Lluís Coromina

Reliability and validity of egocentered network data collected via web: A meta-analysis of multilevel multitrait multimethod studies

Abstract Our goal in this article is to assess reliability and validity of egocentered network data collected through web surveys using multilevel confirmatory factor analysis under the multitrait multimethod approach. In this study, we analyze a questionnaire of social support of Ph.D. students in three European countries. The traits used are the frequency of social contact questions. The methods used are web survey design variants. We consider egocentered network data as hierarchical; therefore, a multilevel analysis is required. Within and between-ego reliabilities and validities are defined and interpreted. Afterwards, we proceed to a meta-analysis of the results of the three countries where within and between-ego validities and reliabilities are predicted from survey design variables which have to do with question order (by questions or by alters), response category labels (end labels or all labels) and lay-out of the questionnaire (graphical display or plain text). Results show that question order by questions, all-labeled response categories and a graphical display lay-out with images lead to a better data quality. Our basic approach consisting on multilevel and meta-analysis can be applied to evaluate the quality of any type of egocentered network questionnaire, regardless of the data collection mode.

A New Fiji-Based Algorithm That Systematically Quantifies Nine Synaptic Parameters Provides Insights into Drosophila NMJ Morphometry

The morphology of synapses is of central interest in neuroscience because of the intimate relation with synaptic efficacy. Two decades of gene manipulation studies in different animal models have revealed a repertoire of molecules that contribute to synapse development. However, since such studies often assessed only one, or at best a few, morphological features at a given synapse, it remained unaddressed how different structural aspects relate to one another. Furthermore, such focused and sometimes only qualitative approaches likely left many of the more subtle players unnoticed. Here, we present the image analysis algorithm ‘Drosophila_NMJ_Morphometrics’, available as a Fiji-compatible macro, for quantitative, accurate and objective synapse morphometry of the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), a well-established glutamatergic model synapse. We developed this methodology for semi-automated multiparametric analyses of NMJ terminals immunolabeled for the commonly used markers Dlg1 and Brp and showed that it also works for Hrp, Csp and Syt. We demonstrate that gender, genetic background and identity of abdominal body segment consistently and significantly contribute to variability in our data, suggesting that controlling for these parameters is important to minimize variability in quantitative analyses. Correlation and principal component analyses (PCA) were performed to investigate which morphometric parameters are inter-dependent and which ones are regulated rather independently. Based on nine acquired parameters, we identified five morphometric groups: NMJ size, geometry, muscle size, number of NMJ islands and number of active zones. Based on our finding that the parameters of the first two principal components hardly correlated with each other, we suggest that different molecular processes underlie these two morphometric groups. Our study sets the stage for systems morphometry approaches at the well-studied Drosophila NMJ.

Is implementing multiple management system standards a hindrance to innovation

This paper addresses the question of whether multiple management system standards (MSSs) such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 hinder innovation processes. Following a review of the relevant literature, an empirical study of 249 Spanish organisations registered to both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 is presented. The principal finding of a previous study [Castillo, S.M., Casadesus, M., Karapetrovic, S., Heras, I., & Martin, I. (2008). Do standardized management systems hinder innovation processes, in Proceedings of the 2nd International Quality Conference – Quality Festival 2008, Kragujevac, Serbia (also appeared in the International Journal of Quality Research, 2(2), 121–127] is a decrease in the importance attached to the statement that MSSs hinder innovation as more of these standards are considered for implementation in the future. The model presented in this paper includes data from organisations that have not just implemented, but have also integrated their standardised management systems (MSs). This model investigates the effects of specific motivators and difficulties of implementing multiple MSSs on the responses of organisations to the statement that MSSs are seen as a barrier to innovation. The model also examines the effect of MSSs as a barrier to innovation on the intention of these organisations to implement MSSs in the future. Results show significant influence for the variables studied.

The perceived value of accessibility in religious sites – do disabled and non-disabled travellers behave differently?

