bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocadherins control the modular assembly of neuronal columns in the zebrafish optic tectum
Authors: Cooper Sharon R. , Emond Michelle R. , Duy Phan Q. , Liebau Brandon G. , Wolman Marc A. , Jontes James D.
Published: November 2015

Cell–cell recognition guides the assembly of the vertebrate brain during development. δ-Protocadherins comprise a family of neural adhesion molecules that are differentially expressed and have been implicated in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we show that the expression of δ-protocadherins partitions the zebrafish optic tectum into radial columns of neurons. Using in vivo two-photon imaging of bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic zebrafish, we show that pcdh19 is expressed in discrete columns of neurons, and that these columnar modules are derived from proliferative pcdh19+ neuroepithelial precursors. Elimination of pcdh19 results in both a disruption of columnar organization and defects in visually guided behaviors. These results reveal a fundamental mechanism for organizing the developing nervous system: subdivision of the early neuroepithelium into precursors with distinct molecular identities guides the autonomous development of parallel neuronal units, organizing neural circuit formation and behavior.
Library interior design, costs, and implications for the future
Authors: Bell Brigitte , Cottrell Terrance Luther
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the impact that library interior design can have on patron satisfaction with library service offering, in light of cost concerns from both patrons and library managers alike.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides insight from library design researchers and the authors’ experiences with how to simultaneously design effective spaces and advocate for funding for construction and remodeling.

Findings

– There are at least three major categories for the fiscal impact of design projects: large, medium and small scale. Research on design projects, however, ranges from the low 6 figures to over $50 million. This situation creates a case-by-case environment for library administrators looking for best practices.

Originality/value

– No library is exactly like another, and no library’s patrons have similar fiscal tolerance for interior design proposals and build-out projects. This paper provides guidance for library administrator searching for more information on how to advocate for and begin the process of library interior design with an aim of increasing utility and functionality of spaces.
Use of research in local alcohol policy-making
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Ugland Trygve , Baklien Bergljot
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– On-premise trading hours are generally decided at the local level. The purpose of this paper is to identify relevant advocacy coalitions and to assess to what extent and how these coalitions used research in the alcohol policy-making process concerning changes in on-premise trading hours in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

– Theory-driven content analyses were conducted, applying data from city council documents (24 Norwegian cities) and Norwegian newspaper articles and broadcast interviews (n=138) in 2011-2012.

Findings

– Two advocacy coalitions with conflicting views and values were identified. Both coalitions used research quite extensively – in the public debate and in the formal decision-making process – but in different ways. The restrictive coalition, favouring restricted trading hours and emphasising public health/safety, included the police and temperance movements and embraced research demonstrating the beneficial health/safety effects of restricting trading hours. The liberal coalition of conservative politicians and hospitality industry emphasised individual freedom and industry interests and promoted research demonstrating negative effects on hospitality industry turnover. This coalition also actively discredited the research demonstrating the beneficial health/safety effects of restricting trading hours.

Originality/value

– Little is known about how local alcohol policy-making processes are informed by research-based knowledge. This study is the first to analyse how advocacy coalitions use research to influence local alcohol policy-making.
Flight MH370: How can Malaysia deal with it?
Authors: Guo Yan , Deng Shu , Gong Xuan
Published: November 2015

Subject area

Crisis management.

Study level/applicability

Graduate and MBA.

Case overview

This case analyzes the event of disappearing flight MH370 belonging to Malaysia Airlines which attracted worldwide attention from a third-party perspective. This case describes clearly the entire process of the crisis, mainly focusing on the decisions made and action taken by the Malaysian Government, and then illustrates the assessment and diagnosis of the crisis.

Expected learning outcomes

This case not only provides a sample for the teaching of strategic and crisis management but also supplies effective guidance for the measures a nation can take regarding a huge crisis.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Familial support impacts incarcerated women
'
s housing stability
Authors: Harris James , Martin Ruth Elwood , Filek Heather , Macaulay Ann C , Buxton Jane A. , Buchanan Marla , Korchinski Mo , Moravan Veronika , Ramsden Vivian
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This participatory health research project of researchers and women prisoners examined housing and homelessness as perceived by incarcerated women to understand this public health concern and help guide policy. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A participatory research team designed and conducted a survey of 83 incarcerated women in BC, Canada. Using descriptive statistics, the authors examined socio-demographic factors related to social support networks and family housing and women’s housing preference upon release.

