bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Anemia and Transfusion on Readmission and Length of Stay After Spinal Surgery
Authors: Khanna Ryan , Harris Dominic A. , McDevitt Joseph L. , Fessler Richard G. , Carabini Louanne M. , Lam Sandi K. , Dahdaleh Nader S. , Smith Zachary A.
Published: November 2015

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To determine whether receipt of blood transfusion and preoperative anemia are associated with increased rates of 30-day all-cause readmission, and secondarily with a prolonged hospital stay after spinal surgery.

Summary of Background Data:

Increased focus on health care quality has led to efforts to determine postsurgical readmission rates and predictors of length of postoperative hospital stay. Although there are still no defined outcome measures specific to spinal surgery to which providers are held accountable, efforts to identify appropriate measures and to determine modifiable risk factors to optimize quality are ongoing.

Methods:

Records from 1187 consecutive spinal surgeries at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 2010 were retrospectively reviewed and data were collected that described the patient, surgical procedure, hospital course, complications, and readmissions. Presence or absence of transfusion during the surgery and associated hospital course was treated as a binary variable. Multivariate negative binomial regression and logistic regression were used to model length of stay and readmission, respectively.

Results:

Nearly one fifth (17.8%) of surgeries received transfusions, and the overall readmission rate was 6.1%. After controlling for potential confounders, we found that the presence of a transfusion was associated with a 60% longer hospital stay [adjusted incidence rate ratio=1.60 (1.34–1.91), P<0.001], but was not significantly associated with an increased rate of readmission [adjusted odds ratio=0.81 (0.39–1.70), P=0.582]. Any degree of preoperative anemia was associated with increased length of stay, but only severe anemia was associated with an increased rate of readmission.

Conclusions:

Both receipt of blood transfusion and any degree of preoperative anemia were associated with increased length of hospital stay after controlling for other variables. Severe anemia, but not receipt of blood transfusion, was associated with increased rate of readmission. Our findings may help define actions to reduce length of stay and decrease rates of readmission.
Predictors of Antenatal Psychosocial Stress in Taiwanese Women
Authors: Chang Hsing-Chi , Chen Shu-Yueh , Chen Chung-Hey
Published: November 2015

Background:

Antenatal stress has been associated with adverse outcomes in mothers and their children. However, little research has been conducted to identify the factors associated with psychosocial stress in pregnant women.

Purpose:

This study explored the predictors of psychosocial stress during pregnancy.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 136 second-trimester and 164 third-trimester pregnant women were recruited from a medical center in southern Taiwan. Data were collected using a demographic form, Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS), Edinburgh Prenatal Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List.

Results:

The results of this study found positive correlations between PSRS and both Edinburgh Prenatal Depression Scale (r = .368, p < .01) and Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (r = .168, p < .01) and negative correlations between PSRS and both gravidity (r = −.137, p < .05) and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (r = −.266, p < .01). Higher pregnancy stress was predicted by depression, lower social support, maternal–fetal attachment, and primigravid status, which together explained 20% of the total variance.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Depression, social support, maternal–fetal attachment, and gravidity are discrete predictive factors of psychosocial stress in pregnant women. These findings add to existing knowledge of the factors associated with prenatal stress. Future research should include depression in a support model of antenatal stress management.
The Initial Development of a Checklist for Assessing Thirst in Patients With Advanced Dementia
Authors: Yang Ya-Ping , Wang Chi-Jane , Wang Jing-Jy
Published: November 2015

Background:

Patients with advanced dementia (PwAD) often have difficulty expressing their needs verbally because of cognitive impairments. PwAD thus often communicate these needs through behaviors and psychological symptoms. Understanding the behavioral characteristics of certain needs is critical for caregivers and clinicians when caring for PwAD.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to develop a checklist that may be used to assess the thirst status of PwAD.

Methods:

A mixed method design was used. The checklist was developed using qualitative interviews and surveys. The initial items were developed through interviews with 10 professional nurses who were caring for PwAD. Four experts in dementia assessed the content validity of these items. PwAD caregivers from eight facilities were then invited to complete the checklist based on their current PwAD patient care experience. Data obtained in this study were analyzed with regard to content validity, interrater reliability, internal consistency, and exploratory factor analysis.

