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Determinants of foreign direct investment in commercial real estate and hotel sectors for selected MENA countries
No full textDeveloped, maturing, and emerging market countries are making considerable progress in the legal and institutional reforms necessary to allow and facilitate real estate and tourism (specifically hotel) foreign direct investment (FDI). From a political perspective, countries used to view real estate as one of the "crown jewels" of an economy (Lynn, 2007). No longer does this view hold consistently across countries as countries have recently recognised that real estate and hotel FDI is a way to encourage fixed capital investment, create jobs, and to introduce best practices from multinational corporations. The purpose of this research is to identify the main determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the commercial real estate (CRE) as well as hotel sectors, in selected Middle Eastern countries. Utilising existing theories of FDI, a set of determinants (drivers and barriers) were selected to be empirically tested, utilising Dunning's (Ownership-Location- Internalisation-OLI) eclectic paradigm. As Dunning consider FDI for all industries with a special focus on the manufacturing industry, this research enlarges the scope by commercial real estate and hotels specific considerations. This research utilises the Location dimension of Dunning framework as a basis to explain the determinants of FDI in the CRE and hotel sectors. The literature on both real estate and hotel FDI relies heavily on collecting primary data through surveys; recently however, very few studies (including He & Zhu (2010); He, Wang, & Cheng (2009); Anop (2010) and Rodriguez & Bustillo (2008)) have utilised the availability of data in real estate and started constructing econometric models with the aim of testing set hypotheses. This research fills a gap in the literature by utilising secondary data to develop and test different econometric models, using data from various sources.The empirical work of this research therefore consists of two parts: the first is an econometric analysis of FDI in commercial real estate for eight Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) markets namely, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia and the UAE during 2003-2009; the second part is an econometric analysis of FDI in hotels for the same countries for the same time period. The econometric analysis is carried out using the pooled Tobin model technique, for panel data, which uses both time-series and cross-sectional data. The findings for the econometric analysis of FDI in commercial real estate shows that country specific factors (i. e. economic health, standards of living and levels human development as well as political stability and absence of violence) as well I as real estate sector-specific variables (size of institutional real estate market), are significant variables and consistently support their hypotheses as explanations for commercial real estate related FDI for the selected MENA countries. The second part of the econometric analysis related to determinants of FDI in hotel greenfield projects, reveals that country specific factors (i. e. taxation environment, human development level and real growth of economy and political stability and absence of violence and terrorism) as well as hotel sector-specific variables (i. e. real visitor expenditure and level of investment freedom); are significant and consistently support their hypotheses as explanations for hotel FDI. These indicators are found to provide -a good explanation of location decision-making in both commercial real estate and hotel sectors. 11 Pag
ALMA survey of massive cluster progenitors from ATLASGAL. Limited fragmentation at the early evolutionary stage of massive clumps
No full textThe early evolution of massive cluster progenitors is poorly understood. We investigate the fragmentation properties from 0.3 pc to 0.06 pc scales of a homogenous sample of infrared-quiet massive clumps within 4.5 kpc selected from the ATLASGAL survey. Using the ALMA 7m array we detect compact dust continuum emission towards all targets, and find that fragmentation, at these scales, is limited. The mass distribution of the fragments uncovers a large fraction of cores above 40 , corresponding to massive dense cores (MDCs) with masses up to ~400 . 77 % of the clumps contain at most 3 MDCs per clump, and we also reveal single clumps/MDCs. The most massive cores are formed within the more massive clumps, and a high concentration of mass on small scales reveals a high core formation efficiency. The mass of MDCs highly exceeds the local thermal Jeans-mass, and observational evidence is lacking for a sufficiently high level of turbulence or strong enough magnetic fields to keep the most massive MDCs in equilibrium. If already collapsing, the observed fragmentation properties with a high core formation efficiency are consistent with the collapse setting in at parsec scales
Clinical Focus on Lung Cancer: A snapshot of lung cancer for Ontario health care providers and managers
No full textThis monograph on lung cancer has been prepared to provide information on patterns of practice to those directly involved in the provision of care to lung cancer patients. As well, it should be helpful to those who are responsible for managing aspects of the cancer system that impact on the care that lung cancer patients receive across the province of Ontario. The practice patterns are shown against the backdrop of the evidence-based guidelines developed by the Lung Disease Site Group of Cancer Care Ontario’s Program in Evidence based Care. In addition to information on patterns of practice, this monograph provides information on the timeliness of access to care, as well as a brief overview of the incidence and mortality of lung cancer, and the trends in the main risk factor for developing lung cancer, namely smoking. In brief, it provides a snapshot of the quality of care for lung cancer patients in the province of Ontario. It is hoped that this monograph will assist those responsible for care delivery to achieve the best possible results for patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer
