bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continental European Soldiers in British Imperial Service, c.1756–1792
Authors: Conway Stephen 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Continental Europeans were not just enemies and competitors of the eighteenth-century British Empire; they were also allies, auxiliaries, and coadjutors in British imperial activity. This paper examines the role of European and particularly German soldiers in the British Empire in the second half of the eighteenth century. In chronological terms, the focus is on the Seven Years War and especially on the War of American Independence. Geographically, the paper concentrates on three British imperial sites: India, North America, and the Mediterranean garrisons of Gibraltar and Minorca. Historians have already looked at aspects of European military service in the British Empire; but the various foreign military units, and the different imperial theatres, are not usually examined together, as parts of the process of the British state’s use of other Europeans to defend and even expand its imperial possessions. One of the main objectives here is to assess the significance of that European contribution.
The paper begins by considering why the British state chose European soldiers in preference to other available options, particularly locally raised forces in India and North America, and even British and Irish manpower. The second section attempts to quantify the continental European contribution, both in absolute terms and as compared with British and imperial inputs. The final section endeavours to assess the quality of European military involvement. Some Britons regarded foreign soldiers as inherently unreliable and therefore less valuable than their own troops; however, there is plenty of evidence of positive assessments of the military role of continental Europeans.
Rational optimization of tolC as a powerful dual selectable marker for genome engineering
Authors: Gregg Christopher J. , Lajoie Marc J. , Napolitano Michael G. , Mosberg Joshua A. , Goodman Daniel B. , Aach John , Isaacs Farren J. , Church George M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Selection has been invaluable for genetic manipulation, although counter-selection has historically exhibited limited robustness and convenience. TolC, an outer membrane pore involved in transmembrane transport in E. coli, has been implemented as a selectable/counter-selectable marker, but counter-selection escape frequency using colicin E1 precludes using tolC for inefficient genetic manipulations and/or with large libraries. Here, we leveraged unbiased deep sequencing of 96 independent lineages exhibiting counter-selection escape to identify loss-of-function mutations, which offered mechanistic insight and guided strain engineering to reduce counter-selection escape frequency by ∼40-fold. We fundamentally improved the tolC counter-selection by supplementing a second agent, vancomycin, which reduces counter-selection escape by 425-fold, compared colicin E1 alone. Combining these improvements in a mismatch repair proficient strain reduced counter-selection escape frequency by 1.3E6-fold in total, making tolC counter-selection as effective as most selectable markers, and adding a valuable tool to the genome editing toolbox. These improvements permitted us to perform stable and continuous rounds of selection/counter-selection using tolC, enabling replacement of 10 alleles without requiring genotypic screening for the first time. Finally, we combined these advances to create an optimized E. coli strain for genome engineering that is ∼10-fold more efficient at achieving allelic diversity than previous best practices.
Correcting a SHAPE-directed RNA structure by a mutate-map-rescue approach
Authors: Tian Siqi , Cordero Pablo , Kladwang Wipapat , Das Rhiju 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe three-dimensional conformations of non-coding RNAs underpin their biochemical functions but have largely eluded experimental characterization. Here, we report that integrating a classic mutation/rescue strategy with high-throughput chemical mapping enables rapid RNA structure inference with unusually strong validation. We revisit a paradigmatic 16S rRNA domain for which SHAPE (selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation with primer extension) suggested a conformational change between apo-and holo-ribosome conformations. Computational support estimates, data from alternative chemical probes, and mutate-and-map (M2) experiments expose limitations of prior methodology and instead give a near-crystallographic secondary structure. Systematic interrogation of single base pairs via a high-throughput mutation/rescue approach then permits incisive validation and refinement of the M2-based secondary structure and further uncovers the functional conformation as an excited state (25±5% population) accessible via a single-nucleotide register shift. These results correct an erroneous SHAPE inference of a ribosomal conformational change and suggest a general mutate-map-rescue approach for dissecting RNA dynamic structure landscapes.
