Artificial Snowmaking: Winter Sports Between State-Owned Company Policy and Tourist Demand

2020 ◽  
pp. 109634802095707
Author(s):  
Marko Joksimović ◽  
Mirjana Gajić ◽  
Snežana Vujadinović ◽  
Jelena Milenković ◽  
Vladimir Malinić
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Winter Sports ◽  
Ski Resort ◽  
Ski Resorts ◽  
Company Policy ◽  
Owned Company ◽  
Natural Snow ◽  
Tourist Demand

Due to changing climatic conditions, artificial snowmaking has become a major method of ski resort adaptation globally. It is a financially intensive operation requiring high start-up investment and involving operating costs that are dependent on weather conditions. Operational costs and the expansion of artificial snowmaking systems increase the price of ski passes. In our work, we analyzed the operations of a public company that operates the largest ski resorts in Serbia and directs the flow of winter sports tourism. We tried to determine, by means of correlation, the extent to which ski pass prices in the biggest winter resort in Serbia are influenced by factors such as natural snow cover, number of tourist overnights, ski run length, and local wages. The results of the survey indicate an increasing transformation of the ski resort into a thematic attraction independent of climatic factors in terms of determining ski pass prices.

scholarly journals Impact of climate and moonlight on a venomous mammal, the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus Geoffroy, 1812)

2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Johanna Rode-Margono ◽  
K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Foraging Efficiency ◽  
Slow Loris ◽  
Reduce Activity

Predation pressure, food availability, and activity may be affected by level of moonlight and climatic conditions. While many nocturnal mammals reduce activity at high lunar illumination to avoid predators (lunarphobia), most visually-oriented nocturnal primates and birds increase activity in bright nights (lunarphilia) to improve foraging efficiency. Similarly, weather conditions may influence activity level and foraging ability. We examined the response of Javan slow lorises (Nycticebus javanicus Geoffroy, 1812) to moonlight and temperature. We radio-tracked 12 animals in West Java, Indonesia, over 1.5 years, resulting in over 600 hours direct observations. We collected behavioural and environmental data including lunar illumination, number of human observers, and climatic factors, and 185 camera trap nights on potential predators. Nycticebus javanicus reduced active behaviours in bright nights. Although this might be interpreted as a predator avoidance strategy, animals remained active when more observers were present. We did not find the same effect of lunar illumination on two potential predators. We detected an interactive effect of minimum temperature and moonlight, e.g. in bright nights slow lorises only reduce activity when it is cold. Slow lorises also were more active in higher humidity and when it was cloudy, whereas potential predators were equally active across conditions. As slow lorises are well-adapted to avoid/defend predators by crypsis, mimicry and the possession of venom, we argue that lunarphobia may be due to prey availability. In bright nights that are cold, the combined effects of high luminosity and low temperature favour reduced activity and even torpor. We conclude that Javan slow lorises are lunarphobic – just as the majority of mammals.

Effects of geographical and climatic factors on cystic echinococcosis in south-western Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Jamshidi ◽  
A. Haniloo ◽  
A. Fazaeli ◽  
M.A. Ghatee
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
Western Iran

Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus that can cause serious health and economic problems in the endemic foci. CE is globally distributed in various climatic conditions from circumpolar to tropical latitudes. Iran is an important endemic area with a spectrum of weather conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of geo-climatic factors on the distribution of livestock CE in south-western Iran (SWI) in 2016 to 2018. Data of livestock CE were retrieved from veterinary organizations of four provinces of SWI. The geo-climatic factors, including mean annual temperature (MAT), minimum MAT (MinMAT), maximum MAT (MaxMAT), mean annual rainfall (MAR), elevation, mean annual evaporation (MAE), sunny hours, wind speed, mean annual humidity (MAH), slope, frost days and land cover, were analysed using geographical information systems (GIS) approaches. The statistical analysis showed that MAR, frost days, elevation, slope and semi-condensed forest land cover were positively and MAE, MAT, MaxMAT, MinMAT and salt and salinity land cover were negatively correlated with CE occurrence. MAE was shown to be a predictive factor in the stepwise linear logistic regression model. In short, the current GIS-based study found that areas with lower evaporation were the main CE risk zones, though those with lower temperature and higher rainfall, altitude and slope, especially where covered with or in close proximity of semi-condensed forest, should be prioritized for consideration by health professionals and veterinarians for conducting control programmes in SWI.

