation process involved 100 participants aged between 6 and 12 years. Informed consent from parents and verbal assent from the participant were taken. Demographics were collected. Measures were individually administered. Data was scored and analyzed.
Findings
Seven out of 10 scenarios were retained in content validity. Convergent validity, internal consistency and interrater reliability were found to be acceptable. Regression analysis indicates that age significantly predicts performance on ESCoT. Age is associated with the cognitive theory of mind, affective theory of mind and interpersonal social norms understanding.
Originality/value
The study provides evidence for validation of ESCoT. Results indicate acceptable psychometric properties of ESCoT. Thus, it is suitable for Indian settings and amongst children.
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Fionnghuala Murphy, Fifi Phang, Alicia Weaver, Helen Minnis, Anne McFadyen and Andrew Dawson
Despite the long-established importance of infant mental health, internationally this has not been mirrored in the provision of infant mental health services. Within Scotland in…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the long-established importance of infant mental health, internationally this has not been mirrored in the provision of infant mental health services. Within Scotland in the UK, there has been significant recent government investment in developing infant mental health services. However, existing research identifies a massive knowledge and skills gap that could create barriers to implementation. This study aims to use qualitative methods to consider the views of relevant professional stakeholders on education and training within infant mental health.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors completed semi-structured interviews with 14 professional stakeholders working in a health board in Scotland. This study used purposive sampling to include a broad range of professionals across health and social care services and analysed the resulting data using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) methodology. This study adopted a reflexive stance throughout, including the research team interviewing each other as part of the process.
Findings
Within the theme of education and training, we identified four sub-themes. These included roles for public health and societal education, training for parents, training for professionals and increasing professionals’ experience of infant mental health.
Originality/value
The issues identified are relevant in any area of the UK or internationally in considering the role of education and training in developing and maintaining new infant mental health services. Further research with families and with wider groups of professional stakeholders would be of further benefit.
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Jean-Alain Heraud, Phu Nguyen-Van and Thi Kim Cuong Pham
This paper analyzes individual subjective well-being using a survey database from the Strasbourg metropolitan development council (France). The authors focus on the effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper analyzes individual subjective well-being using a survey database from the Strasbourg metropolitan development council (France). The authors focus on the effects of externalities generated by public services (transport, culture and sport), environmental quality and feeling of security in the Strasbourg metropolitan area (Eurométropole de Strasbourg, EMS). Results show that EMS specificities (public facilities, environmental quality, safety and security) and individual features like opportunities to laugh or live with children significantly influence individual well-being. These findings are robust when using three subjective measures: feeling of well-being, environmental satisfaction and social life satisfaction. The authors also show that income may affect the perceived well-being of individuals belonging to a low-income group, while individuals belonging to a high-income group tend to be unsatisfied with environmental quality but satisfied with their social life. Besides, social comparison in terms of income does not matter for individual well-being in the Strasbourg metropolitan area.
Design/methodology/approach
Theoretical and empirical paper —Utility theory in economics—Econometric modeling using an ordered probit model.
Findings
Specificities of the Strasbourg metropolitan area-France (public services related to transport, culture and sport, environmental quality perceived as convenient for individual health, sense of security) significantly impact individual subjective well-being. Income does not substantially impact the individual subjective perception of happiness: income may matter for the feeling of well-being only for individuals belonging to a low-income group. Wealthy individuals tend to be unsatisfied with environmental quality but satisfied with their social life. Social comparison in terms of income does not matter for individual well-being in the Strasbourg metropolitan area.
Research limitations/implications
Cross-sectional data, but it is the only available database from a survey conducted by EMS in 2017 to collect information on potential elements relative to individual well-being in the Strasbourg metropolitan area.
