bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Integration of Geotechnologies in the Evaluation of a Wine Cellar Structure through the Finite Element Method
Authors: Villarino Alberto , Riveiro Belén , Gonzalez-Aguilera Diego , Sánchez-Aparicio Luis
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a multidisciplinary methodology to evaluate an underground wine cellar structure using non-invasive techniques. In particular, a historical subterranean wine cellar that presents a complex structure and whose physical properties are unknown is recorded and analyzed using geomatics and geophysics synergies. To this end, an approach that integrates terrestrial laser scanning and ground penetrating radar is used to properly define a finite element-based structural model, which is then used as a decision tool to plan architectural restoration actions. The combination of both techniques implies the registration of external and internal information that eases the construction of structural models. Structural simulation for both stresses and deformations through FEM allowed identifying critical structural elements under great stress or excessive deformations. In this investigation, the ultimate limit state of cracking was considered to determine allowable loads due to the brittle nature of the material. This allowed us to set limit values of loading on the cellar structure in order to minimize possible damage.
Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager On-Orbit Geometric Calibration and Performance
Authors: Storey James , Choate Michael , Lee Kenton
Published: November 2014

The Landsat 8 spacecraft was launched on 11 February 2013 carrying the Operational Land Imager (OLI) payload for moderate resolution imaging in the visible, near infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral bands. During the 90-day commissioning period following launch, several on-orbit geometric calibration activities were performed to refine the prelaunch calibration parameters. The results of these calibration activities were subsequently used to measure geometric performance characteristics in order to verify the OLI geometric requirements. Three types of geometric calibrations were performed including: (1) updating the OLI-to-spacecraft alignment knowledge; (2) refining the alignment of the sub-images from the multiple OLI sensor chips; and (3) refining the alignment of the OLI spectral bands. The aspects of geometric performance that were measured and verified included: (1) geolocation accuracy with terrain correction, but without ground control (L1Gt); (2) Level 1 product accuracy with terrain correction and ground control (L1T); (3) band-to-band registration accuracy; and (4) multi-temporal image-to-image registration accuracy. Using the results of the on-orbit calibration update, all aspects of geometric performance were shown to meet or exceed system requirements.
PERFORM: A System for Monitoring, Assessment and Management of Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tzallas Alexandros , Tsipouras Markos , Rigas Georgios , Tsalikakis Dimitrios , Karvounis Evaggelos , Chondrogiorgi Maria , Psomadellis Fotis , Cancela Jorge , Pastorino Matteo , Waldmeyer María , Konitsiotis Spiros , Fotiadis Dimitrios
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we describe the PERFORM system for the continuous remote monitoring and management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. The PERFORM system is an intelligent closed-loop system that seamlessly integrates a wide range of wearable sensors constantly monitoring several motor signals of the PD patients. Data acquired are pre-processed by advanced knowledge processing methods, integrated by fusion algorithms to allow health professionals to remotely monitor the overall status of the patients, adjust medication schedules and personalize treatment. The information collected by the sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) is processed by several classifiers. As a result, it is possible to evaluate and quantify the PD motor symptoms related to end of dose deterioration (tremor, bradykinesia, freezing of gait (FoG)) as well as those related to over-dose concentration (Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID)). Based on this information, together with information derived from tests performed with a virtual reality glove and information about the medication and food intake, a patient specific profile can be built. In addition, the patient specific profile with his evaluation during the last week and last month, is compared to understand whether his status is stable, improving or worsening. Based on that, the system analyses whether a medication change is needed—always under medical supervision—and in this case, information about the medication change proposal is sent to the patient. The performance of the system has been evaluated in real life conditions, the accuracy and acceptability of the system by the PD patients and healthcare professionals has been tested, and a comparison with the standard routine clinical evaluation done by the PD patients’ physician has been carried out. The PERFORM system is used by the PD patients and in a simple and safe non-invasive way for long-term record of their motor status, thus offering to the clinician a precise, long-term and objective view of patient’s motor status and drug/food intake. Thus, with the PERFORM system the clinician can remotely receive precise information for the PD patient’s status on previous days and define the optimal therapeutical treatment.
A Proposed Methodology for Prioritizing Project Effects to Include in Cost-Benefit Analysis Using Resilience, Vulnerability and Risk Perception
Authors: Ortega Saúl , Hanley Nick , Simal Pedro
Published: November 2014

Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) has emerged as one of the most widely used methodologies in environmental policy analysis, with many governments applying it in their decision-making procedures and laws. However, undertaking a full CBA is expensive, and conclusions must be drawn on which project or policy impacts to include in the analysis. Based on the ideas of resilience, vulnerability and risk, we suggest a method for prioritizing project impacts for inclusion in a CBA, which includes both expert assessment and citizen preferences. We then illustrate how the method can be applied in the context of land use change decisions, using a real application.
The Insect Microbiome Modulates Vector Competence for Arboviruses
Authors: Jupatanakul Natapong , Sim Shuzhen , Dimopoulos George
Published: November 2014

Diseases caused by arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), such as Dengue, West Nile, and Chikungunya, constitute a major global health burden and are increasing in incidence and geographic range. The natural microbiota of insect vectors influences various aspects of host biology, such as nutrition, reproduction, metabolism, and immunity, and recent studies have highlighted the ability of insect-associated bacteria to reduce vector competence for arboviruses and other pathogens. This reduction can occur through mechanisms, such as immune response activation, resource competition, or the production of anti-viral molecules. Studying the interactions between insect vectors and their microbiota is an important step toward developing alternative strategies for arbovirus transmission control.
Improving ITC studies of cyclodextrin inclusion compounds by global analysis of conventional and non-conventional experiments
Authors: Bertaut Eléonore , Landy David
Published: November 2014

The study of 1:1 cyclodextrin inclusion compounds by isothermal titration calorimetry was explored in a theoretical and experimental point of view to compare the efficiency of conventional and non-conventional experiments. All direct and competitive protocols were described and evaluated in terms of accuracy on both binding constant and inclusion enthalpy. Significant improvement in the calorimetric characterization may be obtained by means of the global analysis of non-conventional experiments coupled to the standard titration protocol. While the titration-release approach proved to be the most accurate strategy for classical complexations, the valuable contribution of other non-conventional experiments was demonstrated for issues concerning weak stability, enthalpy, or solubility.
Trends in access of plant biodiversity data revealed by Google Analytics
Authors: Jones Timothy , Baxter David , Hagedorn Gregor , Legler Ben , Gilbert Edward , Thiele Kevin , Vargas-Rodriguez Yalma , Urbatsch Lowell
Published: November 2014

The amount of plant biodiversity data available via the web has exploded in the last decade, but making these data available requires a considerable investment of time and work, both vital considerations for organizations and institutions looking to validate the impact factors of these online works. Here we used Google Analytics (GA), to measure the value of this digital presence. In this paper we examine usage trends using 15 different GA accounts, spread across 451 institutions or botanical projects that comprise over five percent of the world's herbaria. They were studied at both one year and total years. User data from the sample reveal: 1) over 17 million web sessions, 2) on five primary operating systems, 3) search and direct traffic dominates with minimal impact from social media, 4) mobile and new device types have doubled each year for the past three years, 5) and web browsers, the tools we use to interact with the web, are changing. Server-side analytics differ from site to site making the comparison of their data sets difficult. However, use of Google Analytics erases the reporting heterogeneity of unique server-side analytics, as they can now be examined with a standard that provides a clarity for data-driven decisions. The knowledge gained here empowers any collection-based environment regardless of size, with metrics about usability, design, and possible directions for future development.
Cross sectional area of forelimb metacarpal region flexor tendons in horses of different breeds and age
Authors: Lindner A. , Köster A.
Published: November 2014

There are few studies on the effects of age within breeds on cross sectional area (CSA) of flexor tendons in horses. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between age and the CSA of the superficial flexor tendon (SDFT), the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and its accessory ligament (AL-DDFT) of both forelimbs in horses utilising ultrasound. Ages of the horses ranged from 2 years to aged, and the breeds evaluated were Thoroughbred (TB), Standardbred (SB), Quarterhorse (QH) and German Warmblood Riding horse (WB). CSAs were measured with ultrasound at 4 cm intervals, starting 4 cm from the distal border of the accessory carpal bone down to the metacarpophalangeal joint. The CSA of the SDFT in 3-year-old and older TB, QH and WBs was smaller than in the 2-year-olds (allP<0.001) and did not differ between 3-year-olds and older horses (P≯0.05). In comparison, the CSA of the SDFT in 2-year-old and 3-year-old SBs was smaller than in the horses older than 3 years (P<0.05 among age groups). The 2-year-olds had larger CSA of the DDFTs than the 3-year-olds (P<0.01), and the CSA was also larger in the older horses of all breeds (P<0.01). However, the 3-year-old QH and SBs had smaller CSAs of the DDFT than the horses older than 3 years of age, (P<0.001), but interestingly the CSA was not different in the TB and WBs based on age (P≯0.05). The CSA of the AL-DDFT in the left forelimb was smaller than in the right forelimb (P<0.01) of all horses. The results of this study show that differential effects exist between age and within breeds on the CSA of the SDFT, DDFT and AL-DDFT, indicating that training and management may play a role, in addition to genetics, in the CSA of the metacarpal region flexor tendons of horses. The data on the CSAs of the SDFT, DDFT and AL-DDFT in WB, QH and SBs provides additional physiological references for these breeds to compliment the CSA data previously published for other breeds.
Running longer, running stronger: a brief review of endurance exercise and oestrogen
Authors: Stone S.A. , Bibens M.E. , Jones A.B. , Curtis K.S.
Published: November 2014

