Early Period Research Articles

The “Annunziata” Garden in Cammarata (Sicily): Results of integrated geophysical investigations and first archaeological survey

A multi-method geophysical investigation was carried out in the context of a recovery project for the “Annunziata” Garden located in the town of Cammarata (Sicily), near to the homonymous church (Chiesa dell'Annunziata). In this area, according to the scarce historical sources, there was a Benedictine convent, probably demolished in the 18th century, but the area was probably inhabited even in earlier periods. Preliminarily, a series of 2D electrical resistivity tomographies (2D-ERT) were carried out approximately parallel to each other, some of which highlighted resistivity anomalies that could be attributed to buried archaeological structures. Consequently, in a smaller area where these anomalies were evident, a 3D electrical resistivity tomography (3D-ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) parallel profiles were carried out aimed at a detailed 3D reconstruction of the subsoil. Despite the unclear correspondence between the 3D-ERT inverse model and the GPR one, the 3D ERT confirmed the anomalies found with the previous 2D-ERT surveys, better defining its contours and geometries. The geophysical reconstructions served to indicate to the archaeologists the most promising areas for excavation tests that were carried out subsequently and confirmed the presence of archaeological structures, such as defensive walls whose origin and dating are still the subject of further archaeological studies.

Clinical results of 30 consecutive patients of carotid artery stenosis treated with CASPER stent placement: 1-year follow-up and in-stent findings on intravascular ultrasound examination immediately and 6 months after treatment

BackgroundThe CASPER stent is expected to reduce periprocedural ischemic complications, but there is concern about restenosis in the early period. One-year follow-up results of CASPER stenting and findings on intravascular...

Revisiting the effect of height on wages in a historical context: the case of the city of Zaragoza (Spain), 1924

ABSTRACT Several recent European studies conducted over the past 50 years have documented a positive connection between a person’s height and their salary. However, there are very few studies for earlier periods and for southern Europe. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between the height of conscripts born between 1888 and 1907 and their daily wages in 1924. Data for the Spanish city of Zaragoza was used. The results showed that for every additional 10 cm of height, an individual earned approximately 3% more. Furthermore, the shortest 25% of individuals suffered a considerable penalty in their income (about 15%). To understand the causes of this discrimination, we then analyzed the data by socioeconomic group. We found that people in low socioeco nomic groups essentially suffered wage discrimination. This finding could be linked to the fact that a tall stature conveys an image of strength and productivity. It should be noted that these results were found mainly for the urban areas, with their relatively large labor supply and weak blood ties rather than rural areas or among immigrants. In other words, the height penalty affected the weakest groups of society (low socioeconomic level and immigrants).

Application of nano-insoles on functional recovery in early postoperative period in intertrochanteric femur fractures

This study investigates the effect of integrating family empowerment programs with the application of nanoinsoles on functional recovery in the early postoperative period in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures (IFF). A total of 100 elderly patients with IFF, who underwent internal fixation and were admitted to our hospital from November 2020 to October 2021, were selected and divided into an observation group (n = 50) and a control group (n = 50). The control group mainly received perioperative routine health-care education. The observation group received a family empowerment program and used nano-insoles prepared by carbon nanotube/silicone rubber composites during the perioperative period and before discharge. After postoperative follow-up, the care readiness of the main caregivers and hospitalization time were compared in the two groups. The scores of activities of daily living (ADL), Harris Hip Function Scale (HHS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), quality of life, satisfaction with care, and complications were recorded. The results demonstrated that the observation group exhibited significantly higher care readiness, nursing satisfaction rates, HHS, and ADL scores, as well as reduced hospitalization time and HADS scores compared to the control group. After 3 months post-surgery, the quality of life in the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group. The incidence of complications in the observation group (8%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (24%). In conclusion, the family empowerment programs combined with the application of nano-insoles on patients with IFF can effectively improve postoperative functional recovery.

The Eye Stays in the Picture: Virtual Images in Early Modern and Modern Optics

Abstract In optics, real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual ones always remain behind mirrors. This apparently straightforward distinction is based on complex premises which emerged in the Early Modern period, and its development went hand in hand with a transformation of the notion of image, which became detached from sensual perception. In this article I will outline this historical process, and argue that the distinction between a real and virtual image still implies a reference to visual perception which makes it problematic, yet useful for didactic purposes.