scholarly journals Variations in climate and global spread of COVID-19: Implications for control in tropical and warmer climates

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osman Dar ◽  
Alimuddin Zumla ◽  
Lara Hollmann ◽  
Mishal Khan ◽  
Raji Tajudeen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Seasonal Influenza ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Cold Weather ◽  
Travel Patterns ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Viral Respiratory

Health and climatic changes have been linked for centuries. Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites are sensitive to environmental conditions including ambient temperature, humidity, smog, and other climatic factors like exposure to sunlight. Viral respiratory tract infections such as seasonal influenza are known to become epidemic primarily during cold weather conditions influenced also by population density and travel patterns. The winter months in China are from November to March. The SARS-CoV-1 outbreak commenced in Guangdong Province, in November 2002 and the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Wuhan in early December 2019. Understanding how the emergence and spread of COVID-19 could be affected by climatic conditions may be an important aspect for disease control. As of August 4th 2020, 18 142 718 confirmed cases and 691 013 deaths have been reported to the WHO from all continents [...].

scholarly journals Impact of climatic factors on growth and development of Cichorium Endivia in greenhouse in Leningrad region, Russia

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-67
Author(s):  
Tatiana Lavrishcheva ◽  
Anton Lavrishchev ◽  
Andrey Litvinovich
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Cold Season ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Leningrad Region ◽  
Nutritional Properties ◽  
Biometric Parameters ◽  
Cichorium Endivia ◽  
Number Of Leaves

The paper discusses the results of the study of the effect of climatic factors on the yield and biometric indicators of various varieties of endive chicory (Cichorium endivia (L.)) over a two-year study grown in the summer-autumn period in the plastic greenhouses on the experimental plots of the St. Petersburg Agrarian University, Pushkin, Russia. The plants of the genus Chicory are known and valued for their unique medicinal and nutritional properties. Total of 14 varieties of domestic and foreign Cichorium endivia breeding were studied. The study was carried out in 2015 and 2016years that were sharply differed in the amount of precipitation and temperature. The climate of Leningrad region is characterised with humid and long-lasting cold season. The aim of the research was to identify the variety of endive chicory that is most suitable and tolerant for the climatic conditions of Leningrad region, Russia. During the growing season the plant biometric parameters such as plant height (cm), rosette diameter of leaves (cm), and number of leaves (pieces) were measured. During harvesting, additional parameters such as biomass of plants and leaves, the area of the assimilation surface were determined. The decrease in plant biometric parameters during the phenological observations in September 2016 was associated with an increased amount of precipitation in July-August. The results showed that the variety "Broad Betavian fullhearted" was the most sensitive to the adverse effects of weather, showing the largest variation in biometrics over the studied years. In plants of this variety the mass of leaves decreased by 9.2 times, the area of the assimilation surface was reduced by 11.6 times, while the crop shortfall in 2016 was almost 90%. The varieties "Green curled" and "Scarola bionda" were the most tolerant to weather conditions. These varieties were characterized by the maximum yield in both years of research: "Green curled"-7.90 kg/m 2 and 2.87 kg/m 2 , "Scarola bionda"-8.06 kg/m 2 and 2.84 kg/m 2 in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Generally, the result of the study showed that most of the studied varieties were sensitive to the amount of precipitation and the number of sunny days. The study made it possible to identify the most sensitive and most tolerant varieties of endive chicory for growing in the Leningrad region.

scholarly journals Glaciers, snow and ski tourism in Austria’s changing climate

2011 ◽  
Vol 52 (58) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Fischer ◽  
Marc Olefs ◽  
Jakob Abermann
Keyword(s):  
Mass Balance ◽  
Snow Cover ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Glacier Surface ◽  
Ski Resort ◽  
Ski Resorts ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Natural Snow

