bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of longitudinal case studies and semiotics for analysing brand development as process of assimilation or accommodation
Authors: Veg-Sala Nathalie 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to define and understand the different models of brand development, according to the evolution of a brand’s identity and the introduction of brand extensions, starting from the premise that brands must be managed in a consistent way over time, but also need to be expanded. The second aim of this article is to introduce a specific methodology for studying the development of brands with a long-term approach.

Design/methodology/approach
– The concepts of assimilation and accommodation as defined by Piaget (1983) provide an in-depth understanding of how and why brands evolve. This article is based on a multiple case study approach. Four luxury brands were studied longitudinally. Brand chronologies were drawn and images of brand communications and brand extensions were gathered. Structural semiotic analysis was then used to highlight the different processes of brand development. In addition, qualitative interviews with two experts were conducted.

Findings
– Hermès and Louis Vuitton develop their brands according to the assimilation model. Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana follow the accommodation model. There is a link between the brand’s identity type (symbolic/functional) and the model used for brand development. A detailed analysis of each model is presented highlighting the main features.

Research limitations/implications
– To reinforce the distinction between the two models of brand development, it would be interesting to look at other brands. The choice of these brands depends on their country of origin and their age.

Originality/value
– The main contributions of this paper are the dynamic and longitudinal analyses of brand development and the introduction of the assimilation and accommodation concepts. The use of semiotics constitutes another original feature of this research.
Benchmarking desired corporate brand image in relation to stakeholders: a managerial perspective
Authors: Anisimova Tatiana 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to use managerial vision of corporate brand in relation to consumers, dealers and frontline employees to generate brand benchmarks. These benchmarks are sets of perceptions on how managers envision corporate brand to be positioned in minds of consumers, dealers and frontline employees. Additionally, this study explores managerial views concerning the importance of corporate branding in relation to an organization and its stakeholders. One of the most important strategic decisions that managers make concerns positioning of a corporate brand in the minds of key internal and external stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach– Insights are drawn from the in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 senior managers from the three car manufacturers based in Australia and engaged in the corporate branding strategy.Findings– Although managers viewed corporate brand as a “strategic tool” and “the DNA” of an organization, the findings suggest that corporate brand strategy is ultimately driven by consumers rather than multiple stakeholders. Practical (utilitarian) components of the brand value were emphasized by the managers as key brand benefits communicated to consumers and also to dealers and frontline employees. Although managers recognized the importance of being seen as a “trustworthy partner” by dealer principals and customer-facing staff, the idea of dealer networks playing a role of a “supportive mechanism” for enhancing consumer experience, was domineering.Research limitations/implications– The views expressed by the interviewees in this paper may not fully reflect the views of the whole organization regarding the corporate brand. As this study is conducted in the car manufacturing industry, its findings may not be directly applicable in other industries. As corporate branding a relatively new area, organizations do not always appreciate its scope and what such a branding strategy involves. However, organizations need to move beyond a “product branding thinking” to a strategic perspective as corporate brands build the images formed and held by key external and internal stakeholders.Practical implications– Generating benchmarks for corporate brands using top management’s aspirations can assist organizations in generating focused and more nuanced understanding of how they wish corporate brand to be perceived by the key stakeholders and effectively build corporate brand.Originality/value– Managerial vision of corporate brand was used as a starting point in developing reference points (i.e. benchmarks) for the desired brand identity, which may potentially be developed into relevant standards and best practices in corporate branding within an organization.
Corporate impression formation in online communities: a qualitative study
Authors: Hallier Willi Christine , Nguyen Bang , Melewar T.C. , Dennis Charles 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– This study aims to evaluate elements of corporate communication in online communities (OCs) and their influence on corporate impression formation. Interactive online platforms such as OCs are growing. Companies are discovering their importance and increasingly include OCs in their communication activities. The present study identifies the underlying components relevant to successful corporate communication in OCs, and further explore if and how online community members (OCMs) expect companies to communicate with them, explaining how corporate impressions are formed.Design/methodology/approach– A qualitative research method was chosen, consisting of two stages. In stage one, 17 expert interviews with academics and practitioners were conducted, and in stage two, 12 OCMs were interviewed to clarify the concepts and gain new insights.Findings– The study gains new knowledge relating to corporate communication in OCs and image formation. Specifically, the authors identify and confirm important key constructs in corporate impression formation in OCs, namely, relevance of messages, communication style, social context cues, affiliation, perceived similarity, source credibility and interpersonal communication. Furthermore, a conceptual model is proposed on the relationship between communication elements relevant in online communities and their influence on corporate impression.Practical implications– The study helps to refine existing concepts of corporate impression formation in OCs. It is suggested that understanding how corporate impression is formed in OCs helps companies to participate in virtual networks, improving their corporate impression.Originality/value– This study extends prior findings on word-of-mouth on the Internet (word-of-mouse) to demonstrate that communication among virtual community (VC) members can influence the image formation process, such that positive word-of-mouse has a positive effect on corporate image.
