To argue that childhood obesity is minimally influenced by media sources. Rather, our evolved gustatory preferences for fatty and sweet caloric foods, which were adaptive in our…
Abstract
Purpose
To argue that childhood obesity is minimally influenced by media sources. Rather, our evolved gustatory preferences for fatty and sweet caloric foods, which were adaptive in our evolutionary history, yield maladaptive outcomes in today’s plentiful environments.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is discursive relying on several literature streams to make the key points of the current paper.
Findings
Obesity, whether in children, adolescents, or adults, is minimally linked to media images. The “media‐obesity” postulated relationship stems from the blank slate viewpoint of the human mind, which places undue importance on environmental cues and related socialization forces.
Research limitations/implications
Highlights the fact that social scientists have expended too much intellectual capital in investigating largely illusory links between food advertising and childhood obesity, when in reality this relationship is tenuous at best.
Practical implications
Policy makers should spend less time worrying about the regulation of media images as these have little effect on behaviors with deleterious consequences (including childhood obesity).
Originality/value
One of the few papers (if not the only one) in the marketing literature to apply evolutionary‐based theorizing in understanding the forces that shape individuals’ food consumption habits.
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Michel Laroche, Gad Saad, Mark Cleveland and Elizabeth Browne
Examines the underlying determinants of in‐store information search for a Christmas clothing gift, specifically focusing on gender differences. Two non‐personal (general and…
Abstract
Examines the underlying determinants of in‐store information search for a Christmas clothing gift, specifically focusing on gender differences. Two non‐personal (general and specific) and one personal (sales clerk assistance) in‐store information search domains were obtained from the results of a survey of actual consumers carried out shortly after the Christmas season. Consistent with the predictions of the selectivity model, females appeared to comprehensively acquire in‐store information, whereas males appeared to heuristically limit their search to a smaller subset of in‐store information. More specifically, females scored significantly higher than males on indices of both general and specific information search. Females, compared to males, were also found to start Christmas shopping much earlier, purchase more gifts, and embark on a greater number of shopping trips. Other observed gender differences are discussed.
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Said Abdel Hakim Rateb, Azza Abdel Razek El Nouman, Moshira Abdel Hakim Rateb, Mohamed Naguib Asar, Ayman Mohammed El Amin, Saad abdel Aziz Gad and Mohamed Salah Eldin Mohamed
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for improving health services provided by the pre‐employment medical fitness check‐up system affiliated to Egypt's Health Insurance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for improving health services provided by the pre‐employment medical fitness check‐up system affiliated to Egypt's Health Insurance Organization (HIO).
Design/methodology/approach
Operations research, notably system re‐engineering, is used in six randomly selected centers and findings before and after re‐engineering are compared. The re‐engineering model follows a systems approach, focusing on three areas: structure, process and outcome. The model is based on six main components: electronic booking, standardized check‐up processes, protected medical documents, advanced archiving through an electronic content management (ECM) system, infrastructure development, and capacity building. The model originates mainly from customer needs and expectations.
Findings
The centers' monthly customer flow increased significantly after re‐engineering. The mean time spent per customer cycle improved after re‐engineering – 18.3±5.5 minutes as compared to 48.8±14.5 minutes before. Appointment delay was also significantly decreased from an average 18 to 6.2 days. Both beneficiaries and service providers were significantly more satisfied with the services after re‐engineering. The model proves that re‐engineering program costs are exceeded by increased revenue.
Research limitations/implications
Re‐engineering in this study involved multiple structure and process elements. The literature review did not reveal similar re‐engineering healthcare packages. Therefore, each element was compared separately.
Practical implications
This model is highly recommended for improving service effectiveness and efficiency.
Originality/value
This research is the first in Egypt to apply the re‐engineering approach to public health systems. Developing user‐friendly models for service improvement is an added value.
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Mohamed A. Saad, Fatma Metwaly, Sarah Yahia Gad, Khaled Mansour Mansour and Marwa A. Ali
The paper aims to use the Trilobal® polyester (Y cross-section) for producing fabrics suitable for fencing suits and evaluating their various properties.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to use the Trilobal® polyester (Y cross-section) for producing fabrics suitable for fencing suits and evaluating their various properties.
Design/methodology/approach
Double weave structure was chosen to produce the samples by using six different face structures and two back structures divided into two groups according to the back structures. They were evaluated by their physical and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, puncture resistance, air permeability and humidity properties in horizontal and vertical wicking, drying rate and water vapor transmission.
Findings
Fencing sport recently is one of the most growing sports in the world, which necessitates special requirements and properties of fencing suit, either mechanical properties, which allow the easily and freely movement for the athlete, or the comfort properties that save the player’s effort and energy for a long time to improve his performance.
Originality/value
ANOVA test analysis showed highly significant results in some properties comparing back and face structures of the double weave fabric high correlation coefficient were found between packing density factor of produced fabric and the weft material types. The final results showed the produced sample that weaved with plain 1/1 for back structure and warp rib 2/2 for face structure achieved the best results, followed by the produced sample weaved with plain 1/1 for back structure and weft rib 2/2 for face structure compared with the other produced samples.
