Public views of the benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine consumers' perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. Design: Mail survey that included questions on perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. Setting: Victoria, Australia. Subjects: Four hundred and fifteen randomly selected Victorian adults. Results: The main perceived barrier to adoption of a plant-based diet was a lack of information about plant-based diets (42% agreement). Sex, age and education differences were present in over a quarter of the barrier items. For example, non-university-educated respondents and older people were less willing to change their current eating pattern than were university educated and younger respondents. The main benefits associated with plant-based diets were health benefits, particularly decreased saturated fat intake (79% agreement), increased fibre intake (76%), and disease prevention (70%). Age, sex and education differences with regard to benefits were apparent, although sex differences were more important than age or education differences. Conclusions: The majority of respondents perceived there to be health benefits associated with the consumption of a plant-based diet. Compared with the proportion of respondents who agreed that there were particular benefits of eating a plant-based diet, perceived barriers were relatively low. An understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers of consuming a plant-based diet will help formulate strategies that aim to influence beliefs about plant foods, plant food consumption, and, ultimately, public health.

Gender and equity in elearning

This paper reports on a large scale survey of the perceptions of university students to their use of an online learning environment. The aim of the survey was to gather data to inform online learning practices at the university. The results were explored, amongst other factors, for gender differences. Findings include no significant differences between the female and male students with respect to being able to use the online learning environment confidently and effectively. In general the female students were more willing to participate in online discussions though there was no difference between the female and male students as to whether they were willing to voice their opinions online. An unexpected result was the greater value placed by female students on using this environment for working with students of diverse backgrounds.

Motivations for developing direct trade relationships

Purpose – This study aims to understand buyer and supplier motives for developing direct relationships with their trade partners.

Design/methodology/approach – A total of 18 in-depth interviews were conducted across Victoria and Tasmania (Australia); eight with retail buyers and ten with fresh produce suppliers. Both parties were involved in a direct relationship with their trade partner.

Findings – The research reveals a large variety of motivations that influence buyers and suppliers when deciding whether to operate in a direct or non-direct relationship with their trade partner. Motivations for both parties are remarkably similar, with buyers and suppliers ultimately attempting to minimise the inherent risk associated with operating in a volatile environment.

Research limitations/implications – The study may be limited by the fact that buyers and suppliers of different commodities were included in the study. In addition, the varied nature of the respondents' role may have impacted their judgment. The inability to interview dyads in all cases also limits the research.

Practical implications – This research has implications for both researchers and practitioners already involved in, or considering becoming involved in, a direct trade relationship. Clarification of motivations for bypassing intermediaries shows how both trade partners can minimise external risk and strengthen competitive advantage by assuming a direct relationship.

Originality/value – Extant research within this literary field is largely quantitatively based with researchers focusing on distinct relationship constructs, the definition of relationship marketing and the process of relationship development. In response to these limitations, this research adopted a qualitative approach in examining the core motivations for developing a direct trade relationship within the fresh produce industry.

Perceptions and attitudes of land managers in multi-tenure reserve networks and the implications for conservation

Multi-tenure reserve networks aim to connect areas managed for biodiversity conservation across public and private land and address the impacts of fragmentation on both biotic and social systems. The operation and function of Australian multi-tenure reserve networks as perceived by their land managers was investigated. Overall, the conservation of natural assets was the most frequently reported primary reason for involvement in a network. The perceived aims of the respective networks largely reflected the response identified for involvement and management. Over 88% of managers considered their involvement in multi-tenure reserve networks to be a positive or very positive experience. A lack of resources and time for management were considered major limitations of these networks. The majority (80%) of private land managers within networks were willing to be included in a national reserve system of conservation lands. As the Australian National Reserve System currently incorporates mostly public land, these findings have important and potentially positive implications for a greater role for protected private land.

Gender and equity in e-Learning

Literature to date suggests contrary indicators of acceptance of the use of technology to support learning by females. With the increasing adoption of information technology to support teaching and learning, it is imperative that factors which may impede student learning are identified. The research reported here is of a large-scale survey of the perceptions of university students about eLearning and their use of the online learning environment. The aim of the survey was to gather data to inform about online learning practices at the University. The results were explored, amongst other factors, by gender. Findings include no significant differences between the female and male students with respect to being able to use the online learning environment confidently and effectively. In general the female students were more willing to participate in online discussions. However, there was no difference between the female and male students regarding their willingness to voice their opinions online. An unexpected result was the greater value placed by female students on using the online environment for communicating and collaborating with students of diverse background.