Findings

– In total, 44 percent of participants reported no family home upon release while 31 percent reported lost family ties due to their incarceration. Most vulnerable subpopulations were women aged 25-34, aboriginal women and those with multiple incarcerations. Housing preferences differed between participants suggesting needs for varied options. Further implementation, evaluation and appraisal of social programs are required.

Research limitations/implications

– This study surveyed one correctional facility: future research could utilize multiple centers.

Practical implications

– Addressing housing instability among released incarcerated individuals is important fiscally and from a public health lens. Improved discharge planning and housing stability is needed through policy changes and social programs. A social support network, “Women in2 Healing,” has developed from the research group to address these issues.

Social implications

– Housing stability and recidivism are closely linked: providing stable housing options will lessen the social, fiscal and medical burden of individuals returning to crime, substance abuse, illness and poverty.

Originality/value

– Housing instability addresses an important social determinant of health and focussing on incarcerated women builds upon a small body of literature.
Do people choose to be homeless? An existentially informed hermeneutic phenomenological analysis
Authors: Wharne Simon
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Homeless populations are a politically contentious problem and researchers struggle to achieve a balanced approach. They place emphasis on sharply contrasting factors, such as; institutional structures, ideologies or individual dispositions and differences. Central questions remain unanswered, i.e., is homelessness an outcome of society’s failings related to housing shortages, or a personal choice, as in the status of “intentional homelessness?” The purpose of this paper is to set aside assumptions, to explore experiences of homelessness and psychosis.

Design/methodology/approach

– An existentially informed hermeneutic phenomenological analysis; exploring transcribed narratives from semi-structured interviews with three men.

Findings

– These participants started to wander as a spontaneous response to distressing life experiences. Without any plan they travelled to new locations living on the street. Being contained and treated against their will in the psychiatric system was another source of distress. They did not choose homelessness through a rational calculation of their best interests. They felt at odds with society, which did not protect them and failed to meet their needs.

Research limitations/implications

– In qualitative research, findings are not generalisable to other settings.

Practical implications

– Homeless services should be enhanced by psychological expertise along with more person-centred emphatic approaches; the authors of social policies should consider their philosophical assumptions.

Social implications

– Systemised mental healthcare does not solve complex problems; fails to meet needs.

Originality/value

– The analysis informs the design of further research, prompts practitioners to review their understandings and provides grounds for the rewriting of policies.
Deploying telehealth with sheltered housing tenants living with COPD: a qualitative case study
Authors: Bailey Cathy , Cook Glenda , Herman Linda , McMillan Christine , Rose Jo , Marston Roy , Binks Eleanor , Barron Emma
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on a small telehealth pilot in local authority sheltered housing in NE England. This explored the training and capacity building needed to develop a workforce/older person, telehealth partnership and service that is integrated within existing health, social care and housing services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative case study approach on the implementation and deployment of a pilot telehealth service, supporting sheltered housing tenants with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=4).

Findings

– Telehealth training and capacity building, needs to develop from within the workforce/older person partnership, if a usable and acceptable telehealth service is to be developed and integrated within existing health, care and housing services. To be adaptable to changing circumstances and individual need, flexible monitoring is also required.

Practical implications

– Service users and workforces, need to work together to provide flexible telehealth monitoring, that in the longer term, may improve service user, quality of life.

Originality/value

– The pilot explored a workforce/older person partnership to consider how to add and implement telehealth services, into existing health and housing services.
Social responsibility and reputation influences on the intentions of Chinese Huitang Village tourists
Authors: Su Lujun , Swanson Scott R. , Chen Xiaohong
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to model and test the relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate reputation, customer satisfaction and behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 451 complete questionnaires were obtained from randomly approached ethnic Chinese leisure tourists. Following a two-step approach, a measurement model was estimated and then a structural model analyzed to test proposed hypotheses.

Findings

– CSR and reputation significantly impacted customer satisfaction, which, in turn, affected repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions. Customer satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between CSR and behavioral intentions in addition to corporate reputation.

Research limitations/implications

– The study considered only a limited number of lodging customers in a specific geographic area in China. Additional investigation across hospitality business types and cultures is needed.

Practical implications

– Investments in CSR activities in a Chinese hospitality consumption context can contribute to customer satisfaction and ultimately contribute positively to customer future behaviors.