AbstarctThis study illustrates the relevance of cryospheric changes for, and their impact on, ski tourism in Austria. The results of several case studies on snow reliability, snow production and mass balance in glacier ski resorts in the Ötz and Stubai valleys are summarized. Climate data from Obergurgl (1936ma.s.l.) in the Ötz valley are analyzed with respect to the amount and duration of natural snow cover and the possibility of snow production. A case study on Mittelbergferner focuses on the impacts of glacial recession on a ski resort and possible adaptation measures. From long-term glacier inventory and short-term mass-balance data, the effect of operating ski resorts on glaciers is investigated. At Obergurgl, the probability of both snow cover and snow production is >80% from December to March and decreases significantly in the months before and after this peak season. The interannual variability of snow cover and production is low during the main season and higher in other months. Year-to-year differences are larger than any long-term trend. Glacier ski resorts must adapt to shrinking glacial area and falling glacier surface. Covering the glacier with textiles reduces ablation by 60% and results in significantly less volume loss than on uncovered parts of the glacier. Neither the mass-balance comparison between groomed and ungroomed areas nor the comparison of long-term volume changes between 10 ski resort glaciers and 100 surrounding glaciers showed evidence for an impact of the operation of ski resorts on the glaciers.

scholarly journals Prevention of Meteopathic Reactions in Children with Bronchial Asthma in a Sanatorium

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-21
Keyword(s):  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Weather Forecasting ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Medical Rehabilitation ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Weather Factors ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Weather Sensitivity

The problems of medical rehabilitation of children with bronchial asthma are relevant for the national health care due to the high prevalence of the disease in the child population and the possibility of disability. Currently, the role of weather factors in the development of meteopathic reactions in children suffering from bronchial asthma is increasing. Meteopathological reactions can be manifested by increased symptoms of the disease and ventilation disorders, as well as they reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures. In this regard, research devoted to the development of methods for the prevention and correction of manifestations of weather dependence using natural and climatic factors is of particular interest. Aim. The study aimed to assess the bioclimatic potential of the resort of Gelendzhik city and to develop methods for the prevention of meteopathic reactions in children with bronchial asthma. Material and methods. The research was conducted on the basis of the SRC “Vulan” (Gelendzhik). Features of biotropic weather conditions influence and meteopathic reactions development were studied in 119 children with bronchial asthma aged 5 to 15 years. Microclimatic features of the Sanatorium “Vulan” territory were studied using an automated system of medical and meteorological weather forecasting. Methods of climate therapy included dosed sun and air baths, which were prescribed taking into account the severity of the disease and the degree of child’s adaptation to the climatic conditions of the sanatorium. Results and discussion. The study of the bioclimatic potential showed that the territory of the Sanatorium “Vulan” can be attributed to the resort area with a sparing effect of the climate on the child’s body and with favorable microclimatic conditions that allow to widely include all types of climatotherapy in treatment and rehabilitation programs. Against the background of the dosed climate therapy, the majority of children (82.1%) had decreased manifestations of increased weather sensitivity, improved respiratory function and increased indicators of the psychoemotional status of children with bronchial asthma. Conclusion. Improved and scientifically-based technologies for dosing of the climate-related procedures, which are included in the programs of sanatorium-resort treatment of children with bronchial asthma, can significantly reduce the frequency of weather-related reactions.

scholarly journals Measuring Service Quality of Ski Resorts: An Approach to Identify the Consumer Profile

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina Miragaia ◽  
Diogo Conde ◽  
Jorge Soares
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Consumer Loyalty ◽  
Winter Sports ◽  
Ski Resort ◽  
Ski Resorts ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Satisfaction With Services

This study determined the consumer’s profile in winter sports, using their degree of satisfaction with services provided by a ski resort. A questionnaire was administered to 229 tourists/visitors and analyzed their satisfaction according to five factors: facilities and equipment; attributes of the slopes; resort services; restaurants, accommodation and social activities; and also about the access to the resort. Determination between levels of satisfaction indicated by different consumer segments was performed using a cluster analysis. The clusters identified were: partially satisfied, dissatisfied, dissatisfied with everything, satisfied with everything. In relation to gender, no significant differences were identified in any cluster. With regard to experience to visited other ski resorts, significant differences were found between tourists/visitors which have already done, comparing with the individuals who never been in a similar context. It was found that only 5.2% of consumers who have had similar experiences with other ski resorts were satisfied with all services provided. The results of this study enable to the managers identify the attributes by which tourists/visitors have a higher level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction and foremost identify the valences which can be subject to some kind of improvement. This approach enables the adaptation of services according the preferences and expectations of tourists/visitors, with the prospect of incrementing consumer loyalty.

