bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future reasoning machines: mind and body
Authors: Duffy Brian R. , O'Hare Gregory M.P. , Bradley John F. , Martin Alan N. , Schoen Bianca
Published: January 2007

Purpose

In investing energy in developing reasoning machines of the future, one must abstract away from the specific solutions to specific problems and ask what are the fundamental research questions that should be addressed. This paper aims to revisit some fundamental perspectives and promote new approaches to reasoning machines and their associated form and function.

Design/methodology/approach

Core aspects are discussed, namely the one‐mind‐many‐bodies metaphor as introduced in the agent Chameleon work. Within this metaphor the agent's embodiment form may take many guises with the artificial mind or agent potentially exhibiting a nomadic existence opportunistically migrating between a myriad of instantiated embodiments. The paper animates these concepts with reference to two case studies.

Findings

The two case studies illustrate how a machine can have fundamentally different capabilities than a human which allows us to exploit, rather than be constrained, by these important differences.

Originality/value

Aids in understanding some of the fundamental research questions of reasoning machines that should be addressed.
Machine vision methods for autonomous micro‐robotic systems
Authors: Amavasai B.P. , Caparrelli F. , Selvan A. , Boissenin M. , Travis J.R. , Meikle S.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To develop customised machine vision methods for closed‐loop micro‐robotic control systems. The micro‐robots have applications in areas that require micro‐manipulation and micro‐assembly in the micron and sub‐micron range.

Design/methodology/approach

Several novel techniques have been developed to perform calibration, object recognition and object tracking in real‐time under a customised high‐magnification camera system. These new methods combine statistical, neural and morphological approaches.

Findings

An in‐depth view of the machine vision sub‐system that was designed for the European MiCRoN project (project no. IST‐2001‐33567) is provided. The issue of cooperation arises when several robots with a variety of on‐board tools are placed in the working environment. By combining multiple vision methods, the information obtained can be used effectively to guide the robots in achieving the pre‐planned tasks.

Research limitations/implications

Some of these techniques were developed for micro‐vision but could be extended to macro‐vision. The techniques developed here are robust to noise and occlusion so they can be applied to a variety of macro‐vision areas suffering from similar limitations.

Practical implications

The work here will expand the use of micro‐robots as tools to manipulate and assemble objects and devices in the micron range. It is foreseen that, as the requirement for micro‐manufacturing increases, techniques like those developed in this paper will play an important role for industrial automation.

Originality/value

This paper extends the use of machine vision methods into the micron range.
Dynamic portfolio management under competing representations
Authors: Östermark Ralf
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To solve the multi‐period portfolio management problem under transactions costs.

Design/methodology/approach

We apply a recently designed super genetic hybrid algorithm (SuperGHA) – an integrated optimisation system for simultaneous parametric search and non‐linear optimisation – to a recursive portfolio management decision support system (SHAREX). The parametric search machine is implemented as a genetic superstructure, producing tentative parameter vectors that control the ultimate optimisation process.

Findings

SHAREX seems to outperform the buy and hold‐strategy on the Finnish stock market. The potential of a technical portfolio system is best exploitable under favorable market conditions.

Originality/value

A number of robust engines for matrix algebra, mathematical programming and numerical calculus have been integrated with SuperGHA. The engines expand its scope as a general‐purpose algorithm for mathematical programming.
Enterprise resource planning competence centres: a case study
Authors: Granebring Annika , Révay Péter
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To describe the establishment of a Swedish enterprise resource planning (ERP) competence centre (CC), with assistance from Finnish colleagues and modelled on their CC.

Design/methodology/approach

By outlining the input of Finnish colleagues and using the concept of the Finnish ERP CC, develops the history of the establishment of the Swedish model during 2001‐2003.

Findings

Following a European IT consultancy company building a new Baan CC in Sweden brings new lessons from the field. Reasons for failure were shown to be: a dropping market, high entry barriers and an underestimation of resources needed for building a new ERP CC. Barriers preventing success in the ERP business were found.

Practical implications

Corporate templates, migrated sites combined with aggressive competitors and demanding price conscious customers have changed the ERP maintenance business and made the organisation hierarchical. Difficulties for new entrants in the ERP service business where customers pick and change supplier.