Impact of extracorporeal haemoadsorption during prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass on the incidence of acute kidney injury.

The usage of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiothoracic surgery contributes to the activation of the inflammatory response. In certain cases, the systemic inflammatory response may be immoderate, leading to organ dysfunction, such as acute renal failure or multiorgan dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the effect of haemoadsorption (HA) therapy on inflammatory markers and renal damage indices during cardiopulmonary bypass and in the early postoperative period. We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a single tertiary care center on patients operated between January 2021 and May 2022. The levels of inflammatory markers and renal parameters in blood samples (Interleukin (IL) 6, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells, lactate, procalcitonin (PCT), and NT-proBNP, urea, creatinine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), mechanical ventilation days and intensive care unit (ICU) days) were compared between the three groups. Data from the Jafron HA 330 (n=20) and CytoSorb300 (n=20) groups were compared with those from the control group (n=20). All patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass for more than 120min. Baseline patient characteristics were similar in all three groups. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was diagnosed in 17 patients (28.3%); seven patients were in the Jafron HA 330, two in the CytoSorb300, and eight in the control group. We found that IL1α, IL 6, IL8, Lactate dehydrogenase, PCT, NT-proBNP, CRP, Leukocyte, and TNFα had no significant or clinical difference between the CytoSorb 300 and Jafron HA 330 adsorber groups. Our results indicate that haemoadsorption therapy does not significantly reduce the risk of AKI after prolonged CPB, but decreases the need for renal replacement therapy.

Revisiting the Institution of Bnay and Bnoth Qyōmo in the Syriac Tradition

A group of Syriac Christian believers existed during the fourth century called the Bnay Qyōmo (with their female counterparts known as the Bnoth Qyōmo): the Sons and Daughters of the Covenant. There has been considerable controversy about the nature of this archaic Syrian monastic movement or, as it is known to some scholars, the Syriac “Proto-Monastic Tradition”. The controversy has not only been about the name, but also the origin, habits, and ascetic way of life of the Bnay Qyōmo. The intention of the present article is not to elaborate on the various terminology used to describe the Bnay Qyōmo or the nature of their vows and expected duties as introduced by Aphrahat and other Syrian Fathers, for these have been studied by many scholars. Rather, the intention of this article is to review some of the material discussing this group by key Syriac Fathers to present a fresh reading of the historical record to better apprize the order’s regulations and its social and ecclesiastical roles within the Syriac-speaking Church during the fourth and fifth centuries AD. The main Syriac writers who dealt with this topic were Aphrahat, known as “the Persian Sage” (ca. 260–345), and Rabūla, Bishop of Edessa (flor. 420s). Whilst the order appears to have declined by about the eighth century, understanding the roles of the Bnay Qyōmo during the earlier period (the focus of this writing) is crucial for explaining the development of the Syriac Tradition.

The relationship between Toll-like receptor-4 genes and preeclampsia outcomes.

The study aimed to analyse the relationship of the rs4986790 locus of the TLR4 gene with the overall risk of preeclampsia, including both its early and late forms. The study used standard genetic analysis methods such as DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and genotyping of the rs4986790 locus of the TLR4 gene to assess the association with the development of preeclampsia and peripartal stroke in 207 pregnant women from the southern regions of Kazakhstan from 2016 to 2022, of whom 103 had peripartal stroke on the background of preeclampsia (the main group) and 104 preeclampsia (comparative group). The results of the study demonstrate that the AG and AG + GG genotypes at the rs4986790 locus of the TLR4 gene are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing an early form of preeclampsia. This opens up a new perspective in the identification of genetic markers that can serve as indicators of a tendency to develop preeclampsia in earlier periods of pregnancy. It was noted that the rs4986790 locus did not show a statistically significant association with the risk of late preeclampsia. An important aspect of the study revealed the relationship of genotypes with the development of peripartal stroke on the background of preeclampsia. This study offers practical insights for creating targeted genetic screening and personalised treatments for preeclampsia, aiming to improve patient outcomes. To fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the identified association, additional research is required to identify deeper molecular pathways and relationships, and to develop new strategies for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia.

