bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a moderate‐intensity static magnetic field on VEGF‐A stimulated endothelial capillary tubule formation in vitro
Authors: Okano Hideyuki , Onmori Rie , Tomita Naohide , Ikada Yoshito 
Published: July 2006

AbstractEffects of a moderate‐intensity static magnetic field (SMF) on the early‐stage development of endothelial capillary tubule formation were examined during the initial cell growth periods using co‐cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human diploid fibroblasts. The co‐cultured cells within a well (16 mm in diameter) were exposed to SMF intensity up to 120 mT (Bmax) with the maximum spatial gradient of 21 mT/mm using a disc‐shaped permanent magnet (16 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm in height) for up to 10 days. Control exposure was performed without magnet. Some vascular endothelial cells were treated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A (10 ng/ml) to promote the tubule formation every 2–3 days. Four experimental protocols were performed: (1) non‐exposure (control); (2) SMF exposure alone; (3) non‐exposure with VEGF‐A; (4) SMF exposure with VEGF‐A. Photomicrographs of tubule cells immunostained with an anti‐platelet‐endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1 [CD31[) antibody as a pan‐endothelial marker, were analyzed after culture at 37 °C for 4, 7, and 10 days. The mean values of the area density and the length of tubules (related mainly to arteriogenesis) as well as the number of bifurcations (related mainly to angiogenesis) were determined as parameters of tubule formation and were compared between the groups. After a 10 day incubation, in the peripheral part of the culture wells, SMF alone significantly promoted the tubule formation in terms of the area density and the length of tubules, compared with control group. In the central part of the wells, however, SMF did not cause any significant changes in the parameters of tubule formation. After a 7 day incubation, VEGF‐A significantly promoted all the parameters of tubule formation in any part of the wells, compared with control group. With regard to the synergistic effects of SMF and VEGF‐A on tubule formation, after a 10 day incubation, SMF significantly promoted the VEGF‐A‐increased area density and length of tubules in the peripheral part of the wells, compared with the VEGF‐A treatment alone. However, SMF did not induce any significant changes in the VEGF‐A‐increased number of bifurcations in any part of the wells. The tubule cells observed in the wells had elongated, spindle‐like shapes, and the direction of cell elongation was random, irrespective of the presence and direction of SMF. These findings suggest that the application of SMF to intact or VEGF‐A‐stimulated vascular endothelial cells leads mainly to promote or enhance arteriogenesis in the peripheral part of the wells, where the spatial gradient increases relative to the central part. The effects of SMF on the VEGF‐A‐enhanced tubule formation appear to be synergistic or additive in arteriogenesis but not in angiogenesis. Bioelectromagnetics 27:628–640, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proposal for classification of the suprascapular notch: A study on 423 dried scapulas
Authors: Natsis K. , Totlis T. , Tsikaras P. , Appell H.J. , Skandalakis P. , Koebke J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe present study proposes a simple and reproducible method to classify the morphology of the suprascapular notch (SSN), on the basis of specific geometrical parameters that clearly distinguish one type from another. Four hundred twenty‐three dried scapulas from the Department of Anatomy in the University of Cologne, Germany, were examined. Five types of SSN were observed: type I, without a discrete notch, 35 (8.3%); type II, a notch that was longest in its transverse diameter, 177 (41.85%); type III, a notch that was longest in its vertical diameter, 177 (41.85%); type IV, a bony foramen, 31 (7.3%); type V, a notch and a bony foramen, 3 (0.7%). For the vertical diameter, we took the maximal diameter of the notch perpendicular to the imaginary line that joins the two superior corners of the notch. For the transverse diameter, we took the diameter perpendicular to the midpoint of the vertical diameter. This classification based on the vertical and the transverse diameters of the SSN suggested a clear distinction of the notch types. This simple classification included all the anatomical variations of the SSN. Using this method, the clinician will be able to define easily and quickly the notch type on a plain radiograph, and perhaps be able to correlate suprascapular nerve entrapment with a specific type of SSN. Clin. Anat. 20:135–139, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are cultural differences overrated? Examining the influence of national culture on international buyer‐seller relationships
Authors: Pressey Andrew D. , Selassie Habte G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe notion that differences in national culture influence international buyer‐seller relationships (and, indeed, all aspects of international management) is not only held as true but also axiomatic. This study questions the degree to which cultural differences impact upon buyer‐seller relations for seven key dimensions using Hofstede's indices of culture. Via two stages of data collection using two methodological approaches (seven interviews and 322 useable responses from a mail survey), the impact of culture on international buyer‐seller relationships was examined. The study's findings identified little evidence to support the popular idea that culture exerts a significant influence on international business relationships. Instead, the findings suggest that some managers perceived factors such as communication/language barriers, political barriers, geographic distance, economic factors, industry barriers, time differences, technology barriers, legal differences and infrastructure barriers as being more likely to have a greater impact on cross‐national relationships. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
