bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric coherent X-ray diffraction imaging for in situ structural analysis at SPring-8 Hyogo beamline BL24XU
Authors: Takayama Yuki , Takami Yuki , Fukuda Keizo , Miyagawa Takamasa , Kagoshima Yasushi
Published: June 2018

Coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (CXDI) is a promising technique for non-destructive structural analysis of micrometre-sized non-crystalline samples at nanometre resolutions. This article describes an atmospheric CXDI system developed at SPring-8 Hyogo beamline BL24XU for in situ structural analysis and designed for experiments at a photon energy of 8 keV. This relatively high X-ray energy enables experiments to be conducted under ambient atmospheric conditions, which is advantageous for the visualization of samples in native states. The illumination condition with pinhole-slit optics is optimized according to wave propagation calculations based on the Fresnel–Kirchhoff diffraction formula so that the sample is irradiated by X-rays with a plane wavefront and high photon flux of ∼1 × 1010 photons/16 µmø(FWHM)/s. This work demonstrates the imaging performance of the atmospheric CXDI system by visualizing internal voids of sub-micrometre-sized colloidal gold particles at a resolution of 29.1 nm. A CXDI experiment with a single macroporous silica particle under controlled humidity was also performed by installing a home-made humidity control device in the system. The in situ observation of changes in diffraction patterns according to humidity variation and reconstruction of projected electron-density maps at 5.2% RH (relative humidity) and 82.6% RH at resolutions of 133 and 217 nm, respectively, were accomplished.
Household consumption expenditure and inequality: evidence from Nigerian data
Authors: Nwosu Emmanuel O. , Ojonta Obed , Orji Anthony
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Enhancing household consumption and reducing inequality are among the fundamental goals of many developing countries. The purpose of this study therefore is to disaggregate household consumption expenditure into food and non-food and, thus, decompose inequality into within- and between-groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts generalised entropy (GE) measures. Second, the study uses regression-based inequality decomposition to ascertain the determinants of inequality in food and non-food expenditure using household demographic and socioeconomic characteristics as covariates.

Findings

The results show that non-food expenditure is the major source of inequality in household consumption expenditure in both urban and rural areas with inequality coefficients of above 0.6 compared to about 0.4 for food expenditure. The decompositions also show that within-group inequalities for non-food and food expenditure are, respectively, 0.97 and 0.365 using the Theil index, while between-group inequalities for non-food and food are, respectively, 0.016 and 0.035. Furthermore, the regression-based inequality decompositions show that variables such as living in rural areas, household size, household dwelling and household dwelling characteristics account for the significant proportion of inequality in food and non-food expenditure.

Originality/value

The policy implication of the findings, among others, is that policies should focus on addressing inequality within rural and urban areas, especially with respect to non-food expenditure than in inequality existing between urban and rural areas. These non-food expenditures include expenditure in education, health, energy, accommodation, water and sanitation.
Congruence and celebrity endorser credibility in Japanese OTC drug advertising
Authors: Morimoto Mariko
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Based on congruency theory, this study aims to examine the effects of celebrity endorsement on endorser credibility in Japanese over-the-counter (OTC) drug advertising using multiple celebrity categories. In particular, this research explored brand–endorser congruence and endorser–consumer congruence and their roles in attitude formation.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3 (endorser categories: actor/actress, athlete and talent/TV personality) × 2 (endorser’s gender) factorial experimental design with 480 Japanese consumers was used in the study.

Findings

In Japanese OTC drug advertising, actors/actresses and athletes were regarded as more credible than talents (TV personalities) by Japanese consumers. Endorser categories also had a significant influence on identification with the endorser through ideal self-congruency. Additionally, endorser credibility mediated the relationship between identification and advertising evaluations. However, it did not mediate the relationship between perceived similarity with the endorser and advertising responses.

Originality/value

Little is known about the effectiveness of celebrity endorsers in OTC drug advertising from a source credibility perspective. This study attempted to shed light on the role of endorser fit in the framework of source credibility in drug advertising that usually places an emphasis on informational cues rather than peripheral cues such as source effects.
Organizational knowledge management and sharing
Authors: Silva Fábio Ferreira , Odelius Catarina Cecilia
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to identify empirically the influence of learning mechanisms provided by organizations on knowledge sharing in the organizational environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was developed in which a sample of 268 individuals from civil and military organizations of the Federal Direct Administration was researched. The questionnaire used was composed of the Organizational Learning Mechanism Scale, which was adapted at the time of the present study, in addition to a scale on knowledge sharing, which was developed within the scope of this research. After performing the factorial analysis for both scales, a canonical correlation analysis was performed between the group of variables associated with the learning mechanisms (independent variables) and the group of variables on knowledge sharing (dependent variables).

