bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nomological validity of the Net Promoter Index question
Authors: Leisen Pollack Birgit , Alexandrov Aliosha 
Published: March 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it aims to provide a review of the Net Promoter© Index (NPI), the evidence of its ability to predict financial performance, and the evidence of its superiority to other voice of customer metrics. Second, it seeks to investigate the nomological validity of the Net Promoter question. It aims to view the NP question as an alternative to the traditional word-of-mouth measure, which is one of the components of customer loyalty. The nomological validity of NP was evaluated in a model including customer satisfaction as an antecedent and repurchase intention as a consequence.

Design/methodology/approach
– The data for empirically addressing a set of hypotheses related to the nomological validity were collected via self-administered questionnaire. A total of 159 participants completed questions for banking services, 153 individuals completed questions for hairdresser/barber services, and 132 completed questions for cell phone services. The hypotheses were tested using partial least square analysis.

Findings
– The results provide evidence for the nomological validity of the NPI question; albeit, the traditional word-of-mouth measure seems to perform equally as well or even better.

Practical implications
– A set of pros and cons related to NPI are developed. The paper recommends including the NPI in a portfolio of voice of customer metrics but not as a standalone diagnostic tool. Further, given the present state of evidence, it cannot be recommended to use the NPI as a predictor of growth nor financial performance.

Originality/value
– The paper provides further insights into the validity of the Net Promoter Index as a measure of customer loyalty.
Time in corporate images: introducing image heritage and image‐in‐use
Authors: Rindell Anne 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of inputs from consumers' past experiences of a company on their current image‐construction processes, in the context of non‐food retailing.Design/methodology/approachResearch data were collected by a multi‐method combination of several different qualitative research methods from individuals selected by the theoretical sampling procedure. Analysis and interpretation conformed to a classic grounded theory approach.FindingsIt was found that consumer images generated by relevant past experience are a direct and influential input into real‐time corporate image formation. Two new theoretical concepts were identified, “image heritage” and “image‐in‐use”, respectively, distinguishing consumers' past‐based images from those they construct in real time. Image heritage is moderated by three principal variables: timespan of awareness, content of earlier experiences, and key temporal focus.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focused on the corporate image of non‐food retailers. Future research should broaden the context, to enhance understanding of image heritage and image‐in‐use, and yield useful conceptual generalisations.Practical implicationsGiven that the consumer's view of the company's past plays an important role in their interpretation of its present corporate brand, branding strategy should be informed by a systematic effort to identify the probable components of that historical perception.Originality/valueThis study is the first to focus on the influence of the past on consumers' current corporate images. The constructs identified and the terminology novel, offering a radically new dimension to corporate image research.
Mediation and family group conferences in adult safeguarding
Authors: Hobbs Abbi , Alonzi Andrew 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper presents an overview of research and practice literature on the use of Mediation (M) and Family Group Conferences (FGC) in the context of adult safeguarding in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the main features of M and FGC and explores how such “family led” approaches to adult safeguarding fit within the wider agenda of personalisation and empowerment, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its associated Code of Practice. It also considers the main implications for best practice and future research and service priorities.FindingsM and FGC in an adult context are inclusive processes that enable people to explore choices and options in a supportive environment, assuring maximum possible independence and autonomous control over basic life decisions, while still addressing the person's need for assistance. When used appropriately, both approaches can be a valuable response to safeguarding concerns, promoting choice and control at the same time as protecting people from risk of abuse and harm. However, there are few robust evaluation studies currently available and no systematic research studies were found on cost‐effectiveness.Originality/valueThe paper shows that there is a clear need for further pilots of M and FGC in adult safeguarding. If such research and pilot evaluations find M and/or FGC to be effective, then more consideration will need to be given as to how to integrate such approaches into mainstream social work practice. There is also currently wide variation in the training and experience of mediators and FGC co‐ordinators, and further work is required to ensure that there are appropriate training and accreditation models in the UK for mediators and FGC co‐ordinators working with at‐risk adults.
Creating a coaching culture: relational field coaching
Authors: Chidiac Marie‐Anne 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to highlight a link between the rise of executive coaching practice and less importance being place on growing a coaching culture in organizations. This paper seeks to outline how a coaching culture can be fostered through an emphasis on a relational field coaching approach.Design/methodology/approachThe main research method is based on case studies and action research from the author's own organizational practice.FindingsThe paper emphasizes that a focus on the context or situation of coaching is just as important as individual considerations in a coaching dyad.Practical implicationsThe paper calls for a review of the effectiveness of one‐to‐one coaching compared to establishing an organizational coaching culture.Originality/valueThis paper is a timely reminder to leaders, managers and HR practitioners to review the cost effectiveness of procuring external coaching versus developing internal coaching capability. In addition, it challenges organizations to refocus on the continuum of coaching interactions rather than just the “external expert” role.
Barriers to reintegration for Los Gitanos (Gypsies) in La Coruña, Spain: politics, the media and the Spanish community
Authors: Briggs Daniel 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on the barriers to reintegration for Gitano (Gypsy) communities in one northern Spanish city.Design/methodology/approachThe article is based on ethnographic research undertaken in Gitano communities throughout 2010.FindingsOver the last 30 years, the city has witnessed vast commercial and residential expansion, resulting in the spatial and social exclusion of Gitanos to the outskirts of the city. Here they have had to survive by reduced access to their livelihoods in city markets and increasingly through illicit drug markets and crime. It is only recently that there have been attempts to relocate these people back into the city. Yet the social reintegration efforts have only perpetuated the social exclusion of the Gitanos and there is significant community opposition to their relocation.Social implicationsThe council need to take more care in consulting Gitanos and seek to build the fragile relations they have with them before deciding on what “best to do about them”.Originality/valueNo ethnographic research has been undertaken in this city in the context of Gitanos.
Overview of perceptions of German wine tourism from the winery perspective
Authors: Koch Jasmine , Martin Andrew , Nash Robert 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider how German wineries can successfully diversify into wine tourism, in an effort to support their primary business activity of producing and selling high quality wine.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was created, collected and analysed using the software programme SurveyMonkey.FindingsResults indicate that the implementation of wine tourism by German vintners will be a significant challenge as the respondents report a lack of marketing and tourism management skill and knowledge; most are small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) – which means they have little time or manpower available to devote to developing wine tourism; and there is a low level of reported co‐operation amongst stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThe research could have taken place over a longer period of time, in order to present more reliable data and also it could have included a more representative sample from other sectors of the industry, such as co‐operatives. The research is also limited in scope to Germany and further comparative studies could be carried out focusing on other wine tourism‐related countries, such as New Zealand, France or Italy.Practical implicationsWine tourism is a crucial element of both the tourism industry as well as the sector of viniculture. Wine tourism marketing strategies fail to meet the expectations of either the vintners or the tourists. However, wine tourism is vitally important for vineyards as it helps to create brand loyalty and to establish customer relationships.Social implicationsThere is a strong need to create marketing strategies which strike a balance between developing and promoting wine tourism and the core activity of the vineyards, which is to produce and sell wine.Originality/valueThe availability of literature in English on German wine tourism is scarce and this study is significant, especially because wine tourism in Germany is a relatively new phenomenon. The development of appropriate marketing strategies is therefore required to successfully improve wine tourism.
Picking up the pieces: supervisors and doctoral “orphans”
Authors: Wisker Gina , Robinson Gillian 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to present findings from the authors' research into how supervisors of doctoral students cope with change in supervisory relationships where a supervisor takes on a student previously supervised by another, or has to hand over a student to another supervisor's care, and to identify recommendations for applying these findings to supervisory practice.Design/methodology/approachThe research used interviews to gather and analyse perceptions and practices from experienced supervisors, and aimed to identify good practice to support supervisors in enabling transitions to enhance student success. This work is underpinned by work on conceptual threshold‐crossing, students working at sufficiently critical, creative and conceptual levels to achieve doctorates; well‐being and emotional resilience, particularly in doctoral studies. It makes links between knowledge construction, resilience and well‐being, from the perspective of the supervisors, since it focuses on the experience of supervisors engaging with and supporting students.FindingsThe research identifies supervisors' anxiety at, and ways of managing the difficulties of, either losing or acquiring students. It highlights effective strategies for taking on students midway into their research to enable successful supervision.Originality/valueThis research offers new knowledge about supervisor perceptions of, experiences with and good practice suggestions for, supporting transitions for doctoral students who change supervisor.