Purpose This study aims at exploring whether there are differences in behaviour between people with special access needs and those who do not have these needs at a religious destination. In particular, a comparison is made between the role and structure of the perceived value of accessibility and its effect on satisfaction and loyalty. Design/methodology/approach Data are collected using a self-administered questionnaire (n = 523). Information on perceived value of accessibility, satisfaction and loyalty is subjected to confirmatory factor analysis to ensure the reliability and validity of the three components. Structural equation modelling is used to test the hypothesized relationship between these constructs. Findings The weight of the items of the perceived value of accessibility is different between the groups analysed and its effects on satisfaction and loyalty are higher among people with access needs. Research limitations/implications Results imply that the perceived value of accessibility may be a determinant in predicting satisfaction. Thus, any study addressing the role of accessibility in a destination should take this factor into consideration. At the same time, from a practical point of view, ensuring accessibility will also benefit destinations in providing better experiences. A clear limitation of this study is the use of a convenience sample. Originality/value Religious tourism and accessible tourism have been treated as two separate issues in academic literature. However, curative shrines are sites where religious tourism and accessible tourism naturally merge. Hence, the originality of this article lies in its focus on accessible tourism in these religious sites.

The Influence of Information Sources on Tourist Image Fragmentation

Information sources have been postulated as relevant for several reasons, and particularly to influence the decision-making process to travel and to generate images of places. Despite the fact that previous research detected the existence of possible gaps or incongruences on the promoted tourist image, there are no studies that prove the relationship between information sources and the fragmentation of the tourist image. In view of this context, this chapter aims to determine to what extent the information sources consulted influence the tourists’ perceived image of a given destination, and to detect incongruences in the emitted image of the destination studied. Photo elicitation with a sample of 594 respondents was used to measure perceived image. Results reveal that emitted image fragmentation has effects on perceived tourist image of a destination; and it concludes that the number and type of information sources influence the degree of tourists’ knowledge about a destination.

Overtourism: residents’ perceptions of tourism impact as an indicator of resident social carrying capacity - case study of a Spanish heritage town

Purpose This paper aims to assess the value of impact perceptions as an indicator of social carrying capacity in the heritage town of Besalu, Spain. Additionally, it assesses the impact tourism dependence and other socio-demographic variables have on this indicator. Design/methodology/approach A literature review on social exchange theory (SET) and carrying capacity related to impact perceptions is presented. The method was a survey, with a questionnaire based on the literature review and in-depth interviews. The results have been analyzed statistically to determine the links between perceptions and socio-demographic variables. Using statistical tools, perceptions are compared to three indicators that have been used to determine capacity in literature: willingness to accept more tourism, tourism pressure and the tourist function index. Findings The willingness of residents to enter into, and remain, in an exchange relationship is affected primarily by tourism dependence, and to a lesser extent by gender and education. Additionally, impact perceptions do not correspond to a willingness to accept more tourists. The impacts of tourism on conservation show greater consensus, while impacts on the availability of space for residents show links to other capacity indicators. Originality/value This study enhances the body of knowledge on social carrying capacity in heritage towns, by focusing on a regionally prominent day-tripper heritage town facing high tourism pressure which is Besalu. From a theoretical perspective, this study attempts to merge carrying capacity and SET, thus linking sustainability to social exchange. It also highlights the importance of a gender-based perspective in sustainability.

The lighting dimension of perceived tourist image: the case of Barcelona

ABSTRACT Perceived tourist image has been studied from different dimensions. However, destination lighting, as a dimension of the perceived tourist image, has so far been unexplored. This research letter analyses illumination of tourist sites as a dimension of the perceived night-time tourist image. Results show that lighting is a relevant issue for image perception, and is related to the image projected by some monuments and tourist attractions. Results show that age and origin are determining factors of this dimension of image perception. Some managerial and research implications are also considered and discussed.

Analysing Accessible Tourism in Religious Destinations: The Case of Lourdes, France

Accessible tourism and religious tourism are normally treated separately. Even so, curative shrines can be defined as places where these two types of tourism are especially co-habitual. Behaviour of both religious tourists (Battour, Battor, & Bhatti, 2013; Nolan & Nolan, 1992; Rinschede, 1992) and of people with special access needs (Burnett & Baker, 2001; Figueiredo, Eusebio, & Kastenholz, 2012) has been analysed before. However, the behaviour of visitors with special access needs in religious sites has not been analysed yet. This study aims at exploring whether there are differences in motivations and perceived value of tourists with special access needs and those without at these destinations. Findings suggest: (1) there is significant difference in the perception of religious sites and hospitality services between the two groups of the sample; (2) the dimensions of the perceived value are structured differently; (3) there are significant differences in motivations, mostly related to the self, between the two groups; (4) the dimensions of the motivations have different structures between the two groups. Both managerial and theoretical implications are discussed