Selling Point Research Articles

Mind the gap: from real-world policies to health impact assessment modelling

Abstract When conducting health impact assessments (HIA), researchers often face the challenges of trying to align as closely as possible with policy scenarios. This phase concerns the translation of real-world policies into estimates usable in models. Most of the time, researchers need to address a policy-impact gap between what is needed by the policymakers and what is believed to be reliable data fitted for the model. These mismatches can stem from differences in how exposure and outcomes are studied compared to the policy plan. By looking at a case study of the planned Belgian policy to reduce tobacco selling points, challenges during the pre-modelling phase were identified. The question of what an effect size should be and its importance in the HIA process were considered fundamental for the analysis. In particular, literature on exposure to tobacco sales points differed in outcomes, as it would target proximity to someone’s home, while the policy itself focuses on the reduction of points of sale of a specific store type. Similarly, smoking behaviour can be measured in various ways, such as initiation, cessation, relapse rates, or overall smoking prevalence. The policies’ effect on these various outcomes differed significantly. In this presentation, the discussion will focus on the alignment of the existing literature with the specific details outlined in the policy. We will explore the challenges that arose when existing research criteria and assumptions did not fully match the policy, taking the new Belgian tobacco plan as an example. Lastly, we will highlight the opportunity to set up monitoring systems to evaluate tobacco interventions to extract reliable estimates for HIA and strengthen evidence-based tobacco policies in the future.

Information Theoretic Evaluation of Raccoon's Side-Channel Leakage

Raccoon is a lattice-based scheme submitted to the NIST 2022 call for additional post-quantum signatures. One of its main selling points is that its design is intrinsically easy to mask against side-channel attacks. So far, Raccoon's physical security guarantees were only stated in the abstract probing model. In this paper, we discuss how these probing security results translate into guarantees in more realistic leakage models. We also highlight that this translation differs from what is usually observed (e.g., in symmetric cryptography), due to the algebraic structure of Raccoon's operations. For this purpose, we perform an in-depth information theoretic evaluation of Raccoon's most innovative part, namely the AddRepNoise function which allows generating its arithmetic shares on-the-fly. Our results are twofold. First, we show that the resulting shares do not enforce a statistical security order (i.e., the need for the side-channel adversary to estimate higher-order moments of the leakage distribution), as usually expected when masking. Second, we observe that the first-order leakage on the (large) random coefficients manipulated by Raccoon cannot be efficiently turned into leakage on the (smaller) coefficients of its long-term secret. Concretely, our information theoretic evaluations for relevant leakage functions also suggest that Raccoon's masked implementations can ensure high security with less shares than suggested by a conservative analysis in the probing model.

Mass Optimization of a Multilayered Shield for Transportable Microreactors

The ability to easily transport microreactors is a major selling point for deploying microreactors to remote areas. However, this creates a unique shielding challenge, especially when the microreactor is being shipped after irradiation. A traditional reactor configuration utilizes a separate biological shield and pressure vessel to meet radiological shielding and pressure needs. The limited space available for transportable microreactors for both shielding and pressure vessels requires a revised assessment of separating out the biological shield and pressure vessel. To address these concerns, we examine a nuclear-grade sandwich composite (NGSC) that combines the reactor pressure vessel and biological shielding functions into a single component. Through a series of optimization problems for both transportation and operational use cases, the NGSC is able to minimize dose, minimize the vessel cost, and ensure that weight requirements are met for transportation. Initial results show that using a tungsten-tetraboride cermet in the first two layers of a six-layer NGSC provides adequate shielding for both use cases. These results show promise that an NGSC has enough overlap between operational and transportation cases to help reduce the design space for future analysis and assessment.

A Global approach for English Conversation Schools in Japan: Suggestions for Incorporating Global Englishes and Intercultural Learning into Listening Materials

While efforts to be more global have been implemented in various English teaching contexts in Japan, the eikaiwa industry seems the least likely place for change to take place. This is because native-speakerism remains a major selling point for many English conversation schools in Japan, causing concern that learners are not being adequately prepared to use English for global communication. Therefore, this paper looks at key concepts from Global Englishes and draws on particular aspects of intercultural learning, before making two suggestions about how these concepts can be incorporated. One suggestion, which is top-down from management, is updating the in-house textbooks. The other suggestion, which is bottom-up from teachers, is creating their own materials that use authentic listening from the internet. While it is acknowledged that change may be unlikely to come from management anytime soon, it is felt that teachers should lead the way by making their own materials and sharing them amongst the eikaiwa community.