Athletic performance in endurance exercise is determined by an interplay among many physiological factors. Body fluid regulation, influenced by both hormonal and osmotic stimuli, is particularly important for maximising performance in endurance sports, as dehydration markedly decreases endurance. Oestrogen has a broad range of effects on the regulation of body fluid balance, as well as on aerobic capacity, metabolism, and other factors that impact endurance exercise performance, yet the role of oestrogen in endurance exercise performance has not been thoroughly examined. This review discusses the effects of oestrogen on compensatory hormonal and behavioural responses to dehydration, such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation and thirst, that restore body fluid balance and thereby affect exercise performance. Oestrogen-mediated effects and their potential consequences for endurance performance are also evaluated in the context of thermoregulation and aerobic capacity, as well as substrate utilisation during exercise. In addressing the role of oestrogen in endurance exercise, this review will examine human and animal models of endurance exercise and discuss similarities, differences, and limitations. Our aim is to integrate research from neuroscience, physiology, and exercise science to advance understanding of how oestrogen may impact exercise. Such understanding will have particularly important implications for female endurance athletes experiencing the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the reproductive cycle.
Características petrográficas y geoquímicas de los paragneises de Granja (Dominio Medio Coreaú, NW Ceará, Brasil)
Authors: Silva A. J.F. , Azevedo M. R. , Valle Aguado B. , Nogueira Neto J. A. , Santos T. J.S. , Silva F. D.O.
Published: November 2014

El Complejo Granulítico de Granja (GGC), expuesto en el Dominio Medio Coreaú (NW del Estado de Ceará, Brasil), está constituido predominantemente por paragneises granatíferos con silimanita en cuyo seno se intercalan cuerpos lenticulares, discontinuos, de granulitas máficas y enderbitas. De acuerdo con los datos geocronológicos publicados, este terreno metamórfico de alto grado representa un segmento de un basamento Paleoproterozoico que fue intensamente retrabajado en el Neoproterozoico, durante la Orogénesis Brasiliense / Panafricana (600 Ma).
Los paragneises de Granja son rocas con una fuerte foliación, caracterizadas por la alternancia de niveles oscuros, ricos en granate-biotita-silimanita, y bandas milimétricas leucocráticas cuarzo-feldespáticas interpretadas como resultado de fusión incipiente. Con el incremento del componente fundido, aumenta el espesor de los leucosomas concordantes y las rocas adquieren un aspecto estromático. A estas estructuras se superpone una foliación milonítica asociada a la última reactivación de la Zona de Cizalla de Granja, un accidente con dirección NE-SW y movimiento dextral que atraviesa la zona estudiada. Las asociaciones minerales y las texturas de reacción indican que después de alcanzar las condiciones de fusión parcial en la facies granulítica, las rocas sufrieron descompresión y enfriamiento.
Con el fin de caracterizar la composición de los protolitos de los paragneises de Granja, se analizaron los elementos mayores y tierras raras de doce muestras de aquellas partes de los paragneises migmatíticos en los que la extracción de fundido parece haber sido nula o muy limitada. En el diagrama de clasificación de Herron (1988), las muestras se sitúan en la transición entre los campos de las grauvacas y pelitas, sugiriendo que en la secuencia pre-metamórfica dominaban sedimentos arcillosos y sedimentos clásticos poco maduros (grauvacas). Los patrones de tierras raras normalizados a condrita muestran un moderado enriquecimiento en las tierras raras ligeras (LaN/YbN = 9.46–15.50), perfiles planos en tierras raras pesadas y anomalías negativas de Eu (Eu/Eu* = 0.63–0.82), con pautas muy próximas tanto a las del PAAS (Post-Archean average Australian Shale) como a las del EP GREY (Early Proterozoic Greywackes). Los datos geoquímicos sugieren también que los sedimentos precursores de los paragneises de Granja tuvieron su origen en un área fuente con composición félsica a intermedia y fueron acumulados en un ambiente de margen continental activo / arco insular continental.
The Building and Management of the Nation Brand
Authors: Wilczak Agnieszka , Skorek Monika
Published: November 2014

