Eigenmarken und Einzelhandelsdifferenzierung : der Einfluss der Ladenatmosphäre auf die Produktwahrnehmung

Durch den zunehmenden Wettbewerb wird die Differenzierung für die Einzelhändler immer wichtiger. Die Ladenatmosphäre bietet den Einzelhändlern eine Möglichkeit, um den Konsumenten ein spezielles Einkaufserlebnis zu bieten. Deshalb haben viele Einzelhändler in den letzten Jahren in die Verbesserung ihrer physischen Geschäfte investiert. Eine weitere Möglichkeit, um sich von den Mitbewerbern abzuheben, ist das Führen von Eigenmarken. Diese versprechen hohe Gewinnmargen und führen zu einem unverwechselbaren Sortiment, das die Kundenloyalität erhöht. Da Eigenmarken als eine Erweiterung des Einzelhändlers betrachtet werden können, wird das Image des Geschäftes auf die Bewertung der Eigenmarken übertragen. Gerade ausserhalb des Lebensmittelbereichs ist die Erforschung des Einflusses der Ladenatmosphäre auf die Wahrnehmung von Eigenmarken sehr begrenzt. Zudem liegt der aktuelle Trend bei Eigenmarken in der Führung von Premiumeigenmarken, zu welchen ebenfalls sehr wenig Forschungsarbeit existiert. Aus diesem Grund war das Ziel dieser Arbeit, den Einfluss der Ladenatmosphäre auf die Wahrnehmung von Eigenmarken zu untersuchen. Um die bestehende Theorie zu erweitern, wurden zwei Produkte aus der Kosmetikabteilung untersucht, welche sich hinsichtlich ihres Produktnutzens (hedonisch oder utilitaristisch) unterscheiden. Ein weiterer Beitrag dieser Arbeit war, zu untersuchen, ob sich die Eigenmarkenstufe (Budget oder Premium) ebenfalls auf die Wahrnehmung der Eigenmarken auswirkt und ob der Einfluss der Ladenatmosphäre sich auf beiden Eigenmarkenstufen gleich verhält. Dafür wurde einerseits eine theoretische Basis geschaffen, welche die relevanten Faktoren für die Bewertung von Eigenmarken identifizierte. Zur Untersuchung der Forschungsfragen wurde anschliessend ein zweifaktorielles Between-Subject Design genutzt, mit der Ladenatmosphäre und der Eigenmarkenstufe als Faktoren. Die Untersuchung konnte einen signifikanten Einfluss der Ladenatmosphäre auf die wahrgenommene Qualität, das wahrgenommene funktionale und finanzielle Risiko sowie den wahrgenommenen Wert nachweisen. Der Einfluss war sowohl für das utilitaristische als auch das hedonische Produkt signifikant, wobei der Einfluss der Ladenatmosphäre auf letzteres einen stärkeren Effekt zeigte. Die Ladenatmosphäre zeigte keinen Unterschied bei den verschiedenen Eigenmarkenstufen. Der Einfluss der Eigenmarkenstufe unterschied sich im Gegensatz dazu nach Produkt. So konnte für das utilitaristische Produkt nur ein Einfluss auf die wahrgenommene Qualität und den Wert nachgewiesen werden und für das hedonische Produkt nur auf die wahrgenommene Qualität und das finanzielle Risiko. Insgesamt zeigte diese Arbeit, dass die Ladenatmosphäre ein geeignetes Tool ist, welches die Einzelhändler nutzen können, um die Wahrnehmung ihrer Eigenmarkenportfolios zu verbessern. Auch wenn die Premiumstufe explizit mehr Qualität verspricht, war die Wirkung auf die Bewertung der Eigenmarken nicht konsistent. Vor allem für hedonische Produkte zeigt die Ladenatmosphäre ein grosses Potential für die Einflussnahme der Eigenmarkenbewertung

Parameter-based evaluation of attentional impairments in schizophrenia and their modulation by prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation

Background: Attentional dysfunctions constitute core cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia, but the precise underlying neurocognitive mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, we applied, for the first time, a theoretically grounded modeling approach based on Bundesen’s Theory of Visual Attention (TVA) to (i) identify specific visual attentional parameters affected in schizophrenia and (ii) assess, as a proof of concept, the potential of single-dose anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; 20 min, 2 mA) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to modulate these attentional parameters. To that end, attentional parameters were measured before (baseline), immediately after, and 24 h after the tDCS intervention in 20 schizophrenia patients and 20 healthy controls. Results: At baseline, analyses revealed significantly reduced visual processing speed and visual short-term memory storage capacity in schizophrenia. A significant stimulation condition × time point interaction in the schizophrenia patient group indicated improved processing speed at the follow-up session only in the sham condition (a practice effect), whereas performance remained stable across the three time points in patients receiving verum stimulation. In healthy controls, anodal tDCS did not result in a significant change in attentional performance. Conclusion: With regard to question (i) above, these findings are indicative of a processing speed and short-term memory deficit as primary sources of attentional deficits in schizophrenia. With regard to question (ii), the efficacy of single-dose anodal tDCS for improving (speed aspects of visual) cognition, it appears that prefrontal tDCS (at the settings used in the present study), rather than ameliorating the processing speed deficit in schizophrenia, actually may interfere with practice-dependent improvements in the rate of visual information uptake. Such potentially unexpected effects of tDCS ought to be taken into consideration when discussing its applicability in psychiatric populations. The study was registered at http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00011665