Findings

The results found in the canonical correlation analysis indicate that the learning mechanisms are responsible for explaining 35 per cent of the variance (R² = 0.352) of the group of variables on knowledge sharing.

Practical implications

The findings of this research can help the researched organizations to increase the knowledge management actions, mainly in relation to the actions that favor social interaction among the individuals in the work environment, making possible the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the internal organizational context, and exploring in a positive way actions related to internal acquisition.

Social implications

The deeper knowledge about the relationship between organizational actions promoted by top management and knowledge support decision-making in the organizational environment regarding contextual factors that influence social interaction between individuals. In relation to the sharing of knowledge, a high correlation of knowledge absorption and reproduction aspects with the knowledge sharing phenomenon was perceived, so that the possibility of organizations thinking in ways that provide the individual with formal and informal environments can be foreseen.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this research are to measure the intensity of the relationship between learning mechanisms and knowledge sharing; and to test the predictive effect of learning mechanisms on knowledge sharing. Regarding the methodological aspects, it was opportune to approach the phenomenon through a little used lens in the context of administration research: the analysis of canonical correlation, which represents another look at the influence of the actions of the top management and the interaction of individuals. The discussions and the data analysis carried out in this research allow us to envisage significant contributions of this work to the analysis and theoretical refinement of the study of the variables treated.
Principals and teacher evaluation
Authors: Donaldson Morgaen , Mavrogordato Madeline
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how school leaders use high-stakes teacher evaluation to improve and, if necessary, remove low-performing teachers in their schools. It explores how cognitive, relational and organizational factors play a role in shaping the way school leaders implement teacher evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a database of in-depth interviews with 17 principals and assistant principals, this study uses cross-case comparisons to examine one district’s efforts to improve the performance of low-performing teachers through evaluation.

Findings

School leaders’ framing of teacher performance and their efforts to improve instruction reveal the cognitive, relational and organizational aspects of working with low-performing teachers and, if necessary, pursuing removal. Notably, this study found that cognitive and relational factors were important in school leaders’ teacher improvement efforts, but organizational factors were most salient when attempting to remove teachers.

Research limitations/implications

Because evaluating and developing teachers has become such an important aspect of school leaders’ day to day work, this study suggests that school leaders could benefit from more assistance from district personnel and that preparation programs should build in opportunities for aspiring leaders to learn more about their role as evaluators.

Originality/value

The success or failure of teacher evaluation systems largely hinges on school leaders, yet there is scant research on how school leaders make decisions to develop and remove low-performing teachers. This study sheds light on the central role school leaders play in implementing high-stakes teacher evaluation.
A discourse analysis of financial inclusion: post-liberalization mapping in rural and urban India
Authors: Lenka Sanjaya Kumar , Barik Rajesh
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure the availability, accessibility and usability of financial products and services in both rural and urban India from 1991 to 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses principal component analysis (PCA) method to construct financial inclusion index that serves as a proxy variable for indicating the inclusiveness of financial products and services among the rural and urban people. To fulfill this objective, the study proposes separate indexes of financial inclusion for both rural and urban India from 1991 to 2014. The paper uses annual time series data from 1991 to 2014 to construct the rural-urban financial inclusion index. The used data have been collected from the basic statistical returns of Reserve Bank of India and Economic Political Weekly research foundation.

Findings

The study inferences that though there is a remarkable increase in financial inclusion in India from 1991 onwards, it does not result in sizeable growth of financial access to rural masses in comparison to urban masses. The rural India does not substantiate an equivalent growth to that of urban India, contrasting a perceptible increase in financial inclusion. The finding of this study will help the researchers and policymakers to understand the status of financial inclusion in the context of both rural and urban India. Furthermore, policymakers can take appropriate policy initiatives to fulfill the financial inclusion gap that exists between rural and urban people. Additionally, the proposed index is easy to compute and can be used to make comparison across countries for further studies.