The primary goal of this chapter is to analyze the issue of building and management of a brand based on the example of the nation brand of Poland. This chapter consists of two complementary parts: theoretical and empirical. The starting point for a theoretical discussion is to show the specificity of the nation brand in relation to the corporate brand. The above-mentioned issues are presented through the key theories and models based on the literature studies. The second part of this chapter is empirical and was based on the case study of building the brand for Poland. Poland, as one of the first countries in Central Europe, took on the challenge to build the nation brand. This program, although modified several times, has been carried out since the beginning of 1990s in the last century to the present day. The empirical part of this chapter focuses not only on describing the actions taken but also on showing their effects.
The Competitiveness of the European Union Tourism Industry
Authors: Nergiz Ebru , Celik Hilal
Published: November 2014

The competition is increasing in the tourism and hospitality industry worldwide, and the market is demanding higher levels of service, productivity, value, staff motivation, training, and improved customer relationships. Europe is without discussion the world's most important tourism market. In this chapter, the competitiveness of the tourism industry in the European Union is examined. Firstly, competitiveness in the tourism industry and factors determining destination competitiveness are discussed. Secondly, key characteristics and competitiveness of the European Union tourism industry are analyzed. Then the tourism in Europe is investigated in eight key areas. Each of these key areas is examined through Eurostat statistics and reports. SWOT Analysis of the European Union Tourism Industry is carried out. Finally, the challenges that the outcomes of the SWOT Analysis bring out for the European Union tourism industry in order to enhance competitiveness are discussed.
An Assessment Methodology for Hotel Websites
Authors: Miranda F. Javier , Rubio Sergio , Chamorro Antonio
Published: November 2014

It is essential for hotel companies to evaluate and improve website performance in order to keep and increase their online presence and competitiveness in the marketplace. Based on the relative literature, in this article, the authors adapt the Web Assessment Index (WAI) to evaluate the attractiveness of the hotel websites. This has been validated in other studies in the literature, and measures the quality of a Website based on 4 dimensions: visibility, speed, navigability, and content. An application compares the performance of 10 hotels from each of the 10 top cities destinations in the world. The results show that there were significant differences between cities in the overall index and also between 4-stars and 5-stars hotels. The authors' study also found a significant correlation between the WAI and the room price, so the more expensive hotels also show the best sites according with our index. The results could be useful for hoteliers to conduct a benchmarking analysis of the best sites, and propose improvements.
Place @-Branding and European Capitals
Authors: Silvana de Rosa Annamaria , Bocci Elena
Published: November 2014

This chapter extends the concept of place branding and applies it to the digital world of the Internet (place @-branding). Among the various environments of the complex digital universe of the Internet, the chapter deals in particular with (1) Websites as vehicles of images, representations, evaluations of places, and (2) social networks as spaces for the exchange and sharing of “lived” or “imagined” experiences of places by past-visitors and potential first-visitors. The analysis of place@-branding via Websites and social networks is based on empirical research data that targets various historic European capitals (Rome, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Warsaw, Vienna). The social representations of these cities are investigated by comparing: 1) their institutional Websites; 2) virtual tours made by Google Earth; 3) conversations among the members of two social networks (Facebook and Yahoo! Answers) on elements of interest concerning social representations and the “lived” or “imagined” experiences of these cities as first visitors (past-visitors) or potential ones (future first-visitors). The nature of these conversations is induced or spontaneous according to communicative constraints imposed by the two social networks by means of a series of piloted questions (in the case of Yahoo! Answers) and a selective focus on spontaneous communicative exchanges (in the case of Facebook).
Tourism Promotion through Web
Authors: Ray Nilanjan , Das Dillip Kumar , Chaudhuri Somnath
Published: November 2014

