ME, MYSELF, AND I: THE IMPACT OF SELF-CONSTRUAL AND IMAGECONGRUENCE ON CONSUMER PURCHASE INTENTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE GOODS

René Versteegh,James E Richard,Michelle Renton 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2018 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2018 No.07

Introduction With environmental concern becoming a growing area for both the marketing academy and society, there is an increasing trend for consumers, governments, and society to deem environmental behaviours as both necessary, and desirable (Olsen, Slotegraaf, & Chandukala, 2014). There is a growing awareness around the negative impacts of human consumption developing amongst consumers and gaining greater focus in the media (Prothero, McDonagh, & Dobscha, 2010). However, despite the positive intentions surrounding the consumption of “green goods”, hitherto referred to as sustainable goods, a well-established gap exists between intention and behaviour (e.g., Carrington, Neville, & Whitwell, 2010; Hassan, Shiu, & Shaw, 2016). For example the United Nations Environment Program (2005) established that despite 40% of survey respondents indicating a willingness to purchase sustainable goods, only 4% did so. One lens through which the intention-behaviour gap can be viewed is the idea of the self. Individual identity has long been suggested as a driver of purchasing decisions (Grubb & Grathwohl, 1967). A consumer‟s aim to act both in accordance with their own identity, as well as how they see themselves in the context of society has been suggested to enhance purchasing (e.g., Graeff, 1996; Markus & Kitayama, 1991; Onkvisit & Shaw, 1987). This research seeks to use this idea of self, in the form of Self-Construal (SC), and Image- Congruence (IC), to enhance Purchase Intention (PI) towards sustainable goods. A contribution is sought by using consumers‟ sense of self to better understand the intention-behaviour gap. The proposed contribution benefits the marketing academy (furthering the understanding of consumer purchase intentions and behaviour), marketing practitioners (seeking to encourage behaviour change), and government policy makers (by furthering an understanding of possible nudges to influence behaviour). This research defines „sustainable goods‟, as characterising products with lower environmental impacts, including biodegradable, recycled, low energy, or reduced packaging (Costa Pinto, Herter, Rossi, & Borges, 2014). Sustainable goods have been suggested to present a perceived trade off to consumers, both in literature and the popular press (e.g., Consumer, n.d.-a, n.d.-b; Kaufman, 2014). Kaufman (2014) suggests that sustainable alternatives often carry a price premium, as well as a stigma of lower quality. An example of the trade off as presented in the popular press is through product testing by Consumer New Zealand, suggesting that household items such as eco-friendly (sustainable) laundry detergent come with a price premium, a reduction in efficacy, or both (Consumer, n.d.-a, n.d.-b). Therefore, this research hypothesises that sustainable goods may be perceived as an inferior (either by price or efficacy) product and thus consumers will perceive a trade off in their purchasing decision. This trade off can be summarised as; higher priced or less effective goods, in order to make an environmental contribution (e.g., reduced landfill, cleaner water). As such, it is argued consumers will be more willing to make this trade off where they are able to portray aspects of the self through the decision making process. Conceptual Model The aim of this study is: To investigate the impact of self-construal, and imagecongruence on consumers‟ purchase intention towards sustainable goods. In order to achieve the aim of this research, the following hypotheses are presented: H1a: The more interdependent an individual‟s self-construal, the higher their purchase intention towards sustainable goods. H1b: The more independent an individual‟s self-construal, the lower their purchase intention towards sustainable goods. H2: The greater the image-congruence towards sustainable goods, the higher the purchase intention towards sustainable goods. To illustrate the hypotheses the following conceptual model has been proposed: Studies of self-construal (SC) have demonstrated that individuals fall into two categories, independent and interdependent SC (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Individuals with independent SC emphasise being unique and expressing their self and promoting their individual goals (Arnocky, Stroink, & DeCicco, 2007); conversely those with interdependent SC define their sense of self largely on relationships and a sense of harmony with others (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Therefore, interdependent selfconstrual may drive purchasing activity of socially desirable goods. The alignment of products to a consumer‟s self-concept has long been considered a predictor of purchasing behaviour (Grubb & Grathwohl, 1967). The alignment between a product and the self-concept of a consumer is known as image-congruence and leads to an increased likelihood of purchase (Graeff, 1996; Onkvisit & Shaw, 1987). Conversely, where a product is not congruent with an individual‟s image the likelihood of purchase is reduced (Graeff, 1996; Onkvisit & Shaw, 1987). Purchase intention (PI) as used in this research is defined as a consumers‟ plan to purchase sustainable goods, meeting the criteria outlined previously, in the near future. The Brand Loyalty Intentions scale has been adapted for use in measuring PI (Algesheimer, Dholakia, & Herrmann, 2005), with the addition of a time definite item, „I will purchase sustainable products within the next six months”. SC is expected to impact PI as interdependent and independent people behave differently. Those with an interdependent SC behave in line with the expectations of society (Ybarra & Trafimow, 1998). Protection of the environment is seen as desirable behaviour by society (Olsen et al., 2014), thus leading to those with an interdependent SC consuming in line with