THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON PERCEPTIONS TOWARD THE REGULATION OF CONTROVERSIAL ADVERTISING

Zehua Wang,Sameer Deshpande,David S. Waller,B. Zafer Erdogan 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2014 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2014 No.7

In the past, particular advertisements have offended people for being controversial products or executions, and, globally, religion plays a significant role in influencing attitudes toward controversial advertising. In light of advertising controversy and the impact of social values on government regulations, this study explores how religion (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism/Taoism, Hinduism, and non-believers) influences consumers’ perceptions of government regulations on controversial advertising. Controversial advertising is defined as “advertising that, by the type of product or execution, can elicit reactions of embarrassment, distaste, disgust, offence, or outrage from a segment of the population when presented” (Waller, 2006, p. 7). Typical controversial products include gender/sex related products, addictive products, social/political groups and health and care products (Fam, Waller, & Erdogan, 2004). Controversial executions usually refer to antisocial behaviour, indecency, fear, racism, and sexuality (Wilson & West, 1981). Several examples in recent decades show that marketing communications which involve controversial products or executions can cause a large-scale boycott of a brand. Studies have found that religion becomes a crucial indicator in influencing consumers’ perceptions of marketing activities and shopping behaviours (Al-Hyari et al., 2012). When the advertised content violates the religious beliefs of the audiences, brand damage can follow. While controversial advertising offends consumers, its insufficient regulation hurts too (Christy, 2006); thus leading to calls for more attention from government regulatory bodies (Boddewyn, 1991). According to previous studies, “many general spiritual principles and actual rituals in religion are related to ethical positions” (p. 533). Consumers’ religious beliefs could affect how they expect regulatory bodies to behave as social agents (Cornwell et al., 2005). Therefore, this study extends the literature by examining how consumers affiliated with different religions evaluate the current government regulation of the advertising of controversial products and executions, and whether they perceive that the regulations have effectively restricted the advertising offense based on their religious beliefs. Based on research data collected from 1,402 university students in 11 countries from across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia (namely, (Canada, Italy, Australia, Germany, England, China, India, Turkey, Mexico, Korea, and Malaysia), the findings confirm the existing literature that different religions are identified as having different levels of tolerance toward the advertising of controversial goods and executions (Fam, Waller, & Erdogan, 2004; Morphitou & Gibbs, 2000). Also, the restrictions required by some religious groups are inadequately addressed by regulatory bodies. See Tables 1 and 2. Islamic followers are more easily offended by controversial advertising. At the same time, they perceive relatively weak government regulations on controversial advertising. This is particularly true for the advertising of addictive products, personal themes, and risky/avoidable executions. Although in some Muslim countries (e.g., Malaysia) where numerous government regulations are already instituted to protect the Islamic values and their cultural identity (Waller & Fam, 2000), the force of the regulations is still perceived as weak, thus demanding more restrictions. Buddhists/Taoists and non-believers who are moderately offended by the controversial advertisements, more frequently indicate that the government restrictions on advertising are stronger than those indicated by Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. Perceptions of Buddhists are likely influenced by their philosophical teachings, which includes teachings of “Wisdom (right view, right intention), Ethical conduct (right speech, right action, right livelihood), and Concentration (right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration)” (“Buddhism,” 2013). Although Non-believers do not officially commit to a religion, the 73.37% of non-believers in this study reside in China and South Korea, both societies that practice Confucian cultures (Gao & Kim, 2009). Confucianism is concerned with “morality, propriety, modesty, social harmony and human relationships” (Ching, 1997; Wilhelm, 1931 in Gao & Kim, 2009). As such, Buddhists/Taoists and non-believers perceive that the regulations strongly protect their cultural values and the harmony of the society from inappropriate commercials, but are less restrictive of freedom of choice, free speech and marketers’ creativity. Hindus are found to be less offended by the advertisements of the majority of controversial product and execution groups; at the same time they believe that the advertisements are less regulated compared to other religions. However, their negative attitudes toward the advertising of addictive products call for special attention of marketers and regulatory bodies. Compared to the other four religious groups, Hindus indicate that the regulations are weakly planned in restricting the advertising of addictive products and the advertising offense still occurs. This finding confirms Hindus’ desire to prohibit such advertising in media in order to protect health and well-being of their young population (Shastri, 2012) and control overall crime in the Hindu society (Schneider, 2013). Christians perceive the regulatory restrictiveness as being significantly lower than Buddhists/Taoists and non-believers, but not different from Muslims and Hindus. Christians indicate an overall lower extent of offensiveness on all eight groups of products and executions than the other four religions, and they also report the regulations to be acceptable. These findings validate Morphitou and Gibbs’s (2008) argument that Christians have more tolerance toward self-interest and acceptance of the diversity in marketing communications. Christians’ opinions on the restrictive effects of the regulations on hindering free speech, freedom of choice, and creativity of marketing communications are salient. This finding would remind the regulatory bodies to be cautious about not being overly restrictive in Christian-dominated countries when planning regulations. The study findings have practical value for advertisers and policy makers. The advertising practitioners need to be aware of elements in their advertising that conflict with consumers’ religious beliefs, especially when operating in international markets, and prevent advertising offense. Direct marketing strategy is strongly recommended when promoting controversial products in a highly sensitive mass media environment, especially for marketing in pluralistic societies which have multiple religions. Advertisers need to exercise special caution when promoting gender/sex-related products and social/political groups in Muslim-dominated markets (Michell & Al-Mossawi, 1999; Fam, Waller, & Erdogan, 2004; De Run et al., 2010). Advertising of those two product groups to non-believers who conform to the ethical codes of Confucianism can also be offensive (Gao & Kim, 2009). Marketers should be aware that the advertising of alcohol and cigarettes is highly offensive to Hindus and Muslims. Their promotion in mass media may evoke negative responses. Additionally, using controversial executions in advertising should be avoided, especially when targeting Muslims and Confucian consumers. These findings may also help advertising regulation planners (self-regulating advertising bodies and policy makers) to gain understanding about how different religions view the current regulations of controversial advertising. When targeting Buddhists/Taoists and non-believers, advertising regulators should consider keeping the current level of restrictions of controversial advertising. We recommend similar approach when targeting Hindus except for imposing more regulations in relation to advertising of addictive products. In Islamic societies, more restrictions or more awareness of what are the current restrictions may be necessary, in order to comply with Muslims’ sensitivities, while an easing of the restrictions on the advertising in Christian-dominated markets would be desired.