Reshaping the Village Test for investigating service brand attachment
Authors: Mzahi Chourouk 
Published: October 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of an investigative technique which has until now only been used in the field of psychology, namely, the Village Test. The new version of the Village Test proposed in this paper aims to explore service brand attachment.Design/methodology/approach– Village Tests were administered over 9 months, including two pre-test phases, followed by a series of 21 final tests. Two main types of analytical procedures were used in the interpretation of our data: procedures used for textual data analyses and procedures used for non-textual data analyses.Findings– The spatially oriented attachment toward service brands is sustained by three service experience axes. The first axis involves the ritualized aspects of consumer experience. The second axis takes into account the congruence between the servicescape associations and the brand associations. The third axis is linked to the memorable nature of a previous consumer experience.Research limitations/implications– Despite the use of two pre-test periods, we believe that the technique could benefit from further improvement. For example, improvements could be made to the type of materials used. The material could also be improved by the addition of a more commercial nature models.Practical implications– The Village Test as a projective technique in qualitative market research has the potential to generate additional and insightful data that increase the understanding of service brand relationship through attachment bonds.Originality/value– The originality of this paper is to demonstrate the use of an investigative technique which has until now only been used in the field of psychology. A second methodological contribution of the paper lies in the transfer of analytical methods used in the field of psychology (within the framework of the original version of the Village Test), to research in marketing dealing with consumer behavior studies.
Treatment of low back pain: First extended follow up of an original trial (NCT00600197) comparing a multidisciplinary group‐based rehabilitation program with oral drug treatment alone up to 24 months
Authors: Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , Jamshidi Ahmad Reza , Shay Barbara 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to examine the effects of the extended follow‐up of an original trial (NCT00600197) which has been published in The Clinical Journal of Pain.MethodsEighty‐three percent (165 of 197) of the original study, including 82 patients in intervention and 83 patients in the control group, provided extended 24‐month follow‐up data. The intervention was a group‐based multidisciplinary rehabilitation program which was continued by monthly motivational consultation. Data on measures of Short Form 36 (SF‐36), Quebec Disability Scale (QDS) and Ronald Morris Disability (RDQ) were collected at 12‐, 18‐ and 24‐month follow‐ups and analyzed through repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsThe patients who responded (n = 165) and who did not respond (n = 32) to the questionnaires were the same in terms of all baseline data except for physical function which was better for respondents (P < 0.05). Among the respondents, both intervention and control groups were the same at baseline except for education level and mental health which was better in the intervention group (P < 0.05). As a result, the intervention group had consistently better outcomes regarding all variables except for social function at all follow‐up times. Furthermore, in the intervention group only for mental health the interaction between time and group was significant (P = 0.01).DiscussionThe designed multidisciplinary program could improve health‐related quality of life and disability up to 24 months in chronic low back pain patients.
The Effect of Emergency Department Crowding on Reassessment of Children With Critically Abnormal Vital Signs
Authors: Depinet Holly E. , Iyer Srikant B. , Hornung Richard , Timm Nathan L. , Byczkowski Terri L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to determine whether several measures of emergency department (ED) crowding are associated with an important indicator of quality and safety: time to reevaluation of children with documented critically abnormal triage vital signs.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of all patients with critically abnormal vital signs measured in triage over a 2.5‐year period (September 1, 2006, to May 1, 2009). Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to determine rate ratios for time to critically abnormal vital sign reassessment, when controlled for potential confounders.ResultsIn this 2.5‐year sample, 9,976 patients with critically abnormal vital signs in triage (representing 3.9% of 253,408 visits) were placed in regular ED rooms with electronic alerts prompting vital sign reassessment after 1 hour. Overall, the mean time to reassessment was 84 minutes. The rate of vital sign reassessment was reduced by 31% for each additional 10 patients waiting for admission (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98 to 0.99), by 10% for every 10 patients in the lobby (adjusted OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.93 to 0.96), and by 6% for every additional 10 patients in the overall ED census (adjusted OR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.97 to 0.98).ConclusionsEmergency department crowding was associated with delay in the reassessment of critically abnormal vital signs in children; further work is needed to develop systems to mitigate these delays.
