bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Switching experience, customer satisfaction, and switching costs in the ICT industry
Authors: Matzler Kurt , Strobl Andreas , Thurner Norbert , Füller Johann 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– Stabilizing business in highly competitive and volatile business-to-business (B2B) markets is a strategic imperative for many companies. In such a context, customer retention through the creation of switching barriers (i.e. by increasing switching costs) is a common strategy. The purpose of this paper is to develop a network of relationships among customer switching experience, customer satisfaction, perceived switching costs, and behavioral loyalty intentions.Design/methodology/approach– Survey data were collected from 327 business customers (very small enterprises with fewer than nine employees; customers included physicians, lawyers, tax advisors, consultants, civil engineers, etc.) of an information and communications technology (ICT) company. The research model was tested using partial least square structural equation modeling.Findings– The results show that switching experience negatively influences customer satisfaction and behavioral loyalty intention. Furthermore, the influence of customer satisfaction on behavioral loyalty intentions is partially mediated by financial and relational switching costs.Practical implications– In saturated markets, companies often try to grow by acquiring customers from competitors. This study reveals that this strategy can backfire. The customers that can be most easily acquired may be those that are the most difficult to retain because customers experienced in switching are difficult to satisfy – and low satisfaction means lower perceived financial and relational switching costs and, in turn, lower loyalty.Originality/value– This research contributes to theory and practice by shedding further light on the satisfaction-loyalty link by investigating the often widely neglected role of switching experience. Furthermore, the study seeks to add to the discussion of how to specify the role of switching costs: as a mediator or as a moderator.
A critical appraisal of the relational management paradigm in an international setting
Authors: Saleh Md Abu , Ali M Yunus , Quazi Ali , Wickramasekera Rumintha 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– In the mainstream relationship management literature, critical appraisal of the relationship paradigm in an international setting is virtually non-existent. The extant literature reveals a gap in terms of linking relationship management theories with international management. Furthermore, little research attention has been paid to synthesise the existing theories in a cohesive manner towards developing a theoretical paradigm in the interface of the importer-supplier relationship dyad. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to strengthen the theoretical grounds of relationship marketing in an international setting in an importer-exporter relationship context.Design/methodology/approach– The paper follows a comprehensive review approach and applies the fundamental theory of trust and commitment to identify the relational factors. More precisely, the paper identifies and applies other relevant theories such as internationalisation process theory, resource-based theory of the firm, dependence theory and transaction cost theory in developing an innovative theoretical paradigm.Findings– Based on the integration of extant theories, this paper proposes a new direction in the theoretical realm of the trust and commitment building process within an importer and supplier relationship management paradigm. The research concludes that trust and commitment are the focal factors within the international relational paradigm.Research limitations/implications– The proposed research direction suggests an emerging framework integrating mainstream theoretical variables of trust and commitment in importer and foreign-supplier context. This novel framework has the potential for use in further research.Originality/value– This paper advances a grounded theoretical exploration within an international management domain in the context of importers and foreign-suppliers.
Competitive strategy, capabilities and uncertainty in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in China and the United States
Authors: Parnell John A , Long Zhang , Lester Don 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate linkages among competitive strategy, strategic capabilities, environmental uncertainty, and organizational performance in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in China and the USA.Design/methodology/approach– In China, a survey was administered to managers of SMEs in Shanghai and Guangzhou. In the USA, a survey was administered to managers of SMEs in three major cities. Competitive strategy, capabilities, uncertainty, and performance were measured by previously validated scales.Findings– Findings support the integrity Miles and Snow generic strategic typology. Performance satisfaction was significantly lower in firms employing a reactor strategy as opposed to those employing prospector, defender, or analyzer strategies. Additional support was found for the concept of strategic clarity, as businesses reporting moderate strategic clarity had lower levels of satisfaction with performance than those reporting either a single strategy or a combination emphasis on three equal strategies.Practical implications– Chinese SMEs tend to prefer cost-based approaches to their local markets. A differentiation market approach is challenging in most local Chinese economies due to the low wages of most jobs in an economy that is still largely centrally planned. In the USA, more disposable income leads to more market opportunities. While this situation is gradually changing in China, it is not at a point where SMEs feel comfortable pursuing totally differentiated strategies.Originality/value– Several distinctions in competitive strategy, capabilities, and environmental uncertainty between China and the USA are recognized by analysis. Analyzers and defenders in Chinese SMEs tend to follow industry prospectors with lower prices and/or superior service. They might change strategies after gaining a foothold in the market. Performance for SMEs with low strategic clarity often depends on established guanxi with governmental agencies or stated-owned enterprises, a situation very different from that in the USA.
Does quality really matter? Variables that drive postmodern consumer choices
Authors: Marinelli Nicola , Simeone Mariarosaria , Scarpato Debora 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the factors that affect consumer choices for both policymakers and food companies.Design/methodology/approach– Four hundred questionnaires were administered in the city of Florence (Tuscany, Italy). Data analysis was carried out according to a two-step procedure in a multivariate statistical framework: in the first stage, a multiple correspondence analysis was performed; in the second step, the single-link (nearest neighbour) cluster analysis allowed three homogeneous groups of consumers to be identified on the basis of their specific socio-demographic characteristics.Findings– Three consumer clusters were obtained: the first, “critical but non-philanthropic consumers”, who may have pathologies that require a particular diet; the second, “marginally critical consumers”, for whom freshness, the label and the assortment count for much; the third, “agnostic consumers”, who choose a product according to its origin and the price/quality relationship, while ethical aspects, health claims or information on the use are not considered as important.Social implications– From the results it may be deduced that although recent regulations will lead to greater transparency, in many respects consumers may not be able to grasp aspects of higher quality from the label among competing products.Originality/value– The results seem to run contrary to the trends identified in other studies with regard to critical and socially responsible production attributes. Except in cases where consumers are sensitised by the presence of food-related diseases encountered within their own family, they may not be able to grasp higher-quality aspects from the label among competing products. From the results it is evident that both educational and generational issues come into play with regard to food choices, closely linked to the media from which information is obtained.
A review of the nutrient composition of selected Rubus berries
Authors: Probst Yasmine 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is a nutritional review of the scientific literature of four Rubus varieties: raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry and loganberry. The study aimed to review the scientific literature related to Rubus and the bioactives and key nutrients.

