bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beyond disconfirmation
Authors: Imrie Brian C. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo explore the extent to which generosity, as instructed by culture, performs both a formative and a filtering role in the consumers’ service experience.Design/methodology/approachThe critical realism paradigm, a multi‐method/discipline approach is adopted. The research focuses on the Taiwanese consumer as a case and uses qualitative research techniques to model their consumption.FindingsThe most significant contribution this paper makes is informing understanding of the cognitive processes Taiwanese consumers engage in when determining their quality evaluation. The results lend further support to the existence of a relationship between culture and service quality evaluation.Practical implicationsThe paper has consequences at a macro level for global strategy formulation and at a micro level for service quality measurement.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the growing body of evidence lending support to the existence of a relationship between culture and service quality evaluation. The conceptual foundation is laid for further measure development.
A conceptualisation of a customer‐bank bond in the context of the twenty‐first century UK retail banking industry
Authors: Ahmad Rizal 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis paper has two purposes. First, it is to highlight the importance of customer retention and bonding in the context of twenty‐first century banking environment. Second, it is to propose a conceptual model of the customer‐bank bond.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is written based on both extant literature and the author's observation. The paper begins by discussing the context of UK retail banking industry and stressing the importance of retaining bank customers. It then discusses various perspectives of interaction, relationship and bond between customers and providers of services, particularly between retail banking customers and banks. Finally, the paper proposes a conceptual model of bond between retail banking customers and their banks and discusses the implications for managers and theories.FindingsA conceptual model – a triplex bond, which comprises three categories: the primary, secondary, and superlative bond.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper acknowledges that further research is needed to validate the relevance of various dimensions to those proposed categories of bond and to test the power of related measuring instruments.Practical implicationsThe proposed model of a bond could potentially help UK bank managers in mapping out a plan for strengthening customer‐bank bond and, ultimately, in retaining their customers.Originality/valueThe key contribution of this paper is a conceptualisation of customer‐bank bond that takes into account customer non‐personal interactions with their banks.
The saliency and significance of generic identity: an explanatory study of UK building societies
Authors: He Hong‐Wei , Balmer John M.T. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeTo investigate empirically the salience, and significance, of generic identity (industry‐wide identity) within the British Building Society Movement.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative, explanatory study drawing on the principles of grounded theory/case‐study research design.FindingsThe study confirmed the survival/existence of an industry‐wide identity and found this identity type to be of considerable significance and strength. The antecedents of the industry's identity were shown to be a common historical legacy; strong industry culture; effect of regulation; and industry responsiveness to threats. The study builds on the earlier work of Balmer regarding generic image and identity and confirms the salience of the “historicity” of identity articulated by Moingeon and Ramanantsoa. It broadly supports Albert and Whetten's categorisation of identity except with regard to enduringness. In this regard the research found Gioia's notion of adaptive instability to be salient.Practical implicationsThe management of generic identity is of crucial importance. Changes of corporate identity need to take account of the generic identity.Originality/valueThe first major empirical study of generic identity and, as such, the first empirical study of industry identity within the financial services sector.
The evolving role of public relations in Ireland
Authors: O'Dwyer Michèle 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe nature of the international corporate public relations function is the substance of ongoing debate by both leading public relations academics and practitioners, with the predominant body of literature advocating public relations as a management rather than a line function. This ongoing debate formed the basis of a 1993 exploration of public relations as a management function within Irish companies, which concluded that public relations was a line rather than management function at that time. In light of changes in the intervening decade, this article aims to assess the evolution of public relations practice to date.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents the results of longitudinal research undertaken in 2003, replicating the 1993 study with the original participant companies, addressing seven key prerequisites identified from literature in the classification of public relations as a management function.FindingsBased on an exploration of these prerequisites the paper concludes that the public relations function in the companies surveyed is now a management function.Research limitations/implicationsThe research undertaken illustrates further possibilities in longitudinal research with the same companies in addition to illuminating the wider possibilities in both public relations practitioner and function research. Furthermore, qualitative research adopting either a case study or depth interview methodology would add greater understanding the nature, development and complexities of public relations in Irish companies.Practical implicationsThe paper notes the progression of public relations from a line to a management function. This progression will have implications for the education and management of the public relations practitioner and the positioning of the function within organisations.Originality/valueThe paper depicts a longitudinal study of public relations in Ireland. The paper is of value to both academics and practitioners in benchmarking the progression of public relations.