This chapter studies the application of information technology in tourism promotion, particularly through Internet. In the context of tourism management, this chapter penetrates different usage of Web technology to disseminate maximum level of information for tourism promotion. This chapter is designed to determine the conditions of Websites as well as application of different application of Web technology like Virtual Reality (VR), CRS, etc. used in tourism promotion to identify the obstacles faced in this type of promotion via Web. The chapter adopts a survey from 200 respondents. Collected data is analyzed through different statistical tools like correlation analysis, simple average method, and Cronbach Alfa for reliability of the data. The results show that tourism promotion through the Web helps to increase competition as well as tourism demand if Web design helps to disseminate information about the tourism offers to the tourists' desire. Both sexes consider the Website design as a means helps to ensure the information veracity of tourism offers. The chapter recommends continuing development of the role of tourism promotion through the Internet in spreading information about tourism offers, so as to achieve the greatest possible benefits. This study also indicates how to develop and upgrade Web for promotion of tourism information and offer better tourism service excellence, while promoting less popular tourist spots.
Climate Information Sources (CISs) and Tourist Satisfaction
Authors: Jafarzadeh Fatemeh
Published: November 2014

In recent years, the excellent status of tourism industry and its role on social-economical development has caused more attention to be paid to tourism's various dimensions in countries, especially developing countries. Publicity and advertizing have significant influence on the sustainable growth of the tourism industry. In addition, the information sources can help tourism. That is why quality of the publicity and information sources are seriously considered by deputies and planners of the tourism sector for marketing of the tourism industry. It seems that the role of Climate Information Sources (CISs) on the tourism industry is more critical than other resources. This research is a descriptive survey study that investigates the satisfaction of CISs quality of foreign tourists in order to attract tourists to Iran. In this chapter, CISs are divided into two main categories: Website sources and printed sources. The two sources are investigated in the aspects of attractiveness, motivating/ influencing, usefulness, validity, user-friendliness, and usefulness. The results show that CISs quality of printed and Website sources are satisfactory from the viewpoint of Iran's foreign tourists. In addition, quality of CISs are good in the aspect of motivating/influencing, but they are not in good condition from the aspects of user-friendliness and usefulness.
Empirical Evaluation of Smartphone Augmented Reality Browsers in an Urban Tourism Destination Context
Authors: Yovcheva Zornitza , Buhalis Dimitrios , Gatzidis Christos , van Elzakker Corné P.J.M.
Published: November 2014

Today, exposure to new and unfamiliar environments is a necessary part of daily life. Effective communication of location-based information through location-based services has become a key concern for cartographers, geographers, human-computer interaction and professional designers alike. Recently, much attention was directed towards Augmented Reality (AR) interfaces. Current research, however, focuses primarily on computer vision and tracking, or investigates the needs of urban residents, already familiar with their environment. Adopting a user-centred design approach, this paper reports findings from an empirical mobile study investigating how tourists acquire knowledge about an unfamiliar urban environment through AR browsers. Qualitative and quantitative data was used in the development of a framework that shifts the perspective towards a more thorough understanding of the overall design space for such interfaces. The authors analysis provides a frame of reference for the design and evaluation of mobile AR interfaces. The authors demonstrate the application of the framework with respect to optimization of current design of AR.
Digital Heritage Systems
Authors: Sylaiou Stella , White Martin , Liarokapis Fotis
Published: November 2014

This chapter describes the evaluation methods conducted for a digital heritage system, called ARCO (Augmented Representation of Cultural Objects), which examines the tools and methods used for its evaluation. The case study describes the knowledge acquired from several user requirement assessments, and further describes how to use this specific knowledge to provide a general framework for a holistic virtual museum evaluation. This approach will facilitate designers to determine the flaws of virtual museum environments, fill the gap between the technologies they use and those the users prefer and improve them in order to provide interactive and engaging virtual museums. The proposed model used not only quantitative, but also qualitative evaluation methods, and it is based on the extensive evaluations of the ARCO system by simple end-users, usability experts and domain experts. The main evaluation criteria were usability, presence, and learning.
Export Marketing Communications of Public Sector in Promoting Tourism Destination of a Greek Island
Authors: Samanta Irene
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing communications in promoting tourism on the Greek island of Myconos. The research evaluates the effectiveness of the marketing communications used by public bodies to promote Myconos in Europe. The research location was the airport at Myconos. The researchers used a probability sampling technique in the form of stratified random sampling, since the population used for the research was multinational. Four-hundred questionnaires were gathered from a research population of 8000. The percentage of arrivals pertinent to each subset (tourist population divided by nationality) was compared with the total number of tourists who arrived on Myconos from the countries constituting the sampling frame, and the number of questionnaires to be given to each of the subsets was calculated. The study shows that marketing communications had a positive effect on the overall business performance and improved it noticeably. Marketing communications used by public bodies to promote Myconos were effective as they increased tourism arrivals and influenced the majority of the tourists to visit it. In addition to this, the study shows that there are factors such as tourists' origin, age, and annual income that affect the effectiveness of marketing communications. It also identified that tourists value a marketing strategy that involves analytical information about the tourism destination, as they stated that brochures, guidebooks, and the Internet influenced them to a great extent.
The Promotion of European Tourism in the Emerging Countries
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Quiroga Alejandra , Ficarra Valeria M.
Published: November 2014

