Index Of Familiarity Research Articles

Consumers' familiarity level shapes motives and contexts for preparing and consuming dishes.

Consumers' familiarity with foods influences their expectations and experiences upon consumption. Familiarity has mostly been assessed using perceived familiarity when studying single foods. However, foods are often combined to create dishes, complex compositions eaten at various mealtimes. Hence, this paper aimed to study if and how the level of consumers' dish familiarity shapes their motives and preferred contexts for home cooking and consuming three dishes: one traditional dish, one adopted ethnic dish, and one mainly unavailable and unknown ethnic dish. First, we describe the operationalization of familiarity into the qualitative "consumer's dish familiarity index" (CDFI) used to determine participants' familiarity level to the dishes. CDFI includes four indicators (perceived availability, consumer's knowledge, preparation, and consumption). In-depth interviews (n=27) were conducted with Dutch and Chilean women, as the countries have contrasting levels of immigration and globalization, which are expected to shape their inhabitants' familiarity level with ethnic dishes. Most experienced consumers (high familiarity) mentioned more dishes and individual-related motives to prepare and consume a traditional or an adopted ethnic dish. Social- and individual-related motives were salient when a dish was unknown and/or not previously consumed. Consumers' familiarity level also guided their preferred social context and location when consuming the dishes. A dish barely available will likely be first consumed in a restaurant to try a new dish that is perceived as appetizing to eat. Results showed that convenience, wanting to eat comfort foods, and showing affection to others are important motivators to facilitate the adoption of dishes to be home cooked. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This paper provides a novel approach to assess consumer familiarity to dishes. The qualitative consumer's dish familiarity index (CDFI) can be used in future investigations to assess and classify consumers into different dish familiarity levels by using four indicators. The outcomes of this study suggest consumers' familiarity level could serve as a reference for designing and/or improving (ethnic) foods and creating marketing campaigns to introduce them into (foreign) countries.

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia

BackgroundPlants deliver livelihood and food for millions of people in the world. Indeed, wild edible plants support rural communities in developing countries to overcome seasonal unfavorable conditions. In rural areas of Ethiopia, wild edible plants play an indispensable role in fighting food insecurity as emergency or supplementary foods. Hence, this research was aimed at studying the ethnobotanical assessment of wild edible plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, western Ethiopia.MethodsEthnobotanical data was collected using a semi-structured interview, field observation, focus group discussions, a market survey, and the ranking of selected plants. Besides, voucher specimens were collected and stored at the National Herbarium of Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and familiarity index were computed for data analysis.ResultsThis study has documented 54 wild edible plant species belonging to 33 plant families and 46 genera. Of these, most (38.90%) had tree growth habits. Wild edible plants bear mostly fruits (72.20%) as edible parts. Local people usually consume these plants freshly raw as complementary foods, though some wild edibles require processing. They were mostly harvested in the January (31.48%) and May (27.78%) months, with the least collected in September (7.41%). Most wild edible plants (78.57%) were available in uncontrolled habitats, while others (21.43%) live in farmlands, home gardens, and as live fences. Out of the recorded plants, about 98% had additional uses besides their nutritional values.ConclusionWild edible plants assist the livelihoods of the local people in food security, agriculture, energy sources, construction, medicines, ecological services, aesthetics, income generation, and household utensils. Nevertheless, wild edible plants are recently threatened due to various anthropogenic factors in the study area. Thus, they need wise use and in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures from all the concerned bodies for sustainable use in the future.

228 Food for Thought: How Influenceable Is the Next Generation Consumer

Abstract Spread of misinformation and disinformation in animal agriculture is rampant in social media and then add the theory of social contagion, and the reach of this information and its impact on social licensure becomes extensive. A research study evaluated susceptibility of young consumers to be affected by false information pertaining to the beef industry found in segments of YouTube videos as well as their level of pre-study food industry knowledge as determined by a Food Familiarity Index (FFI) score. This mixed-methods study included a total of 15 next generation consumers who viewed two different YouTube video clips about agriculture, one being categorized as misinformation and one communicating accurate, research-based information. Level of trust among participants was then gauged using the continuous response measurement (CRM) instrument to identify critical moments of trust and distrust which can be found in the included figures as well as to then to craft participant narrative about perceptions of the beef industry enabled by responses from the focus group. It was found that those who have less knowledge about the food industry are much more vulnerable (P < 0.05) to being misinformed and are more apt (P < 0.05) to be influenced by misinformation Figure 1 and 2). Through engagement in thought-provoking discussion and analysis of what may have encouraged higher or lower levels of trust among the participants, this study contributes to a body of literature that may help communicators within animal agriculture to better understand positions and ability to share information about the agriculture industry to American consumers.

