Separate but together: Mediterranean identity in three countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Petruzzellis ◽  
C. Samuel Craig
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Political Ideologies ◽  
Political Boundaries ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
The Mediterranean

Purpose – The present study aims to understand how a culture associated with proximity to the Mediterranean Sea transcends political boundaries fostering common values and beliefs across three countries. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Italy, Spain and France to assess similarities and differences between respondents. The qualitative data were augmented with the literature pertaining to Mediterranean identity, culture and the influence of contextual factors on its development. Findings – The three geographically proximate countries all border on the Mediterranean Sea. The interviews revealed common cultural elements that transcend political boundaries suggesting that the common context fosters similar cultural elements. At the same time, there are important cultural elements that are uniquely associated with each country. Research limitations/implications – The geographic composition of the sample limits the generality of the results. By design, it focuses on three countries to limit other sources of variation such as affluence and religion. A sample across additional countries would have provided greater confidence in the results, although the selected countries are representative of a large portion of the Mediterranean area, especially in terms of values. Inclusion of respondents from countries with different levels of wealth, religious and political ideologies would likely uncover additional facets of Mediterranean identity. Practical implications – A key implication relates to the extent that similar values and beliefs appear to cut across political boundaries suggesting the existence of transnational segments. It also suggests the importance of considering contextual factors when developing an understanding of consumer behavior. Originality/value – The paper provides insights into the concept of Mediterranean identity, through an examination of the literature and respondents’ perceptions and attitudes about the sense of belonging and attachment to Europe, their country of birth and about being Mediterranean. The notion of a Mediterranean culture has been examined conceptually, but not empirically. This study begins the process of establishing the degree to which Mediterranean identity and the extent to which it exists across multiple countries.

The MED scale: regional variation in values and beliefs, evidence from Italy

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Petruzzellis ◽  
C. Samuel Craig ◽  
Ada Palumbo
Keyword(s):  
Regional Variation ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Measurement Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Political Ideologies ◽  
The North ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
The Mediterranean

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a measurement scale that captures elements of Mediterranean identity. Design/methodology/approach A scale was developed from items drawn from existing scales and from a qualitative study that examined how respondents viewed their national identity as well as the concept of a Mediterranean identity. The literature pertaining to Mediterranean identity, culture and the influence of contextual factors on its development were reviewed. The scale revealed four dimensions of Mediterranean identity: traditions, relationships, ethnocentrism and a bond with the Sea. Findings The scale successfully discriminated between those living by the Sea and those living inland. At the same time, it did not differentiate between respondents living in the north from those living in the south. The study suggests that context, specifically proximity to the Sea, helps shape some of the regional variation in values and beliefs. Research limitations/implications The geographic composition of the sample limits the generalizability of the results. A sample across additional countries would provide greater confidence in the results, although much of the theoretical work on Mediterranean thinking has focused on Italy. Further, it was desirable to keep as many factors as possible constant to limit extraneous variation. Inclusion of respondents from countries with different levels of wealth, religious and political ideologies would likely uncover additional facets of Mediterranean identity. Practical implications The results have broader implications for identifying transnational segments that may exist around the Mediterranean. A key implication relates to the extent that similar values and beliefs appear to be associated with proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. It also highlights the importance of considering contextual factors when developing an understanding of consumer behavior. Originality/value Mediterranean identity has been examined conceptually, but a systematic means to measure is lacking. The essence of Mediterranean thinking embodies the importance individuals place on adhering to traditions, the value they attach to personal relationship, a certain degree of ethnocentricism, and of course the bond with the Sea. The results also suggest that differences that have been attributed to a north/south divide, needs to be reexamined.

scholarly journals First Description of Two Sequence Type 2 Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates Carrying OXA-23 Carbapenemase in Pagellus acarne Fished from the Mediterranean Sea near Bejaia, Algeria

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 2513-2515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soumia Brahmi ◽  
Abdelaziz Touati ◽  
Axelle Cadière ◽  
Nassima Djahmi ◽  
Alix Pantel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sequence Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Selective Agar ◽  
Agar Media ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACTTo determine the occurrence of carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumanniiin fish fished from the Mediterranean Sea near the Bejaia coast (Algeria), we studied 300 gills and gut samples that had been randomly and prospectively collected during 1 year. After screening on selective agar media, using PCR arrays and whole-genome sequencing, we identified for the first time two OXA-23-producingA. baumanniistrains belonging to the widespread sequence type 2 (ST2)/international clone II and harboring aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes [aac(6′)-Ib andaac(3′)-I genes].

scholarly journals Investigation of Hg Content by a Rapid Analytical Technique in Mediterranean Pelagic Fishes

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppa Di Bella ◽  
Roberta Tardugno ◽  
Nicola Cicero
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Weekly Intake ◽  
Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽  
Direct Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
The Mediterranean

Mercury (Hg) fish and seafood contamination is a global concern and needs worldwide sea investigations in order to protect consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hg concentration by means of a rapid and simple analytical technique with direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) in pelagic fish species, Tetrapturus belone (spearfish), Thunnus thynnus (tuna) and Xiphias gladius (swordfish) caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Hg contents were evaluated also in Salmo salar (salmon) as pelagic fish not belonging to the Mediterranean area. The results obtained were variable ranging between 0,015-2,562 mg kg-1 for T. thynnus specie, 0,477-3,182 mg kg-1 for X. gladius, 0,434-1,730 mg kg-1 for T. belone and 0,004-0,019 mg kg-1 for S. salar, respectively. The total Hg tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and % tolerable weekly intake (TWI%) values according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were calculated. The results highlighted that the pelagic species caught in the Mediterranean Sea should be constantly monitored due to their high Hg contents as well as their TWI and TWI% with respect to S. salar samples.

scholarly journals A Synergetic Approach for the Space-Based Sea Surface Currents Retrieval in the Mediterranean Sea

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Ciani ◽  
Marie-Hélène Rio ◽  
Milena Menna ◽  
Rosalia Santoleri
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Hf Radar ◽  
Sea Surface ◽  
Reconstruction Method ◽  
Surface Currents ◽  
Basin Scale ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Sicily Channel

We present a method for the remote retrieval of the sea surface currents in the Mediterranean Sea. Combining the altimeter-derived currents with sea-surface temperature information, we created daily, gap-free high resolution maps of sea surface currents for the period 2012–2016. The quality of the new multi-sensor currents has been assessed through comparisons to other surface-currents estimates, as the ones obtained from drifting buoys trajectories (at the basin scale), or HF-Radar platforms and ocean numerical model outputs in the Malta–Sicily Channel. The study yielded that our synergetic approach can improve the present-day derivation of the surface currents in the Mediterranean area up to 30% locally, with better performances for the the meridional component of the motion and in the western section of the basin. The proposed reconstruction method also showed satisfying performances in the retrieval of the ageostrophic circulation in the Sicily Channel. In this area, assuming the High Frequency Radar-derived currents as reference, the merged multi-sensor currents exhibited improvements with respect to the altimeter estimates and numerical model outputs, mainly due to their enhanced spatial and temporal resolution.

Feel well and do well at work

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Cobaleda Cordero ◽  
Maral Babapour ◽  
MariAnne Karlsson
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Mastery ◽  
Spatial Attributes ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose This paper aims to investigate employee well-being in relation to office landscapes in a post-relocation context. The aims are to identify spatial attributes of the office landscape that influence employee well-being and underlying contextual factors that explain employee well-being post-relocation. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach was adopted. The data collection involved 16 semi-structured interviews with employees, an interview with the leading architect of the office renovation, study of a dossier on the renovation project and observations. Findings Most of the informants experienced the new office landscape positively despite few shortcomings. Spatial attributes were identified that influenced the informants’ well-being positively in terms of affects, satisfaction, social relations and environmental mastery. Conversely, negative influences on well-being were also reported regarding affects, satisfaction and environmental mastery. Conflicting views on some of the spatial attributes and contextual factors related to the planning process and the former office landscape were identified. Originality/value The value of this paper lies in investigating the office landscape at the spatial attributes level, despite office type, and their influence on hedonic and eudaimonic components of employee well-being. The research approach adopted proved its usefulness for in-depth studies of the interrelations between office landscapes and employee well-being.

Healthcare leaders’ views on successful quality improvement initiatives and context

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Barson ◽  
Fiona Doolan-Noble ◽  
Jonathon Gray ◽  
Robin Gauld
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Healthcare Leaders

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contextual factors contributing to the sustainability of healthcare quality improvement (QI) initiatives. Design/methodology/approach Themes from semi-structured interviews with international healthcare leaders are compared with Kaplan and Provost et al.’s (2012) model for understanding success in quality (MUSIQ). Critical success factors within these themes are shown in detail. Findings The interviews provide a rich source of information on critical success factors. The themes largely correspond with MUSIQ, reinforcing its robustness. An important factor emerging from the interviews was the importance of engagement with patients and families in QI, and this needs consideration in seeking to understand context in QI. Research limitations/implications Interview participants represent a limited set of western countries and health systems. Their experiences may not hold true in other settings. Practical implications The detail on critical success factors provides QI practitioners with guidance on designing and implementing sustainable initiatives. Originality/value Including consideration of contextual factors for engagement with patients and families in frameworks for context in QI appears to be an original idea that will add value to such frameworks. Researchers in patient engagement are starting to address contextual factors and connections should be made with this work.

