scholarly journals What Works in Blog Marketing? Firm Created, or User Generated In 2.0 Web: Evidence from a Developing Country

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-164
Author(s):  
Syed Asad Hussain ◽  
Sana Abbas

This study provides insight on how the firm-created communication and consumer-generated communication messages through blog does, influence the perception of consumers and is a source of lifelong learning. This research also assesses the difference in perception of male and female based on their interaction with blogs. This research also investigates whether there is a notable impact of age factor on the consumer perception and how does information available through blog influences their perception formation. An online survey of one hyndred eighty one respondents from Pakistan analyzed statistically. Results suggested that firm created communication material on the blog, user-generated blog communication material, blog credibility, and trending brands on blogs are some of the factors related to blog marketing that influences the consumer perception about the brands. No significant relationship found between blog rating and complete product information availability on consumer perception whereas Blog credibility and trending brands on blogs positively affects the consumer perception about brands.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wasiu Ayodele Abibu ◽  
Abdul Wasiu Sakariyau ◽  
Gafar Bamigbade ◽  
Amos Kolawole Oyebisi ◽  
Isqeel Ogunsola

Covid-19 pandemic is a global health issue that adversely affected every sector of the world’s economy. Fruits are known to be a source of vitamins providing the body with necessary defense against infections (inclusive of Coronaviruses). Nigerians prefer to buy ready-to-eat (RTE) fruits than whole fruits due to their high prices. Consumer perception of RTE fruits sold in Ogun and Lagos, Nigeria during the Covid-19 pandemic months in 2020 and within January and March 2021 via an online survey were compared. Ogun and Lagos states were selected because they represent major entry routes for land and air travel into Nigeria respectively. 500 respondents were obtained with 49.7% each as male and female respectively in Ogun state while Lagos had 49.5% and 50.5% of the male and female gender. In addition, the predominant age group that responded to the questionnaire falls within 21 – 30 with 49.7% in Ogun state and 54.1% in Lagos state. 96.1% of the respondents in Ogun state had a tertiary education while 99% was recorded to possess tertiary education in Lagos state. 34% respondents took RTE fruits 2- 3 times a week, 31.2% less than once a week while only 2.8% took RTE fruits 4 – 5 times a week. From the survey, 84% of the respondents were aware that fruits possess needed vitamins to fight infections while only 87.4% of the respondent were aware of fruit borne poisoning and have knowledge of fruit borne pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiellaspp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Penicilliumspp, Aspergillusnigerand Rhizopusstolonifer. This study shows that fruit consumers neglected health consciousness in the purchase of RTE fruits in Ogun and Lagos in the first 3 months of 2021 compared to 2020. This negligence may result in a spike of another Covid-19 wave in Ogun and Lagos if the necessary food and health regulatory authorities fail to act timely. Also, the application of an effective hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) application reduces the chance of contamination of ready- to- eat fruits.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Narendra Kumar Singh ◽  
Nishant Goyal

Background: Schizophrenia is associated with a high familial, social and economic burden. Schizophrenia is also associated with a high level of disability which may create impediments on the social and economic areas of the patients as well as on their respective family networks. Families with schizophrenia may encounter problems such as impairment of health and well being of other family members, restriction of social activities of the family members and shrinking of support from the social network. Aims: The present study examined the difference in perceived social support and burden of care between the male and female caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study examining the difference in perceived social support and burden of care between the male and female caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 60 (30 male and 30 female) caregivers of the patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia as per ICD-10-DCR. Results and Conclusion: This study revealed that male caregivers perceived more social support and less burden of care as compared to female caregivers. Key words: Gender, social support, burden


2020 ◽  
Vol 01 (01) ◽  
pp. 05-14
Author(s):  
M.G.K.M. Fernando ◽  
K.I.J. Priyadarshi ◽  
L.G.T. Shanika ◽  
N.R. Samaranayake

Introduction: Modified release tablets (MRTs) are developed to achieve different therapeutic outcomes and are frequently prescribed. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions and practices on using MRTs among a selected cohort of prescribers. Methods: A self administered online survey was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire, prepared in-house to assess knowledge, perceptions and practices on using MRTs, among academics with an MBBS degree in medical faculties of State universities in Sri Lanka. Results: The response rate was 15.5% among 375 prescribers. Most were females (53.4%) and were 46-55 years (29.3%). Over 50% correctly expanded abbreviations related to MRTs. Most defined enteric coated (87.9%) and targeted release (77.6%) forms accurately. However, 87.0% mixed-up definitions of sustained release with controlled release. Most believed that inability to split tablets (70.7%) and high cost (70.7%), as disadvantages of MRTs. Nearly half did not identify the risk of dose dumping (53.5%) and inflexible dosing schedule (44.8%) as disadvantages. For frequency of administering MRTs, 86.2% referred the product information leaflet (PIL) while 29.0% depended on the frequency of the corresponding immediate release tablet. Most (79.3%) prescribed MRTs to increase patient compliance while 12.1% prescribed them to reduce cost. When problems regarding MRTs were encountered, most referred PILs (81.0%) and clarified with experts (75.9%). Conclusions: Although the response rate was low, a clear gap in knowledge, perceptions and practices on using MRTs were identified among prescribers who responded. Interventions are needed to improve the knowledge, perceptions, and practices on using MRTs among prescribers.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (13) ◽  
pp. 3983
Author(s):  
Ozren Gamulin ◽  
Marko Škrabić ◽  
Kristina Serec ◽  
Matej Par ◽  
Marija Baković ◽  
...  