Are We Throwing Out the Books with the Bathwater? Dilemmas Over New Directions in Library Design
No full textThe growing popularity of digital media has led to a fundamental re-evaluation of the role of libraries as they strive to maintain their relevance to their patrons’ changing needs. This is having a significant impact on their design and space use requirements, including a reduction in the areas dedicated to book stacks. However, recent research suggests that the trend toward digital may be changing with a resurgence of physical media. Is there risk of losing the essential qualities that make libraries such distinct and appealing places as stacks are replaced by more informal spaces and increasingly diverse activities? This paper discusses trends in library design, investigates the long-term effects of adopting new activities, and considers the extent to which these should replace books. Referring to recent research on reading habits and to examples of contemporary library architecture, it cautions against the wholesale relegation or removal of physical books for a number of reasons – not least because buildings evolve much more slowly than digital technologies and once adaptations are made they are likely to be long-lived
The Case of Thessaloniki’s Branding: Constructing Social Networking and CSR in the Digital Era
Get PDF2012 was a celebratory year for Thessaloniki, Greece. In 2012, the municipality of Thessaloniki initiated an international sustainable development (SD) strategy. Part of this strategy was to launch a branding campaign with four thematic categories: i) history; ii) social activities and culture; iii) environment and urban landscape and iv) entrepreneurship. The aim of this paper is to present and critically analyze these ongoing social, environmental and economic factors of Thessaloniki’s SD strategy. Maintaining as a focal point social responsibility and social networking this paper reveals the importance of innovative services in digital communication and social networking when branding a city’s profile. It designates how Thessaloniki and its stakeholders are engaging and exploring digital and social profile potentials, opportunities and perspectives for the years to come. Reproduced with permission of Palgrave Macmilla
An investigation into the capabilities and affecting factors of isometric mid-thigh pull force production in elite youth soccer players.
Get PDFElite youth soccer player’s performance depends on a multitude of factors (Stølen et al. 2005). Muscular force production capability is of likely importance due to the frequency of powerful actions that occur within match play (Faude et al. 2012). Little is known though of the training undertaken at elite youth soccer academies to increase muscular force production capabilities particularly across maturation groups. There is also little evidence around the nature, or genetic influence on this variable in these populations. Greater knowledge on these areas would be beneficial to aid an understanding of performance and to plan practical interventions. Eight weeks of training for players in the under 9 (U9) through to under 21 (U21) age groups (Chapter 3) were recorded to investigate the duration of each training type completed. The total training duration increased from U9 to U14 before reducing at U15 and then remaining unchanged through to, and including, the U21 age group. Soccer training accounted for 97 ± 4 % of session time in the U9 to U14 groups and 74 ± 3 % in the U15 to U21 groups. The remainder of training was made up of work that was not soccer based. The data in this case study suggest that training time is focussed on the technical/tactical development throughout the academy, particularly in the younger age groups. Study 2, part A (Chapter 4) provided baseline isometric maximal voluntary force (MVF) data for players and an maturation-matched non-elite control group. MVF was slightly higher in the elite compared to control cohorts during an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP, 118.29 ± 13.47 N compared to 109.69 ± 17.00 N). Such data may indicate that ability to produce force, specifically isometric MVF, may not be a crucial determinant of performance in elite youth soccer based on this sample. The purpose of study 2, part B (Chapter 4) was to establish the effect of 8 weeks typical training on elite youth soccer players’ IMTP MVF. This was also compared to a non-elite control cohort matched for maturation status and not undertaking training. Isometric MVF did not change in either group over the 8 week period (P = 0.386). These data suggest that this elite youth soccer training simply maintained current strength levels and was not sufficient to elicit increases in isometric MVF. Study 3 (Chapter 5) examined variations in four separate genes, all identified as potentially having an influence on muscular force production capabilities: PPARA rs4253778, NOS3 rs2070744, COLIA1 rs2249492 and VDR rs2228570. Allele and genotype frequency was determined along with the influence of those single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on isometric MVF. Only NOS3 was different in genotype distribution between cohorts with TT genotype showing 45.0 % and 30.4 % frequency in elite and control cohorts respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, no difference was seen between cohorts for isometric MVF data when comparing influence of any genotypes of any gene. These data provide novel information around genotype frequency in this population and would suggest that the gene variations examined here might not play a role in force production in these populations. Overall, these findings suggest that muscular force production may be important for elite youth soccer performance, but that current training practices to improve this characteristic should be revised. This seems especially relevant given the lack of genetic association with force production in the gene variations examined here, i.e. elite youth soccer players do not appear to be selected based on a genetic predisposition for greater isometric force production capabilities