The authors present the different communication strategies used for the promotion of European tourism in the emerging countries, through Power Point and pyramidal marketing. They also research the veracity and the persuasion strategies used in textual, visual, and hearing information, which go with the images in the interactive presentations. Finally, an analysis technique is presented to detect the possible potential tourists divided in relation to age, education, and knowledge of the use of computers or other interactive systems of mobile multimedia.
E-Business Adoption Framework in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Ondimu Kennedy O. , Muketha Geoffrey M. , Ondago Collins O.
Published: November 2014

While the hospitality industry in the Kenyan Coast has adopted Information and Communication Technology (ICT), application of the same is limited to internal operations and control. The industry's e-business adoption lags behind similar industries such as tours and travel. Earlier research in e-business adoption does not suggest intervention for improvement of Small and Medium Enterprises' (SMEs) status and lacks focus on any specific industries. The aim of this chapter is to address this gap by analyzing the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers & Caterers' (KAHC) e-business readiness using a three-interrelated-level framework; namely, firm level, market and industry, and institutional and regulatory levels. This chapter presents results of an ongoing project that we are currently working on, related to one of the authors' graduate degree research program that began in 2008. In this research, we adopt a survey approach that is supplemented by case studies of other countries' implementations from literature. Findings show that the hospitality industry at the Kenyan coast is not ready for e-business adoption and we develop a framework to help facilitate readiness. The findings imply that as a competitive strategy, establishments which have been competitors need to become collaborators; and KAHC and its membership need to adopt e-business to not only remain competitive, but also to survive. The findings are beneficial to KAHC and the Kenyan government in evaluating the status of e-business readiness as well as adoption in similar industries. Other developing countries can also adopt the framework.
Customer Relationship and Satisfaction
Authors: Ahmed Abdel Moneim M. B.
Published: November 2014

This paper establishes if using a comment card provides a reliable form of feedback regarding customer satisfaction in hotels. This exploratory study was conducted at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel-Dubai, UAE. They are a convenient way for guests to complain, make suggestions and praise. Managers use this input to make quick fixes and comfort distraught guests. The trouble is that hotels depend on comment cards for more than casual guest feedback. Hotels use the results for determining employee bonuses or employee performance evaluations and depend them when making business decisions. This paper examines the comment cards as an important feedback mechanism to measure customer satisfaction and argues that it is an effective instrument to strengthen relationships. Literature suggests that comment cards are not scientific or secure. Only happy or unhappy guests participate in these surveys, which can lead to extreme or misleading results.
Contemporary Art Museums' Marketing Strategies
Authors: Celebi Zeynep Guney
Published: November 2014

Contemporary art museums are significant actors in the entertainment industry, which is recreated by new forms of leisure time activities every day. Entertainment that is used as an important and effective marketing tool in contemporary art museums is also a significant formative of the new relationship between contemporary art museums and their visitors. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to explore the relationship between art, entertainment, leisure, and museum marketing with a literature review in order to find answers to questions like, What is the relationship between art and entertainment? and Which marketing techniques are used by contemporary art organizations? In this context, the relationship between leisure, entertainment, and contemporary art museums is explained; afterwards, contemporary art museums' marketing strategies are described in detail as the main scope of the study. Finally, as a case study, Istanbul Modern Art Museum's political-economical environment and marketing strategies are analyzed.
Total Quality Management in Tourism Companies
Authors: Alsrabi Alaa Hussein Ali
Published: November 2014

This study is to identify the extent of interest and convinced top management of hotels and application levels of Total Quality Management, as well as prepare and accept the application of Total Quality Management, and indicate the top management support for the application of Total Quality Management And applying this to a sample of employees in high level management for a group of first-class hotels operating in the city of Riyadh, the study finds that the hotels surveyed apply total quality management in all its dimensions and a high level As results indicated when asked the sample of what considerations affecting about their conviction and willingness applying total quality management results were approved college about the need for a system of incentives appropriately lead to improved process quality tourism, and improve the competitive position of the hotels. When asked the sample over the impact of work teams the answers are as follows It is considered The study also concluded a set of recommendations and which ones need to find the appropriate information system will provide hotel management and Forums all the supporting data and information to activate the principle of making decisions based on facts and correct information that the formation of a team work helps to solve various problems.
Knowledge Management and Quality in Croatian Tourism
Authors: Holjevac Ivanka Avelini , Črnjar Kristina , Hrgović Ana-Marija Vrtodušić
Published: November 2014