Originality/value

The present paper attempts to include all possible dimensions (and indicators within a dimension) that have been considered so far by various authors. Therefore, the authors hope that this index will be more indicative and accurate than previous index. Again, the authors propose to use PCA for the first time to assign the weight of factors in the financial inclusion index for rural and urban India separately.
The persistent problem of integrated care in English NHS hospitals
Authors: Erskine Jonathan , Castelli Michele , Hunter David , Hungin Amritpal
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine whether some aspects of the distinctive Mayo Clinic care model could be translated into English National Health Service (NHS) hospital settings, to overcome the fragmented and episodic nature of non-emergency patient care.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a rapid review to assess the literature on integrated clinical care in hospital settings and critical analysis of links between Mayo Clinic’s care model and the organisation’s performance and associated patient outcomes.

Findings

The literature directly concerned with Mayo Clinic’s distinctive ethos and approach to patient care is limited in scope and largely confined to “grey” sources or to authors and institutions with links to Mayo Clinic. The authors found only two peer-reviewed articles which offer critical analysis of the contribution of the Mayo model to the performance of the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

Mayo Clinic is not the only organisation to practice integrated, in-hospital clinical care; however, it is widely regarded as an exemplar.

Practical implications

There are barriers to implementing a Mayo-style model in English NHS hospitals, but they are not insurmountable and could lead to much better coordination of care for some patients.

Social implications

The study shows that there is an appetite among NHS patients and staff for better coordinated, multi-specialty care within NHS hospitals.

Originality/value

In the English NHS integrated care generally aims to improve coordination between primary, community and secondary care, but problems remain of fragmented care for non-emergency hospital patients. Use of a Mayo-type care model, within hospital settings, could offer significant benefits to this patient group, particularly for multi-morbid patients.
Exploring whether mindfulness can enhance ethnic identity among undergraduate and graduate students
Authors: Yang Angeline Villanueva , Ludvik Marilee Bresciani , Sax Caren L. , Garcia-Navarrete Sylvia , Bracken Wendy , Wood J. Luke , Iyoho Charles
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether attention, emotion, and cognitive regulation (CR) may be strategies to advance one’s ethnic identity.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is presented in three parts. The first section discusses integrative inquiry (INIQ) (Bresciani Ludvik et al., 2016), a mindfulness methodology and mindful inquiry training program, as a potential pathway to help mitigate stress and enhance healthy development and well-being strategies that combat stressors related to ethnic and racial identity; and increase opportunities for positive ethnic identity development. INIQ was designed to influence areas of the brain associated with attention regulation, emotion regulation, and CR in order to decrease stress and anxiety, and heighten executive functions of undergraduate and graduate students. The second section discusses an exploratory study to see whether INIQ resulted in higher mean scores for participants on their ethnic identity, as assessed by the multigroup ethnic identity measure (Phinney, 1992).

Findings

The results indicated that there was a significant increase in pre-test and post-test scores for mindfulness (p=0.001) as well as the dependent measure for learning exploration (p=0.028) among 30 undergraduate, master’s- and doctoral-seeking students. There was also a non-significant increase for clear understanding (p=0.15) and overall ethnic identity achievement (p=0.387); and non-significant decrease for ethnic belonging (p=0.424).

Originality/value

These findings suggest that INIQ may increase students’ ethnic learning exploration, which is an important process in ethnic identity development (Phinney and Ong, 2007). This study also suggests that INIQ increases mindfulness in participants. The authors conclude with a discussion and recommendations to future INIQ and other diversity centered student support practitioners interested in influencing positive ethnic identity formation.
Visualizing library data interactively: two demonstrations using R language
Authors: Jiang Zhehan , Carter Richard
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide two real examples to inspire librarians to use modern techniques for data visualization.

Design/methodology/approach

Two interactive applications were created for visualizing longitudinal and geographical data collected by libraries.

Findings

R language has high versatility and flexibility in visualizing various types and hierarchy of data under a prevalent Web framework. The two demonstrations provide workflows from data extractions to visualization products.

Originality/value

Proper visualization assists librarians and administrators to understand data better and gain more insightful prospects. As a result, more scientific decisions can be made for improving libraries operation.
Relationship between nutrients intake and the risk of prostate cancer
Authors: Bagheri Amir , Nachvak Seyed Mostafa , Abdollahzad Hadi , Arzhang Peshawa , Rezaei Mansour , Pasdar Yahya , Moradi Mahmoud Reza , Mohammadi Farzad
Published: June 2018

Purpose

It has been suggested that there is a link between the dietary intake of certain nutrients and the risk of prostate cancer. The aim of this study is to examine the associations between dietary intakes of all nutrients and the risk of prostate cancer in Kermanshah.