391 Common Knowledge Or Common sense? Identifying Systematic Misconceptions of Animal Agriculture and Food Familiarity in Higher Education Individuals

Abstract Knowledge gaps in the context of agriculture contribute to mistrust and negative worldviews of the animal agricultural sector. The purpose of this quasi-experimental survey study stood on three tiers: quantify perceived connection to food production (FP) of the participants, their understanding, knowledge and perceptions of animal agriculture (AA) and FP, and determine predictors which may have contributed to their knowledge and perceptions of food animal production. A southeastern land grant institution served as the convenience sample for this study, where 265 completed responses were returned. The electronic survey collected several types of data including a Gapminder-influenced (Rosling et al., 2019) Animal Agricultural Knowledge and Perceptions Questionnaire, a Food Familiarity Index Questionnaire, and demographic questions. The study reports that almost 50% of participants demonstrated a negative worldview (P < 0.05) of animal agriculture, regardless of food familiarity scores. Natural and self-identified demographic characteristics impacted AA knowledge and perceptions, including gender, ethnicity, dietary preference, perceived connection to FP, and affiliation with the College of Agriculture. Additional research should be done to replicate the findings with broader question pools and other demographic groups to identify areas that need improvement in agriculture communication efforts designed to dispel misinformation.

Ethnobotanical study of nutraceutical plants used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Acholi sub-region, Northern Uganda

BackgroundNutraceutical plants play a potential role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs in the management of opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. There is limited documentation of nutraceutical plants in Northern Uganda and limited literature addressing processes to be adopted for quality assurance of herbal formulations in Uganda. This study aimed to document plant species with nutritional and medicinal properties used for managing opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), who included professional herbalists, herbal farmers and herbal sellers in Acholi sub region, Northern Uganda.MethodsAn ethnobotanical study was carried out in Amuru, Gulu and Pader districts, Northern Uganda. Cross-sectional data were collected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A total of four hundred (378 women and 22 men) informants were selected. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, familiarity index (FI), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF).ResultsThis study recorded a total of 84 nutraceutical plant species, which are used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. Most abundant families were Leguminoceae, Asteraceae and Solanaceae. Six nutraceutical plants that had higher fidelity level and familiarity index values included Momordica foetida Schumach, Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip, Mangifera indica L, Cajanus cajan L. Millsp, Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Cucurbita pepo L. Respondents’ knowledge on nutraceutical plants had a positive significant correlation with age (R2 = 0.0524, p ≤ 0.01). The popular mode of preparation are decoctions/boiling in water (70%), while the most used route of administration is oral (76%). TMPs tried to ensure that during collection and processing, plant materials were free from contamination. TMPs reported limited knowledge on preservation techniques.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the availability and diversity of nutraceutical plants in Uganda and reports methods of processing and administration used by TMPs. Both men and women used nutraceutical plants to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS and showed great extent of their traditional knowledge. Most of the nutraceutical plants in study area are wild and abundant; however, high percentage use of plant roots and bark threatens the sustainable use from the wild.

Differences among fathers, mothers, and teachers in symptom assessment of ADHD patients.

The Swanson Nolan, and Pelham scale version IV (SNAP-IV) is the most critical tool for ADHD screening and diagnosis, which has two scoring methods. ADHD requires symptom assessment in multiple scenarios, and parent and teacher reports are indispensable for diagnosing ADHD. But the differences of assessment results from fathers, mothers and teachers, and the consistency of results from different scoring methods are unknown. Therefore, we carried out this study to understand the differences in the scores of fathers, mothers and teachers using SNAP-IV for children with ADHD and to explore the differences in scoring results under different scoring methods. The SNAP-IV scale and Demographics Questionnaire and Familiarity Index were used to survey fathers, mothers and head teachers. Measurement data are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation (x ± s). The enumeration data were described by frequency and percentage. ANOVA was used to compare group differences in mothers', fathers', and teachers' mean SNAP-IV scores. The Bonferroni method was used for post hoc multiple comparison tests. Cochran's Q test was used to compare the differences in the abnormal rate of SNAP-IV score results of mothers, fathers and teachers. Dunn's test was used for post hoc multiple comparison tests. There were differences in scores among the three groups, and the differences showed inconsistent trends across the different subscales. Differences between groups were calculated again with familiarity as a control variable. The results showed the familiarity of parents and teachers with the patients did not affect the differences in their scores. The evaluation results were different under two assessment methods. Results concluded that fathers did not appear to be an appropriate candidate for evaluation. When using the SNAP-V for assessment, it should be comprehensively considered from both the scorer and symptom dimensions.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants traditionally used against erectile dysfunction in Tabora region, Tanzania

