scholarly journals Examining the spatial relationship between environmental health factors and house prices

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. McCord ◽  
Sean MacIntyre ◽  
Paul Bidanset ◽  
Daniel Lo ◽  
Peadar Davis
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Spatial Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose Air quality, noise and proximity to urban infrastructure can arguably have an important impact on the quality of life. Environmental quality (the price of good health) has become a central tenet for consumer choice in urban locales when deciding on a residential neighbourhood. Unlike the market for most tangible goods, the market for environmental quality does not yield an observable per unit price effect. As no explicit price exists for a unit of environmental quality, this paper aims to use the housing market to derive its implicit price and test whether these constituent elements of health and well-being are indeed capitalised into property prices and thus implicitly priced in the market place. Design/methodology/approach A considerable number of studies have used hedonic pricing models by incorporating spatial effects to assess the impact of air quality, noise and proximity to noise pollutants on property market pricing. This study presents a spatial analysis of air quality and noise pollution and their association with house prices, using 2,501 sale transactions for the period 2013. To assess the impact of the pollutants, three different spatial modelling approaches are used, namely, ordinary least squares using spatial dummies, a geographically weighted regression (GWR) and a spatial lag model (SLM). Findings The findings suggest that air quality pollutants have an adverse impact on house prices, which fluctuate across the urban area. The analysis suggests that the noise level does matter, although this varies significantly over the urban setting and varies by source. Originality/value Air quality and environmental noise pollution are important concerns for health and well-being. Noise impact seems to depend not only on the noise intensity to which dwellings are exposed but also on the nature of the noise source. This may suggest the presence of other externalities that arouse social aversion. This research presents an original study utilising advanced spatial modelling approaches. The research has value in further understanding the market impact of environmental factors and in providing findings to support local air zone management strategies, noise abatement and management strategies and is of value to the wider urban planning and public health disciplines.

When I am old I shall wear purple: a qualitative study of the effect of group poetry sessions on the well-being of older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Seymour ◽  
Michael Murray
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Poetry Reading ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose There is increasing evidence that participation in various art forms can be beneficial for health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of participating in a poetry reading group on a group of older residents of an assisted living facility. Design/methodology/approach Six poetry sessions, each on a different theme, were conducted with a group of volunteer participants. These sessions, those of pre- and post-study focus groups and interviews with the group facilitator and staff contact were audio-recorded. The transcripts of the recordings were then subjected to a thematic analysis. Findings Overall the participants were enthused by the opportunity to participate in the project and the benefits were confirmed by the support staff. In addition, reading poetry on particular themes promoted different types of discussion. Research limitations/implications The number of participants in this study was small and the study was conducted over a short period of time. Practical implications This paper confirms the impact of poetry reading for older people. The challenge is to explore this impact in more detail and over community as well as residential settings. Originality/value This paper is the first empirical report on the value of poetry reading for older people.

scholarly journals How can social enterprises impact health and well-being?

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 697-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katy Gordon ◽  
Juliette Wilson ◽  
Andrea Tonner ◽  
Eleanor Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Social Enterprise ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of social enterprise on individual and community health and well-being. It focusses on community food initiatives, their impact on the social determinants of health and the influence of structure on their outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Using an interpretive qualitative approach through case studies focussed on two community food social enterprises, the research team conducted observations, interviews and ad hoc conversations. Findings Researchers found that social enterprises impacted all layers of the social determinants of health model but that there was greater impact on individual lifestyle factors and social and community networks. Impact at the higher socio-economic, cultural and environmental layer was more constrained. There was also evidence of the structural factors both enabling and constraining impact at all levels. Practical implications This study helps to facilitate understanding on the role of social enterprises as a key way for individuals and communities to work together to build their capabilities and resilience when facing health inequalities. Building upon previous work, it provides insight into the practices, limitations and challenges of those engaged in encouraging and supporting behavioural changes. Originality/value The paper contributes to a deeper insight of the use, motivation and understanding of social enterprise as an operating model by community food initiatives. It provides evidence of the impact of such social enterprises on the social determinants of health and uses structuration theory (Giddens, 1984) to explore how structure both influences and constrains the impact of these enterprises.

Associations Among Home Indoor Environmental Quality Factors and Worker Health while Working from Home during COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Mohamad Awada ◽  
Burcin Becerik-Gerber ◽  
Gale Lucas ◽  
Shawn Roll
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Indoor Environmental Quality ◽  
Indoor Temperature ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus forced office workers to conduct their daily work activities from home over an extended period. Given this unique situation, an opportunity emerged to study the satisfaction of office workers with indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors of their houses where work activities took place and associate these factors with mental and physical health. We designed and administered a questionnaire that was open for 45 days during the COVID-19 pandemic and received valid data from 988 respondents. The results show that low satisfaction with natural lighting, glare and humidity predicted eye related symptoms, while low satisfaction with noise was a strong predictor of fatigue or tiredness, headaches or migraines, anxiety, and depression or sadness. Nose and throat related symptoms and skin related symptoms were only uniquely predicted by low satisfaction with humidity. Low satisfaction with glare uniquely predicted an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort. Symptoms related to mental stress, rumination or worry were predicted by low satisfaction with air quality and noise. Finally, low satisfaction with noise and indoor temperature predicted the prevalence of symptoms related to trouble concentrating, maintaining attention or focus. Workers with higher income were more satisfied with humidity, air quality and indoor temperature and had better overall mental health. Older individuals had increased satisfaction with natural lighting, humidity, air quality, noise, and indoor temperature. Findings from this study can inform future design practices that focus on hybrid home-work environments by highlighting the impact of IEQ factors on occupant well-being.

Collaborative activities and library indoor environmental quality affecting performance, health, and well-being of different library user groups in higher education

Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 88-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young S. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Indoor Environmental Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Collaborative Activities ◽  
Library User ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify different indoor environmental quality (IEQ) criteria affecting performance, health, and well-being of library user groups in higher education. The study investigated the differences in significant IEQ criteria affecting the performance, health, and well-being among the library user groups conducting certain types of collaborative activities. The aim was to was to find the significant IEQ criteria particular to each group conducting certain types of collaborative activities. Design/methodology/approach – Four types of collaborative activities were categorized based on the organizational knowledge creation theory in the knowledge management field. A total of ten IEQ criteria affecting performance, health, and well-being were identified based on a literature review of other studies and existing instruments. A survey was conducted via online with library users in a higher education library on the east coast of the USA. Responses from a total of 421 students were analyzed by descriptive statistics and analysis of variance statistics. Findings – The results indicated that the group conducting only individual focused work and socializing in a group showed statistically lower significance in acoustics, privacy, and ergonomics furniture than one or more of the other groups. The group conducting all four collaborative activities exhibited statistically higher significance in ergonomic furniture and aesthetics than one or more of the other groups. Originality/value – The study provides a comprehensive framework to be used in occupant survey to measure occupant performance, health, and well-being. It also offers practical implications for enhancing particular IEQ criteria for each library user group conducting certain types of collaborative activities in the academic library of higher education.

scholarly journals Empowering International Students to Succeed

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Penman ◽  
Gulzar Malik ◽  
Eli Chu ◽  
Giselle Kett ◽  
Kerry Hampton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Senior Student ◽  
Social Barriers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

International students report higher sociocultural and academic stress when settling into a new university compared with their local counterparts. Three disciplines in the health professions collaborated to create a transition program addressing international student health and well-being concerns. Commencing students and senior student mentors participated in a four-session program of activities to reflect on their current study/work practices, and learn self-management strategies. They developed plans for coping with cultural, language, academic and social barriers, and assisted in improving physical and mental health and well-being. Of the 26 participants who attended sessions, 15 participated in in-depth interviews to share their experiences of the program. ‘Facilitating adjustment’, ‘Establishing relationships’, ‘Gaining new skills and knowledge’, and ‘Transforming beliefs and behaviour’ were the four themes identified that captured and explicated the impact of the initiative. The program demonstrated a positive impact in creating a supportive learning environment for commencing and continuing international students.

Smart and learning campus as living lab to foster education for sustainable development: an experience with air quality monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1311-1330
Author(s):  
Janaina Mazutti ◽  
Luciana Londero Brandli ◽  
Amanda Lange Salvia ◽  
Bárbara Maria Fritzen Gomes ◽  
Luana Inês Damke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Quality Monitoring ◽  
Air Quality Monitoring ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Smart Learning ◽  
Campus Integration ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Higher education institutions are widely known both for their promotion to education for sustainable development (ESD) and for their contribution as living labs to urban management strategies. As for strategies, smart and learning campuses have recently gained significant attention. This paper aims to report an air quality monitoring experience with focus on the smart and learning campus and discuss its implications for the university context with regard to ESD and sustainable development goal (SDG) integration. Design/methodology/approach The air quality monitoring was held at the main campus of University of Passo Fundo and focused on three pollutants directly related to vehicle emissions. The air quality index (AQI) was presented on a website, along with information regarding health problems caused by air pollution, main sources of emissions and strategies to reduce it. Findings The results showed how the decrease in air quality is related to the traffic emissions and the fact that exposing students to a smart and learning environment could teach them about sustainability education. Practical implications This case study demonstrated how monitoring air quality in a smart environment could highlight and communicate the impact of urban mobility on air quality and alerted to the need for more sustainable choices, including transports. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature by showing the potential of a smart-learning campus integration and its contribution towards the ESD and the UN SDGs.

scholarly journals Healthy workplaces: what we know and what else we need to know