Cost optimization of high strength concretes by soft computing techniques

Erdogan Ozbay,Ahmet Oztas,Adil Baykasoglu 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2010 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.7 No.3

In this study 72 different high strength concrete (HSC) mixes were produced according to the Taguchi design of experiment method. The specimens were divided into four groups based on the range of their compressive strengths 40-60, 60-80, 80-100 and 100-125 MPa. Each group included 18 different concrete mixes. The slump and air-content values of each mix were measured at the production time. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and water absorption properties were obtained at 28 days. Using this data the Genetic Programming technique was used to construct models to predict mechanical properties of HSC based on its constituients. These models, together with the cost data, were then used with a Genetic Algorithm to obtain an HSC mix that has minimum cost and at the same time meets all the strength and workability requirements. The paper describes details of the experimental results, model development, and optimization results.

Application of artificial neural networks to a double receding contact problem with a rigid stamp

Erdogan Cakiroglu,Isa Comez,Ragip Erdol 국제구조공학회 2005 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.21 No.2

Denosumab - a Monoclonal Antibody, not a Radionuclide

Erdogan, Bulent,Cicin, Irfan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.5

THEOREMS ON APOSTOL-EULER POLYNOMIALS OF HIGHER ORDER ARISING FROM EULER BASIS

Erdogan Sen 장전수학회 2013 Advanced Studies in Contemporary Mathematics Vol.23 No.2

Recently, Kim et al have introduced an useful method to get interesting identities related to Bernoulli and Euler polynomials arising from Euler polynomials of higher order (see [16]). Araci et al [7] also obtained many interesting equalities related to Genocchi polynomials of higher order arising from Genocchi basis. In this paper, we consider Apostol-Euler polyno-mials of higher order arising from Euler basis by using the method of Kim et al. We also try to derive a numerous of interesting properties related to special functions.

The Effects of Difumarate Salt S-15176 after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats

Erdogan, Hakan,Tuncdemir, Matem,Kelten, Bilal,Akdemir, Osman,Karaoglan, Alper,Tasdemiroglu, Erol The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2015 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.57 No.6

Objective : In the present study we analyzed neuroprotective and antiapoptotic effect of the difumarate salt S-15176, as an anti-ischemic, an antioxidant and a stabilizer of mitochondrial membrane in secondary damage following spinal cord injury (SCI) in a rat model. Methods : Three groups were performed with 30 Wistar rats; control (1), trauma (2), and a trauma+S-15176 (10 mg/kg i.p., dimethyl sulfoxide) treatment (3). SCI was performed at the thoracic level using the weight-drop technique. Spinal cord tissues were collected following intracardiac perfusion in 3rd and 7th days of posttrauma. Hematoxylin and eosin staining for histopatology, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay for apoptotic cells and immunohistochemistry for proapoptotic cytochrome-c, Bax and caspase 9 were performed to all groups. Functional recovery test were applied to each group in 3rd and 7th days following SCI. Results : In trauma group, edematous regions, diffuse hemorrhage, necrosis, leukocyte infiltration and severe degeneration in motor neurons were observed prominently in gray matter. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher (p<0.05) than control group. In the S-15176-treated groups, apoptotic cell number in 3rd and 7th days (p<0.001), also cytochrome-c (p<0.001), Bax (p<0.001) and caspase 9 immunoreactive cells (p<0.001) were significantly decreased in number compared to trauma groups. Hemorrhage and edema in the focal areas were also noticed in gray matter of treatment groups. Results of the locomotor test were significantly increased in treatment group (p<0.05) when compared to trauma groups. Conclusion : We suggest that difumarate salt S-15176 prevents mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis and protects spinal cord from secondary injury and helps to preserve motor function following SCI in rats.