Maistre avec de Sade: Zizek contra de maistre

It is possible to argue that the first world is presently living through a period of radical global reaction against the social democratic consensus of the twentieth century. In this context, the use of Slavoj Zizek's Lacnaian theory of ideology to critique the traditions of thought which inform this reaction becomes a vital task. In this paper, I use Zizek's Lacanian theory of ideology to critically analyse de Maistre's remarkable work: particularly his 'Considerations on France'. Zizek's emphasis on the role of the Real in ideology, it is argued, allows us unique purchase on de Maistre's ideological position. It allows us to show, furthermore, how reactionary conservatism does not 'conserve' the symbolic Other of the discourse of the master, since it is animated by fear and trembling that the symbolic can no longer hold in conditions of secularisation. In this context, the proximity of de Maistre with de Sade emerges as something that goes beyond superficially similar celebrations of the role of violence in human affairs. What is minimally at stake in reactionary thought per se, this paper argues, is the attempt to reground lost authority in the unmediated Real, a procedure in which the laying down of the law verges into the need to divide and sacifice others for the Jouissance of the Other. In this way, Lacan's comment that right-wing intelectuals are knaves who, if pushed, are willing to do whatever it takes to preserve power is vindicated and also elaborated. For De Maistre, the paper shows, was nothing if not a
collosally royal knave

Bonding with cultural brands: exploring the 'binds that tie us'

In contexts such as those in the arts and culture industry, where the use of branded products may be difficult to access due to intermittent availability, or, where the branded product outcomes may be difficult to predict, it is argued that consumers form complex relationships with brands.
In order to explore these complex relationships, this research explores the components of the bond that consumers form with arts and cultural products and brands. This research highlights empirically five components of brand bonding with arts and cultural products, viz., brand trust/affinity, social/self connectedness, loyalty, emotional connectedness and brand involvement. These results found that intricacies emerge, such as consumer optimism about branded product failures, anticipation of usage, and a sense of responsibility for the success of the brand. More importantly, these findings suggest that in situations where service outcomes are uncertain, and where the service is available intermittently, loyal consumers are still willing to develop a relationship based on their connectedness or bond with the brand, despite the situational difficulties associated with accessing it.

School and anaemia prevention: current reality and opportunities - a Tanzanian case study

Iron deficiency anaemia is highly endemic in rural areas of Tanzania and in many developing countries. Its prevention among school children requires greater dissemination of knowledge of anaemia among children, teachers, parents and the general community. Associated improvements in the hygienic status of domestic and school environments are also often required. One-hundred-and-thirty-one anaemic children, 90 parents and 76 teachers were interviewed to ascertain their understanding of anaemia. Most children and parents had little knowledge of the symptoms, causes and prevention of anaemia. In addition to their iron-deficient diets, more than half of the children went to school without something to eat at breakfast and during school hours. However, parents and teachers were willing to work together to provide meals for the children. Poor sanitation in the children's homes and in schools was a little recognized factor which could pose a serious risk of anaemia. In addition, inadequate sanitation facilities and poor quality of physical environment prevailed both in the children's homes and in schools. The findings suggest the need for the establishment of a health-promoting schools network to provide a comprehensive framework for health promotion in schools as well as in homes in Tanzania and in other developing countries. Schools can be an ideal setting to positively influence a community's health status. Partnerships among teachers, parents and the wider community are required to identify, prioritize and ameliorate health problems.

Can Australain general practitioners tackle chidhood overweight/obesity? Methods and processes from the LEAP (live, eat, and play) randomized controlled trial

Background: General practitioners (GPs) could make an important contribution to management of childhood overweight. However, there are no efficacy data to support this, and the feasibility of this approach is unknown.

Objectives: To determine if GPs and families can be recruited to a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and if GPs can successfully deliver an intervention to families with overweight/obese 5- to 9-year-old children.

Methods: A convenience sample of 34 GPs from 29 family medical practices attended training sessions on management of childhood overweight. Practice staff trained in child anthropometry conducted a cross-sectional body mass index (BMI) survey of 5- to 9-year-old children attending these practices. The intervention focused on achievable goals in nutrition, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and was delivered in four solution-focused behaviour change consultations over 12 weeks.

Results: General practitioners were recruited from across the sociodemographic spectrum. All attended at least two of the three education sessions and were retained throughout the trial. Practice staff weighed and measured 2112 children in the BMI survey, of whom 28% were overweight/obese (17.5% overweight, 10.5% obese), with children drawn from all sociodemographic quintiles. Of the eligible overweight/obese children, 163 (40%) were recruited and retained in the LEAP RCT; 96% of intervention families attended at least their first consultation.

Conclusions: Many families are willing to tackle childhood overweight with their GP. In addition, GPs and families can participate successfully in the careful trials that are needed to determine whether an individualized, family-based primary care approach is beneficial, harmful or ineffective.

Fat content of chips, quality of frying fat and deep-frying practices in New Zealand fast food outlets

Objectives: To collect baseline data on the fat content of hot chips, quality (degradation) of cooking fat, deep-frying practices and related attitudes in fast food outlets in New Zealand. To identify the key determinants of the fat content of chips and quality of cooking fat. Methods: A nationally representative sample of fast food outlets (n=150, response rate 80%) was surveyed between September 1998 and March 1999. Data collected included a questionnaire, observation of cooking practices and analysis of cooked chips and frying fat. Results: Only 8% of independent operators had formal training in deep frying practices compared with 93% of chain operators. There was a wide range of fat content of chips (5%-20%, mean 11.5%). The use of thinner chips, crinkle cut chips and lower fryer fat temperature were associated with higher chip fat content. Eighty-nine per cent of chain outlets used 6–10 mm chips compared with 83% of independent outlets that used chips ≥12 mm. A wide range of frying temperatures was recorded (136–233°C) with 58% of outlets frying outside the reference range (175–190°C). As indices of fat degradation, fat acid and polar compound values above the recommended levels occurred in 54% and 5% of outlets respectively. Operators seemed willing to learn more about best practice techniques, with lack of knowledge being the main barrier to change. Conclusions and implications: Deep frying practices could be improved through operator training and certification options. Even a small decrease in the mean fat content of chips would reduce the obesogenic impact of this popular food.

