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Attentional biases toward threatening faces have repeatedly been studied in the context of social anxiety, with etiological theories suggesting exacerbated biases as a possible cause for the latter. To counteract these postulated effects, research has focused on the concept of attentional bias manipulation (ABM), in which spatial contingencies between succeeding stimuli are traditionally employed in training paradigms designed to deliberately shift automatic attention processes away from threat-related stimuli. The ABM research field has been faced with various methodological challenges, such as inconsistent results, low reliabilities of dependent variables and a high susceptibility to moderating factors. We aimed to combine several recent approaches to address these issues. Drawing upon theories of value-driven attention, we explored reward-based contingencies in a Dot Probe task to improve the training's efficacy, combined with neurophysiological measures for greater reliability compared to reaction times, while evaluating the moderating effect of explicitness in the instruction. In a healthy sample (N = 60) and within a single session, we found a general attentional bias toward angry faces present across all conditions as indicated by the N2pc, which was, however, marked by large intrinsic lateralization effects, with submeasures exhibiting opposing polarities. This prompted us to explore an alternative, intrahemispheric calculation method. The new N2pc variant showed the attentional bias to have disappeared at the end of the training session within the explicit instruction group. Reliabilities of the main dependent variables were varied from excellent to questionable, which, together with the exploratory nature of the analysis, leaves this result as preliminary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attentional biases toward threatening faces have repeatedly been studied in the context of social anxiety, with etiological theories suggesting exacerbated biases as a possible cause for the latter. To counteract these postulated effects, research has focused on the concept of attentional bias manipulation (ABM), in which spatial contingencies between succeeding stimuli are traditionally employed in training paradigms designed to deliberately shift automatic attention processes away from threat-related stimuli. The ABM research field has been faced with various methodological challenges, such as inconsistent results, low reliabilities of dependent variables and a high susceptibility to moderating factors. We aimed to combine several recent approaches to address these issues. Drawing upon theories of value-driven attention, we explored reward-based contingencies in a Dot Probe task to improve the training’s efficacy, combined with neurophysiological measures for greater reliability compared to reaction times, while evaluating the moderating effect of explicitness in the instruction. In a healthy sample (N = 60) and within a single session, we found a general attentional bias toward angry faces present across all conditions as indicated by the N2pc, which was, however, marked by large intrinsic lateralization effects, with submeasures exhibiting opposing polarities. This prompted us to explore an alternative, intrahemispheric calculation method. The new N2pc variant showed the attentional bias to have disappeared at the end of the training session within the explicit instruction group. Reliabilities of the main dependent variables were varied from excellent to questionable, which, together with the exploratory nature of the analysis, leaves this result as preliminary.

This article analyzes the determinants of successful crowdfunding initiatives using a sample of 5,251 projects from the reward-based Spanish platform Verkami. In contrast to most of the literature that has measured success with a dichotomous variable, we approach success with a continuous one, namely the ratio of achievement, which is measured as the obtained resources over the total amount requested by the promoter. We consider a set of potential determinants of success, which are theoretically well-grounded and cover a variety of spheres related to project features. Results suggest that factors related to the signaling theories such as partnership, having previous experience and interaction with backers are positively associated with the achievement ratio, whereas no significant impact is found for the number of rewards. In addition, we find uneven effects for low and high ratios of achievement, identifying the key determinants in different project stages. JEL CLASSIFICATION D26; G29; L26; L86; M13; M21 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Movies and web series are the most popular destinations of crowdfunding, and various approaches have been followed by project initiators. Filmmakers may use specialized or general crowdfunding platforms to raise money, propose fixed or flexible budgets, and use reward-based or equity-based crowdfunding. Crowdfunding may entirely or just partially finance production. To date, no standard model has been used for the production of movies and web series through crowdfunding. Recently, content-based web series on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, have gained popularity. The aim of this study is to fill this conceptual gap and propose a crowdfunding model for movies and web series that can be applied and used to benefit all stakeholders: filmmakers, backers, distributors, platform owners, and the entire future audience. The model consists of nine chronologically interlinked phases and six types of flows: information/content, funds, audition, decision-making, content, promotion, and rewards. The conceptual model proposed herein is based on a critical analysis of the extant literature in the field, mainly qualitative analyses performed on successfully and unsuccessfully crowdfunded and professional films in connection with the current technical platform functionalities.

