Line Extension Research Articles

Vertical line extension: a systematic review of research on upward and downward line extension

Purpose Vertical line extension is an attractive growth strategy that allows brands to address heterogeneous consumer needs and react to competitive pressure. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review and summarize vertical line extension research to derive general insights into vertical upward and downward line extension. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a systematic review of 536 academic articles and predefined inclusion criteria, this research identifies and evaluates all articles that add knowledge to the topic of vertical line extension (n = 64). Findings This research derives general insights in several vertical line extension-specific issues. Different forms of vertical line extension, conceptual differences between upward and downward extensions, as well as the role of perceived fit, extension degree and the parent brand are crucial for the study and evaluation of extension and parent brand feedback effects. Those effects are complex and often work in opposing directions not only for the parent brand but also for the extension. Future research needs to face that complexity as well as methodological issues and different research contexts to further advance the literature stream. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of vertical line extension research characteristics and results. It provides new insights on the characteristics and effects of vertical line extensions and guides future research on the topic.

Toward the Development of Evidence-Based Practices in American Sign Language Instructional Laboratories

Despite the upward trajectory of formal American Sign Language (ASL) instruction, evidence-based practices remain in a rudimentary stage of development. Previously, no known studies had distinctly investigated supplemental ASL laboratories (ASL labs), despite over half of ASL instructors utilizing them alongside their classes. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of eight postsecondary ASL students regarding their experiences and perspectives of ASL labs. Data were triangulated through digital questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and follow-up member checks and was analyzed using directed content analysis. Results are presented as nine overarching themes, and the discussion culminates with formal recommendations for stakeholders, including the continuation and extension of this important line of research.

New Cities in the State of Baghdad, the Late Ottoman Period, Fallujah, as a Model

The second half of the nineteenth century witnessed the administrational organization of the state with the issuance of the Ottoman states law during the reign of Sultan Abdul Aziz Khan (1861-1876) in 1864 and this law was applied in Iraq during the reign of the Governor of Baghdad, Medhat Pasha (1869 - 1872) and new cities were developed such as Nasiriya and Ramadi to form administrative centers, and after Ramadi became a district under the name of the Dulaim district, Fallujah belonged to it. Fallujah has an important strategic location, for this reason a number of human settlements appeared before Islam and they were mentioned in a number of historical documents in the Islamic ages and also during the Ottoman rule and indicated by travelers in the modern era starting from the sixteenth century being the last place on the Euphrates river route Birjik. Fallujah. It seems that this village ceased to exist in the eighteenth century because of the transform the transportation routes, but it returned in the nineteenth century after erecting a moving bridge across the Euphrates and taking it as a rural headquarters for a number of prominent Ottoman figures in Baghdad, such as the Governor of Baghdad, Suleiman Pasha Abu Leila (1749 - 1762) and the lieutenant general Kazem Pasha, leader of the Cavalry group. The research also examines the administrative situation in the city and its transformation to Nahyia in 1899, its military importance, tribal movements, its economic conditions, the importance of the boat bridge in the transportation line between Baghdad, Damascus and Aleppo, and the extension of the telegraph lines,

Paper 06: Femoral length on lateral knee radiographs influences accuracy of radiographic landmarks for MPFC reconstruction

Objectives: Accuracy of femoral tunnel positioning is critical during medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) reconstruction, as even 5mm of malpositioning has been associated with altered patellofemoral contact pressures. To help identify the appropriate position for femoral tunnel placement, Schottle and others have described radiographic landmarks to identify the MPFC footprint on lateral knee radiographs. These measurements are based on an extension of the posterior cortical line, which can vary based on the length of the femur visible on the radiograph. Because the scope of view can vary between intraoperative imaging modalities, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of femoral length on the accuracy of radiographic landmarks of the MPFC. Methods: In 9 unpaired cadaveric knees, the MPFC footprint was exposed on the medial femur, and the proximal and distal boundaries of the footprint were marked. Lateral fluoroscopic images of the knee were obtained and assessed in 1 cm length increments, beginning 1cm proximal to the posterior condyle and continuing proximally to a femoral length of 8 cms. The MPFC midpoint was described on each image relative to the posterior cortical line of the femur and a line perpendicular to this line, relative to the proximal margin of the posterior condyle. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the effect of femoral length on the radiographic position of the MPFC. ROC curve analysis and Delong test were used to determine ROC curve analysis and Delong test were used, and the minimum amount of femoral length required on radiographs to accurately identify an anatomic femoral tunnel was determined using Youden’s J statistic. Results: Using the posterior cortical line as a reference, the radiographic description of the MPFC footprint moved anteriorly with decreasing femoral length on the radiographs, particularly at 4cm and less. However, no proximal-distal change was seen in relation to the line through the proximal margin of the posterior condyle with changing femoral lengths. Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between the femoral length and anterior position of the MPFC on radiographs (R = 0.461, R2 = 0.212, B= -0.636, p < 0.001). The slope coefficient was -0.636 mm, indicating that for every cm decrease in femoral length, the actual anatomic footprint of the MPFC moves anteriorly by 0.636 mm in relation to the posterior cortical line. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis revealed that a minimum of 4 cm of femoral length on lateral radiographs is required to accurately localize the footprint of the MPFC (AUC 0.79; sensitivity 76.7 %; specificity 69 %; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The radiographic landmarks for the MPFC femoral footprint can change depending on the length of the distal femur visible on radiographs. We found that at least 4cm of the femoral shaft should be visible for the radiographic landmarks to be accurate. As fluoroscopy is frequently used intraoperatively for MPFC reconstruction, our findings may serve as a guide for accurate femoral tunnel placement.

A Unique Metro Choice Behaviour of Suburban Rail Passengers in India

This study aims to analyse the inter-rail modal shift behaviour of suburban rail passengers to examine ridership for the proposed metro extension corridor in Chennai, India. This investigation was conducted in 2019 as part of a feasibility study for the extension of the metro line spanning between Chennai Airport and Kilambakkam, a southern suburb of Chennai. The same origin–destination pair is also served by the suburban rail system. It is an extension of the operating line from Washermenpet to the airport of the Phase I metro project. For this inter-rail competition study, a sample of 272 suburban rail passengers covering work, education and other trip purposes were interviewed using a stated preference questionnaire. Six stated scenarios were considered for analyses which included travel time saving by using the metro along with the fare difference between metro and bus. The study revealed that suburban rail passengers were less concerned about travel time saving and gave priority to fare difference irrespective of trip purpose. This shows the unique metro choice behaviour of suburban rail travellers in the Indian context.

Organic line extensions: do they make sense for brands?

PurposePast work on the role of brands in the acceptance of organic products is partial and inconclusive. Research has failed to examine the consumer sense-making process underpinning fit assessment, despite the centrality of this assessment in the acceptance of line extensions. This study reconceptualizes the fit construct, showing the relationship of the fit dimensions (noncompensatory) and contributes to the literature with a deeper understanding of the role of a brand's association in the assessment process, which has been poorly examined in the past.Design/methodology/approachGrounded theory was used to unearth the process followed by consumers to assess the fit of organic line extensions. The study was based on 14 in-depth interviews.FindingsThe findings show that the dimensions of fit that consumers consider in assessing organic line extensions depend on the schema used in the assessment process. Moreover, it demonstrates that these dimensions have disparate structural relationships with one another, depending on consumers' previous commitment to organic products. Finally, the paper identifies three possible behavioral reactions by consumers toward organic line extensions.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this research concerns the settings in which it was developed. Therefore, and as stated by Strauss and Corbin (1990) the model applies to the situation analyzed and not to others. Future research could study if there are cultural differences in the assessment process of an organic line extension. Moreover, the contribution presented in this paper needs further empirical testing; specifically, the configuration of dimensions needed to accept an organic line extension and the relationship among dimensions.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by studying the impact of brand association on assessing an organic line extension and reconceptualizing the fit construct by showing the dimensions and the relationship between them that are not additive to the overall fit, as shown in past literature. Additionally, it provides a guide to brands wishing to launch an organic product using a line extension strategy and the potential implications for the parent brand that should be considered.