Background: Globally, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a public health concern that upsets men's psychosocial well-being. Despite using indigenous knowledge to manage various disorders in Tanzania, there is a lack of data on the medicinal plants (MPs) used to manage ED. Therefore, this study was aimed at documenting MPs traditionally used by traditional healers (THs) to manage ED in Tabora region, Tanzania. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted from June to October 2020. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 38 THs in 9 wards, explicitly asking about MPs used against ED, parts used, methods of preparation, and routes of administration. The collected information was analyzed by computing percentage frequencies and familiarity index. Results: Thirty-four plant species belonging to 21 families and 32 genera were documented to be used to manage ED. Family Fabaceae (26%) dominated the species used in the treatments. Abrus precatorius L. (59%), Senegalia senegal (L.) Wild., Ricinus communis L. (with 57% each), Coffea arabica L., and Flueggea virosa (Willd.) Voigt. (56% each) were the most cited MPs. Tree (52%) and root (60%) were the most utilized growth form and plant part, respectively. Decoction (34%) and oral (97%) were the most used methods of preparing and administering the remedies, respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the region has diverse MPs for treating ED. Most MPs used by THs to treat ED are yet to be tested; thus, further research is required to authenticate the efficacy of the herbal remedies and to formulate low-cost contemporary drugs. Keywords: Ethnomedicine, herbal remedies, impotence, Traditional medicine, Tanzania

Public's Attitudes Toward Mentally Ill Offenders in Greece.

Mentally ill offenders constitute a vulnerable population group with unique characteristics, and have endured multiple public stigmatizations, which has not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to capture attitudes of the public toward mentally ill offenders in relation to their perceptions of mental illness in general, as well as their degree of familiarity with it. Our sample of 2059 people can be overall described as a men preponderance, married, with mean value age of 26years, higher educational level, and medium or higher socio-economic status. Participants completed the ATMIO, CAMI, and Familiarity scales online. The total familiarity index value with mental illness was found to be 4.88, which counts as moderate to low. It was also concluded that women and those with a high educational level sustained more positive attitudes toward mentally ill offenders. However, negative stereotypes (with a mean value of 26.20), stigmatizing attitudes related to risk in the community (mean 16.10), and reduced responsibility for actions (mean 9.45) were recorded, while some (mean 16.50) showed compassion and emphasized on the mentally ill need of rehabilitation. The youngest people were the ones who recorded the most absolute and harsh attitudes. These findings validate the need of raising awareness and informing, especially, the young public about issues of mental health, including the need to oppose prejudices with everyday measures, which can be accessible to the new generation. Besides, we should extend research to various professional groups that come in contact with mentally ill offenders in order to collect data, which could contribute for intervening policies and formulating different sets of strategies for those people.

Comprehensive review of acute small bowel ischemia: CT imaging findings, pearls, and pitfalls.

Acute small bowel ischemia is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate due to its lack of specific symptoms and laboratory profile, which render difficulty in establishing early diagnosis. The etiology of acute small bowel ischemia includes occlusive forms (arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, and venous thrombosis) and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia, of which arterial causes are far more common than venous causes. CT, the mainstay of accurate diagnoses, allows the identification of the features of vascular abnormalities and intestinal ischemic injuries, and helps clinicians to restore intestinal blood flow. Without treatment, the prognosis for acute small bowel ischemia is poor. A high index of suspicion and familiarity with the CT spectral findings of bowel ischemia are required to ensure rapid recognition of this condition.