Sports teams and equipment manufacturers going international
Authors: Richelieu André , Desbordes Michel 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this is to analyse co‐branding as leverage for both teams and equipment manufacturers in their internationalization endeavours. In other words, how can teams and equipment manufacturers benefit from their association in order to expand internationally?Design/methodology/approachThe study involves four football cases for the 2009‐2010 season: Paris Saint‐Germain and Nike, Olympique de Marseille and Adidas, Olympique Lyonnais and Umbro, and the French national football team and Adidas. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with managers involved with the four teams and their respective equipment manufacturers. The managers were marketing directors, VPs of marketing, sales managers or presidents of their respective organization. Sponsors, university professors and journalists who interact closely with the teams and equipment manufacturers were also interviewed.FindingsIt seems as if the team and its equipment manufacturer do not have a formal strategy to jointly benefit from their association. That would be very important for a successful collaboration and for joint internationalization. Currently, the actions appear a little too ad hoc and opportunistic, with some exceptions (i.e. PSG and Emirates Cup). In other words, the commitment does not really transpire yet in the co‐branding partnerships studied.Research limitations/implicationsOther teams in other sports and other countries should be studied in the next stage of the research. All the more so since the paper focused on a convenience sample, comprised of only French teams. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to the differences between North America and Europe. Indeed, in North America, the league is very much involved and controlling in the international expansion of its teams to the point that the league dictates the internationalization of its teams, brands and merchandising offering; whereas in Europe, teams have much more freedom to expand abroad.Originality/valueThe global brand strategy, which refers to a new market and an existing co‐brand name, would be the most appropriate for sports teams and equipment manufacturers. This would be especially true when both the equipment maker and the sports team benefit from a strong brand equity, which they could carry into international markets and use to trigger a strong synergy abroad. The global brand strategy bears some resemblance with the “Brand Conquistador” strategy, where partnership, either between two teams or between a team and an equipment maker, is used in order to expand internationally.
The competency of New Zealand new graduate occupational therapists: Perceived strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Nayar Shoba , Gray Marion , Blijlevens Heleen 
Published: March 2013

Background/aimThere is a paucity of research examining the issues faced by New Zealand new graduate occupational therapists entering practice, including understanding graduates' abilities to translate knowledge and skills gained in their professional training, into the clinical setting. This study sought to explore the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly graduated occupational therapists in New Zealand.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used including: (i) online survey completed by 458 New Zealand registered occupational therapists, and (ii) five focus groups, in four cities, with occupational therapists, educators and managers. Survey and focus group questions explored new graduates' preparedness for practice based on the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand competencies for registration.ResultsNew graduates were perceived to be strong in the competencies of ‘communication’ and ‘continuing professional development’, and weaker in the areas of ‘implementation of occupational therapy’ and ‘management of environment and resources’. Perceptions of graduates’ preparedness in relation to ‘culturally safe practice’, ‘safe, ethical and legal practice’ and ‘management of self and people’ were mixed.ConclusionThe profession has not raised any serious concerns about new graduates' preparedness for practice; however, there were some identified weaknesses. Currently, there is no clear evidence that increasing undergraduate training time would address these weaknesses and some indication that postgraduate focus may be preferable. Furthermore, the findings highlight the inconsistency in previous studies regarding perceptions of graduate preparedness. Further research regarding new graduates preparedness for practice, from multiple perspectives and taking into consideration length and stage of education, is recommended.
The Effects of Differential Extraction Conditions on the Premature Lysis of Spermatozoa,
Authors: Hennekens Catherine M. , Cooper Elyse S. , Cotton Robin W. , Grgicak Catherine M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect Proteinase K, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), incubation times, and temperatures had on differential extraction efficiencies and the premature lysis of spermatozoa. The effect was measured using Quantifiler® Duo and Identifiler™ PCR Amplification kits, where the resultant male and female DNA concentrations and their ratios within the nonsperm‐ and sperm fractions (SFs) were determined. Comparisons between expected and observed ratios illustrate the quantity of female DNA in the SF increased when Proteinase K was absent during the initial incubation. Additionally, there is no indication of simultaneous sperm and epithelial cell lysis in the absence of DTT at Proteinase K concentrations ranging from 10 to 300 μg/mL. All other conditions exhibited minimal variation in DNA concentration. Therefore, despite the various protocols used for the differential lysis of cell mixtures encountered in casework, the method is robust and successful at most conditions.
