Factors in the provision of engaging experiences for the traditionalist market at visitor attractions

The global population is ageing with implications for the provision of tourism experiences to meet changing needs. The shift in demographics has encouraged a focus on the older visitor with tourism organisations recognising the value of engaging with this market, though little research exists to inform the development of experiences. Many in the ‘Traditionalist’ category, born pre-WW2, have a lifetime habit of visiting attractions but find it increasingly difficult to continue this engagement. Barriers include available time due to multiple social and caring responsibilities and concerns regarding physical and intellectual accessibility, while attraction managers lack data on this market's needs, leading to misconceptions and limited provision. Key enablers are inclusive design, clear communication of access, and the provision of specifically designed experiences. Key features of these to be regular events to develop visitor familiarisation, and to include interactive activities relating to attraction assets and a strong socialisation aspect

Influence of zinc on glycosaminoglycan neutralisation during coagulation

This work was supported by the British Heart Foundation (grant codes: PG/15/9/31270 and FS/15/42/31556). SJP is supported by a Royal Society of Edinburgh Biomedical Fellowship.Heparan sulfate (HS), dermatan sulfate (DS) and heparin are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that serve as key natural and pharmacological anticoagulants. During normal clotting such agents require to be inactivated or neutralised. Several proteins have been reported to facilitate their neutralisation, which reside in platelet α-granules and are released following platelet activation. These include histidine-rich-glycoprotein (HRG), fibrinogen and high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK). Zinc ions (Zn2+) are also present in α-granules at a high concentration and participate in the propagation of coagulation by influencing the binding of neutralising proteins to GAGs. Zn2+ in many cases increases the affinity of these proteins to GAGs, and is thus an important regulator of GAG neutralisation and haemostasis. Binding of Zn2+ to HRG, HMWK and fibrinogen is mediated predominantly through coordination to histidine residues but the mechanisms by which Zn2+ increases the affinity of the proteins for GAGs are not yet completely clear. Here we will review current knowledge of how Zn2+ binds to and influences the neutralisation of GAGs and describe the importance of this process in both normal and pathogenic clotting.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe