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Managing a Global Retail Brand Across Different Markets:Meta-Analyses of Customers' Responses to Service Encounters
No full textThis study investigates how retailers can leverage their brand to shape customers’ satisfaction with service encounters. It develops and tests hypotheses about how brand, store, and consumer factors moderate customer responses to experience clues during retail service encounters. Six meta-regression analyses synthesize and compare results from 842 satisfaction equations describing customers’ encounters with a global retailer operating 400 stores in 32 countries. The results show how customers weigh their perceptions of service encounters differently depending on brand, store, and consumer factors. In markets where customers believe the retailer has high holistic brand quality, they place less weight on experience clues within the store. In markets where customers believe the retailer’s service brand promise, they place more weight on in-store experience clues. In markets where the retailer promises utilitarian value, customers weigh functional experience clues more heavily. In markets with an online purchasing channel, the effect of experience clues common to offline and online store environments is magnified, and unique clues are diminished. In addition, customers heavily weigh experience clues that fit their goals. In general, retail success factors include high brand quality (which makes customers more forgiving), a service brand promise that is mirrored in the store image (which makes customers attend to the experience clues aligned with them), and the careful monitoring and managing of retail touchpoints (to customize experience clues to each market). In this way, retailers can use customer-based strategies to effectively design and manage their global retail brand in different markets
Synthesis and Characterisation of Molecular Polarised-Covalent Thorium-Rhenium and -Ruthenium Bonds
No full textSeparate reactions of [Th{N(CH2CH2NSiMe2But)2(CH2CH2NSi(Me)(But)(μ-CH2)]2 (1) with [Re(h5-C5H5)2(H)] (2) or [Rh(h5-C5H5)(H)(CO)2] (3) produced, by alkane elimination, [Th(TrenDMBS)Re(h5-C5H5)2] (ThRe, TrenDMBS = {N(CH2CH2NSiMe2But)3}3-) and [Th(TrenDMBS)Ru(h5- C5H5)(CO)2] (ThRu) that were isolated in crystalline yields of 71 and 62%, respectively. Complex ThRe is the first example of a molecular Th-Re bond to be structurally characterised, and ThRu is only the second example of a structurally authenticated Th-Ru bond. By comparison to isostructural U-analogues, quantum chemical calculations, that are validated by IR and Raman spectroscopic data, suggest that the Th-Re and Th-Ru bonds reported here are more ionic than the corresponding U-Re and U-Ru bonds
Individual and community social capital, mobility restrictions, and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multilevel analysis of a representative US survey
No full textThis paper explores the role of social capital in mitigating the mental health harms of social/mobility restrictions instigated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We test whether: (a) social capital continued to predict lower mental distress during the pandemic; and (b) whether social capital buffered (moderated) the harm of social/mobility restrictions on psychological distress. In addition, we test the level at which social capital mitigation effects operated, i.e., at the individual- and/or contextual-level. To do so, we apply multilevel models to three waves of the COVID-19 Household Impact Survey consisting of probability samples of U.S. adults (with the average interview completion rate of 93%). In a novel approach, we explore two modes of capturing contextual social capital: aggregated individual-level survey responses and independently measured social capital indices (SCIs). Findings show that at the individual level social capital was associated with lower psychological distress. It also buffered the harm of restrictions: increasing restrictions had a weaker effect on distress among individuals interacting with neighbors more frequently. Importantly, mitigating processes of contextual social capital appeared conditional on how it was measured. Using aggregated survey responses, contextual social capital had no direct effect on distress but exerted an additional buffering role: individuals in counties with higher average neighbor-interaction experienced a weaker impact of restrictions. Using the independent SCI measures, we found county social capital reduced distress. However, its negative effect on distress becomes increasingly weaker the more restrictions an individual reported: where individuals reported lower restrictions, higher county SCI reduced distress; however, where individuals reported higher restrictions, higher county SCI had no effect on distress. More restrictive environments thus cut individuals off from the benefits of higher county social capital as measured using the SCI