Design/methodology/approach
– Nutrient data were obtained from Australia and New Zealand, where Australian data were absent; to provide an overview of the existing and available nutrient composition data, a review of the scientific literature using defined search terms in the Web of Science and Scopus databases for the years 2001-2011 was conducted. The primary components of Rubus are the water-soluble vitamins.

Findings
– A review of Australian and New Zealand nutrient composition databases revealed that Rubus can range from 184 to 293 kJ energy, 0.3 to 0.7 per cent total fat content, 1.1 to 1.5 per cent protein, 4.9 to 7.5 per cent carbohydrate and 34 to 63 mg/100 g folate and 9 to 38 mg/100 g vitamin C. Many publications have addressed the nutrient content of the berries individually with 24 identified in this project relating to raspberries, 15 for blackberries, 3 for boysenberries and 2 for loganberries.

Research limitations/implications
– Research relating to bioactive compounds in Rubus berries appears to be targeted towards those more commonly consumed and readily available in Australia.

Practical implications
– The most commonly identified bioactives were the phenolic compounds with ellagic acid, the specific bionutrient of interest. This suggests the need for a targeted approach to build a consistent set of values for bioactive compounds in Rubus berries.

Originality/value
– Given the growing interest in phytochemical compounds and their inclusion in Australian Dietary Guidelines, collation of analytical data for specific food categories is vital.
Growth and nutritional status of children with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
Authors: Kong Jian  Pei , Rajikan Roslee Bin 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is a single-center six-month follow-up study to determine nutritional status of children with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). Prolonged restriction on essential amino acid could cause malnutrition. By far, there is no study reported in the context of nutritional status among children with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), who required life-long protein restriction.

Design/methodology/approach
– A total of 22 children with MSUD, aged from 1 to 12 years (6.54 ± 3.27) undergoing regular treatment in Institute of Pediatrics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, were recruited. Body height, weight and head circumference were measured for anthropometry, whereas total protein, albumin and plasma branched-chain amino acid were measured for biochemical aspects. Clinical features diagnosed by pediatrician were recorded from children’s medical record. The 24-hour dietary recall was conducted to measure their nutrients intake. All assessments were repeated at six-month interval except clinical profile.