Pandemic preparedness and management in European out-of-hours primary care services – a descriptive study

BackgroundPrimary care is the first point of contact for all acute health problems. As such, primary care was at the frontline in the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a significant role in clinical responses and information to the public. This study aimed to describe the variations in patient management strategies used in the out-of-hours services in different European countries during the first phase of the pandemic.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey in August 2020, selecting key informants from European countries using European networks. The questionnaire was developed in collaboration with researchers in the field of out-of-hours primary care. We performed descriptive analyses per region, structuring results into themes.ResultsKey informants from 38 regions in 20 European countries responded. Seven regions reported that their out-of-hours services had a pandemic preparedness plan, three had trained on the plan, and two had stockpiles of personal protection equipment before the outbreak. Extension of telephone triage lines and establishment of local infection-control teams and clinics were the main patient management strategies. Other strategies for patient contacts were also used in the regions, such as video-consultations (13 regions), electronic consultations (21 regions), patient’s car as alternative waiting room (19 regions), outside tents for testing (24 regions), “drive-through” testing (26 regions), and separate departments for infected patients (14 regions).ConclusionFew out-of-hours services were well prepared for a pandemic, but all expanded and reorganized rapidly, adopting new strategies for patient management and treatment. The results could be useful for planning of organization preparedness of out-of-hours primary care service for future pandemics.

Effects of infusion tubing line lengths and syringe sizes on infusion system compliance: an experimental study using a syringe-type infusion pump at low flow rate.

Ideally, the flow delivery of an infusion system is proportional only to the rate of mechanical actuation of the syringe pump plunger. However, in the real world, overall infusion system compliance may be affected by components such as an extension of tubing lines, or different sizes of syringes. With higher compliance, there may be greater chances of flow irregularity. In this experimental study, we investigated the effects of lengths of infusion lines and syringe sizes on the compliance of syringe pumps with low flow rate (2mlh-1). In the first experiment, infusion system compliance was measured in various settings by occlusion release. As the infusion tubing length and size of the syringe increased, the time to reach each pressure was delayed and the infusion system compliance increased. The contributions to system compliance from syringes were significantly greater compared to those of extended infusion lines. In the occlusion alarm experiment, the occlusion alarm could be delayed by 69.76 ± 3.98min for the 50-ml syringe with a 560cm infusion line set-up. In conclusion, the compliance of a syringe pump system increases as the loaded syringe size, or the length of the infusion tubing increases. The occlusion alarm may be much delayed and not useful in highly compliant systems with respect to the potential occlusion of the infusion system, so more attention is required when using a highly compliant infusion system.

Couture urbaine / articulations entre micro-milieux

If the success of the first section of the tramway line linking the city centre of Constantine to the Zouaghi district (southern entrance to the city) shows a high rate of frequentation and enthusiasm for a multitude of benefits (time, costs and comfort …), its extension promises desired sustainable urban mobility. It is clear that the mission of the tramway project, initiated as a structuring project for the Metropolis of Constantine, has been carried out intelligently between context and strategies. The expected extension, which will extend over nearly 18.5 kilometres, is an opportunity for its residents, particularly the student community. While reducing the number of buses used for transport, the 22 planned stations will inevitably generate and support other projects that will organise the present urban structure. This observation, which heralds an efficient service to the facilities, an opening up of all the districts along the route of the original Constantine/new town link and a dynamic landscape of the spaces crossed, encourages the city to pursue its transport development policy while ensuring the enhancement of the bordering spaces. This offering will be translated by the increase of mobility in public transport, the complementarity between the modes of transport, the embellishment of the routes of the tramway’s exclusive right of way, the optimisation of the urbanistic aspects by synchronous developments which will support an urban seam between the new city, the Constantine centre and their peripheral spaces. In response to the typology of the spaces crossed, the line’s route will be adapted and integrated in accordance with the landscape and functional aspects of the places. English title: Urban stitching/articulations between micro-media. Extension of the tramway line to the new city of Ali Mendjeli (Constantine)

Product line extension with a green added product: Impacts of segmented consumer preference on supply chain improvement and consumer surplus

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>With the enhancement of environmental protection, more and more enterprises begin to develop green products. However, the high cost of green R&D leads to an increase of product price, which reduces the competitiveness of green products. In this paper, we model a supply chain which consists of one manufacturer and one retailer providing a primary product and a substitutable green added product in the market. In order to capture the impact of consumer behavior on the supply chain members' decision-making, we classify the market into two segments and assume that high-end green consumers have higher preferences for green products than ordinary consumers. Different to existing research, we assume ordinary consumers hold a positive but lower green preference compared to the green consumers. When analyzing the impacts of consumers' green preferences, we find that there exist specific boundaries of cost and market potential which define the optimal pricing strategy and product line design. Regarding profits, we find that when the green preferences of high-end and low-end consumers increase in the same proportion, the high-end market may not bring greater supply chain revenue. In particular, the marginal profit increase of the manufacturer is always greater than that of the retailer.</p>

Modern infrastructure and rolling stock solutions in the agglomeration rail transport on the example of the Line 2 of the Warsaw Metro

The extension of the second line of the Warsaw Metro (M2), running from east to west, is currently under construction. The opening of sections in the eastern and western parts of the line has been carried out in 4 stages, successively handing over sections of 2−3 stations each. Th e section currently under construction is the last section of the 2nd line in the south western part, which also includes the construction of the Karolin technical and holding station (STP Karolin). The Varsovia trains delivered by Škoda, whose styling is similar to the Inspiro trains from Siemens, which have been in service on the Warsaw metro for several years, have been acquired for the rolling stock of the line. The construction of the metro was disrupted by the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus pandemic (2020−2022) as, alongside a delay in the completion date or the delivery of rolling stock, it caused an increase in the price of materials and labor costs, forcing the parties (City Hall of Warsaw, contractors) to revalue the contract.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF MULTIPHASE FLOW IN A POROUS MEDIUM IN THE PRESENCE OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER BETWEEN PHASES

The work is focused on unstable displacement of a viscous liquid from a porous medium in the presence of chemical interactions between phases. When a viscous liquid is displaced by a less viscous liquid or gas, the Saffman−Taylor instability develops at the displacement front: the less viscous liquid breaks through the layer of the more viscous liquid being displaced, forming "viscous finger" channels in it. With the development of instability, the initially flat interface is perturbed, and the area of contact between the phases increases. This phenomenon must be taken into account when modeling the displacement process with chemical reactions between phases, since the extension of the contact line between the reacting phases leads to an increase in the rate of the chemical reaction. The article provides a mathematical model for describing the process of oil displacement by the thermogas method: when oil is displaced by a mixture of heated water vapor and gas, which enters into an exothermic chemical reaction with oil, resulting in a decrease in oil viscosity and formation CO2, which leads to better displacement. Also, the mathematical model implies the possibility of accounting for subgrid instability by including additional flow terms into the equations. The results of computational experiments based on the described mathematical model are presented.

삼각형의 방접 타원에 대한 연구

This study was based on the research results conducted as a YSC project. Studies on the inellipse of a triangle and previous studies that explored the properties between the incircle and the excircle of a triangle were analyzed. I wondered if the excircle of a triangle could be extended to an exellipse, and whether the properties that exist between an incircle and a excircle of a triangle also hold true between an inellipse and an exellipse of a triangle. Therefore, in this study, I defined the exellipse of a triangle and explored the properties. Through this study, the following research results were obtained. First, the exellipse of the triangle was defined, and its existence and uniqueness were proved. Second, we found the division ratio at which the exellipse internally and externally divides the line segment and extension line of a triangle. Third, it was revealed that various properties including the Lurier theorem for ellipses were established in triangles. Fourth, a method of constructing an exellipse of a triangle was discovered. Based on this study, it is expected that follow-up studies on the exellipse of the triangle and the expansion of the various triangle centers will be actively conducted through this study.