First deep images catalogue of extended IPHAS PNe
No full textWe present the first instalment of a deep imaging catalogue containing 58 True, Likely and Possible extended PNe detected with the Isaac Newton Telescope Photometric Ha Survey (IPHAS). The three narrow-band filters in the emission lines of Ha, [N II] l6584 Å, and [O III] l5007 Å used for this purpose allowed us to improve our description of the morphology and dimensions of the nebulae. In some cases even the nature of the source has been reassessed. We were then able to unveil new macro- and micro-structures, which will without a doubt contribute to a more accurate analysis of these PNe. It has been also possible to perform a primary classification of the targets based on their ionization level. A Deep Learning classification tool has also been tested. We expect that all the PNe from the IPHAS catalogue of new extended planetary nebulae will ultimately be part of this deep Ha, [N II] and [O III] imaging catalogue
Inhaled phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
No full textPhosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitors prevent the metabolism of cyclic AMP, thereby reducing inflammation. Inhaled PDE4 inhibitors aim to restrict systemic drug exposure to enhance the potential for clinical benefits (in the lungs) versus adverse events (systemically). The orally administered PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast reduces exacerbation rates in the subgroup of COPD patients with a history of exacerbations and the presence of chronic bronchitis, but can cause PDE4 related adverse effects due to systemic exposure. CHF6001 is an inhaled PDE4 inhibitor, while inhaled ensifentrine is an inhibitor of both PDE3 and PDE4; antagonism of PDE3 facilitates smooth muscle relaxation and hence bronchodilation. These inhaled PDE inhibitors have both reported positive findings from early phase clinical trials, and have been well tolerated. Longer term trials are needed to firmly establish the clinical benefits of these drugs
Developing a test of reasoning for preadolescents
No full textAs part of an investigation into the relationship between classroom dialogue and student outcome, a test of reasoning has been developed that is suitable for preadolescents (i.e. c.10 to 13-year-olds). Building on previous work but expanding this considerably, the test focuses upon four areas of reasoning: differentiation of facts from opinions, differentiation of reasons from conclusions, inference of implications, and evaluation of multiple reasons. This paper reports on the test’s design and development (including the repeated cycles of piloting and redrafting), highlighting the methodological challenges that were faced (e.g. from linguistic demands), and how these were addressed. It also outlines how the test was trialled in English schools, including its use in a paper-based version with 218 students, and in a digital version with 129 students. Patterns of student performance were comparable across the two samples and also provide evidence for acceptable test reliability and validity. Thus, in addition to spotlighting methodological issues of general relevance within educational research, the paper presents a test that successfully assesses key aspects of student reasoning, The test is the first of its kind to be designed for this age group, and is offered as freely available for future research. Keywords: reasoning test, preadolescents, England, validity, reliability<br/
Prognostic factors for relapse in resected gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground: Gastroenteropancreatic neoplasms (GEP-NENs) can potentially be cured through surgical resection, but only 42-57% achieve 5-year disease-free survival. There is a lack of consensus regarding the factors associated with relapse following resection of GEP-NENs. Methods: A systematic review identified studies reporting factors associated with relapse in patients with GEP-NENs following resection of a primary tumour. Meta-analysis was performed to identify the factors prognostic for relapse-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS). Results: 63 studies comprising 13,715 patients were included; 56 studies reported on pancreatic NENs (12,418 patients), 24 reported on patients with grade 1-2 tumours (4,735 patients). Median follow-up was 44.2 months, median RFS was 32 months. Pooling of multivariable analyses of GEP-NENs (all sites and grades) found the following factors predicted worse RFS (all p values <0.05): vascular resection performed, metastatic disease resected, grade 2 disease, grade 3 disease, tumour size >20mm, R1 resection, microvascular invasion, perineural invasion, Ki-67>5% and any lymph node positivity. In a subgroup of studies comprising exclusively of grade 1-2 GEP-NENs, R1 resection, perineural invasion, grade 2 disease, any lymph node positivity and tumour size >20mm predicted worse RFS (all p values <0.05). Few OS data were available for pooling; in univariable analysis (entire cohort), grade 2 predicted worse OS (p=0.007), while R1 resection did not (p=0.14). Conclusions: The factors prognostic for worse RFS following resection of a GEP-NEN identified in this meta-analysis could be included in post-curative treatment surveillance clinical guidelines and inform the stratification and inclusion criteria of future adjuvant trials
