Hospitableness: driving Social Responsibility (SR) in hospitality businesses

This paper explores independent foodservice businesses' motivations for improving their SR, their implementation of socially responsible practices and the role hospitality plays in this. Investigating what motivates these foodservice businesses to adopt socially responsible practices is highly relevant for the industry (Brookes, et al., 2014; British Hospitality, 2017; Coles et al., 2013; Hawkins & Bohdanowicz, 2012; Sustainable Restaurant Association, 2013). It further supports a better understanding of what can encourage engagement with sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) across the whole hospitality industry (Lashley, 2016; Jones, et al., 2016; Farrington, et al., 2017; Cavagnaro, 2017). Interdisciplinary methodology and methods of research This research is inspired by a pluralistic understanding of CSR, as this is a broad, contested concept, adopted by a growing number of different members of society (Carroll, 1999; Carroll & Shabana, 2010; Dahlsrud, 2008); such approach recognises that CSR should be interpreted and adapted to various institutional environments, according to the actors' sets of values and ideologies (Aguinis & Glavas, 2012; Farrington, et al., 2017). Therefore, this specific research supports the use of the terminology social responsibility (SR) for small businesses, instead of CSR, in recognition of the key role played by the owner managers’ ethics and values in motivating small businesses’ engagement with CSR (Tomasella and Ali, 2016). Furthermore the study focuses on a specific business context, such as independent foodservice businesses in Britain: researching such context can highlight which specific personal and business values influence the understanding of SR among these small businesses. A qualitative methodology is a suitable research strategy for studying the phenomenon of SR in small businesses: with its flexibility, it allows to explore personal values and business values concurrently, to better understand the phenomenon of small business SR (Aguinis & Glavas, 2012; Lindgreen & Swaen, 2010; Spence, 2016). The related methods involve primary data collected through documents and semi-structured interviews of small businesses' owner-managers. The sample includes twenty-five small independent foodservice businesses, all operating within the same locality in the United Kingdom. The results revealed that the SR of these independent foodservice businesses is influenced by their hospitality business values, which are expression of the personal values of the business owner. The benevolent hospitableness of the owner is a form of self-actualisation and self-expression frequently found among small lifestyle hospitality and foodservice businesses (Lee-Ross & Lashley, 2010, p. 173; Lashley & Rowson, 2010; Ateljevic & Doorne, 2000; Lashley, et al., 2004; Carrigan, et al., 2017). The hospitality values of the owner influence the hospitableness of the business (Telfer, 2017; Wood, 2017), because the business owner of these lifestyle or family businesses prioritises personal hospitality values as motives in business, alongside profit motives. The hospitableness leads these small hospitality businesses to implement caring actions towards staff, clients and local 4th Presentation Session Room: DOG/1788 community; in the long term, the actions that are prioritised, are those contributing to increase branding and reputation of the business. Knowledge and local embeddedness also play a role in driving the long term implementation of SR actions, as it creates awareness about local issues, of economic, social or environmental nature. This confirms the importance of the context in which the small business operates in determining the nature of its SR practice. This research contributes to knowledge by identifying that the hospitableness of these businesses lifestyle and family businesses influences the implementation of SR actions. These businesses interpret hospitality as a social practice, inherently aimed at the fulfilment of human needs, therefore shaped by the values and needs of those involved in such exchange (Brotherton, 1999; Lashley, 2007; Lynch, et al., 2011; Wood, 2017). For these hospitality businesses, the hospitality SR practice is influenced by the cultural values and socio-economic factors of the people involved in the hospitality exchange. Therefore this work confirms that the nature of the corresponding small business hospitality SR practice overlaps with the concept of stakeholder theory (Freeman et al., 2010), because it is inherently oriented towards providing well-being to all the stakeholders engaged in the hospitality exchange (Lee-Ross & Lashley, 2010, p. 173; Lashley, 2016b)

CSR engagement in SMEs – tactical or strategic?

Research aim and objectives: The aim of the research was to determine what (if any), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) engage in, including their motivations for undertaking such activities, but also their rationale for not doing so. For those engaging, the objective was to ascertain the perceived benefit these activities provide, and whether this was a strategic or tactical decision for the organisation. For those not engaging, the objective was to understand their reasons for none engagement. Theoretical framework: This paper engages with the strategic CSR literature in framing CSR activities as a set of tools which can address a range of strategic priorities to the long-term benefit of the organisation. Design/methodology: The study surveyed a range of firms in the East Midlands of the UK, in both manufacturing and service sectors and across the spectrum of different-sized organisations over three different years (2017, 2018 and 2020). Respondent numbers ranged from 277 (2017), 280 (2018) and 421 (2020). Similar questions were asked across the three years encompassing a range of CSR-related activities and rationales for engagement or none engagement. Findings: There has been a growth in interest in CSR activities in the region over the surveyed period. Firm size correlates with increased activity (larger firms engaging more than smaller ones). Different types of activities are associated with different firm sizes: the more common reason for engagement in micro/small businesses is particularly “personal link with a cause/ altruism;” there is a willingness to build community links in medium businesses, while staff development is slightly more prominent in larger businesses. Larger businesses perceive CSR activities as more important to achieve their long-term strategic goals, and they are more likely to increase their investment in CSR as a result. Practical/social implications: As perceptions of the need for businesses to support their communities continues to grow, awareness on the positive impact of CSR activities in SMEs in achieving strategic objectives needs to be encouraged as a gateway to more sustained investment in CSR in a wider range of SMEs. Key words

