System dynamics in tourism: a systematic literature review

Dissertação de Mestrado, Economia do Turismo e Desenvolvimento Regional, Faculdade de Economia, Universidade do Algarve, 2015Enquadramento: A Dinâmica de Sistemas é um método que permite captar o comportamento dinâmico de um sistema complexo ao longo do tempo. A indústria do turismo pode ser considerada um sistema complexo devido à miríade de interações que apresenta. Ao longo das últimas duas décadas assistiu-se a um aumento do número de publicações que utilizam a Dinâmica de Sistemas para estudar sistemas turísticos complexos. Objetivo: Esta dissertação pretende avaliar a aplicação da Dinâmica de Sistemas ao estudo da indústria turística. Método: Efetuou-se uma revisão da literatura sistemática por forma a identificar e avaliar a aplicação da Dinâmica de Sistemas ao turismo. Resultados: Na pesquisa inicial foram identificados 531 artigos que, direta ou indiretamente, se referiam simultaneamente a Dinâmica de Sistemas e Turismo. De entre estes artigos, apenas 25 satisfizeram os nossos critérios de inclusão. A análise dos artigos selecionados mostra que a Dinâmica de Sistemas tem sido utilizada para abordar uma variedade de problemas, com enfoque especial nas áreas dos transportes, desporto & recreio. É patente uma tendência crescente na aplicação da Dinâmica de Sistemas ao estudo do turismo. Conclusão: A revisão sistemática da literatura proporcionou uma perspetiva global sobre a aplicação da Dinâmica de Sistemas ao turismo. Os resultados mostram o que já foi feito e o que é necessário fazer neste domínio. Em termos gerais, conclui-se que o número de publicações é ainda bastante reduzido. Os problemas complexos no turismo requerem uma abordagem holística, o que proporciona várias oportunidades de investigação no âmbito da Dinâmica de Sistemas

Adoption of Smart Glasses in Smart Tourism Destination: A System Thinking Approach

Tourism industry is composed of numerous interrelated sectors which makes it a complex system. ICTs has improved competitiveness in smart tourism destinations. Mobility, and hands-free features are few characteristics of Smart Glasses that will enhance tourists’ experience. Considering human behavior, with the holistic determinants, provides a better understanding of the entire system. System Dynamics (SD) is a robust tool to capture the dynamic behavior of complex systems over time. The purpose of this study is to use a concept of system dynamics that uses causal loop diagrams as a tool to propose a conceptual model. Using this technique helps to illustrates the complexities of smart tourism system. The results showed that the effect of ‘Social Influences’ are the significant predictors for individual’s intention behavior to accept Smart Glasses. In addition, Other interconnected variables such as Word of Mouth (WOM) and privacy concerns are influential in the system

Systems approach to model smart tourism ecosystems

The tourism industry is inherently complex and a key player in sustainable development. This paper intends to discuss the path towards building a sustainable smart tourism ecosystem model by delving deep into the pivotal topics with interesting speculations on smart cities' perspectives that lay a broader foundation of smart tourism destinations. First, it discusses the interconnections and foundation of smart tourism ecosystems by proposing a general conceptual model describing traditional tourism transformation through ICTs. Second, by explicating each building block of smart tourism ecosystems and using systems methodology (systems thinking method and qualitative modeling in a frame of system dynamics) to break down the complex system of smart tourism's roles and components. Such methods are widely utilized in different fields of study to facilitate the decisionmaking process by furnishing a holistic view of the problem. For that matter, Causal Loop Diagramming (CLDs) was used as one of the powerful tools of systems thinking to depict smart tourism ecosystems. The proposed causal loop diagram considers sustainability as one of the main concerns and trying to shed some light on intricate networks of businesses, socioeconomic, and environmental subsystems in smart tourism destinations that are performing distinctively yet interdependent. This study is an ongoing process employing System Dynamics (SD) methodology for model testing and validation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Transformation of high concentrations of chlorophenols by the white-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor immobilized on nylon mesh

