bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of the Efficacy of Natural Selection on Coding and Noncoding Variability in Two Passerine Species
Authors: Corcoran Pádraic , Gossmann Toni I , Barton Henry J ,   The Great Tit HapMap Consortium, Slate Jon , Zeng Kai
Published: October 2017

Population genetic theory predicts that selection should be more effective when the effective population size (Ne) is larger, and that the efficacy of selection should correlate positively with recombination rate. Here, we analyzed the genomes of ten great tits and ten zebra finches. Nucleotide diversity at 4-fold degenerate sites indicates that zebra finches have a 2.83-fold larger Ne. We obtained clear evidence that purifying selection is more effective in zebra finches. The proportion of substitutions at 0-fold degenerate sites fixed by positive selection (α) is high in both species (great tit 48%; zebra finch 64%) and is significantly higher in zebra finches. When α was estimated on GC-conservative changes (i.e., between A and T and between G and C), the estimates reduced in both species (great tit 22%; zebra finch 53%). A theoretical model presented herein suggests that failing to control for the effects of GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) is potentially a contributor to the overestimation of α, and that this effect cannot be alleviated by first fitting a demographic model to neutral variants. We present the first estimates in birds for α in the untranslated regions, and found evidence for substantial adaptive changes. Finally, although purifying selection is stronger in high-recombination regions, we obtained mixed evidence for α increasing with recombination rate, especially after accounting for gBGC. These results highlight that it is important to consider the potential confounding effects of gBGC when quantifying selection and that our understanding of what determines the efficacy of selection is incomplete.
Resting-state connectivity predicts patient-specific effects of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Chencheng , Li Yuxin , Huang Pei , Lv Qian , Yu Wenwen , Chen Shengdi , Sun Bomin , Wang Zheng
Published: October 2017

Neural circuit-based guidance for optimizing patient screening, target selection and parameter tuning for deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains limited. To this end, we propose a functional brain connectome-based modeling approach that simulates network-spreading effects of stimulating different brain regions and quantifies rectification of abnormal network topology in silico. We validate these analyses by predicting nuclei in basal-ganglia circuits as top-ranked targets for 43 local patients with Parkinson’s disease and 90 patients from public database. However, individual connectome-based predictions demonstrate that globus pallidus and subthalamic nucleus (STN) constituted as the best choice for 21.1% and 19.5% of patients, respectively. Notably, the priority rank of STN significantly correlated with motor symptom severity in the local cohort. By introducing whole-brain network diffusion dynamics, these findings unfold a new dimension of brain connectomics and underscore the importance of neural network modeling for personalized DBS therapy, which warrants experimental investigation to validate its clinical utility.
Discrete attractor dynamics underlying selective persistent activity in frontal cortex
Authors: Inagaki Hidehiko K. , Fontolan Lorenzo , Romani Sandro , Svoboda Karel
Published: October 2017

Short-term memories link events separated in time, such as past sensation and future actions. Short-term memories are correlated with selective persistent activity, which can be maintained over seconds. In a delayed response task that requires short-term memory, neurons in mouse anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) show persistent activity that instructs future actions. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this persistent activity we combined intracellular and extracellular electrophysiology with optogenetic perturbations and network modeling. During the delay epoch, both membrane potential and population activity of ALM neurons funneled towards discrete endpoints related to specific movement directions. These endpoints were robust to transient shifts in ALM activity caused by optogenetic perturbations. Perturbations occasionally switched the population dynamics to the other endpoint, followed by incorrect actions. Our results are consistent with discrete attractor dynamics underlying short-term memory related to motor planning.
Modulation ofPrdm9-controlled meiotic chromosome asynapsis overrides hybrid sterility in mice
Authors: Gregorova Sona , Gergelits Vaclav , Chvatalova Irena , Bhattacharyya Tanmoy , Valiskova Barbora , Fotopulosova Vladana , Jansa Petr , Wiatrowska Diana , Forejt Jiri
Published: October 2017

The infertility of hybrids between closely related species is one of the reproductive isolation mechanisms leading to speciation.Prdm9, the only known vertebrate hybrid sterility gene causes failure of meiotic chromosome synapsis and infertility in male hybrids between mouse strains derived from two mouse subspecies. Within speciesPrdm9determines the sites of programmed DNA double-strand breaks and meiotic recombination hotspots. To investigate the relation betweenPrdm9-controlled meiotic arrest and asynapsis, we inserted random stretches of consubspecific homology on several autosomal pairs in sterile hybrids and analyzed their ability to form synaptonemal complexes and rescue male fertility. Twenty-seven or more Mb of consubspecific homology fully restored synapsis in a given autosomal pair and we predicted that two symmetric DSBs or more per chromosome are necessary for successful meiosis. We hypothesize that impaired recombination between evolutionary diverged homologous chromosomes could function as one of the mechanisms of hybrid sterility occurring in various sexually reproducing species.
SPANOL (SPectral ANalysis Of Lobes): A spectral clustering framework for individual and group parcellation of cortical surfaces in lobes
Authors: Lefèvre Julien , Pepe Antonietta , Muscato Jennifer , De Guio Francois , Girard Nadine , Auzias Guillaume , Germanaud David
Published: October 2017