Findings
– There were no significant differences in all nutritional parameters from baseline to end of the visit. There was a prominence (particular noticeable of) of growth stunting (68; 64 per cent), undernutrition (35; 32 per cent) and microcephalic (57; 57 per cent) among children with MSUD. Nevertheless, children showed no significant improvement of anthropometric variables from baseline and after 6-month follow-up visit. Nearly all biochemical indicators were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the reference value except valine. Intellectual disability was the most frequently (71 per cent) presenting symptoms among them. The finding also did not show any macro- or micronutrients fail to achieve above recommended nutrient intake in both visits. In conclusion, it is clear that no significant nutritional deficiency was induced by the use of MSUD dietary therapy; however, the findings indicated that MSUD children are at risk of malnutrition and regular nutritional assessment and monitoring should always be emphasized for optimal linear growth without affecting their amino acid profiles.

Research limitations/implications
– Multiple 24-hour recalls instead of single 24-hour recall should be used in this study for a better estimate of intake.

Originality/value
– Although there are retrospective studies targeted in presenting the clinical and biochemical profile of MSUD children which has been extensively examined, limited research has focused on prospective aspect of nutritional status of these children who are undergoing active and regular diet and medical nutrition therapy because of the absence of comprehensive reliable nutritional assessment data.
Development of value added products from the leaf powders of dehydrated less utilized green leafy vegetables
Authors: Joshi Pallavi , Mathur Beena 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the nutritional composition and the acceptability of value-added products prepared from the dehydrated leaf mixture of underutilized green leafy vegetables (GLVs). GLVs are dense in micronutrients and are of great importance to the nutrition of population in developing countries. Nutritive value of commonly consumed GLVs has been studied extensively, but there is limited information available on nutritive value and acceptability of unconventional leafy vegetables.

Design/methodology/approach
– The nutritional potential and acceptability of leaf mixtures (LMs) prepared from the less-utilized leaves of beet root (Beta vulgaris), carrot (Daucus carota), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) and turnip (Brassica rapa) which are usually discarded or are used as animal fodder were analyzed in the present study. The LM was prepared by mixing the powders of above-mentioned greens in a definite ratio (1:2:1:1). The LM was analyzed for the proximate, mineral composition (Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Mg) and antinutritional factors (oxalate and phenols). In total, 20 different recipes with different levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 per cent) of LM incorporation were prepared and were assessed for quality on the basis of sensory attributes.

Findings
– The LM contains appreciable amount of proteins, fat, fiber, carbohydrate and calorific value, mineral elements and generally low levels of antinutrients. Products were well-accepted to the level of 10 per cent. Protein, iron and calcium content was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the LM-incorporated recipes, and the increase was directly proportional to the level of LM incorporated.

Originality/value
– Dehydrated GLVs are concentrate source of micronutrients and can be used in product formulation. Value addition of traditional products with dehydrated GLVs can be advocated as a feasible food-based approach to combat micronutrient deficiencies.
The coalition government and ageing policy: a critique
Authors: Sinclair David 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to review the coalition's policy on ageing.Design/methodology/approach– A detailed review of recent government policy towards ageing.Findings– Localism has become increasing important, with reforms to health, planning and care emphasising the importance of localised action. The “nudge” of auto-enrolment will increase the number of people saving for old age.Originality/value– This policy analysis incorporates a detailed review of recent government policy on ageing.
How older people will vote in the 2015 general election: a review of existing polling evidence
Authors: Malek Raphael 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The issues of concern to older people and likely to shape their voting behaviour need to be understood and appreciated. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– This policy-oriented review draws on recent research, including surveys, focus groups and ethnographic interviews to identify such issues in the UK older population.

Findings
– Older people are more likely to vote and to prioritise policy issues relating to immigration, the NHS and the economy–but the outcome of their vote is more likely to be determined by affinity with a party’s broader ideological position than with the specific policies contained in their manifesto?.

Practical implications
– Older people appear more likely to support Conservative party values and priorities, but their potential growing support for UKIP may be underestimated as several major surveys do not prompt for this party. The less certain standing of both Conservative and Labour may therefore be further undermined by unappreciated shifts in the “grey vote”.

Originality/value
– This commentary highlights the increasing importance of the “grey vote” at a time of increasing unpredictability in support for mainstream parties.
Addressing isolation: the importance of integration and the role of institutions
Authors: Yates Jonathan 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of integration in tackling isolation in later life, propose institutions as a key factor in forming intergenerational friendships, and assess the key conditions which need to be established.

Design/methodology/approach
– Assessment based on work on social contact theory by Professor Miles Hewstone, amongst others, as well as case studies, research from Age UK and the Social Integration Commission.

