Magnetically coupled signal isolator

A current determiner having an output at which representations of input currents are provided having an input conductor for the input current and a current sensor supported on a substrate electrically isolated from one another but with the sensor positioned in the magnetic fields arising about the input conductor due to any input currents. The sensor extends along the substrate in a direction primarily perpendicular to the extent of the input conductor and is formed of at least a pair of thin-film ferromagnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic conductive layer. The sensor can be electrically connected to electronic circuitry formed in the substrate including a nonlinearity adaptation circuit to provide representations of the input currents of increased accuracy despite nonlinearities in the current sensor, and can include further current sensors in bridge circuits

Magnetic current sensor

A current determiner having an output at which representations of input currents are provided having an input conductor for the input current and a current sensor supported on a substrate electrically isolated from one another but with the sensor positioned in the magnetic fields arising about the input conductor due to any input currents. The sensor extends along the substrate in a direction primarily perpendicular to the extent of the input conductor and is formed of at least a pair of thin-film ferromagnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic conductive layer. The sensor can be electrically connected to a electronic circuitry formed in the substrate including a nonlinearity adaptation circuit to provide representations of the input currents of increased accuracy despite nonlinearities in the current sensor, and can include further current sensors in bridge circuits

Examining the Impact of Multicollinearity in Discovering Higher-Order Factor Models

Theory-driven structural equation modeling (SEM) is an increasingly popular technique for analyzing quantitative data in Information Systems research. Since 1994, 20% of all papers in top-tier journals use structural equation modeling [Urbach and Ahlemann, 2010]. Higher-order factor structures have been widely discussed from a number of theoretical perspectives [e.g., Bagozzi and Edwards, 1998; Hayduk, Ratner, Johnson and Bottorff, 1995; Law, Wong and Mobley, 1998]. Our intention is not to contradict these theoretical discussions but to postulate that empirical analysis can assist in the discovery of emergent higher-order structures where perhaps not initially proposed. As constructs have become both more numerous and specific, the existence of higher levels of multicollinearity, even when discriminant validity is evident, are becoming problematic for assessing the role of individual constructs. Thus, there becomes a need for a higher-order structure to represent these relationships. In this paper, we present a six-step methodology for researchers who have structural models suffering from multicollinearity, positing that multicollinearity can obscure an underlying higher-order structure. We present findings from an empirical study where multicollinearity had masked the presence of a higher-order structure. We conclude with a proposed methodology for discovering higher-order factor models

Brand Creation vs. Acquisition in Portfolio Expansion Strategy

Purpose – This paper seeks to address the following question: What causes firms to choose brand creation vs brand acquisition for brand portfolio expansion? Design/methodology/approach – A multilevel interdisciplinary conceptual model is developed with nine factors at three levels of influence: the market, firm, and brand portfolio. Using 125 brand acquisitions and creations for 22 firms between 2001 and 2007, the model is tested using logistic regression to determine which factors significantly influence brand portfolio expansion strategy and whether they encourage acquisition or creation. Findings – Significant factors were found at the market and firm levels, with competitive intensity of the market having the strongest effect, followed by the firm\u27s financial leverage, market concentration, and market growth. Practical implications – Contrary to prior expectations, external factors at the market and firm levels have an impact on choice of acquisition vs creation. However, internal firm factors may serve as moderators of strategy effectiveness. Originality/value – This is the first study to empirically examine factors affecting the brand portfolio expansion strategy via brand creation versus brand acquisition across a variety of industries. From a methodological standpoint, one of the more serious and persistent problems facing prior brand research is the lack of brand-level data, but this paper\u27s approach overcomes this limitation by using media expenditures in the AdSpender database to represent brands within a category/market

Functions that are the Directed X-Ray of a Planar Convex Body

We characterize functions that are the directed X-ray of a planar convex body from a source that is a positive distance from the body. In addition to a concavity condition the necessary and sufficient conditions involve the structure of points of zero curvature and a priori estimates for derivatives of the directed X-ray near supporting rays and points of zero curvature. The techniques employed also lead to explicit methods for constructing families of planar convex bodies with a common directed X-ray

Strategic Orientation and Marketing Strategy: An Analysis of Residential Real Estate Brokerage Firms

This article analyzes marketing strategy concepts as they apply to real estate brokerage firms and reports an empirical investigation of marketing strategies of firms in a local market. Firms followed one of three strategic orientations with respect to revenue generation, depending on the extent to which they emphasized obtaining listings versus making sales. The effectiveness of marketing mix strategy variables such as service level and advertising in achieving market share was also investigated. Analysis indicated that the effectiveness of these strategy variables varied, depending on the strategic orientation adopted by the firm.