An anonymous fragment on Pentapolis

The scarcity of data on Pentapolis during the Islamic period contrasts, albeit with gaps, with the information we currently have for earlier periods. With the edition, translation and study of this brief Coptic-Arabic fragment, we intend to contribute with the provision of data with which to gradually fill in the lack of information we have about Pentapolis and its history.

사대부의 시선으로 본 무당의 형상과 그 의미

This article examines the portrayal of shamans through the perspective of the scholar-gentry(士大夫) class as reflected in various records, such as Pilgi(筆記) and Yadam(野談), and explores the significance of these portrayals. From the late 13th century, shamans were subjects of rejection and criticism by the scholar-gentry, and after the founding of the Joseon Dynasty, they were perceived as antagonists disrupting the order of Confucian society. Shamans were negatively depicted, labeled as “wicked shamans” or “fake shamans.” The literati aimed to emphasize the legitimacy of rejecting shamans through these depictions. The literati focused their criticism on shamans who deceived people and gained undue benefits by exploiting superstitions about spirits. Male shamans dressed in women's clothing were recognized as the primary image of the “wicked shaman.” On the other hand, shamans were unique beings capable of communicating with spirits or ghosts through possession(降神/憑依). Although the scholar-gentry rejected shamans, they were very interested in their spiritual abilities. This is connected to verifying the authenticity of “spiritual shamans” and “genuine shamans”. As the Joseon Dynasty progressed, the scholar-gentry increasingly acknowledged the spiritual power of shamans through their experiences and observations of possession phenomena. Consequently, they began to view shamans and shamanistic practices more positively compared to earlier periods. Narratives from the late Joseon period include acceptance of shamanistic phenomena and rituals, and shamanistic practices often served to complement or even replace Confucian rituals. Shamans were depicted as marginalized figures, yet they secured their position by serving as spiritual intermediaries for the common people. This dual perspective on shamans reflects the contradiction between the literati's ideals and the reality of their perception. The scholar-gentry show a more flexible and reserved attitude toward shamans than before, expecting an interest in the unknown world, experiences with them, and solving practical problems through shamans. That is, shamans were portrayed as beings who were excluded from the Confucian society, but simultaneously, they were seen as entities filling the gaps within that society, thus maintaining their vitality.

Media framing on news of the Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) movement in Malaysia: a quantitative content analysis of two Malaysian newspapers

Hartal Doktor Kontrak (HDK) Movement first surfaced in June 2021 following prolonged dissatisfaction towards the contract appointment policy of medical doctors in Malaysia. On the 26th of July 2021, an unprecedented strike (Hartal) was organised by contract doctors across Malaysia. It generated major media attention. This study sought to evaluate how the HDK movement was framed in the mainstream media and to analyse the framing trend in conjunction with the chronology of HDK movement events. A total of 109 news articles in two major national newspapers were analysed from 1st June 2021 until 28th February 2022 using quantitative content analysis method. The five-dimension media frame (responsibility, human interest, conflict, morality, and economic consequences) by Semetko & Valkenburg was applied to determine the trend of media framing. MANOVA test was performed to scrutinise the differences in frame portrayal before and after Hartal. Overall, the responsibility frame was the most used (76.2%) both pre- and post-strike, with the most frequently highlighted items being solutions to the HDK issue and the roles played by the government. The human interest frame and conflict frame followed next, with at least one item of each frame being featured in 33.0 and 32.1% of all news articles. Despite more news articles published post-strike, the aggregate mean scores of all the frames were higher during the pre-strike period, demonstrating how media framing in the earlier period significantly affected the subsequent events of the HDK movement and its impact on the contract appointment policy. In this case, media framing set an agenda for stakeholders to implement necessary policy changes to prevent subsequent strikes and to seek long-term solutions. Lastly, this study presents a novel approach to evaluating certain controversial matters that may not be suitably addressed by the conventional research method such as primary quantitative data collection or qualitative interviews.