Future Role of Digital Platform of Community Policing in Malawi

Internet evolution and digital platform popularity have revolutionized citizens participation in public security administration. However, digital platform ecosystem and functionality remains underexplored. Study examines the future role of digital platform for citizens participation in community policing in Malawi. Within frame work of exploratory sequential mixed methods, focus group discussion interviews purposively selected four groups of 10 respondents each, and used interview guide for data collection. Survey randomly sampled 432 households using Yamene (1969) formular to distribute structured questionnaires for data collection. Interviews were written on script then coded, later grouped into sub themes and finally into themes which corresponded to research questions aided by NVivo application. The survey was analyzed through SPSS version 20 to come up with descriptive statistics. Using pragmatics philosophical paradigm, broken window, democratic participation and social-disorganization theories, the study revealed that citizens may be encouraged to participate on digital platform in community policing by; (a) providing training to citizens on digital crime prevention and safety measures, (b) offering incentives or rewards to citizens who participate in neighborhood safety and security digital initiatives, (c) using social media and other digital platforms to raise awareness and encourage citizen participation, (d) creating more opportunities for citizen-police collaboration and dialogue through social media. Multinominal logistic regression shows gender may have impact on the future role of digital platform of community policing; (i) gain communications between police and community, (ii) detect a wider variety of insecurities (Transparency), (iii) promote the effective use of limited resources, (iv) move beyond the customary bureaucratic procedures at p=.017, (v) gain participation of women, minorities, and vulnerable population at p=.459, (vi) contribute to empowerment of the community at p=.003. Solutions to challenges of digital platform of community policing use are; (1) awareness (Sensitization) Campaign, (2) capacity building on the usage of ICT tools, (3) make available ICT merchant selling and maintenance points, (4) usage of Solar Powered ICT and (5) Place coordinated governance mechanisms. While previous scholars have argued that digital platform has allowed formal and non-formal wide participation, as well as increase transparency and accountability to police officers in handling policing issues and empowering citizens to take part in security of their times. Current revelation points that harnessing and promotion of digital platform gives chance to revolution for transformation that may influence accountability of public security administration to provide quality public services for better life to the challenges of the time.

Cabaret and decency: how contemporary definitions of cabaret are shaped by censorship

The abundant ‘cabaret’ events that populate London’s contemporary entertainment scene strategically adopt specific structures and aesthetics. Common points of reference include the Weimar Republic, Berlin clubs of the 1920’s, ‘salacious’ female nudity, ‘outrageous’ camp reveals and inevitable references to Bob Fosse’s ‘Cabaret’. The events often promise to provide a ‘high quality’ drinking and dining experience. In this way ‘nostalgia’ can be turned into financial success. This formulaic approach defines the contemporary understanding of cabaret, omitting vital aspects of the genre while turning it into a purely commercial commodity. My artistic practice as research interrogates the experimental nature of the cabaret of late nineteenth century Paris within a contemporary British context. Setting itself apart from the allure of ‘flesh and cash’ of the West End cabaret, Ms. Paolini’s Phantasmagoria Cabaret, regularly programmed at Hoxton Hall, London, since 2016, focuses on exploring an updated experience of European cabaret within the abandoned British Music Hall and Variety tradition. The wider cultural discourse fails to report on the possibility of different approaches to cabaret. I will draw on particular examples from my practice – how a 60-something performer clad in Y-fronts, for example, was regarded by a certain audience as obscene – to explore the subtleties of contemporary censorship and what it says about our cultural landscape. The ‘body reveal’ – one of the commercial selling points of West End cabaret replica productions – becomes unacceptable in the different context of Ms. Paolini’s Phantasmagoria Cabaret. This article examines how censorship operates in relation to contemporary experimental cabaret, providing an alternative account of the contemporary development of traditional cabaret and suggesting that there are different angles from which to approach discussion of the genre.