Originality/value

Presented a unique case study that outlines and discusses the mentorship between Swedish and Finnish ERP CC initiatives.
Image labelling in real conditions
Authors: Manuel García Chamizo Juan , Fuster Guilló Andrés , Azorín López Jorge
Published: January 2007

Purpose

According to the problems of visual perception, we propose a model for the processing of vision in adverse situations of illumination, scale, etc. In this paper, a model for image segmentation and labelling obtained in real conditions with different scales is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is based on the texture identification of the scene's objects by means of comparison with a database that stores series of each texture perceived with successive optic parameter values. As a basis for the model, self‐organising maps have been used in several phases of the labelling process.

Findings

The model has been conceived to systematically deal with the different causes that make vision difficult and allows it to be applied in a wide range of real situations. The results show high success rates in the labelling of scenes captured in different scale conditions, using very simple describers, such as different histograms of textures.

Research limitations/implications

Our interest is directed towards systematising the proposal and experimenting on the influence of the other variables of the vision. We will also tackle the implantation of the classifier module so that the different causes can be dealt with by the reconfiguration of the same hardware (using reconfigurable hardware).

Originality/value

This research approaches a very advanced angle of the vision problems: visual perception under adverse conditions. In order to deal with this problem, a model formulated with a general purpose is proposed. Our objective is to present an approach to conceive universal architectures (in the sense of being valid with independence of the implied magnitudes).
Contemporary systems and cybernetics
Authors: Rudall Brian H.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Reviews current initiatives in the development of neuron/silicon chips and in biomimetics.

Design/methodology/approach

A general review and survey of selected research and development topics.

Findings

Illustrates the multi‐ and trans‐disciplinary interests of cybernetics and systems and aims to further research and development activity.

Practical implications

The choice of reviews provides an awareness of the current initiatives and trends in these areas of research and endeavour.

Originality/value

The reviews are selected from a global database and give a studied assessment of current research and development initiatives.
Data visualization and data mining of continuous numerical and discrete nominal‐valued microarray databases for bioinformatics
Authors: Segall Richard S. , Zhang Qingyu
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To present research in the area of the applications of modern heuristics and data mining techniques in knowledge discovery.

Design/methodology/approach

Applications of data mining for neural networks using NeuralWare Predict®software, genetic algorithms using Biodiscovery GeneSight®(2005) software, and regression and discriminant analysis using SPSS®were selected for bioscience data sets of continuous numerical‐valued Abalone fish data and discrete nominal‐valued mushroom data.

Findings

This paper illustrates the useful information that can be obtained using data mining for evolutionary algorithms specifically as those for neural networks, genetic algorithms, regression analysis, and discriminant analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The use of NeuralWare Predict®was a very effective method of implementing training rules for neural networks to identify the important attributes of numerical and nominal valued data.

Practical implications

The software and algorithms discussed in the paper can be used to visualize and mine microarray data.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the discussion on the data visualization and data mining of microarray database for bioinformatics and emphasizes new applicability of modern heuristics and software.
Data fusion: a study of adaptative combinations with incomplete certainty qualification
Authors: Oussalah Mourad
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The first part of this issue investigated the properties of the adaptive rule initially proposed by Dubois and Prade given in the framework of possibility theory, when the certainty qualification is rather expressed in more general t‐norms and t‐conorms connectives. This led to two new family of adaptive rules expressed using residual implication and t‐conorm connective, respectively. The problem of addressing uncertain inputs has also been examined and a waved decomposition has been proposed in PII we study adaptative combinations with incomplete certainty qualification. However, another problem that arises when combining uncertain inputs consists of the relationship between the certainty attached to the inputs and the certainty attached to the output, conceptualized by the resulting distribution when using adaptive combination rule. In other words, how does the combination rule improves or deteriorates the certainty of the overall system? This paper seeks to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper fully addresses this issue and attempts to evaluate the combination rule from the certainty viewpoint attached to the result in comparison to initial certainty values attached to the inputs.

Findings

Especially, it has been proven that under certain hypotheses, the rule allows the user to hide the local certainties attached to the initial inputs, while highlighting only the certainty due to the lack of consistency among the sources.

Originality/value

New functional adaptative rules are put forward based on residual implicators and t‐conorm operators.
Distributivity and Zadeh's operators
Authors: Tong Xiaojun , Li Hongxing , Chen Mianyun , Lin Yi
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between the property of distributivity and Zadeh's operators.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are established by studying the relationship between the condition of distributivity and Zadeh's operations.

