From Motivations to Yield Paths of Tourism Development: The Case of the Algarve

This paper develops new measurements of tourist yield in the context of the Algarve, which is a sun and sand destination where tourism demand persistently grows, in spite of the signs of destination maturity. This growth contradicts the essence of maturity and drove this research, which attempts to identify the critical preferences which are able to improve destination positioning. According to Pine and Gilmore (1999) in the emerging experience economy, consumers seek unique experiences. This new demand for unique and memorable experiences leads destinations to offer a distinct value-added provision for products and services when they have already achieved a consistent, high level of functional quality. New tourists are more concerned with sophistication, specialization and innovation of tourism products. Thus, because tourism products contain a large number and range of attributes, each tourist experience becomes distinct. Moreover, the overall attractiveness of a destination has long been regarded as a critical criterion in tourism consumer decision making and choice (Crouch, 2011). Hence, the uniqueness of those experiences relies on the declared tourists preferences, which will be treated as motivations in this research (Decrop, 2000; Goodall, 1991; Hsu et al, 2009). However, another stream of research shows that motivations are of paramount importance for the positioning of destinations (Seddighi & Theocharous, 2002), and that these motivations are dynamic (Crompton & McKay, 1997). Motivations and preferences are treated as indistinguishable constructs since we only focus on attributes of the destination and therefore, the tangibility of these motivations may be assumed as preferences. Despite the slight difference outlined by Decrop (2000), it seems widely accepted that motivations may be regarded as comprising two stages, the first one is the driving force that pushes tourists to travel and the other, related with the destination and type of holidays chosen,44 are the so called pull motivations that in essence reflect tourists preferences. Under this theoretical background, pull motivations may be assumed as a proxy for preferences.The contribution of this study lies in the scope of microeconomic theories, namely stated preference theory, which is a descriptive theory in the field of consumer choice as well as in a wide range of other applications within choice-theoretic economics (Hands, 2012). Thus, following this theoretical framework could help the understanding of the role of behavioural variables as proxies of tourist yield when managing and planning tourism destinations for higher competitiveness. On the other hand, this paper also has important managerial implications, in particular in new tourist yield measures for marketing/promotion of the destination.This research starts by exploring the way international tourists value a number of attributes comprised by the Algarve. After identification of the most important attributes, these were evaluated based on the number of overnight stays per tourist and tourist daily spending. This research is supported by secondary data, provided by a self-administrated questionnaire survey applied to international tourists during their departure from Faro international airport. The methodology included a first selection of the motivations that present higher heterogeneity acrossyears. The sample consists of 15542 observations collected from 2007 to 2010 (Correia & Pimpão, 2012). Therefore, this paper identifies the high-yield visitors by country based on tourist preferences. Previous results reveal that preferences with higher yield expenditure markets are: sightseeing and excursions; information available; price; accommodation; and gastronomy. In this light, the aims of this study are: - to identify patterns of value-added given by international tourists for each motivation; - to analyse the high-yield visitors by motivations across nationalities; - to contribute to the understanding of how the yield potential of different source markets and segments can underpin destination marketing by destination sector organisations

Tourist spending dynamics in the Algarve: a cross-sectional analysis

This paper assesses the determinants of international tourists’ spending in the Algarve from 2007 to 2010. Based on a sample of 15,542 observations a cross-section model was estimated using ordinary least squares. The results reveal that a combination of socio-demographic, behavioural and motivation variables explain the spending patterns of international tourists in the Algarve. Analysis of the data indicates that tourist motivations related to accommodation facilities, cultural and historical resources, gastronomy, hospitality, prices and sightseeing tours positively affect tourists’ spending. Moreover, the findings provide evidence that, over the years, the most loyal markets in Algarve reveal changing patterns in their spending behaviour. Destination management authorities should be aware of this spending behaviour of second-generation sun and sand visitors and should formulate strategies accordingly. Policy and managerial recommendations are discussed

Ranking Algarve Tourists Preferences: An Ordered Probit Approach

The starting point for tourism development is tourists’ preferences. Preferences are the cognitive motivations that drive tourists to a certain destination. There are a plethora of published studies in the field of tourist motivations, such as Dann (1977); Crompton (1979); Witt and Wright (1992); Pearce and Lee (2005) to name a few, who contributed to the understanding of this area of research. However, research which focus on motivations’ dynamics overtime is scant if not non-existent. This is even more critical as these preferences assume a dynamics that challenges the need to foresee tourist preferences over the years. This paper aims to rank Algarve tourists’ preferences, in a leisure continuum from 2007 up to 2010. Ordered probit models were employed in order to rank and classify preferences by year, taking into account market heterogeneity. Preference turning-points and continuity points are depicted to illustrate the dynamics of tourist preferences. Data were obtained from a survey applied to international tourists who spent their holidays in Algarve. The population of the study is matched to all international tourists visiting Algarve for the purpose of holidays/leisure. Questionnaires were administrated in the airport departures lounge. Over the four years in which the administration of this questionnaire occurred the interviews were made randomly to the most nearby person. A total of 15554 persons were interviewed from which, 2636 questionnaires were collected in 2007; 2187 in 2008; 5938 in 2009 and 4781 in 2010. Results revealed dynamic motivations in several markets. The Algarve reveals a potential to attract new and repeat visitors that goes beyond its main competitive advantage, the sun and sea. Managerial implications of the results are discussed