Impaired mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and insulin resistance in aging: novel protective role of glutathione
Authors: Nguyen Dan , Samson Susan L. , Reddy Vasumathi T. , Gonzalez Erica V. , Sekhar Rajagopal V. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAging is associated with impaired fasted oxidation of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) suggesting a mitochondrial defect. Aging is also associated with deficiency of glutathione (GSH), an important mitochondrial antioxidant, and with insulin resistance. This study tested whether GSH deficiency in aging contributes to impaired mitochondrial NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance, and whether GSH restoration reverses these defects. Three studies were conducted: (i) in 82‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice, the effect of naturally occurring GSH deficiency and its restoration on mitochondrial 13C1‐palmitate oxidation and glucose metabolism was compared with 22‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice; (ii) in 20‐week C57BL/6 mice, the effect of GSH depletion on mitochondrial oxidation of 13C1‐palmitate and glucose metabolism was studied; (iii) the effect of GSH deficiency and its restoration on fasted NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance was studied in GSH‐deficient elderly humans, and compared with GSH‐replete young humans. Chronic GSH deficiency in old mice and elderly humans was associated with decreased fasted mitochondrial NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance, and these defects were reversed with GSH restoration. Acute depletion of GSH in young mice resulted in lower mitochondrial NEFA oxidation, but did not alter glucose metabolism. These data suggest that GSH is a novel regulator of mitochondrial NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance in aging. Chronic GSH deficiency promotes impaired NEFA oxidation and insulin resistance, and GSH restoration reverses these defects. Supplementing diets of elderly humans with cysteine and glycine to correct GSH deficiency could provide significant metabolic benefits.
Mitochondrial hormesis links low‐dose arsenite exposure to lifespan extension
Authors: Schmeisser Sebastian , Schmeisser Kathrin , Weimer Sandra , Groth Marco , Priebe Steffen , Fazius Eugen , Kuhlow Doreen , Pick Denis , Einax Jürgen W. , Guthke Reinhard , Platzer Matthias , Zarse Kim , Ristow Michael 
Published: March 2013

SummaryArsenite is one of the most toxic chemical substances known and is assumed to exert detrimental effects on viability even at lowest concentrations. By contrast and unlike higher concentrations, we here find that exposure to low‐dose arsenite promotes growth of cultured mammalian cells. In the nematode C. elegans, low‐dose arsenite promotes resistance against thermal and chemical stressors and extends lifespan of this metazoan, whereas higher concentrations reduce longevity. While arsenite causes a transient increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in C. elegans, co‐exposure to ROS scavengers prevents the lifespan‐extending capabilities of arsenite, indicating that transiently increased ROS levels act as transducers of arsenite effects on lifespan, a process known as mitohormesis. This requires two transcription factors, namely DAF‐16 and SKN‐1, which employ the metallothionein MTL‐2 as well as the mitochondrial transporter TIN‐9.1 to extend lifespan. Taken together, low‐dose arsenite extends lifespan, providing evidence for nonlinear dose‐response characteristics of toxin‐mediated stress resistance and longevity in a multicellular organism.
Foraging patterns and strategies in an Australian desert ant
Authors: Schultheiss Patrick , Nooten Sabine S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Australian desert ant Melophorus bagoti (Formicidae) is a thermophilic, solitary foraging ant that inhabits the semi‐arid regions of Australia. In recent years, it has become a model species for the study of navigation. However, its ecological traits are not well understood, especially on the level of the entire colony. Here, we investigated this species daily activity schedule and diet composition, and examined its foraging behaviour. Foraging activity is confined to a window of roughly 50–70°C soil surface temperature, and foragers reacted quickly to temperature changes. Consequently, the pattern of daily outbound traffic during summer is unimodal on warm days and bimodal on very hot days. Foragers are opportunistic scavengers; dead insects make up a large proportion of food items, but grass seeds are also occasionally brought back to the nest in large amounts. Diet composition changes with the seasonal availability of certain food groups. Melophorus bagoti foragers have the ability to recruit nestmates to profitable food sources. Recruitment seems to function without the use of pheromone trails, but the exact mechanism requires further investigation.