Design/methodology/approach

This case-control study was conducted in Kermanshah, a province in the west of Iran in November of 2016. The sample consisted of 50 patients with confirmed prostate cancer, and 150 healthy men who matched in age with these cases and did not have any symptoms of prostate disorder were chosen as controls. Dietary intakes were collected by a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire that contained 147 food items and were then analyzed by Nutritionist 4 software.

Findings

After adjustment for potential confounding factor, highest tertile compared to lowest tertile of dietary vitamin E intake [odds ratio (OR) = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.05-0.89], lycopene intake (OR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.01-0.86) and magnesium intake (OR = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.01-0.55) had a protective effect on the incidence of prostate cancer. However, there were no associations between dietary intakes of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and calcium with prostate cancer.

Originality/value

The finding suggests that the dietary intakes of vitamin E, lycopene and magnesium could decrease the risk of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, dietary intake of other nutrients such as fiber, calcium, vitamins D, A, B12 and folate was not associated with prostate cancer.
The economic impact of tourism in Central Finland: a regional input–output study
Authors: Tohmo Timo
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the total economic impact of tourism at the regional level in Central Finland. This paper aims to clarify the extent to which tourism contributes to regional output, employment, income and taxes in tourism-related sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a regional input–output analysis. The author calculates the effects of tourism on regional output, demand, wages, employment and national and regional taxes in Central Finland.

Findings

The author’s regional input–output analysis reveals that tourism has a substantial impact on production in Central Finland (including the direct and indirect effects of consumption by tourists in different sectors). Moreover, the effects of tourism expenditures on employment and residents’ incomes in tourism-related sectors in Central Finland are quite significant.

Research limitations/implications

Many limitations of this study stem from the assumptions of the input–output model. Other limitations relate to the analysis of the impacts of tourism on household taxes, savings, consumption and net income. Our study uses average figures, which may overstate the effect of tourist expenditures on taxes because tourism jobs are often low paying.

Practical implications

The study yields results that can be used to frame regional policy. The results may be useful for policymakers in planning for tourist attractions. Furthermore, local authorities may use the results to guide decisions regarding infrastructure investments or improvements to the operating environment of tourism industries.

Originality/value

Many studies analyse the economic impact of events at the regional level using input–output analysis. National-level tourism impact studies using the input–output technique have also been conducted. Studies focussed on the economic impact of tourism at the regional level typically examine the macroeconomic (income, output and employment) effects of tourism. Consequently, these studies have focussed on estimating output, employment and income multipliers (Mazumder et al., 2012). The author’s contribution is a regional input–output analysis of direct and indirect impacts of tourism expenditures on production, demand, wages, income and employment in the whole economy at the regional level (in Central Finland). The author also analyses the impacts of tourism on national and regional taxes. The results of this study could be used by planners and policymakers involved in regional planning and development.
Smart hospitality: Taiwan hotel stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Leung Rosanna
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The term smartness has been discussed in the academia for many years; prior research has listed numerous advantages and encouraged business entities to implement smart technologies. However, stakeholders’ knowledge level, support intention and barriers to smart technology have been under investigated. Without the support of stakeholders, smart projects can hardly be implemented. This paper aims to explore the above-mentioned under investigated area and identify the gaps between academia and the hotel industry in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with nine hotel stakeholders in Taiwan with investors, owners, managers, technology suppliers and information technology consultants. Three key areas were focused on: smart hotel definition, expectations from smart hotel and known barriers for implementing smart technologies.

Findings

The definition of smart hotel among all stakeholders was inconsistent. Stakeholders defined a smart hotel according to their role in the organization: revenue boost, service customization, operations effectiveness and in-room automation. However, the key functions of smart technologies, such as interconnectivity and interoperability with business partners’ application (e.g. online travel agencies) and linkage to external Big data for accurate revenue forecast, were not mentioned by the interviewees. In addition, social media monitoring, robots and artificial intelligence were not mentioned during the interview.

