Linking identity and heritage with image and a reputation for competition

Our study investigates the role of identity and heritage of a place in creating competitiveness of the place and its retailers by utilizing its image and reputation to improve its attraction to tourists. We explored the perceptions of tourists to test a conceptual model which was developed using concepts available in current academic literature. Data were collected relating to a famous retail store in London which is a popular destination. Findings from a survey of 294 store tourists visiting the store suggest that place heritage is the key to driver of competitiveness of both the retailer and place, through their image and reputation. The study has important implications for the expansion of current literature, theory development and business practices. Limitations of the study are outlined and directions for future research are considered

A self-sufficient approach for GERB cloudy radiance detection.

Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) is the broadband radiometer onboard the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) platform, launched at the end of August 2002 and still in commissioning phase. GERB data is planned to be used in many applications concerning Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) calculation. In order to evaluate the impact of clouds on ERB, a cloud detection is required and, at present, a cloud mask based on higher spatial and spectral resolution data acquired by Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI), the imager onboard the same MSG platform, is planned to be used in order to identify cloudy GERB soundings. As an alternative, a self-sufficient (only based on GERB data) method (OCA, the One-channel Cloudy-radiance-detection Approach) is proposed, as a time-saving and, probably, more suitable solution than the planned co-location approach. In this paper, preliminary results obtained by using several years of Meteosat data as well as GERB synthetic radiances (produced from Meteosat-7 observations) are presented. It is shown how results obtained by using GERB data alone can be comparable (and better in terms of number and spatial distribution of clear-sky GERB soundings identified) to the ones achieved if the co-location of a higher resolution cloud mask is use

The role of formyl peptide receptors in permanent and low-grade inflammation: Helicobacter pylori infection as a model

Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are cell surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), belonging to the chemoattractant G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family. They play a key role in the innate immune system, regulating both the initiation and the resolution of the inflammatory response. FPRs were originally identified as receptors with high binding affinity for bacteria or mitochondria N-formylated peptides. However, they can also bind a variety of structurally different ligands. Among FPRs, formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) is the most versatile, recognizing N-formyl peptides, non-formylated peptides, and synthetic molecules. In addition, according to the ligand nature, FPRL1 can mediate either pro-or anti-inflammatory responses. Hp(2-20), a Helicobacter pylori-derived, non-formylated peptide, is a potent FPRL1 agonist, participating in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation, thus contributing to the related site or not-site specific diseases. The aim of this review is to provide insights into the role of FPRs in H. pylori-associated chronic inflammation, which suggests this receptor as potential target to mitigate both microbial and sterile inflammatory diseases

The challenge of perioperative pain management in opioid-tolerant patients

The increasing number of opioid users among chronic pain patients, and opioid abusers among the general population, makes perioperative pain management challenging for health care professionals. Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and nurses should be familiar with some pharmacological phenomena which are typical of opioid users and abusers, such as tolerance, physical dependence, hyperalgesia, and addiction. Inadequate pain management is very common in these patients, due to common prejudices and fears. The target of preoperative evaluation is to identify comorbidities and risk factors and recognize signs and symptoms of opioid abuse and opioid withdrawal. Clinicians are encouraged to plan perioperative pain medications and to refer these patients to psychiatrists and addiction specialists for their evaluation. The aim of this review was to give practical suggestions for perioperative management of surgical opioid-tolerant patients, together with schemes of opioid conversion for chronic pain patients assuming oral or transdermal opioids, and patients under maintenance programs with methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone

Modelling the post-failure stage of rainfall-induced landslides of the flow type

The geomechanical modeling of failure and post failure stages of rainfall induced shallow landslides represents a fundamental issue to properly assess the failure conditions and recognize the potential for long travel distances of the failed soil masses

Grazing Management and Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects in Grazing Systems for Beef Cows

Four 8-ha areas, primarily Cynodon dactylon forage, were overseeded in autumn with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and clover (Trifolium incarnatum and Trifolium repens). Two areas received no nitrogen (N) fertilizer and two received 168 kg N/ha annually. Within N level (2 x 2 factorial), one area was divided into 4 paddocks (pad) and the other into 16 pad for rotational grazing. Spring-calving beef cows were stocked (2.5/ha) year-round on each area with calves weaned in October. Annual dry matter forage accumulation was greater where N was applied (18.2 vs 14.2 Mg/ha, P=.02) but was unaffected by pad number. Forage availability and annual days of grazing were affected positively both by N and pad number (P\u3c.05). N x pad number interaction affected forage quality (P\u3c.07), cowcalf performance and net returns (P\u3c.01). Generally, responses were similar between 4 and 16 pad at 0 N, but at 168 N, responses were greater for 4 compared with 16 pad. Overall, there was little benefit of increasing pad number from 4 to 16 irrespective of N level, although increased carrying capacity was indicated particularly where N was applied

Consumer perceptions of Sustainable Development Goals: conceptualisation, measurement, and contingent effects

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused drastic disruptions to many multinational companies’ (MNCs’) supply chain management, pushing them to relocate their manufacturing activities to their home countries, a phenomenon known as reshoring. Grounded in moral psychology theory and the resource-based view, the aims of this research are to provide an extended conceptualisation of sustainable development goal (SDG) perceptions from local consumers, develop a scale, and assess this scale in relation to the reliability and validity of consumer perception of SDG antecedents and consequences in reshoring contexts from three industries, with the help of six studies. We conceptualise these perceptions on the basis of seven components (i.e. society/community wellbeing, affordable and clean energy consumption, economic growth, responsible consumption, responsible production, sustainable industrialisation and innovation, and gender equality). Using data from three distinct industries and a sample of 1075 reshoring MNC customers, we also determine how local consumers perceive and react to reshoring initiatives geared towards achieving SDGs and advocacy. The findings offer relevant implications for both the management and research of SDGs in a reshoring context at a scale level, which we describe in the form of future research directions

New Biopsy Forceps for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

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