Ultrasound-Induced Release Profile of Nimodipine from Drug-Loaded Block Copolymers after Singular vs. Repeated Sonication: In Vitro Analysis in Artificial Cerebrospinal Fluid.

Nimodipine still represents a unique selling point in the prevention of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Its intrathecal effect is limited by a low oral bioavailability, leading to the development of nanocarrier systems to overcome this limitation. This study investigated the ultrasound-induced release profile of nimodipine from drug-loaded copolymers in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within 72 h after a singular versus repeated sonication. Pluronic® F127 copolymers (Sigma-Aldrich, Taufkirchen, Germany)were loaded with nimodipine by direct dissolution. Spontaneous and on-demand drug release by ultrasound (1 MHz at 1.7 W/cm2) was determined in artificial cerebrospinal fluid using the dialysis bag method. Nimodipine concentrations were measured at predefined time points within 72 h of sonication. Spontaneous release of nimodipine was enhanced by ultrasound application with significantly increased nimodipine concentrations two hours after a repeated sonication compared to a singular sonication (median 1.62 vs. 17.48 µg/µL, p = 0.04). A further trend was observed after four hours (median 1.82 vs. 22.09 µg/µL, p = 0.06). There was no difference in the overall nimodipine concentrations between the groups with a singular versus repeated sonication (357.2 vs. 540.3 µg/µL, p = 0.60) after 72 h. Repeated sonication resulted in an acceleration of nimodipine release from the drug-loaded copolymer in a CSF medium. These findings confirm the proof of principle of an on-demand guidance of nimodipine release from nimodipine-loaded nanodrugs by means of ultrasound, which suggests that evaluating the concept in an animal model may be appropriate.

Community-based Ecotourism in Protected Areas towards Inclusive Development-An Evidence of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of India

Community-based ecotourism (CBET) is one of the tourism segments used to protect the natural environment by the host communities in many countries; however, empirical studies involving active involvement, understanding, and level of satisfaction of the community and tourists in various ecotourism projects are still scarce in the context of developing countries. Thus, this study empirically examines the potential of community-based ecotourism in and around the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (BKWS) from the perspectives of the community and tourists in Odisha, India. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire prepared based on an expert view. In this study, both descriptive and exploratory research designs were considered the most appropriate. A total of 470 respondents participated in this study. Cronbach’s α was used to ensure reliability and validity of the instrument used for the survey. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0. Collected data were tested for outliers using stem and leaf chart analysis, and all data were normally distributed for further analysis. Finally, a clear picture of the study was drawn based on the analysis and interpretation. The ANOVA (F-test) results demonstrated that community-based ecotourism was quite significant for inclusive development and conservation practices, as supported by all five statistically significant explanatory factors. The one-way ANOVA test for Hypothesis 1 found that community-based eco-tourism can be leveraged as a unique selling point (USP) to boost tourism in Odisha. Furthermore, one-way ANOVA was used to test the second hypothesis, which demonstrated that community-based ecotourism raises awareness within the local population about the importance of protecting Odisha's tourism resources. Similarly, the t-test results demonstrated that tourists and communities do not differ significantly in terms of satisfaction with event settings, art and craft, performance, infrastructure, guide services, and information. The findings of the study revealed that CBET was a major tool for promoting Odisha Tourism and creating awareness among the local community for the conservation of protected areas to embrace sustainability. Practical implications have been suggested for policy improvement in Odisha Tourism.