Findings

When the t‐conorm T* and t‐norm T are Zadeh's “intersection” and “union” operations, respectively, or when the pseudo‐addition ⊕ and pseudo‐multiplication ⊗ are Zadeh's “intersection” and “union” operations, respectively, a series of sufficient and necessary conditions for T* and T (or ⊕ and ⊗) to satisfy a distributivity property are obtained. These results are readily applied to semirings.

Originality/value

New theoretical results are discovered and are shown to be useful to the study of triangular operators and applications in intelligent systems.
Regular grammars of L(MT): a language for ecological systems modelling (II)
Authors: Usó‐Domènech J.L. , Vives‐Maciá F. , Mateu J.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a further extension of the regular grammars of the language L(MT).

Design/methodology/approach

This language may represent an ecological model, written in a formal mathematical structure.

Findings

The paper presents and develops recognoscitive and generative grammars of sentences (flow equations) together with a synonymy relationship, which characterize the L(MT) language.

Originality/value

Provides a discussion of modelling of language.
Parameter identification of an HIV model by the combined Adomian/Alienor method
Authors: Manseur S. , Messaoudi N. , Cherruault Y.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that a combination of Adomian and Alienor methods can be used to solve the problem of parameters identification of HIV/AIDS model. This model involves a system of three ordinary differential equations.

Design/methodology/approach

Parameters identification leads to the minimization of an error functional given by the sum of variations between measured variables and calculated variables obtained by solving the system of differential equations. We assume that the quantity of healthy cells CD4 + T and the viral load contents in the blood are measured.

Findings

The identification was realized by applying the combined Adomian/Alienor method allowing to reduce the problem to a minimization problem in dimention one.

Practical implications

Simulation results are given for illustration.

Originality/value

Application to parameter identification in an HIV model‐compatible, results to other methods.
Numerical solution of integro‐differential equations by using rationalized Haar functions method
Authors: Maleknejad K. , Mirzaee F.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop rationalized Haar functions to approximate the solutions of the integro‐differential equations.

Design/methodology/approach

Properties of rationalized Haar functions are first presented, and the operational matrix of the product of two rationalized Haar functions vector is utilized to reduce the computation of integro‐differential equations to some algebraic equations.

Findings

Numerical results support the theoretical results.

Originality/value

Presents a method for solving integro‐differential equations.
Modern rationality: a cybernetic view
Authors: Sarnovsky Jan
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Nowadays integration is the main tendency in the development of natural and human sciences. The discoveries arising on the boundary of individual sciences are the direct expression of scientific knowledge integration. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the relationships of philosophy, cybernetics and artificial intelligence, and the contribution of cybernetics to philosophy.

Findings

Specified theoretical tools are required to realize integration, in regular, nonstochastic way. Cybernetics can provide those tools. The practical and theoretical significance of cybernetics provokes the actual need of research of the philosophical, methodological and logical assumptions, basic methods and results of cybernetics. Cybernetics is the typical science on the “frontier”; it has close relations with mathematics, physics, logic, biology, etc. and with philosophy. It is not curious that many connections between natural and social sciences are realised just by intercession of cybernetics.

Originality/value

Examines the activity of extraordinary intricate systems.
Development of polyamide curable modified epoxy novolac resins with improved adhesion and chemical resistance
Authors: Shukla Vipin , Shukla Ravi , Singh Dharmendra , Singh Mahendra , Bajpai Madhu , Seth Sunita
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To prepare modified epoxy resins from resorcinol, cresol and phenol for improved adhesion and chemical resistance. To evaluate the properties of such modified epoxy resins.

Design/methodology/approach

Epoxy novolac resins (ENRs) were synthesised by condensing epichlorohydrin with novolacs based on different types of substituted phenols for improving adhesion and chemical resistance. Various compositions were made by incorporating different proportions of polyamide resin. The chemical and adhesive strengths of the conventional epoxy and the modified epoxy resins were characterised.

Findings

The modified ENR using substituted phenols showed significant enhancement of chemical and adhesive strengths over the conventional DGEBA resin. The modified ENR had an increased number of glycidyl groups (thus increased functionality) of resin, which was responsible for improved chemical and adhesive strengths over the conventional DGEBA resin.

Research limitations/implications

The EPN resins used in the present context was synthesised from phenol, resorcinol and cresol and cured by polyamide resin of different amine values. Besides, it could be synthesised from phenolphthalein p‐aminophenol and p‐ter‐butylcatachol, etc.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the adhesive and chemical resistance of cured epoxy phenol novolac resins.