Knowledge is an infinite resource of hotel enterprises and society as a whole. In hotel enterprises, it serves as a platform for practising sustainable development and gaining competitive advantages. Knowledge-based economic development provides the best opportunities for dealing with a global environment in which rapid and dynamic changes are taking place. Seen as a precondition to success, Knowledge Management (KM) will result in generating value-added in tourism. A survey was conducted in large and mid-sized hotel enterprises to demonstrate their KM level and the contribution of KM in gaining competitive advantages in the Croatian hotel industry. Empirical research was used to establish the level of KM development in the Croatian hotel industry, and to determine the importance of KM in gaining competitive advantages in the hotel industry. In addition to knowledge, quality is a vital factor in gaining competitive advantages in hotel enterprises. Globalized markets and increasingly discerning customers, demanding more and more for their money, are compelling product and service providers to ground their business systems on customer needs. Total Quality Management (TQM)—a new management philosophy—enables the systematic application of these ideas. This chapter looks at several TQM approaches that define the basic elements essential to successful TQM implementation, in particular, the element pertaining to employees. The application of these elements in the Croatian hotel industry is presented through the results of empirical research on a sample of mid-sized and large hotel enterprises.
Reducing Costs of Knowledge Transfer in Tourism Development Using Historical Materials
Authors: Sawada Ayako , Yoshida Taketoshi , Horii Hiroshi , Horii Misato , Hayashi Masaharu
Published: November 2014

Recently, discovering local resources and utilizing them have been underway for the purpose to revitalize regional economies. The authors have conducted some activities for regional activation using historical materials such as old documents and maps. For these activities historians play an important role to discover and utilize local resources from historical materials. The cost of transferring historians' knowledge about such resources to tour developers is high. In this study, a tour developer who is also a volunteer tour guide designed two tour courses featuring local historical material with the aid of a proposed information system. They clarify the role of the information system and the factors of reducing the costs of knowledge transfer in tourism development using historical materials from the view points of the sticky information.
(Re)Engineering Cultural Heritage Contexts using Creative Human Computer Interaction Techniques and Mixed Reality Methodologies
Authors: Smith Carl
Published: November 2014

The contribution of this research is to argue that truly creative patterns for interaction within cultural heritage contexts must create situations and concepts that could not have been realised without the intervention of those interaction patterns. New forms of human-computer interaction and therefore new tools for navigation must be designed that unite the strengths, features, and possibilities of both the physical and the virtual space. The human-computer interaction techniques and mixed reality methodologies formulated during this research are intended to enhance spatial cognition while implicitly improving pattern recognition. This research reports on the current state of location-based technology including Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) and GPS. The focus is on its application for use within cultural heritage as an educational and outreach tool. The key questions and areas to be investigated include: What are the requirements for effective digital intervention within the cultural heritage sector? What are the affordances of mixed and augmented reality? What mobile technology is currently being utilised to explore cultural heritage? What are the key projects? Finally, through a series of case studies designed and implemented by the author, some broad design guidelines are outlined. The chapter concludes with an overview of the main issues to consider when (re)engineering cultural heritage contexts.
Innovation in Medical Tourism Service Marketing
Authors: Medhekar Anita , Wong Ho Yin , Hall John
Published: November 2014

The aim of this chapter is to critically examine the latest development of medical tourism as an innovation in India. The existing theories and concepts in medical tourism are reviewed and synthesised in order to lay down a foundation for marketing managers to deploy marketing mix strategies to deliver values to the medical tourists. A secondary research method is adapted to gather relevant literature. This chapter not only provides a background introduction to the growing importance of the medical tourism industry to the Indian economy, but also makes major contributions: firstly, that global healthcare service marketing is quite different from marketing of other services and goods. Secondly, it proposes to examine the application of 8Ps of tourism marketing-mix along with another 6Ps, such as personalisation of healthcare, publication for patient, patient packaging, patient education, patient privacy, and patient medical and cultural sensitivities for effective marketing of the popular Indian wellness and medical tourism destinations, super-speciality hospitals, and complex diagnostic tests and surgeries to the world.
Chemokine-Mediated B Cell Trafficking during Early Rabbit GALT Development
Authors: Zhai Shi-Kang , Volgina Veronica V. , Sethupathi Periannan , Knight Katherine L. , Lanning Dennis K.
Published: November 2014