The study aimed at investigating the factors that lead to successful crowdfunding campaigns in Kenya. The success factors of reward-based crowdfunded campaigns vary in different countries due to differences in cultures, legal requirements, social interactions, political and business environments. With very minimal research on crowdfunding funding in Kenya, the study therefore, aimed at analyzing reward-based crowdfunding in Kenya using Kickstarter data, and identifying the crucial factors necessary to run a successful campaign. To achieve this objective, the study used a multiple regression and Pearson correlations. The study found a statistically significant regression equation hence the regression model was considered a good fit. The study using the Pearson correlations analysis found a very strong and positive statistical correlation between updates, amount pledged, backers, and successful projects, moderate but positive statistical correlation between comments, new backers, returning backers, and successful projects. However, there was a negative but insignificant correlation between the goal, funding period, and successful projects. The novelty will be of great benefit to project funders who want to run successful projects in Kenya. This is because the concept of crowdfunding is still new in Kenya and has not been widely publicized, accepted, or researched. The results of this study will guide potential founders on the do's and don'ts of running a successful campaign. Finally, the study recommends further research on the success factors of other crowdfunding models in Kenya as the study solely focused on the reward-based model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study an entrepreneur's joint inventory and rationing decision if the required capital for a venture is raised in a reward-based crowdfunding campaign. The entrepreneur sets a financing target first, and then decides the rationing policy and inventory if the campaign succeeds. We investigate the whole event with a backward induction. Maximizing the profit in our inventory model, we first obtain the optimal order quantities under each rationing policy and find that surplus funding is critical for the inventory decision. Under both policies, we find that additional borrowing yields a suboptimal order quantity, that the optimal order quantity can be reached without borrowing on a working capital line, and that the entrepreneur will expense all available funds for ordering products without borrowing. Then, we compare rationing policies and analyse the optimal financing target. The results show that, compared to the "funders first" policy, the "regular consumers first" policy is more profitable and yields lower inventory. Meanwhile, we find the optimal financing target is the lower bound in the feasible zone of the funding amount, and the "funders first" policy is more likely to yield a greater financing target. Finally, we conduct numerical examples to verify these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors determining the success of crowdfunding projects is one of the central issues for crowdfunding researchers. Quantitative approaches recognise the number of funds targeted as an important control variable. However, little is known about the impact of the funding goal on other factors that impact crowdfunding success. We hypothesise that the effect of crowdfunding success factors varies contingent on the funding goal level. A dataset of 338 crowdfunding projects from the largest German crowdfunding platform StartNext in the years 2015 to 2016 is analysed by conducting regression analyses controlling for varying funding goal sizes. We use the dependent variables success, the degree of success and the number of project supporters and control whether the effect of independent variables such as comments, updates and social media depend on different funding goals. Our study indicates that the impact of the investigated success factors, in fact, strongly depends on the funding goal levels of crowdfunding projects. By grouping projects into clusters of varying funding goals, we find that the impact of individual success factors changes and that the funding goal plays a moderating role for factors impacting project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowdfunding has broken the barriers between an aspiring entrepreneur and financial markets. Kickstarter, a leading crowdfunding platform, which works on the 'all-or-nothing' model, provides various facilities to the project owners to gather the funds from the contributors in return of a reward. The facts signify that most of the projects fail to reach the funding goal. This study sampled 200 successful projects randomly by quota sampling from each category to assess commonalities in the successful projects on Kickstarter. The study assessed the marketing appeals, video presentation, shipment facilities, and project owner details to check the commonalities among successful projects. The results revealed that although rational appeals generate more funding, however, emotional appeal is widely used in successful projects. The paper will be helpful for the fundraisers to know the recipe for a successful project and to funders to enhance their chance of exceeding the funding goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowdfunding represents an alternative way of funding entrepreneurial ventures – and is attracting a high amount of interest in research as well as practice. Against this background, this paper analyzes reward-based crowdfunding campaign strategies and their communication tools. To do this, 446 crowdfunding projects were gathered and empirically analyzed. Three different paths of successful crowdfunding projects could be identified and are described in detail. Practical implications of crowdfunding strategies are derived, and are dependent on the required sales effort and the project added value. The terms communicator, networker and self-runner are created for this crowdfunding strategy and filled with practical examples. This paper contributes to the literature in different ways: first, it sheds more light on the developing concept of crowdfunding, with an overview of current academic discussions on crowdfunding. Furthermore, the analysis of success factors for crowdfunding initiatives adds to an emerging area of research and allows entrepreneurs to extract best practice examples for increasing the probability of successful crowdfunding projects under consideration of the key influencing factors of communication.