Understanding the link between structure, function and development in the brain is a key topic in neuroimaging that benefits from the tremendous progress of multi-modal MRI and its computational analysis. It implies,inter alia, to be able to parcellate the brain volume or cortical surface into biologically relevant regions. These parcellations may be inferred from existing atlases (e.g. Desikan) or sets of rules, as would do a neuroanatomist for lobes, but also directly driven from the data (e.g. functional or structural connectivity) with minimum a priori. In the present work, we aimed at using the intrinsic geometric information contained in the eigenfunctions of Laplace-Beltrami Operator to obtain parcellations of the cortical surface based only on its description by triangular meshes. We proposed a framework adapted from spectral clustering, general in scope and suitable for the co-parcellation of a group of subjects. We applied it to a dataset of 62 adults, optimized it and revealed a striking agreement between parcels produced by this unsupervised clustering and Freesurfer lobes (Desikan atlas), which cannot be explained by chance. Already suitable by itself, this spectral analysis of lobes (Spanol) could conveniently be fitted into a multimodal pipeline for optimized and fast lobar segmentation. Eventually, we showed promising results of Spanol on smoother brains and notably on a dataset of 15 fetuses, with an interest for both the understanding of cortical ontogeny and the applicative field of perinatal computational neuroanatomy.
Sequence fingerprints distinguish erroneous from correct predictions of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Regions
Authors: Saravanan Konda Mani , Dunker A Keith , Krishnaswamy Sankaran
Published: October 2017

More than sixty prediction methods for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) have been developed over the years, many of which are accessible on the world-wide web. Nearly, all of these predictors give balanced accuracies in the ~65% to ~80% range. Since predictors are not perfect, further studies are required to uncover the role of amino acid residues in native IDP as compared to predicted IDP regions. In the present work, we make use of sequences of 100% predicted IDP regions, false positive disorder predictions, and experimentally determined IDP regions to distinguish the characteristics of native versus predicted IDP regions. A higher occurrence of asparagine is observed in sequences of native IDP regions but not in sequences of false positive predictions of IDP regions. The occurrences of certain combinations of amino acids at the pentapeptide level provide a distinguishing feature in the IDPs with respect to globular proteins. The distinguishing features presented in this paper provide insights into the sequence fingerprints of amino acid residues in experimentally-determined as compared to predicted IDP regions. These observations and additional work along these lines should enable the development of improvements in the accuracy of disorder prediction algorithm.
Stretching the skin of the fingertip creates a perceptual and motor illusion of touching a harder spring
Authors: Farajian Mor , Leib Raz , Zaidenberg Tomer , Mussa-Ivaldi Ferdinando , Nisky Ilana
Published: October 2017

We investigated how artificial tactile feedback in the form of a skin-stretch affects perception of stiffness and grip force adjustment. During interactions with objects, information from kinesthetic and tactile sensors is used to estimate the forces acting on the limbs. These enable the perception of the mechanical properties of objects to form, and the creation of internal models to predict the consequences of interactions with these objects, such as feedforward grip-force adjustments to prevent slippage. Previous studies showed that an artificial stretch of the skin of the fingertips can produce a linear additive effect on stiffness perception, but it remains unclear how such stretch affects the control of grip force. Here, we used a robotic device and a custom-built skin-stretch device to manipulate kinesthetic and tactile information. Using a stiffness discrimination task, we found that adding artificial tactile feedback to a kinesthetic force can create the illusion of touching a harder spring which affects both perception and action. The magnitude of the illusion is linearly related to the amplitude of the applied stretch. We also isolated the contribution of tactile stimulation to the predictive and reactive components of grip force adjustment, and found that unlike in other cases of perceptual illusions, the predictive grip force is modulated consistently with the perceptual tactile-induced illusion. These results have major implications for the design of tactile interfaces across a variety of touch applications such as wearable haptic devices, teleoperations, robot-assisted surgery, and prosthetics.

