3483 research outputs found
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From marginalised student to marginalised professional - Identity and the Early Childhood Student
Full text linkThe Early Childhood sector is one beset with tensions for its workforce. We raise the question of how this will affect the identity of Early Childhood undergraduate students as they work towards careers in the sector. Two cohorts of Early Childhood students were asked about their understanding of the ‘ideal’ student and what is special about Early Childhood students. Responses were thematically analysed with a priori and inductive coding and with particular mind to how author positionality, as both tutors and researchers, might affect the postulated meaning of data. Whilst we conclude that there is a shift in emphasis between student understandings of the ‘ideal’ and the early childhood student from a stronger academic vision to a more vocationally motivated persona, we also find it important to acknowledge our own part in constructing this understanding of our students. The findings have implications for strengthening student identity but also for considering the impact of academic staff perceptions and the positioning of early childhood studies within academia and beyond
How do self-brand-congruity and emotional brand attachment affect the patronage of original and counterfeited luxury branded products?
No full textPurpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of self-brand-congruity (SBC) (actual, ideal, social and ideal-social) on emotional brand attachment (EBA) and subsequently on consumers’ patronage behaviour towards original and counterfeited luxury branded products in the UK, addressing mixed results inconsistencies in existing literature. By examining the impact of these variables, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into consumer–brand dynamics and shed light on the factors shaping consumer decision in the context of original and counterfeited luxury branded products.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a positivist approach, the study uses a quantitative research design with structural equation modelling to test the formulated hypotheses. Data were collected from 421 consumers in the UK via an online survey administered through JISC online software.
Findings
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is among the first to reveal significant relationships between the dimensions of SBC (actual, social and ideal-social) and EBA. The findings of this research highlight the significant role of EBA in influencing consumer patronage behaviour. Specifically, it exerts a positive impact on patronage of original luxury brands, while providing an evidence of a negative effect on the demand for counterfeit alternatives.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on four specific product categories (apparel, bags, scarfs and wallets) and examined the top five heavily counterfeited fashion luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci and Burberry). While the findings provide valuable insights, future research should consider expanding the scope to include other brands and product categories prone to counterfeiting, such as fast-fashion brands, electronic devices and luxury watches. Also, a further study could compare how past purchase (original vs counterfeit) and product price points impact consumer attitudes and involvement levels.
Practical implications
Marketers and brand protection managers can strategically align a brand’s personality with consumers’ self-concepts (actual, social and ideal-social) to enhance EBA, which can boost patronage of original luxury brands and reduce counterfeit purchases.
Originality/value
This research advances current literature by comprehensively measuring all four dimensions of SBC – actual, ideal, social and ideal-social – and using a multidimensional construct of EBA that captures affection, passion and connection. By examining both concurrent and exclusive ownership, the study reveals nuanced insights into consumer–brand relationships in both original and counterfeit luxury contexts, offering fresh perspectives on the dynamics between original and counterfeited luxury branded products
The Promise of the Land and Palestinian Christianity
No full textThis is the first volume of its kind, bringing together a group of international Jewish and Catholic scholars in creative conversation addressing the question of the status of the land called Israel
Financial Literacy, Financial Development and Economic Growth
Full text linkWhile significant progress has been made in exploring the importance of financial literacy, its impact on economic growth and financial development from a macroeconomic point of view, remains thinly understood. This paper provides fresh evidence on the relationship between financial literacy, financial development and economic growth. We utilise a novel dataset for 61 countries over the period 1999-2014 and employ a panel quantile regression model. We provide strong evidence that higher financial literacy levels lead to higher GDP per capita growth and the size of the impact is higher at lower quantiles of the conditional growth distribution. As financial development increases, its positive impact on economic growth diminishes, indicating an inverted U-shaped relationship. High levels of financial literacy mitigate the diminishing returns of financial development on GDP per capita growth by an average of 7.41%. Interestingly, in higher quantiles of the conditional growth distribution, the mitigating effect increases to 9.23%
Dairy Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular and Bone Health Outcomes in Adults: An Umbrella Review and Updated Meta-Analyses
Full text linkBackground/Objectives: The relationship between dairy consumption and cardiovascular or bone health outcomes remains controversial, with inconsistent findings across existing meta-analyses. In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate and synthesize the evidence from published meta-analyses on dairy consumption and cardiovascular and bone health outcomes in adults, and to conduct updated meta-analyses incorporating recently published prospective cohort studies. Methods: We performed an umbrella review following PRISMA guidelines, searching published and grey literature up to April 2024. Meta-analyses evaluating dairy intake and its impact on cardiovascular and bone health outcomes were included. Updated meta-analyses were conducted for cardiovascular outcomes, while bone health outcomes were synthesized qualitatively. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Random-effects models were applied, and heterogeneity, small-study effects, excess significance, and prediction intervals were evaluated. Results: We included 33 meta-analyses (26 on cardiovascular, 7 on bone health outcomes). Updated meta-analyses showed that total dairy (RR: 0.96), milk (RR: 0.97), and yogurt (RR: 0.92) were significantly associated with reduced CVD risk. Total dairy and low-fat dairy were inversely linked to hypertension (RRs: 0.89, 0.87), and milk and low-fat dairy were associated with reduced stroke risk. Small-study effects were absent for most associations. Credibility was rated as “weak” for most associations, with total dairy and stroke, and total dairy and hypertension showing "suggestive" evidence. For bone health, dairy—especially milk—was linked to higher bone mineral density (BMD). Evidence on osteoporosis risk was mixed, and while total dairy and milk showed inconsistent associations with fractures, cheese and yogurt showed more consistent protective effects. Limited evidence suggested milk may reduce bone resorption markers. Conclusions: This review suggests that dairy consumption, particularly milk and yogurt, is modestly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, while dairy intake appears to benefit BMD and fracture prevention. However, further research is needed to confirm these associations