MyWallMate: An Investigation into the Use of Mobile Technology in Enhancing Student Engagement
No full textStudent engagement is a multifaceted and widely debated topic throughout higher education. In studying this subject, it is important to acknowledge the enhancements in students’ learning that are associated with regular attendance and active participation within taught sessions. Engaging with large numbers of students in lectures remains problematic, although the use of technology has been shown to mitigate against this issue. This includes the use of mobile applications (“apps”) and bring your own device (BYOD) type approaches. The supporting technologies are now ubiquitous and offer lecturers innovative ways to engage with learners. The overall purpose of this research is to examine how mobile devices can be used to engage with the modern student. The paper reports on the results from an investigation where mobile technologies were used during large lecture-type sessions in tandem with the Textwall™ software. This online program is able to receive and present messages from students’ devices that the lecturer may then share. It can also be used to collect student votes on multiple-choice questions, facilitating dynamic formative assessments during class. A study has been undertaken around the MyWallMate mobile application. This program has been developed by Liverpool John Moores University to expedite the process of sending messages and votes to Textwall™. Results of this study indicated that students had a positive reaction to both Textwall™ and the MyWallMate application. They reported being more comfortable in expressing their opinions via the MyWallMate mobile application and felt that using mobile technology within their lectures enhanced their learning. It has been concluded that the use of mobile technologies and BYOD-type approaches are avenues worth further exploration in global higher education
Analytic approach to risk assessment in Thailand's real estate development industry
No full textThis research aims to introduce an innovative risk assessment model to Thailand real estate's industry as well as to investigate the risk perception of Thai practitioners. A theoretical framework that was developed from a review of the extant literature was used in the subsequent stages of research design, data collection and analysis. The extensive literature review revealed that the systematic risk assessment methods were too remote from the existing industry practices and these shall be considered as valid approaches by industry. The theoretical frameworks were established based on the requirements of Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic, and Political (STEEP) factors. These were well rooted in practice and that individual perception toward risk was a key experiential aspect of risk assessment. The research strategy was designed as a two-phase approach. The first phase was a quantitative approach using the questionnaires survey techniques to gather 210 Thai developers' opinions towards risk assessment practices and the perception towards STEEP factors. The resultant data set was analysed with the statistic tests such as Component Analysis (CA), Explorative Factor Analysis (EF A), etc. The EFA test was applied to 66 risk assessment criteria in order to form the risk assessment model. The phase 1 resulted in a tentative model which was explored in the qualitative phase (phase 2) of the study. TIlls phase adopted the interviews with 13 Thai real estate practitioners, the interview transcripts were analysed using the content analysis and manual coding. The details of risk in this industry, and the requirements/features for the ideal risk assessment model were revealed in this phase. These were expanded and synchronised with the model developed from the EFA theorem in the first phase. In order to validate the tentative risk assessment model, a case study approach was implemented with 4 real estate experts, the results insisted that this model was acceptably developed and this could be used in the real business case because of it covered on the major existing risks in this real estate industry. The final outcome of this research is a validated risk assessment model which forms the basis for assessing risks in the real estate projects which is closely aligned to an industry practice and can lead to an incremental improvement of risk assessment in the property industry
Plasma Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Concentration and Alveolar Nitric Oxide as Potential Predictors of Disease Progression and Mortality in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