Significance Statement

Sensing forces, using kinesthetic and tactile modalities, is important for assessing the mechanical properties of objects, and for acting the objects while stabilizing grasp against slippage. A major challenge in understanding the internal representations that allow for a predictive grip force control during contact with objects is to dissociate the contribution of tactile and kinesthetic stimuli. To date, this contribution was investigated only in impaired cases either through local anesthesia or in patients with sensory impairment. Our study demonstrates using a programmable mechatronic device that artificially applied skin-stretch creates an illusion of a greater load force that affects grip force control and stiffness perception. These results are applicable in tactile technologies for wearable haptic devices, teleoperation, robot-assisted surgery, and prosthetics.
Reputation of multinational companies
Authors: Aguilera-Caracuel Javier , Guerrero-Villegas Jaime , García-Sánchez Encarnación
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use stakeholder theory as the theoretical reference framework to study the influence of internationalization (geographic international diversification) and social performance on multinational companies’ (MNCs) reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors confirm the research hypotheses using a sample of 113 US MNCs in the chemical, energy and industrial machinery sectors during the period 2005-2010.

Findings

This study contributes to the literature in three ways. First, it incorporates literature on internationalization to study the possible connection between geographic international diversification and social performance in MNCs. Second, it sheds light on the debate between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the reputation of MNCs in a very diverse transnational context in which MNCs must meet the needs of stakeholders at both local and global levels. Third, it incorporates the mediating role of social performance in the relationship between geographic international diversification and the firm’s reputation.

Originality/value

Prior studies have hardly analyzed this relationship, which becomes especially relevant for MNCs, since their implementation of advanced CSR practices in the different markets in which they operate will gain them a good reputation, not only in specific local contexts but also globally, benefitting the organization as a whole and enabling it to gain internal consistency (improvement in internal efficiency), transparency and legitimacy.
Beneficial ownership in sukuk ijarah: a shari’ah appraisal
Authors: Nik Abdul Ghani Nik Abdul Rahim
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically study the application of beneficial ownership in sukuk ijarah by analysing the fiqh interpretation on the concept of beneficial ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper using content analysis approach that delves into the works of Islamic scholars on the concept of ownership and evaluates the concept of beneficial ownership in sukuk ijarah from the Islamic perspective.

Findings

The paper concludes that the beneficial ownership should be considered as true ownership because Shari’ah has allowed the transfer of ownership by a sole basis of contract (offer and acceptance). Although the sukuk holders are not registered as the legal owners in the Land Office, the documentations and agreements have clearly specified the owners and their liabilities.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical investigations into how sukuk holders are responsible for the underlying assets in sukuk ijarah.

Practical implications

It is therefore important to develop parameters for beneficial ownership to govern the use of the concept in Islamic finance.

Originality/value

The paper shows the fiqh interpretation on the beneficial ownership in sukuk ijarah while considering all the constraints and challenges in the implementation of sukuk.
MNCs and religious influences in global markets
Authors: Butt Muhammad Mohsin , Rose Susan , Wilkins Stephen , Ul Haq Junaid
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Multinational corporations (MNCs) that want to compete in markets worldwide should not underestimate the influences of religion on consumer demand. Almost one quarter of the world’s population is Muslim so it is important for MNCs to get into the Muslim mind set when operating in countries where Islam has a large influence. The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent to which consumer-based brand equity in a religious market results from the psychological and behavioural characteristics of consumers rather than from product characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey method was adopted, using a total sample of 551 Muslim consumers in Malaysia and Pakistan. A holistic model conceptualising three potential psychological and behavioural predictors of consumer-based halal brand equity (CBHBE) was created and then tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The strength of an individual’s religious identity was found to be a strong predictor of consumer halal choice behaviour and perceived self-expressive religious benefits. Consumers’ halal choice behaviour and perceived self-expressive benefits directly predict CBHBE. Moreover, consumer halal choice behaviour partially mediates the relationship between self-expressive benefits and CBHBE.

Practical implications

The authors conclude that firms targeting Muslim consumers can maximise CBHBE by focussing their marketing strategies on the three psychological and behavioural constructs identified in the model. For example, by using halal certification logos and providing convincing information about the halalness of their brand, businesses can facilitate Muslim consumers’ search processes in relation to their choice behaviour.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing international branding literature in two main ways. First, it introduces and defines the concept of CBHBE. Second, it identifies and empirically validates the important psychological and behavioural predictors of CBHBE.
Institutional-driven dimensions and the capacity to start a business
Authors: Pinho Jose Carlos M. , Thompson Douglas
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Drawing insights from institutional theory, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the synergistic effects of a range of entrepreneurial framework conditions (EFCs) on the capacity to start a business within different types of economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a preliminary study that uses data from the National Expert Survey-Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (NES-GEM). Specifically, the data were gathered through the application of a questionnaire to National Entrepreneurship Experts in a cross-cultural context. Two countries – Portugal and Angola – are analysed.