The causal relationships between aspects of customer capital
Authors: Ling‐Ching Chan Ann , Wang Wen‐Ying 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and test a unified framework of the causal relationships among six aspects of customer capital: customer targeting, ability to identify customers' needs, customer service capability, construction and management of a customer information system, market intensity, and customer loyalty.Design/methodology/approachA financial holding company in an emerging market, with successful customer relationship management, is selected as the case study object. The authors interviewed the management and distributed questionnaires to positions equivalent to or higher than the junior sales manager within two divisions of the corporate banking group. A total of 80 questionnaires were distributed, with a valid return rate of 73.75 per cent. The total number of subjects is 59 and the partial least squares method was adopted to examine the causal relationships between the different aspects of customer capital.FindingsThe results support the authors' predictions on the causal relationships among the aspects of customer capital. The base aspect, customer targeting, significantly influences the ability to identify customers' needs and construction and management of a customer information system. These two aspects directly affect customer service capability, which further improves customer loyalty and market intensity. The authors also identify several indicators within each aspect to assist management in exploring areas for improvement.Practical implicationsThe evidence implies that a business should manage and control the leading aspects of customer capital, as this will help to improve and develop lag indicators. Based on the proposed cause‐effect model, relevant capital elements can be identified which effectively enhance business‐to‐business (B2B) customer relationship management.Originality/valueThe paper investigates the issue of customer relationship management from an integrated perspective. A causal relationship model of customer capital is developed and evidence provided on how different aspects of customer capital are linked to each other.
Clusters or un‐clustered industries? Where inter‐firm marketing cooperation matters
Authors: Felzensztein Christian , Gimmon Eli , Aqueveque Claudio 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the perceived role of clusters in inter‐firm cooperation and social networks.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out in a region of Latin America where limited research has been conducted in terms of inter‐firm relationships. Managers from three key natural resources‐based industries in Chile participated in the survey; one of these industries constituted a well‐defined cluster whereas the other two did not. The survey assessed managers' perceptions of the benefits and opportunities of inter‐firm cooperation in strategic marketing activities.FindingsResults support the advantages of clusters. Managers of firms which are part of clustered industries tend to perceive more benefits and opportunities for inter‐firm co‐operation in marketing activities. Additionally, significant differences between clustered and non‐clustered industries in terms of their co‐operation behavior and objectives were found.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings shed light on strategies for the enhancement of inter‐firm cooperation in marketing, of particular value for marketers in small‐and‐medium sized enterprises. The paper suggests establishing new clusters and promoting more regional clusters policies since clustering seems to provide better and positive inter‐firm interaction leading to cooperation.Practical implicationsThere are lessons to be learned at national and regional levels for Latin American and emerging economies fostering new industry cluster policies.Originality/valueClustered firms and industries may result in more innovative marketing strategies at both local and international levels than non‐clustered firms. The authors encourage regional development bodies to foster more cooperation among firms and trade associations.
Strategy, strategists and fantasy: a dialogic constructionist perspective
Authors: MacIntosh Robert , Beech Nic 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute a constructionist perspective to debates in the strategy literature about the ways in which managers conduct strategy work. The authors build on observations that fantasy plays a central role in strategy work and aim to focus on the ways in which fantasies of self and other operate in the identity work of participants in the process of developing strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe study presents an inductive approach based on extended participant observation in two different organizations. Each engagement lasted about three years and the analysis is based on data gathered in meetings, workshops, focus groups, interviews and other informal settings.FindingsThe paper presents four different types of fantasy, which were observed in the data set. These fantasies are labeled: helpful pairing; the arms race; the eternal optimist and the merchant of doom. It is also suggested that there are three useful dimensions that might be used to unpack the ways in which fantasies operate. These are role playing and role taking; temporal place and associated value; the relationship between fantasy and evidence.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors propose that future research on strategy should entail an understanding of the role of fantasy in what people say and do.Originality/valueThe paper offers four types of fantasy construction as a contribution to the extant literature and three analytical dimensions which can be used to consider the ways in which fantasy operates in the identity work of strategists.