No full textBACKGROUND: Declining lung function signifies disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration is associated with declining lung function in 6 and 12-month studies. Alveolar nitric oxide concentration (CANO) is increased in patients with IPF, however its significance is unclear. This study investigated whether baseline plasma VEGF concentration and CANO are associated with disease progression or mortality in IPF. METHODS: 27 IPF patients were studied (maximum follow-up 65 months). Baseline plasma VEGF concentration, CANO and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were measured. PFTs were performed the preceding year and subsequent PFTs and data regarding mortality were collected. Disease progression was defined as one of: death, relative decrease of ≥10% in baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted, or relative decrease of ≥15% in baseline single breath diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (TLCO-SB) % predicted. RESULTS: Plasma VEGF concentration was not associated with progression-free survival or mortality. There was a trend towards shorter time to disease progression and death with higher CANO. CANO was significantly higher in patients with previous declining versus stable lung function. CONCLUSION: The role of VEGF in IPF remains uncertain. It may be of value to further investigate CANO in IPF. KEYWORDS: alveolar nitric oxide; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; vascular endothelial growth facto
Addressing childhood obesity in ethnic minority populations
No full textChildhood obesity in the UK is a serious public health concern. In some ethnic minority groups obesity prevalence is significantly higher than the national average (The NHS Information Centre, 2010). Therefore, it is recommended that interventions to manage childhood obesity are tailored to the needs of ethnic minority groups (NICE, 2006). GOALS (Getting Our Active Lifestyles Started!) is a community based, childhood obesity management programme that focuses upon physical activity, nutrition and behaviour change in families (Watson et aI., 2011). However, monitoring data has suggested an unrepresentatively low proportion of ethnic minority families who are referred to GOALS choose to access the service. Therefore the aim of this research was to improve the cultural relevance of the GOALS programme, whilst also contributing to the evidence-base for local and national strategic planning surrounding obesity and ethnicity. Studies set out to explore perceptions surrounding childhood weight, diet and physical activity in different ethnic groups; identify cultural preferences, and barriers to participation in healthy lifestyle interventions; to implement and pilot a culturally accessible intervention, using the GOALS framework for development; and to assess the acceptability and effectiveness of the pilot intervention. A multi-method, pluralistic, research design was employed that recognised the complexity of the research aims. In total three empirical studies were conducted, and parents (of children aged 4 to 16 years) and school-aged children participated. A combination of process and outcome data was obtained. Quantitative methods were used for descriptive and explanatory purposes and included questionnaire (Study 1,2 and 3b) and BMI measures (Study 3b). Qualitative methods included focus groups (Study 2 and 3a), face-to-face interviews (Study 3b) and the write-and draw-technique (Study 3b). Exploratory data gave context and depth to the research. In Study 1, parents (n=808) identified their ethnic background as Asian British, Black African, Black Somali, Chinese, South Asian, White British and Yemeni. Ethnic background was significantly associated to parental perceptions of weight in childhood. Results showed Black Somali parents exhibited the lowest level of concern for overweight in childhood in comparison to other ethnic groups. In Study 2, parents (n=36) and children (n=31) from six ethnic groups (Asian Bangladeshi, Black African, Black Somali, Chinese, White British and Yemeni) identified intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental barriers to healthy weight. Findings demonstrated that influences to health behaviours were sometimes specific to particular ethnic groups. For example, dominant cultural norms valuing overweight in childhood were apparent among Yemeni, Black African, Black Somali and Asian Bangladeshi parents and Asian Bangladeshi children. Results from Study 3a with parents (n=33) from ethnically diverse backgrounds, identified barriers and preferences to attending an intervention were often related to cultural and religious values of ethnic groups. Parents considered the ethnic composition of the group important, and suggested an intervention should be relevant to the ethnic background of all families attending. Based on these findings, 'surface' and 'deep' (Reniscow et al., 1999) structural modifications were made to the GOALS programme. Nine families from Asian British, Asian Bangladeshi, Yemeni and Black Somali backgrounds attended the pilot intervention to examine its appropriateness. Process and outcome data from Study 3b illustrated families benefited from a healthy lifestyles intervention that was designed to be culturally acceptable to multiple ethnic groups. This thesis has added to the limited evidence base surrounding the cultural relevance of family-based childhood obesity management programmes for ethnic minority groups. Differences in cultural norms between ethnic populations, and variations in assimilation to Western norms and acculturation within groups, highlight the complex task in addressing childhood obesity in multiple ethnic groups. Knowledge gained from the successful engagement of ethnic minority families in a culturally sensitive healthy lifestyle intervention, has lead to the development of key recommendations for policy and practice that extend beyond childhood obesity management to health promotion more widely
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