Originality/value

– This study provides insights into the role that CSR may play for domestic Chinese hospitality customers. Little attention has been paid to the importance of corporate reputation in a tourism/hospitality context. This study contributes in helping to close this gap. Finally, this study embeds customer satisfaction within a framework of antecedents and consequences in an integrated causal model.
Financial leverage phenomenon in hospitality industry sub-sector portfolios
Authors: Kizildag Murat
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to seek answers to a primary question: “How much do divergent leverage factors account for fluctuations in time-varying financial leverage in leading hospitality sub-sectors decomposed by four exclusive sub-portfolios?” In the path of seeking answers, this paper investigated the effects of both firm-specific and macroeconomic indicators to firms’ varying financial leverage in those primary sub-sectors overtime.

Design/methodology/approach

– In each sub-sector portfolios, firms were sorted based on market-to-book values (Mktbk
it
) with median breakpoint percentiles. For hypothesis testing, this paper constructed panel regression models with firm fixed-effects to layout fluctuant financial leverage phenomenon engaged with a set of 11 leverage factors in each Mktbk
it
sorted sub-sector portfolios.

Findings

– Results exhibited assorted evidences. The bottom line was: firms with different market capitalization rates in each portfolio acted differently in regard to the magnitude of financial leverage across time.

Research limitations/implications

– The final sample of 415 firms in four sub-sector portfolios sufficiently embraced financial leverage composition in the hospitality industry across time. However, by reason of lack of data in the other intra-hospitality industries, such as gaming and/or cruise lines, findings did not represent the firms operated in those sub-industries.

Originality/value

– This paper departed from the established context of the previous literature in the manner that it expects to add to the literature by demonstrating the core drivers causing the deviations in financial structure in four exclusive, hospitality industry sub-sector portfolios with varying leverage proxies overtime.
Exploration of revenue management practices – case of an upscale budget hotel chain
Authors: El Haddad Rania
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of revenue management (RM) pricing practices and managers’ perceptions towards this practice in a budget hotel chain and to provide recommendations for improving the adoption of and perception towards this practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– A single case study method was adopted to conduct an in-depth qualitative research in a hotel organization. In-depth data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and documentation.

Findings

– The research findings indicate that the implementation of revenue management system (RMS): needs to be clearly communicated and made tangible to employees; can impact the profitability of the budget hotel sector and not only mid-scale or luxury sectors; and remains a profit-oriented decision with little consideration for customer outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings may not apply to mid-scale or luxury properties, as the results cannot be generalized to other hotel chains in other countries that apply complex pricing structures. Future research might develop multiple case study design to increase the rigor of the research by focusing on themes or patterns uncovered in a single case study.

Practical implications

– The practical application of the study is twofold: the recommendation to maintain ongoing implementation activities, such as designing operational plans and training programs; the recommendation for a RM pricing strategy that maintains positive price fairness perceptions and results in positive behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

– This study helps advance our understanding of the characteristics that influence the success of RM implementation in the budget hotel context and provides us with useful insights to design effective dynamic strategies to enhance the implementation process both for the organization and its stakeholders.
Health tourism
Authors: Yang Jae Yeon , Paek Soyon , Kim Taegoo (Terry) , Lee Tae Hee
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of tourists’ needs for healing experience (NHE) on behavioral intentions for transformation (BIT) with healing involvement (HI) as a mediator. Using the two sub-constructs of BIT in the tourism industry (i.e. selection of healing tour products and transformational intention of healing tour behavior), this study evaluates BIT.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey was administered to visitors in healing resorts/centers in Korea; 383 completed surveys were used to investigate the hypothesized relationships of this study using regression analysis.

Findings

– The study results confirmed the hypothesized relationships: the positive effects of NHE on BIT and the significant mediating role of HI in the relationships between NHE and BIT.

Practical implications

– The relationships among NHE, HI and BIT can improve the understanding and practices of healing experience and the development of healing products in the tourism industry. This study offers a meaningful and extended perspective on customers’ experience and product development by interpreting customers’ desires and needs.

