scholarly journals Quality, Price, and Competition Strategy Effects on Performance of Soft Drink Enterprises in Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-24
Author(s):  
Nimusima Pereez ◽  
Nuwagaba Arthur ◽  
Tuhirirwe Jackson ◽  
Karuhanga Nathan ◽  
Kamau Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Water ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Market Performance ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Competition Strategy ◽  
Retention Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Carbonated Drinks ◽  
Performance Challenges

Amidst market performance challenges of declining customer numbers and sales for some soft drinks enterprises in Rwanda, that has caused a big concern for academics and professionals, the study set to empirically investigate the effect of quality, price and competition strategies on sales and customer retention performance for these enterprises. The study was quantitative and cross-sectional where researchers obtained data at a single point in time on more than one case. A sample size of 118 marketing managers was taken from these enterprises in the central districts of Kigali that produce carbonated drinks, mineral water and juice. Due to corona virus pandemic, virtual means of data collection were used through telephone-based questionnaire survey. Despite the positive and significant relationship between quality and price strategies with market performance, ( =0.500, t=1.09, p<0.01) for quality, ( =0.23, t=3.05, p<0.01) for price, results for competition strategies ( =0.23, t=3.05, p=0.281), show nonsignificant relationship with market performance in the studied context. This finding manifests a big gap in managing competition and therefore advise these enterprises to revisit their competition management decisions and make investment in those positioning alternatives that impact on consumer perceptions.

scholarly journals Food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among adults during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Karin De Ridder ◽  
Sabine Drieskens ◽  
Rana Charafeddine ◽  
Finaba Berete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutritional Habits ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Soft Drink Consumption ◽  
Snack Consumption

Abstract Objective: To assess food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among Belgian adults during confinement due to COVID-19. Design: Three cross-sectional online health surveys were conducted during March–May 2020. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine associations between self-reported changes in fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet and salted snack consumption or weight as dependent variables and food insecurity indicators as independent variables, adjusted for gender, household composition, educational attainment and household income. Setting: Belgium. Participants: In total, 8640 adults recruited by convenience sampling. Results: About 10·4 % of Belgians often or sometimes feared food shortages, 5·0 % were often or sometimes short of food without money to buy more and 10·3 % often or sometimes could not afford to eat a healthy diet during confinement. These percentages were highest among single-parent families (26·7, 14·4 and 23·4 %, respectively). Adults who often or sometimes feared that food would run out during confinement had significantly higher odds of decreased v. unchanged fruits (3·53; 95 % CI = 2·06, 6·05) and vegetables (5·42; 95 % CI = 2·90, 10·11) consumption and significantly higher odds of increased v. unchanged soft drink consumption (3·79; 95 % CI = 2·20, 6·54). Similar results were found for adults who often or sometimes ran out of food and for adults who often or sometimes were not able to afford a healthy diet. Conclusion: Food insecurity during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium was associated with adverse changes in most dietary behaviours. A strong government response is needed to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity to protect public health from ongoing and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Impact of Coffee/Green Tea/Soft Drink Consumption on the Risk of Hyperuricemia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7299
Author(s):  
Joong Seob Lee ◽  
Tae Jun Kim ◽  
Sung Kwang Hong ◽  
Chanyang Min ◽  
Dae Myoung Yoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Tea ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Soft Drink Consumption ◽  
Increased Risk

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between hyperuricemia and the frequency of coffee, tea, and soft drink consumption, based on data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) (2004–2016). We used the KoGES health examinee data, obtained from urban residents aged ≥ 40 years. Information on the participants’ medical history, nutrition (total calorie, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake), frequency of alcohol consumption, smoking status, household income, and frequency of coffee/green tea/soft drink intake was collected. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the participant’s age and sex. Among 173,209 participants, there were 11,750 and 156,002 individuals with hyperuricemia and non-hyperuricemia controls, respectively. In an adjusted model, frequent coffee and green tea consumption did not increase the risk of hyperuricemia, compared to the “no intake” reference group. However, an adjusted odds ratio of hyperuricemia was 1.23 (95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.35, p < 0.001) for participants who reported consuming soft drinks ≥ 3 times per day, compared to the respective “no drink” reference group. Even after adjusting for nutritional and sociodemographic factors, frequent soft drink intake was associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia. Meanwhile, neither coffee nor green tea intake was associated with an increased risk of hyperuricemia.