Findings

Among the five structural relationships involving institutional drivers analysed, four are found to be statistically significant in the Portuguese sample. Three are found to be statistically significant in the Angolan sample. The results from the multigroup analysis did not support most of the proposed relationship between the two countries.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by the number and type of countries selected and by the fact that each sub-sample covers several years. It also relies on the perceptions of national experts on entrepreneurship covering several areas. Another limitation is based on the fact that this study emphasises mainly a macro perspective. Therefore, interpretation of these findings and their generalisation should be made with caution.

Originality/value

First, this study addresses an area of the GEM model that is believed to be under-researched (NES). Second, the model presented is based on latent variables and analysed through a variance-based method, PLS-structural equation modelling. Third, this study compares the proposed relationships between two sub-sample data sets that represent a factor-driven economy and an innovation-driven economy. Fourth, and most importantly, this study responds to the call for the need to use a new procedure for measurement invariance assessment for composite modelling.
The impact of employee’s perception of implementing green supply chain management on hotel’s economic and operational performance
Authors: Masa’deh Ra’ed , Alananzeh Omar , Algiatheen Noof , Ryati Rawan , Albayyari Reem , Tarhini Ali
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to quantify the associations among employees’ perception of implementing green supply chain management (i.e. through seven variables, namely, internal environmental management, green information systems, green purchasing, tourist perceptions, environmentally friendly activity, employee emotional behavior and environmental legislation) with hotel’s economic and operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument is used to examine the relationships in the proposed model by using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. An analysis of the primary data (n = 150) collected from employees in Aqaba hotels located in Jordan is conducted to test the relationship between exogenous and endogenous constructs expressed in the proposed structural model.

Findings

The findings revealed that while green information systems, employee emotional behavior and environmental legislation affected hotels’ economic performance, internal environmental management, green purchasing, tourist perceptions and environment-friendly activity did not. Also, hotels’ economic performance positively impacted hotels’ operational performance. However, as the coefficient of determination (R²) for the endogenous research variables for economic performance and operational performance was 0.16 and 0.17, respectively, the relationships between the exogenous and endogenous constructs were not supported.

Practical implications

This study will contribute towards a better understanding of employee perceptions of implementing green supply chain management and hotel performance in Aqaba City.

Originality/value

This is the first study that adequately covers the associations among employee perception of implementing green supply chain management on hotel’s economic and operational performance in the Middle East.
Research performance and the organizational effectiveness of universities
Authors: Croucher Richard , Gooderham Paul , Rizov Marian
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test Shattock’s legacy reputation thesis that non-leading universities in the UK face insuperable resource barriers to entering the leading group.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing regression analysis, the authors examine whether prioritizing research performance is a viable strategy for non-leading UK universities aiming to improve their organizational effectiveness. The dependent variable, organizational effectiveness, is measured by the annual Guardian rankings of universities. The main independent variable, research performance, is measured using “research power” (“RP”). RP is derived from the UK Research Excellence Framework.

Findings

For 2008-2014, the authors find that changes in research performance impacted university rankings. However, the authors also find that changes to the rankings are largely confined to non-leading universities and have not led to these institutions breaking into the group of leading universities. Therefore, Shattock’s thesis is supported.

Practical implications

Failing to maintain research performance can have significant negative consequences for the rankings of non-leading universities.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the relationship between the research performance of universities in the UK with a measure of their overall organizational effectiveness.
Brand extension feedback effects: What do we know and where should we go?
Authors: Childs Michelle
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review and summarise the current body of literature on brand extension feedback effects and to identify which research issues are inhibiting advancement in this stream of literature. Based on this analysis, suggestions for future research are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

In a systematic literature review, criteria were used to identify relevant journal publications that have specifically investigated brand extension feedback effects (n = 53). Research articles were subsequently evaluated for further analysis.

Findings

Several issues may inhibit advancement in the literature on brand extension feedback effects. These include issues related the conceptual, methodological and context of research, as well as related to the consumer, product, brand and marketing. Specific research questions are provided which address issues found in this literature stream.

Research limitations/implications

This paper aims to resolve issues in research on brand extension feedback effects to facilitate more rapid advancement in this stream of literature.