Predictive Value of the Heart‐type Fatty Acid–binding Protein and the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department
Authors: Lauque Dominique , Maupas‐Schwalm Françoise , Bounes Vincent , Juchet Henry , Bongard Vanina , Roshdy Ashraf , Botella Jean Marie , Charpentier Sandrine 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectivesHeart‐type fatty acid–binding protein (h‐FABP), sensitive troponins, natriuretic peptides, and clinical scores such as the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) are candidates for risk stratification of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim was to compare their respective prognostic values to predict an adverse outcome at 1 month.MethodsThe authors prospectively included 132 consecutive patients with confirmed acute PE. On admission to the emergency department (ED), plasma concentrations of h‐FABP, sensitive cardiac troponin I‐Ultra (cTnI‐Ultra), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured and the PESI calculated in all patients. The combined 30‐day outcomes of interest were death, cardiac arrest, mechanical ventilation, use of catecholamines, and recurrence of acute PE.ResultsDuring the first 30 days, 14 (10.6%) patients suffered complications. Among the biomarkers, h‐FABP above 6 μg/L was a stronger predictor of an unfavorable outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 17.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.2 to 73.3) than BNP > 100 pg/mL (OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 1.6 to 20.4) or cTnI‐Ultra > 0.05 μg/L (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.1 to 10.9). The PESI classified 83 of 118 patients (70.3%) with favorable outcomes and only one of 14 (7%) with adverse outcomes in low class I or II (OR = 30.8, 95% CI = 3.2 to 299.7). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) were 0.90 (95% CI = 0.81 to 0.98) for h‐FABP, 0.89 (95% CI = 0.82 to 0.96) for PESI, 0.79 (95% CI = 0.67 to 0.90) for BNP, and 0.76 (95% CI = 0.64 to 0.87) for cTnI‐Ultra. The combination of h‐FABP with PESI was a particularly useful prognostic indicator because none of the 79 patients (59.8%) with h‐FABP < 6 ng/mL and PESI class < III had an adverse outcome.Conclusionsh‐FABP and the PESI are superior to BNP and cTnI‐Ultra as markers for risk stratification of patients with acute PE. The high sensitivity of their combination identified a large number of low‐risk patients in the ED.
Increased prevalence of thyroid disorders in patients with new onset alopecia areata
Authors: Lyakhovitsky Anna , Shemer Avner , Amichai Boaz 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have revealed a high prevalence of thyroid disorders in patients with alopecia areata. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of thyroid function abnormalities and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies in patients with new onset alopecia areata on their first visit to a community dermatology clinic.MethodsThe study included 78 patients with new onset alopecia areata who visited a community dermatology clinic between 2007 and 2011. Every patient underwent a complete medical history, physical examination and laboratory testing consisting of thyroid function tests (serum levels of free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone) and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies (thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies).ResultsThe 78 patients included 46 (59%) men and 32 (41%) women, with 1.44 male : female ratio and mean age of 32.7 +/− 3.09 years. Abnormal thyroid function and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies were detected in 19 (24%) patients. Of these, 12 (15%) patients were diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, one (1%) with an overt hypothyroidism, one (1%) with an overt hyperthyroidism and four (5%) with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis.ConclusionThe study revealed a significant association between alopecia areata and thyroid abnormalities. Screening for thyroid function and anti‐thyroid auto‐antibodies is advised in alopecia areata.
Erbium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet ablative laser treatment for endogenous ochronosis
Authors: Chaptini Cassandra , Huilgol Shyamala C 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOchronosis is a rare disease characterised clinically by bluish‐grey skin discolouration and histologically by yellow‐brown pigment deposits in the dermis. It occurs in endogenous and exogenous forms. Endogenous ochronosis, also known as alkaptonuria, is an autosomal recessive disease of tyrosine metabolism, resulting in the accumulation and deposition of homogentisic acid in connective tissue. We report a case of facial endogenous ochronosis and coexistent photodamage, which was successfully treated with erbium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser resurfacing and deep focal point treatment to remove areas of residual deep pigment.