The Parkinson's disease-linked Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is required for insulin-stimulated translocation of GLUT4

Mutations within Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are associated with late-onset Parkinson's disease. The physiological function of LRRK2 and molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenic role of LRRK2 mutations remain uncertain. Here, we investigated the role of LRRK2 in intracellular signal transduction. We find that deficiency of Lrrk2 in rodents affects insulin-dependent translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). This deficit is restored during aging by prolonged insulin-dependent activation of protein kinase B (PKB, Akt) and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160), and is compensated by elevated basal expression of GLUT4 on the cell surface. Furthermore, we find a crucial role of Rab10 phosphorylation by LRRK2 for efficient insulin signal transduction. Translating our findings into human cell lines, we find comparable molecular alterations in fibroblasts from Parkinson's patients with the known pathogenic G2019S LRRK2 mutation. Our results highlight the role of LRRK2 in insulin-dependent signalling with potential therapeutic implications

Circulation and Oxygen Distribution in the Tropical Atlantic Cruise No. 80, Leg 1; October 26 to November 23, 2009 Mindelo (Cape Verde) to Mindelo (Cape Verde)

METEOR cruise 80/1 was a contribution to the SFB 754 “Climate-Biogeochemistry Interactions in the Tropical Ocean”. Shipboard, glider and moored observations are used to study the temporal and spatial variability of physical and biogeochemical parameters within the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of the tropical North Atlantic. As part of the BMBF “Nordatlantik” project, it further focuses on the equatorial current system including the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) and intermediate currents below. During the cruise, hydrographic station observations were performed using a CTD/O2 rosette, including water sampling for salinity, oxygen, nutrients and other biogeochemical tracers. Underway current measurements were successfully carried out with the 75 kHz ADCP borrowed from R/V POSEIDON during the first part of the cruise, and R/V METEOR’s 38 kHz ADCP during the second part. During M80/1, an intensive mooring program was carried out with 8 mooring recoveries and 8 mooring deployments. Right at the beginning of the cruise, a multidisciplinary mooring near the Cape Verde Islands was recovered and redeployed. Within the framework of SFB 754, two moorings with CTD/O2 profilers were recovered and redeployed with other instrumentation in the center and at the southern rim of the OMZ of the tropical North Atlantic. The equatorial mooring array as part of BMBF “North Atlantic” project consists of 5 current meter moorings along 23°W between 2°S and 2°N. It is aimed at quantifying the variability of the thermocline water supply toward the equatorial cold tongue which develops east of 10°W during boreal summer. Several glider missions were performed during the cruise. One glider was recovered that was deployed two months earlier. Another glider was deployed for two short term missions, near the equator for about 8 days and near 8°N for one day. This glider was equipped with a new microstructure probe in addition to standard sensors, i.e. CTD/O2, chlorophyll and turbidity

Bax transmembrane domain interacts with prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins in biological membranes

The Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) protein Bax (Bcl-2 associated X, apoptosis regulator) can commit cells to apoptosis via outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Bax activity is controlled in healthy cells by prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins. C-terminal Bax transmembrane domain interactions were implicated recently in Bax pore formation. Here, we show that the isolated transmembrane domains of Bax, Bcl-xL (B-cell lymphoma-extra large), and Bcl-2 can mediate interactions between Bax and prosurvival proteins inside the membrane in the absence of apoptotic stimuli. Bcl-2 protein transmembrane domains specifically homooligomerize and heterooligomerize in bacterial and mitochondrial membranes. Their interactions participate in the regulation of Bcl-2 proteins, thus modulating apoptotic activity. Our results suggest that interactions between the transmembrane domains of Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins represent a previously unappreciated level of apoptosis regulation

Broadband Multi-wavelength Properties of M87 during the 2017 Event Horizon Telescope Campaign

Abstract: In 2017, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration succeeded in capturing the first direct image of the center of the M87 galaxy. The asymmetric ring morphology and size are consistent with theoretical expectations for a weakly accreting supermassive black hole of mass ∼6.5 × 109 M ⊙. The EHTC also partnered with several international facilities in space and on the ground, to arrange an extensive, quasi-simultaneous multi-wavelength campaign. This Letter presents the results and analysis of this campaign, as well as the multi-wavelength data as a legacy data repository. We captured M87 in a historically low state, and the core flux dominates over HST-1 at high energies, making it possible to combine core flux constraints with the more spatially precise very long baseline interferometry data. We present the most complete simultaneous multi-wavelength spectrum of the active nucleus to date, and discuss the complexity and caveats of combining data from different spatial scales into one broadband spectrum. We apply two heuristic, isotropic leptonic single-zone models to provide insight into the basic source properties, but conclude that a structured jet is necessary to explain M87’s spectrum. We can exclude that the simultaneous γ-ray emission is produced via inverse Compton emission in the same region producing the EHT mm-band emission, and further conclude that the γ-rays can only be produced in the inner jets (inward of HST-1) if there are strongly particle-dominated regions. Direct synchrotron emission from accelerated protons and secondaries cannot yet be excluded