this expectation. Conversely, individuals with independent SC are more likely to prioritise their individual benefits and are thus more likely to prioritise the lower price, or increased efficacy of non-sustainable products. IC is expected to impact PI as those whose self-concept is connected to the environment and sustainable goods, are expected to have an intent to purchase in line with their selfimage (Graeff, 1996; Onkvisit & Shaw, 1987). As such, individuals with image congruence to sustainable goods will be more willing to accept a trade off in order to consume in line with their own self-concept. Method Two phases of data collection were conducted to test the proposed model. An initial pretest, followed by a larger sample. A pre-test consisting of 258 participants was recruited through a Qualtrics research panel. Of the 258 participants, 15 were denied entry to the survey for being under 18 and 39 participants were deleted for non-completion of the survey. A final sample size of 204 participants (103 Male, 101 Female, mean age range 30-34) was collected. Reliability analysis was used to determine the internal reliability of the scales used to measure the model. Reliability analysis was performed to ensure the adequacy and reliability of scales; a regression analysis was further performed to determine model fit as well as the strength and direction of variable relationships (Field, 2013). The second phase of data collection consisted of 554 participants, recruited through a Qualtrics research panel. Of the 554 participants, 24 were denied entry to the survey for being under 18 and 98 participants were deleted for non-completion of the survey. A final sample size of 432 participants (226 Male, 206 Female, mean age range 35-39) was collected. Reliability analysis was again performed to ensure the adequacy and reliability of scales; further regression analysis was performed to determine model fit as well as the strength and direction of variable relationships (Field, 2013), discussion and conclusions were drawn from this second phase of data collection. Results Phase 1: Pre-Test The three variables in the model were measured using three established scales, one of these scales consists of two sub-scales, for a total of four analysed scales. All reported acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α > .70). Self-construal – interdependent (α = .854), self-construal – independent (α = .837), image-congruence (α = .913), and purchase intention (α = .899) A regression analysis was used to determine the strength and direction of the variable relationships. The overall model fit was R2 = .434. H1a was supported (β = .284, p = .004), as was H2 (β = .449, p < .001). H1b demonstrated a significant relationship (β = .231, p = .025), however, contrary to H1b, the relationship was positive, albeit to a lesser extent than in H1a. Phase 2: Final Data Collection As in phase 1, all scales used reported acceptable reliability (Cronbach's α > .70); selfconstrual – interdependent (α = .871), self-construal – independent (α = .867), imagecongruence (α = .920), and purchase intention (α = .900). As in the pre-test a regression analysis was used to test the stated hypotheses. The overall model fit was R2 = .478. H1a was supported (β = .284, p < .001), as was H2 (β = .546, p < .001). H1b demonstrated a significant relationship (β = .206, p = .05), again however, contrary to H1b, the relationship was positive, albeit to a lesser extent than in H1a. Discussion and Conclusion Two phases of data collection both yielded similar results in support of H1a, H1b and H2. H1a and H2 were supported, H1b in both phases of data collection and analysis yielded significant results, but not in line with the predicted direction of the relationship. H2 was fully supported with image-congruence found to be the strongest predictor of purchase intention (p < .001, β = .546). H1a was similarly fully supported with self-construal – interdependent found to be the second strongest predictor of purchase intention (β = .284, p < .001). The strength and direction of the H1a relationship suggests that individuals who see themselves as part of a broader society may be more inclined to purchase in a manner beneficial to this society. H1b yielded a significant relationship (β = .206, p = .05), however, as a positive predictor of purchase intention, the relationship was the opposite of that hypothesised. As the third strongest predictor, the relationship between self-construal – independent and purchase intention, suggests that strong focus on the self, independently of others, does not necessarily lead to a less „pro-social‟ purchasing pattern. By positing the strength of image-congruence as a driving factor in consumer‟s purchasing decisions towards green products, this research enhances the academy‟s understanding of „pro-social‟ purchasing. The understanding of the impact of selfconstrual on „pro-social behaviour is also enhanced. Hypotheses derived in line with extant literature suggest that those with an independent self-construal would be less likely to purchase „pro-social‟ goods where there is a perceived detriment to the individual (e.g. in the case of a trade-off). However, this research suggests that those with an independent self-construal may still desire „pro-social‟ products, just to a lesser degree than those with an interdependent self-construal. Thus, findings from this research suggest that independence and interdependence may act as moderators or mediators to other variables. For practitioners it is important to understand the types of psychological appeals that can be made in marketing materials. Future Research Future research around image-congruence, self-construal and purchase intention should examine the relationship between these and the possibility of mediation or moderation in the model. Despite strong support in the literature an independent SC also acted as a strong predictor of sustainable goods purchase intention therefore, further analysis to explore the possibility of independent self-construal acting as a mediator or moderator should be conducted.