Fractura subtrocantérica tras fijación percutánea con tornillos de fracturas no desplazadas en el cuello femoral : presentación de tres casos y revisión de la literatura

Objective. To show 3 cases of subtrochanteric fracture as complication of screw fixation for femoral neck undisplaced fractures. Material and methods. We present 3 cases of subtrochanteric fractures after screw fixation of valgus impacted femoral neck fractures. In all cases, intramedulary nailing was the treatment choice for this complication. Results. One year after the surgery all fractures healed without needing additional procedures and all patients walked pain-free. Discussion. The results of percutaneous fixation of undisplaced fractures of the femoral neck using cannulated screws are good in aged patients. Subtrochanteric fracture is a rare complication. Most authors attribute it to wrong surgical technique. These errors represent weakening and more direct transmission of forces on the lateral cortex. We provide several advices to avoid the failure. Conclusions. The best way to avoid this complication is an appropriate surgical technique. The treatment of choice, if present, is the intramedullary nailin

Effect of irrigation and fertilization on methane and carbon dioxide emissions from paddy soil during the seedling stage in NE Spain

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Central nervous system manganese induced lesions and clinical consequences in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Abstract Background Around 47–74% of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) have hepatic vascular malformations (HVMs); magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the central nervous system (CNS) might show in T1 sequences a hyper-intensity signal in different areas, mainly in the basal ganglia (BG) as consequence of manganese (Mn) deposits as observed in cirrhotic patients. These patients might suffer from different neuropsychiatric disorders (hepatic encephalopathy). In HHT patients, even in the presence of hepatic shunts, hepatocellular function is usually preserved. Additionally, Mn shares iron absorption mechanisms, transferrin and CNS transferrin receptors. In iron deficiency conditions, the Mn may harbor transferrin and access BG. The objectives were to describe frequency of BG Mn deposit-induced lesions (BGMnIL) in HHT patients, its relationship with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and HVMs. Finally, explore the association between neuropsychological and motor consequences. We performed a cross-sectional study. We determined HHT patients with or without BG-MnIL by the MRI screening of the CNS. We included all patients with lesions and a random sample of those without lesions. All patients underwent standardized and validated neuropsychological assessment to evaluate BG actions. Results were analyzed with multiple logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Results Among 307 participants from a cohort included in the Institutional HHT Registry, 179 patients had MRI performed and Curaçao Criteria ≥3. The prevalence of BG-MnIL was 34.6% (95%CI 27.69-42.09). While neuropsychological symptoms were present in all patients, BG-MnIL patients performed poorly in three of the neuropsychological tests (serial dotting, line tracing time, number connection test A). HVMs frequency in BG-MnIL was 95.1%, versus 71.4% in those without lesions (p < 0.001). IDA frequency was 90.3% versus 54% (p < 0.001). When IDA is present, estimated risk for BG-MnIL is remarkably high (OR 7.73, 95%CI 2.23–26.73). After adjustment for possible confounders (gender, age, presence of HVMs), IDA was still associated with increased risk of BG-MnIL (adjusted OR 6.32, 95% CI 2.32–17.20; p < 0.001). Conclusions Physicians should assess BG-MnIL in HHT patients in CNS-MRI. IDA and HVMs present increased risk of lesions. Patients with BG-MnIL have neuropsychological impairment, and they might benefit from sparing IDA, or undergoing future therapeutic options. Trial registration NCT01761981 . Registered January 3rd 2013

Exploring the reactivity of formylporphyrins with 3-(diethylamino)phenol. Synthesis, spectroscopic properties and singlet oxygen generation of a new porphyrin–rosamine conjugate

The design of novel molecular structures with tunable photophysical properties is an important research field for many applications including optoelectronics, sensing and bioimaging. Porphyrin and rhodamine/rosamine derivatives are among the most studied and relevant chemosensors and imaging probes due to their attractive photophysical properties, such as high absorption coefficients and long emission wavelengths. In this work, we present the synthesis and the structural characterization of a new porphyrin–rosamine conjugate H2P3 and its related triarylmethane precursors H2P1 and H2P2. The photophysical properties of H2P1, H2P2 and H2P3, and their ability to chelate iron(III) and copper(II) ions, were evaluated by absorption and emission spectroscopy. The formation of copper(II) complexes was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), which also allowed the detection of an intense and stable radical signal for the free-base H2P3. Further studies involving the addition of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine spin trap to derivatives H2P1, H2P2 and H2P3, showed that only H2P3 gives rise to an EPR detectable signal due to a strong generation of singlet oxygen.publishe