Free-cell cultures of Trametes versicolor were compared with cultures immobilized on nylon mesh in a 2-litre bioreactor for transformation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), added at intervals to the liquid culture medium over a period of 816 hrs. Increasing amounts of PCP from 200 ppm to 2000 ppm added batchwise to cultures permitted acclimatization of the fungus to these toxic pollutants. A total addition of 2000 ppm of 2,4-DCP and 3400 ppm PCP were removed from the immobilized cultures with 85% of 2,4-DCP and 70% of PCP transformed by enzymes (laccase and Mn-peroxidase), 5% 2,4-DCP and 28% PCP adsorbed by the biomass and 10% 2,4-DCP and 2% PCP retained in the medium at the termination of the fermentation after 1020 hrs. In contrast free-cell cultures in the same medium with the same addition regime of PCP and 2,4-DCP, transformed 20% 2,4-DCP and 12% PCP by enzyme action, adsorbed 58% 2,4-DCP and 80% PCP by the biomass, and retained 22% 2,4-DCP and 8% PCP in the medium. The use of nylon mesh as an immobilization matrix for removal of PCP and 2,4-DCP facilitates more efficient removal of chlorophenols and can be adapted to scale-up for application of large volumes of chlorophenol-containing aqueous effluents

Pevonedistat (MLN4924), a First‐in‐Class NEDD8‐activating enzyme inhibitor, in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes: a phase 1 study

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111220/1/bjh13323.pd

Divergent Effects of Human Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus-1 on Cellular Metabolism

Viruses rely on the metabolic network of the host cell to provide energy and macromolecular precursors to fuel viral replication. Here we used mass spectrometry to examine the impact of two related herpesviruses, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), on the metabolism of fibroblast and epithelial host cells. Each virus triggered strong metabolic changes that were conserved across different host cell types. The metabolic effects of the two viruses were, however, largely distinct. HCMV but not HSV-1 increased glycolytic flux. HCMV profoundly increased TCA compound levels and flow of two carbon units required for TCA cycle turning and fatty acid synthesis. HSV-1 increased anapleurotic influx to the TCA cycle through pyruvate carboxylase, feeding pyrimidine biosynthesis. Thus, these two related herpesviruses drive diverse host cells to execute distinct, virus-specific metabolic programs. Current drugs target nucleotide metabolism for treatment of both viruses. Although our results confirm that this is a robust target for HSV-1, therapeutic interventions at other points in metabolism might prove more effective for treatment of HCMV

Phase 1 study of mTORC1/2 inhibitor sapanisertib (TAK-228) in advanced solid tumours, with an expansion phase in renal, endometrial or bladder cancer

Background: This Phase 1 dose-escalation/expansion study assessed safety/tolerability of sapanisertib, an oral, highly selective inhibitor of mTORC1/mTORC2, in advanced solid tumours. Methods: Eligible patients received increasing sapanisertib doses once daily (QD; 31 patients), once weekly (QW; 30 patients), QD for 3 days on/4 days off QW (QD × 3dQW; 33 patients) or QD for 5 days on/2 days off QW (QD × 5dQW; 22 patients). In expansion cohorts, 82 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), endometrial or bladder cancer received sapanisertib 5 mg QD (39 patients), 40 mg QW (26 patients) or 30 mg QW (17 patients). Results: Maximum tolerated doses of sapanisertib were 6 mg QD, 40 mg QW, 9 mg QD × 3dQW and 7 mg QD × 5dQW. Frequent dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) included hyperglycaemia, maculo-papular rash (QD), asthenia and stomatitis (QD × 3dQW/QD × 5dQW); expansion phase doses of 5 mg QD and 30 mg QW were selected based on tolerability beyond the DLT evaluation period. One patient with RCC achieved complete response; nine experienced partial responses (RCC: seven patients; carcinoid tumour/endometrial cancer: one patient each). Sapanisertib pharmacokinetics were time-linear and supported multiple dosing. Pharmacodynamic findings demonstrated treatment-related reductions in TORC1/2 biomarkers. Conclusions: Sapanisertib demonstrated a manageable safety profile, with preliminary antitumour activity observed in RCC and endometrial cancer

System dynamics modeling of sustainable smart tourism ecosystems: the case of Algarve

