bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumer attitudes and behaviors associated with direct‐to‐consumer prescription drug marketing
Authors: Friedman Michael , Gould James 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis article seeks to examine attitudes about direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs to final users (referred to as consumers in this paper).Design/methodology/approachA national telephone survey was carried out of 300 consumers that had seen a doctor in the last six months.FindingsConsumer awareness of DTCA continues at a very high level (96 percent) among the adult consumer population. However, the majority of consumers (53 percent) disagreed somewhat or strongly with the statement “I like seeing advertisements directed to consumers for prescription drugs.” The majority of consumers (69 percent) agree strongly or somewhat that DTCA does not provide adequate information on the risks and benefits of advertised products. It appears that the use of DTCA by pharmaceutical companies is not stimulating nearly the information‐gathering response reported in past studies.Research limitations/implicationsSmall sample size makes this survey exploratory.Practical implicationsThis negativism may impair the usefulness of this type of advertising in the future. As television, magazine, radio, and other traditional media become less important, the internet may become an important channel for the growth of DTCA. Given the growing negativism of consumers, it is clear that significant changes in DTCA practices are necessary. Without significant changes, DTCA may become impractical or even prohibited.Originality/valueThe article adds to longitudinal data on consumer attitudes towards DTCA. It is hoped that this study will suggest areas for subsequent research and will elaborate on the practical consequences of DTCA and its implications for public health and welfare.
The Mindcam methodology: perceiving through the native's eye
Authors: Starr Richard G. , Fernandez Karen V. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeConsumer researchers and marketing practitioners increasingly appreciate the potential of videography to generate better insights into consumers' behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Mindcam research methodology as an addition to the videographers tool‐kit, which uniquely records and interprets videographic data from a first‐person perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe philosophical rationale for collecting observational data from the informant's perspective is presented. A full description is provided of an innovative research method that allows market researchers to observe, record and interpret consumers' experiences from the informants' literal and figurative viewpoints. The technical and ethical issues that should be addressed when using this methodology are specified.FindingsObservational research presently shapes and edits data as it is collected, filtering others' behaviour through the researcher's perspective to generate interpretive insights. Recording consumers' lived reality, from their own unedited perspective, allows the consumer experience to be re‐lived by the researcher. This assists in generating a negotiated interpretation of the consumer's reality. Findings are not constrained by the researcher's perspective of the informants' reality.Originality/valueThis new method integrates own‐perspective videography with post‐hoc visual elicitation, thereby generating informant‐driven perspectives of their own lived consumption reality. Dual‐mode presentation of the data (original experience with the informant's interpretation) enables viewers to judge the truthfulness of the interviewer‐informant negotiated interpretation of the informant's lived consumption reality. Enough information is provided for others to employ the Mindcam method in their own research.
A framework for evaluating knowledge‐mapping tools
Authors: Driessen Samuel , Huijsen Willem‐Olaf , Grootveld Marjan 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThis article describes the knowledge‐mapping framework the authors designed based on their theoretical and practical research on knowledge mapping. It also shows the practical use of the Framework for companies interested in knowledge‐mapping tools.Design/methodology/approachIn the first place the authors position their research in the context of knowledge management and knowledge‐mapping research and practice. An example of their practical research on knowledge mapping is given as a preliminary step to describe their knowledge‐mapping framework. The use of this framework is illustrated. Finally, the authors validate their framework against a number of commercially available tools with knowledge‐mapping functionality.FindingsThe authors found that their framework is useful, insightful and robust when applied to new knowledge‐mapping tools/functionality.Research limitations/implicationsThe important issue how to embed knowledge‐mapping tools in organizations is not considered to be in the scope of this article.Practical implicationsBased on concrete examples the authors illustrate the practical implications of their knowledge‐mapping framework for companies. The Framework can be used for defining knowledge‐mapping tool requirements, the assessment and comparison of commercial tools, and the assessment of available knowledge in an organization.Originality/valueKnowledge mapping and its use have been a research issue for some time. Companies have also adopted knowledge‐mapping tools to support and stimulate knowledge sharing in their organizations and to help employees find the expertise they are looking for. But no research has been done on how to help companies decide what kind of knowledge‐mapping tool they need or how any tools they already have can be combined in a knowledge‐mapping tool. This article describes a unique and new Framework the authors devised to help companies do just that.