The trading profiles of community retail enterprises
Authors: Calderwood Eric , Davies Keri 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the key features of the community retail enterprises sector in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports on the results of a postal questionnaire survey of 197 community retail enterprises. The information gathered from this survey was supplemented by visits to 21 of the shops run by these enterprises and short interviews with some of the shop staff.FindingsThe community retail enterprise sector is growing very quickly, with a significant number of new shops opening every year in the UK. It is a very diverse sector that provides a wide range of goods and services, reflecting the desire to meet the needs of members and local residents. It is heavily dependent on the involvement of the local community, particularly as volunteers, but this can lead to other tensions around the role of the shop and the enterprise in general.Originality/valueThis paper provides an overview of an area of retailing that is growing in size and will be of interest to those involved in policy‐making in rural areas.
Does the performance of other functions in the frontline influence salesperson conflict?
Authors: Arndt Aaron D. , Karande Kiran , Harkins Jason 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the effect of servicer and cross‐seller functional performance on salesperson perception of cross‐functional conflict.Design/methodology/approachFrontline employees often specialize in selling, servicing, or cross‐selling to customers. Two studies separately examine the effect of servicer and cross‐seller functional performance on salesperson perception of cross‐functional conflict.FindingsIn Study 1, salesperson conflict with frontline specialists who do not directly sell, called servicers, is examined and it is found that salespeople perceive less cross‐functional conflict when servicers perform well. Group cohesion decreases conflict directly. The effect of servicer performance on conflict is less pronounced as cross‐functional training increases. In Study 2, salesperson conflict with employees who cross‐sell additional goods and/or services to customers, called cross‐sellers, is evaluated and it is found that salespeople perceive more cross‐functional conflict when cross‐sellers perform well. Cross‐functional training decreases conflict directly. The effect of cross‐seller performance on conflict is less pronounced as group cohesion increases.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was carried out in a single setting, automobile dealerships, and only two controls, one formal and one informal, were examined.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that salespeople view the performance of each type of specialist differently depending on the specialists' goals. Based on this finding, the paper provides guidelines for which formal and informal controls are likely to be effective for reducing conflict between different frontline functions.Originality/valueThe paper shows that salespeople view servicer performance positively and cross‐seller performance negatively. Thus, the research adds to the understanding of cross‐functional relationships among specialized frontline employees.
Comparing port performance: Western European versus Eastern Asian ports
Authors: Feng Mengying , Mangan John , Lalwani Chandra 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a comparative investigation of port performance between Western Europe and Eastern Asia and develop a strategy to improve their port performance accordingly.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review is conducted in order to identify factors for port performance evaluation. A large‐scale questionnaire survey is employed in two port regions for comparative analysis.FindingsDescriptive techniques and t‐tests indicate that port performances in the case port regions are different from each other in some factors and that they share some common features in certain other factors. The findings reveal that the most critical differences between the case ports are government support, proximity, speed of cargo handling, safety and port technical infrastructure in descending order. The Western European ports need to improve on government support, reduce port charges, diversify port ownership and improve port connectivity, while the Eastern Asian ports need to improve customs services, expand hinterlands, enhance logistics demand, encourage intermodalism and set up “dry ports”.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was restricted to two port regions in China and the UK and data used in this research were mainly generated from questionnaire surveys, responses to which are, to some extent, subjective.Practical implicationsPorts must provide services that meet and exceed customers' expectations to be competitive. This research yields practical insights for port managers to improve port performance as quantifying factors allows them to prioritize and compare the factor performance. The results of the empirical study can also assist port stakeholders to formulate their operational strategy for port performance improvement.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to knowledge by addressing a gap in empirical research concerning performance comparison between Western European and Eastern Asian ports.
Logistics outsourcing interfaces: the role of customer partnering behavior
Authors: Hartmann Evi , de Grahl Alexander 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how the customer partnering behavior dimensions – operational information exchange, planning, sharing of benefits and burdens, and extendedness – influence goal achievement and goal exceedance at the interface between customer firms and their logistics service providers.Design/methodology/approachThis research develops a conceptual model of relationships between the customer partnering dimensions and logistics outsourcing performance (goal achievement and goal exceedance). The model is then tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate that sharing of benefits and burdens has no significant effect on performance, while the other partnering dimensions positively influence goal achievement and goal exceedance. Amongst these partnering dimensions, extendedness demonstrates the strongest effect on both performance dimensions. Furthermore, operational information exchange primarily influences goal exceedance, while planning primarily impacts goal achievement.Originality/valueThe paper extends the extant logistics outsourcing literature by examining the effects of established customer partnering dimensions on performance.