Role of agmatine in the application of neural progenitor cell in central nervous system diseases: therapeutic potentials and effects

René,e Kosonen,Sumit Barua,Jong Youl Kim,Jong Eun Lee 대한해부학회 2021 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.54 No.2

Agmatine, the primary decarboxylation product of L-arginine, generated from arginine decarboxylase. Since the discovery of agmatine in the mammalian brain in the 1990s, an increasing number of agmatine-mediated effects have been discovered, demonstrating the benefits of agmatine on ischemic strokes, traumatic brain injury and numerous psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Agmatine also has cellular protective effects and contributes to cell proliferation and differentiation in the central nervous system (CNS). Neural progenitor cells are an important component in the recovery and repair of many neurological disorders due to their ability to differentiate into functional adult neurons. Recent data has revealed that agmatine can regulate and increase proliferation and the fate of progenitor cells in the adult hippocampus. This review aims to summarise and discuss the role of agmatine in the CNS; specifically, the effects and relationship between agmatine and neural progenitor cells and how these ideas can be applied to potential therapeutic application.

A community-based aquatic exercise program to improve endurance and mobility in adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability

Renée M. Hakim,Michael D. Ross,Wendy Runco3,Michael T. Kane 한국운동재활학회 2017 JER Vol.13 No.1

A Modified Echocardiographic Classification of Mitral Valve Regurgitation Mechanism: The Role of Three-dimensional Echocardiography

Lotte E. de Groot-de Laat,Jackie McGhie,Ben Ren,René Frowijn,Frans B. Oei,Marcel L. Geleijnse 한국심초음파학회 2019 Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging (J Cardiovasc Im Vol.27 No.3

In this report, we provide an overview of a new, updated echocardiographic classification of mitral regurgitation mechanisms to provide a more comprehensive and detailed assessment of mitral valve disorders. This is relevant to modern mitral valve repair techniques, with special attention to the added value of 3D-echocardiography.

Band Offsets in YSZ/InGaZnO₄ Heterostructure System

Kim, J.K.,Kim, K.-W.,Douglas, E.A.,Gila, B.P.,Craciun, V.,Lambers, E.S.,Norton, D.P.,Ren, F.,Pearton, S.J.,Cho, H. American Scientific Publishers 2014 Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology Vol.14 No.5

The energy discontinuity in the valence band (Delta E-V) of Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ)/InGaZnO4 (IGZO) heterostructures was obtained from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The YSZ exhibited a bandgap of 4.4 eV from absorption measurements. A value of Delta E-V = 0.57 +/- 0.12 eV was obtained by using Ga 2p(3/2), Zn 2p(3/2) and In 3d(5/2) energy levels as references. This implies a conduction band offset (Delta E-C) of 0.63 eV in YSZ/InGaZnO4 heterostructures and a nested interface band alignment.