How Consumers’ Use of Brand vs. Attribute Information

Prior research has identified that brands have a differential impact on consumer evaluations across various brand benefits. But no work has considered whether these effects are stable over time, or evolve in a consistent way. We address this question by decomposing consumer evaluations of brand benefits into overall brand and detailed attribute-specific sources in order to understand whether brand effects remain stable or evolve over time. With two unique datasets, the first containing cross-sectional data from Kodak across four different consumer goods categories, and another longitudinal dataset from the U.S. and Canada in the surface-cleaning category, covering seven brands over five years, we demonstrate a systematic evolution in brand effects: A general trend is that over time and with experience consumers rely more heavily on overall brand information to develop their evaluations. However, early in a brand’s life, or later when circumstances compel consumers to actively consider the attributes, ingredients or features of a brand, consumers may rely more heavily on detailed attribute-specific information to evaluate brand-benefits. Implications for brand management are discussed

Beyond “Halo”: The Identification and Implications of Differential Brand Effects across Global Markets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether brands impact consumer evaluations in ways other than a consistent halo and the degree to which consumers use both overall brand information along with detailed attribute-specific information to construct their evaluations. Design/methodology/approach – The authors decompose consumer evaluations of brand benefits into overall brand and detailed attribute-specific sources through a standard CFA approach. Data cover 55 brands in four product categories sold in nine global markets. Findings – Halo effects are rare in global CPG markets. The authors identify the presence of differential brand effects in eight of nine global markets tested. Application of an extended model to a market where several competing family brands are present demonstrates the ability of the model to identify relationships among brand offerings within a family brand and to differentiate between family brand sets. Research limitations/implications – The finding of differential effects calls into question the assumption of a consistent brand effect assumed in past research; future models should accommodate differential effects. Practical implications – The ability to decompose consumer brand-benefit beliefs into overall brand and detailed attribute-specific sources provides managers with insights into which latent mental sources consumers use to construct their brand beliefs. As such, the methodology provides useful descriptive and diagnostic measures concerning the sources of suspicious, interesting, or worrisome consumer brand beliefs as well as a means to determine if their branding, positioning and/or messaging is having the desired impact on consumer evaluations so that they can make and evaluate required changes. Originality/value – A significant contribution of this research is the finding that many times the brand source differentially impacts consumers\u27 evaluations of brand-benefits, a finding that is contrary to a consistent halo effect that is assumed in prior models

Insecticide resistance in dengue vectors

Background: Most national dengue control programmes rely extensively on insecticides to control the mosquito vectors of this disease. Objectives: The objective of this review is to describe current knowledge of the extent of insecticide resistance in dengue vectors and the potential impact of this resistance on control activities. Methods: We searched Web of Science and PubMed for studies that included data on resistance to the four major classes of insecticides: organochlorines, carbamates, organophosphates and pyrethroids, in the dengue vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Insecticide bioassy data were extracted from the published literature and the methods used to obtain, analyse and interpret this data were critically evaluated. Emphasis was placed on the two insecticide classes most widely used in dengue control, organophosphates and pyrethroids. The use of biochemical and molecular tools for resistance monitoring was also reviewed. Results: 66 studies met our inclusion criteria and were uploaded on to a public databse (IRBase). There is a stong geographical bias in published studies with nearly half originating from three countries (Thailand, India and Brazil). Bioassay data demonstrates that resistance to the organophosphate temephos and to pyrethroids is widespread in Ae. aegypti and resistance has also been reported in Ae. albopictus. Assessing the impact of insecticide resistance on vector control is complicated by variations in the methodology used to measure and report resistance, and by the lack of studies into the epidemiological consequences of insecticicde resistance. Conclusions: The lack of publicly accessible standardized data sets dcoumenting levels of insecticide resistance in many dengue endemic countries, and the absence of studies on the operational impact of resistance, preculdes a comprehensive analysis of the current global threat that insecticide resistance poses to dengue control. However, several countries with active resistance monitoring programmes have shown that insecticide resistance is reducing our ability to control dengue vectors. This situation is likely to worsen unless effective strategies are rapidly implemented to mitigate these effects