Originality/value

The method for enhanced adhesive and chemical resistance of cured epoxy was novel and could find numerous applications in surface coating and adhesive.
A study of the effects of the process parameters on the flexographic printing problem “dot bridging” – part II: experimental design and print contrast/density
Authors: Galton David
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The print fault “dot bridging” reduces the printing press efficiency. This study was designed to find the best combination of materials used in normal production which would reduce or eliminate the problems thus increasing efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Various statistical methods were used to design the experiments and to analyse the experimental results. The experiment included all of the factors which were considered to have an effect on the “dot bridging” print fault.

Findings

The most important conclusion that can be drawn from the results is that the complex interactions between factors included in the process can be characterised. The experiment proved that the problem was not random. The data gathered during the experiment had a direct correlation with the psychometric results. Various factors included in the experiment were found to have a significant influence on print density and print contrast. Contrast and density were selected for analysis as ink film thickness was thought to have an influence on the best looking print samples and the “dot bridging” print fault.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the experiment were used to optimise the production process particularly the platemaking technique. Data from further experiments would help to optimise more process parameters.

Practical implications

Minitab computer software was used to analyse the results of the experiment thus making it easier to communicate the results to non‐scientific production staff.

Originality/value

This was the first time that the printer concerned had used a scientific approach to problem solving. The end result for the printer was an increase in production efficiency which saved the printer a considerable amount on money.
Enhancement of properties of red iron oxide – aluminium oxide solid solutions anticorrosive pigments
Authors: Ahmed N.M. , Selim M.M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Several solid solution combinations of aluminium oxide and iron oxide, for the preparation of a new pigment, were investigated to study the effect of aluminium oxide to iron oxide ratio on various properties of the resulting pigments.

Design/methodology/approach

The conditions for the preparation of the pigments via solid solution interaction at 1,000°C had been estimated. Characterisation of three different combinations of aluminium oxide and iron oxide were carried out using spectroscopic methods of analysis via X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM). Also, evaluation of the pigments prepared, in terms of oil absorption, specific gravity, water‐soluble matter, and pH, using international standard testing methods was performed. The pigments prepared were incorporated in anticorrosive paint formulations based on medium oil alkyd resin as a binder. The physico‐mechanical properties of the relevant paint films were obtained, while their anticorrosive properties were assessed by tests in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution for 28 days.

Findings

The results showed that the anticorrosive protection properties of the pigment prepared were better than their aluminium and iron counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The pigments prepared may be used in different applications other than paint formulations. As the concentration of iron oxide increases, the hardness and the anticorrosive protection performance of the paint film increase. As the concentration of aluminium increases, elasticity, impact resistance and ductility also increase. Application of different combinations of these pigments in paint films had been studied. However, investigation of the application of these pigments in other systems such as plastics could also be interesting.

Practical implications

The pigments prepared can be used as reinforcing filler in different rubber and plastic composites, beside its ferro‐magnetic properties. As the concentration of alumina increased, the reinforcing and magnetic effects decreased and vice versa.

Originality/value

Iron oxide is an abundant ore in several world countries; it is an inorganic, environmentally friendly material, which exhibits good Moh's hardness. Adding aluminium oxide which is a very light element having a unique flaky structure to iron oxide gave a new pigment that can be used not only in paint formulations, but also in rubber and plastic composites as reinforcing fillers.
Preparation and characterisation of new bioactive polysaccharides based on grafted starch
Authors: El‐Masry A.M.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The preparation and characterisation of new bioactive polymeric materials.

Design/methodology/approach

New bioactive polysaccharide were prepared by grafting of acrylonitrile onto water soluble starch and then reacting with bioactive heterocyclic rings. The biological activity, against bacteria, of the materials prepared was studied.

Findings

Some of the prepared bioactive materials show high disinfecting power against bacteria.

Research limitations/implications

The bioactive materials were prepared by grafting acrylonitrile onto starch and then reacting the resulting material with cyanuric acid and 2‐aminothiazole. Many other heterocyclic rings that contain tertiary nitrogen atom or amide nitrogen can also be used.

Practical implications

The new bioactive materials prepared can be used for disinfecting purposes.