Originality/value

This study attempted to identify Taiwanese hotel stakeholders’ perspective on smart hotel and to compare the outcome with academic research. The result indicated that there is a big gap in the definition of “smart hotel” among stakeholders and academia and reflected several barriers that prohibit hotel owners and investors in implementing smart systems.
Contributions of tourism to destination sustainability: golf tourism in St Andrews, Scotland
Authors: Butler Richard William
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of golf tourism in contributing to the overall sustainability of the destination community of St Andrews, Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses a primarily qualitative assessment of impacts supported by archive material from local sources including the local media.

Findings

Golf tourism in the town of St Andrews has a long history and has been integrated into the development of the town for many centuries. This has meant that there has been developed a positive relationship between golf and its organisation and the community, and there is widespread support for golf tourism and acknowledgement of the importance of this activity for the well-being of the town. There is acceptance that residents benefit in many ways from the presence of golf tourism in the town.

Research limitations/implications

No direct quantitative assessments were made, but previous surveys of the impact of golf tourism on the town are used in drawing the conclusions. Extensive literary research was conducted on attitudes and perceptions of community residents to golf tourism.

Practical implications

It is clear that the concept of sustainable development is context specific in terms of its validity and effectiveness, and it should be examined in terms of local conditions and arrangements.

Social implications

In this case, an activity that has taken place in the community for 500 years is widely accepted and improved through tourism development.

Originality/value

While case studies are not always of benefit and often reflect only a single viewpoint at one time, this paper shows that implications can be drawn from case studies that reflect situations that exist in other destinations.
The main trends in the Russian tourism and hospitality market from the point of view of Russian travel agencies
Authors: Gudkov Aleksandr , Dedkova Elena , Dudina Kristina
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss recent developments in the Russian tourism industry and the main reasons for new initiatives in local destination development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on qualitative research methodology. A summary of key literature is presented alongside the analysis of the survey results.

Findings

This paper sheds light on the challenges and changes that took place in the Russian tourism business between 2014 and 2017. The subject is poorly covered in academic literature. The basic data for analysis presented in official statistics are scarce. Therefore a more effective way of obtaining relevant information was to conduct a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire, with tourism business actors as respondents.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides mostly conceptual analysis based on limited empirical data; directions for further empirical research are proposed in the conclusion.

Originality/value

The paper reveals something of the impact of economic and geopolitical factors, both negative and positive ones, on the restructuring of the Russian tourism market and the emergence of promising opportunities for the development of new domestic destinations. As a result, tourism market actors are able to become more diverse.
The development approaches to tourist value propositions of small cities
Authors: Berezka Svetlana , Kolkov Mikhail Y. , Pereskokova Elena V.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the modern approaches to the development of tourist value proposition and to discuss relevant cases of small cities in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a case study approach based on the experience in Vladimir Region with respect to government and its support for tourism development.

Findings

Based on the analysis of the main approaches to the development of tourist value propositions of small cities, the experience of the Vladimir Region is used to discuss composite tourist products that combines different values for tourists.

Practical implications

Several recommendations are offered for developing and improving the tourist value propositions of small cities, including clear positioning of a destination from competitors, communicating values that are of high interest to target segments, event marketing, extension of tourist experiences and networking of small cities that can contribute to the composite tourist value proposition.

Originality/value

The main output of this paper is to provide understanding of approaches to developing tourist value propositions for small cities that can be used in transitional economies to contribute to the sustainable development of the territory, based on the experience of the Vladimir Region, Russia.
Listening to the voice of the customer in the hospitality industry: Kano model application
Authors: Zobnina Margarita , Rozhkov Aleksandr
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the customer satisfaction drivers of Russian tourists choosing hotels in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is focused on tangible aspects of the hotel service product adopted from the European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index by J.D. Power. Research methodology is based on the Kano model that enables satisfaction driver classification based on the level of their impact. Data collection was conducted via online panel representative for 1 million+ Russian cities, totaling 1,238 respondents.

Findings

This paper reveals groups of customer satisfaction drivers by their impact from attractive to expected and indifferent, as well as customer preference profile by age, overall travel experience and trip purpose (recreational, sightseeing or active tourism).

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the tangible attributes of hotel experience; the survey sample composed of Russian tourists that evaluated their satisfaction with hotels in Europe.