Companion animals are at risk of psychological (and physical) harm if outdated, incorrect or aversive methods of training or equipment are used during training and behavioural modification. Companion animal guardians often engage professional animal behaviour and training services, yet this industry is not regulated in New Zealand. A voluntary national accreditation and registration programme could act to protect the welfare of animals by robustly evaluating the experience, qualifications and training methods of industry professionals. To investigate industry readiness for a national accreditation programme, we conducted an online survey and analysed the responses of 262 animal trainers, behavioural consultants, dog safety educators, veterinarians and veterinary nurses. A national accreditation programme, promoting the use of reward-based training and behavioural modification techniques, was generally supported, especially by individuals holding qualifications and membership of professional organisations. The implementation of such a programme would ensure that those seeking these services are able to source professionals that use best practice when it comes to training and behavioural modification, with lasting benefits to animal welfare.

Purpose: Crowdfunding as a form of alternative financing has become a widespread and successful form of financing new ideas. In this paper, we investigate crowdfunding in CEE countries, Slovakia and Czech Republic, with a strong focus on reward-based crowdfunding. The aim of this paper is to describe the current situation of crowdfunding in the Czech and Slovak Republic. Methodology/Approach: We have analysed the Czech and Slovak market and compared it to the global platform Kickstarter in an attempt to find variables affecting the success of projects using linear and logistic regression. Findings: The distribution of types of crowdfunding is similar to the global situation, but the low levels of awareness and conservatism are slowing down the speed of development of crowdfunding in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We have also observed a higher degree of uncertainty and randomness in modelling of crowdfunding. Research Limitation/implication: In this paper, not all crowdfunding portals have been included because of data unavailability. Originality/Value of paper: The originality of this paper is guaranteed by its focus on the crowdfunding industry in the Czech and Slovak Republic.