Originality/value

Some of the materials prepared were used successfully in killing bacteria, as such, can be used as disinfecting materials.
FTIR and XPS study of the reaction of phenyl isocyanate and cellulose with different moisture contents
Authors: Gao Z.H. , Gu J.Y. , Wang X‐M. , Li Z.G. , Bai X.D.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To evaluate the competing reaction of isocyanate with cellulose and water which can provide direction for further studies on bonding and curing reactions of isocyanate with wood.

Design/methodology/approach

Two modern analytical techniques, Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were used. The FTIR was used to identify the products of the reaction of phenyl isocyanate (PI) with alcohol, water, and cellulose; while the XPS was used to evaluate the proportions of isocyanate that reacted with water or cellulose when PI reacted with cellulose at different moisture contents (MCs), respectively.

Findings

Methods for the IR identifications of reaction results of PI with n‐propanol, water, and cellulose, in which the reactions of PI with water and PI with cellulose resulted in N,N′‐diphenylurea and carbamate, respectively, were developed. It was discovered that the extent of reaction of isocyanate and cellulose decreased with increasing cellulose MC, and 92.98 per cent isocyanate reacted with water when 9.78 per cent MC was reached. It was confirmed that the products of the PI reaction were distributed mainly on the surface of the cellulose particles.

Research limitations/implications

The study only focused on the reaction of PI. However, the industrial isocyanates, e.g. methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), polymerized methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (p‐MDI) that have complexities in chemical structures and components, make analyses with FTIR and XPS impossible.

Practical implications

The paper provides some instructive information about the isocyanate reaction that will help understanding the characteristics of isocyanate and guiding the design of technology bonding isocyanate to fibre, wood, etc.

Originality/value

The application of FTIR and XPS for evaluating the reaction of isocyanate with cellulose having different MCs was novel and may be used as a reference for other relevant studies.
Synthesis, purification and curing properties of vinyl ester network
Authors: Behera D. , Satapathy H. , Banthia A.K.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To prepare and characterise vinyl ester (Bisphenol‐A‐glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA)) prepolymer via a new synthetic route involving the esterification of methacrylic acid and epoxy resin.

Design/methodology/approach

BisGMA prepolymer was synthesised from methacrylic acid and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A‐type epoxy resin. The compound synthesised was then purified and characterised.

Findings

BisGMA prepolymer was synthesised from methacrylic acid and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A‐type epoxy resin using triphenylphosphine as a catalyst and hydroxy toluene as a stabiliser. The synthesised compound was then purified by normal phase liquid chromatography and was analysed by proton NMR and reverse phase HPLC. The cure kinetics of the purified resin was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using NETZSCH thermo kinetics software.

Research limitations/implications

The preparation, purification and kinetics study of the prepolymer described in the present investigation may be useful for preparation, purification and kinetics study of the other vinyl esters by a new synthetic route. Also, the polymer supports based on BisGMA have acceptable mechanical properties, chemical stability and are suitable for dental restoratives, fissure sealants, coatings, adhesives, moulding compounds, structural laminates, electrical applications and military/aerospace applications.

Practical implications

The method for the preparation, purification and kinetics study of the prepolymer is simple and provides a simple and practical solution for some other vinyl esters.

Originality/value

This is a novel method for synthesis and purification of BisGMA and may be useful for the synthesis and purification of other vinyl esters.
How excessive restrictions on signage backfire
Authors: Taylor Charles R.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of efforts by some municipalities to place various restrictions on on‐premise signs and to examine the impact of strict regulations on local communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides examples of restrictive sign codes and reviews articles providing empirical evidence on public perceptions of signs as well as the impact of signs on businesses and communities.

Findings

Excessive regulation of signs is counterproductive; contrary to the beliefs of proponents of harsh restrictions, signs are helpful to consumers and business, and they contribute to a community's economic vitality.

Practical implications

In developing and implementing sign codes, municipalities should consider what research tells us about the value of on‐premise signs. Members of the general public who have an interest in municipal affairs should consider research findings when forming opinions about the regulation of signs as opposed to relying on a limited number of individuals who may ignore the marketing functions of signs in developing and implementing sign codes.

Originality/value

Demonstrates the importance of signage to consumers, businesses, and local communities.
The three “big issues” for older supermarket shoppers
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Mizerski Katherine , Donovan Robert
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The senior market is becoming more attractive as older consumers come to comprise a greater proportion of the population and control a greater proportion of national assets. The purpose of this study was to examine older shoppers' experiences in Australian supermarkets to identify the three issues of most concern to seniors and provide practical recommendations to managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Six focus groups yielded the three major issues which were then tested via a national telephone survey (n=505).