Originality/value

– This study explores the under-researched subject of NHE and HI from a transformative economic perspective. The study is among the first to examine the structural relationships among NHE, HI and BIT. The uniqueness of the study is highlighted by the use of two sub-dimensions of the BIT industry (i.e. selection of healing tour products and transformational intention of healing tour behavior) in a tourism context.
Social networks of Danish farmer investors in CEEC
Authors: Hajderllari Luljeta
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate “embeddedness” of business relationships within social relationships of Danish farmer investors (DFI) concerning agricultural investment and expansion abroad.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a survey of 61 DFIs operating abroad, information is elicited regarding their organisational network connections in terms of business and social relationships to other DFIs also operating abroad.

Findings

– Results indicate that cooperation and received and given advice are positively related to social ties, whereas competition is negatively related, thereby supporting the idea that business relationships are embedded in social relationships. This implies that actors may behave less cooperatively in new institutions where they compete for scarce resources.

Originality/value

– This paper assesses what happens when farmers change from the stable Danish environment to a foreign one. Will they be still cooperating with each other or they will adjust to the new institutions?
Do corporate diversification and earnings management practices affect capital structure?
Authors: Ajay Ranjitha , Madhumathi R
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact of earnings management on capital structure across firm diversification strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study focuses on firms operating in the manufacturing sector (diversified and focused). Panel data methodology compares diversification strategies and identifies the impact of diversification strategy with earnings management practices on capital structure decision.

Findings

– International and product diversified firms have lower levels of leverage than focused firms in their capital structure. Asset-based earnings management is positive for diversified (market/product) firms. Earnings management using discretionary expenditure (project based) is found to be higher for market diversified but product-focused firms. Earning smoothing method is found to be significant for focused firms and shows a negative relationship with capital structure.

Originality/value

– This study offers an insight into the relationship between corporate diversification, earnings management and capital structure decisions of manufacturing firms. The results provide an important contribution to accounting and strategy literature. A distinction is made between market- and product-diversified firms and influence of earnings management practices (asset-based, project-based and earnings smoothing (ESM)) on capital structure decisions. Diversified firms (market/product) tend to have lower levels of leverage than focused firms and earnings management practices within firm groups significantly influence the capital structure decisions.
Combating money laundering by the banks in India: compliance and challenges
Authors: Viritha B , Mariappan Velu , Venkatachalapathy Varun
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The study was conducted to assess the level of compliance with regulatory guidelines on anti-money laundering (AML) in the scheduled commercial banks in India, and to understand the bottlenecks in AML implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The respondents were employees working in the banks located in the States of Puducherry and Tamilnadu. Snowball sampling method was adopted in selecting the sample. The sample consisted of 392 employees from the public sector, private sector, and foreign banks in India. The data was collected by administering the structured questionnaire during the period June, 2014 to January, 2015. Descriptive and non-parametric tests were applied, and the significance was considered at þ ≤ 0.5.

Findings

– Results indicated that the banks were largely complying (3.67 ± 1.39) with the AML measures under study. The compliance with guidelines on KYC updation was found to be higher (79.9 per cent), followed by reporting requirements (72.7 per cent), and customer identification procedures (57.4 per cent). The practice of customising or amending the AML policy of the bank according to the bank
'
s business risks and evolving regulatory obligations was found unsatisfactory (67.1 per cent). The respondents in majority agreed to the identified issues such as deficit of resources, lack of customer support, training, feedback and information exchange as constraints in the practice of AML.

Originality/value

– There is a dearth of studies examining the AML/CFT implementation in the financial institutions of India. Accordingly, the present study attempts to assess the practices of AML/CFT in commercial banks and understand their challenges faced in implementing it.
No more bullsh*t: securities opinions after Omnicare
Authors: Frumento Aegis , Korenman Stephanie
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– To review and analyze the implications for rendering opinions in connection with the sale of securities in the wake of the US Supreme Court’s decision in Omnicare, Inc. et al. v. Laborers District Council Constr. Ind. Pension Fund, et al.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analyzes the Omnicare holding and dissent in light of past practices and decisions and discusses how the case changes the risks of liability for rendering opinions in registration statements, and by necessary implication in other contexts where the securities laws proscribe either the statement of untrue “facts” or, by omissions, the making of misleading “statements.”