The impact of e‐resources at Bournemouth University 2004/2006
Authors: Beard Jill , Dale Penny , Hutchins Jonathan 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to survey the impact of electronic resources on the learning and teaching community of Bournemouth University.Design/methodology/approachAction research was used over a two‐year period, with the results from one academic school were compared the following year with the results from two other schools.FindingsThe findings in the paper show how the use of, and enthusiasm for, electronic resources is widespread amongst students and staff.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates the effectiveness and value in using action research to assess service offerings.
Purchaser‐provider interaction in UK public health: improving stakeholder cooperation
Authors: Carruthers Janet , Rod Michel , Ashill Nicholas J. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the bases of positive relations between suppliers and purchasers of healthcare services. In doing so, it examines the nature of cooperation between the providers of healthcare services (hospitals) and those who commission and purchase healthcare on behalf of patients (regional health authorities) and makes specific recommendations as to how cooperation can be better realized.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs a qualitative interview approach for gathering and analyzing major stakeholder (provider and purchaser) perceptions of their interorganizational relations and how these interactions impact on the quest of the healthcare provider to meet the needs of the community they serve.FindingsThe paper identifies and groups relevant variables into four major themes or “core categories” that characterize purchaser‐provider stakeholder cooperation. These themes represent provider and purchaser views on those factors characterising stakeholder relationships within the purchaser‐provider dyad. This is followed by a number of suggestions as to how to improve the nature of cooperation between these stakeholders.Practical implicationsExtending practitioners' understanding of the nature of these inter‐related factors may lead to better insights of how interorganizational relations and partnerships might be managed more proactively throughout the healthcare value chain. Strategies to foster stakeholder cooperation are also suggested.Originality/valueIn the extant literature, there is a paucity of research that has illustrated multi‐stakeholder perspectives in the public sector. This paper explores the perceptions of two main stakeholders in public healthcare to map and assess management issues influencing purchaser‐provider cooperation.
Destination image and destination personality
Authors: Hosany Sameer , Ekinci Yuksel , Uysal Muzaffer 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo examine the contentious relationship between brand image and brand personality in the context of tourism destinations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the literature on brand (destination) image, brand (destination) personality and identifies examples of definitional inconsistencies and instances where the terms brand image and brand personality are used interchangeably. Two studies were carried out to investigate the relationship between the two constructs. Data were analysed using canonical correlation.FindingsResults indicate that destination image and destination personality are related concepts. Canonical correlation analyses reveal that the emotional component of destination image captures the majority of variance on destination personality dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsAcademics must pay particular attention at distinguishing between brand image and brand personality, since, failure to do so, will hinder research progress and result in poor conceptual developments.Practical implicationsDestination marketers can focus on the commonality between destination image and destination personality in order to communicate unique destination features and to influence tourist behavior.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the generic branding literature by adopting an empirical stance at delineating the relationship between brand image and brand personality in the context of tourism destinations.
Exploring consumers' responses to service providers' positive affective displays
Authors: Gountas Sandra , Ewing Michael T. , Gountas John I. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeTo discuss the importance of the relationship between service providers' positive affective displays, the value of a “real” smile within the consumers' perception of authentic service delivery and how these relate to satisfaction and future intentions.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review discusses underpinning theory concerning the role of expressive display in service provision. In particular the importance of authenticity is explored through qualitative and quantitative research in an extended duration service setting. The quantitative data are analysed using SPSS and path modelling (AMOS).FindingsThe findings indicate a strong positive relationship between affective displays (including the “real” smile), overall service satisfaction and life satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe study advances existing research and raises suggestions for future research including how personality differences may affect the service provider's ability to interact with their customers appropriately.Practical implicationsThe wider implications for marketing practitioners are concerned with the services marketing mix. The authors suggest ways that managers may improve interactive service standards.Originality/valueThe literature reveals no other study that has quantified the value of a “real” smile within expressive display.
Social capital as a club good: the case of ethnic communities and entrepreneurship
Authors: Galbraith Craig S. , Rodriguez Carlos L. , Stiles Curt H. 
Published: March 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer the economic theory of clubs as a potential unifying paradigm for the study of ethnic economies and social capital.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the basic concepts of club theory, and reviews the empirical literature. It then applies club theory to the notion of social capital within the context of ethnic communities. It is argued that although various sociological frameworks of social capital and social networks have provided powerful descriptive models of ethnic and immigrant population behaviors, social capital needs to be examined from an economic perspective to increase prescriptive capabilities.FindingsUsing club theory the paper conceptualizes the benefits derived from an ethnic grouping – among which social capital can be considered the most important – as a “club” good, supplied at the co‐ethnic level and demanded by the various key stakeholders within an ethnic community. While these benefits are at least partially non‐rivalrous, they have clear characteristics of excludability and therefore form a “pseudo‐public” good. Four propositions are then offered regarding the behavior of ethnic entrepreneurs who draw from these important ethnic resources.Originality/valueThis paper offers a new way to examine social capital within ethnic communities. It also provides an economic foundation to begin analyzing optimal economic and social structures within these communities.