Right-sided acute diverticulitis in the West: experience at a university hospital in Argentina

Huatuco René M. Palacios,Pachajoa Diana A. Pantoja,Liaño Julian E.,Molina Héctor A. Picón,Palencia Rafael,Doniquian Alejandro M.,Parodi Matías 대한대장항문학회 2023 Annals of Coloproctolgy Vol.39 No.2

Purpose: In the West, diverticular disease is located mainly in the left colon. However, it can also present in the right colon, with an incidence of 1%–2% in Caucasians. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience in right-sided acute diverticulitis (RD). Methods: In this retrospective study, 410 patients with acute diverticulitis treated from 2013 to 2020 were included in a university hospital in Córdoba, Argentina. Colonic diverticulitis was stratified into 2 groups; RD and left-sided acute diverticulitis. Demographic and clinical variables, laboratory and imaging findings, type of treatment, follow-up, and recurrence were analyzed. Results: Sixteen patients (3.9%) with RD were identified; 62.5% were male and the mean age was 40.7±11.7 years. A total of 81.3% were Caucasian and 18.7% Native American. Significant differences were found between both groups of diverticulitis; patients with RD were younger (P=0.001), with lower BMI (P=0.01), comorbidity rate (P=0.01), Charlson comorbidity index (P=0.02), hospital stay (P=0.01), severity according to the Hinchey classification (P=0.001) and had a lower recurrence rate (P=0.001). There were no significant differences in sex (P=0.95), duration of pain until admission (P=0.05), laboratory findings (P=0.23) and treatment (P=0.34). Conclusion: Conservative treatment predominated in RD, with a lower rate of complications and recurrences, providing data that support conservative therapy as initial treatment in RD in our environment.

Perinatal Immunization With Vaccine-Grade Listeria monocytogenes Provides Protection Against Murine Th2 Airway Inflammation

Sheka Yagub Aloyouni,Charis-Patricia Segeritz,Ashley M. Sherrid,Matthew J. Gold,Daniela I. M. Loeffler,Marie-Renée Blanchet,Bing Cai,Jeremy Hirota,Kelly M. McNagny,Tobias R. Kollmann 대한천식알레르기학회 2014 Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Vol.6 No.4

Purpose: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Its global prevalence has attained epidemiclevels and treatment options that reach beyond temporary relief of symptoms are urgently needed. Since the processes leading to clinicallysymptomatic asthma start early in life, we set out to systematically evaluate a neonatal immunotherapeutic based on Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)for the control of allergic sensitization. Methods: We modified Lm to express the model allergen, ovalbumin (OVA), and tested the ability of neonatalimmunization with this strain to control allergic sensitization in a mouse model of OVA-induced asthma. Mice were immunized as newborns withlive or heat killed LmOVA or live Lm, followed 6 weeks later by allergic sensitization with OVA. In order to determine whether the TH1-polarizing effectof this vaccine vector inadvertently may exacerbate development of certain TH1-driven allergic diseases, mice immunized as newborns were assessedin a model of adult hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Results: Both LmOVA and Lm-control vaccines were highly effective in providinglong-lasting protection from airway inflammation after only one immunization given perinatally. Serum antibody levels and lung cytokine productionsuggest that this prophylactic strategy is associated with an allergen specific TH1-dominated response. Specifically, LmOVA vaccinated mice displayedsignificantly elevated OVA-specific serum IgG2a, but no difference in anti-OVA IgE antibodies and only slightly decreased anti-OVA IgG1 antibodies. Importantly, Lm-based neonatal vaccination did not exacerbate Th1/Th17 driven HP, arguing against broad spectrum immune skewing. Conclusions:Our findings highlight the promise of early life Lm-based immunomodulatory interventions as a prophylactic strategy for allergic asthma.