Pengembangan Strategi Bisnis Pada UMKM Distro Penny Royaltea

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are a form of entrepreneurial activity that plays a vital role in economic development. The contribution of MSMEs to GDP is substantial and increases employment opportunities so that it can reduce the unemployment rate. Penny Royaltea is an MSME engaged in the fashion sector. This study aims to determine the most appropriate SWOT analysis strategy for the Penny Royaltea distro facing business competition. This purpose is to determine the SWOT analysis strategy of Penny Royaltea, to evaluate the MSME Penny Royaltea distro by analyzing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, and to determine the right business strategy for developing the MSME Penny Royaltea distro business in Bandung City. This article aims to determine the internal and external conditions of the business and formulate business development strategies, especially for Penny Royaltea. The results show several strategies that Penny Royaltea can apply, such as conducting product research and innovation, Maximizing the use of technology for online promotion, Emphasizing point of differentiation (PoD) and unique selling points, and providing attractive offline marketing and offers. The results of this study provide managerial implications for Penny Royaltea in developing its business

Cost and Benefit Analysis for Hydroponic System to Increase Women's Empowerment and Food Sustainability

This research aims to analyze the costs and benefits, the break even point (BEP), and the payback period (PP) for installing a hydroponic system in Jongbiru village. From the results of this benefit-cost analysis it appears that the hydroponic organic vegetable business is a very potential small business both economically and socially. The economic potential of small hydroponic organic vegetable businesses can generate substantial profits in the short term. The social potential of small hydroponic vegetable businesses is to empower housewives who previously had no income, and have the ability to support the family needs and economy. In the future, we hope that each family can build a simple hydroponic vegetable installation. The results were as follows, 1) the benefits were much more than its costs, 2) BEP can be reached in Rp. 2,700,000 sales, and 3) the payback period is more than a year. The hydroponic installation can also be planted with a wide variety of vegetables and fruits to meet the nutritional needs of the family, and also fulfill market demands. The more varied the plants used in the hydroponic installation, the wider the benefit-cost analysis. In this way, more harvests are likely each year, with faster BEP and higher selling points. Keywords: cost-benefit analysis, break even point (BEP), payback period (PP), hydroponic vegetable

Post-harvest losses in marine fisheries of Bangladesh

Existing literature highlights significant income loss due to Post-Harvest Loss (PHL) across the fisheries value chain in developing countries like Bangladesh. This is attributed to inappropriate fishing tools, poor infrastructure, inadequate storage facilities, and inefficient transportation. This study estimated PHL and its determinants in Bangladesh's marine fisheries using the Questionnaire Loss Assessment Method (QLAM) based on data collected from 1132 respondents, including fishermen and traders, from October 2019 to March 2021. The results reveal that physical, market, and monetary PHL in marine fisheries are 0.82 %, 6.41 %, and $228.52 per ton, respectively. Annually, the country loses approximately $151 million due to PHL in marine fisheries, with the highest market losses in Snapper, Pomfret, and Hilsa fish. The main reasons for PHL include the duration of fish remain in the net after being caught, insufficient ice, lack of insulated containers and storage facilities, delayed marketing, and oversupply. The study suggests adopting modern harvesting technology, enforcing regulations for scientific gear, and increasing storage capacity at landing and selling points to reduce PHL in marine fisheries.

Frequent design concepts for conveying cultural identity toward accommodation architecture in Chiang Mai heritage district, Thailand

ABSTRACT The Chiang Mai heritage district is widely recognized as a prime location for the hospitality industry’s cultural tourism sector. Within this area, accommodations diversely express cultural identity through architecture as their selling points. This study aims to explore the frequent design concepts employed by architects to convey cultural identities through recognized architecture. It focuses on eight accommodation architectures situated in the heritage district of Chiang Mai City. The research delves into the architects’ considerations during the design process. Data were collected through document reviews and architects’ interviews. The examination tested 60 design concepts, consisting of three categories: concrete, abstract, and nature-climate condition category. Seven concept groups resulted from two analysis methods of comparison and association rule. The findings reveal five key conveying concerns include 1) Climate adaptation and sustainability 2) Context connection 3) Traditional architectural perception 4) Integration of nature, local life, and social interaction 5) View of indoor green spaces. The research findings serve as a guide for architects aiming to create cultural accommodation experiences within Chiang Mai’s heritage area, ensuring appropriate representations of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The marketing on Big 4 websites of Big Data Analytics in the external audit: Evidence and consequences

Leveraging ubiquitous digital data, advanced hardware, and sophisticated software, Big Data Analytics (BDA) enables unprecedented in-depth examination of business processes. This paper investigates how the Big 4 accounting firms promote their use of technology-enabled analytics in auditing practices on their official websites. We find that all the Big 4 market their audit analytics as offering operational insights that add value for clients. Historically, auditors have sought to share valuable perspectives gained during engagements beyond verifying that clients are in compliance with accounting principles. However, providing these value-adding insights is transitioning from a supplementary benefit to an essential selling point of audits. This behavior likely stems from BDA technology’s inherent duality–facilitating regulatory compliance and business intelligence. Incorporating artificial intelligence into audit firms’ technological arsenal will further enhance their ability to deliver client-valued insights. These developments necessitate further research into how the BDA application impacts auditor independence.