scholarly journals Suicidal ideation, psychopathology and associated factors among HIV-infected adults in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youdiil Ophinni ◽  
Adrian ◽  
Kristiana Siste ◽  
Martina Wiwie ◽  
Gina Anindyajati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Cd4 Count ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Aids Epidemic ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background Suicidal behavior is a prevalent psychiatric emergency in HIV-infected adults. Detection of suicidal ideation is important in planning early psychiatric intervention and optimizing HIV/AIDS management. Characterization of suicidal ideation among HIV-infected adults is crucial; however, practically there is no data in Indonesia, the country with the second largest burden of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asia. This study aims to identify suicidal ideation and analyze the associated psychopathology and determining factors among HIV-infected adults in Indonesia. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-infected adults aged 18–65 years old receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Measurement using Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) was performed to assess the existing psychopathology. Firth’s penalized logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation. Results A total of 86 subjects were recruited. Most subjects were male (65.1%), median age was 35 years, and median latest CD4 count was 463 cells/μl. Lifetime suicidal ideation was identified in 20 subjects (23.3%). Mean SCL-90 T-score for depressive and anxiety symptoms were both significantly higher among subjects with suicidal ideation (M = 60.75, SD = 12.0, p = 0.000 and M = 57.9, SD = 2.8, p = 0.001, respectively) compared to those without. Bivariate analyses showed that lifetime suicidal ideation was associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, non-marital status, CD4 count < 500 cells/μl, and efavirenz use. Multivariate analysis identified that a single-point increase in SCL-90 depression symptoms score (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 4.5–123.6, p = 0.000) and efavirenz use (AOR 5.00, 95% CI 1.02–24.6, p = 0.048) were significant independent factors related to suicidal ideation. Conclusion Suicidal ideation is commonly found among Indonesian HIV-infected adults on ART. Depressive symptoms and efavirenz use are independent factors related to the presence of suicidal ideation. Thus, early screening of psychopathology as well as substitution of efavirenz with other ART regiment are recommended to prevent suicide and improve HIV/AIDS management outcome.

scholarly journals Electromigration-induced directional steps towards the formation of single atomic Ag contacts

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 680-687
Author(s):  
Atasi Chatterjee ◽  
Christoph Tegenkamp ◽  
Herbert Pfnür
Keyword(s):  
Fourier Transforms ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Point Contact ◽  
Single Atom ◽  
Point Contacts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Shell Effects ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Average Grain Size ◽  
Thinning Process

Even though there have been many experimental attempts and theoretical approaches to understand the process of electromigration (EM), it has not been quantitatively understood for ultrathin structures and at grain boundaries. Nevertheless, we showed recently that it can be used reliably for the formation of single atomic point contacts after careful pre-structuring of the initial Ag nanostructures. The process of formation of nanocontacts by EM down to a single-atom point contact was investigated for ultrathin (5 nm) Ag structures at 100 K by measuring the conductance as a function of the time during EM. In this paper, we compare the process of thinning by EM of structures with constrictions below the average grain size of Ag layers (15 nm) with that of structures with much larger initial constrictions of around 150 nm having multiple grains at the centre constriction prior to the formation of a point contact. Even though clear morphological differences exist between both types of structures, quantized conductance plateaus showing the formation of single point contacts have been observed for both. Here we put emphasis on the thinning process by EM, just before a point contact is formed. To understand this thinning process, the semi-classical regime before the contact reaches the quantum regime was analyzed in detail. For this purpose, we used experimental conductance histograms in the range between 2G 0 and 15G 0 and their corresponding Fourier transforms (FTs). The FT analysis of the conductance histograms exhibits a clear preference for thinning along the [100] direction. Using well-established models, both atom-by-atom steps and ranges of stability, presumably caused by electronic shell effects, can be discriminated. Although the directional motion of atoms during EM leads to specific properties such as the instabilities mentioned, similarities to mechanically opened contacts with respect to cross-sectional stability were found.

scholarly journals Phenotyping of CYP 4501A2 Activity by Total Overnight Salivary Caffeine Assessment (TOSCA) in Patients on Warfarin Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 928-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Tarantino ◽  
Domenico Capone ◽  
Paola Contaldi ◽  
Adriana Gianno ◽  
Mosca Teresa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Drug Concentration ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Warfarin Dose ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Warfarin Sodium