Early Rate of Force Development and Maximal Strength at Different Positions of the Athletic Shoulder Test in Baseball Players
Full text linkBackground/Objectives: Peak force (PF) reflects maximal strength, while early rate of force development (RFD; 0–100 ms) indicates explosive neuromuscular output. The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is gaining popularity in overhead athlete profiling, but its use for assessing explosive strength in various shoulder positions is underexplored. This study compared PF and RFD at shoulder abductions of 180° (ASH-I), 135° (ASH-Y), and 90° (ASH-T) in baseball players. Methods: Seventeen male athletes (age 22.7 ± 4.2 years; height 186.3 ± 7.3 cm; body mass 83.9 ± 10.1 kg) performed isometric ASH tests with the dominant arm. PF, PF relative to body mass (PF/BM), and early RFD were analysed. Results: ASH I showed 25% significantly higher PF (182 ± 41 N), PF/BM (2.15 ± 0.39 N/kg), and 40% higher RFD (545 N/s) than ASH Y or T (all p < 0.001), which did not differ significantly. PF showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.86–0.93); RFD showed moderate-to-good reliability (ICC = 0.75–0.81). Smallest worthwhile changes were ~5% for PF and ~15% for RFD. Conclusions: Maximal isometric shoulder strength and explosiveness were highest at 180° abduction in baseball athletes, with no significant difference between 135° and 90°. PF demonstrated excellent reliability, while early RFD showed moderate to good reliability and higher variability, highlighting the need for repeated measures. These findings provide specific position reference values and support the inclusion of multiple abduction angles in shoulder strength assessment to detect neuromuscular deficits and monitor training adaptations in baseball athletes
Playfulness and Longitudinal Development in Creative Thinking Processes and Academic Skills Among Kindergarten Children
Full text linkThis study examined the longitudinal relationships between children’s playfulness, creative thinking processes, and academic skills. Participants were 150 Chinese kindergarten children (52.7% boys; Time 1 age range = 4 to 5 years) and their parents. At Time 1, the parents reported demographic information and rated children’s playfulness (social and cognitive spontaneity) by completing the questionnaire. Children were administered behavioral measurements of creative thinking processes (convergent and divergent thinking), Chinese word reading, and mathematics skills (forward counting, backward counting, number word comparison, arithmetic addition, and arithmetic subtraction). One year later, at Time 2, children completed the same behavioral assessments again. Results from a path analytic model revealed that the indirect relationship between playfulness at Time 1 and mathematics at Time 2, mediated through convergent thinking at Time 1, was positive and significant. Moreover, children’s convergent thinking and mathematics skills reciprocally predicted each other. These findings suggest that playful kindergarten children might display better creative thinking and academic skills over time. Furthermore, the results highlight how encouraging children’s playfulness and implementing play-based mathematics activities may nurture their creativity and academic skills
The holistic bricolage research approach: advantages and barriers to its application at doctoral level
Full text linkThis paper explores the use of holistic bricolage as a comprehensive research process, with a specific focus on its application at doctoral level. The holistic bricolage approach involves applying the bricolage process to the entire project, from inception to completion. In its wide-ranging scope, the holistic bricolage research approach offers a unique and beneficial research method that can be applied across various fields of study including geography. We showcase the holistic bricolage approach through its initial application in a disaster risk reduction (DRR) research area, specifically in a study carried out in a geography department on the evolving characteristics of seismic and volcanic vulnerability and resilience on the island of São Miguel, Azores. We discuss barriers to the use of bricolage in doctoral research and suggest ways to mitigate them such as the creation of institutional and discipline centred regulatory frameworks and practices. In sum, we advocate that the time is right to delve further into the utility of a holistic bricolage research approach in doctoral studies and reflect on some advantages of and barriers to its wider application
Siege, and resistance: media, journalism, and democracy in Colombia
No full textHow can current debates on ‘media capture’ be understood within the contexts of Africa and Latin America? This edited collection provides a nuanced exploration of media capture—a critical yet contested concept that examines and illuminates how media can become skewed in favour of power—while also highlighting spaces and strategies of resistance. By adopting a South-South perspective, it brings together scholars focused on these issues in both regions, featuring a dialogue between two leading scholars, Herman Wasserman and Silvio Waisbord in the Foreword. The book not only demonstrates how media practices in Africa and Latin America are influenced by the political economy of their media systems, but also contributes significantly to advancing empirical, theoretical, and comparative research on media in non-Western settings
Radical Children's Film and Television
No full textThere is a long history of radical children’s film and television which subverts political orthodoxies and challenges aesthetic conventions, often beneath a cloak of innocence. However, these rich traditions of radical screen content for children have received remarkably little attention.
This volume redresses the balance. With contributions from leading authorities in the field and reference to both iconic and neglected media from around the world, this book sheds light on film and television for children that seeks to make a critical intervention in culture and society.
It also investigates the subversive uses of children’s media culture by individuals, communities of fandom, political groups, and creative practitioners. In so doing, it represents a major addition to existing scholarship in the field of children’s film and television