Biology of childhood germ cell tumours, focussing on the significance of microRNAs
Authors: Murray M. J. , Nicholson J. C. , Coleman N. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryGenomic and protein‐coding transcriptomic data have suggested that germ cell tumours (GCTs) of childhood are biologically distinct from those of adulthood. Global messenger RNA profiles segregate malignant GCTs primarily by histology, but then also by age, with numerous transcripts showing age‐related differential expression. Such differences are likely to account for the heterogeneous clinico‐pathological behaviour of paediatric and adult malignant GCTs. In contrast, as global microRNA signatures of human tumours reflect their developmental lineage, we hypothesized that microRNA profiles would identify common biological abnormalities in all malignant GCTs owing to their presumed shared origin from primordial germ cells. MicroRNAs are short, non‐protein‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression via translational repression and/or mRNA degradation. We showed that all malignant GCTs over‐express the miR‐371–373 and miR‐302/367 clusters, regardless of patient age, histological subtype or anatomical tumour site. Furthermore, bioinformatic approaches and subsequent Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these two over‐expressed microRNAs clusters co‐ordinately down‐regulated genes involved in biologically significant pathways in malignant GCTs. The translational potential of this finding has been demonstrated with the detection of elevated serum levels of miR‐371–373 and miR‐302/367 microRNAs at the time of malignant GCT diagnosis, with levels falling after treatment. The tumour‐suppressor let‐7 microRNA family has also been shown to be universally down‐regulated in malignant GCTs, because of abundant expression of the regulatory gene LIN28. Low let‐7 levels resulted in up‐regulation of oncogenes including MYCN, AURKB and LIN28 itself, the latter through a direct feedback mechanism. Targeting LIN28, or restoring let‐7 levels, both led to effective inhibition of this pathway. In summary, paediatric malignant GCTs show biological differences from their adult counterparts at a genomic and protein‐coding transcriptome level, whereas they both display very similar microRNA expression profiles. These similarities and differences may be exploited for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.
Extra‐hepatic manifestations of autochthonous hepatitis E infection
Authors: Woolson K. L. , Forbes A. , Vine L. , Beynon L. , McElhinney L. , Panayi V. , Hunter J. G. , Madden R. G. , Glasgow T. , Kotecha A. , Dalton H. C. , Mihailescu L. , Warshow U. , Hussaini H. S. , Palmer J. , Mclean B. N. , Haywood B. , Bendall R. P. , Dalton H. R. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBackgroundAutochthonous (locally acquired) hepatitis E is increasingly recognised in developed countries, and is thought to be a porcine zoonosis. A range of extra‐hepatic manifestations of hepatitis E infection have been described, but have never been systematically studied.AimTo report the extra‐hepatic manifestations of hepatitis E virus.MethodsRetrospective review of data of 106 cases of autochthonous hepatitis E (acuten = 105, chronicn = 1).ResultsEight (7.5%) cases presented with neurological syndromes, which included brachial neuritis, Guillain‐Barré syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, neuromyopathy and vestibular neuritis. Patients with neurological syndromes were younger (median age 40 years, range 34–92 years,P = 0.048) and had a more modest transaminitis (medianALT471 IU/L,P = 0.015) compared to cases without neurological symptoms [median age 64 years (range 18–88 years), medianALT1135 IU/L]. One patient presented with a cardiac arrhythmia,twelve patients (11.3%) presented with thrombocytopenia, fourteen (13.2%) with lymphocytosis and eight (7.5%) with a lymphopenia, none of which had any clinical consequence. Serum electrophoresis was performed in 65 patients at presentation, of whom 17 (26%) had a monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. Two cases developed haematological malignancies, acute myeloid leukaemia and duodenal plasmacytoma, 18 and 36 months after presenting with acute hepatitis E infection.ConclusionsA range of extra‐hepatic manifestations can occur with hepatitis E. Neurological and haematological features of hepatitis E infection are relatively frequent in thisUKcohort, and result in significant morbidity which warrants further study.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Psycho‐Education Intervention by Midwives in Reducing Childbirth Fear in Pregnant Women
Authors: Toohill Jocelyn , Fenwick Jennifer , Gamble Jenny , Creedy Debra K. , Buist Anne , Turkstra Erika , Ryding Elsa‐Lena 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundChildbirth fear is associated with increased obstetric interventions and poor emotional and psychological health for women. The purpose of this study is to test an antenatal psycho‐education intervention by midwives in reducing women's childbirth fear.MethodsWomen (n = 1,410) attending three hospitals in South East Queensland, Australia, were recruited into the BELIEF trial. Participants reporting high fear were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 170) or control (n = 169) groups. All women received a decision‐aid booklet on childbirth choices. The telephone counseling intervention was offered at 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. The control group received usual care offered by public maternity services. Primary outcome was reduction in childbirth fear (WDEQ‐A) from second trimester to 36 weeks’ gestation. Secondary outcomes were improved childbirth self‐efficacy, and reduced decisional conflict and depressive symptoms. Demographic, obstetric & psychometric measures were administered at recruitment, and 36 weeks of pregnancy.ResultsThere were significant differences between groups on postintervention scores for fear of birth (p < 0.001) and childbirth self‐efficacy (p = 0.002). Decisional conflict and depressive symptoms reduced but were not significant.ConclusionPsycho‐education by trained midwives was effective in reducing high childbirth fear levels and increasing childbirth confidence in pregnant women. Improving antenatal emotional well‐being may have wider positive social and maternity care implications for optimal childbirth experiences.