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1 – 10 of 48Beth Clark, Julie Doyle, Owen Bull, Sophie McClean and Tom Hill
Vitamin D deficiency is a well-recognised public health problem within the UK, with specific population groups more vulnerable to deficiency. Two pilot studies were used to…
Abstract
Purpose
Vitamin D deficiency is a well-recognised public health problem within the UK, with specific population groups more vulnerable to deficiency. Two pilot studies were used to explore awareness of vitamin D deficiency and attitudes towards food fortification.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 120 participants from five at-risk groups (South Asians, Blacks, Middle Eastern, Far Eastern and Caucasian older adults over 65 years) plus a group of British Caucasians who do not avoid sun exposure explored awareness of vitamin D, sun exposure knowledge and behaviour and attitudes towards food fortification. The latter group was included to provide a comparison group who were at a reduced risk of deficiency. χ2 was used to test associations between categorical variables and the study groups. The second study used three focus groups and two interviews, conducted on young South Asian females and examined knowledge and awareness of vitamin D and vitamin D-fortified foods.
Findings
A lack of knowledge and misconceptions were highlighted by both studies in relation to at-risk factors, including sunlight exposure (p = 0.037), dietary intakes (p = 0.0174) and darker skin pigmentation (p = 0.023), sources of vitamin D and the health benefits associated with optimal consumption. Attitudes to mandatory fortification of some foods varied significantly (p = 0.004) between the groups with acceptance rates for Blacks (68 per cent), those over 65 years (50 per cent), Middle Eastern (67 per cent) and Far Eastern (73 per cent), whereas the control (71 per cent) showed no acceptance, and South Asians gave a mixed response (48 per cent No). Focus group findings highlighted positive views towards fortification, although this was less for mandatory as opposed to voluntary fortification. Both pilot studies highlight the need for more research into this area, to create more effective public health policies.
Originality/value
The research presents novel insights into a topical area where there is limited research.
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Cathy Bailey, Julie Doyle, Susan Squires, Cliodhna ni Scanaill, Chie Wei Fan, Cormac Sheehan, Clodagh Cunningham and Ben Dromey
This paper seeks to discuss the authors' experiences of multidisciplinary practice in relation to developing home‐based assisted living technologies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to discuss the authors' experiences of multidisciplinary practice in relation to developing home‐based assisted living technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on almost three years' experience of working within an ongoing, large, multi‐sited and multidisciplinary Irish national research programme: the Technology for Independent Living Centre. This involved industry and academic partners. Teams of clinicians, physical and social scientists, technologists, engineers, designers and ethnographers worked with older adults to design, test and deliver, home‐based technologies that focus on mitigating falls, keeping socially connected and maintaining or improving cognitive function. The authors' experiences and challenges are organised and presented through their retrospective team building model: ENDEA and through comparison with team building literature.
Findings
Learning outcomes and implications for technology focused multidisciplinary practice are offered. The paper concludes that a vital step in developing successful assisted living technologies with and for older adults is to spend resources on building effective, creative and committed multidisciplinary teams and practices.
Originality/value
The model, ENDEA, is proposed which is a blueprint for successful outcomes, through the management and delivery of multidisciplinary research.
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Abstract
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Elaine J. Christian, Frances Bradburn, Sandra M. Cooper, Janice L. Daquila, Pamela Doyle, Beverley Gass, Pat Langelier, Lynne Lysiak, Julie Blume Nye, Pat Ryckman and Joel Sigmon
From providing public Internet access in rural communities to pioneering the development of a model automated document delivery system, libraries of every type in the state are…
Abstract
From providing public Internet access in rural communities to pioneering the development of a model automated document delivery system, libraries of every type in the state are engaged in a variety of multi‐library automation and connectivity efforts. The following descriptions include projects from academic libraries, public libraries, state agencies, and a library school.
Joanna Maria Szulc, Julie Davies, Michał T. Tomczak and Frances-Louise McGregor
Existing management research and management practices frequently overlook the relationship between the above-average human capital of highly functioning neurodivergent employees…
Abstract
Purpose
Existing management research and management practices frequently overlook the relationship between the above-average human capital of highly functioning neurodivergent employees, their subjective well-being in the workplace and performance outcomes. This paper calls for greater attention to the hidden human capital associated with neurodiversity by mainstreaming implementation of neurodiversity-friendly policies and practices.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework, this conceptual paper integrates research on employee neurodiversity and well-being to provide a model of HR-systems level and human capital development policies, systems and practices for neurodivergent minorities in the workplace.