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Temidayo Oluwasola Osunsanmi, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
The idea of implementing supply chain management (SCM) principles for the construction industry was embraced by construction stakeholders to enhance the sector's performance. The…
Abstract
The idea of implementing supply chain management (SCM) principles for the construction industry was embraced by construction stakeholders to enhance the sector's performance. The analysis from the literature revealed that the implementation of SCM in the construction industry enhances the industry's value in terms of cost-saving, time savings, material management, risk management and others. The construction supply chain (CSC) can be managed using the pull or push system. This chapter also discusses the origin and proliferation of SCM into the construction industry. The chapter revealed that the concept of SCM has passed through five different eras: the creation era, the use of ERP, globalisation stage, specialisation stage and electronic stage. The findings from the literature revealed that we are presently in the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era. At this stage, the SCM witnesses the adoption of technologies and principles driven by the 4IR. This chapter also revealed that the practice of SCM in the construction industry is centred around integration, collaboration, communication and the structure of the supply chain (SC). The forms and challenges hindering the adoption of these practices were also discussed extensively in this chapter.
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Amin Mahmoudi and Saad Ahmed Javed
The study aims to introduce two new models of project scheduling by incorporating potential quality loss cost (PQLC) in time–cost tradeoff problems by overcoming the drawbacks of…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to introduce two new models of project scheduling by incorporating potential quality loss cost (PQLC) in time–cost tradeoff problems by overcoming the drawbacks of the existing Kim, Khang and Hwang (KKH) model. The proposed methods are named the Revised KKH-I (RKKH-I) and Revised KKH-II (RKKH-II) models for project scheduling.
Design/methodology/approach
The performance of the existing KKH model has been tested using a numerical example followed by the identification of the main shortcomings of the KKH method. Later, a concrete effort has been made to address its shortcomings while improving its performance significantly. The comparative analysis of the Revised KKH models with the original model has also been presented along with sensitivity analyses.
Findings
The study recognizes that the construct on which the original KKH method was built is important; however, certain drawbacks make it unable to consider PQLC in projects, thus making its practical use questionable. The comparative analysis of the proposed methodology with the original method demonstrated that the new models (RKHH-I and II) are more comprehensive and intelligent than the existing KKH model.
Originality/value
The comparative analysis of the original KKH model and its improved version reveals that the revised model is far more suitable for project scheduling. The study is important for project managers who recognize project scheduling being one of the key parameters associated with project management process, crucial to control every day during the management of projects.
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Sarah Yahia and Khaled Mohamed Seddik
This study aims to accommodate the mechanical characteristics that comply with the spectra of active sportswear by taking the innovative features of double-layered fabric (double…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to accommodate the mechanical characteristics that comply with the spectra of active sportswear by taking the innovative features of double-layered fabric (double cloth) and polyester yarn. The research focused on blending two types of polyester: Renova® and polyester microfiber with different weave structures in both face and back layers for fabricated fabrics. Force resistance was investigated through several properties, the mass per unit area and thickness properties were also considered.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was divided into two phases. The first phase included three samples with the same double cloth structure and different weft materials to detect the most preferable performance. The second phase included three samples with the same materials and different double cloth structures. Several mechanical properties were tested in accordance with standard test methods, and the results were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed using a chart line, an ANOVA test with a p-value = 0.05, a calculated least significant difference (value) and a radar chart area.
Findings
The results assigned that blending Renova®/polyester microfiber develops mechanical properties than using them individually, considering the increase in polyester microfiber ratio. The double cloth with different plain structures has a significantly different effect on the examined properties, except for elongation and thickness.
Originality/value
According to the radar chart area, the double cloth with a plain rib structure achieved better performance, and in the same vein, the results showed that the plain with a warp rib structure enhanced fabric behavior more than the weft rib.
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Khaled Mohamed Seddik and Sarah Yahia
One important aspect of a quality work environment is its ability to protect workers from potential hazards while providing comfort, especially during long hours. This study aims…
Abstract
Purpose
One important aspect of a quality work environment is its ability to protect workers from potential hazards while providing comfort, especially during long hours. This study aims to improve the properties of the polyester fabric used for uniforms by enhancing its ultraviolet (UV) protection factor (UPF), reducing electrostatic charge and increasing comfort.
Design/methodology/approach
Six different samples of polyester woven fabric were manufactured using a yarn count of 150/144 denier for the warp and 300/96 denier for the weft. Honeycomb and Bedford cord structures were performed with three different weft densities, 36, 45 and 55 weft/cm. The napping process was conducted on one side for all fabrics, and several tests were conducted before and after napping, including thickness, weight, tensile strength, elongation, air and water permeability, UPF and electrostatic charges.
Findings
The results were collected, tabulated and statistically analysed. Three different tools were used, given as follows: Column chart to define the behaviour of produced fabrics at each property; ANOVA test with p-value = 0.05 to indicate the significant and non-significant effects of different parameters; and Radar chart area to rank fabrics and demonstrate the preferable performance.
Originality/value
According to the investigated study, the produced fabrics were affected by the parameters, where despite the nap process increasing the fluffy surface and promoting airflow, UV protection and electrostatic charge, it aids in deteriorating mechanical properties and relatively reducing absorbency. Additionally, the weft densities are striking in various fabric characteristics and performances relating to the fancy weave structure.