Correlated radial velocity and X-ray variations in HD 154791/4U 1700+24

We present evidence for approximately 400-d variations in the radial velocity of HD 154791 (V934 Her), the suggested optical counterpart of 4U 1700+24. The variations are correlated with the previously reported approximately 400 d variations in the X-ray flux of 4U 1700+24, which supports the association of these two objects, as well as the identification of this system as the second known X-ray binary in which a neutron star accretes from the wind of a red giant. The HD 154791 radial velocity variations can be fit with an eccentric orbit with period 404 +/- 3 d, amplitude K=0.75 +/- 0.12 km/s and eccentricity e=0.26 +/- 0.15. There are also indications of variations on longer time scales >~ 2000 d. We have re-examined all available ASM data following an unusually large X-ray outburst in 1997-98, and confirm that the 1-d averaged 2-10 keV X-ray flux from 4U 1700+24 is modulated with a period of 400 +/- 20 d. The mean profile of the persistent X-ray variations was approximately sinusoidal, with an amplitude of 0.108 +/- 0.012 ASM count/s (corresponding to 31% rms). The epoch of X-ray maximum was approximately 40 d after the time of periastron according to the eccentric orbital fit. If the 400 d oscillations from HD 154791/4U 1700+24 are due to orbital motion, then the system parameters are probably close to those of the only other neutron-star symbiotic-like binary, GX 1+4. We discuss the similarities and differences between these two systems.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figures; accepted by Ap

Transcript expression of vesicular glutamate transporters in lumbar dorsal root ganglia and the spinal cord of mice – Effects of peripheral axotomy or hindpaw inflammation

Using specific riboprobes, we characterized the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)1–VGLUT3 transcripts in lumbar 4–5 (L4–5) dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) and the thoracolumbar to lumbosacral spinal cord in male BALB/c mice after a 1- or 3-day hindpaw inflammation, or a 7-day sciatic nerve axotomy. Sham animals were also included. In sham and contralateral L4–5 DRGs of injured mice, VGLUT1-, VGLUT2- and VGLUT3 mRNAs were expressed in ∼45%, ∼69% or ∼17% of neuron profiles (NPs), respectively. VGLUT1 was expressed in large and medium-sized NPs, VGLUT2 in NPs of all sizes, and VGLUT3 in small and medium-sized NPs. In the spinal cord, VGLUT1 was restricted to a number of NPs at thoracolumbar and lumbar segments, in what appears to be the dorsal nucleus of Clarke, and in mid laminae III–IV. In contrast, VGLUT2 was present in numerous NPs at all analyzed spinal segments, except the lateral aspects of the ventral horns, especially at the lumbar enlargement, where it was virtually absent. VGLUT3 was detected in a discrete number of NPs in laminae III–IV of the dorsal horn. Axotomy resulted in a moderate decrease in the number of DRG NPs expressing VGLUT3, whereas VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 were unaffected. Likewise, the percentage of NPs expressing VGLUT transcripts remained unaltered after hindpaw inflammation, both in DRGs and the spinal cord. Altogether, these results confirm previous descriptions on VGLUTs expression in adult mice DRGs, with the exception of VGLUT1, whose protein expression was detected in a lower percentage of mouse DRG NPs. A detailed account on the location of neurons expressing VGLUTs transcripts in the adult mouse spinal cord is also presented. Finally, the lack of change in the number of neurons expressing VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 transcripts after axotomy, as compared to data on protein expression, suggests translational rather than transcriptional regulation of VGLUTs after injury.Fil: Malet, Mariana. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Vieytes, C. A.. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Lundgren, K. H.. University of Cincinnati; Estados UnidosFil: Seal, R. P.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Tomasella, María Eugenia. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Seroogy, K. B.. University of Cincinnati; Estados UnidosFil: Hökfelt, T.. Karolinska Huddinge Hospital. Karolinska Institutet; SueciaFil: Gebhart, G. F.. University of Pittsburgh; Estados UnidosFil: Brumovsky, Pablo Rodolfo. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. University of Pittsburgh; Estados Unido

Embedding the sustainable development goals into higher education institutions’ marketing curriculum