Comparison of the Effects of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod and Tradiotinal Growing Rod Techniques on the Sagittal Plane in the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis

Erdogan, Sinan,Polat, Baris,Atici, Yunus,Ozyalvac, Osman Nuri,Ozturk, Cagatay The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2019 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.62 No.5

Objective : Comparing the effects of magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) and traditional growing rod (TGR) techniques on the sagittal plane in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Methods : Twelve patients were operated using dual MCGR technique in one center, while 15 patients were operated using dual TGR technique for EOS in another center. Patients' demographic characteristics, complications and radiological measurements such as cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, T1-S1 range (mm), proximal junctional angle, distal junctional angle, sagittal balance, coronal balance, pelvic incidence, sacral slope and pelvic tilt were assessed and compared in preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up period. Results : Age and sex distributions were similar in both groups. The mean number of lengthening in the MCGR group was 12 (8-15) and 4.8 (3-7) in the TGR group. Two techniques were shown to be effective in controlling the curvature and in the increase of T1-S1 distance. In TGR group, four patients had rod fractures, six patients had screw pull-out and four patients had an infection, whereas three patients had screw pull-out and one patient had infection complications in the MCGR group. Conclusion : There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of cobb angle, coronal and sagittal balance and sagittal pelvic parameters. MCGR can cause hypokyphosis and proximal junctional kyphosis in a minimum 2-year follow-up period. The implant-related complications were less in the MCGR group. However, larger case groups and longer follow-up periods are required for the better understanding of the superiority of one method on other in terms of complications.

Advances in Animal Cloning in the Era of Functional Genomics and Beyond

Erdogan Memili,DVM 한국동물생명공학회(구 한국동물번식학회) 2007 발생공학 국제심포지엄 및 학술대회 Vol.2007 No.1

Morphometric Evaluation of Bony Nasolacrimal Canal in a Caucasian Population with Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Multidetector Computed Tomography Study

Erdogan Bulbul,Alper Yazici,Bahar Yanik,Hasmet Yazici,Gulen Demirpolat 대한영상의학회 2016 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.17 No.2

Objective: The bony nasolacrimal duct (BNLD) morphology as a contributory factor in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is still controversial. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the morphometric differences of BNLDs in unilateral PANDO patients between PANDO and non-PANDO sides, as compared with the control group using multidetector computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Bilateral BNLDs in 39 unilateral PANDO patients and 36 control subjects were retrospectively reviewed. CT images with 0.5-mm thickness were obtained with a 64-slice scanner. The length, volume, coronal orientation type, sagittal orientation angle of BNLD, and relative lacrimal sac-BNLD angle were assessed. The entrance, minimum and distal end transverse diameters (TD) of BNLD was investigated. Results: The mean minimum and distal end BNLD TDs measurements were significantly narrower in PANDO patients, both in PANDO and non-PANDO sides, as compared with the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.040, respectively); however, there were no significant differences between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients. The length, entrance TD, volume, coronal orientation type, sagittal orientation angle of BNLD, and relative lacrimal sac-BNLD angle were not significantly different between PANDO patients and control subjects, as well as between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients. Conclusion: The narrow mean minimum and distal end BNLD TD in PANDO patients, in both PANDO and non-PANDO sides, may be associated with PANDO development. The lack of difference between PANDO and non-PANDO sides within PANDO patients and some overlap between PANDO patients and control subjects suggest that narrow BNLD is not the sole factor.

Medical Treatment of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis: From Bisphosphonates to Targeted Drugs

Erdogan, Bulent,Cicin, Irfan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.4

Breast cancer bone metastasis causing severe morbidity is commonly encountered in daily clinical practice. It causes pain, pathologic fractures, spinal cord and other nerve compression syndromes and life threatening hypercalcemia. Breast cancer metastasizes to bone through complicated steps in which numerous molecules play roles. Metastatic cells disrupt normal bone turnover and create a vicious cycle to which treatment efforts should be directed. Bisphosphonates have been used safely for more than two decades. As a group they delay time to first skeletal related event and reduce pain, but do not prevent development of bone metastasis in patients with no bone metastasis, and also do not prolong survival. The receptor activator for nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ligand inhibitor denosumab delays time to first skeletal related event and reduces the skeletal morbidity rate. Radionuclides are another treatment option for bone pain. New targeted therapies and radionuclides are still under investigation. In this review we will focus on mechanisms of bone metastasis and its medical treatment in breast cancer patients.