System size dependence of freeze-out properties at RHIC

The STAR experiment at RHIC has measured identified pi(+/-), K(+/-) and p(pbar) spectra and ratios from sqrt(s_NN) = 62.4 and 200 GeV Cu+Cu collisions. The new Cu+Cu results are studied with hydro-motivated blast-wave and statistical model frameworks in order to characterize the freeze-out properties of this system. Along with measurements from Au+Au and p+p collisions, the obtained freeze-out parameters are discussed as a function of collision energy, system size, centrality and inferred energy density. This multi-dimensional systematic study reveals the importance of the collision geometry and furthers our understanding of the QCD phases.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, poster proceedings for the Quark Matter 2006 Conference, Shanghai, China, 14th-20th Novermber 2006, submitted to the International Journal of Modern Physics

International and domestic tourists' "a priori" and "in situ" image differences and the impact of direct destination experience on destination image: the case of Linz, Austria

A profound understanding of destination image and its determinants is of significance for destinations aiming to effectively position themselves in the tourism market. However, existing research on destination image formation has mainly focused on the “a priori” and “a posteriori” stages and paid only limited attention to the “in situ” stage. To fill in this gap, this study examines the effect direct destination experience and visitors’ nationality (domestic vs. international), have on both “pre-travel” and “in-situ” cognitive and affective elements of image. The study was conducted using 400 international and domestic visitors to Linz, Austria. The findings indicate that there are significant differences in the way domestic and international tourists perceive Linz as a tourist destination both prior and during the actual experience. The study also provides empirical evidence that direct destination experience plays a major role in destination image formation, irrespectively of individual’s nationality. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed

The impact of visitors' experience intensity on in-situ destination image formation

Purpose – This study aims to shed some light on destination image formation by exploring whether image is altered as a result of tourists’ experience intensity with a destination. Design/methodology/approach – A visitor experience intensity index was developed based on the amount of events and attractions visitors have already attended/visited or were planning to attend/visit during their stay. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and the total sample consisted of 400 tourists in Linz, Austria. Principal Component Analysis, MANOVA and Discriminant Analysis were applied to analyse the data. Findings – The findings indicate that the higher the experience intensity score, the more favourable the cognitive and affective evaluations of destination image, indicating that tourists’ experiences are central in the formation of the in-situ image. Research limitations/implications – The ‘level of psychological involvement’ with the destination should be considered by future studies, as this paper focused on level of experience intensity. Practical implications – This paper supports the effective and innovative solutions for place marketing and branding of tourist destinations such as promoting experiences that further enhance destination image. The study also assists places with bad reputation or negative image, like the selected case study (Linz, Austria), in repositioning themselves as attractive experience providers. Originality/value – The paper’s originality lies in applying ‘mere exposure theory’ in tourism and using an innovative way of measuring tourists’ experience through an intensity index. The study addresses a significant, but still neglected image determinant, that of experience intensity, contributing to a better understanding of the in situ destination image formation process

Heavy-Ion Physics with CMS

This article presents a brief overview of the CMS experiment capabilities to study the hot and dense matter created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The CERN Large Hadron Collider will provide collisions of Pb nuclei at 5.5 TeV per nucleon. The CMS heavy ion group has developed a plethora of physics analyses addressing many important aspects of heavy-ion physics in preparation for a competitive and successful program.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figures, proceedings to the Rencontres de Moriond QCD and High Energy Interactions, March 8-15, 2008, La Thuile, Ital

Dance/Movement Therapy and Tai Chi For Seniors with Dementia

This thesis examines the integration of Tai Chi movements into a dance/movement therapy group with members of an adult care community who have been diagnosed with dementia. Information is provided on the origins, concepts and movement principles of Tai Chi. A brief analysis of existing research supports the application of Tai Chi movement principles in dance/movement therapy treatment for the elderly with dementia. The application of Tai Chi in dance/movement therapy sessions is as an integrated and adapted form, in which the movements follow the traditional conceptual frame, characteristics and elements, but are specifically designed to meet the needs of a population of seniors with dementia. The conclusion of this paper discusses possible challenges for reaching treatment goals when Tai Chi is integrated into dance/movement therapy treatment for seniors with dementia

A hushed crisis : the visual narratives of (Eastern) Europe's antiziganism

An exploration of various manifestations of racist filmmaking and representations from across contemporary Eastern Europe and discussion of the attempts to contravene.proo

Archiving and Film Restoration: The View from Asia

Introduction to the Dossier on Asian Archive