Influence des conditions climatiques sur le comportement du Lièvre d'Amérique (Lepus americanus) en semi-liberté

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (7) ◽  
pp. 1126-1136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme Théau ◽  
Jean Ferron
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Barometric Pressure ◽  
Video Camera ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Lepus Americanus ◽  
Snowshoe Hare ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Negative Effect

Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) behavior has been analyzed over a1-year period to understand the influence of climatic factors. Six animals were observed with a video camera in a 1350-m2 outdoor enclosure located in a wood stand andequipped with a computerized weather station. Temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), windspeed (km/h), and barometric pressure (hPa) were recorded every 5 min during the entire study period. Every month, 72 h of observation were recorded to correlate those factors with feeding, locomotion, grooming, and resting behavior. Results indicate a marked influence of climatic conditions on hare behavior patterns. All patterns are more frequent when relative humidity is high or increasing. Locomotion and feeding are more common when temperature is low or decreasing, or when barometric pressure is increasing. Wind speed has a negative effect on the frequency of all behavioral patterns. Those effects are discussed in relation to hare biology. It appears that energetic constraints associated with harsh weather conditions have forced the snowshoe hare to adopt a flexible behavioral strategy.

VARIETY INFLUENCE ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CROP INSURANCE WITH STATE SUPPORT

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Crop Insurance ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
State Support ◽  
Insurance Rate ◽  
Insurance Rates

The article discusses the issues of agricultural crops varieties resistance in relation to various natural and climatic factors. The damage from the occurrence of emergencies in agricultural production is 95% of the damage arising in crop production. Therefore, crop insurance with state support has significant development potential, especially in regions with a dry, sharply continental climate (for example, in the Samara region). At the same time, the impulse associated with the Federal Law No. 260-FZ adoption was completely exhausted and in recent years there has been a decrease in the size (number of contracts con-cluded, insurance area covered by insurance, insurance amount, etc.) for crop insurance with state support. One of the reasons for this is the insurance rates high cost. To reduce it, it is proposed to introduce the concept of “crop yields sustainability” and calculate the insurance rate depending on the productivity of a particular variety, shown for a long time in climatic conditions similar to farm conditions. To do this, you can use the array of data on crop yields of various varieties obtained by research institutes in the framework of the project “World Collection”. Negative deviations from the average yield with the same cultivation technology and soil parameters form the losses of the agricultural producer due to the biolog-ical characteristics of this variety and its response to the prevailing weather conditions. Thus, it is possi-ble to adjust the amount of insurance payments, reducing them for those varieties that guarantee stable yield for the farms of a given territory.

scholarly journals CAN A SMALL WINTER RESORT BE MANAGED AND MARKETED LIKE A LARGE ONE: A CASE OF BULGARIAN SKI RESORT BANSKO

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-101
Author(s):  
Filip Shabanski
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Winter Sports ◽  
Ski Resort ◽  
Ski Resorts ◽  
Lift Capacity ◽  
Key Word ◽  
The World ◽  
Purposive Sample

Throughout the world today there are about 80 countries which practice various winter sports. Regardless of the wide geographical range demand in terms of existing infrastructure is highly concentrated in a few regions of the world. To be competitive ski resorts have to deliver good experiences and excellent value to tourists. Current community officials and destination managers of the Bulgarian ski resort of Bansko believe that the main weakness of this ski centre is the extensive waiting at the bottom gondola station and advocates expansion of the ski runs and lift capacity. The aim of the article is to research the strengths and weaknesses of the resort in regional and world context and to prove that further expansion will not forge a strong emotional connection with visitors and thus will not bring success in destination markets. The methodology used in this article follows three steps: 1) Literature review on the nature of the ski market in the world, as well as factors contributing to effective destination management; 2) International, national and regional data analysis of existing secondary data on winter sports market and 3) Qualitative study carried out with a purposive sample of key informants. The SWOT analysis based on the results of the qualitative study show that touristic shareholders in Bansko should apply an appropriate strategy for small winter resorts by offering a unique product that speaks to the world instead of trying to promote universal broad product for the mass market. Key word: destination, market, marketing, resort, strategy, tourism

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document