Results:

The content validity of the initial 18 items was .96, interrater reliability was −.33 to 1, and internal consistency reliability was .52. Exploratory factor analysis identified seven checklist items, including repetitive movements, squirming, restlessness or anxiety, persistent or unreasonable demands, pacing back and forth, repeating a sentence or question without purpose, and slow reaction. The factor loadings of these seven items accounted for 49.3% of the total variance. The reassessed internal consistency reliability was .66.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

Caregivers may use this checklist as an aid to identify the thirst or fluid needs of PwAD who are unable to communicate their needs effectively.
Exploring the Relationship Between Illness Perceptions and Negative Emotions in Relatives of People With Schizophrenia Within the Context of an Affiliate Stigma Model
Authors: Huang Chien-Hao , Li Shih-Ming , Shu Bih-Ching
Published: November 2015

Background:

Stigma affects patients with schizophrenia and may influence perceptions of the illness, which may affect how family members interact with and care for these patients.

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to (a) explore the relationship between perceptions of schizophrenia and the negative emotions of family members within the context of an affiliate stigma model, and (b) validate the proposed affiliate stigma model.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was used. Eligibility for participation was limited to the relatives of patients with schizophrenia. The participants were recruited from two regional psychiatric hospitals in central Taiwan. The study was approved by an Institutional Review Board, and all potential participants signed informed consent before enrollment. Sixty-two participants completed the set of self-administered questionnaires, including (a) a demographic questionnaire, (b) Affiliate Stigma Scale, and (c) the Illness Perception Questionnaire for Schizophrenia-Relatives version. Canonical correlations and structural equation modeling in STATISTICA 6.0 were used to validate the model of illness perceptions and negative emotions.

Results:

(a) There were three domains of perception regarding schizophrenia for the relatives of patients: disease chronicity, disease in control, and disease treatability. The correlation between these dimensions and negative emotion was r = .42. (b) The adjusted goodness of fit for the proposed affiliate stigma model was .79.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that the affiliate stigma model is an appropriate resource for developing practical disease management strategies for the relatives of patients with schizophrenia.
Effects of a Home-Based Resistance Training Program on Recovery From Total Hip Replacement Surgery: Feasibility and Pilot Testing
Authors: Chang Ching-Fen , Lin Kuan-Chia , Chen Wei-Ming , Jane Sui-Whi , Yeh Shu-Hui , Wang Tsae-Jyy
Published: November 2015

Background:

Postoperative exercise rehabilitation helps patients recover normal joint functions after total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement surgery or THR) by strengthening the muscles that surround the replaced hip joint. However, the high cost of professionally supervised exercise rehabilitation programs limits access to program participation and, thus, to optimal recovery of normal joint functions. Therefore, the development of an effective home-based, self-monitored exercise rehabilitation program is critical to promote the optimal recovery of THR patients.

Purpose:

This study tests the efficacy of a home-based resistance-band exercise program on mobility, functional exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life in THR patients.

Methods:

This study uses a preexperimental repeated measures design. A convenience sample of 30 patients who underwent total hip replacement for osteoarthritis was recruited. All patients participated in a 12-week home-based resistance training program. Data were collected at baseline and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperation on the following dimensions: up-and-go time, timed walking distance, and quality of life. In addition, intervention-related adverse events and the exercise adherence rate were monitored. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyze changes in the outcome variables across time.

Results:

The study included 21 women and nine men. The mean age of the participants was 67.9 years (SD = 8.1 years, range = 55–86 years). Results of the generalized estimation equations showed a statistically significant time effect for up-and-go time, 6-minute walking distance, and health-related quality of life. After 12 weeks of training, the participants’ up-and-go time decreased 40.33% from the baseline measurements, with a mean change of 6.38 seconds (p < .001). The 6-minute walking distance increased 41.34%, with a mean change of 117.12 meters (p < .001). The score for health-related quality of life decreased 78.94%, with a mean change of 39.10 (p < .001). The average exercise adherence rate was 72.63%. The average score for the feasibility of the intervention was 8.8 (range = 6–10).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

The results of this study support the hypothesis that a home-based resistance training program is safe, feasible, and effective for improving the mobility, functional exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life of THR patients. Considering the low cost and convenience of a home-based resistance training program, health professionals should consider this and similar exercise programs when providing guidance to THR patients.
Durability of Infliximab Is Associated With Disease Extent in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Shapiro Jason M. , Subedi Shova , Machan Jason T. , Cerezo Carolina S. , Ross Albert M. , Shalon Linda B. , Silverstein Jared A. , Herzlinger Michael I. , Kasper Vania , LeLeiko Neal S.
Published: November 2015

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate infliximab (IFX) dosing and treatment durability relative to luminal disease burden in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods:

Records from 98 pediatric patients treated with IFX between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed. Disease extent was classified as “limited,” “moderate,” or “extensive” based on cumulative assessment of mucosal involvement. Patients started taking standard 5 mg/kg dosing were compared with those initiated taking 10 mg/kg with regard to treatment durability.