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Anker Jensen ◽  
Theo J.M. van der Voordt
Keyword(s):  
Interior Design ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose This paper aims to explore the impact of buildings on the creation of healthy workplaces (HWs) and end users’ physical and mental health and well-being. The paper presents available research on the impact of workplace layout, interior design, indoor climate and “green” offices. It ends with reflections on the main lessons learned, gaps in our current knowledge and suggestions for further research. Design/methodology/approach A literature research has been conducted of all papers in four corporate real estate management and facilities management-oriented journals from 2008 to 2017 that discuss health and well-being and related topics such as satisfaction, productivity and creativity. Findings A conceptual model to analyse impact factors for HWs covers the influence of many different variables. Most papers only discuss a particular influencing factor, mainly plants and indoor climate. Various papers show that the spatial layout, in particular the level of openness and opportunities for communication, concentration and privacy and interior design have an important impact on user satisfaction, perceived productivity support and creativity. These factors may have a positive impact on HWs as well and can also be benefits of HWs. Practical implications The paper identifies, which factors are important to consider for creating HWs and potential benefits of HWs. Originality/value This paper discusses the role of CREM and FM in creating HWs and reflects on the available knowledge, current omissions and the need for transdisciplinary follow-up research.

Community business impacts on health and well-being: a systematic review of the evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart McClean ◽  
Sanda Ismail ◽  
Emma Bird
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Systematic Review Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose This paper aims to provide critical insight into the impact of locally embedded, community business-related approaches internationally to health and social care on users’ outcomes, in particular exploring their effectiveness in delivering outcomes for users. Design/methodology/approach The study used a robust systematic review methodology. It carefully identifies relevant studies that have been conducted on the impact of community business-related approaches, rigorously evaluates how well these studies have been carried out and combines the results from these studies to address that particular topic. Findings Health and social care-related community businesses deliver on a range of health and well-being outcomes and impacts positively on local residents’ satisfaction with their community/local area. Existing research into community businesses uses mostly qualitative methods, but a few studies have also used quantitative survey and mixed methods and demonstrate the challenges of conducting methodologically rigorous real-world research within local community settings. Research limitations/implications The review was limited to papers published in English language and may have missed relevant studies published in other languages which could have influenced the overall findings. Only one reviewer screened the titles and abstracts of the identified papers. Having multiple reviewers would have strengthened the validity of the screening process. Originality/value Community businesses offer a positive contribution to health and well-being, and highlight the significance of engaging local communities in promoting health, reducing health inequalities and addressing the wider determinants of health. This paper provides a baseline of evidence about community business’ broad impacts on health and well-being to help inform new and emerging evidence

Towards well-being: role of diversity and nature of work

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akanksha Jaiswal ◽  
Lata Dyaram
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Diversity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Scholarly Attention

PurposeLiterature highlights diversity to facilitate cognitive outcomes; nevertheless, there is limited scholarly attention on affective diversity effects. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of perceived diversity on employee well-being (EWB) and contend different types of diversity to yield differential impact. Further, the authors explore how nature of employee work can moderate these relationships.Design/methodology/approachWith 311 full-time employees representing large manufacturing organizations in India, the authors test the hypothesized relationships using PROCESS macro.FindingsResults indicate perception of surface and knowledge diversity having a significant positive impact on EWB. Further, the authors found nature of employee work to moderate the link between knowledge diversity and well-being such that perception of knowledge diversity under complex tasks enhanced well-being; no impact of work complexity was observed on the link between surface diversity and well-being.Research limitations/implicationsPerceived diversity is malleable lending itself to longitudinal work in this field. Besides nature of work, future research may explore other key contextual factors in diversity dynamics.Practical implicationsContrary to the longstanding theories such as social categorization/similarity attraction, the authors found surface diversity to positively influence EWB. This indicates firms’ effective diversity management strategies in creating inclusive workplace. Further, the authors draw implications around team design and workforce composition.Originality/valueWhile the scholarly attention to perceived diversity is gradually growing, in a first, the authors empirically examine the impact of diversity perceptions on employee affect in the context of Indian manufacturing firms.

Job demands-resources and employee health and well-being

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marieke van den Tooren ◽  
Jeroen de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Job Demands ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Employee Health ◽  
Job Resources ◽  
Temporary Workers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Permanent Workers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to investigate whether the main propositions of the job demands-resources (JDR) model are moderated by type of contract (i.e. temporary contract vs permanent contract). Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were collected in a large, heterogeneous sample from different countries, sectors, and jobs (n=3,845). Hypotheses were tested by means of multilevel analyses. Findings – Results showed moderate support for the main effects of job demands (job insecurity and time pressure) and job resources (autonomy and social support) and weak support for the buffer effect of job resources in the prediction of job satisfaction and general health. The impact of contract type on the main propositions of the JDR model appeared to be weak. Yet, the evidence that was found suggests that temporary workers may be more tolerant to job insecurity and more likely to benefit from the buffering role of autonomy than permanent workers. Originality/value – This is the first study to investigate whether the relation between job demands and job resources and employee health and well-being differs for permanent workers and temporary workers.

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