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant, commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of venous and arterial thromboembolic events. The drug is characterized by narrow therapeutic index, widespread individual variability in clinical response, and high rates of adverse events, particularly bleeding complications. For these reasons, a close monitoring of the dosage, using the frequent assessment of coagulation status by means of International Normalized Ratio value, is mandatory. Warfarin is metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P-450. High CYP 450 activity may lead to low drug concentration and requires high warfarin doses to reach efficacy; conversely, low CYP 450 activity is responsible for high drug concentration and needs for low doses to avoid potential toxicity risks. The major isoforms of CYP involved in the metabolism of warfarin sodium are CYP1A2 (for the R-warfarin) and CYP2C9 (for the S-warfarin). The probes for testing CYP1A2 are phenacetin and caffeine while for CYP2C9 tolbutamide. Although S-warfarin has major activity, it was decided to exclude its phenotyping for ethical issues, being mandatory to use a drug (tolbutamide). Instead, it was chosen to test the 1A2 isoform, as the activity of the latter isoform could be investigated by using caffeine contained in the caffeinated beverages. Specifically, a single-point concentration of salivary caffeine (total overnight salivary caffeine assessment [TOSCA]) after an overnight period of the caffeinated beverages abstinence was utilized. In the present study, 75 nonsmoker patients regularly receiving warfarin sodium were enrolled. The results have showed a significant association of the warfarin dose with TOSCA values (coefficient = –0.15, standard error = 0.04, 95% confidence interval = –0.24 to –0.06, t = –3.23, P = .002). In conclusion, the phenotyping of CYP1A2 by TOSCA could be useful, if further proven, to help manage patients on warfarin in order to lessen severe adverse events.

The effects of corporate brand symbolism on consumer satisfaction and loyalty

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 481-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Anisimova
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Consumer Satisfaction ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Consumer Loyalty ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Corporate Brand ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Role ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the effects of corporate brand symbolism on consumer satisfaction and loyalty on a sample of Australian automobile consumers. Design/methodology/approach – Survey research was employed to test the study hypotheses. The regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between an independent variable (corporate brand symbolism) and dependent variables (consumer satisfaction and loyalty). Findings – Support was found for all hypotheses formulated in this study. Regression results reveal consistent favourable and significant effects of corporate brand symbolism on both consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Research limitations/implications – Although this paper makes contributions in international marketing, the cross-sectional nature of the data collection method limits the information gained to the single point in time. This research studied the impact of corporate brand symbolism on consumers of one original equipment manufacturers (OEM). Having a larger number of participating car manufacturers/OEMs would have provided a wider insight. However, time and resources limitation did not allow to study a larger sample. In the future, practitioners are recommended to further understand the relationship between self and social aspects of brand symbolism in order to formulate more targeted communication strategies. Practical implications – The findings of this study point to the strategic role of the brand in generating both satisfaction and loyalty. In the light of increasing advertising costs and decreasing consumer loyalty, strengthening corporate brand symbolism makes a lot of economic sense. The findings suggest that managers need to take into account consumer need for identity expression and consider this in their branding strategies. Social implications – Humans are social beings by nature. However, international brand research has paid relatively little attention to how products are used by consumers in everyday life, including their social life. Consumer behaviours increasingly depend on social meanings they imbue brands with beyond products’ functional utility. It is argued the focus of symbolic consumption needs to be broadened and integrated more with social science concepts. Originality/value – This study captures a construct of corporate brand symbolism by including self and social aspects of symbolism. The current study also comprehensively measures consumer loyalty, including cognitive, affective and behavioural types of loyalty.

scholarly journals Identification of Potential Biomarkers of Chronic Kidney Disease in Individuals with Diabetes: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Observational Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashani R Lecamwasam ◽  
Mohammadreza Mohebbi ◽  
Elif I Ekinci ◽  
Karen M Dwyer ◽  
Richard Saffery
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Kidney Dysfunction ◽  
Early Diabetes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