Practical implications
Results shed light on the role of territorial policies in improving individual well-being and might provide some guidelines for policy-makers concerned about the population’s welfare. Policy-makers should give strong attention to public facilities (an essential element of local public action) and improve environmental quality. If they care about the population’s happiness, they have to reorient current policies in this direction. Of course, through the inquiry in 2017 giving this database, the Strasbourg agglomeration development council aimed to provide such evidence to the local administration. Nevertheless, the results were a bit upsetting for many people in the administrative and political circles, who generally prioritize economic and demographic development, while the citizens’ responses to the inquiry have revealed a strong focus on the quality of everyday life in their neighborhood.
Originality/value
The present study contributes to the literature on subjective well-being, with a focus on the role of local characteristics and living environment. The authors’ starting point is related to the standard utility theory, indicating that environmental quality and public services are positive externalities. The authors investigate whether the local living environment and public facilities are crucial elements explaining individual well-being. To do this, we consider three subjective measures: feeling of well-being, environmental satisfaction and social life satisfaction, which are used as proxies of individual utility. The authors consider different explicative variables representing specificities of EMS in terms of public services (transport, culture and sport), environmental quality perceived as convenient for individual health, safety and security, etc. The authors also provide a test for relative standing by including the median monthly household income at the municipality level.
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By examining types of literacies taught by public libraries and the modes through which these programs were offered, this study aims to explore how public libraries might…
Abstract
Purpose
By examining types of literacies taught by public libraries and the modes through which these programs were offered, this study aims to explore how public libraries might integrate data literacy training for the general public into existing library educational programs.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examined programs offered in 30 US public libraries during 2019 and 2020 to better understand types of literacy education announced to the public through library website listings and Facebook Events pages.
Findings
While public libraries offered educational programs in literacy areas ranging from basic reading and writing to technology, vocational skills, health literacy and more, data literacy training was not widely offered. However, this study identified many already-existing programs highly compatible for integrating with data literacy training.
Originality/value
This study offered new insights into both the literacies taught in public library programs as well as ways for public libraries to integrate data literacy training into existing educational programming, in order to better provide data literacy education for the general public.
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Koraljka Golub, Jenny Bergenmar and Siska Humelsjö
This article aims to help ensure high-quality subject access to Swedish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersexual (LGBTQI) fiction, and aims to identify…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to help ensure high-quality subject access to Swedish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersexual (LGBTQI) fiction, and aims to identify challenges that librarians consider important to address, on behalf of themselves and end users.
Design/methodology/approach
A web-based questionnaire comprising 35 closed and open questions, 22 of which were required, was sent via online channels in January 2022. By the survey closing date, 20 March 2022, 82 responses had been received. The study was intended to complement an earlier study targeting end users.
Findings
Both this study of librarians and the previous study of end users have painted a dismal image of online search services when it comes to searching for LGBTQI fiction. The need to consult different channels (e.g. social media, library catalogues and friends), the inability to search more specifically than for the broad LGBTQI category and suboptimal search interfaces were among the commonly reported issues. The results of these studies are used to inform the development of a dedicated Swedish LGBTQI fiction database with an online search interface.
Originality/value
The subject searching of fiction via online services is usually limited to genre with facets for time and place, while users are often seeking characteristics such as pacing, characterization, storyline, frame/setting, tone and language/style. LGBTQI fiction is even more challenging to search because indexing practices are not really being standardized or disseminated worldwide. This study helps address this important gap, in both research and practical applications.
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Using the Canadian Census of 2016, the present study examines the Black and White gap in compensating differentials for their commute to work.
Abstract
Purpose
Using the Canadian Census of 2016, the present study examines the Black and White gap in compensating differentials for their commute to work.
Design/methodology/approach
The data are from the Canadian Census of 2016. The standard Mincerian wage regression, augmented by commute-related variables and their confounders, is estimated by OLS. The estimations use sample weights and heteroscedasticity robust standard errors.