Effects of risk factors in the likelihood of breast cancer subtypes in Brazilian women

Introduction: Breast cancer is a heterogenous disease with multiple causes and it lacks more investigation related to its risk factors. Objective: To evaluate the likelihood of breast cancer subtypes according to the positivity to estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER+ and PR+ respectively), with or without the expression HER2, related to the following risk factors: age, parity, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, occurrence of familiar cancer case and body mass index (BMI). Methods: The sample with 79 individuals was divided into three subtypes 1 (ER+/PR-), 2 (ER+/PR+) and 3 (RE+/RP+/HER+) and then analyzed by quantitative methods using Ordinal Generalized Linear Models (OGLM) for estimating the marginal effects of risk factors for the studied subtypes, and modeling the heteroscedasticity in terms of error. Results: It were observed the following statistically significant positive effects: (1) age for the tumoral subtype 1 (ER+/PR-) and (2) parity for the subtype 2 (ER+/PR+); while the significant negative effects were: (1) age for subtype 3 (ER+/PR+/HER2+); (2) parity for both 1 (ER+/PR-) and 3 (ER+/PR+/HER2+) subtypes; and arterial hypertension for subtype 1 (ER+/PR-). There were no statistically significant effects for BMI, Diabetes mellitus and occurrence of familiar cancer variables on the studied tumoral subtypes. Conclusion: The risk factos age and parity demonstrated varied effects for the breast cancer subtypes according the expression of estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors.

The N250 event-related potential as an index of face familiarity: a replication study

The neural correlates of face individuation—the acquisition of memory representations for novel faces—have been studied only in coarse detail and disregarding individual differences between learners. In their seminal study, Tanaka et al. (Tanaka et al. 2006 J. Cogn. Neurosci. 18, 1488–1497. (doi:10.1162/jocn.2006.18.9.1488)) required the identification of a particular novel face across 70 trials and found that the N250 component in the EEG event-related potentials became more negative from the first to the second half of the experiment, where it reached a similar amplitude as a well-known face. We were unable to directly replicate this finding in our study when we used the original split of trials. However, when we applied a different split of trials we observed very similar changes in N250 amplitude. We conclude that the N250 component is indeed sensitive to the build-up of a robust representation of a face in memory; the time course of this process appears to vary as a function of variables that may be determined in future research.

Identifying the accuracy of and exaggeration in self-reports of ICT knowledge among different groups of students: The use of the overclaiming technique

An inaccurate self-assessment might hinder the effectiveness of the self-management of one's learning, for example, people underestimating their knowledge might not utilize their capabilities. Inaccuracies in self-reported knowledge also hinder the comparability of the data across different respondents. The overclaiming technique (OCT) allows the identification of accuracy and exaggeration in self-reported knowledge and enhances the comparability of the data. Respondents are asked to evaluate their degree of familiarity with a series of items including both existing concepts from a specific field of knowledge and non-existing words. The technique has been used in various knowledge domains (e.g. mathematics) but no previous study has used the OCT in the domain of ICT knowledge on a large-scale sample. This study fills this gap. We created a set of existing ICT concepts and non-existing words. Using the set, we studied the differences in the accuracy and exaggeration of the ICT knowledge self-reports of Czech students at upper secondary schools, which have different emphases on ICT skills development (N = 1,871). ICT students report that they are more familiar than students from other school types with not only existing concepts but also non-existing words. Also, males claim more familiarity with both existing and non-existing concepts. Regards external validity, the OCT adjusted familiarity index corresponds more closely to the actual knowledge, as measured by an ICT achievement test, (r = 0.53) than the unadjusted familiarity index (r = 0.37). We show that the adjustment of student self-reports using the OCT offers promising results.

An Electrophysiological Study of Aging and Perceptual Letter-Matching

ABSTRACT Background: Previous studies on perceptual letter-matching have found that younger and older adults showed “fast-same” effects for response time and “false-different” effects for errors but the effects were more pronounced for older adults. According to the Noisy Operator Theory, internal noise in visual processing distorts “same” trials into appearing different whereas distortion for “different” trials does not affect performance. Older adults have a “noisier” representation of items within perceptual processing which can impact perceptual matching. However, EEG measures may provide a more direct measure of letter-matching decisions. Methods: We measured the P300 event-related potential (ERP) amplitude, an index of familiarity in stimulus categorization, and behavioral measures (response time and accuracy) to assess letter-matching performance. Results: Individuals responded faster to “same” trials than to “different” trials but were less accurate. Older adults showed similar P300 amplitudes across trial type whereas younger adults produced a larger amplitude for “same” than “different” trials, suggesting that older adults showed less familiarity for “same” trials than did younger adults – a prediction of the Noisy Operator Theory. Conclusions: These ERP results are consistent with the Noisy Operator Theory – suggesting that an age-related increase in internal noise affected letter-matching performance.