A thiosemicarbazone derivative induces triple negative breast cancer cell apoptosis: possible role of miRNA‑125a‑5p and miRNA‑181a‑5p

Rania El Majzoub,Mohammad Fayyad‑kazan,Assaad Nasr El Dine,Rawan Makki,Eva Hamade,René Grée,Ali Hachem,Rabih Talhouk,Hussein Fayyad‑Kazan,Bassam Badran 한국유전학회 2019 Genes & Genomics Vol.41 No.12

Background Breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women, accounts for the highest cancer-related deaths worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), lacking the expression of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors, has an aggressive clinical phenotype and is susceptible to chemotherapy but not to hormonal or targeted immunotherapy. In an attempt to identify potent and selective anti-TNBC agents, a set of thiosemicarbazone derivatives were screened for their cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell line. Methods MTT assay was used to examine cell viability. P53 phosphorylation status, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage as well as Bcl2 and Bax protein levels were assessed by Western blot. Quantitative Real Time-PCR was carried out to characterize miRNAs expression levels. Results Combining Cisplatin + thiosemicarbazone compound 4 showed potent anti-TNBC potential. Cisplatin + compound 4 significantly enhanced p53 phosphorylation, induced Bax amount, reduced Bcl2 protein levels, enhanced PARP cleavage and modulated miRNAs expression profile in TNBCs, with a particular overexpression of miR-125a-5p and miR-181a-5p. Intriguingly, miR-125a-5p and miR-181a-5p could significantly downregulate BCL2 expression by binding to their target sites in the 3′UTR. Conclusions Collectively, our results demonstrate an anti-TNBC activity of Cisplatin + thiosemicarbazone compound 4 combination mediated via induction of apoptosis.

The Water-Soluble Chitosan Derivative, N-Methylene Phosphonic Chitosan, Is an Effective Fungicide against the Phytopathogen Fusarium eumartii

Florencia Anabel Mesas,Marí,a Cecilia Terrile,Marí,a Ximena Silveyra,Adriana Zuñ,iga,Marí,a Susana Rodriguez,Claudia Anahí,Casalongué,Julieta René,e Mendieta 한국식물병리학회 2021 Plant Pathology Journal Vol.37 No.6

Chitosan has been considered an environmental-friend- ly polymer. However, its use in agriculture has not been extended yet due to its relatively low solubility in water. N-Methylene phosphonic chitosan (NMPC) is a water- soluble derivative prepared by adding a phosphonic group to chitosan. This study demonstrates that NMPC has a fungicidal effect on the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii (F. eumartii) judged by the inhibition of F. eumartti mycelial growth and spore germination. NMPC affected fungal membrane per- meability, reactive oxygen species production, and cell death. Also, this chitosan-derivative exerted antifungal effects against two other phytopathogens, Botrytis cine- rea, and Phytophthora infestans. NMPC did not affect tomato cell viability at the same doses applied to these phytopathogens to exert fungicide action. In addition to water solubility, the selective biological cytotoxicity of NMPC adds value in its application as an antimicrobial agent in agriculture.

Dow AgroSciences approaches to insect resistance management: Experience and Strategies

Jeehwan Yi,Catherine Ren,Luis E. Gomez,James Dripps 한국응용곤충학회 2015 한국응용곤충학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2015 No.04

Dow AgroSciences has a long history of proactive insecticide resistance management efforts. In our experience, the key to managing resistance is to reduce selection pressure on any one mode-of-action by convincing farmers to rotate among effective insecticide products with different modes of action and to use only the number of insecticide applications required for effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM). To accomplish this, farmers may need to use non-chemical control methods and to rotate to insecticide products that are effective but may not provide the highest levels of control. Integrating rotation of effective insecticides with other IPM techniques can provide high quality and quantity of the harvested crop. We will share our experience managing spinosyn resistance with a series of best management practices for western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) and our resistance management recommendations for ISOCLASTTM (sulfoxaflor), our new insecticide for control of sap-feeding insect pests. Dow AgroSciences is an active member of the IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) and strongly supports the placement of IRAC mode-of-action group numbers on insecticide product labels. This simple approach greatly facilitates effective product rotation. Resistance management is critical to maintaining the effectiveness of the current arsenal of conventional insecticides and transgenic insect-resistant crops for as long as possible. Responsibility for resistance management is shared between manufacturers, formulator-distributors, retailers, influencers (universities, government), and farmers. It is up to all of us to make sure all stakeholders, and especially farmers, fully understand the benefits associated with insecticide resistance management (IRM) programs and the consequences associated with the resistance development in insect pest populations. ™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ('DOW') or an affiliated company of Dow.