Web metrics: measuring patterns in online shopping
Authors: Jaillet Hélène F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Web has become a primary source of product information for online consumers. As such, basic questions regarding how consumers approach the search process need to be understood and measured if marketers and website developers are to identify patterns or trends in consumer information search strategies. To observe and measure changes in consumer search behaviour, it is necessary to establish benchmarks that can, at a later date, be compared with subsequent observation measurements. This study recorded the search activities of 37 subjects as they searched for information regarding the purchase of two products: one where they had expert product knowledge and one where they had novice product knowledge. Significance was found for particular site types used and, more importantly, in patterns of site type usage. The methodology and benchmarks offer researchers a means of tracking changes in consumer search behaviour on the Web. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
Use it or lose it: purchase acceleration effects of time‐limited promotions
Authors: Aggarwal Praveen , Vaidyanathan Rajiv 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWhile researchers have examined the impact of retail promotions on purchase acceleration in the past, the distinction between time‐limited and time‐independent promotions has not been made in this context. In this paper, the authors report findings from two studies. In Study 1, it was found that promotions of short duration (time‐limited), such as store coupons, accelerate purchases, whereas promotions of longer duration (time‐independent), such as manufacturer's coupons, have no such impact. In Study 2, the impact of semantic cues was examined highlighting the time‐limited nature of promotions (such as ‘10 Hours Only Sale’), impact on purchase willingness, intent to search further for deals and attitudes towards the deal. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
The role of social power relations in gift giving on Valentine's Day
Authors: Rugimbana Robert , Donahay Brett , Neal Christopher , Polonsky Michael Jay 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study investigates motives for gift giving by young males on Valentine's Day and advances previous research on this ritual by controlling for the giving context (occasion and relationship). The study is consistent with previous work by Goodwin et al. (1990) which found that motivations based on obligation, self‐interest and altruism do indeed exist. More significantly, however, this study points to the finding that individual motivations for the gift‐giving ritual on Valentine's Day may be more intricately intertwined and have deeper manifestations in the perceived social power relationship between the genders. The study recommends that marketers delve beyond the immediate horizon of individual motivations and become even more acutely aware of the ‘intrinsic social power messages’ that arise from the conjoint influences of motivations. This would have great potential for marketing even more meaningful gift products to both givers and receivers. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.
Life events and brand preference changes
Authors: Mathur Anil , Moschis George P. , Lee Euehun 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThree types of variable have been used to explain brand preference changes: consumer characteristics, marketing mix factors and situational influences. The study presented in this paper focuses on the relationship between life events experienced by individuals, resultant stress and lifestyle changes and changes in brand preferences. Based on theory and past research, a model is proposed and tested. The data support the notion that brand preference changes may be viewed as the outcome of adjustments to new life conditions and changes in consumption lifestyles that reflect consumer efforts to cope with stressful life changes. Implications for consumer research are also discussed. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
A theoretical exploration and model of consumer expectations, post‐purchase affective states and affective behaviour
Authors: Santos Jessica , Boote Jonathan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThrough a detailed review of the service quality and (dis)satisfaction literatures, this paper presents a theoretical model exploring the interrelationship between expectations, affective post‐purchase states and affective behaviour. Drawing together a comprehensive hierarchy of expectations culled from the service quality literature, the authors seek to apply levels of expectation to specific post‐purchase affective states and affective behaviour. The authors argue that consumers have two types of expectation that influence post‐purchase affective states: the core or predictive ‘will be’ expectation; and peripheral expectations—that can range from the ideal standard to the minimum tolerable level. By applying the levels‐of‐expectation approach to the expectation‐disconfirmation paradigm, the authors argue that there are four types of post‐purchase affective states: delight, satisfaction (or positive indifference), acceptance (or negative indifference) and dissatisfaction. These four states may lead onto affective action—ie varying degrees of complaining or complimenting behaviour. The paper presents 11 propositions relating to expectations and their interrelationship with post‐purchase affective states and subsequent consumer behaviour, with the aim of stimulating further scholarly enquiry. The managerial implications of the analysis are also considered. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