Analysis of Brand Positioning in Online Course Companies to Change Consumption Patterns—A Case Study in the Personal Wellbeing Sector

This article examines the communication and marketing requirements of a prospective business enterprise that specializes in offering online courses focusing on psychology, personal growth and professional development to change patterns of educational production and consumption. The objective of this research is to analyse the necessary brand positioning for this company to improve its visibility, attracting and retaining interested customers. Using a sequential and evidence-based methodology, this study analyses the precise business requirements to establish an optimal and competitive platform for professionals offering wellbeing courses. This involved analysing the characteristics and needs of the target audience—the professionals who would deliver the courses—and the audience who would enrol in the courses. In addition, we assessed the company’s environmental context, its strengths, weaknesses and unique selling points, as well as effective marketing and positioning strategies, and its direct competitors. We identified a growing interest in online training of courses that contribute to wellbeing. Among the target audience, preferences were diverse, with 58.1% leaning towards personal growth, 45.9% interested in meditation and 43.2% in psychology. Social media, particularly YouTube (52.7%), served as the main source of information for these courses. Criticisms focused mainly on issues such as poor visual and audio quality (20%), inadequate structuring of content (30%) and perceived boredom (23.6%). Addressing these preferences through multilingual translation, niche targeting, diverse course offerings, flexible pricing and membership options can effectively cater to diverse customer segments. The findings emphasise the importance of prioritising audiovisual quality and personalised learning experiences to foster audience loyalty.

ELEVATING INVESTMENT APPEAL: CRAFTING A TARGETED MARKETING STRATEGY FOR THE ECONOMIC MAGNETISM OF UZBEKISTAN, WITH A FOCUS ON THE SYRDARYA REGION

This research aims to devise a tailored marketing strategy to enhance the investment attractiveness of Uzbekistan's economy, with a specific focus on the Syrdarya Region. Recognizing the pivotal role of marketing in shaping perceptions and fostering economic growth, our study delves into the unique attributes and potential of the Syrdarya Region. The investigation combines a comprehensive analysis of the regional economic landscape with insights derived from contemporary marketing methodologies. The paper employs a strategic approach, emphasizing the identification and utilization of the distinctive features that make the Syrdarya Region a promising investment destination. By examining economic indicators, infrastructural development, and the local business environment, we aim to unearth key selling points that can be effectively communicated to potential investors. The proposed marketing strategy aligns with global trends, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. Additionally, the research explores the integration of digital platforms and emerging technologies in promoting the investment potential of the Syrdarya Region. Leveraging the power of data analytics and online channels, the strategy seeks to reach a diverse audience of global investors. Furthermore, the study considers the role of cultural and historical narratives in shaping the region's identity and attractiveness. In conclusion, this research not only contributes to the literature on economic marketing but also provides practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to boost the investment profile of Uzbekistan, particularly in the dynamic context of the Syrdarya Region. The proposed marketing strategy serves as a blueprint for fostering sustainable economic development and attracting diverse investments to the region.