Findings
This paper illustrates that workplace neurodiversity, like biodiversity, is a natural phenomenon. For subjective individual psychological and organisational well-being, neurodivergent employees require an empathetic culture and innovative talent management approaches that respect cognitive differences.
Practical implications
The case is made for neurodivergent human capital development and policy-makers to promote inclusive employment and decent work in a context of relatively high unemployment for neurodivergent individuals.
Originality/value
This paper extends current debates on organisational equality, diversity and inclusion to a consideration of workplace well-being for highly functioning neurodivergent workers. It calls for more equitable and empathetic approaches to investing in employees with neurodevelopmental and cognitive disabilities.
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Huifeng Bai, Weijing He, Jin Shi, Julie McColl and Christopher Moore
This empirical research, adopting an international retailing perspective, aims to examine the parenting advantages offered by emerging market multinationals (EMNCs) in luxury…
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical research, adopting an international retailing perspective, aims to examine the parenting advantages offered by emerging market multinationals (EMNCs) in luxury fashion retail sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers adopted a qualitative case study, and the qualitative data were collected through ten semi-structured interviews with senior managers.
Findings
It is a win–win situation for the EMNCs as parent groups of Western luxury fashion brands, as the EMNCs can access critical assets including advanced brand management expertise, retailing know-how, and the services skills needed for higher income consumers. Meanwhile, the subsidiary brands benefit from a high degree of autonomy, intra-group resource utilisation, a competitive brand portfolio and most importantly economies of scales in the value chain, particularly in production. The perceived risks of EMNCs ownership include potentially restricted autonomy and the uncertainty over corporate development activities in the future, as well as the risks of diluting brand image caused by the inconsistency between country of origin and country of ownership.
Research limitations/implications
Very few EMNCs have moved into luxury fashion retailing to date, which means that the sampling frame was small. The findings were generated from China, which is perceived to be of considerable psychic distance in terms of culture and policies compared to other emerging markets that have been heavily influenced by colonialism.
Practical implications
This paper suggests that practitioners, particularly EMNCs, support their subsidiary luxury fashion brands through parenting advantages and develop their own high-end fashion brands through internationalisation.
Originality/value
This empirical study contributes to the current international retailing literature by offering in depth insights of parenting advantages offered by EMNCs in luxury fashion retailing. It also enriches the EMNC literature, which has mainly adopted an international business scope, by extending this understanding into luxury fashion retailing.
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Ashley Jill Shepherd, Julie Cowie and Michelle Beattie
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relative influence of the different domains of healthcare quality from the Care Experience Feedback Improvement Tool (CEFIT) and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relative influence of the different domains of healthcare quality from the Care Experience Feedback Improvement Tool (CEFIT) and identify key predictors of healthcare quality from the patients’ perspective. Measurement is necessary to determine whether the quality of healthcare is improving. The CEFIT was developed as a brief measure of patient experience. It is important to determine the relative influence of the different domains of healthcare quality to further clarify how the CEFIT can be used and identify key predictors of healthcare quality from the patients’ perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
In sum, 802 people with a healthcare experience during the previous 12 months were telephoned to complete the CEFIT questions and an additional 11-point global rating of patient experience. To estimate the influence of different domains of healthcare quality on patient overall ratings of quality of healthcare experience, the authors regressed the overall rating of patient experience with each component of quality (safety, effectiveness, timely, caring, enables system navigation and person-centred).
Findings
The authors found that all of the domains of the CEFIT influenced patient experience ratings of healthcare quality. Specifically, results show the degree of influence, the impact of demographics and how high scores for overall rating of patient experience can be predicted.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that all of the CEFIT domains are important in terms of capturing the wholeness of the patient experience of healthcare quality to direct local quality improvement.
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A growing interest in exercise and life‐style for older people is helping to debunk old myths that reinforce negative attitudes and beliefs, such as that ‘older people should take…
Abstract
A growing interest in exercise and life‐style for older people is helping to debunk old myths that reinforce negative attitudes and beliefs, such as that ‘older people should take it easy’ and ‘exercise is for young people’. The promotion of physical activity for older people is the responsibility of many agencies, but health professionals and carers involved in their day‐to‐day care have a unique opportunity to influence older people's lives in a positive way. The research speaks for itself; people who exercise regularly are more likely to maintain bone and muscle mass, stamina, power and suppleness.
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