#2113 Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis experience over 20 years in a tertiary centre in the United Kingdom

Abstract Background and Aims Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a histological pattern of injury which typically accounts for light microscopy findings on 1-3% of kidney biopsies. It is classified based on immunofluorescence into complement-mediated, immune complex-mediated (IC) and immunofluorescence negative. The underlying aetiologies such as C3 Glomerulopathy are rare diseases, and thus longitudinal real-world experience in terms of underlying causes, treatment and outcomes is valuable. Method This study presents a retrospective review of biopsy data from January 2000 through to December 2020 in a tertiary renal referral centre in the United Kingdom (UK). This review was conducted using the organisation's biopsy database, with patient demographics and clinical information obtained from the Electronic Patient Record. All patients with an MPGN pattern on biopsy were reviewed. Those with new MPGN post-transplant, with an MPGN pattern on biopsy but subsequently diagnosed as IgA Nephropathy, and with an MPGN pattern but a known lupus diagnosis, were excluded. Results A histological finding of MPGN on kidney biopsy was found in 67 patients. Of these, 41 remained in the study following application of the exclusion criteria, with an additional 3 excluded as there was insufficient information available for classification in their biopsy reports. Of the 38 remaining, 28 had IC MPGN and 10 had C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) - 8 with C3 Glomerulonephritis (C3GN) and 2 with C3 Dense Deposit Disease (DDD). Median follow up was 72 (range 45-126) months. Median age was 64 years in the IC MPGN and 55 years in the C3G groups (p 0.125). The majority in both groups were female, 60.7% (17) and 60% (6) respectively. There was no significant difference in renal function, blood pressure, or proteinuria at presentation between the groups. MPGN was associated with infections in 8 patients (21.1%), connective tissue disease in 3 patients (7.9%), monoclonal gammopathies or haematological malignancies in 8 patients (21.1%), and 2 had identified complement deficiencies (5.3%). Over the study period 47.4% (18) of patients progressed to end stage kidney disease and 50% (19) died. There was no significant difference in these outcomes between the IC MPGN and the C3G groups. Progression to renal replacement therapy (RRT) was seen in 42.9% (12) of the IC MPGN group, and 60% (6) of the C3G group (p=0.287). This included two patients who received a kidney transplant (both in the C3G group), one of whom developed recurrence during the available follow up. Conclusion This study adds a UK perspective with long term data and outcomes in a rare condition. Almost half of patients progressed to RRT and half of patients died during the follow-up period. These outcomes were seen at similar rates in those with IC MPGN and those with C3G. A variety of associated conditions were observed, and the low number of complement deficiencies identified is likely due to the historical nature of the review with reduced screening for complement abnormalities and genetics in the earlier period. Outcomes on follow-up:

Metabolic Responses to an Acute Glucose Challenge: The Differential Effects of Eight Weeks of Almond vs. Cracker Consumption in Young Adults.

This study investigated the dynamic responses to an acute glucose challenge following chronic almond versus cracker consumption for 8 weeks (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03084003). Seventy-three young adults (age: 18-19 years, BMI: 18-41 kg/m2) participated in an 8-week randomized, controlled, parallel-arm intervention and were randomly assigned to consume either almonds (2 oz/d, n=38) or an isocaloric control snack of graham crackers (325 kcal/d, n=35) daily for 8 weeks. Twenty participants from each group underwent a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) at the end of the 8-week intervention. Metabolite abundances in the oGTT serum samples were quantified using untargeted metabolomics, and targeted analyses for free PUFAs, total fatty acids, oxylipins, and endocannabinoids. Multivariate, univariate, and chemical enrichment analyses were conducted to identify significant metabolic shifts. Findings exhibit a biphasic lipid response distinguished by higher levels of unsaturated triglycerides in the earlier periods of the oGTT followed by lower levels in the latter period in the almond versus cracker group (p-value<0.05, chemical enrichment analyses). Almond (vs. cracker) consumption was also associated with higher AUC120 min of aminomalonate, and oxylipins (p-value<0.05), but lower AUC120 min of L-cystine, N-acetylmannosamine, and isoheptadecanoic acid (p-value<0.05). Additionally, the Matsuda Index in the almond group correlated with AUC120 min of CE 22:6 (r=-0.46; p-value<0.05) and 12,13 DiHOME (r=0.45; p-value<0.05). Almond consumption for 8 weeks leads to dynamic, differential shifts in response to an acute glucose challenge, marked by alterations in lipid and amino acid mediators involved in metabolic and physiological pathways.