Weapon of the weak

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 683-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurdiana Gaus ◽  
David Hall
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Public Management ◽  
New Public Management ◽  
Reform Process ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
Resistance Patterns

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how academics resisted and accommodated changes towards the reform process in higher education institutions in Indonesia which has introduced market-driven principle of new public management and the principle of Neo-Weberian model. Using the theory developed by Scott concerning the resistance patterns by powerless or subordinated groups through “weapon of the weak”, this study aimed at mapping the resistance exhibited by Indonesian academics. Design/methodology/approach – This study was a case study using semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 academics in three state universities in Indonesia. Findings – The results of this study demonstrated that academics in Indonesian universities resisted and accommodated the policy reform using their discursive, unobtrusive tactics of resisting. Research limitations/implications – The method of data collection used in this research was based on the interview alone. It would be useful to consider to deploy other forms of data collection such as, observation to allow the building up of strong trusthworthiness of the findings of this research. Practical implications – The authors believed that this study may be useful to give better understandings for policy makers on implementing policies by considering aspects of behaviours of academics as street level bureaucrats in accepting, interpreting, and implementing policy imperatives. These results might also be beneficial for policy makers from other sectors outside higher education in effectuating policy imperatives. Originality/value – The authors argued that, academics actively responded to external pressures which contradicted their own values and beliefs with their unique intellectual strategies by which have been overlooked in the formulation of policy.

Prospects for Mediterranean migration in 2018

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Recent History ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Mediterranean Migration

Subject Prospects for Mediterranean migration in 2018. Significance Since 2014, the Mediterranean sea has been the locus of one of the most dramatic migrations in recent history. Over 1.7 million people have crossed it to reach Europe from the shores of Turkey, Libya, Egypt and, to a lesser extent, Tunisia and Morocco.

scholarly journals Non-susceptible landslide areas in Italy and in the Mediterranean region

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 2813-2849
Author(s):  
I. Marchesini ◽  
F. Ardizzone ◽  
M. Alvioli ◽  
M. Rossi ◽  
F. Guzzetti
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Linear Model ◽  
Landslide Susceptibility ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Moving Window ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Srtm Dem ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract. We used landslide information for 13 study areas in Italy and morphometric information obtained from the 3 arc-second SRTM DEM to determine areas where landslide susceptibility is expected to be null or negligible in Italy, and in the landmasses surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The morphometric information consisted in the local terrain slope computed in a square 3 × 3 cell moving window, and in the regional relative relief computed in a circular 15 × 15 cell moving window. We tested three different models to determine the non-susceptible landslide areas, including a linear model (LR), a quantile linear model (QLR), and a quantile non-linear model (QNL). We tested the performance of the three models using independent landslide information represented by the Italian Landslide Inventory (Inventario Fenomeni Franosi in Italia – IFFI). Best results were obtained using the QNL model. The corresponding zonation of non-susceptible landslide areas was intersected in a GIS with geographical census data for Italy. The result allowed determining that 57.5% of the population of Italy (in 2001) was located in areas where landslide susceptibility is expected to be null or negligible, and that the remaining 42.5% was located in areas where some landslide susceptibility is expected. We applied the QNL model to the landmasses surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, and we tested the synoptic non-susceptibility zonation using independent landslide information for three study areas in Spain. Results proved that the QNL model was capable of determining where landslide susceptibility is expected to be negligible in the Mediterranean area. We expect our results to be applicable in similar study areas, facilitating the identification of non-susceptible and susceptible landslide areas, at the synoptic scale.

scholarly journals Investigation of Hg Content by a Rapid Analytical Technique in Mediterranean Pelagic Fishes

Separations ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppa Di Bella ◽  
Roberta Tardugno ◽  
Nicola Cicero
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Pelagic Fish ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Weekly Intake ◽  
Tolerable Weekly Intake ◽  
Direct Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Mercury Analyzer ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
The Mediterranean

Mercury (Hg) fish and seafood contamination is a global concern and needs worldwide sea investigations in order to protect consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the Hg concentration by means of a rapid and simple analytical technique with a direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA-80) in pelagic fish species, Tetrapturus belone (spearfish), Thunnus thynnus (tuna) and Xiphias gladius (swordfish) caught in the Mediterranean Sea. Hg contents were evaluated also in Salmo salar (salmon) as pelagic fish not belonging to the Mediterranean area. The results obtained were variable, ranging between 0.015–2.562 mg kg−1 for T. thynnus species, 0.477–3.182 mg kg−1 for X. gladius, 0.434–1.730 mg kg−1 for T. belone and 0.004–0.019 mg kg−1 for S. salar, respectively. The total Hg tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and tolerable weekly intake % (TWI%) values according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were calculated. The results highlighted that the pelagic species caught in the Mediterranean Sea should be constantly monitored due to their high Hg contents as well as their TWI and TWI% with respect to S. salar samples.

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