Conductance oscillations of a spin-orbit stripe with polarized contacts

We investigate the linear conductance of a stripe of spin-orbit interaction in a 2D electron gas; that is, a 2D region of length $\ell$ along the transport direction and infinite in the transverse one in which a spin-orbit interaction of Rashba type is present. Polarization in the contacts is described by means of Zeeman fields. Our model predicts two types of conductance oscillations: Ramsauer oscillations in the minority spin transmission, when both spins can propagate, and Fano oscillations when only one spin propagates. The latter are due to the spin-orbit coupling with quasibound states of the non propagating spin. In the case of polarized contacts in antiparallel configuration Fano-like oscillations of the conductance are still made possible by the spin orbit coupling, even though no spin component is bound by the contacts. To describe these behaviors we propose a simplified model based on an ansatz wave function. In general, we find that the contribution for vanishing transverse momentum dominates and defines the conductance oscillations. Regarding the oscillations with Rashba coupling intensity, our model confirms the spin transistor behavior, but only for high degrees of polarization. Including a position dependent effective mass yields additional oscillations due to the mass jumps at the interfaces.Comment: 8.5 pages, 9 figure

Efficacy of Three Low-Intensity, Internet-Based Psychological Interventions for the Treatment of Depression in Primary Care: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Primary care is a major access point for the initial treatment of depression, but the management of these patients is far from optimal. The lack of time in primary care is one of the major difficulties for the delivery of evidence-based psychotherapy. During the last decade, research has focused on the development of brief psychotherapy and cost-effective internet-based interventions mostly based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Very little research has focused on alternative methods of treatment for depression using CBT. Thus, there is a need for research into other therapeutic approaches. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of 3 low-intensity, internet-based psychological interventions (healthy lifestyle psychoeducational program [HLP], focused program on positive affect promotion [PAPP], and brief intervention based on mindfulness [MP]) compared with a control condition (improved treatment as usual [iTAU]). METHODS: A multicenter, 4-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted between March 2015 and March 2016, with a follow-up of 12 months. In total, 221 adults with mild or moderate major depression were recruited in primary care settings from 3 Spanish regions. Patients were randomly distributed to iTAU (n=57), HLP (n=54), PAPP (n=56), and MP (n=54). All patients received iTAU from their general practitioners. The main outcome was the Spanish version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) from pretreatment (time 1) to posttreatment (time 2) and up to 6 (time 3) and 12 (time 4) months'' follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the visual analog scale of the EuroQol, the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI). We conducted regression models to estimate outcome differences along study stages. RESULTS: A moderate decrease was detected in PHQ-9 scores from HLP (ß=-3.05; P=.01) and MP (ß=-3.00; P=.01) compared with iTAU at posttreatment. There were significant differences between all intervention groups and iTAU in physical SF-12 scores at 6 months after treatment. Regarding well-being, MP and PAPP reported better PHI results than iTAU at 6 months post treatment. PAPP intervention significantly decreased PANAS negative affect scores compared with iTAU 12 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The low-intensity, internet-based psychological interventions (HLP and MP) for the treatment of depression in primary care are more effective than iTAU at posttreatment. Moreover, all low-intensity psychological interventions are also effective in improving medium- and long-term quality of life. PAPP is effective for improving health-related quality of life, negative affect, and well-being in patients with depression. Nevertheless, it is important to examine possible reasons that could be implicated for PAPP not being effective in reducing depressive symptomatology; in addition, more research is still needed to assess the cost-effectiveness analysis of these interventions

Combinatorial activity of flavonoids with antibiotics against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus

The use of resistance-modifying agents is a potential strategy that is used to prolong the effective life of antibiotics in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance. Since certain flavonoids are potent bacterial efflux pump inhibitors, we assessed morin, rutin, quercetin, hesperidin, and (+)-catechin for their combined activity with the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, erythromycin, oxacillin, and ampicillin against drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Four established methods were used to determine the combined efficacy of each combination: microdilution checkerboard assays, time-kill determinations, the Etest, and dual disc-diffusion methods. The cytotoxicity of the flavonoids was additionally evaluated in a mouse fibroblast cell line. Quercetin and its isomer morin decreased by 3- to 16-fold the minimal inhibitory concentration of ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and erythromycin against some S. aureus strains. Rutin, hesperidin, and (+)-catechin did not promote any potentiation of antibiotics. Despite the potential cytotoxicity of these phytochemicals at a high concentration (fibroblast IC50 of 41.8 and 67.5mg/L, respectively), quercetin is commonly used as a supplement for several therapeutic purposes. All the methods, with exception of the time-kill assay, presented a high degree of congruence without any apparent strain specificity.This work was supported by Operational Program for Competitiveness Factors—COMPETE, FCT/MEC (PIDDAC), and FEDER through Projects Bioresist—PTDC/EBB-EBI/ 105085/2008; Phytodisinfectants—PTDC/DTP-SAP/1078/ 2012 (COMPETE: FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-028765) and the PhD grants awarded to Ana Abreu (SFRH/BD/84393/ 2012) and Anabela Borges (SFRH/BD/63398/2009). The authors are very grateful to Professor Simon Gibbons (De- partment of Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry, The School of Pharmacy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London) for providing the bacterial strains.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio