Additional Research and Taxonomic Resolution of Salamanders (Amphibia: Caudata) from the Mio-Pliocene Gray Fossil Site, TN

The Gray Fossil Site (GFS), a Mio-Pliocene (4.5–7 Ma) locality in the southern Appalachians, boasts the most diverse pre-Pleistocene salamander fauna in North America: Desmognathus sp., Plethodon sp., Notophthalmus sp., a Spelerpinae-type plethodontid, and Ambystoma sp. Because greater taxonomic resolution can result in more precise paleobiological interpretations, additional specimens were studied here. ETMNH 8045, a nearly complete articulated ambystomatid, appears most like Ambystoma maculatum in dentition and vertebral proportions. ETMNH 18219, an isolated vomer, is consistent with modern Pseudotriton and Gyrinophilus in possessing a postdentigerous process and a similar dentigerous row morphology. If these taxa, or species of similar ecological preferences, occurred around the GFS, it seems unlikely they co-inhabited the sinkhole lake. Aquatic stages of Pseudotriton and terrestrial Gyrinophilus last multiple years; their presence could further support a perennial lake interpretation. Modern A. maculatum preferentially breed in vernal pools; confirmed identification could suggest local seasonal wetlands

Secondary Current Distributions Using TOPAZ2D and Linear Kinetics

Secondary current density distributions are of interestto cell designers. The purpose of this note is to illustratehow to use an existing numerical method to determinethese distributions for cells that contain conducting andnonconducting bodies between the main anode and cathode

Olympic and paralympic games in Brazil: Learning from barcelona and sydney

Between 2014 and 2016, Brazil will host a number of large events, where the Olympics of Rio de Janeiro are the most noteworthy. The tourism industry will be one of the beneficiaries. It has established an objective to bring 10 million tourists in 2016, doubling overseas arrivals. This can create many business opportunities for the industry. This paper analyzes this goal by examining two key factors linked to the Olympics, legacy and new tourism segments, in particular, seniors and accessible tourism. A study using content analysis of the bibliography about Rio 2016 will be applied to determine the current body of knowledge. Following this, a case study will be drawn upon the Barcelona and Sydney Games to establish the key elements of the legacy and their tourist outcomes. The findings will establish the main factors required to meet Brazil's tourist objectives. © RAE

Neural and Neuroendocrine Processing of a Non-Photic Cue in an Opportunistically Breeding Songbird

Recent studies of the onset of breeding in long-day photoperiodic breeders have focused on the roles of type 2 and 3 iodothyronine deiodinases (DIO2 and DIO3) in the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and subsequent activation of the reproductive axis. It has been hypothesized that an increase in DIO2 and a reciprocal decrease in DIO3 causes the release of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, setting off a reproductive cascade, and that this DIO mechanism for GnRH release is conserved across vertebrate taxa. We sought to test whether social cues that are known to stimulate reproductive behaviors can activate the DIO system to initiate reproduction in a non-photoperiodic bird, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Isolation of males and subsequent presentation of females did not increase DIO2 or GnRH expression in the hypothalamus, nor did it decrease gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) or DIO3. Males receiving a female stimulus showed significantly higher mRNA expression and immunoreactive cell count of the immediate-early gene early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1) than isolated males, indicating hypothalamic activation in response to a female. Cells immunoreactive for EGR-1 were not co-localized with those immunoreactive for GnRH. Reproductive behaviors (singing, copulation attempts and overall activity) were significantly higher in males receiving a female stimulus. This study presents a social effect on behavior and EGR-1 expression in the hypothalamus of males in response to females, but more research is needed to determine whether the DIO2 system and the GnRH system are responsive to social stimulation in this species

Competing for the disability tourism market - A comparative exploration of the factors of accessible tourism competitiveness in Spain and Australia

© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. This paper seeks to address the research question of what factors make a destination competitive for the accessible tourism market. The research design is based on destination competitiveness theories. The objective is to formulate a ranking that can compare the competitiveness factors between two countries, with historical and appropriate data sets, in order to examine destination competitiveness for accessible tourism across the tourist regions of both countries. The current research examines the background of destination competitiveness theories, both generally and specifically, as they relate to the research contexts. The research design was developed to examine the underlying elements that facilitate accessible tourism experiences through factorial and cluster analyses, adapting the Crouch's model of competitiveness destination. The findings suggest that the competitiveness factors are different in determinance and importance, and are country-dependent. The climate, locale and tourist structure are the most important for Spain, whereas quality of services, brand and infrastructure are of great importance for Australia. The cluster analysis of the different tourist regions suggests the existence of three main stages. These stages where related to their accessibility level of offered tourism product and their policies

A Two-Dimensional Mathematical Model of a Porous Lead Dioxide Electrode in a Lead-Acid Cell

A two-dimensional mathematical model is presented for a lead dioxide electrode in a lead-acid cell. It is used to simulate the time dependent behavior of the electrode during discharge. The model contains six dependent variables: the concentration of the acid electrolyte, the porosity, the electrical potentials of the solid and solution phases, and the two directional components of the current density in the electrolyte. The effect of the electrode grid was included by varying the conductivity of the solid. Parameters such as electrode conductivity, electrode dimensions, and temperature are investigated to understand their effects on electrode discharge performance

Unrequited: Asymmetry in Interorganizational Trust

Many studies of interorganizational relationships assume that trust between organizations is symmetric. In this essay, we explore the origins of this assumption and examine relevant quantitative and qualitative evidence from the literatures on strategy, marketing, supply chain management, and information systems. We conclude that no systematic evidence currently exists to support the assumption that interorganizational trust is typically symmetric. We explore how the possibility of asymmetry complicates interpretation of previous research on the effects of interorganizational trust. We encourage further research to identify conditions under which symmetry is likely, and offer a variety of strategies that scholars may use to deal with potential asymmetry

Accessible tourism futures: the world we dream to live in and the opportunities we hope to have

© 2015, Eleni Michopoulou, Simon Darcy, Ivor Ambrose and Dimitros Buhalis. PurposeAccessible tourism is evolving as a field of academic research and industry practice, set within a dynamic social context. The field is interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary. The purpose of this paper is to examine key concepts and global initiatives that will shape accessible tourism futures. Design/methodology/approachThree of the authors have extensive academic experience in the area and the fourth author is the Managing Director of the pre-eminent European Network for Accessible Tourism. In taking a limited Delphi approach to canvassing key areas likely to shape accessible tourism futures, the following concepts and policy initiatives were examined: motivations, dreams and aspirations of people with disability; demography; UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; destination competitiveness; universal design (UD); and the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. FindingsA discussion of each of the above areas was placed in context to accessible tourism futures and to contextualise the papers that were selected for the special issue. The latter part of the paper outlines the contribution of each empirical paper to the issue discussing the approach, findings and implications. Stakeholder collaboration was identified as the key common theme of the papers and the factor for developing accessible tourism solutions, recognising the value of the market and capitalising on it. A collaborative approach is required to recognise the complementary nature of the different paradigms; to re-shape and transform the future of the accessible tourism industry. To assist in the development of accessible tourism futures, UD principles should provide a foundation to enhance the future competitiveness of tourism destinations and organisations. Originality/valueThe paper’s examination of the concepts and global policy considerations provides a strong academic and practitioner foundation for considering accessible tourism futures. In doing so, accessible tourism futures are shown to be affected by key concepts related to core tourism considerations and major policy initiatives on accessibility and sustainability. Yet, accessible tourism futures also have the potential to create their own momentum and contribute unique learnings on the diversity of tourism markets that will shape tourism concepts and global policy initiatives in their own right