Neurolymphomatosis: a single-center experience of neuromuscular manifestations, treatments, and outcomes.

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a disease characterized by the infiltration of malignant lymphocytes into the peripheral nervous system. We report clinical features, radiographic findings, modes of treatment, and outcomes of patients with NL. We retrospectively investigated patients with NL. We extracted data, including clinical features, magnetic resolution imaging (MRI), 18F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans, cerebrospinal fluid cytology findings, the results of electrodiagnostic studies, as well as patient treatments and outcomes. Ten NL patients were identified. All patients reported pain/paresthesia and weakness in the affected area. The MRI scans were abnormal in eight out of nine patients with an enhancement of the spinal nerve root, plexus, peripheral nerve trunk, and cranial nerve. The FDG PET/CT scans were positive in all patients. Radiculopathy or radiculoplexopathy was the most common electrodiagnostic finding. Neurological improvement was observed in only three patients. The condition of the nine patients who underwent multimodality treatments for cancer eventually deteriorated and the patients died. NL should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any type of neuropathy in patients with lymphoma. Because it could be confused with other neuropathies in lymphoma and various musculoskeletal diseases, a high index of suspicion and familiarity with clinical manifestation of NL are key. FDG PET/CT was the most sensitive diagnostic imaging modality to detect relevant neural invasion. The root within the spinal neural foramen was the most frequently affected neural structure. Early diagnosis of this rare neurologic manifestation of lymphoma may improve treatment outcomes.

A mass spectrometry imaging method for visualizing synthetic polymers by using average molecular weight and dispersity as indices.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging (MSI) is considered to be a powerful tool for visualizing the spatial distribution of synthetic polymers. However, a conventional method extracting an image of a specific m/z value is not suitable for polymers, which have a mass distribution. It is necessary to develop the visualization method to show the spatial distribution of entire polymer series. The mass peaks included in polymer series were specified from the average mass spectrum of the entire MSI measurement region by using Kendrick mass defect analysis. The images of those mass peaks were extracted and the number average molecular weight (Mn ), the weight average molecular weight (Mw ) and dispersity (Đ) were calculated for each pixel. Finally, the spatial distribution of the polymer series was summarized to images using Mn , Mw and Đ as indices. The effects of the methods were investigated by (i) polymers with different mass distributions and (ii) polymers with different repeat units and end-groups. In both cases, the spatial distribution of specific polymer series including several dozens to hundreds of mass peaks was summarized into three images related to Mn , Mw and Đ, which are familiar indices in polymer analysis. The results are able to provide an overview of the spatial variation of each polymer more intuitively. The visualization of Mn , Mw and Đ will help provide an overview of the spatial distribution of polymer series combined with ion intensity distribution made by conventional methods. It can be also applied to other mass spectrometric imaging methods such as desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) or time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS).

Quantitative ethnomedicinal study of indigenous medicinal plants used for digestive disorders of Laspur Valley, Chitral, Northern Pakistan

Background: The present study was the first one of its own kind conducted in the study area. Throughout the world digestive system diseases and their related symptoms are widely prevalent. People of Chitral still heavily rely upon therapeutic plants to cure digestive disorders. Aim of the study: The present study was conducted in order to document the traditional uses of medicinal plants for the cure of digestive disorders in Laspur Valley of Chitral. Methods: Ethnomedicinal data was obtained from 200 inhabitants of the area through face to face interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. To analyze data quantitatively, Use-Value (UV), Familiarity-Index (FI), Family Importance Value (FIV), Consensus-Index (CI), and Informant Consensus Factor indices (ICF) were applied. Results: A total of 44 medicinal plants were documented. The recurring life forms were herbs (75%), shrubs (15.91%) and trees (6.82%). The most frequently utilized part was the leaves (43.18%). To prepare medicine leaves were used unprocessed in fresh/dried form, as powder, and decoction, and were usually taken orally. The FI value was led by Coriandrum sativum (0.285). The family Apiaceae had the maximum FIV value (46.5). The value of CI was highest for Coriandrum sativum . ICF values for Dysentery, Vomiting and Intestinal Disorders (1.0) presented the maximum consensus factor. Conclusion: The practice of using therapeutic plants to cure digestive disorders by medicinal plants is still prevalent in the study area. Key words: Quantitative ethnomedicinal; indigenous medicinal plants; digestive disorders; Laspur valley; Northern Pakistan

Neuroimaging Spectrum of Inherited Neurotransmitter Disorders.