Gender determination of the human remains can be very challenging, especially in the case of incomplete ones. Herein, we report a proof-of-concept experiment where the possibility of gender recognition using Raman spectroscopy of teeth is investigated. Raman spectra were recorded from male and female molars and premolars on two distinct sites, tooth apex and anatomical neck. Recorded spectra were sorted into suitable datasets and initially analyzed with principal component analysis, which showed a distinction between spectra of male and female teeth. Then, reduced datasets with scores of the first 20 principal components were formed and two classification algorithms, support vector machine and artificial neural networks, were applied to form classification models for gender recognition. The obtained results showed that gender recognition with Raman spectra of teeth is possible but strongly depends both on the tooth type and spectrum recording site. The difference in classification accuracy between different tooth types and recording sites are discussed in terms of the molecular structure difference caused by the influence of masticatory loading or gender-dependent life events.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3432
Author(s):  
McKenzie Thomas ◽  
Kimberly L. Jensen ◽  
Dayton M. Lambert ◽  
Burton C. English ◽  
Christopher D. Clark ◽  
...  

Biochar is a co-product of advanced biofuels production from feedstocks including food, agricultural, wood wastes, or dedicated energy crops. Markets for soil amendments using biochar are emerging, but little is known about consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for these products or the depth of the products’ market potential for this product. This research provides WTP estimates for potting mix amended with 25% biochar, conditioned on consumer demographics and attitudes about product information labeling. Data were collected with an online survey of 577 Tennessee home gardeners. WTP was elicited through a referendum contingent valuation. Consumer WTP for an 8.81 L bag of 25% biochar potting mix is $8.52; a premium of $3.53 over conventional potting mix. Demographics and attitudes toward biofuels and the environment influence WTP. Biochar amounts demanded are projected for the study area’s potential market. Optimal prices, profits, and market shares are estimated across different marginal costs of producing biochar potting mix.


2020 ◽  
pp. 096452842096883
Author(s):  
Fadila Bassem Naji ◽  
Kamal Wahab ◽  
Ghassan Hamadeh ◽  
Sani Hlais

Objectives: There are no regulations governing the practice of acupuncture in Lebanon as it is not yet registered as a profession. To our knowledge, no studies have ever been conducted in Lebanon regarding the practice of acupuncture. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the knowledge of Lebanese physicians about acupuncture, with the intent of conducting larger scale studies and developing strategies aimed at refining this knowledge in the future, and the ultimate goal of setting guidelines for acupuncture practice in Lebanon. Methods: An online survey looking into physicians’ knowledge of acupuncture, its mechanisms of action, effectiveness, indications and safety, and physicians’ understanding of its concepts, was circulated to 4651 physicians registered in the Lebanese orders of physicians. Results: One hundred forty-nine physicians (3.2%) completed the survey. Most study respondents stated that they were unaware of the difference between traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) and Western medical acupuncture (WMA). Overall, 30% of respondents had personally used and/or referred patients for acupuncture. Physicians who had personally tried acupuncture were more likely to refer patients for acupuncture (p < 0.001). Those who know the difference between WMA and TCA were more likely to have tried or referred for acupuncture (p = 0.004). 72% believed that acupuncture and other integrative medicine modules should be introduced in medical curricula in Lebanon. Conclusion: Interest in acupuncture among physicians in Lebanon appears to be limited, based on the low response rate. Among respondents, physicians who had tried or referred patients for acupuncture appeared to be more well informed about different acupuncture styles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 204512532198913
Author(s):  
Miriam Larsen-Barr ◽  
Fred Seymour