Originality/value

This research fills a need to summarise the current state of the literature and identifies research issues that need to be addressed in the future.
Detangling consumer attitudes to better explain co-branding success
Authors: Ho Han-Chiang , Lado Nora , Rivera-Torres Pilar
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine consumer attitude toward a new type of co-branded products, which encompass attributes of high-technology and luxury. The authors named these kinds of co-branded products as “high-tech luxury co-branded products” (HLCPs). Current theoretical approaches used to study co-branding strategies cannot completely explain consumer attitude toward HLCPs. In this study, the authors apply the ABC (affect-behavior-cognition) model of attitudes (as opposed to attitude as a whole) to explore how affect and cognition drive consumer behavior toward HLCPs.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were used and the respondents totaled 483 in period 1 and 331 in period 2. Respondents were collected using convenience sampling technique in one university in Spain and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The authors finding revealed that consumers use both affect and cognition simultaneously when forming an attitude toward HLCPs. Also, consumers’ perception of product fit represents a more relevant driver of consumer behavior with respect to brand fit. Appropriate theoretical and managerial implications are derived from these results.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of consumers’ preferences toward high-tech luxury co-branded products.
Does managerial personality influence pricing practices under uncertainty?
Authors: Kienzler Mario
Published: October 2017

Purpose

While marketing and management research suggests that managers’ individual characteristics influence pricing decisions, the influence of personality traits in this context remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between the five basic personality traits of the five-factor model (extraversion, conscientiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness and neuroticism) and three basic pricing practices (value-, competition- and cost-informed).

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of a non-experimental decision-making scenario, the analysis examines the pricing decisions of 57 managers in relation to a new business service.

Findings

The results suggest that managers’ conscientiousness and openness to experience are positively related to preference for value-informed pricing. Similarly, managers’ agreeableness is positively related to preference for competition-informed pricing and managers’ openness to experience and agreeableness are positively related to preference for cost-informed pricing.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional study design does not support causal inference, and the modest sample size may limit the external validity of the findings.

Practical implications

By increasing awareness of the influence of personality on pricing preferences, the findings are of relevance to managers who are directly involved in pricing decisions. Additionally, the findings are informative for managers who must assign responsibility for pricing authority within firms.

Originality/value

This empirical exploration of the relationship between certain personality traits and specific pricing practices contributes to the literature on psychological aspects of pricing theory by showing how managerial personality influences pricing preferences under uncertainty.
The impact of price promotions on checkout donations
Authors: Xia Lan , Bechwati Nada Nasr
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a model linking price promotions to checkout donations. It is argued that price promotions evoke two perceptions/emotions, namely, feelings of gratitude and perceived sacrifice of purchase, which consequently, influence the likelihood to donate. Feelings of gratitude dominate when the discount is high, while feelings of sacrifice dominate when the discount is low. Compared to no-discount situations, high discounts enhance consumers’ intention to donate while low discounts reduce this intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of four studies using shopping scenarios are conducted. Study 1 examines the main effect and the mediating factors. Study 2 replicates the findings in different product categories and at different unit-price levels. Studies 3 and 4 test the moderating effects of customer effort and discount framing.

Findings

Findings of the four studies provide support for the proposed model. Compared to no-discount situations, high discounts enhance consumers’ intention to donate, while low discounts reduce this intention. The effects are mediated by feelings of gratitude and sacrifice and moderated by effort obtaining the discount and format of the discount.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this research advances the understanding of consumers’ interpretations of price promotions. All studies are conducted in an online context.

Practical implications

This research informs retailers and charity institutions on the best timing for soliciting checkout donations and indicates specific tactics to enhance consumers’ donations.

Originality/value

This is the first study linking price discounts to the growing phenomenon of checkout donations. The research is different from cause marketing where the donation is included in the price of a specific product. The work also differs from studies examining the spillover effect where additional purchases benefit the consumers instead of a cause.
Evaluating perceptions of residents’ towards impacts of tourism development in Emirates of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hammad Nada Malalla , Ahmad Syed Zamberi , Papastathopoulos Avraam
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper id to investigate the influence of nationality on residents’ perceptions of the impacts of tourism, and their support for tourism development, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from self-administered questionnaires from 407 residents, representing 30 nationalities residing in Abu Dhabi.

Findings

The findings suggest differences in perceptions of the impacts of tourism between national and expatriate residents. Despite these differences, both groups reported support of tourism development.

Research limitations/implications

This paper groups residents into only two groups – nationals and expatriates – which limits the explanation of findings. Tourism officials should customize strategies to reach targeted group of residents.

Originality/value

Extant literature examines residents’ perceptions of the impacts of tourism in homogenous groups, and little research explores the influence of nationality on residents’ perceptions. This study is the first to be conducted in Abu Dhabi – where more than 80 per cent of the population is comprised of expatriates – that identifies differences in perceptions between national and expatriate residents regarding tourism’s impacts.
The tourist experience: can destinations maintain authenticity?
Authors: Butler Richard
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify key problems destinations face in maintaining their appeal to the tourist market while experiencing increasing numbers of visitors and impacts upon the quality of their offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the literature on impacts of tourism and the application of sustainable development principals in the context of destination development, along with the most recent literature on the concept of resilience and its application to tourism.