Resilience at interfaces
Authors: Ole Johnsen Stig 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to support the implementation of safety and security guidelines in the Norwegian oil and gas industry and verify the actual use of the guidelines by industry and authorities.Design/methodology/approachAn action research approach was used, exploring organisational learning as described by Argyris and Schon and by Nonaka and Takeuchi as “The knowledge‐creating company.” Interviews (analysis of interviews), workshops and reviews of guidelines and audits were performed in addition to “learning workshops” trying to create understanding and compliance related to the guidelines among industry and authorities.FindingsThe guideline OLF104 is used in the Norwegian oil and gas industry, by operators and by suppliers and checked through audits. However, the guideline should influence working procedures at operators more. The guideline seems to have improved resilience.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact of the guideline on safety and security should be more systematically assessed. It is suggested that improvement of experience and knowledge related to safety, security and resilience of distributed control systems could improve the guidelines.Social implicationsThe paper shows that there is improved awareness, safety, security and resilience when process control systems are integrated with ICT systems.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper is the exploration of a broad‐based action‐based approach, involving key stakeholders in a structured manner, to improve practices and facilitate implementation of safety and security guidelines. The contribution is also an empirical documentation of the implementation of key issues of security and safety in guidelines between two different areas of competence, ICT and process control. The paper will be of interest to the key stakeholders: the industry, authorities and the media.
E‐commerce policies and customer privacy: a longitudinal study (2000‐2010)
Authors: Desai Mayur S. , Desai Kiran J. , Phelps Lonnie D. 
Published: January 2014

PurposeThe present research is an updated and expanded continuation of an article by Parayitam et al. from 2008. The purpose of this study is to examine several internet policies and whether the communication of these policies to the customer has significantly changed during a ten year period.Design/methodology/approachThe study defines published policies of how a company operates with respect to different factors. The policies examined are privacy, security, shipping, returns, and warranty. Each of the policies described above were then rated as per the rating scale defined by the authors. The 525 e‐commerce sites studied were divided into service and product sites, respectively. The e‐commerce sites were also separated into 28 industry groups. The data were also collected on some of the other factors that were important in this study.FindingsE‐commerce companies do not fully inform their customers. The results showed no significant relationships between the policy ratings and any of the other factors taken into account.Research limitations/implicationsThe net incomes collected were the companies' entire income, not exclusively from online sales. The present study used an unbalanced sample size consisting of more product sites than service sites.Practical implicationsPeople doing business over internet with e‐commerce companies need to read the privacy policy carefully and should be aware of how their information will be used by the e‐commerce companies.Originality/valueThe study provides valuable information about e‐commerce companies in communicating their customer service policies and very little changes have taken place in the last ten year period.
Developing business school/SMEs collaboration: the role of trust
Authors: Darabi Fariba , Clark Murray 
Published: January 2014

PurposeTo investigate the initiation and development of effective business relationships, including knowledge transfer partnerships, with the primacy of trust as a key factor for collaborative development. Specifically, the aim was to explore Vangen and Huxham's (2003) notion of a “trust building loop” in the context of a Northern (UK) Business School and regional SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach employed was the “General Analytic Induction” for the interpretation of the data. This was used to develop theory inductively from 23 in‐depth interviews.FindingsThe results emphasized that trust, especially trust in individuals, is fundamental to collaborative settings, from both practitioners’ and academic points of view. The study identified barriers and drivers to initiating trust‐based relationships and a model of initiating collaboration was suggested.Practical implicationsThe benefits from the research were seen as facilitating the development of effective business relationships between local business schools and SMEs in their regions. This investigation provided pointers that might assist business schools to understand how to manage their relationships with this group of stakeholders (SMEs) to stimulate and improve engagement.Originality/valueThere has been minimal research works on building successful collaborations within the business schools context, which contributes to professional practice through collaboration between business schools and SMEs.