BACKGROUND The importance of identifying people with diabetes and progressive kidney dysfunction relates to the excess morbidity and mortality of this group. Rates of cardiovascular disease are much higher in people with both diabetes and kidney dysfunction than in those with only one of these conditions. By the time these people are identified in current clinical practice, proteinuria and renal dysfunction are already established, limiting the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. The identification of an epigenetic or blood metabolite signature or gut microbiome profile may identify those with diabetes at risk of progressive chronic kidney disease, in turn providing targeted intervention to improve patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify potential biomarkers in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with progressive renal injury and to distinguish between stages of chronic kidney disease. Three sources of biomarkers will be explored, including DNA methylation profiles in blood lymphocytes, the metabolomic profile of blood-derived plasma and urine, and the gut microbiome. METHODS The cross-sectional study recruited 121 people with diabetes and varying stages (stages 1-5) of chronic kidney disease. Single-point data collection included blood, urine, and fecal samples in addition to clinical data such as anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters. Additional information obtained from medical records included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and medications. RESULTS Data collection commenced in January 2018 and was completed in June 2018. At the time of submission, 121 patients had been recruited, and 119 samples remained after quality control. There were 83 participants in the early diabetes-associated CKD group with a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 61.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (early CKD group consisting of stage 1, 2, and 3a CKD), and 36 participants in the late diabetic CKD group with a mean eGFR of 23.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 (late CKD group, consisting of stage 3b, 4, and 5), <i>P</i><.001. We have successfully obtained DNA for methylation and microbiome analyses using the biospecimens collected via this protocol and are currently analyzing these results together with the metabolome of this cohort of individuals with diabetic CKD. CONCLUSIONS Recent advances have improved our understanding of the epigenome, metabolomics, and the influence of the gut microbiome on the incidence of diseases such as cancers, particularly those related to environmental exposures. However, there is a paucity of literature surrounding these influencers in renal disease. This study will provide insight into the fundamental understanding of the pathophysiology of CKD in individuals with diabetes, especially in novel areas such as epigenetics, metabolomics, and the kidney-gut axis. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/16277

scholarly journals Willingness to Stop Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Study of a Primary Healthcare Center Visitors’ in an Urban Area of Alexandria in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rehab A. Rayan
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stop Smoking

For improving accomplished attempts to stop smoking, it is necessary to learn about the qualities of individuals who can willingly stop smoking. This study seeks to discover the willingness degree and associated determinants to stop smoking between adult visitors of a primary healthcare centre in an urban area of Alexandria in Egypt. In this single point and descriptive cross-sectional study, a semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 53 adults aged ≥18 years in May 2019. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the determinants influencing the willingness to stop smoking. Of the 53 respondents (with a mean age of 38.7 years old), 41.5% of them were males. Almost 18.9% of the respondents were ongoing smokers (36.4% of males and 6.5% of females), though 83.7% of those smokers were willing to stop smoking. The number of male smokers was significantly greater than female smokers (Pearson Chi-Square = 7.52, p-value = 0.006). Determinants, which can favourably influence the willingness to stop smoking, were believing that smoking is a health risk to them (100%) and the others around (94.3%). A bulk of participants (56.6%) doubted the need for nicotine supplements to help in smoking cessation. Smoker respondents were willing to stop smoking. Understanding that smoking is a health hazard for both smokers and the others around can motivate smoking cessation. Relying on nicotine supplements alone might not add favourably to a strong smoking cessation decision. Tailoring campaigns to raise awareness about smoking health hazards’ would support and sustain smoking cessation.

scholarly journals Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice among the post graduate students of dentistry and physiotherapy towards adverse drug reactions reporting and pharmacovigilance at a tertiary care centre at Indore, India

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 626
Author(s):  
Gopal Gudsurkar ◽  
Vikalp Tiwari ◽  
Pooja Solanki Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Graduate Student ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Centre ◽  
Tertiary Care Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Graduate ◽  
Adr Reporting ◽  
Post Graduate Student

Background: Pharmacovigilance knowledge and training in post graduate student doctors is key factor for proper implementation of PvPI. Often the dentists and physiotherapists who are also one of the main stakeholders for ADR reporting are neglected for training and knowledge regarding pharmacovigilance. This study was planned to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of pharmacovigilance in post graduate students in tertiary care centre in Indore.Methods: It was a single point cross sectional questionnaire-based study conducted in a tertiary care Institute MGM Medical College and M.Y. Hospital in the state of Madhya Pradesh at Indore. It was conducted among post graduate student doctors from dentistry and physiotherapy. Total of 55 questionnaires were distributed, 50 of them were returned back and were analysed.Results: Overall knowledge level was average. 90% knew about ADR while 80% were aware about PVPI. 10% knew about local AMC at Indore while only 04% knew global centre for Pharmacovigilance is at Sweden Uppsala. 88% thought Med watch as global database for ADR against only 12% knew its Vigibase. 90% thought ADR reporting is necessary. 96% thought it should be included in UG curriculum. 98% had not reported any ADR till date while 84% had not seen an ADR form.Conclusions: Post graduate doctors are the prime candidates to impart the importance of pharmacovigilance. The study strongly suggested that there was a great need to create awareness and impart training among the post graduate doctors to improve the reporting of ADRs.

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