Findings

– Omnicare opens issuers and securities professionals to liability for rendering opinions that are not reasonably based in facts and rationality. Because the measure of such reasonableness depends on the reasonable investor, makers of opinions will need to take more matters into consideration in rendering opinions than they might have previously, when the only test of an opinion was whether it was genuinely believed by its maker. This creates a number of unresolved issues, but it also suggests that prudence will dictate more detailed disclosure and documentation of the bases of opinions than has been thought necessary until now.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced securities and financial services lawyers.
Development cycle and carrying capacity
Authors: Silva Adilson Aderito da , Silva e Meirelles Dimária , Porto Elvio Correa
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the development cycle of Brazilian banking sector during the lengthy period between 1889 and 2009, also identifying an equilibrium number of financial institutions based on the carrying capacity of the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The number of institutions in equilibrium is calculated based on the population density dependence model adopted under the organizational ecology theory. Quantitative data of founding and failure and qualitative data (interviews with the directors, officers and chief executive officers (CEOs) of selected companies) were used.

Findings

– In all three bank segments (commercial, investment and multiple), the total number of banks in operation on December 31, 2009 was below the carrying capacity. However, in the multiple bank segment, the gap between the actual and potential figures is slightly smaller. As indicated by the respondents, there is almost no room for newcomers in the major bank segments. In counterpart, there is still space for new arrivals in the mid-market bank sector.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings presented here may change, as carrying capacity is determined by political, legal and economic factors, including the availability of resources in niches and constraints imposed through laws, rules and other regulatory aspects. However, raising the life cycle of the entire population offers opportunities for future research on individual organizational trajectories, using new theoretical and methodological perspectives, such as dynamic capabilities and process theory.

Practical implications

– The main contribution of this paper lies in indicating the growth potential for banking institution populations in Brazil, and may be used not only by potential newcomers eager to enter the sector, but also as a tool for assessing anti-trust policies.

Originality/value

– The development cycle of Brazilian financial institution populations is unknown, and carrying capacity is a construct less explored by academic literature, particularly in Brazil. This is a unique study since a demography of an entire banking population in a developing country does not exist, besides there is not such a financial institution like the multiple bank in Brazil.
The devil you know? A review of the literature on the impact of prior ties on strategic alliances
Authors: Valdés-Llaneza Ana , García-Canal Esteban
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide a comprehensive view of the role of previous cooperative relationships between partners at the different stages of development of strategic alliances: formation, design and post-formation, as well as their effect on alliance performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a comprehensive review of the literature.

Findings

– This paper shows that the relationship between prior ties and alliance outcomes is more complex than what it seems at first sight. The impact that prior ties have on alliance performance and organizational adaptation is not always positive.

Research limitations/implications

– The main implication of this paper for researchers and managers is to show the need to consider the risks of repeated relationships between partners. This research could be developed by conducting a meta-analysis.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a comprehensive view of the impact of prior ties between the partners in strategic alliance outcomes. This paper sheds light on some inconclusive results of previous research on this topic.
Implementing the Value Scorecard
Authors: Town Stephen
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the implementation and use of the Value Scorecard in a university library. The Value Scorecard seeks to articulate the full value of a library through a four dimensional matrix populated with data, evidence and narrative.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study covers two years of collection of data and evidence to populate the Value Scorecard at the University of York, UK. This is action research and development.

Findings

– The paper describes the success of the implementation of the framework across a broad university service including library, archives and IT services. The reporting template is outlined and the availability of relevant measures for populating each dimension are discussed, together with developments in the concepts of each dimension since the original paper on the scorecard. The paper reflects on the advances in the understanding and practice of performance measurement and assessment in libraries that the Value Scorecard offers. The strengths and omissions of other pre-existing frameworks, including the Balanced Scorecard, are discussed and absorbed into the value framework. The application of the Value Scorecard offers a practical and successful framework for library performance measurement and advocacy in a dynamic and changing landscape.

Research limitations/implications

– The limitations of the research are those generally applying to a single case experience.

Practical implications

– Nothing arises from the study to suggest that other libraries could not apply this framework, as it encompasses other previous frameworks and allows for local variations and circumstances. Some elements of the framework lack full measurement methods, and this is discussed.

Originality/value

– The originality and value of the paper is that it provides a unique framework for measurement of all dimensions of activity and value in an academic research library, and one that can be tailored to local requirements.
Assessing outcomes and value: it’s all a matter of perspective
Authors: Matthews Joseph
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore a wide range of performance measures, while acknowledging that of late, outcome measures have become increasingly important. Several initiatives are underway to develop a broad framework and suggest approaches to developing outcome measures for all types of libraries. However, while outcomes may be increasingly used, determining the value of a specific outcome is complicated by the reality that value is determined by a combination of perspective and each individual experiencing a specific library service.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews the literature about outcomes and determining the value of outcomes as a foundation for exploring these two inter-related issues – outcomes and value.