The tourism industry is inherently complex and is considered a significant contributor to economic growth and an indispensable constituent in sustainable development. Many destinations thrived into mature touristic spots by introducing a right and adaptive management plan and suitable infrastructure. In order to maintain the high quality of a destination, it is necessary to observe and control the activities and elements of the place. However, this can be a difficult task, as tourism destinations are complex systems, with numerous interactions between the sectors operating within the destinations, and there are multiple stakeholders with varied and at times conflicting interests. The complexity of the problems that emerge in tourism systems, due to the diversity of interests of the different stakeholders and the dynamic and non-linear nature of the interactions between the different components of the systems, has discouraged the use of linear thinking. As a relatively small tourism destination, Portugal offers a wide diversity of attractions providing accessible and unique experiences. Thus, making tourism foci in strategic planning for promoting regional planning, foreign investment, creating employment, and boosting Portugal’s external image. Therefore, this thesis intends to outline the concept of smart tourism ecosystems by scrutinizing the tourism industry, smart tourism, complex systems, system dynamics, consequently conducting research to identify gaps and complementarities between research and practice. Hence, to elucidate this issue, this thesis first utilizes system dynamics to discuss and analyze the dynamics of causal relationships among smart tourism ecosystems’ components. Second, the proposed methodology enables simulations based on proposed scenarios in which the causality among variables over time can be tested. Third, the employed method simplifies the complex topic of smart tourism ecosystems, thus facilitating understanding the system and furnishing decision-makers with a better perspective. The proposed dynamic model stimulates the creation of economic resilience and a more sustainable economy by promoting smart solutions for the empowerment of the local economy.A indústria do turismo é inerentemente complexa e é considerada como tendo uma contribuição significativa para o crescimento económico sendo um componente indispensável para o desenvolvimento sustentável dos país e regiões. Muitos destinos prosperaram enquanto pontos turísticos maduros, introduzindo um plano de gestão adequado e adaptável, assim como infraestruturas adequadas. Para manter a alta qualidade de um destino turístico, é necessário observar e controlar as atividades e os elementos desse destinos. No entanto, esta pode ser uma tarefa difícil, considerando que os destinos turísticos são sistemas complexos, com inúmeras interações entre os setores que operam entre si, existindo também múltiplos stakeholders com interesses variados e, por vezes, discordantes. A complexidade dos problemas que surgem nos sistemas turísticos, devido à diversidade dos diferentes intervenientes e aos interesses dinâmicos e não lineares das interacções entre os diferentes componentes dos sistemas, tem desencorajado a utilização do pensamento linear. Sendo um destino turístico relativamente pequeno, Portugal oferece uma grande diversidade de atrações que proporcionam experiências acessíveis e únicas. Assim, o objetivo e tornar o turismo centrado no planeamento estratégico para a promoção do planeamento regional, investimento estrangeiro, criação de emprego e dinamização da imagem externa de Portugal. Como efeito, esta tese pretende delinear o conceito de ecossistemas de turismo inteligente através do escrutínio da indústria do turismo, turismo inteligente, sistemas complexos, dinâmica de sistemas, consequentemente realizando pesquisas para identificar lacunas e complementaridades entre pesquisa e prática. De formar a elucidar esta questão, esta tese utiliza em primeiro lugar a dinâmica de sistemas para discutir e analisar a dinâmica das relações causais entre os componentes dos ecossistemas de turismo inteligente. Em segundo lugar, a metodologia proposta permite simulações baseadas em cenários propostos nos quais a causalidade entre variáveis ao longo do tempo pode ser testada. Em terceiro lugar, o método empregado simplifica o tema complex dos ecossistemas de turismo, facilitando assim a compreensão do sistema e providenciando a tomada de decisões baseadas numa melhor perspectiva. O modelo dinâmico proposto estimula a criação de resiliência econômica e uma economia mais sustentável, promovendo soluções inteligentes para o empoderamento da economia local

Simulations of sound propagation at a duct termination with flow

Both theoretically as well as in many applications like exhaust systems, ventilation pipes, mufflers, air intakes and also large scale industrial smoke stacks, it is of interest to understand how sound waves are scattered at duct exists. Especially for aeronautical application such as jet engines, the effect of coupling of acoustics and flow on sound radiation and reflection from a duct termination in a uniform is an important problem. In order to predict the acoustic performance in duct systems, it is essential to know how the incoming acoustic waves are propagated and transmitted and reflected. This thesis work aims at developing suitable simulation methods as extension to existing software and to validate these methods to experimental measurements and theory. Firstly, numerical simulations of fully developed flow through a duct exit has been carried out. The goal in this part is to obtain the mean values for the velocity and pressure. The commercial code Fluent 12.1 is used for numerical simulations in two space dimensions. Secondly, numerical simulations of the acoustic part has been studied with the commercial software Comsol 3.5a with the objective to investigate the ability of the frequency domain Navier-Stokes equations to the characteristic properties of the acoustics at the duct termination. Finally, numerical results are compared to available experimental results with acceptable agreement which shows successes and also constraints of the simulations