Vertical line extensions: consumers' preferences for downward and upward extensions

PurposeResearch on vertical line extensions shows that consumers tend to evaluate upward extensions higher than downward ones. This paper examines the opposite situation. It also investigates the process underlying consumer responses by identifying a moderator and mediators.Design/methodology/approachTwo studies were conducted to assess the effect of extension direction (upward vs downward) on consumers' extension evaluations. Study 1 incorporated implicit theories of relationships (the growth belief) as a moderator and inferred motives for launching a vertical line extension as mediators in the effect. Study 2 presented a firm's rationale for undertaking the extension to examine whether it influenced evaluations.FindingsConsumers' preferences for downward over upward extensions appeared in markets where the exclusivity of luxury brands had been reduced. However, the resistance to upward extensions was weaker when consumers endorsed stronger growth beliefs in human relationships. Consumers inferred customer- and selling-oriented motives more strongly from downward than upward extensions, enhancing the evaluations. Finally, when presenting a rationale for launching an extension in the launch announcement, customer-oriented reasoning raised the evaluations higher than selling-oriented reasoning but did not elevate the evaluations higher than the announcement showing no reason.Originality/valueThis study advances the literature on vertical line extensions and shows that consumers' preference for upward over downward extensions is not universal. The opposite pattern exists in markets with a lower distinction between high- and low-end brands. It supports the theoretical notion that responses are driven by the differences in growth belief and in cognitive inferences vis-à-vis motives.

Quality, Greenness, and Product Line Choices for a Manufacturer With Environmental Responsibility Behaviors

Motivated by the rising environmental protection awareness and the importance of green product design, in this article we develop two models to investigate the quality and greenness decisions and product line choices of a green manufacturer as well as the corresponding impact of product line length on environmental performance. In our models, both the manufacturer and consumers show environmental responsibility behaviors. We find that the manufacturer extends the product line when the unit fit cost, the green cost, the quality cost, the market scale of low-segment consumers, and the environmental responsibility level (or unit environmental cost) are low. In the presence of two products with different market positioning, our analysis reveals that: first, owing to the consumer's self-selection behavior, product quality and greenness may be distorted from the efficient quality and greenness; second, product line extension may improve both the environmental performance and the manufacturer's utility, i.e., achieving a win–win outcome; and third, a higher unit environmental cost (environmental responsibility level or a longer product line) will improve the environmental performance if the unit environmental cost is high. In the continuous green valuation setting, interestingly, we find different results that the manufacturer with a high environmental responsibility level may extend its product line, and the environmental performance increases with the unit environmental cost in the single-product case.

Automation design for lobster Floating Net Cage shifting from red tide in marine waters

Floating Net Cages are a medium for lobsters rearing and at certain times, red tide caused mortality for lobsters. One solution is to shift the floating net cages in marine waters to safe waters which are controlled using a microcontroller. Water quality monitoring will be input for the microcontroller to give orders to the mooring line extension station and to command the foot station to perform tasks according to the function of each station. Field observations of the use of water quality monitoring to indicate the threat of red tide to the floating net cage location, as an order for the microcontroller to carry out; literature study includes water quality monitoring and sensor systems; the command flow in the form of a chart in the form of step by step logic from input in the form of results from monitoring water quality to avoid the threat of red tide automatically; design the hardware and create the software in the form of a command flow chart. The result of automation design is presented in the chart form which is a flow of commands from input in the form of water quality monitoring results to the process of shifting the floating net cage to avoid the threat of red tide. Information about red tide in the floating net cage environment used as input for the microcontroller commanding an automatic mooring rope length increaser and automatic floating net cage legs. Two things that used designing of the automation of shifting floating net cages for lobster rearing from red tide in marine waters: identify the presence of red tide in seawater currents leading to floating net cages for lobster rearing and action process in shifting floating net cages by two tools.