The impact of fragrance on consumer choice
Authors: Milotic Daniel 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe following research focuses on fragrance (sense of smell) as a primary driver in consumer choice. The fragrance industry is also discussed, along with the impact of atmospherics and the surrounding environment on the consumer. A case study on bar soaps shows how changes to the product fragrance or packaging can affect the purchase decision.The learning and recommendations apply directly to the formation of marketing strategy and are particularly important to categories such as body cleaning and other categories where fragrance is a primary driver in consumer choice, as well as (to a lesser extent) any products that are (or might be potentially) fragranced. The findings affect the ultimate product packaging, colour, appearance and fragrance. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
Using sonic branding in the retail environment — an easy and effective way to create consumer brand loyalty while enhancing the in‐store experience
Authors: Fulberg Paul 
Published: July 2006

AbstractRetail is no longer simply a point of purchase, it has now become part of a brand's communications strategy. As brands begin to explore the benefits of the retail environment they are mostly failing to utilise fully its ability to communicate with all the senses. Sonic branding has yet to make a significant impact on the retail environment and yet it is a powerful tool in the development of brand loyalty. As brands search for new ways of communicating with consumers both locally and globally, sonic branding will become a key tool in the creation of fully immersive brand experiences. Copyright © 2003 Henry Stewart Publications.
The effect of product type on value linkages in the means‐end chain: implications for theory and method
Authors: Mort Gillian Sullivan , Rose Trista 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMeans‐end chain (MEC) theory proposes that consumer motivation can only be understood in terms of the hierarchical linkages between attributes, consequences and values. Other researchers have suggested a much more immediate impact of values on motivation. Seeking to explain these conflicting views, this research suggests and empirically tests the proposition that the role of values in consumer motivation differs by product type and also tests that the linkages are not affected by individual differences in the need for cognition. A sample of 191 consumers indicated their motivation to consume utilitarian and non‐utilitarian products using an adapted association pattern matrix technique. Responses were analysed using mixed‐design ANOVAs with planned comparisons. Results indicate significant differences related to product type in the role of values in consumer motivation. Limitations, implications for MEC theory and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.
Greenpeace campaign case study — StopEsso
Authors: Gueterbock Rob 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAs some corporations begin to enjoy power and influence on a scale comparable with or even more extensive than governments, it is consumers rather than voters who are starting to hold the key to political and social change. Companies which fail to take consumer opinion into account face real threats to their brand image, and ultimately to their bottom line. This case study explores the Greenpeace‐led StopEsso campaign, detailing the campaign history, strategy and tactics, and assessing its impact so far. It shows how negative consumer perceptions of ExxonMobil (Esso), based around the issue of the company's approach to climate change, are damaging the company's interests and that the changing interactions of other key stakeholders with the company could also threaten Exxon's competitiveness.It concludes that as corporate power increases, so must corporate responsibility, for consumers are increasingly unwilling to accept dishonest or unfair behaviour, and increasingly willing to withdraw their financial support for companies which fail to respond to their expectations. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.
Simultaneous media usage: a critical consumer orientation to media planning
Authors: Pilotta Joseph J. , Schultz Don E. , Drenik Gary , Rist Philip 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis research study is the third in a series of surveys exploring the incidence of simultaneous media usage among a national sample of US consumers. The research is based on 12,322 respondents who were sampled via an online network. The findings show that simultaneous media usage, ie multiple exposures to various media forms at a single point in time for the same media consumer, occurs in and among a substantial portion of the US media population. The existence of simultaneous media exposures, created by multi‐tasking consumers, is a fact in today's media marketplace. The existence of simultaneous media exposures undermines most current media measurement systems as they are defined as isolated environments. Thus, the challenge of this paper is for media management to rethink how media evaluations should be rethought for the 21st century. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.