Findings
In the standard Mincerian wage regressions, Black men are found to earn non-negligibly less than White men. No such gap is found among women. When the Mincerian wage equation is augmented by commute duration and its confounders, commute duration is revealed to positively predict wages of White men and negatively associate with wages of Black men. At the same time, in the specifications including commute duration and its confounders, the coefficient for the dummy variable identifying Black men is positive with a non-negligible size. The latter pattern indicates wage discrepancies among Black men by their commute duration. Again, no difference is found between Black and White women in these estimations.
Research limitations/implications
The main caveat is that due to data limitations, causal estimates could not be produced.
Practical implications
For the Canadian working men, the uncovered patterns indicate both between and within race gaps in the impact of commuting on wages. Particularly, Black men seem to commute longer towards relatively lower paying jobs, while the opposite holds for their White counterparts. However, Black men who reside close to their work earn substantially more than both otherwise identical White men and Black men who live far away from their jobs. The implications for research and policy are discussed.
Originality/value
This is the first paper focused on commute compensating differentials by race using Canadian data.
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Suhans Bansal, Naval Garg and Jagvinder Singh
Cyberbullying has become one of the reasons behind the increase in psychological and medical problems. A need to prevent recurrences of cyberbullying incidents and discourage…
Abstract
Purpose
Cyberbullying has become one of the reasons behind the increase in psychological and medical problems. A need to prevent recurrences of cyberbullying incidents and discourage bullies from further bullying the victims has risen. This problem has attracted the attention of all stakeholders across the globe. Various researchers have developed theories and interventions to detect and stop bullying behavior. Previously, researchers focused on helping victims, but as the times have changed, so has the focus of researchers. This study aims to analyze scientific research articles and review papers to understand the development of the knowledge base on the topic.
Design/methodology/approach
This study analyzes the performance of literature on cyberbullying perpetration (CBP) using the widely accepted bibliometric analysis techniques: performance analysis and science mapping. The study is based on a dataset extracted from the Web of Science database. Initially, 2,792 articles between 2007 and 2022 were retrieved, which were filtered down to 441. The filter was based on various criteria, but primarily on CBP. VOSViewer and MS Excel were used to analyze the data. In addition, VOSViewer was used to create “bibliometric citations, co-citations, and co-word maps.”
Findings
The findings include publication and citation quantum and trends, the top 20 active countries, the most significant research articles and leading journals in this domain. Major themes or clusters identified were “Cyberbullying and victim behavior,” bullying behavior, adolescents and intervention, “cyberbullying associations,” and “cyberbullying personality associations.”
Originality/value
The study is unique because it analyses research articles based on cyberbullies, whereas past studies explored only the victims' side. Further, the present study used the Web of Science database, whereas most studies use the Scopus database.
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Rajesh Kumar Mog and Mithu Anjali Gayan
The purpose of this study is to understand the role and impact of gender on reading habits. It is an attempt to explore the probable reason why or why not gender differences take…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the role and impact of gender on reading habits. It is an attempt to explore the probable reason why or why not gender differences take place concerning reading time, reading purpose, reading resources and digital devices among undergraduate students in the digital environment.
Design/methodology/approach
For this study, the researcher used a survey-based approach. To accomplish the study’s goals, a meticulously designed questionnaire has been disseminated among undergraduate students in selected colleges located in the western district of Tripura, a northeastern state in India.
Findings
The study found that female respondents have a slightly higher level of liking for reading than males. For both genders, the major purpose of reading is to enhance their knowledge unvaryingly. Furthermore, it has been observed that female respondents read electronic and print reading material more frequently compared to their male counterparts. Female respondents read fiction more frequently than males in print form. Both genders have more ease in reading print resources than digital resources. Among all digital devices, respondents are most competent at using mobile devices and prefer them for digital reading.
Research limitations/implications
As part of the pilot study, investigators surveyed a limited sample population, where the participation of students was further lower because of the unavailability of students.
Originality/value
The gender-based level of competency with digital devices is studied as a variable among the adult population to measure its correlation with reading habits.
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