Findings

The paper briefly examines the concerns over the increasing numbers of visitors and their motivations, and then the likely effects on key attributes of destinations. The limitations of using the generic approach of sustainability are briefly reviewed and reasons for the failure of this approach outlined. An alternative way of protecting image and critical attributes of destinations, namely, the application of the concept of resilience, is then discussed. This approach is described and potential applications are presented.

Practical implications

It is argued that a switch from trying to amend the behaviour of tourists to making destinations better able to withstand inevitable impacts of increased visitation is a much more realistic and feasible approach which does not necessarily involve reducing visitor numbers or attempting to change markets. This approach is a more appropriate way to ensure a longer life-cycle for destinations.

Originality/value

Until now, relatively little has been presented on the application of resilience to tourism and to destinations in particular; yet, the potential benefits of this approach are considerable and deserve wider consideration.
Tourists’ perceptions while visiting Portugal
Authors: Gomes João , Alves Daniela , Pacheco Catarina
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to identify the perceptions and satisfaction of tourists while visiting Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on ongoing research by Instituto de Planeamento e Desenvolvimento do Turismo (IPDT) on “Tourist perceptions while visiting Portugal”.

Findings

This study identifies the places chosen by tourists who visited Portugal, as well as the atributes they most valued in the country. With this study, the level of satisfaction of those visiting the country can also be verified as being quite high.

Practical implications

This study provides knowledge about the perceptions and satisfaction of tourists while visiting Portugal, including the main aspects they valued and their satisfaction about Portugal’s main attributes.

Originality/value

This study aims to identify tourists’ opinion about Portugal, identifying the most valued attributes of the country as well as the main doubts about the impacts of tourism on the originality of Portuguese cities.
Lessons from companies and destinations while “surfing the wave of global tourism”
Authors: Costa Jorge , Montenegro Mónica , Gomes João
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to critically review the contributions made by the authors of the papers selected for this theme issue and to present the main lessons learnt, recommendations and key points for action by tourist destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of the papers presented in this theme issue was performed so as to review the most relevant contributions made by authors.

Findings

The massification of tourism is becoming a headache for many destinations. Portugal, increasingly fashionable, is no exception. Rising demand may seem very positive, at first glance, but it becomes a problem when there is no control or action plans that monitor results and anticipate growth.

Practical implications

This study provides knowledge about the perceptions and satisfaction of tourists while visiting Portugal, including the main aspects they valued and their satisfaction about Portugal’s main attributes.

Originality/value

A summary of the key ideas in the articles comprising this theme issue is presented, allowing for the identification of good practices by organizations and destinations that deal with the exponential growth of tourism that we are living today.
Azores: more than a tourist destination
Authors: Guerreiro Marta
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to share the Azorean Government perspective and strategy for managing the current and estimated future tourism growth, assuring a sustainable destination approach, based on political commitment to integrate energy, environment and tourism in the same department. This paper also provides guidance and some key points for action pertinent to other destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of the development of Azores as a tourist destination and the strategies of the Azorean Regional Government relating to tourism development.

Findings

From an analysis of the Azores tourism statistics of the past three years, it is possible to predict that the levels of growth from supply and demand will continue to improve in a balanced way. The policies to be implemented in accordance with the Azorean government’s program for the next four years make clear that the Azores are perfectly positioned in relation to one of the fastest growing tourism segments in the world: adventure tourism and active nature.

Practical implications

This paper promotes the attractions of the Azores as an example in terms of sustainable practice policies.

Originality/value

Given current developments in world tourism, this paper considers the growth of tourism in the Azores. It also presents statistical data that confirms the sustained growth of the destination and the policies that are being developed to maintain the sustainability of the nine islands of the Azores.
Peripheral Intravenous Cannula Insertion and Use in the Emergency Department: An Intervention Study
Authors: Hawkins Tracey , Greenslade Jaimi H. , Suna Jessica , Williams Julian , Rickard Claire M. , Jensen Matthew , Donohue Maria , Cho Elizabeth , Hise Christopher Van , Egerton‐Warburton Diana , Cullen Louise
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The objective was to examine cannulation practice and effectiveness of a multimodal intervention to reduce peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) insertion in emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods

A prospective before and after study and cost analysis was conducted at a single tertiary ED in Australia. Data were collected 24 hours a day for 2 weeks pre‐ and post implementation of a multimodal intervention. PIVC placement and utilization within 24 hours were evaluated in all eligible patients.