Findings

The major issues identified included the demeanour of supermarket employees, the functionality of shopping equipment (i.e. trolleys and baskets), and the appropriate placement of products on supermarket shelves. Respondents considered these issues to be personally relevant and important to seniors in general.

Practical implications

Supermarket managers should develop strategies to ensure staff are recruited and trained in such a fashion as to enable them to engage in satisfying interactions with older customers. Other areas requiring attention include thorough product stocking to prevent over‐reaching and the provision of well‐designed and functioning shopping aids in the form of trolleys and baskets. Further issues raised in the focus groups that are worthy of consideration by supermarket managers and other retailers are merchandise quality, adequate access to and within the store, in‐store amenities, home delivery options, seniors' discounts, and avoiding extended queuing. These service aspects appear to be of particular importance to older shoppers.

Originality/value

The findings support previous research that has highlighted the need for retailers to take seniors' needs into consideration in service provision.
Trust‐based commitment: multidimensional consumer‐brand relationships
Authors: Hess Jeff , Story John
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To propose and test a multi‐dimensional model of relationship commitment defined by personal and functional connections which are, in turn, driven by trust and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A model is proposed to define relationship constructs better within marketing practice and to evaluate the relationships between these constructs. Structural equation modeling was employed to validate the model using data from two case studies.

Findings

Satisfaction is antecedent to trust, but primarily contributes to functional connections. Personal connections, on the other hand, stem from trust. The relative strengths of personal and functional connections determine the nature and outcomes of relationship commitment. This trust‐based model is statistically superior to previous models and explains customer‐brand relationships much more extensively.

Research limitations/implications

The primary limitation of this research is that it explores only two product/service categories, potentially limiting the generalizability to other domains.

Practical implications

These results have extensive implications for brand building, establishing customer relationships, and incorporating relationships into brand strategies.

Originality/value

These results improve our understanding of customers' relationships with brands and provide managers with guidance on developing, nurturing, and utilizing these relationships.
Purchasing pirated software: an initial examination of Chinese consumers
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Hongxia , Zang Hengjia , Ouyang Ming
Published: January 2007

Purpose

To analyze Chinese consumers in purchasing pirated software; to establish and empirically validate a model for analyzing consumers in software piracy; and to help software companies understand the software piracy issue in China and design anti‐piracy strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was established by extending a model used by Ang et al. in studying Singaporeans' purchasing pirated CD. A survey was conducted. Hypotheses were tested through stepwise regressions. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out to analyze Chinese consumers' attitude toward software piracy.

Findings

Four personal and social factors were found important in influencing Chinese consumers' attitude toward software piracy, including value consciousness, normality susceptibility, novelty seeking, and collectivism. Five attitude measures, which were important in influencing consumer purchase intention, were identified as reliability of pirated software, recognized social benefits of piracy, functionality of pirated software, risks of purchasing, and perceived legality of purchasing. An exploratory study identified three attitude attributes.

Research limitations/implications

As student samples were used, caution needs to be exercised when generalizing findings from this study. Regressions were used to test construct relationships in the model, and the model was not tested as a whole.

Practical implications

This research provides an in‐depth understanding on Chinese consumers, and the research findings are useful in designing anti‐piracy strategies in China.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first to examine the Chinese market, which is a focus of piracy problems for the software industries. This research contributes to theory development in developing and testing a model and important constructs, and to industrial practice in providing understanding on Chinese consumers to help design anti‐piracy strategies.
Direct‐to‐consumer prescription drug advertising: concerns and evidence on consumers' benefit
Authors: Shin Jaeun , Moon Sangho
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the economic and clinical impacts of direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) advertising on consumers and physicians.

Design/methodology/approach

Controversy around the benefits and concerns associated with DTC advertising are summarized. The sources are sorted based on their position toward DTC promotions: defending or opposing. Two recent works by Woloshin et al. and by Weisseman et al. are discussed in depth to provide the empirical evidence for the impacts of DTC promotions.

Findings

Notwithstanding many concerns against DTC advertising, evidence‐based papers report that both consumers and physicians are potentially benefited from it. Consumers rate the health‐related information contained in DTC advertising as important. Physicians do not feel that they are pressured to prescribe inappropriate medications driven by DTC advertising. Physicians perceive improved communication and education among DTCA‐influenced patients. However, consumers tend to overestimate drug effectiveness when the ads vaguely convey the benefit information and subsequently, seek unnecessary treatments. DTC advertising needs to be required to demonstrate the benefit information using actual data. This will help consumers avoid overuse of drugs.