IGF2 gene characterization and association with rib eye area in beef cattle
Authors: Goodall J. J. , Schmutz S. M. 
Published: March 2007

Summary Insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is an imprinted gene expressed in most tissues affecting lean muscle content in mice, pigs and cattle. We previously identified the bovine IGF2 c.‐292C>T SNP in the non‐translated exon 2. Using this SNP, we demonstrated biallelic expression of IGF2 after birth. Seven alternatively spliced mRNA transcripts of IGF2 were expressed among 15 tissues. An IGF2 pseudogene (ψIGF2) was identified with sequence identical to at least IGF2 exons 2 and 3 without the intervening intron. The biallelic expression of this c.‐292C>T SNP was associated with an increase in rib eye area (REA) in two populations of cattle, with the C.‐292C allele associated with a 10% increase. A significant association with per cent fat was found in one of the populations.
Population structure of the freshwater flatworm Crenobia alpina (Dana): old lineages and low gene flow
Authors: Brändle Martin , Heuser Roland , Marten Andreas , Brandl Roland 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAim  The freshwater flatworm Crenobia alpina lives almost exclusively in headwaters of mountainous areas and is supposed to be a glacial relict. We examined genetic diversity within and between populations of C. alpina in order to determine the taxonomic status of purported subspecies and to understand large‐scale biogeographical patterns of glacial relicts.Location  Central Europe.Methods  We analysed mitochondrial DNA sequences and polymorphic allozyme loci of C. alpina populations across its range in central Europe. Sequences were compared using parsimony, minimum evolution and maximum likelihood. Allozymes were analysed using traditional as well as Bayesian estimates of F statistics.Results  We found considerable divergence between haplotypes. For each of the two lineages occurring throughout central Europe, allozymes showed considerable differentiation between populations and a strong isolation by distance effect. Hence populations are effectively isolated even across rather small spatial scales.Main conclusions  There is strong evidence that C. alpina is a complex of distinct lineages or cryptic species that date back to the late Miocene. The separation of lineages may be associated with the formation of deep valleys at the end of the Messinian Crisis.
Literature review of nursing practice in managing obesity in primary care: developments in the UK
Authors: Brown Ian , Psarou Aitkaterini 
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives. To review empirical studies reporting primary care nursing practice in relation to obesity management for adults in the UK; to place these in the context of policy and professional developments.Background. Obesity is recognized as a public health problem in many parts of the world. The UK has a well‐developed system of primary care nursing with experience of initiatives to tackle obesity.Methods. Searches of electronic databases supplemented by hand‐searching of identified leads and key journals. Data extracted and analysed following methods for an integrative literature review.Findings. Eleven empirical studies were reviewed. Obesity management developed as part of the role of general practice nurses after 1990. Nurses’ role has been mainly in providing one‐to‐one support to within surgery or clinic consultations; and to a lesser extent group based support sessions. The interventions could be characterized as general oral advice about nutrition and lifestyle. There was no evidence of positive outcomes for patients from these interventions. In some contexts, oral advice extended to calorie deficit diets and more developed referral options about physical activity. Two studies examined outcomes of practice following attempts to implement evidence‐based protocols. The evidence of outcomes from these is mixed. At best, perhaps 10% of patients entering a nurse led support programme may achieve a clinically significant weight loss.Conclusions. There is potential in primary care nursing to help patients manage obesity but caution is needed. Despite practice developments in the UK the outcomes for patients remain unclear.Relevance to clinical practice. It is important to follow a structured programme in supporting patients with weight loss within an holistic assessment of their needs.