Findings
– Isolation can be seen as part of the broader issue of a failure of social integration. A lack of integration in earlier life results in networks which are not age-diverse. This results in isolation in later life. Institutions are key in preventing this, as they allow for the formation of intergenerational friendships and trust.

Originality/value
– Based on an article by the author (www.demos.co.uk/publications/mapping integration), age-specific integration is reviewed, and supplementary research considered.
The road to 2020
Authors: Kohler Mervyn 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore how the political parties will approach older people in the run-up to the General Election.

Design/methodology/approach
– A review of what was announced in the autumn party conferences, and what older people and their organisations have been pressing for.

Findings
– A personal and subjective article, the conclusion is that there will be a lot in the forthcoming General Election of importance to older people.

Originality/value
– The perspective is entirely personal.
Housing: the unacknowledged key to our ageing challenge?
Authors: Tickell Clare , Connor Gillian 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the strategic role of housing for older people and how it can address some of the key challenges facing politicians. The paper aims to encourage decision-makers and service providers to collaborate in new ways locally.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper seeks to highlight the strategic role of housing for older people and how it can address some of the key challenges facing politicians. It aims to encourage decision makers and service providers to collaborate in new ways locally.

Findings
– The paper argues that: Housing for older people is rising up the political agenda, but as a niche issue rather than one of strategic and economic importance. A multi-agency and outcomes-based approach to the wellbeing of older people, based on place-shaping principles, needs to be mainstreamed locally. Older people have not escaped the impact of austerity measures and this has heightened the need for a range of high quality housing options, in supportive communities, in later life. Good housing options for older people could address the key issues vexing politicians, but there are obstacles to older people accessing such options.

Originality/value
– The paper suggests a radical, systemic approach is required to ensure better outcomes for older people and, in turn, to generate savings for the public purse.
Bacterial community dynamics during polysaccharide degradation at contrasting sites in the Southern and Atlantic Oceans
Authors: Wietz Matthias , Wemheuer Bernd , Simon Heike , Giebel Helge‐Ansgar , Seibt Maren A. , Daniel Rolf , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Simon Meinhard 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe bacterial degradation of polysaccharides is central to marine carbon cycling, but little is known about the bacterial taxa that degrade specific marine polysaccharides. Here, bacterial growth and community dynamics were studied during the degradation of the polysaccharides chitin, alginate and agarose in microcosm experiments at four contrasting locations in the Southern and Atlantic Oceans. At the Southern polar front, chitin‐supplemented microcosms were characterized by higher fractions of actively growing cells and a community shift from Alphaproteobacteria to Gammaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. At the Antarctic ice shelf, chitin degradation was associated with growth of Bacteroidetes, with 24% higher cell numbers compared with the control. At the Patagonian continental shelf, alginate and agarose degradation covaried with growth of different Alteromonadaceae populations, each with specific temporal growth patterns. At the Mauritanian upwelling, only the alginate hydrolysis product guluronate was consumed, coincident with increasing abundances of Alteromonadaceae and possibly cross‐feeding SAR11. 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries indicated that growth of the Bacteroidetes‐affiliated genus Reichenbachiella was stimulated by chitin at all cold and temperate water stations, suggesting comparable ecological roles over wide geographical scales. Overall, the predominance of location‐specific patterns showed that bacterial communities from contrasting oceanic biomes have members with different potentials to hydrolyse polysaccharides.
Where is the child? A discursive exploration of the positioning of children in research on mental–health‐promoting interventions
Authors: Bergnehr Disa , Zetterqvist Nelson Karin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe present study explores the discursive positioning of children in research articles on mental–health‐promoting interventions. The questions under investigation are: are children positioned as active or passive agents, are children's health and wellbeing contextualised, and if so how? How is the child perceived; that is, how are age, gender, socioeconomic status, family structure, dis/ability, and so on accounted for? We found that the positioning of the child as passive and formed by adults prevails; health is largely individualised and decontextualised in that it is depicted as being contingent on the person's own capabilities. However, there are instances in which children are positioned as active subjects, their opinions are in focus, and their health and wellbeing are connected to social relations and context. We propose a more active discussion about how children and wellbeing are conceptualised in the outlining, implementation and research of public health interventions. Moreover, children – just like adults – should be increasingly regarded as service users who are entitled to have a say in matters that concern them.