A stakeholder approach to relationship marketing strategy
Authors: Payne Adrian , Ballantyne David , Christopher Martin 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the development, extension and use of the “six markets” model and to outline a framework for analysing stakeholder relationships and planning stakeholder strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe “six markets” stakeholder model is examined. Refinement of the model and improved understanding as a result of field‐based research is described. A stakeholder relationship planning framework is proposed.FindingsThe paper examines the use of the “six markets” model in a wide range of organisational contexts utilizing a range of research approaches. A stakeholder relationship planning model is developed consisting of four inter‐related elements, i.e. stakeholder value propositions, value delivery design, stakeholder relationship marketing plans, and measurement and feedback.Research limitations/implicationsThe article suggests a number of areas for future research, including the development of planning approaches for different classes of stakeholders and more detailed testing of the stakeholder model and planning framework in specific market sectors.Practical implicationsThe research suggests that managers find that the development and implementation of relationship plans for the key stakeholder markets generates valuable new knowledge and insights into stakeholder conditions, constraints and opportunities.Originality/valueThis article contributes to knowledge in the relationship marketing and stakeholder theory areas through the development, refinement and use of a planning model that addresses the complexity of stakeholder relationships and networks. The stakeholder planning approach that is developed represents a means by which managers can achieve greater transparency of stakeholders' interests and improved rigour in planning relationships with stakeholders.
Educating future digitizers
Authors: Lynn Maroso Amy 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed description of the Illinois Digitization Institute's Basics and Beyond digitization training program and to describe how successful the project's different training approaches have been.Design/methodology/approachThe training consists of one‐day workshops, web‐based courses, and web‐based courses plus a hands‐on workshop element. Courses are given at different price points and for different lengths of time. Surveys and quizzes measure how well the participants learn the material.FindingsAs surveys, quiz results, and other data from the courses show, the objective of the project is being accomplished: to present cultural heritage institutions with different types of digitization training to suit their time constraints, budgets, and education needs and produce a new set of professionals who will create successful and long‐lasting digitization projects.Practical implicationsThe success of the project shows that participants respond well to different training approaches and these different approaches can be implemented to provide cultural heritage institutions with a wide range of digitization learning options suited to their needs. Such methods can also be used for other types of library and non‐library training.Originality/valueThis is the first time asynchronous but instructor‐led web‐based courses have been used for digitization training, and findings indicate that it has been successful. The outcomes of this training can be useful for institutions interested in how well participants respond to this unique style of training.
The human resource management practice of retail branding
Authors: Girod Stéphane J.G. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeWhile the charity retail literature emphasizes the richness of human resource practices among charity retailers, it rarely makes the link between these practices and their interest for establishing charity retailers' brands. Simultaneously, while the retail branding literature increasingly emphasizes the central role of human resource practices for retail branding, it rarely explains how retailers should conduct such practices. The purpose of this study is to test the recent model proposed by Burt and Sparks in 2002 (the “fifth generation of retail branding”) which proposes that a retail brand depends on the alignment between a retailer's substance (vision and culture) and its perceived image by customers.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on an ethnographic study conducted within the Oxfam Trading Division, GB from October to December 2002.FindingsThe study supports the Burt and Spark's model and makes explicit the practice of human resource for branding. The study demonstrates that it was the alignment between the vision of Oxfam's top management and its new customer‐oriented culture, two elements of its core substance mediated to customers by store employees, which has enabled an improved customers' perception of the brand. The study also seeks to elaborate upon the Burt and Spark's model by specifying an ascending feedback loop starting from customers' perception of Oxfam brand and enabling the creation of a suitable culture and vision again mediated by store employees.Research limitations/implicationsNew research should explore whether and how retailers create synergies between human resource and marketing functions to sustain their brand image.Practical implicationsIf the adoption of business practices by charity retailers is often discussed, this study highlights that commercial retailers could usefully transfer human resource best practices from leading charity retailers to develop their retail brand.Originality/valueThe paper is of value to commercial retailers.
A brand orientation typology for SMEs: a case research approach
Authors: Yin Wong Ho , Merrilees Bill 
Published: June 2005

PurposeThis research paper aims to discuss the role of branding strategy in small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe literature on traditional brand management and strategic branding are first reviewed. Four critical constructs are identified, namely brand distinctiveness, brand orientation, brand‐marketing performance and brand barriers. The literature, in combination with (eight) case research interviews, has been synthesised to develop a new theory of SME branding.FindingsThe paper reveals that the theory identifies the ladder of SME brand orientation, moving from minimal brand orientation, to embryonic brand orientation to integrated brand orientation. Further, it is suggested that most SMEs will be on the lower steps of the ladder. A model of the brand strategy process has been formulated, specifying links between brand barriers, brand distinctiveness, brand orientation and brand‐marketing performance. The study puts forward some propositions about the pre‐conditions to move higher up the ladder, particularly to an integrated brand orientation.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of this research is that it is based on eight case studies. It is suggested that a quantitative survey be carried out to enhance the generalisability of the model.Originality/valueThis paper makes original contributions in that it uses case studies to establish the relationship between the level of brand orientation and brand‐marketing performance; and conceptualises the four brand‐related constructs.
Hepatic proliferation in Gunn rats transplanted with hepatocytes: effect of retrorsine and tri‐iodothyronine
Authors: Cubero F. J. , Maganto P. , Mula N. , Ortiz A. , Barrutia M. G. , Codesal F. J. , Arahuetes R. M. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.   Hepatocyte transplantation would offer an attractive alternative to liver transplantation in the treatment of inborn errors of liver metabolism. However, a major problem in most transplantation studies to date has been the limited growth of transplanted cells in the recipient organ. We performed a strategy for selective proliferation of transplanted cells by interfering with the proliferative capacity of resident hepatocytes, using the pyrrolizidine alkaloid retrorsine and then transplanting liver cells in conjunction with repeated administration of triiodothyronine, an inducer of hepatocyte proliferation in rats. In the present study, foetal and adult syngeneic hepatocyte transplantation into spleen was performed in retrorsine‐treated hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rats. In parallel, repeated injections of triiodothyronine were given to recipients. Rats were sacrificed at 1, 7, 30 and 90 days after transplantation and blood and bile samples were taken to assess the functionality of transplanted cells. The proliferative activity of transplanted hepatocytes was evaluated using proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling index. In summary, both adult and foetal hepatocyte transplantation were effective in correcting a metabolic abnormality in Gunn rats for as long as 3 months. The RS/T3 model, as a measure to increase graft function, could represent an important advance to future clinical application of hepatocyte transplantation.
Clinicopathologic review of 19 patients with systemic candidiasis with skin lesions
Authors: Bae Gee Young , Lee Hae Woong , Chang Sung Eun , Moon Kee Chan , Lee Mi Woo , Choi Jee Ho , Koh Jai Kyoung 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackground  A diagnosis of systemic candidiasis is often delayed or missed owing to the absence of sensitive, specific, and timely diagnostic tools. Skin lesions are not common, but they can help to rapidly establish a diagnosis. We report on a 14‐year experience of systemic candidiasis with skin lesions in our institution. We report the prevalence, clinical findings, histologic findings, etiologic Candida species, underlying conditions, treatment modalities, and outcomes of the cases and compare them with the previous reports.Methods  We reviewed the medical records and laboratory data of patients diagnosed with systemic candidiasis from June 1989 to September 2002 at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.We thoroughly reviewed the data on those patients with characteristic skin lesions. We included the cases in which Candida organisms were either shown or cultured from the skin. We also included the patients who had developed the characteristic rash at the onset of infection if there was no other possible explanation for the rash.Results  Of 53 documented systemic candidiasis cases, 19 (35.8%) had the characteristic skin lesions. Fifteen patients (78.9%) had hematologic problems and were neutropenic. The skin lesions were a maculopapular or nodular rash and plaques. In addition to the trunk and proximal extremities, the rash also involved the face and distal extremities. The rashes were mostly purpuric, not consistently associated with underlying thrombocytopenia but also associated with underlying vascular damage as a result of Candida organisms. The underlying vascular damage also caused intraepidermal necrotic and vesicular change. One case of transepidermal elimination of organisms was newly found. The most common causative species was Candida tropicalis in the 19 patients with skin lesions, in contrast with Candida albicans in a total of 53 patients. The mortality rate was 84.2%.Conclusions  The prevalence of systemic candidiasis‐associated skin lesions may be higher than previously reported. Dermatologists should be familiar with the clinical appearance of skin lesions and suspect this fatal infection when seeing neutropenic patients with a resistant fever and accompanying rash.
Response of vitiligo to PUVA therapy in Saudi patients
Authors: Tallab T. , Joharji H. , Bahamdan K. , Karkashan E. , Mourad M. , Ibrahim K. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackground  Vitiligo is not uncommon in southern Saudi Arabia. The response of Saudi patients to PUVA therapy has not been previously assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate this response.Methods  This is a retrospective study for the period of 1990–2001 in which 32 patients were included: Data were collected from the patients’ records, including: age, sex, age at onset of disease, type of vitiligo, cumulative dose, maintenance dose, total number of sessions, number of sessions to induce pigmentation, treatment duration, and response rate.Results  The overall response rate was 59.4%. The most sensitive sites were the face, trunk, arms, and legs, while the most resistant sites were the hands, feet, and perioroficial areas (perioral and periorbital). Acute complications occurred in 59.4%, while chronic complications occurred in 78.1%. Analysis of the factors that affect the response rate showed that age, sex, the disease duration, and the treatment duration did not affect the response rate, while the surface area and the number of sessions to induce pigmentation showed a positive relation.Conclusions  PUVA is still considered as the most appropriate and effective treatment for vitiligo. Saudi patients showed good response to treatment in general. Some sites such as the face, trunk, arms, and legs showed sensitivity to therapy, while hands, feet, and periorificial areas showed resistance to therapy. Generalized type was the best type to respond, followed by the periorificial type. Acral and segmental types were very resistant to therapy.
Warty and clear cell Bowen's disease
Authors: Hernández‐Pérez Enrique , Figueroa Dagoberto Espinoza 
Published: June 2005

A 54‐year‐old man presented with multiple lesions (seven) on the lower extremities and abdomen. These lesions had been present for at least 12 years with gradual growth and some had spontaneously disappeared; all were asymptomatic. Some of them had been treated with topical steroids and antimycotic creams with poor results. Past personal history was uneventful, but family history revealed the death of a son from metastatic visceral carcinoma.On dermatologic examination, six erythematous plaques of similar appearance were observed on the legs, abdomen and buttocks. All averaged 3 × 4 cm, with well‐defined but irregular borders that did not seem to be infiltrated. On the skin surface, thick scales and crusts were present. Areas of spontaneous involution with residual hypopigmentation were present. On the dorsum of the left foot the biggest lesion was observed, measuring 4 × 8 cm. Unlike other lesions this was verrucous in appearance, with peripheral inflammation (Fig. 1). No ulceration or regional lymphadenopathies were present. General physical examination was unremarkable.The warty lesion located at the ankleimageHistopathology revealed an intraepidermal carcinoma with an intact basal membrane, consistent with Bowen's disease. The presence of multiple clear cells was noted. The biopsy of the verrucous lesion showed an extreme thickening of the epithelium with the papilli reduced to very thin strands. The architectural features seemed to be fully disorganized. Numerous cells appeared highly atypical, with large, hyperchromatic nuclei. Multinucleated atypical cells were often present. Dyskeratotic cells with homogenous, strongly eosinophilic cytoplasm were numerous. The most distinctive feature was, however, the presence of multiple clear cells in the whole thickness of the epidermis. At some points there was effacement of the epidermal/dermal junction because of an intense chronic inflammatory reaction. Nevertheless, no atypicial cells were observed in the dermis (Fig. 2).Warty and clear cell Bowen's disease (Hematoxylin and Eosin, ×10)imageAll lesions were treated with cryosurgery except for the verrucous lesion, which was excised, and a full thickness skin graft was performed, whose donor site was the abdomen. The borders and bottom of the excised skin were free of tumor. The malignancy work‐up was negative.
Successful treatment of extensive basidiobolomycosis with oral itraconazole in a child
Authors: Mathew Renu , Kumaravel S. , Kuruvilla Sheela , Varghese Renu G’boy , Shashikala  , Srinivasan S. , Mani M. Z. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBackground  Basidiobolomycosis is a rare chronic subcutaneous infection caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, which is usually treated with potassium iodide. Extensive deforming lesions in children can occur owing to lack of early diagnosis and/or inappropriate treatment.Case report  An 8‐year‐old girl child presented to us with extensive deforming plaque‐like lesions over the left thigh and leg with multiple ulcerations of 1 year's duration. Histopathology was suggestive of subcutaneous zygomycosis with Splendore Hoeppli phenomenon. Microscopic examination of the tissue showed branching, sparsely septate fungal hyphae on a 10%KOH mount, and culture yielded Basidiobolus ranarum. The patient was initially treated with potassium iodide for 6 weeks to which only a poor response was observed. Itraconazole therapy resulted in rapid regression of the lesions and complete resolution after 15 weeks of therapy. She continues to be disease‐free at 1 year of follow up.Conclusions This case report highlights that in an older child even longstanding extensive basidiobolomycosis can be safely treated with itraconazole. Surgery is not usually necessary in these patients.