Originality/value

This paper recognizes DTC advertising as a positive force for the public health and at the same time identifies its potential negative effects on the economic and clinical aspects of the health care markets. This can offer practical help policymakers develop the effective regulations on DTC advertisings to reinforce the beneficial outcome while attenuating the potential harms that might take place.
Does DTC mean “direct to court”?
Authors: Cunningham Donna J. , Iyer Rajesh
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the changing legal landscape associated with the growth of advertising of prescription drugs directly to the consumer, and makes recommendations designed to assist advertisers in avoiding legal liability based on those advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the phenomenal growth of DTC advertising since 1997, when a profound change in the FDA regulations took effect. These changes permitted advertisers significantly more flexibility in providing information about the advertised drug directly to the consumer. Since then, however, DTC advertising has repeatedly come under attack. A review of the literature, changing law, and other factors, reveals the primary criticisms of DTC advertising, and its tendency to expose pharmaceutical advertisers to legal liability.

Findings

The paper recounts the development of the law concerning pharmaceutical advertising, and particularly, the application of the Learned Intermediary Rule. Previously, this Rule operated to shield pharmaceutical companies for liability by passing liability on to the physician who wrote the prescription for the drug. Now, that law is changing, with resulting liability for pharmaceutical advertisers.

Practical implications

The study recounts the primary criticisms of DTC advertising, and provides a number of steps that can be taken to help avoid legal liability for pharmaceutical companies that engage in DTC advertising.

Originality/value

The study looks at DTC advertising from both a marketing and a legal perspective, and combines those disciplines to draw conclusions helpful to DTC advertisers.
Herbal product claims: boundaries of marketing and science
Authors: Crawford Stephanie Y. , Leventis Catherine
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore boundaries in marketing and science with respect to labeled claims of herbal products and other dietary supplements.

Design/methodology/approach

Supplement manufacturers are allowed to include claims on product labels without meeting an acceptable substantiation standard, as long as such claims are accompanied by an FDA disclaimer statement. While manufacturers are prohibited (though the regulation is often violated) from making specific claims about prevention or treatment of disease, the implied associated health benefits of using dietary supplement products are usually clear from marketed claims. A case example on themes expressed in labeled structure‐function claims for ginkgo biloba is presented to illustrate the issues.

Findings

Marketing of product claims is controversial due to differing perspectives about the truthfulness of claimed health benefits and quality of information presented to consumers. Although dietary supplements could have pharmaceutical‐like properties, they are not required to demonstrate safety and efficacy before market availability. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can take action only if supplements are shown to be unsafe after market introduction.

Practical implications

The need for consumer choice, meaningful information and free‐market access to dietary supplements must be balanced with the demands for truth‐in‐advertising and consumer protection from unreliable claims and adverse health events. Marketing and policy implications are described.

Originality/value

The outcome would help increase consumer confidence, while continuing to allow free‐market forces for the dietary supplement industry, to a large extent.
Look after me and I will look after you!
Authors: Rundle‐Thiele Sharyn
Published: January 2007

Purpose

Loyalty has been widely researched and while we know the ways that consumers demonstrate their loyalty and the factors that influence loyalty, research reporting consumer and marketer views of loyalty is scant. To date there has been no attempt to compare and contrast marketer's views on loyalty with their own consumers' views. The purpose of this paper is to report research that responds to this omission.

Design/methodology/approach

An Australian beer category was selected for this research because beer is a category where consumer loyalty exists. A qualitative research approach was used to provide detailed marketer and consumer views about loyalty to gain strategic insight. Company documents were also used to gain additional insight and increase the validity of the research findings.

Findings

A detailed view suggests that many marketing initiatives employed are eroding rather than contributing to consumer loyalty. Consumer views suggest that loyalty must be earned and that a consumers' loyalty cannot be bought.

Research limitations

A single case study was used in this research to provide rich and detailed insight into consumer loyalty. Further research is needed to test the validity of the research findings by using a larger sample of consumers, but also in other beer categories and product and service categories.