The 21st century's growing societal and environmental challenges are ubiquitous. The combination of knowledge, values, mindsets, and abilities needed to address these challenges requires educating society about the simultaneous pursuit of economic, environmental, and social goals, as advocated by the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research aims to review the academic literature on how Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) incorporate the SDGs into the marketing curriculum. In this regard, the expected outcome is to assist marketing academics in developing a curriculum aligned with the SDGs. An integrative literature review including 40 articles led to three core themes: Integration, Transformation, and Leadership. Building on these themes, the paper contributes to marketing education through the 3Es framework (Engage, Expand, Enact) for embedding the SDGs in the marketing curriculum: 'Engage' integrates sustainability knowledge into the existing marketing curriculum by fostering debates and reflection around the SDGs. 'Expand' transforms values and attitudes among marketing students and staff using transformative and experiential pedagogical tools. This leads to 'Enact' with leadership and partnerships within and outside the university, which leads to collaborative actions aligned with the SDGs

Supernova 2012ec: Identification of the progenitor and early monitoring with PESSTO

We present the identification of the progenitor of the Type IIP SN 2012ec in archival pre-explosion HST WFPC2 and ACS/WFC F814W images. The properties of the progenitor are further constrained by non-detections in pre-explosion WFPC2 F450W and F606W images. We report a series of early photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2012ec. The r'-band light curve shows a plateau with M(r')=-17.0. The early spectrum is similar to the Type IIP SN 1999em, with the expansion velocity measured at Halpha absorption minimum of -11,700 km/s (at 1 day post-discovery). The photometric and spectroscopic evolution of SN 2012ec shows it to be a Type IIP SN, discovered only a few days post-explosion (<6d). We derive a luminosity for the progenitor, in comparison with MARCS model SEDs, of log L/Lsun = 5.15+/-0.19, from which we infer an initial mass range of 14-22Msun. This is the first SN with an identified progenitor to be followed by the Public ESO Spectroscopic Survey of Transient Objects (PESSTO).Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, MNRAS accepte

Hydro-climatic and ecological behaviour of the drought of Amazonia in 2005

In 2005, southwestern Amazonia experienced the effects of an intense drought that affected life and biodiversity. Several major tributaries as well as parts of the main river itself contained only a fraction of their normal volumes of water, and lakes were drying up. The consequences for local people, animals and the forest itself are impossible to estimate now, but they are likely to be serious. The analyses indicate that the drought was manifested as weak peak river season during autumn to winter as a consequence of a weak summertime season in southwestern Amazonia; the winter season was also accompanied by rainfall that sometimes reached 25% of the climatic value, being anomalously warm and dry and helping in the propagation of fires. Analyses of climatic and hydrological records in Amazonia suggest a broad consensus that the 2005 drought was linked not to El Niño as with most previous droughts in the Amazon, but to warming sea surface temperatures in the tropical North Atlantic Ocean

Design of the strut braced wing aircraft in the agile collaborative MDO framework

The paper describes the deployment of the AGILE Development Framework to investigate the Strut Braced Wing aircraft configuration. The design process consists of a multilevel multidisciplinary architecture, progressing from the initial conceptual synthesis to the physics based analysis. All the main disciplinary domains, including on board system design and cost assessment, are accounted for in the assembled workflow. Due to the specific characteristics of the Strut Braced Wing configuration, the aeroelastic analysis is the main focus of the study and it is addressed at both high and low fidelity levels. The integration of the engine-wing system is also included in the design process. All the design competences, which are hosted at the different partners, communicate via CPACS (Common Parametric Aircraft Configuration Schema) data schema. All the results generated, including the multidisciplinary design process itself, will be published and made available as part of the AGILE Overall Aircraft Design database

SN 2015ba: A type IIP supernova with a long plateau

We present optical photometry and spectroscopy from about a week after explosion to $\sim$272 d of an atypical Type IIP supernova, SN 2015ba, which exploded in the edge-on galaxy IC 1029. SN 2015ba is a luminous event with an absolute V-band magnitude of -17.1$\pm$0.2 mag at 50 d since explosion and has a long plateau lasting for $\sim$123 d. The distance to the SN is estimated to be 34.8$\pm$0.7 Mpc using the expanding photosphere and standard candle methods. High-velocity H-Balmer components constant with time are observed in the late-plateau phase spectra of SN 2015ba, which suggests a possible role of circumstellar interaction at these phases. Both hydrodynamical and analytical modelling suggest a massive progenitor of SN 2015ba with a pre-explosion mass of 24-26 M$_\odot$. However, the nebular spectra of SN 2015ba exhibit insignificant levels of oxygen, which is otherwise expected from a massive progenitor. This might be suggestive of the non-monotonical link between O-core masses and the zero-age main-sequence mass of pre-supernova stars and/or uncertainties in the mixing scenario in the ejecta of supernovae.Comment: 42 pages, 7 pages Appendix, 20 figures, 10 tables, Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 14-June-201