Findings

– The findings of a number of reports and studies are reported.

Originality/value

– Separating the question of identifying the outcomes associated with library services and the value of these outcomes are shaped by the perspective of value and determining value will assist libraries in attempting to measure the impact of the services they provide.
Exploring academic e-book use: part I through text analysis
Authors: Bakkalbasi Nisa , Goertzen Melissa
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Over the past decade, as the electronic book (e-book) collection continues to grow, Columbia University Libraries has been gathering information to develop policies related to e-book acquisition, discovery, and access. The purpose of this paper is to investigate users’ e-book search behavior and information needs across different disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research method utilizes text data from two sources: users’ e-book search queries that were entered into the libraries discovery tool called CLIO and e-book title words provided by the Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources (COUNTER) usage reports. The analysis involves identifying and quantifying certain words from users’ search queries with the purpose of examining the contexts within which these words were used.

Findings

– The prominence of topical words such as “history,” “social,” and “politics” in the list was an interesting reflection on the kinds of works users were looking for, as were the terms “handbook,” “guide,” and “manual.” The high frequency of these words imply that users were searching for broad topics, reference works, or other collections of instructions, all of which are intended to provide ready reference.

Originality/value

– Running search queries and e-book title words through a text analysis tool revealed new ideas related to what types of materials users search for and use. Text analysis of search terms and title words provided insight into the nature of e-book use, including broad topic (e.g. history), academic level of use (e.g. introductory), and genre/type (e.g. reference). While it is challenging to deduce reader intent from word frequency analysis, as text data remain widely open for interpretation, the methodology has significant strengths that drive us to continue to use in future studies.
Tourism policy in advanced economies: how can it be effective and efficient?
Authors: Keller Peter
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to outline the theoretical background of tourism policy, taking into account the political changes in advanced economies. It proposes presenting a new definition of tourism policy considering its origins and the stages it went through. It aims to show the possibilities and limits of promotional and horizontal policies and to stress on the need for strategic policies and good governance to make tourism policies more effective and efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

– The conceptual paper is essentially an essay based on the long-time experience of the author in leading positions in the field of tourism policy at the national and intergovernmental level, It is a synthesis of four decades of politics from a practitioner’s side.

Findings

– Economic objectives prevail in tourism policies of advanced economies. The complexity of the market and the strong presence of the state make it difficult to plan and implement effective and efficient promotional measures. There is a need for strategic tourism policies with targeted and lean instruments, embedded horizontally into the relevant state policies.

Research limitations/implications

– Research is limited to tourism policies at the national level in advanced economies.

Practical implications

– The paper may help practitioners to evaluate tourism policies as a whole, taking into account the framework conditions. It may help to create a body of knowledge in the field of tourism policies and politics.

Originality/value

– This paper is a holistic introduction into the nature and the origin of tourism policy in liberal market economies. It shows that this policy has to change the focus under conditions of an always growing but indebted state. It proposes a switch from promotional to horizontal politics to create tourism-friendly framework conditions rather than to subsidise a sector where there are only few market failures.
Myths of top tourism countries, tourism contribution and competitiveness
Authors: Mihalic Tanja , Aramberri Julio
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to deal with the myths of tourism in regard to the tourism available data and their mythical interpretation in relation to top tourism countries, tourism economic contribution and competitiveness and to argue that there is yet no such thing as globalisation of tourism demand. For many decades, tourism researchers have tried to present the true tourism situation, yet – seduced by the available tourism data and rankings – they might have failed to produce the accurate or generally true description.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses a transformative research approach which aims to break existing scientific paradigms in the field of tourism knowledge. Thus, this paper challenges the ever going elaboration of established tourism meanings by asking whether tourism understanding of its development, rankings and competitiveness is justified under the present circumstances.

Findings

– The paper presented some existing anomalies in the understanding of tourism global system which are based on existing data, methodologies, geo-political structure of sovereign states and tourism research values. This implies a limited applicability of current tourism understandings to a universal level.

Research limitations/implications

– For the time being, the discussion on accuracy of the authors’ tourism knowledge remains under the notion of “tourism myths” and the doors for more research on what new approaches, values and methodologies would enable tourism researchers to obtain the accurate tourism rankings, remain wide open.

Practical implications

– This paper can mobilise for improvements in data gathering, accessibility, interpretation and methodology to improve tourism policy, planning and management. In this regard, the paper mobilises for “cosmopolitan responsibility” for tourism surveys and understandings which will provide tourism researchers with a value system that meets the globalised tourism development.

Social implications

– This paper shows the possible impact on tourism knowledge, new tourism paradigms and then on tourism policy and management.

Originality/value

– This paper’s originality is in opening up new approaches to understanding what tourism researchers a while ago would never have considered relevant.
Isotopic evidence of partial mycoheterotrophy in Burmannia coelestis (Burmanniaceae)
Authors: Bolin Jay F. , Tennakoon Kushan U. , Majid Mohamed Bin Abdul , Cameron Duncan D.
Published: November 2015

The Burmanniaceae contain several lineages of achlorophyllous mycoheterotrophic plants that associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here we investigate the isotopic profile of a green and potentially mycoheterotrophic plant in situ, Burmannia coelestis, and associated reference plants. We generated δ 13C and δ 15N stable isotope profiles for five populations of B. coelestis. Burmannia coelestis was significantly enriched in 13C relative to surrounding C3 reference plants and significantly depleted in 13C relative to C4 reference plants. No significant differences were detected in 15N enrichment between B. coelestis and reference plants. The isotopic profiles measured are suggestive of partial mycoheterotrophy in B. coelestis. Within the genus Burmannia transitions to full mycoheterotrophy have occurred numerous times, suggesting that some green Burmannia species are likely to be partially mycoheterotrophic but in many conditions this mode of nutrition may only be detectable using natural abundance stable isotopic methods, such as when associated with C4 mycorrhizal plants.
High‐fat Diet‐induced Intestinal Hyperpermeability is Associated with Increased Bile Acids in the Large Intestine of Mice
Authors: Murakami Yuki , Tanabe Soichi , Suzuki Takuya
Published: November 2015

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by low‐grade chronic systemic inflammation, which is associated with intestinal hyperpermeability. This study examined the effects of 3 high‐fat diets (HFDs) composed of different fat sources (soybean oil and lard) on the intestinal permeability, tight junction (TJ) protein expression, and cecal bile acid (BA) concentrations in mice, and then analyzed their interrelations. C57/BL6 mice were fed the control diet, HFD (soybean oil), HFD (lard), and HFD (mix; containing equal concentrations of soybean oil and lard) for 8 wk. Glucose tolerance, intestinal permeability, TJ protein expression, and cecal BA concentration were evaluated. Feeding with the 3 HDFs similarly increased body weight, liver weight, and fat pad weight, and induced glucose intolerance and intestinal hyperpermeability. The expression of TJ proteins, zonula occludens‐2 and junctional adhesion molecule‐A, were lower in the colons of the 3 HFD groups than in the control group (P < 0.05), and these changes appeared to be related to intestinal hyperpermeability. Feeding with HFDs increased total secondary BA (SBA) and total BA concentrations along with increases in some individual BAs in the cecum. Significant positive correlations between intestinal permeability and the concentrations of most SBAs, such as deoxycholic acid and ω‐muricholic acids, were detected (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the HFD‐induced intestinal hyperpermeability is associated with increased BA secretion. The abundance of SBAs in the large intestine may be responsible for the hyperpermeability.
The role of endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bharadwaj Shishira , Tandon Parul , Kulkarni Geeta , Rivas John , Charles Roger
Published: November 2015

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic immune‐mediated disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It is often the result of the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The role of endoscopy in disease surveillance is unprecedented. However, there is considerable debate in therapeutic goals in IBD patients, ranging from the resolution of clinical symptoms to mucosal healing. Furthermore, deep remission has recently been advocated for altering disease course in these patients. Additionally, neoplasia continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in IBD patients. This review discussed the role of several endoscopic techniques in assessing mucosal healing and neoplasia with emphasis on novel non‐invasive endoscopic techniques.
Dividend policies across multinational and domestic corporations – an international study
Authors: Akhtar Shumi
Published: November 2015

This study examines whether the determinants of dividend payout ratios between Multinational (MCs) and Domestic corporations (DCs) vary across Australia, U.S., Japan, U.K. and Malaysia. Results show: (i) Australian, UK and Malaysian MCs pay significantly less dividends than their Domestic counterparts; however, the opposite holds for the U.S. firms; (ii) the factors that significantly explain the difference between DCs’ and MCs’ payout ratios vary across countries; (iii) firms operating in an imputation tax system and in a common law environment pay comparatively higher dividends relative to firms operating in a classical tax system and civil law regime.
Can interpersonal hypersensitivity under subconscious condition explain paranoid symptom in schizophrenia?
Authors: Zhu Yikang , Yang Zhi , Zhao Jinping , Li Ting , Wang Meijuan , Qian Jie , Jiang Yi , Wang Jijun , Weng Xuchu , Yu Dehua , Li Chunbo
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Interpersonal hypersensitivity is often observed in schizophrenia and has been associated with psychopathological deficits in schizophrenia. Here, we investigated dysfunctions of interpersonal information processing in schizophrenia at both conscious and subconscious levels.

Methods

The experiment included 143 schizophrenia patients and 59 healthy controls. A continuous flashing suppression approach based on binocular rivalry was employed, which included two modes: invisible (subconscious) and visible (conscious). The accuracy and reaction time of a Gabor patch direction–detection task were assessed under three types of stimuli in both modes: images with no person (type 1), images with two to three noncommunicating persons (type 2), and images with more than three communicating individuals (type 3).

Results

In the visible mode, the accuracy of the Gabor patch direction–detection task in the case group was significantly lower than in the control group for the third type of stimuli (P = 0.015). In the invisible mode, however, the accuracy was higher in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.037). The response time difference of the Gabor patch direction–detection task for the third type of images in the invisible mode was negatively correlated with the duration of the illness (P = 0.008).

Discussion

These findings suggest that schizophrenia patients exhibit attentional bias to interpersonal interaction behaviors at both conscious and subliminal levels but toward opposite directions. Our findings shed light on the subconscious deficits under the paranoid symptom in schizophrenia.
Review article: the current treatment of non‐cardiac chest pain
Authors: George N. , Abdallah J. , Maradey‐Romero C. , Gerson L. , Fass R.
Published: November 2015

Background

Non‐cardiac chest pain is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. By recognising that gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), oesophageal dysmotility and oesophageal hypersensitivity are the main underlying mechanisms of NCCP, a more directed therapeutic approach has been developed.

Aim

To determine the value of the current therapeutic modalities for NCCP.

Methods

Electronic (Pubmed/Medline/Cochrane central) and manual search.

Results

Double‐dose PPI treatment for two months is a reasonable first choice approach in patients with NCCP because GERD is the most common aetiology. Studies evaluating the role of medical therapy in NCCP patients with hypercontractile oesophageal motility suggest a limited value to muscle relaxants like calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, diltiazem), nitrates and sildenafil. While most trials evaluating pain modulators are small and many are not placebo‐controlled, these type of medications appear efficacious in both patients with NCCP due to oesophageal dysmotility and those with functional chest pain. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been extensively studied in patients with functional chest pain with good results. Other psychological techniques such as hypnotherapy, group therapy or coping skills have been scarcely studied but appear to be effective in NCCP patients.

Conclusion

Medical, endoscopic and surgical therapeutic options are available for the treating physician, although some patients with non‐cardiac chest pain may require a multimodal therapeutic approach.
Firearm Availability and Violent Death: The Need for a Culture Change in Attitudes toward Guns
Authors: Stroebe Wolfgang
Published: November 2015

There are two conflicting positions toward gun ownership in the United States. Proponents of stricter gun control argue that guns are responsible for 32,000 gun‐related deaths each year and that the introduction of stricter gun control laws would reduce this death toll. Gun rights advocates argue that the general availability of guns reduces homicide rates, due to deterrence and because guns are effective means of self‐defense. Based on a review of the evidence, I draw the following conclusions: Gun prevalence is positively related to homicide rates. There is no evidence for a protective effect of gun ownership. In fact, gun owners have a greater likelihood of being murdered. Furthermore, gun ownership is associated with an increased risk of serious injuries, accidental death, and death from suicide. The evidence on the effectiveness of gun control measures has not been encouraging, partly because the influential gun lobby has successfully prevented the introduction of more effective measures. A federal registration system for all firearms would address many limitations of present gun control measures. To mobilize public opinion, a culture change in attitudes toward firearms is needed.