The greydollarfella : an endangered species or a market opportunity?

This paper identifies an ignored and endangered species: the mature male shopper, who we have named the Greydollarfella. Based on current research and interviews, we describe this fellow and attempt to differentiate him from other consumer segments. The Greydollarfella, unlike younger men, appears not to like shopping and so is often ignored by retailers or excluded from the retail environment. We argue that the Greydollarfella should be included in, not sidelined from, retail and marketing considerations. He is much wealthier and less time-poor than younger men, and deserves a retail environment that suits his preferences and consumer requirements. We present some examples of how retailers are attending (and not attending) to the Greydollarfella. We conclude that Greydollarfella is not very well understood, is undervalued, and is often marginalised by retail marketing strategies. We believe he offers great value for marketers and retailers (both niche and mass) willing to take the time to understand his psyche, product and service needs, and views on the retail experience. Finally, we call for more attention to be paid to this segment.

Using the personal wellbeing index in Lao PDR : issues of equivalence

Lao PDR is one of the 50 countries included in the International Wellbeing Group study which uses Cummin's (2001) Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) to draw cross-national comparisons of subjective wellbeing. Lau, Cummins & McPherson (2005) found a statistically significant difference in PWI scores between Australian & Hong Kong. They ask whether this is a real reflection of lower quality of life in Hong Kong or whether there exists a cultural response bias which predisposes the Hong Kong population to be less willing to admit to high levels of satisfaction in the seven domains of the index. If the difference reflects cultural response bias, what factors contribute to that bias & how common is this phenomenon in the countries of South-east Asia & IndoChina? The paper addresses these questions with particular attention to Lao PDR where responses to the PWI from both urban & rural populations suggest a similar reticence about expressing high levels of satisfaction. The paper explores the sources of resistance to reporting positive subjective wellbeing & what adaptations may be needed to the Index to allow for such bias.

Chemical, biological and radiological incidents : preparedness and perceptions of emergency nurses

Despite their important role in chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) incident response, little is known about emergency nurses' perceptions of these events. The study aim was to explore emergency nurses' perceptions of CBR incidents and factors that may influence their capacity to respond. Sixty-four nurses from a metropolitan Emergency Department took part. The majority were willing to participate in CBR incidents and there was a positive association between willingness to participate and postgraduate qualification in emergency nursing. Willingness decreased, however, with unknown chemical and biological agents. One third of participants reported limitations to using personal protective equipment. Few participants had experience with CBR incidents although 70.3 per cent of participants had undergone CBR training. There were significant differences in perceptions of choice to participate and adequacy of training between chemical, biological and radiological incidents. The study results suggest that emergency nurses are keen to meet the challenge of CBR incident response.

Broadcasting technology and its influence on sport broadcaster inter-organisational relationship formation

Technical developments in television have resulted in major changes to the delivery of sport. One significant change is the development of relationships between clubs and sport broadcasters. This research identified the technology that is emerging in sport broadcasting, and the impact that this technology has on the potential for Inter-Organisational Relationship (IOR) formation between sport broadcasters and Australian-based professional football clubs, taken from the perspective of the sport broadcaster. Six preconditions for IOR formation were considered, including uncertainty, knowledge/expertise, resource acquisition, adaptive efficiency, regulation and strategic enhancement. In-depth interviews with senior managers of eight sport broadcasting organisations were undertaken with the resulting data analysed, and the emergent themes identified. Results indicate that sport broadcasters were not willing to enter into IORs with professional football clubs.

Parent's views of the importance of making changes in settings where children spend time to prevent obesity

Aim : To examine the kinds of changes parents would like to see in those settings where children spend time (kindergartens and schools, child care centres and after-school care facilities, and the local neighbourhood) in policies and practices that impact on children’s risk of obesity, and to establish whether parents might be willing to advocate for changes in these settings.

Materials and Methods : 175 parents from five randomly selected primary schools and five randomly selected kindergartens located in suburbs of metropolitan Melbourne completed a questionnaire in which they rated the importance of a number of potential changes to promote healthy eating and increase physical activity in their children.

Results : Parents of children in kindergarten most commonly rated changes to the eating environment as important. In contrast, parents of primary school children believed changes related to both eating and physical activity in school were important. Ninety-five per cent of parents of kindergarten children and 89% of parents of primary school children believed it was possible for parents to bring about change to provide more opportunities for their child to eat more healthily and be more physically active. One in four parents reported that they had thought about or had tried to bring about changes in their community.

Conclusions : The findings suggest that mobilising parents to take an active role in advocating for change in those settings that have the potential to shape their children’s physical activity and eating behaviours may be feasible.