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This study contributes to the extant literature on the leveraging of event portfolios, by applying the Model of Event Portfolio Tourism Leverage to a case study of the Volvo Ocean Race in Cardiff, UK. Through an examination of the various components of the model, the research demonstrates the value of the strategies and tactics it proposes, including the amplification of visitor numbers, diversification of tourism offerings, extension of the tourism season, fostering of event tourism networks, consolidation of destination assets, and bolstering of destination authenticity. Empirical data collected from three separate surveys, strategy documents, and feedback from stakeholders are analyzed to support this argument. The study also acknowledges some challenges to strategic portfolio management, particularly due to the fragmented nature of events suppliers in destinations and the difficulty in assessing the impact of leveraging actions, in the absence of benchmark data related to event visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Novel sensor technologies have great potential to improve animal health and welfare on farms by identifying disease early in livestock. These technologies are yet to be widely applied in sheep flocks despite their great potential to aid control of costly disease such as those caused by parasitic infection. In this study, leg-attached accelerometer sensors recorded the behaviour of 54 ewes in late pregnancy, with the aim of discovering if gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection levels were associated with behavioural variation. It was found that ewes laid down more often on average when infected with increasing numbers of GIN. Each lying bout was also shorter in length on average in ewes infected with higher levels of GIN. The results demonstrate that ewe behaviour can be an indication of parasite infection levels, and thus automated monitoring of sheep behaviour could allow animals to be treated efficiently against GIN in the future, maximising animal health and minimising production losses. The application of precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies will underpin new strategies to support the control of livestock disease. However, PLF technology is underexploited within the sheep industry compared to other livestock sectors, and research is essential to identify opportunities for PLF applications. These opportunities include the control of endemic sheep disease such as parasitic gastroenteritis, caused by gastrointestinal nematode infections, which is estimated to cost the European sheep industry EUR 120 million annually. In this study, tri-axial accelerometers recorded the behaviour of 54 periparturient Welsh Mule ewes to discover if gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection burden, as measured by faecal egg count (FEC), was associated with behavioural variation. Linear mixed models identified that increasing FECs in periparturient ewes were significantly associated with a greater number of lying bouts per day and lower bout durations (p = 0.013 and p = 0.010, respectively). The results demonstrate that FECs of housed periparturient ewes are associated with detectable variations in ewe behaviour, and as such, with further investigation there is potential to develop future targeted selective treatment protocols against GIN in sheep based on behaviour as measured by PLF technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the approach of generalized predictive control (GPC) is applied to a multivariable model of the Dinorwig pumped-storage hydroelectric power station. The response of the system with constrained predictive control is compared with the classic PI controller as currently implemented. The results show that GPC offers significantly better performance across the plant's operating range. It is shown that fixed-parameter, constrained GPC produces a faster primary response when the station is operating with a single unit while preserving stability as the operating conditions change when multiple units are online. Index Terms--Control applications, hydroelectric power, model predictive control, multivariable control, power station control, simulation.

This paper describes the use of a system identification technique to estimate the parameters of a low-order, dynamic model for a power system. The basic technique is to obtain an ARIMAX model by applying a prediction error method to data consisting of 1-s samples of the system frequency and the power output of the Dinorwig fast-response pumped-storage station. From this model the natural frequency, damping factor and stiffness (or 'beta') of the power system are obtained. The paper first establishes an appropriate order for the ARIMAX model. Simulation is used to validate the model and ensure that the results are not an artefact of either the input, the identification method or the model structure. It is shown that the precision of the parameter estimates is limited by unknown load disturbances. An example of the use of the technique to analyze the daily variation of parameters is given. Index Terms--ARIMAX model, power system parameters, system identification.

This paper argues that to really understand the complexities of event experiences and their meaning, we need to gather rich data, on a longitudinal basis. It demonstrates how ethnographic and constructionist approaches assist in understanding event experiences in relation to the cultural context, symbolic nature, and ritualistic aspects of the event and the corresponding impacts on participants. It considers how spending time immersed in the culture of the event and observing with a wide angle lens, using photographic evidence to capture, recall and discuss experiences, provides for a depth of data beyond the realms of quantitative data collection. The paper presents research undertaken at the case of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod into experiences by event attendees and volunteers in relation to the specific aspect of intercultural communication and exchange. The findings provided rich and meaningful data on individual experiences at the case study event from which to provide recommendations for organisers on how this aspect of the event can be enhanced and improved. The results underline and demonstrate the effectiveness of longitudinal, constructionist and ethnographic methodological approaches in understanding event experiences, and their credibility and generalisability moving into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically analyses how the media construct, consolidate and perpetuate discourses surrounding DJs as artists. It explores representations of their status and roles in a selection of dance music magazines (MixmagandDJ Mag) and the links to wider ideologies concerning music and dance culture such as authenticity, originality, innovation, cultural progression and performance. It considers how the media bestow DJs with artistic credibility and authenticity in addition to the range and type of references used to position DJs within the cultural landscape and hierarchy of electronic dance music culture. Furthermore, it discusses their sensationalist construction as powerful performers and the links between DJ performances and wider discourses surrounding event experiences. This paper concludes that not only do the discourses perpetuated serve to elevate and sustain the cultural status of DJs, they also validate and perpetuate a wider range of ideological notions within dance music culture. It also highlights the power relations between authors, audiences, DJs and promoters and the media’s role in sustaining the social capital of different players, through projecting a vibrant and dynamic culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic dance music and its associated cultures have experienced significant growth and diversification in recent decades, evolving from their origins in the warehouse, acid house and rave ‘scenes’. The myriad of interrelated scenes under the umbrella term ‘dance culture’ provides a range of aesthetic and social event experiences, where participants can experiment with and perform multiple identities. This paper explores the significance of dress and identity within dance culture, drawing on an autoethnographic study which included participant observation, field trips, online research, focus groups and interviews. It investigates performance and presentation of identity within these commodified places, in particular how participants negotiate and traverse various credible roles. It suggests that the performance metaphor is useful in conceptualising event spaces and demonstrates the hugely significant role that dress and identity play in the construction and consumption of these events. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Over recent decades the number of festivals occurring annually has grown exponentially, with one area of events witnessing significant growth being dance music festivals -- outdoor events that feature various genres of electronic dance music. This article contributes to the academic study of festivals by exploring the discourses surrounding the construction and consumption of dance music events within the niche media that support and inform the various scenes represented under the umbrella term "dance culture." A central tenant of this article is that the positive and sensationalist reporting of events by the media and the discourses they construct surrounding events is a driver of demand for large scale events. Through studying the lexicon of the dance music media this article reveals and dissects pertinent discourses surrounding the reporting of events, which emphasize cultural significance and the centrality of events to contemporary dance music culture through a variety of means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]