Beyond the Box: Packaging and Branding as Tools for Differentiation in a Competitive Retail Market

The study's goal was to investigate how customers perceive various design components of milk tea packaging and to provide crucial data for businesses about consumer appeal and the significance of design features from the customer's viewpoint. This study aims to contribute to the body of knowledge already available in the packaging and marketing fields by shedding more light on the psychology of color and its effects on packaging and marketing. It expounds upon several facets of packaging and encapsulates the conclusions of the latest studies carried out thus far, which have examined packaging from various angles. There is an importance in studying and delving into the deep essence of branding and packaging so that consumers notice businesses' packages first and represent the brand. Ensuring that the packaging aligns with the company's brand and beliefs is crucial. The brand's packaging should communicate its goals, core values, and distinctive selling points. The researcher employed the following methods to gather information: (1) analysis, (2) interviews/personal interviews, and (3) validated tool/guide. Qualitative information was gathered from 20 tool replies. The study's findings demonstrated the significance of packaging design in customer purchasing habits. Through the analysis of customer perception, it was discovered that packaging design components including color, graphics, and product details are important since they are part of decision-making and guarantee the customer's focus. Based on the results, it was determined that an effective milk tea package design could be produced through collaboration between the client and the business. Additional studies might examine the design features of various product packaging.

Super-localization of spatial network models

Spatial network models are used as a simplified discrete representation in a wide range of applications, e.g., flow in blood vessels, elasticity of fiber based materials, and pore network models of porous materials. Nevertheless, the resulting linear systems are typically large and poorly conditioned and their numerical solution is challenging. This paper proposes a numerical homogenization technique for spatial network models which is based on the super-localized orthogonal decomposition (SLOD), recently introduced for elliptic multiscale partial differential equations. It provides accurate coarse solution spaces with approximation properties independent of the smoothness of the material data. A unique selling point of the SLOD is that it constructs an almost local basis of these coarse spaces, requiring less computations on the fine scale and achieving improved sparsity on the coarse scale compared to other state-of-the-art methods. We provide an a posteriori analysis of the proposed method and numerically confirm the method’s unique localization properties. In addition, we show its applicability also for high-contrast channeled material data.

Marketing Strategies through Product Awareness, Service Quality and Product Quality Assurance on Consumer Purchasing Decisions

In the dynamic pharmaceutical industry, companies are undergoing significant transformations in their interactions with consumers. The health industry involves various stakeholders, and pharmaceutical products, such as medications, are predicted to continually increase in demand with the growth of the middle class in Indonesia. Pharmaceutical manufacturers compete through distribution channels such as pharmacies and large pharmaceutical retailers to meet the demands of the government, patients, and entrepreneurs. With the rising number of patients, PT. Satoria Aneka Industri needs to develop a marketing strategy to remain competitive by enhancing the quality of products, services, and quality assurance. Positioned as the second-largest market share holder, PT. Satoria Aneka Industri aims to become the leader in the Indonesian market with a marketing strategy focused on the Unique Selling Point (USP), improving service quality, and ensuring product quality. Product awareness, service quality, and product quality assurance are considered determining factors in consumer purchasing decisions, with marketing strategy analysis focused on the company's infusion products.

Influence of Marketing Capability on the Performance of Pharmaceutical Companies in Kenya

Purpose: The main objective of the study is to assess the effects of marketing capability on the performance of pharmaceutical companies in Kenya.
 Methodology: The population comprised the 415 pharmaceutical companies that are operating within the country. The study used stratified random sampling with sample size of 103 respondents. The study targeted both manufacturers and distributors. Primary and secondary data was collected using a questionnaire covering the five variables and background information. The data was entered in SPSS version 23.0 for further analysis, descriptive statistics was computed such that the study used mean, frequencies, percentages and inferential statistics to test the relationship between the study variables.
 Findings: The correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive and significant association between marketing capability and firm performance (r = 0.608, p = 0.000). Regression of coefficients results revealed that marketing capability and firm performance are positively and significantly related (β =0.758, p=0.000). This implies that a unit increase in marketing capability would lead to increase in firm performance by 0.758. This implies that marketing capability significantly and positively influences performance of pharmaceutical companies in Kenya. Through marketing strategies, a firm is able to arouse interest of a customer to their products. It is concluded that the pharmaceuticals in Kenya have employed various marketing strategies that necessitate extension of pharmaceutical market hence improving performance.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended the pharmaceutical company’s management should embrace modern techniques of marketing to ensure they promote the sale of their products. The firms should prioritize customers’ feedback to adequately fulfil their orders. Pharmaceutical companies should also embrace uniqueness in branding and quality to form a unique selling point for the company to arouse interest of the customer in the market.

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