Doped graphene/carbon black hybrid catalyst giving enhanced oxygen reduction reaction activity with high resistance to corrosion in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
No full textNitrogen doping of the carbon is an important method to improve the performance and durability of catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells by platinum-nitrogen and carbon-nitrogen bonds. This study shows that p-phenyl groups and graphitic N acting bridges linking platinum and the graphene/carbon black (the ratio graphene/carbon black=2/3) hybrid support materials achieved the average size of platinum nanoparticles with (4.88 ± 1.79) nm. It improved the performance of the lower-temperature hydrogen fuel cell up to 0.934 W cm-2 at 0.60 V, which is 1.55 times greater than that of commercial Pt/C. Doping also enhanced the interaction between Pt and the support materials, and the resistance to corrosion, thus improving the durability of the low-temperature hydrogen fuel cell with a much lower decay of 10 mV at 0.80 A cm-2 after 30k cycles of an in-situ accelerated stress test of catalyst degradation than that of 92 mV in Pt/C, which achieves the target of Department of Energy (<30 mV). Meanwhile, Pt/NrEGO2-CB3 remains 78% of initial power density at 1.5 A cm-2 after 5k cycles of in-situ accelerated stress test of carbon corrosion, which is more stable than the power density of commercial Pt/C, keeping only 54% after accelerated stress test
No Association Between Breast Pain and Breast Cancer. A Prospective Cohort Study of 10,830 Symptomatic Women Presenting to a Breast Cancer Diagnostic Clinic
No full textBackground Women with breast pain constitute upto 20% of breast clinic attendees.Aim To investigate breast cancer incidence in women presenting with breast pain and establish health economics of referring women with breast pain to secondary care.Design & Setting Prospective cohort study of all consecutive women referred to a breast diagnostic clinic over 12 months.Methods Women were categorised by presentation into 4 distinct clinical groups and cancer incidence investigated.Results Of 10 830 women, 1972 (18%) were referred with breast pain, 6708 (62%) with lumps, 480 (4%) with nipple symptoms,1670 (15%) with ‘other’ symptoms. Mammography, performed in 1112 women with breast pain, identified cancer in 8 (0.7%). In 1972 women with breast pain, breast cancer incidence was 0.4% compared with ~5% in each of the three other clinical groups. Using ‘breast lump’ as reference, odds ratio (OR) of women referred with breast pain having breast cancer was 0.05 (95% confidence interval 0.02–0.09; P<0.001). Compared to reassurance in primary-care, referral was more costly (net cost £262) without additional health benefits (net Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) loss -0.012). Greatest impact on the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was when QALY loss due to referral associated anxiety was excluded. Primary-care reassurance no longer dominated, but the ICER remained greater (£45,528/QALY) than typical UK National Health Service cost-effectiveness thresholds.Conclusions This study shows that referring women with breast pain to a breast diagnostic clinic is an inefficient use of limited resources. Alternative management pathways could improve capacity and reduce financial burden
CORE COMPONENTS: SEL THEORY PRACTICE RESEARCH
No full textAlthough Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is seen to benefit children and youth, evidence is largely built on summative trials of programmes, with little comparative insight into the specific approaches that underpin SEL. The current study sought to highlight a hitherto underutilised approach in identifying common SEL practices through the identification of ‘core components’. Both instructional (‘how’ SEL is taught) and practice-based (‘what’ SEL is taught) elements were examined across 13 elementary level evidence-based programmes through a method of distillation of skills and practices. Findings showed a discrepancy between theorised SEL and identified components, consistent with emergent literature. Further, the study is the first to cross-examine practice and instruction elements, linking prevalent pedagogical approaches to specific SEL skills. The implications for core components as an approach are discussed in respect to a refinement of theory, considerations for teaching practices, and recommendations for the design of future research in SEL evaluation. Keywords: social and emotional learning; SEL; core components; universal intervention<br/