Inherited neurotransmitter disorders are rare neurometabolic conditions which encompass genetic disorders of neurotransmitter metabolism or transport. The clinical manifestations of these rare disorders are often nonspecific, ranging from encephalopathies and seizures to movement disorders. As a consequence, neurotransmitter disorders are underrecognized and often misdiagnosed. Accurate and timely diagnosis is, however, of utmost importance, given the availability of therapeutic strategies. A high index of clinical suspicion and familiarity with the neuroimaging phenotypes is therefore crucial. While the imaging features of various neurotransmitter disorders often overlap and are nonspecific, imaging can be helpful in providing useful clues to guide the diagnostic algorithm for uncommon conditions in a neonate presenting with nonspecific neurological symptoms. In this review paper, we aim to bring together current knowledge of neuroimaging phenotypes associated with inherited (primary) disorders of neurotransmitter biosynthesis. Magnetic resonance imaging phenotypes of disorders of monoamine biosynthesis, primary cerebral folate deficiency, disorders of pyridoxine metabolism, disorders of gamma-aminobutyric acid metabolism, nonketotic hyperglycinemia (glycine encephalopathy), disorders of serine biosynthesis, and cerebral creatine deficiency syndrome will be discussed and illustrated with case examples.

Marine (sea) Familiarity Index and Its Influence to National Image

Marine (sea) Familiarity Index and Its Influence to National Image

The academic as consumed and consumer

ABSTRACT In an increasingly competitive environment that positions students as consumers, universities have become ever more marketised, responding to policy contexts that foreground value for money, consumer choice and competition. The intensity of marketisation is argued to have profoundly affected the nature of academic work and scholars themselves, recreating academics as commodities to be weighed and measured, becoming corporatised, alienated and inauthentic in their practice. Yet with the majority of accounts of the commodification of higher education focusing on students, the actual process of how academics become consumed is under-theorised. This article therefore begins with a discussion of the historical context, providing evidence of the familiar indices of marketisation such as rampant self-promotion, the scramble for external funding and intense competition. It argues that this commodified DNA of the university provides the context for the seduction of the modern academic within the consumer society, a movement from the gratification of needs to the perpetual frustration of desires through the ‘Diderot Effect’ of policy shifts. It concludes with an examination of how contemporary academic work can be viewed through the lens of consumerism and how academics themselves have become consumers.

Residents as destination advocates: the role of attraction familiarity on destination image

PurposeEmphasizing the role of residents as destination advocates, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of residents’ familiarity with, and, favorability of attractions on destination image.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods research strategy was employed using 15 individual in-depth interviews and a survey questionnaire with a sample of n=364. The study utilizes an attraction familiarity index to classify respondents into four groups based on high, average, and low familiarity and examines the characteristics of each in the relationship between informational familiarity, experiential familiarity, and favorability and destination image.FindingsThe study reveals resident perceptions of attractions within the tourism product assembly framework and illustrates the positive relationship between the residents’ level of familiarity with, and favorability of visitor attractions and destination image. Further, the findings also demonstrate the significant role of demographic characteristics such as gender and length of residency in the area. The study findings suggest that temporary residents can function as destination advocates.Research limitations/implicationsEmployees and students from a prominent northeastern university were sampled, representing local residents and temporary residents respectively. While appropriate and fairly representative of the target market for the research questions in this investigation, more work is required to replicate this study utilizing representative samples across different locations.Practical implicationsEvidence from the study indicates the importance of marketing to residents as they serve as destination advocates. In particular, the residents’ familiarity with and favorability of attractions is critical to positive destination image. The research offers insights into the identification of potential segments of residents that require special attention.Originality/valueLimited existing research investigates the role of residents as destination advocates, especially in the context of destinations that lack a primary tourism attraction but have a well-balanced mix of attractions.