Practical implications

As a result of the study, the authors test Kano model application in the hospitality and tourism industry, providing hotel managers with an advanced yet easy to use customer satisfaction measurement tool. Also, the authors demonstrate substantial differences in customer satisfaction drivers by groups that can be used to plan product development. “Expected” and “one-dimensional” groups of product features would cause customer dissatisfaction if missing and should be the first priority of management. Interestingly after a certain level, “expected” factors have no marginal value, so their improvement by the hotel management should be limited. On the other hand, “attractive” factors boost customer satisfaction while present but with no negative impact if they are absent; that makes this group the second priority for hotel management. Factor distribution by group is different for various customer segments that can also be taken into consideration when designing the marketing communications of a hotel.

Originality/value

In this research, the authors use the Kano model to identify customer satisfaction drivers in the hospitality and tourism industry. This methodology enables in-depth analysis of the factors’ impact and provides understanding of the accommodation product improvement potential based on customer perception. The authors suggest several groups of factors and demonstrate that certain high-impact satisfaction drivers have zero incremental value for customers.
International hotel chains in Russia
Authors: Sheresheva Marina Y. , Oborin Matvey S. , Polyanskaya Elena E.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the recent changes in the strategies of international hotel chains in the Russian market, as well as their role in the sustainable development of small and medium towns as prospective local tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

General observation of the local environment, statistical analysis and a qualitative approach were used to reveal current developments in international hotel chains’ strategy in Russia, and new opportunities for a number of small towns to be embedded in the development of the Russian tourism market. The current scenarios were examined using the available secondary data, including federal statistics and relevant empirical studies, as well as case studies and personal interviews with industry experts that allowed access to respondents’ opinions and market knowledge.

Findings

In recent years, investment in the Russian regions has become more attractive for international hotel chains. Findings of the study add to the literature on emerging markets by presenting an overview of the main challenges facing international hotel chains in the Russian market and by stressing the facilitating effect of foreign hotel chains’ upon tourism infrastructure development in small and medium towns in Russian regions. The statistics presented, as well as key opinions of hoteliers and local authorities, contribute to an understanding of the strategies used by international hotel operators in emerging economies with reference to new evidence from Russia.

Originality/value

The main output of this study is that it yields a better understanding of the strategic movement of international hotel chains into the Russian regions and new opportunities to develop tourism infrastructure in small and medium cities situated in Russian regions as prospective tourism destinations.
Socio-economic preconditions of resort agglomerations development in the south of Russia
Authors: Oborin Matvey S. , Kozhushkina Irina , Gvarliani Tatyana , Ivanov Nikolay
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the modern problems and the main trends of development of the health-improving tourism sector in the southern part of Russia and to identify significant factors in overcoming the complex challenges related to specific socio-economic conditions in the study area.

Design/methodology/approach

The material that served as the basis of the study comprises statistical data from the Southern Federal District and its subjects, as well as data about the development of tourism infrastructure on the official websites of governments, Ministry of Tourism and the population of the Southern Federal District. This information was systematized from a number of perspectives, including identification of the chronology of health-improving tourism infrastructure development in the chosen territory, as well as the advantages and disadvantages in this area. Based on the results of the study, the authors also developed some recommendations to overcome existing inactive trends in the field of health tourism.

Findings

This paper sheds light on the understanding of the challenges and changes that took place in the resort agglomerations of the south of Russia in terms of current issues and those that must be addressed in the coming years. It was concluded that health tourism in the south of Russia has old traditions based on the natural resource potential of territories that are included in the composition of the Southern Federal District. At the same time, the authors came to the conclusion that, unfortunately, not resort agglomerations are fully utilized. Furthermore, some historic resorts were not well maintained by local authorities and have suffered more recently because of lack of investment. At present, the financial results of health resorts and others related to health-improving tourism are precarious as most operations are unprofitable, and so complex decisions are needed to address the underlying problem of resource optimization because of the important social and economic role of the cities in this region. They have special natural and resource potential and preserve traditions related to health-improving tourism.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides a conceptual analysis based on limited empirical data combined with some directions for further research.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to reveal the impact of social, economic and geopolitical factors, both negative and positive, on the development of the health-improving tourism segment, restructuring of the Russian tourism market and the emergence of promising opportunities and new directions for development. The findings also provide insights for practitioners and researchers, and the tourism industry can draw on this analysis to guide the development of strategy, increase investment attractiveness, make more effective use of the natural resource potential and maintain pressure on government partners to provide support to tourism.
Development of agritourism as an innovative approach to agricultural complex management in Russia
Authors: Polukhina Anna , Rukomoinikova Vera
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the problems and prospects for the further development of agricultural tourism in Russia. The paper focuses on innovations in the agricultural complex, particularly on an innovative approach to agricultural tourism management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use statistical analysis and a case study approach as the main methods. The paper contains statistical data on agricultural complex and agritourism development in a number of Russian regions. The case study illustrates the prospects for implementing innovations in the management of an agricultural complex and the development of agritourism.