Results:

Overall, 26.4%, 58.3%, and 70% with limited, moderate, or extensive disease, respectively, started taking a standard IFX dose of 5 mg/kg required therapy escalation. Patients with moderate and extensive disease, started taking the 5 mg/kg per dose, showed statistically significant shorter times to escalation than those with limited disease. The percentage of patients remaining on their initial 5 mg/kg per dose at 12 months was 80.1%, 56.9%, and 40.0% for limited, moderate, and extensive disease, respectively. Among patients started taking 10 mg/kg, 100% remained on this dose. All the patients with limited disease who required dose escalation continued on the higher dose at the time of analysis; however, among those with the most extensive disease, 43% failed escalation because of nonresponse or infusion reaction.

Conclusions:

Patients with extensive disease started taking 5 mg/kg of IFX were more likely to require dose escalation compared to those with limited or moderate disease. All of the patients with moderate and extensive disease started taking 10 mg/kg of IFX remained on this dose. These results suggest that patients with more extensive disease may benefit from higher initial IFX dosing as it relates to durability of the treatment.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Hyponatremia During or Following Chemotherapy in Children With Cancer: A Hospital-based, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kishimoto Kenji , Kobayashi Ryoji , Sano Hirozumi , Suzuki Daisuke , Yasuda Kazue , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: November 2015

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for hyponatremia during chemotherapy in children. A total of 111 consecutive pediatric patients (age, 0 to 18 y) with hematological malignancy (n=87) or solid tumor (n=24) who received chemotherapy in our hospital between 2010 and 2014 were enrolled. The number of chemotherapy cycles reviewed was 472, with a median of 3 (range, 1 to 8) per patient. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium level of <135 mmol/L. Hyponatremia was observed in 80 of 111 (72%) patients, and 138 of 472 (29%) cycles. Neurological sequelae were seen in 2 of 111 (2%) patients, and 2 of 472 (0.4%) cycles. Multivariate logistic regression identified age 10 to 18 years (odds ratio [OR]=3.24, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.07-5.07), total parenteral nutrition (OR=8.15, 95% CI, 2.17-30.5), first or second chemotherapy cycle (OR=1.74, 95% CI, 1.12-2.70) as independent risk factors for hyponatremia. Clinical conditions of patients and chemotherapeutic agents may have a profound impact on the development of hyponatremia. Patients with these factors should be managed carefully to prevent severe symptoms and sequelae caused by hyponatremia.
Potential impact of sexual transmission of Ebola virus on the epidemic in West Africa
Authors: Abbate Jessica Lee , Murall Carmen Lia , Richner Heinz , Althaus Christian L.
Published: November 2015

Sexual transmission of Ebola virus disease (EVD) 6 months after onset of symptoms has been recently documented, and Ebola virus RNA has been detected in semen of survivors up to 9 months after onset of symptoms. As countries affected by the 2013-2015 epidemic in West Africa, by far the largest to date, are declared free of Ebola virus disease (EVD), it remains unclear what threat is posed by rare sexual transmission events that could arise from survivors. We devised a novel mathematical model that includes sexual transmission from convalescent survivors: a SEICR (susceptible-exposed-infectious-convalescent-recovered) transmission model. We fitted the model to weekly incidence of EVD cases from the 2014-2015 epidemic in Sierra Leone. Sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulations showed that a 0.1% per sex act transmission probability and a 3-month convalescent period (the two key unknown parameters of sexual transmission) create very few additional cases, but would extend the epidemic by 83 days [95% CI: 68 - 98 days] on average. Strikingly, a 6-month convalescent period extended the average epidemic by 540 days (95% CI: 508 - 572 days), doubling the current length, despite an insignificant rise in the number of new cases generated. Our results show that current recommendations for abstinence and condom use should reduce the number of sporadic sexual transmission events, but will not reduce the length of time the public health community must stay vigilant. While the number of infectious survivors is expected to greatly decline over the coming months, our results show that transmission events may still be expected for quite some time as each event results in a new potential cluster of non-sexual transmission. Precise measurement of the convalescent period is thus important for planning ongoing surveillance efforts.
Temporal and spatial domain-specific transcriptomic analysis of a vital reproductive meristem inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Villarino Gonzalo. H. , Flores-Vergara Miguel , Hu Qiwen , Sehra Bhupinder , Robles Linda , Brumos Javier , Stepanova Anna , Manrique Silvia , Colombo Lucia , Sundberg Eva , Heber Steffen , Franks Robert G.
Published: November 2015