Results

A total of 4,173 participants were included in the analysis. PIVCs were placed in 42.1% of patients' pre intervention and 32.4% post intervention, a reduction of 9.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.8 to –12.72%). PIVC usage within 24 hours of admission was 70.5% pre intervention and 83.4% post intervention, an increase of 12.9% (95% CI = 8.8% to 17.0%). Sixty‐six patients were observed in the ED for cost analysis. The mean time per PIVC insertion was 15.3 (95% CI = 12.6 to 17.9) minutes. PIVC insertion cost, including staff time and consumables per participant, was A$22.79 (95% CI = A$19.35 to A$26.23).

Conclusions

The intervention reduced PIVC placement in the ED and increased the percentage of PIVCs placed that were used. This program benefits patients and health services alike, with potential for large cost savings.
Erotic Transference
Authors: Stefana Alberto
Published: October 2017

This article presents some reflections on the delicate and complex phenomenon of erotic transference (and of correlated countertransference issues), a particular form of transference that compels the subject to convert the object into an erotic phantasy. It must be noted that the adjective ‘erotic’ is a bridge concept between ‘pleasurable’ and ‘sexual’. It follows that erotic transference can have various tonalities that range from loving to sexualized and from a dream state (benign) to a drugged or delusional state (malignant). Some writers distinguish between various types of erotic transference, which, however, can be placed on the ‘pleasurable↔sexual’ continuum, and which can in turn be superimposed onto the ‘preoedipal↔oedipal’ dimension.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy of a Child with Internalizing Symptoms: A Study of Outcomes
Authors: Gastaud Marina Bento , Carvalho Cibele , Fiorini Guilherme Pacheco , Ramires Vera Regina Röhnelt
Published: October 2017

When psychopathology is considered as a developmental phenomenon, the data on child psychotherapy must be of interest to all therapists. The aim of this study was to assess the results of psychodynamic psychotherapy in a child with internalizing symptoms using data obtained from the patient, her mother, her teacher and her psychotherapist. A systematic single case study was performed. The data were obtained using the following tools: interviews, the Rorschach Method, the Child Behaviour Check List for Children and Adolescents, the Teachers Report Form and questionnaires completed by the patient's mother and therapist. The psychotherapeutic treatment lasted for 40 sessions and the patient was 8 years old at the start of therapy. She presented with head and stomach aches after the sudden death of her father, as well as difficulty adapting to her new school. The Rorschach results indicated improvement in cognitive triad variables, interpersonal relations and expressing affection. Data from the patient, mother and therapist converged to yield the clinical picture of a more spontaneous girl, dealing better with her feelings and more socially integrated. This points to the importance of using mixed methods to assess psychotherapies and of consulting multiple informants.
Visual outcomes following vitrectomy for diabetic retinopathy amongst Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians in South Australia and the Northern Territory
Authors: Kaidonis Georgia , Hassall Mark M , Phillips Russell , Raymond Grant , Saha Niladri , Wong George HC , Gilhotra Jagjit S , Liu Ebony , Burdon Kathryn P , Henderson Tim , Newland Henry , Lake Stewart R , Craig Jamie E
Published: October 2017

Importance

Visual outcomes following diabetic vitrectomy have not previously been studied in an Australian population.

Background

This analysis aimed to determine the rate of, and factors associated with visual success following diabetic vitrectomy performed for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians, and investigate factors predisposing to early progression to diabetic retinopathy (DR) requiring vitrectomy.

Design

Retrospective, population‐based audit.

Participants

All patients undergoing vitrectomy for the complications of DR in South Australia (SA) and the Northern Territory (NT) between 2007 and 2011.

Methods

Medical records were audited and data collected, including demographics, diabetic history, past treatment for DR, indication for vitrectomy and visual acuity pre and postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures

Visual success (gain of ≥15 ETDRS letters) at 6 and 12 months, postoperatively.

Results

A total of 495 diabetic vitrectomies, for 404 eyes of 335 patients were performed in SA and NT between 2007 and 2011. 77 (23%) patients requiring diabetic vitrectomy were Indigenous Australians. 87% of patients undergoing diabetic vitrectomy had stable or improved vision at 1 year, postoperatively. There was no significant difference between indigenous and non‐indigenous eyes achieving visual success (P = 0.929). Timely preoperative laser treatment (P = 0.03) and preoperative visual acuity (P = 0.01) were the predominant factors associated with visual success.

