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

Polymerization of ethylene using metallocene and aluminoxane systems

This paper describes ethylene polymerization using a number of metal-locene and aluminoxane catalyst systems, Cp2MR2 and methylaluminoxane [M = Zr, W, Nb; R = Cl, CH3]. Two types of methylaluminoxane, MAO (1) and MAO (2), were used as cocatalysts. The polymerization activities of the complexes Cp2WCl2 and Cp2NbCl2 were compared with that of Cp2ZrCl2. The Nb and W complexes were found to be less active than the Zr complex. Polyethylene characterization was also carried out by the following methods: gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Productive efficiency and density and viscosity studies of biodiesels from vegetable oil mixtures

Received: January 31st, 2021 ; Accepted: April 10th, 2021 ; Published: April 29th, 2021 ; Correspondence: [email protected] in Brazil the minimum content of biodiesel in mixtures is 11% and, according to Brazilian laws, the goal is to reach 15% in volume in diesel fuel available for final consumers by 2023. Therefore, studies about different matrices of biodiesel and distinct mixtures are essential. The present work had two goals, the first one was to analyse physico-chemical properties of 16 biofuels produced from soybean and cotton oils, using S10 diesel, in mixtures B8, B10, B20 and B30. The second goal was to verify the vantages and disadvantages of biodiesel production through prior mixing of the oils, before and after the transesterification process. All biofuels produced presented results of specific mass values at 20 °C and kinematic viscosity at 40 °C within the limits established by ANP Resolution no 30/2016 and International Resolutions. The soybean B20 biofuel showed the best overall results, with the second highest production yield of 65.36%, the fifth lowest kinematic viscosity with 3.48 mm s -1 . The mixture of soybean and cotton oils before the transesterification process presented the highest production yield when compared with the production from a single oil or biodiesel mixtures. The results found proved to be satisfactory and corroborate to continue with the increase of biodiesel in the mixture with diesel to B15 until 2023 and support the possibility of planning for a gradual increase of this mixture in the following years

Deleção cromossómica intersticial em 14q “de novo”: apresentação de um caso

Introdução: As deleções intersticiais são anomalias cromossómicas estruturais, desequilibradas, resultantes de dois pontos de quebra, frequentemente associadas a quadros clínicos anormais devido à perda de material genético ativo (eucromatina). As consequências fenotípicas dependem do segmento cromossómico perdido e do número de genes aí localizados. Material e Métodos: Os autores apresentam o caso de um indivíduo do sexo masculino, de 11 anos de idade, referenciado para estudo citogenético por apresentar um quadro clínico de atraso de desenvolvimento psicomotor, défice cognitivo e problemas de comportamento. Realizaram-se culturas sincronizadas de linfócitos de sangue periférico, bandas GTG de alta resolução e, posteriormente, estudos de hibridação in situ por fluorescência (FISH) com sondas de pintura cromossómica total e subtelomérica, específicas para o cromossoma 14. Resultados: A análise das metafases revelou a presença de uma anomalia estrutural no cromossoma 14, interpretada como uma deleção intersticial do segmento compreendido entre as bandas 14q24.3 e 14q32.1. A análise por FISH permitiu confirmar esta deleção intersticial. Como os cariótipos dos pais foram normais, conclui-se que esta anomalia cromossómica é “de novo”, estabelecendo-se o cariótipo do doente como: 46,XY,del(14)(q24.3q32.1).ish del(14)(wcp 14+,SHGC36156+)dn Discussão: A deleção intersticial encontrada no cromossoma 14 implica uma monossomia do segmento 14q24.3→14q32.1. As alterações descritas mais comuns, associadas a esta deleção, incluem ADPM e algumas malformações minor. Os autores apresentam este caso pela raridade da anomalia citogenética encontrada e comparam-no com a literatura atual

The influence of light and culture media on the growth of the red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales) under laboratory conditions

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estado da arte na terapêutica anticoagulante: Novas abordagens

Anticoagulant therapy was for a long time, limited to the use of heparins and warfarins. Recently, has been introduced in the market new alternative antithrombotic to this therapy. The availability of an oral of FXa or thrombin inhibitors has provided relevant clinical results in assays for the prophylaxis of postoperative venous thrombosis. However, these drugs do not have the polypharmacology of heparins. In this context, the investigation of small molecules that mimic the functions of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans, without the drawbacks characteristic of large chain heparins, has emerged as an area of research alternative. In this work, the major therapeutic approaches for the treatment of venous thrombosis are exposed, and is given a special focus to the study of our research group in the search for small molecules active dual antiplatelet and anticoagulant. Keywords: Anticoagulant therapy, Warfarins, Sulfated glycosaminoglycans A terapêutica anticoagulante foi, durante muito tempo, limitada ao uso de heparinas e varfarinas. Recentemente foram introduzidas no mercado novas alternativas a esta terapêutica antitrombótica. A disponibilidade para uso oral quer de agentes inibidores do FXa quer da trombina tem proporcionado resultados clínicos revelantes em ensaios para a profilaxia da trombose venosa pós-operatória. No entanto, estes fármacos não apresentam a polifarmacologia única das heparinas. Neste contexto, a investigação de pequenas moléculas sulfatadas que mimetizem as funções dos glicosaminoglicanos, sem os inconvenientes característicos das grandes cadeias de heparinas, tem surgido como uma área de investigação alternativa. Neste trabalho, são expostas as principais abordagens na terapêutica para o tratamento da trombose venosa e é dado um enfoque especial ao estudo desenvolvido no nosso grupo de investigação na procura de pequenas moléculas com atividade dual anticoagulante e antiagregante plaquetária

Preparation of hybrid organic-inorganic materials based on a di-ureasil matrix doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide

In this presentation we describe the preparation of solvent-free solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) by the sol-gel route with the incorporation of controlled quantities of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) into the host matrix. The host framework of these xerogels, designated as di-ureasils and represented by d-U(900), contains oxyethylene oligomers with about 15 repeat units bonded at each end to a siliceous backbone through urea bridging links. Electrolytes were characterized by ionic conductivity measurements, cyclic voltammetry at a gold microelectrode and thermal analysis. The results obtained reveal that these hybrid materials are completely amorphous and exhibit appropriate electrochemical characteristics for a variety of applications.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia - POCI/QUI/59856/2004; POCTI/3/686; SFRH/BD/22707/2005

Emergence of Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance: Exploring the Importance of the Microenvironmental Niche via a Spatial Model

Practically, all chemotherapeutic agents lead to drug resistance. Clinically, it is a challenge to determine whether resistance arises prior to, or as a result of, cancer therapy. Further, a number of different intracellular and microenvironmental factors have been correlated with the emergence of drug resistance. With the goal of better understanding drug resistance and its connection with the tumor microenvironment, we have developed a hybrid discrete-continuous mathematical model. In this model, cancer cells described through a particle-spring approach respond to dynamically changing oxygen and DNA damaging drug concentrations described through partial differential equations. We thoroughly explored the behavior of our self-calibrated model under the following common conditions: a fixed layout of the vasculature, an identical initial configuration of cancer cells, the same mechanism of drug action, and one mechanism of cellular response to the drug. We considered one set of simulations in which drug resistance existed prior to the start of treatment, and another set in which drug resistance is acquired in response to treatment. This allows us to compare how both kinds of resistance influence the spatial and temporal dynamics of the developing tumor, and its clonal diversity. We show that both pre-existing and acquired resistance can give rise to three biologically distinct parameter regimes: successful tumor eradication, reduced effectiveness of drug during the course of treatment (resistance), and complete treatment failure