Background

Plant meristems are analogous to animal stem cell niches as they maintain a pool of undifferentiated cells that divide and differentiate to give rise to organs. The carpel margin meristem is a vital, multi-potent structure located in the medial domain of theArabidopsis thalianagynoecium, the female floral reproductive organ. The carpel margin meristem generates ovules that upon fertilization become seeds. The molecular mechanisms that specify this meristematic region and regulate its organogenic potential are poorly understood. Here, we present an analysis of the transcriptional profile of the medial domain of the Arabidopsis gynoecium highlighting the developmental stages that immediately proceed ovule initiation, the earliest stages of seed development.

Results

Using a floral synchronization system and aSHATTERPROOF2domain-specific reporter, paired with fluorescence-activated cell sorting and RNA sequencing, we assayed the transcriptome of the gynoecial medial domain with temporal and spatial precision. This analysis reveals a set of genes that are differentially expressed within theSHATTERPROOF2expression domain that marks portions of the developing medial domain. Many members of this gene set have been shown previously to function during the development of medial domain-derived structures, including the ovules, thus validating our approach. Other uncharacterized members including differentially expressed cis-natural antisense transcripts, are potential novel regulators of medial domain development. Members of theREPRODUCTIVE MERISTEM (REM)family of transcriptional regulators were enriched in theSHATTERPROOF2-expressingcell population including a previously unrecognizedREMfamily member. Finally, the analysis transcriptional isoforms in the medial domain identified genes that may exhibit “isoform switching” behavior during gynoecial development.

Conclusions

This data set provides genome-wide transcriptional insight into the development of the gynoecial medial domain that contains the carpel margin meristem, a vital reproductive structure that gives rise to the ovules inArabidopsis thaliana.
Multiple Conformations of Gal3 Protein Drive the Galactose Induced Allosteric Activation of the GAL Genetic Switch of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kar Rajesh Kumar , kharerin Hungyo , Padinhateeri Ranjith , Bhat Jayadeva
Published: November 2015

Gal3p is an allosteric monomeric protein which activates the GAL genetic switch of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in response to galactose. Expression of constitutive mutant of Gal3p or over-expression of wild-type Gal3p activates the GAL switch in the absence of galactose. These data suggest that Gal3p exists as an ensemble of active and inactive conformations. Structural data has indicated that Gal3p exists in open (inactive) and closed (active) conformations. However, mutant of Gal3p that predominantly exists in inactive conformation and yet capable of responding to galactose has not been isolated. To understand the mechanism of allosteric transition, we have isolated a triple mutant of Gal3p with V273I, T404A and N450D substitutions which upon over-expression fails to activate the GAL switch on its own, but activates the switch in response to galactose. Over-expression of Gal3p mutants with single or double mutations in any of the three combinations failed to exhibit the behavior of the triple mutant. Molecular dynamics analysis of the wild-type and the triple mutant along with two previously reported constitutive mutants suggests that the wild-type Gal3p may also exist in super-open conformation. Further, our results suggest that the dynamics of residue F237 situated in the hydrophobic pocket located in the hinge region drives the transition between different conformations. Based on our study and what is known in human glucokinase, we suggest that the above mechanism could be a general theme in causing the allosteric transition.
Wikidata as a semantic framework for the Gene Wiki initiative
Authors: Burgstaller-Muehlbacher Sebastian , Waagmeester Andra , Mitraka Elvira , Turner Julia , Putman Tim E. , Leong Justin , Pavlidis Paul , Schriml Lynn , Good Benjamin M. , Su Andrew I.
Published: November 2015

Open biological data is distributed over many resources making it challenging to integrate, to update and to disseminate quickly. Wikidata is a growing, open community database which can serve this purpose and also provides tight integration with Wikipedia. In order to improve the state of biological data, facilitate data management and dissemination, we imported all human and mouse genes, and all human and mouse proteins into Wikidata. In total, 59,530 human genes and 73,130 mouse genes have been imported from NCBI and 27,662 human proteins and 16,728 mouse proteins have been imported from the Swissprot subset of UniProt. As Wikidata is open and can be edited by anybody, our corpus of imported data serves as the starting point for integration of further data by scientists, the Wikidata community and citizen scientists alike. The first use case for this data is to populate Wikipedia Gene Wiki infoboxes directly from Wikidata with the data integrated above. This enables immediate updates of the Gene Wiki infoboxes as soon as the data in Wikidata is modified. Although Gene Wiki pages are currently only on the English language version of Wikipedia, the multilingual nature of Wikidata allows for a usage of the data we imported in all 280 different language Wikipedias. Apart from the Gene Wiki infobox use case, a powerful SPARQL endpoint and up to date exporting functionality (e.g. JSON, XML) enable very convenient further use of the data by scientists. In summary, we created a fully open and extensible data resource for human and mouse molecular biology and biochemistry data. This resource enriches all the Wikipedias with structured information and serves as a new linking hub for the biological semantic web.
Latitude delineates patterns of biogeography in terrestrialStreptomyces
Authors: Choudoir Mallory J , Doroghazi James R , Buckley Daniel H
Published: November 2015

We examined the biogeography ofStreptomycesat regional spatial scales to identify factors that govern patterns of microbial diversity.Streptomycesare spore forming filamentous bacteria which are widespread in soil.Streptomycesstrains were isolated from perennial grass habitats sampled across a spatial scale of more than 6,000 km. Previous analysis of this geographically explicit culture collection provided evidence for a latitudinal diversity gradient inStreptomycesspecies. Here we evaluate the hypothesis that this latitudinal diversity gradient is a result of evolutionary dynamics associated with historical demographic processes. Historical demographic phenomena have genetic consequences that can be evaluated through analysis of population genetics. We applied population genetic approaches to analyze population structure in six of the most numerically abundant and geographically widespreadStreptomycesphylogroups from our culture collection.Streptomycespopulation structure varied at regional spatial scales and allelic diversity correlated with geographic distance. In addition, allelic diversity and gene flow are partitioned by latitude. Finally, we found that nucleotide diversity within phylogroups is negatively correlated with latitude. These results indicate that phylogroup diversification is constrained by dispersal limitation at regional spatial scales and they are consistent with the hypothesis that historical demographic processes have influenced the contemporary biogeography ofStreptomyces.

Originality-Significance Statement

We provide the first population genetic evidence that patterns ofStreptomycesbiogeography, which manifest in geographically explicit patterns of gene flow and a latitudinal gradient of nucleotide diversity, result from dispersal limitation and regional diversification due to drift. This contribution elucidates evolutionary processes that underlie patterns of microbial biogeography.
Assessing the influence of social media on tourists’ motivations and image formation of a destination
Authors: Llodra-Riera Isabel , Martínez-Ruiz María Pilar , Jiménez-Zarco Ana Isabel , Izquierdo-Yusta Alicia
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to analyse how tourists form the cognitive, affective and unique images of a tourism destination, taking into account that: travellers use user-generated content (UGC) as one of the more important sources of information about the destination, sources of information influence on travellers’ motivation to visit some destination and motivations influence on the dimensions of the destination image.

Design/methodology/approach

– Taking into account the works of Beerli and Martin (2004), Seabraet al.(2007) and Quet al.(2011), this paper proposes an integrative model that shows how different types of information sources influence on individuals’ motivations, as well as the different dimensions of the image of the tourist destination are influenced by tourists’ motivations. Moreover, the design and validation of new scales of measures, adapted to the new tourist profile 2.0, is proposed. The model is empirical tested by analysis of 541 national and international tourists, as well as residents in Mallorca: data were analysed using a structural equations model.

Findings

– The results confirm the strength and robustness of the constructed theoretical model, and contrasting the assumptions made in the work. Likewise, also confirms the validity and adequacy of the proposed new scales of measurement to the current reality of the tourism sector. The principal conclusions obtained are: motivations for visiting a place are influenced by information sources consulted by tourists, among which social media can be included; cognitive image is influenced by travellers’ motivations; and affective image is influenced by cognitive one. From these results, some managerial recommendations are suggested.

Research limitations/implications

– The present study offers important contributions for both researchers and managers in the field of destination brand image management. At theoretical level, the work provides a deep review of the literature, that has permitted the construction of a strong and robust theoretical model, as well as the design and validation of new measurement tools. Both are designed from the rigour and precision that provides scientific research, allowing the understanding and analysis of the current situation of the tourism sector. On the other hand, the work has important implications on a practical level, providing strategic management and travellers destination marketing organization stakeholders.

Originality/value

– This study constitutes an initial, but also newness approach to this line of research. The construction of a theoretical model that: contemplates UGC as information source, and considers the direct and moderating relationships between different variables such as information sources, motivations and the various dimensions of the image.
Identifying the gaps between customer expectations and perceptions on service quality dimensions of Islamic banks in Malaysia
Authors: Islam Rafikul , Ahmed Selim , Razak Dzuljastri Abdul
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify the gaps and differences between customer expectations and perceptions on service quality of Islamic banks in Malaysia based on six dimensions of service quality, namely, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangibles and Islamic Shari’ah compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study surveyed 179 customers who have first-hand experience with Islamic banking services in Malaysia. The research data were analysed using reliability analysis, independent samplest-test and one-way analysis of variance.

Findings

– The results indicated that customers’ perceptions failed to meet their expectations on the service quality of Islamic banks in Malaysia. The results also indicated that those customers (respondents) aged below 30 years have higher expectations on empathy from the Islamic banking service compared to other age groups. However, there is no significant difference between customer expectations and perceptions of Islamic banking service quality based on educational background and occupation.

Research limitations/implications

– This research focused solely on Islamic banks in Malaysia and thus the results might not be applicable for other conventional banks.

Originality/value

– The findings are expected to provide guidelines for enhancing the satisfaction level of clients of the Islamic banking system in Malaysia and other countries.
Understanding brand loyalty of the store brand’s customer base
Authors: Rubio Natalia , Oubiña Javier , Gómez-Suárez Mónica
Published: November 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to understand the extent to which price consciousness and quality consciousness influence attitudinal loyalty to store brands (SBs) in different segments of consumers: heavy, medium and light buyers of SBs. SBs are currently consolidated among price-conscious consumers, but less established among the quality-conscious consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the literature and constructing a theoretical model, the authors performed a study on Spanish food products, a sector in which SBs have achieved a significant market share. They collected data through a personal survey and analyzed it using structural equations modeling, and they performed a multigroup analysis of heavy buyers, medium buyers and light buyers of SBs.

Findings

The results obtained alert retailers to the tremendous importance of price vs quality in the formation of SB value and loyalty to SBs among heavy buyers of these brands, show the balance between price and quality as components of SB value and generators of loyalty among medium buyers and recognize the need to strengthen the image of SB quality to reinforce SBs’ value and smart shopping associations to increase light buyers’ loyalty to SBs.

Originality/value

The study contributes new evidence and knowledge on SB loyalty among consumers who show different usage of these brands (heavy, medium and light buyers). It then assesses the short- and long-term value of each segment of customers for the retailer and recommends retail strategies adapted to each segment.
The effects of word-of-mouth incentivization on consumer brand attitude
Authors: Pongjit Chompunuch , Beise-Zee Rian
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This study aims to conceptualize and test the effect of monetary and non-monetary incentives for word-of-mouth (WOM) campaigns on the brand attitude of those receiving an incentivized brand recommendation. It also studied whether or not the type of relationship between the recommender and the person who receives the recommendation and the expertise of the recommender moderate the impact of incentivization on brand attitude. The results should enable brand management to improve the design of WOM campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was conducted utilizing a sample of about 645 respondents in Thailand. In a 3 × 3 experimental design, three levels of incentivization and three types of social relationships were manipulated. All other variables were measured through a respondent-administered questionnaire. For incentivization of WOM, monetary reward and non-monetary reward are compared to a non-incentivized control state. The three types of social relationships are an authority relationship, a kinship relationship and a market pricing relationship between strangers as the control state.

Findings

The results of the experiment show that the introduction of rewards for recommendations harms the attitude of the receiver of a recommendation toward the brand. The attitude of potential buyers toward the brand can be tainted by the impression that a brand has enticed friends and relatives into profiting from their relationship. The negative effects increase further with the introduction of cash rewards. Contrary to expectations, however, the social relationship between the recommender and the new customer did not moderate the effect of incentivization. Source expertise has a direct as well as moderating effect on brand attitude.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that companies should use referral rewards with caution. Brand managers need to be aware that there is a trade-off between the advantages and the disadvantages of incentivized WOM campaigns. Recommendations have been derived about how to improve the design of incentivized WOM campaigns. Whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages probably depend to some extent on brand-specific factors such as brand strength and market- or industry-specific factors, such as a credence good quality within the industry. It also emphasized that WOM campaigns need to be carefully monitored by measuring customer attitudes toward the brand.

Originality/value

Although past research provides valuable conceptual and empirical insights into consumer responses in incentivized WOM situations, most research has focused on the immediate effectiveness of WOM by measuring purchasing intentions. There is still a lack of information about how different kinds of incentivization affect customer attitudes toward a brand that incentivizes WOM, and how various relationship types moderate the effects; in particular, authority relationships have not yet been studied in this context.
Antecedents of brand love in online network-based communities. A social identity perspective
Authors: Vernuccio Maria , Pagani Margherita , Barbarossa Camilla , Pastore Alberto
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the antecedents of brand love in online network-based communities and to develop an integrative conceptual model in which social-interactive engagement influences brand love via the mediating effects of social identity.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on the Facebook fan pages of 20 leading international brands. A total of 387 responses were collected from consumers living primarily in Europe and the USA. Structural equation modelling was performed to test the hypothesised linkages.

Findings

The results confirmed that the positive influence of social-interactive engagement on brand love is mediated by the psychological effects related to how members perceive their self-concept based on belonging to the social group of the brand fan page.

Research limitations/implications

This study considered Facebook, the favourite social network used by customers to connect with brands. Future research is invited to consider other social media to increase the external validity of the model.

Practical implications

To strengthen the emotional bond with a brand in online network-based communities, managers should stimulate consumers’ social identity by leveraging on the experiences which influence social-interactive engagement.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the effects of social-interactive engagement on social identity to enhance the understanding of brand love’s antecedents in specific online social environments.
A guide to research with care homes
Authors: Luff Rebekah , Laybourne Anne , Ferreira Zara , Meyer Julienne
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– A growing older population with complex care needs, including dementia, are living in care homes. It is important to support researchers in conducting ethical and appropriate work in this complex research environment. The purpose of this paper is to discuss key issues in care homes research including examples of best practice. The intention is to inform researchers across disciplines, leading to more sensitive and meaningful care home research practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Experienced care homes researchers were invited to provide methodological insights and details not already reported in their publications. These have been analysed, creating key themes and linked to project publications.

Findings

– The need for reflexivity was a key finding. In particular, researchers need to: appreciate that the work is complex; see participants as potential research partners; and consider how cognitive and physical frailty of residents, staffing pressures and the unique environments of care homes might impact upon their research. Other challenges include recruitment and consenting people who lack mental capacity.

Research limitations/implications

– As the care homes research landscape continues to develop and grow, there still remains limited reflection and discussion of methodological issues with a need for a “safe space” for researchers to discuss challenges.

Originality/value

– This review is an updated methodological guide for care homes researchers, also highlighting current gaps in the mechanisms for continuing to share best research practice.
Bedlam or bliss? Recognising the emotional self-experience of people with moderate to advanced dementia in residential and nursing care
Authors: Godwin Beatrice , Poland Fiona
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the self-experience of people with moderate to advanced dementia. While people with dementia are widely assumed to lose their sense of self, emotions are preserved long into dementia and some can still discuss their lives, enabling exploration of respondents’ own self-conceptualisation of experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ten people, purposively sampled, living in long-term residential or nursing care. A mixed methods design with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach used semi-structured empathetic interviews to explore their experience and continuing goals, using supplementary information from family and others to contextualise core data. Data analysis identified emerging themes and superordinate concepts.

Findings

– Sustained well-being and resistant ill-being emerged as major themes. Findings demonstrated continuity in sense of self, moral awareness and diversity of emotional reactions to living with dementia, associated with their emotional capital.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample was small and limited to well- and moderately funded care homes. How to provide such support in less-well-funded homes needs further research as do reasons for resistant ill-being in advanced dementia.

Practical implications

– Findings suggest care provision for people with advanced dementia which acknowledges individual feelings may support their sustained well-being. Psychological assessments should take closer account of multiple factors in individuals’ situations, including their emotional capital.

Social implications

– Findings suggest everyday care of people with advanced dementia, may sustain their sense of self, well-being and emotional capital.

Originality/value

– By empathically facilitating in-depth expression of individuals’ feelings and views, this research illuminates the personal self-experience of advanced dementia, hitherto little explored.
Family communication for the modern era: a typology
Authors: Aleti Torgeir , Brennan Linda , Parker Lukas
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to offer an interrogation for the purposes of theoretical clarity, precision and validity. Family communication patterns (FCPs) about consumption is a commonly used measure in consumer socialisation. However, it has not been properly assessed for validity in marketing since it was developed in the 1970s. Previously developed and commonly used scales were used to examine communication styles and communication quality to test whether these older measures were still valid and applicable to the modern consumer context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Critique of extant measures suggested the need for a more precise and contemporary conceptualisation of family communication about consumption. A new conceptualisation was then empirically tested using a psychometric theory approach to scale development. By using a dyadic design, family communication between parents and young adult children in 180 families was examined.