Revenue concentration and capital structure

PurposeWe conducted this study to examine the relationship between revenue concentration and a firm's financial leverage. We aimed to analyze whether revenue concentration influences a firm's capital structure decisions and whether this relationship is driven by customer-specific investments or the direct effect of revenue concentration itself. Additionally, we investigated the role of asset redeployability in mediating or moderating the relationship between revenue concentration and financial leverage.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the relationship between revenue concentration and a firm's financial leverage. The results indicate a negative association between revenue concentration and financial leverage. This finding holds across various regression models and is statistically significant. Furthermore, the paper explores the potential role of asset redeployability in explaining the relationship between revenue concentration and financial leverage. The results indicate that even after controlling for asset redeployability, the negative relationship between revenue concentration and leverage remains significant, suggesting that revenue concentration affects capital structure decisions independently of the risks associated with relationship-specific investments. Robustness tests are conducted using a three-stage least squares approach to account for the simultaneity between revenue concentration, asset redeployability and capital structure.FindingsOur findings demonstrate that revenue concentration is negatively associated with financial leverage, even after accounting for asset redeployability. This suggests that revenue concentration affects capital structure decisions independently of the risks associated with customer-specific investments. Furthermore, we performed robustness tests to address potential simultaneity issues between revenue concentration, asset redeployability and capital structure.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relies on available data sources, which may have inherent limitations in terms of accuracy, completeness or consistency. The quality of the data used in the analysis could impact the robustness of the findings. Time Period: The study focuses on more recent years, which might limit the ability to compare the findings with studies conducted over different time periods. Historical trends or structural changes that could impact the relationship between revenue concentration and financial leverage might not be fully captured.Practical implicationsFirms with higher revenue concentration tend to have lower financial leverage. Recent years show a negative relationship between profitability and market leverage compared to earlier periods. Revenue concentration has a distinct effect on financial leverage, not fully explained by risks from relationship-specific investments or asset redeployability. Insights for firms in managing capital structure decisions, considering revenue concentration and its implications for leverage.Originality/valueThis research is one of the first papers that investigates the impact of revenue concentration on the capital structure choices of firms. By exploring the relationship between revenue concentration and financial leverage, the study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on an underexplored area. Thus, this study adds originality to the field by addressing a research gap and contributing to the understanding of the relationship between revenue concentration and capital structure choices.

Changes in wet bulb globe temperature and risk to heat-related hazards in Bangladesh

The rise in temperatures and changes in other meteorological variables have exposed millions of people to health risks in Bangladesh, a densely populated, hot, and humid country. To better assess the threats climate change poses to human health, the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is an important indicator of human heat stress. This study utilized high-resolution reanalysis data from the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF ERA5) to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in outdoor WBGT across Bangladesh from 1979 to 2021, employing Liljegren's model. The study revealed an increase in the annual average WBGT by 0.08–0.5 °C per decade throughout the country, with a more pronounced rise in the southeast and northeast regions. Additionally, the number of days with WBGT levels associated with high and extreme risks of heat-related illnesses has shown an upward trend. Specifically, during the monsoon period (June to September), there has been an increase of 2–4 days per decade, and during the pre-monsoon period (March to May), an increase of 1–3 days per decade from 1979 to 2021. Furthermore, the results indicated that the escalation in WBGT has led to a five-fold increase in affected areas and a three-fold increase in days of high and extreme heat stress during the monsoon season in recent years compared to the earlier period. Trend and relative importance analyses of various meteorological variables demonstrated that air temperature is the primary driver behind Bangladesh's rising WBGT and related health risks, followed by specific humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.

Areas of Interest in Dental Education: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Last Decade.

This study aimed to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of journals focused on dental education (Journal of Dental Education and European Journal of Dental Education) from 2014 to 2023. An ISI Web of Science Search was performed in October 2023 with no filters for language or keywords. Published articles between 2014 and 2018, 2019 and 2023, and 2014-2023, along with the top 100 cited articles published within this period were exported as txt files. Keyword and title word network maps and occurrences were generated using VOS Viewer software. Author-affiliated countries with the most publications were tabulated from the Web of Science. Dental education and dental students and education were consistently in the top six keywords and title word occurrences in all periods and top 100 cited articles. Similar trends were observed for keyword and title word network maps with an emphasis on dental education and students. However, the 2019-2023 period saw the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019, three-dimensional printing, virtual reality, and education technology, with the earlier period (2014-2018) showing clusters around students, perceptions, dental hygiene education, and assessment. The United States ranked top of the list for most published author-affiliated countries, with England, Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia in the top six for all periods analyzed. In conclusion, within the limitations of this study, areas of interest in dental education journals in the last decade were identified along with the countries with most publications.

