Size Persistence Research Articles

Empirical Analysis of Consumer Purchase Behavior: Interaction Between State Dependence and Sensitivity to Marketing-Mix Variables

ABSTRACTPeople are intent to make similar choices especially in consumer goods markets. To address both explanations of this persistence, i.e. state dependence and heterogeneity in preferences, we use random coefficient logit model based on scanner panel data on juice purchases. The product differentiation of the chosen category allows us to model three dimensions of state dependence on brand, size and flavor characteristics. We provide evidence that the persistence in brand choices is positively correlated with persistence in size and flavor choices, thus the consumer pattern is prone to be inertial or variety seeking in every product characteristics. Simultaneously we show that the more sensitive to price and promotional activities consumers are, the less inertial is their behavior.

Empirical Analysis of Consumer Purchase Behavior: Interaction between State Dependence and Sensitivity to Marketing-Mix Variables

People are intent to make similar choices especially in consumer goods markets. To address both explanations of this persistence, i.e. state dependence and heterogeneity in preferences, we use random coefficient logit model based on scanner panel data on juice purchases. The product differentiation of the chosen category allows us to model three dimensions of state dependence on brand, size and flavor characteristics. We provide evidence that the persistence in brand choices is positively correlated with persistence in size and flavor choices, thus the consumer pattern is prone to be inertial or variety seeking in every product characteristics. Simultaneously we show that the more sensitive to price and promotional activities consumers are, the less inertial is their behavior

Infant communicating hydroceles—do they need immediate repair or might some clinically resolve?

Purpose Infant hydroceles that are communicating by history (fluctuation in size) or examination (reducible fluid) are often repaired soon after presentation. We have followed a series of infant boys with such hydroceles and reviewed their early natural history. Materials and Methods Since 1998, we have followed 174 infant boys presenting with an apparent communicating hydrocele without immediate surgical repair. All boys were initially seen before 18 months of age and most (168) by 12 months. Most had been full term at delivery, although 32 had been premature (<37 weeks' gestational age) and 11 extremely so (<32 weeks). Most boys (120) had bilateral hydroceles at presentation. Results Of the 110 boys followed to disposition, 69 (62.7%) had complete resolution without surgery by a mean age of 11.7 months. Forty-one patients (37.3%) underwent surgery for correction at a mean age of 14 months because of persistence in size or development of a hernia. Six developed a hernia during observation, none of whom had any episode of incarceration. Only 2 patients with apparent resolution subsequently had recurrence with a hernia. Age at presentation and gestational age at birth showed no effect on resolution. The hydroceles of 64 boys had improved in size after a mean follow-up of 13.9 months when last seen. Conclusions Many infant hydroceles that are communicating by history or examination do resolve clinically without surgery and deserve observation. Progression to hernia was rare in our experience and did not result in incarceration. Consequently, little risk is taken by initial observation.