Phylogeography of the white‐breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis): diversification in North American pine and oak woodlands
Authors: SPELLMAN GARTH M. , KLICKA JOHN 
Published: March 2007

AbstractPine and oak woodlands are common North American floral communities with distinct regional species composition. The white‐breasted nuthatch (Aves: Sitta carolinensis) is a common resident bird of North American pine and oak woodlands, and is distributed continentally across the highly disjunct distribution of these woodlands. We propose three historical hypotheses to explain the evolution of the white‐breasted nuthatch in its principal habitat. (i) The species evolved in situ in the regional pine–oak communities and the isolation of populations in these regions is captured in cryptic genetic variation. (ii) Migration of individuals between regions is frequent enough to maintain the widespread distributions and prevent regional divergence. (iii) The species have recently expanded to occupy their current distributions and an insufficient amount of time has passed for divergence to occur. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (ND2 gene) variation (N = 216) in the white‐breasted nuthatch reveals four reciprocally monophyletic clades concordant with the distribution of the regional North American pine and oak woodlands, and supports hypothesis 1 of in situ evolution of populations in the regional pine and oak communities. Within‐clade population structure and demographic history are also discussed.
In vivo and ex vivo comparative transcriptional profiling of invasive and non‐invasive Candida albicans isolates identifies genes associated with tissue invasion
Authors: Thewes Sascha , Kretschmar Marianne , Park Hyunsook , Schaller Martin , Filler Scott G. , Hube Bernhard 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe human pathogenic fungus Candida albicans can cause a wide range of infections and invade multiple organs. To identify C. albicans genes that are expressed during invasion of the liver, we used genome‐wide transcriptional profiling in vivo and ex vivo. By analysing the different phases of intraperitoneal infection from attachment to tissue penetration in a time‐course experiment and by comparing the profiles of an invasive with those of a non‐invasive strain, we identified genes and transcriptional pattern which are associated with the invasion process. This includes genes involved in metabolism, stress, and nutrient uptake, as well as transcriptional programmes regulating morphology and environmental sensing. One of the genes identified as associated with liver invasion was DFG16, a gene crucial for pH‐dependent hyphal formation, correct pH sensing, invasion at physiological pH and systemic infection.
Domain swapping reveals that the C‐ and N‐terminal domains of DnaG and DnaB, respectively, are functional homologues
Authors: Chintakayala Kiran , Larson Marilynn A. , Grainger William H. , Scott David J. , Griep Mark A. , Hinrichs Steven H. , Soultanas Panos 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe bacterial primase (DnaG)–helicase (DnaB) interaction is mediated by the C‐terminal domain of DnaG (p16) and a linker that joins the N‐ and C‐terminal domains (p17 and p33 respectively) of DnaB. The crystal and nuclear magnetic resonance structures of p16 from Escherichia coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus DnaG proteins revealed a unique structural homology with p17, despite the lack of amino acid sequence similarity. The functional significance of this is not clear. Here, we have employed a ‘domain swapping’ approach to replace p17 with its structural homologue p16 to create chimeras. p33 alone hydrolyses ATP but exhibits no helicase activity. Fusing p16 (p16‐p33) or DnaG (G‐p33) to the N‐terminus of p33 produced chimeras with partially restored helicase activities. Neither chimera interacted with DnaG. The p16‐p33 chimera formed hexamers while G‐p33 assembled into tetramers. Furthermore, G‐p33 and DnaB formed mixed oligomers with ATPase activity better than that of the DnaB/DnaG complex and helicase activity better than the sum of the individual DnaB and G‐p33 activities but worse than that of the DnaB/DnaG complex. Our combined data provide direct evidence that p16 and p17 are not only structural but also functional homologues, albeit their amino acid composition differences are likely to influence their precise roles.
TraA, TraC and TraD autorepress two divergent quorum‐regulated promoters near the transfer origin of the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Cho Hongbaek , Winans Stephen C. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryWhole‐genome transcriptional profiling experiments were performed to identify the complete set of TraR‐regulated genes in isogenic A. tumefaciens strains containing an octopine‐type or nopaline‐type Ti plasmid. Most of the known TraR‐regulated genes as well as a number of new inducible genes were identified. Surprisingly, some known members of this regulon showed both weaker induction and weak levels of expression than we had predicted based upon earlier studies. In particular, traA was expressed at surprisingly weak levels. Genetic analysis showed that the traAFBH operon is repressed by formation of a putative relaxosome at oriT consisting the TraA, TraC and TraD. These proteins also repressed the divergent traCDGyci operon. TraA was essential for oriT processing, and both TraC and TraD were necessary for the efficient processing, although some processing occurred in their absence. Likewise, Ti plasmid conjugation required TraA, TraF and TraG, and occurred at reduced levels in the absence of TraC or TraD. TraA preferentially acted in cis in repressing the traA and traC promoters and in the processing of oriT, which explains the very high activity of plasmid‐borne traA–lacZ fusions reported in previous studies.