Findings

The research sheds light on the contemporary state of the agricultural complex in the Russian Federation and on the challenges for the development of agriculture during economic sanctions, with a related impact on exchange rates and the value of the Russian Ruble.

Originality/value

The paper comments on the sociocultural resources for agricultural development based on the results of a three-year study of tourism-based networking involving entrepreneurs, locals and state and municipal authorities.
Comparing the sampling performance of sound recorders versus point counts in bird surveys: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Darras Kevin , Batáry Péter , Furnas Brett , Celis‐Murillo Antonio , Van Wilgenburg Steven L. , Mulyani Yeni A. , Tscharntke Teja
Published: June 2018

Autonomous sound recording is a promising sampling method for birds and other vocalizing terrestrial wildlife. However, while there are clear advantages of passive acoustic monitoring methods over classical point counts conducted by humans, it has been difficult to quantitatively assess how they compare in their sampling performance. Quantitative comparisons of species richness between acoustic recorders and human point counts in bird surveys have previously been hampered by the differing and often unknown detection ranges or sound detection spaces among sampling methods.

We performed two meta‐analyses based on 28 studies where bird point counts were paired with sound recordings at the same sampling sites. We compared alpha and gamma richness estimated by both survey methods after equalizing their effective detection ranges. We further assessed the influence of technical sound recording specifications (microphone signal‐to‐noise ratio, height and number) on the bird sampling performance of sound recorders compared to unlimited radius point counts.

We show that after standardizing detection ranges, alpha and gamma richness from both methods are statistically indistinguishable, while there might be an avoidance effect in point counts. Furthermore, we show that microphone signal‐to‐noise ratio (a measure of its quality), height and number positively affect performance through increasing the detection range, allowing sound recorders to match the performance of human point counts.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate that when used properly, high‐end sound recording systems can sample terrestrial wildlife just as well as human observers conducting point counts. Correspondingly, we suggest a first standard methodology for sampling birds with autonomous sound recorders to obtain results comparable to point counts and enable practical sampling. We also give recommendations for carrying out effective surveys and making the most out of autonomous sound recorders.
Managerial Hubris, Trade Associations and Regulatory Knowledge in Micro‐Firms
Authors: Betton Marc E. , Branston J. Robert , Tomlinson Philip R.
Published: June 2018

To avoid breaking the law for regulatory non‐compliance, it is essential that micro‐firm owner‐managers are aware of deficiencies in their knowledge, so that they can seek improvement and avoid over‐confidence (i.e. hubris) in their knowledge levels. Using newly collected survey data from micro‐firms in the English accommodation sector and multivariate techniques, the authors explore the possibility of hubris by making a novel distinction between the Perceived‐Knowledge and Actual‐Knowledge of regulation held by micro‐firm owner‐managers. Both Perceived‐Knowledge (from self‐assessment) and Actual‐Knowledge (from a simple test) over four core areas of regulation are found to be different, generally poor and suggestive of hubris. The relationship between these knowledge levels is further explored by considering the role of trade association membership (since they support members) and attitude (since it effects learning). Attitude is found to be positively associated with both forms of knowledge, while trade association memberships are also found to be associated with enhanced Perceived‐Knowledge, but not Actual‐Knowledge. In light of the results, the authors suggest several priority areas for improving Actual‐Knowledge and self‐assessment skills, and areas for future research.
Financialization without liquidity: in‐kind payments, forced credit, and authoritarianism at the periphery of Europe
Authors: Mattioli Fabio
Published: June 2018

