EXPERIENTIAL VALUE: A HIERARCHICAL MODEL, THE IMPACT ON E-LOYALTY AND A CUSTOMER TYPOLOGY

The main objective of this study is to empirically test a fourth-order hierarchical model of experiential value in an online book and CD setting. In addition, we provide empirical evidence for the role of hedonic and utilitarian value components in creating attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. Finally, we develop an online customer typology, based on the underlying value sources. Based on a sample of 190 visitors of online book and CD retailers, we used PLS to test a third and fourth order hierarchical model of experiential value, emphasizing a hedonic (intrinsic) and utilitarian (extrinsic) value component and the existence of the holistic concept of experiential value. Our results demonstrate that experiential value consists of the third order components hedonic (intrinsic) and utilitarian (extrinsic) value. Both value aspects impact attitudinal loyalty ultimately leading to behavioral loyalty which is also directly affected by utilitarian value. Finally, a nonhierarchical (k-means) cluster analysis identified four segments of online visitors: hedonists, utilitarians, active negativists, and reactive positivists.marketing ;

Variation in bleaching sensitivity of two coral species across a latitudinal gradient on the Great Barrier Reef: The role of zooxanthellae

The ability of corals to cope with environmental change, such as increased temperature, relies on the physiological mechanisms of acclimatisation and long-term genetic adaptation. We experimentally examined the bleaching sensitivity exhibited by 2 species of coral, Pocillopora damicornis and Turbinaria reniformis, at 3 locations across a latitudinal gradient of almost 6 degrees on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Target bleaching temperature was reached by using a ramping rate of 0.2°C/h. We found that the bleaching sensitivity and recovery of both species differed between corals with clade D symbionts and those with clade C. However, in P. damicornis bleaching susceptibility corresponded more strongly with latitude than with zooxanthella type and hence, temperature history, suggesting that local adaptation has occurred. The observed bleaching sensitivity was shown by a decrease in photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) in both species of coral. The rate of recovery in T. reniformis was highest in explants containing clade D symbionts. The occurrence of clade D in the northern section of the GBR may reflect a long-term response to high sea water temperatures, while the presence of clade D in low abundance in T. reniformis at Heralds Prong Reef and Percy Island may be a result of recent bleaching events. © Inter-Research 2006

Orbital Magnetism in the Ballistic Regime: Geometrical Effects

We present a general semiclassical theory of the orbital magnetic response of noninteracting electrons confined in two-dimensional potentials. We calculate the magnetic susceptibility of singly-connected and the persistent currents of multiply-connected geometries. We concentrate on the geometric effects by studying confinement by perfect (disorder free) potentials stressing the importance of the underlying classical dynamics. We demonstrate that in a constrained geometry the standard Landau diamagnetic response is always present, but is dominated by finite-size corrections of a quasi-random sign which may be orders of magnitude larger. These corrections are very sensitive to the nature of the classical dynamics. Systems which are integrable at zero magnetic field exhibit larger magnetic response than those which are chaotic. This difference arises from the large oscillations of the density of states in integrable systems due to the existence of families of periodic orbits. The connection between quantum and classical behavior naturally arises from the use of semiclassical expansions. This key tool becomes particularly simple and insightful at finite temperature, where only short classical trajectories need to be kept in the expansion. In addition to the general theory for integrable systems, we analyze in detail a few typical examples of experimental relevance: circles, rings and square billiards. In the latter, extensive numerical calculations are used as a check for the success of the semiclassical analysis. We study the weak-field regime where classical trajectories remain essentially unaffected, the intermediate field regime where we identify new oscillations characteristic for ballistic mesoscopic structures, and the high-field regime where the typical de Haas-van Alphen oscillations exhibit finite-size corrections. We address the comparison with experimental data obtained in high-mobility semiconductor microstructures discussing the differences between individual and ensemble measurements, and the applicability of the present model.Comment: 88 pages, 15 Postscript figures, 3 further figures upon request, to appear in Physics Reports 199