Efficient Energy Recovery Scenarios from Pressure-Reducing Stations Intended for New Al-Alamein City in Egypt

Worldwide concerns over energy optimization and harnessing have sparked a variety of research on utilizing wasted energy. Natural gas, in particular, has been an essential energy commodity for domestic and industrial applications. This paper approaches the same principle throughout the Egyptian natural gas conventional national grid. The real case of Egypt’s Al-Alamein city gas line extension is analytically studied for energy harness. Thus, this paper aims to study the replacement of conventional energy-wasting pressure-reducing stations with power-producing expander generator systems to utilize pressure reduction in electricity generation. The mathematical equations that describe the energy recovery processes are presented. Reliable commercial software is used to verify the possible implementation of turbo expander stations in three scenarios. Each scenario is defined, and its main components and numerical parameters are introduced. Hence, the resulting energy outputs and applicability of all scenarios are compared to provide adequate energy recovery solutions.

Time for upgrades? In time for consumers and competition

An upward line extension is a new, improved product within an existing product category for the high-end market. Many manufacturers pursue line-extension strategies, but they carry risks due to uncertain consumer taste, the internal competition between products, and the external competition between firms. We use game theory to answer when a firm should allocate production capacity for an upward line extension under competition and consumer taste uncertainty. The firm can either act early when taste is still uncertain to benefit from the first-mover advantage or wait until consumer taste realizes. We measure consumer taste risk by the correlation between the average consumer taste and the density of consumer taste, with a strong correlation meaning a considerable risk exposure, foreshadowing a more likely hit-or-miss result for the new product. The firm’s competitive advantage is based on both firms’ expected marginal revenues of capacity allocation, considering the internal and external competition. We show how the competitive advantage will amplify exponentially in the face of consumer taste uncertainty and characterize the firm’s decision policy by deriving a threshold for the risk index against the competitive advantage index. When the threshold is exceeded, it implies that the firm’s competitive advantage is not significant enough, so it should postpone allocating capacity. Otherwise, it should act early. We apply our results to two industry examples and provide practical guidelines to manufacturers for determining the right capacity timing for an upward line extension.

Influence of Effective Planning of Work Process on Competitive Advantage of Numerical Derivative Industries. A Critical Literature Review

Purpose: Adaptive capability is defined as a firm’s ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. The overall objective of this study was to examine influence of effective planning of work process on competitive advantage of numerical derivative industries. A critical literature review
 Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.
 Findings: The study also concluded that organizational transformation affects competitive advantage in the numerical machining industries positively. The study showed that new performance measures enhance sustained profitability and revised compensation and training strengthens customer loyalty. The study further revealed that continuous improvement determines brand recognition.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that management in firms should engage with emerging markets more closely. This can be done through planning and determining the cost advantages as well as the operational costs in order to keep itself competitive. The study recommends that international business participant should have an understanding of economics, finance, marketing and strategy, a social understanding of culture and managing across culture. The Numerical Machining industries should plan and launch next generation line extensions with precision and advice from physicians and patients. The study recommends that the patent protection should have lapsed and the corporation set up a defined strategy.

Monitoring improvements in the nutritional quality of new packaged foods launched between 2016 and 2020.

Food and beverage companies reformulate packaged foods and to better align their products with public health policies and evolving consumer needs. The nutritional quality of packaged foodscan be tracked using nutrient profiling methods. The present study compared the nutritional quality of packaged foods launched globally between 2016 and 2018 and those launched in 2018-2020, as reported in the Mintel Global New Products Database. Nutrient profiling analyses showed that the nutrient composition of product categories shifted for almost 40% of newly launched products between 2016-2018 and 2018-2020. For example, pizzas that had been assigned to one nutritionally homogenous category in 2016-2018 separated in two nutritionally distinct subgroups in 2018-2020. The new products that were reduced in protein, saturated fat, and sodium were now nutritionally distinct from the traditional pizza offer. By 2018-2020 "best of category" products were significantly lower in sugar and sodium than before; however, no clear trend was observed for saturated fats, proteins, or fibers. The relative speed of product reformulation was category specific. This analysis of the Mintel Global New Products Database suggests that the WHO nutritional recommendations focusing on sugar and sodium reduction did have a positive impact on the composition of new packaged foods, whether through reformulation of existing products, launches of line extensions or new product development.