Findings

– The early concepts are now outdated and do not readily translate into current language and family interaction styles. The terms “socio-” and “concept-orientation” no longer convey the essence of family communication. Contemporary families perceive “socio-oriented” communication as controlling and negative, while “concept-orientation” is seen as encouraging and positive. Thus, the dimensions are more purposefully labelled as encouraging and controlling family communication. A new typology of family communication styles (FCSs) was developed.

Originality/value

– A new, empirically tested, four-quadrant matrix of FCSs based on consumer socialisation theories is put forward. This includes four distinct communication styles within families, namely permissive (low encouraging and low controlling), prohibitive (low encouraging and high controlling), pluralistic (high encouraging and low controlling) and protective (high encouraging and high controlling) FCSs.
Impact of nature of advergames on brand recall and brand attitude among young Indian gamers: moderating roles of game-product congruence and persuasion knowledge
Authors: Vashisht Devika , S. Sreejesh
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to enhance the knowledge of advertising effects of nature of advergame (game speed) on gamers’ brand recall and attitude. More specifically, this study investigates varying effects of game speed in advergames on young Indian gamers’ brand recall and attitudes under varied game-product congruence and persuasion knowledge conditions from attention, elaboration and persuasion perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2 (nature of advergame: fast or slow) × 2 (game-product congruence: high or low) × 2 (persuasion knowledge: high or low) between-subject measures design is used. Experimental data were collected from 235 Indian graduate students. ANOVAs and MANOVA with pre-planned contrasts are used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The results indicate that for a slow-paced advergame, low game-product congruence result in high brand recall than high game-product congruence. For a fast-paced advergame, there is no difference in brand recall between low game-product congruence and high game-product congruence. Furthermore, findings reveal that for a slow-paced advergame with low game-product congruence, subjects with high persuasion knowledge report high brand recall and less favorable brand attitude than subjects with low persuasion knowledge. On the other hand, for a fast-paced advergame with low game-product congruence, there is no difference in brand recall and brand attitude between the subjects with high persuasion knowledge and the subjects with low persuasion knowledge.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study are very important for advertising practitioners, as selection of media that fit the advertised product with reference to the nature and content of the media is a planning strategy that has been widely used by media planners. Thus, if advertisers want to create high brand awareness by creating high brand memory, then slow-paced advergames with low congruent brand placements can be chosen as an effective in-game media strategy for online advertising. Additionally, game developers and marketers can plan and develop more effective advergames by taking into account the persuasion knowledge factor so that the implementation would have the strongest positive effect on consumers’ brand recall and brand attitude.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature of non-traditional media advertising, specifically advergaming context by exploring the impact of nature of game and game-product congruence on gamers’ ad-persuasion. Also, this study is the first attempt to understand how the game speed and its boundary conditions influence gamers’ brand recall and attitude and in attention, elaboration and persuasion perspectives.
Breaking it down: unpacking children’s lunchboxes
Authors: Casado Francisco Crespo , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate children’s school lunchboxes and explore the influence of carer’s perceived benefits and barriers towards healthy eating on the food contents packed for lunch.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on exchange theory, the study explores the relationship between carer’s perceived benefits and barriers towards healthy eating and the lunchbox contents a carer packs for their child. An online survey was completed by 876 parents and carers. Statistical analysis techniques, including one-way ANOVA and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to analyse the data.

Findings

– The analysis revealed that perceived benefits and barriers towards packing healthy foods had a significant impact on the reported contents packed for lunch. Results indicate the segment with the highest perceived benefits and the lowest perceived barriers towards packing healthy lunches reported packing healthier foods than the remaining three segments.

Practical implications

– Social marketers should develop interventions to promote the benefits of healthy eating, while overcoming the perceived (and real) barriers that prevent healthy lunches from being packed. Study limitations and future research directions are outlined.

Originality/value

– Drawing on exchange theory, the current study demonstrated how simultaneous measurement of benefits and barriers that are later divided into high and low groups impacts lunchbox packing behaviours (Nelson et al., 2010). This study contributes to the literature providing further empirical evidence that use of commercial marketing theories in social marketing is warranted and that theoretically derived segmentation approaches are available for social marketing practitioners.