Conclusions and Relevance

Indigenous patients are just as likely to have improved vision following diabetic vitrectomy as non‐Indigenous Australians. However, the small subset of indigenous patients with blind eyes prior to vitrectomy are significantly less likely to improve from surgery. The underlying factors associated with poor outcomes in this group requires further exploration.
Quality of life related variables measured for three multifocal diffractive intraocular lenses: a prospective randomised clinical trial
Authors: Alió Jorge L , Kaymak Hakan , Breyer Detlef , Cochener Beatrice , Plaza‐Puche Ana B
Published: October 2017

Importance

Quality of vision after multifocal intraocular lens (IOLs) implantation in relation to patient satisfaction. It is important to include the evaluation of visual quality and patient satisfaction in clinical practice.

Background

To evaluate and compare quality of life and patient satisfaction after implantation of three types of diffractive–refractive and apodized‐diffractive bifocal and trifocal multifocal IOLs.

Design

Comparative, prospective, case series and randomized.

Participants

Hundred and four eyes of 52 patients.

Methods

Three multifocal IOLs: AT LISA 809 M (Carl Zeiss Meditec) (AT LISA group, 38 eyes), AT LISAtri 839MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec) (AT LISAtri group, 32 eyes), and ReSTOR SN6AD1 (Alcon) (ReSTOR group, 34 eyes) were implanted after cataract surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

Contrast sensitivity, photopic phenomena, patient satisfaction and quality of life criteria were evaluated.

Results

Patient of ≥ 88% were satisfied with near and intermediate visual outcomes. Better distance‐corrected intermediate visual acuity at 90 cm was detected for AT LISA tri group (P < 0.04). No statistically significant differences were found among groups in postoperative contrast sensitivity (P ≥ 0.053). There were no significant differences in spectacle dependence scores among the groups (P ≥ 0.180). The addition of an intermediate focus did not statistically affect halo and glare size and intensity (P ≥ 0.256) or subjective impact (P ≥ 0.077). Patient satisfaction was consistently high for all groups (P ≥ 0.154).

Conclusions and Relevance

Contrast sensitivity outcomes and patient satisfaction remained high in the trifocal group when compared to the bifocal IOL groups.
RD Lawrence Lecture 2017 Incretins: the intelligent hormones in diabetes
Authors: Gault V. A.
Published: October 2017

The incretin hormones glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) have attracted considerable scientific and clinical interest due largely to their insulin‐releasing and glucose‐lowering properties. Indeed, GLP‐1‐based therapies are now key treatment options for many people with diabetes worldwide. In contrast, GIP‐based agents have yet to reach the clinic based primarily on the impaired insulinotropic action of GIP observed in people with diabetes. Nevertheless, GIP is a key physiological regulator of insulin secretion and stable forms of GIP show much promise in rodent models to alleviate diabetes–obesity. Recent studies suggest that GIP may have an important role to play in a combination therapeutic approach or bioengineered with other gut peptides. Moreover, recent experimental studies indicate that incretins also exert pleiotropic effects in regions of the brain associated with learning and memory, thereby supporting preclinical data demonstrating that incretin‐based drugs improve cognitive function. This review article, based on the RD Lawrence Lecture presented at Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference (2017), provides a brief overview of incretins with a major focus on GIP, the development of designer GIP analogues, and how these molecules can improve cognition. Thus, incretins can be considered as ‘the intelligent hormones’ and may hold the key to successfully treating the alarming rise in neurodegenerative disorders.
Screening for host responses in Acacia to a canker and wilt pathogen, Ceratocystis manginecans
Authors: Trang T. T. , Eyles A. , Davies N. , Glen M. , Ratkowsky D. , Mohammed C.
Published: October 2017

In Vietnam, the productivity of Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium x A. auriculiformis) plantations is being threatened by an aggressive canker pathogen, Ceratocystis manginecans, and selection for tolerance is the main control strategy. A pot trial was established in Binh Duong province to screen for the host response of nine Acacia genotypes (six Acacia hybrid clones, two A. auriculiformis clones and mixed provenance seedlings of A. mangium) to artificial inoculation with three isolates of C. manginecans. Lesion lengths as measured on the inner bark suggested that the two A. auriculiformis clones were relatively more tolerant to C. manginecans than the A. mangium genotype. In contrast, the lesion lengths of all six Acacia hybrid clones fell between the A. auriculiformis and A. mangium genotypes. The results of this study indicate that among the Acacia hybrid clones, BV10 showed the most tolerance to C. manginecans. Chemical analysis of crude sapwood extracts sampled from the lesion provided some evidence that induced phenolic compounds, particularly tetrahydroxyflavanone and condensed tannins may have a defensive role in the Acacia—C. manginecans pathosystem. However, results were not consistent across individual Acacia hybrid clones and A. mangium genotypes.