Memorial University of Newfoundland

About: Memorial University of Newfoundland is a education organization based out in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 13818 authors who have published 27785 publications receiving 743594 citations. The organization is also known as: Memorial University & Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Comparative light and electron microscopic study of retinal histogenesis in normal and rd mutant mice.

Abstract: Mice, homozygous for the mutant gene rd show selective degeneration of the photoreceptor cells after their initial differentiation. Phenotypic expression in the mutant and in normal mice was studied by light and electron microscopy. The sequential emergence of developmental deviations in the mutant retina falls into three categories. First, predegenerative differences are manifest within the photoreceptor cells during 4–8 days after birth in retarded growth of the inner segments, reduced outer segment production, delayed development of the outer plexiform layer and slower segregation of the perikarya. Next, degenerative changes are recognized from 6 day onwards with swelling and vacuolization of the Golgi cisternae in the inner segments followed by cytolytic alterations affecting the ultrastructure of the entire cell. Lastly, with increasing loss of photoreceptor cells post-degenerative effects are seen in deepening of the basal infoldings and microvilli of the pigment epithelium and increase of Muller's fibres. The progress of degeneration in the mutant retina corresponds to the phase of rapid growth of the Golgi apparatus and rod outer segments in the normal retina. The role of the Golgi apparatus in the differentiation of the photoreceptor cells and its relation to the expression of the rd gene are discussed.

Measuring destination competitiveness: an empirical study of Canadian ski resorts

Abstract: This article focuses on a recently developed model of tourism destination competitiveness, adapts this general model to ski resorts and subsequently develops operational measures for each of the components of the model in order to provide an index of destination competitiveness for ski areas in Canada. Using this index, thirteen ski areas were surveyed using a detailed stakeholder questionnaire. The results highlight the various strengths and weaknesses for each destination, and show that the opinions of key stakeholders can be very useful for indicative purposes. The research provides a foundation for developing a comprehensive and standardized model for measuring the competitiveness of tourism resorts worldwide. The model may be a very useful vehicle for the planning and development of resorts that operate in highly competitive markets.