Return of the organism? The concept in plant biology, now and then

AbstractThis essay argues for the importance of an organismic perspective in plant biology and considers some of its implications. These include an increased attention to plant-environment interaction and an emphasis on integrated approaches. Furthermore, this essay contextualizes the increased emphasis on the concept of organism in recent years and places the concept in a longer history. Recent developments in biology and worsening environmental crises have led researchers to study plant responses to changing environments with whole plant approaches that situate plants in their environments, emphasizing the intricate and dynamic interaction between them. This renewed attention to the organism recalls the debates of the early twentieth century, when organicism was one of the three main frameworks in biology (along with vitalism and mechanism). Some scholars see this renewed importance today as a “return” of this earlier period. This essay argues that including insights from plant biology will benefit philosophy of biology research that examines the concept of organism and organicism now and in earlier periods. A comprehensive account of the concept of organism should involve a botanical conception of the organism as well as a zoological one (which is more frequently considered). Although this essay does not aim to present a conceptual analysis, it presents examples of how an organismic perspective can be useful for understanding concepts (such as phenotype, stress, etc.) and research processes (such as experiment set-ups, data processes, etc.) in plant biology. Philosophy of biology investigations that aim at a comprehensive understanding of the concept of organism can benefit greatly from examinations of cases in plant biology, both now and in the past.

Corporate Bond Issuance Over Financial Stress Episodes: A Global Perspective

We use a merged global data set of security-level corporate bond issuance and firm-level financial statement data to show that, in contrast to earlier periods of financial stress, during the COVID pandemic nonfinancial firms around the world were more likely to issue bonds, driven by a boom in local-currency-denominated issuance. We observe a distinct cross-regional difference in the characteristics of issuing firms, finding that in advanced economies issuance during COVID was driven by less risky firms, as predicted by existing theories; in emerging markets, only issuance of U.S. dollar denominated bonds came from larger or less risky firms.

The Short-Term Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Blood Lipid Parameters and Emotional Appetite in Morbidly Obese Individuals

Background: Obesity is a public health problem that has an increasing effect all over the world and affects health in many ways. In cases where the BMI exceeds 40 kg/m2 or in individuals with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 and accompanying diseases, weight loss cannot be achieved, thus bariatric surgeries are applied. Methods: In this study, the relationship between blood lipid parameters and emotional appetite status in the pre-operative and early post-operative periods of individuals who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (n = 47) was investigated. Results: As a result of the study, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol values of individuals in the early post-operative period were statistically significantly decreased (p&lt; 0.001). It was found that there was a weak positive correlation between individuals' early post-operative total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values, positive mood and state total scores, and negative emotion and state total scores (p

The characteristics of accommodations in the early period of tourism development: The case of Okinawa

This paper aims at demonstrating the characteristics of the accommodations in the early period of the tourism development and determining the relationships between these characteristics and the price before it became a well-developed tourism destination focusing on Okinawa, Japan. Before Okinawa was returned to Japan, tourism markets were limited due to political reasons, though, tourism industries were developed and became a popular tourism site after the return of Okinawa. First, this paper conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the characteristics of the tourism accommodations. Two characteristics were obtained: one is for the characteristics of Western style hotels, the other is for Japanese-style accommodations which feature in traditional Japanese style rooms. Then a regression model was carried out to estimate the relationships between the price of accommodations and the characteristics obtained from the PCA. The estimation model showed that the characteristics of the Western style hotels more strongly influenced to the price, compared with those of the Japanese-style accommodations. Further, regional dummy variables were added to the model, which showed the price differences of accommodations between the cities and peripheral areas. Based on these results, Western style facilities were found to be more expensive before tourism development took off, and they were limited only in the part of areas in Okinawa.