BAX Redistribution Induces Apoptosis Resistance and Selective Stress Sensitivity in Human HCC

Cancer therapies induce differential cell responses, ranging from efficient cell death to complete stress resistance. The BCL-2 proteins BAX and BAK govern the cellular decision between survival and mitochondrial apoptosis. Therefore, the status of BAX/BAK regulation can predict the cellular apoptosis predisposition. Relative BAX/BAK localization was analyzed in tumor and corresponding non-tumor samples from 34 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Key transcriptome changes and gene expression profiles related to the status of BAX regulation were applied to two independent cohorts including over 500 HCC patients. The prediction of apoptotic response was tested using cell lines and polyclonal tumor isolates. Cellular protection from BAX was confirmed by challenging cells with mitochondrial BAX. We discovered a subgroup of HCC with selective protection from BAX-dependent apoptosis. BAX-protected tumors showed enrichment of signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress response and DNA repair as well as increased genetic heterogeneity. Gene expression profiles characteristic to BAX-specific protection are enriched in poorly differentiated HCCs and show significant association to the overall survival of HCC patients. Consistently, addiction to DNA repair of BAX-protected cancer cells caused selective sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Molecular characteristics of BAX-protected HCC were enriched in cells challenged with mitochondrial BAX. Our results demonstrate that predisposition to BAX activation impairs tumor biology in HCC. Selective BAX inhibition or lack thereof delineates distinct subgroups of HCC patients with molecular features and differential response pattern to apoptotic stimuli and inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms

Quantitative Lockerung in der Eurozone und Finanzierungsbedingungen von KMU: Wer profitiert am meisten?

Nach der globalen Finanzkrise und während der europäischen Schuldenkrise verlangsamte sich die Kreditvergabe an Unternehmen im Euroraum so drastisch, dass die europäische Wirtschaft kurz vor einer Kreditklemme stand. Erst nach dem Start des quantitativen Lockerungsprogramms der EZB Anfang 2015 verbesserte sich die Kreditvergabe nachhaltig. Der Beitrag analysiert die Auswirkungen des Ankaufsprogramms der EZB (Public Sector Purchase Programme, PSPP) auf den Zugang kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen (KMU) zu Finanzierungsmitteln anhand von Unternehmensdaten des Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE). Die Analyse umfasst mehrere Masse für Finanzierungsbedingungen wie die Kreditverfügbarkeit, finanzielle Restriktionen und Zinsen. Da die Daten auf Unternehmensebene erfasst werden, kann zwischen aggregierten und heterogenen Effekten nach Unternehmensgrösse, Alter, Branche und Land unterschieden werden. Das quantitative Lockerungsprogramm der EZB verbesserte die Finanzierungsbedingungen für KMU in der gesamten Eurozone und insbesondere in der Peripherie des Euroraums. Daher profitieren die Länder, die die meisten Impulse benötigt haben, am meisten vom Ankaufprogramm.After the global financial crisis and during the European sovereign debt crisis, bank lending to companies in the euro area slowed down dramatically bringing the economy close to a credit crunch. It was only after the start of the ECB’s quantitative easing programme in early 2015 that bank lending improved sustainably. The study analyses the impact of the ECB’s Public Sector Purchase Programme (PSPP) on the access to finance of small and medium sized enterprises (SME) using firm-level data of the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) and a fixed effects model. The analysis comprises several measures of financial access such as credit availability, financial constraints and interest rates. The micro level nature of the data allows to distinguish between aggregate and heterogeneous effects across firm size, age, sector and country. The ECB’s government bond purchases improved financial access on the aggregate euro area level and particularly in the periphery of the euro area. Hence, countries which need the most stimulus benefit the most from the Public Sector Purchase Programme

Quantitative easing in the euro area and SMEs’ access to finance: Who benefits the most?

After the global financial crisis and during the European sovereign debt crisis, bank lending to companies in the euro area slowed down dramatically bringing the economy close to a credit crunch. It was only after the start of the ECB’s quantitative easing programme in early 2015 that bank lending improved sustainably. The study analyses the impact of the ECB’s Public Sector Purchase Programme (PSPP) on the access to finance of small and medium sized enterprises (SME) using firm-level data of the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) and a fixed effects model. The analysis comprises several measures of financial access such as credit availability, financial constraints and interest rates. The micro level nature of the data allows to distinguish between aggregate and heterogeneous effects across firm size, age, sector and country. The ECB’s government bond purchases improved financial access on the aggregate euro area level and particularly in the periphery of the euro area. Hence, countries which need the most stimulus benefit the most from the Public Sector Purchase Programme