Context effects in marketing practice: the case of mood
Authors: Bakamitsos Georgios A. , Siomkos George J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe role of individuals' affective state on information processing and decision making has attracted the attention of researchers in the social sciences. Building on the findings reported in the literature, the authors examine the effects of mood on marketing practice. Implications for advertising practices as well as the potential manipulation of elements of the physical store/retail environment (atmospherics) in which consumers operate in order to affect behaviour are discussed. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications.
‘Crossing culture’: a multi‐method enquiry into consumer behaviour and the experience of cultural transition
Authors: Davies Andrea , Fitchett James A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractVisitors, travellers and migrants have a range of reactions to ‘crossing culture’, ie moving from one cultural environment to another. This paper reports a two‐stage multi‐method study that examines how visitors' consumer behaviour and use of material possessions influence resolution of cultural fracture during periods of cultural transition. The research consisted of a quantitative survey (n = 598) and a qualitative ethnoconsumerist study of visitors to the UK. Analysis of the survey data shows that nationality is a poor indicator of crossing‐culture experiences. A Six Typology Model of Cultural Fracture identified six cluster groups using combinations of three types of cultural fracture experience: symbolic fracture, emotional fracture and functional fracture. The six clusters vary by consumer behaviour and possession use. The ethnoconsumerist study illustrates that consumer‐related activities and possession used together provide an important resource that visitors can use to make sense of crossing‐culture experiences. Product categories, retail formats and shopping conventions are also implicated in experiences of cultural fracture to varying degrees. The paper concludes by considering the limitations of importing a priori assumptions regarding nationality and ethnic differences in cross‐cultural consumer research, and discusses some of the potential benefits of multi‐method research in this context. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications.
The consequences of unmet needs: the evolving role of motivation in consumer research
Authors: Pincus Jeremy 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper proposes that dominant theories of human motivation rest on the notion of salient unmet needs. Motivational theories, represented by biological instinct theories (thesis) and social cognitive theories (antithesis), are now showing signs of synthesis within the domain of consumer research. Consumer and marketing research techniques can be made more insightful and actionable by introducing measures of the behavioural and emotional meaning of unmet needs through integration of the key elements of motivation research within a quantitative measurement system. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications.
Dimensions of brand purchasing behaviour: consumers in the 18–24 age group
Authors: Wood Lisa 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis paper reports the results of a study of brand selection and loyalty within the 18–24 age group. The study explores brand loyalty behaviour across different product categories, and investigates the dimensions that drive loyalty behaviour within this age group. First, the construct of brand loyalty is defined, followed by an overview of key research in the area. Finally, the study itself is detailed. The study concludes that there is a significant difference in the degree of brand loyalty exhibited by the 18–24‐year‐old respondents across product categories. The dimensions of brand selection also vary by product type. Brand heritage in terms of parental influence was evident in coffee and toothpaste purchase, with brand as a reflection of self‐image being something that is important to clothing brands. Value and variety are important attributes of cereal brand selection. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.
Exploring consumer status and conspicuous consumption
Authors: O'Cass Aron , McEwen Hmily 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn seeking to expand an understanding of consumption, this study assesses the relationship between status consumption and conspicuous consumption. Theoretically, the relationship between status consumption and conspicuous consumption is problematic and, therefore, the main focus of this paper examines the theoretical and empirical separation of consumers' status consumption and conspicuous consumption. Data were gathered via a survey of individuals aged between 18 and 25. The findings indicate that status consumption and conspicuous consumption are distinct constructs. Differences in status consumption tendencies between males and females were not found; however, in relation to conspicuous consumption gender differences were found. Status consumption was affected by self‐monitoring and interpersonal influences, but conspicuous consumption was affected only by interpersonal influences. The brands examined also clearly differed in terms of status and conspicuous consumption perceptions. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.
Segmenting global markets by generational cohorts: determining motivations by age
Authors: Schewe Charles D. , Meredith Geoffrey 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMarketing has long rested on the use of market segmentation. While birth age has been a useful way to create groups, it describes segments but in itself does not help to understand segment motivations. Environmental events experienced during one's coming‐of‐age years, however, create values that remain relatively unchanged throughout one's life. Such values provide a common bond for those in that age group, or cohort. Segmenting by ‘coming‐of‐age’ age provides a richer segmentation approach than birth age. This approach, known to work in America, is used in this paper to create generational cohorts in Russia and in Brazil. Copyright © 2004 Henry Stewart Publications Ltd.