Background: It is well-known that attempting antipsychotic withdrawal can be a fraught process, with a high risk of relapse that often leads people to resume the medication. Nonetheless, there is a group of people who appear to be able to discontinue successfully. Relatively little is known about how people do this. Methods: A convenience sample of adults who had stopped taking antipsychotic medication for more than a year were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews through an anonymous online survey that investigated antipsychotic medication experiences in New Zealand. Thematic analysis explored participant descriptions of their efforts to maintain their wellbeing during and after the withdrawal process. Results: Of the seven women who volunteered to participate, six reported bipolar disorder diagnoses and one reported diagnoses of obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. The women reported successfully discontinuing antipsychotics for 1.25–25 years; six followed a gradual withdrawal method and had support to prepare for and manage this. Participants defined wellbeing in terms of their ability to manage the impact of any difficulties faced rather than their ability to prevent them entirely, and saw this as something that evolved over time. They described managing the process and maintaining their wellbeing afterwards by ‘understanding myself and my needs’, ‘finding what works for me’ and ‘connecting with support’. Sub-themes expand on the way in which they did this. For example, ‘finding what works for me’ included using a tool-box of strategies to flexibly meet their needs, practicing acceptance, drawing on persistence and curiosity and creating positive life experiences. Conclusion: This is a small, qualitative study and results should be interpreted with caution. This sample shows it is possible for people who experience mania and psychosis to successfully discontinue antipsychotics and safely manage the impact of any symptoms that emerge as a result of the withdrawal process or other life stressors that arise afterwards. Findings suggest internal resources and systemic factors play a role in the outcomes observed among people who attempt to stop taking antipsychotics and a preoccupation with avoiding relapse may be counterproductive to these efforts. Professionals can play a valuable role in facilitating change.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Al Nawas ◽  
Shadi Altarifi ◽  
Nabil Ghantous

PurposeLimited knowledge exists on the difference in the antecedents and outcomes of relationship quality's cognitive and emotional aspects for e-retailers. This research tests how utilitarian and hedonic shopping values differentially affect “cognitive and emotional” relationship quality components and how the latter differentially affects word-of-mouth and brand evangelism.Design/methodology/approachOnline survey data were collected from 450 Jordanian online shoppers. Structural equation modeling (AMOS 24.0) was employed to analyze the data.FindingsFirst, e-retailer's informativeness and transaction convenience (i.e. utilitarian values), drive more strongly cognitive than emotional relationship quality, whereas e-retailer's escapism and social presence (i.e. hedonic values) drive more strongly emotional than cognitive relationship quality. Second, emotional relationship quality has a strong significant effect on brand evangelism, whereas cognitive relationship quality's effect is insignificant. Third, there are no statistically significant differences concerning the effect of cognitive and emotional relationship quality on word-of-mouth.Originality/valueThe findings of our research are expected to enhance our understanding of e-retailer relationship quality, its emergence and consequences. They would also provide e-retailers with guidance on how to execute growth strategies by focusing on specific types of brand relationship quality, on the other hand.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 390-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
SR Kandel ◽  
P Ghimire ◽  
BR Tiwari ◽  
M Rajkarnikar

Background: HIV and Hepatitis B infections are public health problems in Nepal. This study was conducted based at NRCS/CBTS, with the objective of determining the HIV and HBsAg sero-prevalence in non-remunerated volunteer blood donors. Materials and Methods: A total of 66,904 units of blood collected, following donor recruitment criteriaduring March 2009-Sept. 2010 was included for analysis. All donated blood samples were subjected to screening for Transfusion transmitted infections including HIV and Hepatitis B surface antigen using standard ELISA test kits (Dade Behring, Germany). Initial reactive sera were re-tested for reconfi rmation with same test kits plus another test kit (Detect-HIV, Adaltis Inc, and Qualisa). Results: Out of 66,904 units of blood collected, 56,973 units were from male and 9,931 were from female donors. Among the total screened samples, 73 (0.10%) were found to be positive for HIV, {0.11% (64/56973) in male and 0.09% (9/9931) in female}; the difference between male and female donors (?2<3.841) was statistically signifi cant. The seroprevalence of HIV was highest in age group of 30- 39 both in male and female (p<0.001). Similarly, for HBsAg, overall seroprevalence was found to be 0.47% (316/66904 {0.42% (242/56973) in male and 0.74% (74/9931) in female}. The difference was statistically signifi cant (?2<3.841). The highest HBsAg sero-prevalence(0.65%) was also observed in same age group i.e. 30-39 (p<0.001) in male but highest seroprevalence (2.63%) was observed inage group of ?50 in female. Conclusion: Both HIV and HBV sero-prevalence is high in adult voluntary blood donors. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 390-393 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7864


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abeer Harb Al-Qawasmi ◽  
Fawwaz Al-Abed Al-Haq

<p>This study aims at the study of newborn names in Jordan of a sociolinguistic perspective. This study tries to detect the difference in naming newborns in Jordan over the decades - from the seventies to 2015 due to the result of some factors that may have affected the Jordanian society, whether historical, religious and/or social. The data necessary to complete the study was obtained from the Civil Status Department and the Department of Statistics. The data obtained consisted of names of both sexes during the time period from the seventies until the early year of 2015, a random sample of personal names within the same family were also provided. The data was analyzed quantitatively. The study revealed that there is a clear change in the choice of newborn names-male and female-in Jordan, whether a change in sounds or in morphemes. In specific, names during the seventies were strongly linked to the culture and the values, religious or social, in which the people believed in. During the eighties and nineties, names were associated with certain social values, however, some names were shown to be affected by urbanization or modernization. And with the beginning of 2000 up to 2015, peoples directions towards naming newborns changed due to the advent of globalization, associating with development and urbanization, and moreover, the influence of different cultures on the community.</p>


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