Purpose: Crowdfunding as a form of alternative financing has become a widespread and successful form of financing new ideas. In this paper, we investigate crowdfunding in CEE countries, Slovakia and Czech Republic, with a strong focus on reward-based crowdfunding. The aim of this paper is to describe the current situation of crowdfunding in the Czech and Slovak Republic. Methodology/Approach: We have analysed the Czech and Slovak market and compared it to the global platform Kickstarter in an attempt to find variables affecting the success of projects using linear and logistic regression. Findings: The distribution of types of crowdfunding is similar to the global situation, but the low levels of awareness and conservatism are slowing down the speed of development of crowdfunding in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. We have also observed a higher degree of uncertainty and randomness in modelling of crowdfunding. Research Limitation/implication: In this paper, not all crowdfunding portals have been included because of data unavailability. Originality/Value of paper: The originality of this paper is guaranteed by its focus on the crowdfunding industry in the Czech and Slovak Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hallmark of gambling disorder (GD) is the observation that gamblers have problems stopping their gambling behavior once it is initiated. On a neuropsychological level, it has been hypothesized that this is the result of a cognitive inflexibility. The present study investigated cognitive inflexibility in patients with GD using a task involving cognitive inflexibility with a reward element (i.e., reversal learning) and a task measuring general cognitive inflexibility without such a component (i.e., response perseveration). For this purpose, scores of a reward-based reversal learning task (probabilistic reversal learning task) and the Wisconsin card sorting task were compared between a group of treatment seeking patients with GD and a gender and age matched control group. The results show that pathological gamblers have impaired performance on the neurocognitive task measuring reward-based cognitive inflexibility. However, no difference between the groups is observed regarding non-reward-based cognitive inflexibility. This suggests that cognitive inflexibility in GD is the result of an aberrant reward-based learning, and not based on a more general problem with cognitive flexibility. The pattern of observed problems is suggestive of a dysfunction of the orbitofrontal cortex, the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and the ventral regions of the striatum in gamblers. Relevance for the neurocognition of problematic gambling is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility and effect of a reward-based, task-setting strategy for low-income outpatients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods Indigent diabetes outpatients without glucometers were eligible to participate in this trial. A total of 132 cases were randomly recruited. Participants in group B used glucometers for self-monitoring at no cost. Group A participants could keep the glucometers only if the glycosylated hemoglobin level declined compared with the baseline visit; for those not achieving a reduction in the glycosylated hemoglobin level, the glucometers would have to be returned. Group C served as the control group without self-monitoring setout. Diabetes education was provided to all groups. Metabolic indices and self-management were evaluated after 6 months of follow up. Results Group A had a significant decline in the glycosylated hemoglobin level (−0.97%) and medical costs (−159 yuan) compared with the baseline visit, whereas groups B and C had a decrease in the glycosylated hemoglobin levels alone (−0.62 and −0.57%, respectively). The body mass index did not change significantly in any group. There was a statistical difference in the glycosylated hemoglobin level of group A compared with groups B and C. Self-management in group A improved the outcome relative to groups B and C. Conclusions This preliminary evidence suggests that the program is feasible, acceptable for improving patient self-management, and cost-effective in reducing the glycosylated hemoglobin level and medical costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Companion animals play an important role in the lives of New Zealanders. Animals' guardians often engage professional behaviour and training support to ensure their companion animal's behaviour is compatible with their lifestyle and expectations. The methods these professionals use vary substantially and potentially subject animals to psychological (and physical) harm where outdated, incorrect or aversive methods of training or equipment are used. The national regulation of training methods or techniques would safeguard the welfare of the animal benefactors of these services. In the absence of such regulation, the development of a national accreditation body may act to protect animal welfare by certifying the experience, qualifications and training methods of the professionals offering these services. We investigated industry opinion and readiness for the establishment of an accreditation body via an online survey and found that accreditation, promoting the use of reward-based training and behavioural modification techniques, was generally supported. We conclude that the establishment of a national accreditation body would ensure that those seeking services source professionals who use best practice when it comes to training and behavioural modification, resulting in lasting benefits to animal welfare. Companion animals are at risk of psychological (and physical) harm if outdated, incorrect or aversive methods of training or equipment are used during training and behavioural modification. Companion animal guardians often engage professional animal behaviour and training services, yet this industry is not regulated in New Zealand. A voluntary national accreditation and registration programme could act to protect the welfare of animals by robustly evaluating the experience, qualifications and training methods of industry professionals. To investigate industry readiness for a national accreditation programme, we conducted an online survey and analysed the responses of 262 animal trainers, behavioural consultants, dog safety educators, veterinarians and veterinary nurses. A national accreditation programme, promoting the use of reward-based training and behavioural modification techniques, was generally supported, especially by individuals holding qualifications and membership of professional organisations. The implementation of such a programme would ensure that those seeking these services are able to source professionals that use best practice when it comes to training and behavioural modification, with lasting benefits to animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]