The influence of social capital on service quality evaluation

Purpose: This research provides guidance for the global manager by determining the manner through which social interaction influences service quality evaluation. Furthermore, this paper explores the function of economic development in altering the role of social relationships in service quality evaluation. Design/methodology/approach: Consistent with the critical realism paradigm a multi-method design is adopted for this study. Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu‟s (1986) structuralist perspective of culture is utilised as the analytical framework. Findings: The findings challenge both marketing and sociology theory that propose that individuals are less focussed on nurturing inter-personal relationships as they are empowered economically. Indeed it is found that social networks (i.e. social capital) perform a key role in service quality preference formation and dissemination. The evidence suggests that economic development has not mitigated the influence of social relationships upon service consumption. Research limitations/implications: Identifies a research agenda towards developing a measure of service quality that more comprehensively probes the social element of the service encounter. In order to more fully explore the impact of economic capital on the service quality construct it is identified that a longitudinal study is required that focuses upon nations as they transition from developing to developed nation status. Practical implications: This study has significant implications for marketing managers seeking to build a presence in Taiwan or other similarly profiled Confucian based societies. It is advised that strategists should adopt a customised strategic plan when operating within Taiwan and similarly profiled cultures. In particular this study encourages a focus upon nurturing inter-personal relationships and leveraging these relationships to effectively communicate to target markets in Confucian societies. Originality/value: This study adopts a sociological perspective of the cultural influence upon the service quality evaluation process.This approach is presented as preferable to the national values-oriented studies (e.g. Hofstede, 1984) that have dominated research in the area

Hydrogenation Reactions in Ionic Liquids. The Efficient Reduction of Nitroarenes, including Nitroferrocenyl Derivatives, to the Corresponding Aminoarenes in [bmim][BF4]

The catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes, including a series of nitroferrocenyl derivatives, to aminoarenes has been successfully achieved in the ionic liquid [bmim][BF4]. The isolated yields of the aminoarenes are very good and recycling of the solvent and catalyst has been achieved.Keywords: Aminoarenes, hydrogenation, ionic liquids, nitroarenes, ferrocene

Stress management: How the unfolded protein response impacts fatty liver disease

SummaryInduction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is recognized as central to fatty liver disease (FLD) pathophysiology. This pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for FLD, as well as other diseases. However, fundamental questions as to how UPR contributes to FLD remain unanswered. Conflicting data suggest that this pathway can both protect against and augment this disease. Here, we review the relationship between protein secretion, endoplasmic reticulum function (ER), and UPR activation. The UPR serves to maintain secretory pathway homeostasis by enhancing the protein folding environment in the ER, and we review data investigating the role for individual UPR players in fatty liver (steatosis). We explore a novel concept in the field that all cases of UPR activation do not equal “ER stress”. Rather, different types of UPRs that can either protect against or cause FLD are discussed. Refining our current understanding of this complex pathway is particularly important, as drugs that affect the protein folding environment in the ER and affect UPR activation are being successful in clinical trials for FLD

Studies on the ribonucleic acid metabolism of the rat adrenal gland

Abstract Not Provided

Sexually transmitted infection risk exposure among black and minority ethnic youth in northwest London: findings from a study translating a sexually transmitted infection risk-reduction intervention to the UK setting.

OBJECTIVES: Young black women are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the UK, but effective interventions to address this are lacking. The Young Brent Project explored the nature and context of sexual risk-taking in young people to inform the translation of an effective clinic-based STI reduction intervention (Project SAFE) from the USA to the UK. METHODS: One-to-one in-depth interviews (n = 37) and group discussions (n = 10) were conducted among men and women aged 15-27 years from different ethnic backgrounds recruited from youth and genitourinary medicine clinic settings in Brent, London. The interviews explored the context within which STI-related risks were assessed, experienced and avoided, the skills needed to recognise risk and the barriers to behaviour change. RESULTS: Concurrent sexual partnerships, mismatched perceptions and expectations, and barriers to condom use contributed to STI risk exposure and difficulties in implementing risk-reduction strategies. Women attempted to achieve monogamy, but experienced complex and fluid sexual relationships. Low risk awareness, flawed partner risk assessments, negative perceptions of condoms and lack of control hindered condom use. Whereas men made conscious decisions, women experienced persuasion, deceit and difficulty in requesting condom use, particularly with older partners. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of STI and condom use skills is not enough to equip young people with the means to reduce STI risk. Interventions with young women need to place greater emphasis on: entering and maintaining healthy relationships; awareness of risks attached to different forms of concurrency and how concurrency arises; skills to redress power imbalances and building self-esteem

Hotel service recovery and service quality: Influences of corporate image and generational differences in the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty

As the number of tourists continues to grow globally, the hospitality industry players inevitably face more challenges. High competition among the competitors and the emergence of new technologies such as online booking platforms make the competition more intense among players in the hospitality sector. The quality of services provided is undoubtedly crucial to the success of the hotel. Hence, any service failure has to be addressed appropriately in order to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and to keep the image of the hotel intact. It is therefore vital that service recovery programs are carefully planned to meet various types of service failures which may inevitably occur. In this study, questionnaires were distributed to customers who had experienced service failures. The aim was to investigate the influence of service quality and service recovery on satisfaction and, ultimately, the effect on customer loyalty. The research also tested the mediating effect of corporate image between the relationship of customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The findings showed that both service recovery and service quality had a significant impact on customer satisfaction. Similarly, it was found that customer satisfaction induced customer loyalty towards the hotel operator. The result also showed that corporate image mediated partially between the relationship of customer satisfaction and customer loyalty