Practical implications/implications

Practices where companies profit at the expense of their own consumers will diminish rather than build consumer loyalty. Marketers must consider loyalty as a reciprocal concept. This research suggests that to gain a consumers loyalty a company must adopt “a look after me and I will look after you” philosophy.
A strategic approach to building online customer loyalty: integrating customer profitability tiers
Authors: Pitta Dennis , Franzak Frank , Fowler Danielle
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a strategic framework to managing online loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrates concepts including a range of recently published (1993‐2006) theoretical works in consumer loyalty and ongoing case developments in internet practice.

Findings

Provides information and action approaches to consumer marketers that may increase the success providing want satisfying market offerings. Outlines the costs and benefits of some online customer loyalty building practices. By integrating the literature supporting lifetime customer value with the literature concerned with generating online customer relationships, it provides a pathway to profitable relationships. It also exposes the unintended problems that some online customer loyalty initiatives may create.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical concepts that form the foundation of the paper appear to have a significant application to consumer marketing but have not been tested empirically.

Practical implications

Uncovers a previously unreported strategy for generating profitable online customer loyalty.

Originality/value

This paper describes the nature and application of customer value tiers to an important marketing process. It offers the potential of increasing marketing success by allowing firms to maximize the value of their scarce service resources by serving profitable customers.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty in a digital environment: an empirical test
Authors: Donio' Jean , Massari Paola , Passiante Giuseppina
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between customer loyalty attitude, customer loyalty behaviours (measured by customer purchase behaviours) and profitability. The aim is to define a conceptual framework within which to analyse the relationships between attitudes, behaviour, and profitability of the customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Reference was made to earlier studies which argued that loyal customers constitute competitive asset of business organizations. Several authors noted that customers generally vary in terms of loyalty behaviours and attitudes and highlighted that differences about customers' loyalty levels affect a firm's profitability results. Customer loyalty, its antecedents and outcomes, and the links between customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and profitability have been analyzed at a customer level.

Findings

The results showed support for all but one of the five hypotheses, the exception being H2.

Originality/value

The results of the study provide evidence that a Loyalty Index can give managers an adequate support for market segmentation. This means that actual market segment strategies, based on geographical, demographical and/or psychographic variables, should take into account also loyalty measurement models.
Customer loyalty programs: are they fair to consumers?
Authors: Lacey Russell , Sneath Julie Z.
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the fairness of loyalty programs to consumers regarding two emerging criticisms of loyalty programs: discriminating value proposition segmentation and potential exploitation of captured personal information.

Design/methodology/approach

Equity theory and exchange theory are the theoretical foundations used for evaluation of the aspects of loyalty program fairness.

Findings

First, through the application of equity theory, firms can more effectively recognize and reward more valuable customers without alienating less valuable customers. Second, through the use of exchange theory, firms can secure authorization to collect and use individual customer information from customers in exchange for enhanced value proposition offerings via loyalty programs. Loyalty programs can induce customers to give up their personal information in exchange for benefits they would not otherwise receive. Marketers use the higher level of benefits available through loyalty programs as a form of compensation to customers for sharing personal information.

Practical implications

Customer loyalty programs that are equitably administered and thoroughly communicated will be perceived favorably by consumers.

Originality/value

This paper marks the first study to examine the issue of consumer fairness as it relates to how firms use loyalty programs to collect proprietary information and differentiate value propositions among customer segments. The findings can be used by managers to strengthen the marketing position of the firm through a loyalty program without compromising on their customers' perceptions of fairness.
Does parent satisfaction with a childcare provider matter for loyalty?
Authors: Keiningham Timothy L. , Aksoy Lerzan , Andreassen Tor W. , Estrin Demitry
Published: January 2007

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between parent satisfaction and child retention at a childcare provider.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data used in the analyses involves a sample size of 1,003 respondents, all clients of a regional childcare provider in the USA. Logistic regression was used to test the propositions.

Findings

The results indicate that parent satisfaction is most important to child retention when the child is very young (birth to one year of age). As children increase in age, however, parent satisfaction becomes increasingly less predictive of children's continued enrollment at a childcare facility.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this research is that it tests the propositions within a single firm. Future research should attempt to replicate these findings across several childcare providers.

Practical implications

Emphasizing improvements in different attributes for different age groups has implications for increasing retention for childcare providers, in addition to ultimately increasing the satisfaction of parents.

Originality/value

While all would agree that childcare services are of extremely high importance (at both a national and individual level), no research to date has examined the role of parent satisfaction to the continued enrollment of a child at a childcare facility. Our findings show that the presumed relationship between satisfaction and retention varies greatly by the age of child.