After 2008, the spectacular collapse of financial markets in the United States, Spain, Iceland, Portugal, and Greece has induced researchers to conceptualize financialization as a rapid and unsustainable increase in liquidity. In Macedonia, a small country at the periphery of the European Union, however, the spread of financial instruments and debt coincided with an increased use of in‐kind payments instead of money. Focusing on a type of non‐monetary exchanges that Macedonians callkompenzacija, the article shows how in‐kind payments are integrated to financial flows, and are crucial to the emergence of an authoritarian regime. In the Macedonian context,kompenzacijais part of an oppressive set of relations whereby companies are forced to provide monetary credit to the regime by accepting payment in goods that lose value over time. The article describes the conditions that shape financialization at the periphery of Europe, and identifies in value conversions a crucial variable for understanding the interconnection between politics and finance.
The relations of early phonological awareness, rapid‐naming and speed of processing with the development of spelling and reading: a longitudinal examination
Authors: Bar‐Kochva Irit , Nevo Einat
Published: June 2018

Phonological awareness has been found to be strongly related to spelling. Findings on the relations between rapid‐naming and spelling are less consistent and have been suggested to be shared with speed of processing. This study set out to examine these relations in spelling and reading of Hebrew. Children attending the regular educational system were followed longitudinally (N = 70): phonological awareness, rapid‐naming and speed of processing were tested in kindergarten and in grade 1, and spelling and reading were tested in grade 2. Kindergarten and grade 1 rapid‐naming predicted spelling and word reading, and grade 1 phonological awareness predicted spelling, word reading and decoding. Speed of processing was an insignificant predictor. The findings extend the role of phonological awareness in spelling to an orthography with partial phonological representations and concurrently suggest weak relations. The results further suggest a link between rapid‐naming and orthographic knowledge, which may not be explained by shared variance with speed of processing.
Adoption of Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties under Rainfall Stress in Malawi
Authors: Katengeza Samson P. , Holden Stein T. , Lunduka Rodney W.
Published: June 2018

We examine adoption of drought tolerant (DT) maize varieties using a four‐round panel dataset from six districts in Malawi. There is an increase in adoption of DT maize from 3% in 2006 to 43% in 2015 in our data. We focus on the effect of past drought exposure on adoption and the likelihood of DT maize being distributed under the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP). Results show that past exposure to drought increases the probability of DT maize seed being distributed through FISP. Farmers who accessed maize seed subsidy coupons and were previously exposed to late season dry spells are more likely to use the seed subsidy coupon to redeem DT maize seed. The likelihood of adoption and adoption intensity (area under DT maize) are positively influenced by previous early season dry spells and access to seed subsidy. Previous late season droughts also positively affect adoption intensity. On the other hand, area share under DT maize is positively correlated with early season dry spells and past exposure to late season dry spells but negatively related to seed subsidy. FISP in Malawi appears to have stimulated adoption of DT maize directly through subsidy and indirectly through generating farmers’ experiences of the performance of DT varieties under drought conditions.
Association between different types of comorbidity and disease burden in patients with diabetes
Authors: An JaeJin , Le Quang A. , Dang Tracy
Published: June 2018

Background

This study examined the association between different types of comorbidities and the quality of diabetes care, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and total health care expenditure.

Methods

Adult patients with diabetes were identified from the 2011 to 2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationally representative survey of the civilian non‐institutionalized US population. Twenty different chronic conditions were captured and categorized as: (i) diabetes only; (ii) diabetes plus concordant (diabetes‐related) comorbidity only; and (iii) diabetes plus one or more discordant (non‐diabetes‐related) comorbidities. Disease burden outcomes included the process of diabetes care (eye and foot examinations, HbA1c and cholesterol tests, influenza vaccination), HRQoL, and total health care expenditure. Multivariable models were used to examine associations between the type of comorbidity and outcomes.

Results

A sample of 8292 patients with diabetes was identified, of which 11.4% had diabetes only, 40.5% had concordant comorbidity only, and 48.1% reported one or more discordant comorbidities. Patients with diabetes and either type of comorbidity received better quality of diabetes care than those without a comorbidity. However, patients with discordant comorbidity showed significantly lower HRQoL measures and higher health care expenditure than those with concordant comorbidity. Adjusted total mean annual expenditure was US$4891, $6326, and $9210 for those with diabetes only and those with diabetes with one concordant or one discordant comorbidity, respectively.

Conclusions

Higher disease burden in patients with diabetes was associated with discordant rather than concordant comorbidity. Future interventional studies evaluating patient‐centered care models addressing different types of comorbidity are necessary to better manage these complex patients.