Microbial and host cell interactions stimulate rabbit B cells to diversify the primary Ab repertoire in GALT. B cells at the base of appendix follicles begin proliferating and diversifying their V-(D)-J genes around 1 wk of age, ∼5 d after B cells first begin entering appendix follicles. To gain insight into the microbial and host cell interactions that stimulate B cells to diversify the primary Ab repertoire, we analyzed B cell trafficking within follicles during the first week of life. We visualized B cells, as well as chemokines that mediate B cell homing in lymphoid tissues, by in situ hybridization, and we examined B cell chemokine receptor expression by flow cytometry. We found that B cells were activated and began downregulating their BCRs well before a detectable B cell proliferative region appeared at the follicle base. The proliferative region was similar to germinal center dark zones, in that it exhibited elevated CXCL12 mRNA expression, and B cells that upregulated CXCR4 mRNA in response to signals acquired from selected intestinal commensals localized in this region. Our results suggest that after entering appendix follicles, B cells home sequentially to the follicle-associated epithelium, the follicular dendritic cell network, the B cell/T cell boundary, and, ultimately, the base of the follicle, where they enter a proliferative program and diversify the primary Ab repertoire.
Chloroquine Promotes IL-17 Production by CD4+ T Cells via p38-Dependent IL-23 Release by Monocyte-Derived Langerhans-like Cells
Authors: Said André , Bock Stephanie , Lajqi Trim , Müller Gerrit , Weindl Günther
Published: November 2014

Recent studies suggest a role for autophagy in the secretion of IL-1 cytokines regulating the development of inflammatory diseases. The antimalarial drug and autophagy/lysosome inhibitor chloroquine (CHQ) is considered as potential trigger of drug-induced or drug-aggravated psoriasis, in which Th17 cells sustain a persistent inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of CHQ on human monocyte-derived Langerhans-like cells (MoLC) and dendritic cells (MoDC) in response to IL-1β. The presence of CHQ reduced IL-12p70 release in both subsets, but surprisingly increased IL-6 production in MoDC and IL-23 in MoLC. Importantly, CHQ-treated MoLC promoted IL-17A secretion by CD4+ T cells and elevated RORC mRNA levels, whereas IFN-γ release was reduced. The dysregulation of IL-12 family cytokines in MoLC and MoDC occurred at the transcriptional level. Similar effects were obtained with other late autophagy inhibitors, whereas PI3K inhibitor 3-methyladenine failed to increase IL-23 secretion. The modulated cytokine release was dependent on IL-1 cytokine activation and abrogated by a specific IL-1R antagonist. CHQ elevated expression of TNFR-associated factor 6, a common intermediate in IL-1R and TLR-dependent signaling. Accordingly, treatment with Pam3CSK4 and CHQ enhanced IL-23 release in MoLC and MoDC. CHQ inhibited autophagic flux, confirmed by increased LC3-II and p62 expression, and activated ERK, p38, and JNK MAPK, but only inhibition of p38 abrogated IL-23 release by MoLC. Thus, our findings indicate that CHQ modulates cytokine release in a p38-dependent manner, suggesting an essential role of Langerhans cells and dendritic cells in CHQ-provoked psoriasis, possibly by promoting Th17 immunity.
IgG4 and IgE Transcripts in Childhood Allergic Asthma Reflect Divergent Antigen-Driven Selection
Authors: Rogosch Tobias , Kerzel Sebastian , Dey Friederike , Wagner Johanna-Josophina , Zhang Zhixin , Maier Rolf F. , Zemlin Michael
Published: November 2014

The physiologic function of the “odd” Ab IgG4 remains enigmatic. IgG4 mediates immunotolerance, as, for example, during specific immunotherapy of allergies, but it mediates tissue damage in autoimmune pemphigus vulgaris and “IgG4-related disease.” Approximately half of the circulating IgG4 molecules are bispecific owing to their unique ability to exchange half-molecules. Better understanding of the interrelation between IgG4 and IgE repertoires may yield insight into the pathogenesis of allergies and into potential novel therapies that modulate IgG4 responses. We aimed to compare the selective forces that forge the IgG4 and IgE repertoires in allergic asthma. Using an IgG4-specific RT-PCR, we amplified, cloned, and sequenced IgG4 H chain transcripts of PBMCs from 10 children with allergic asthma. We obtained 558 functional IgG4 sequences, of which 286 were unique. Compared with previously published unique IgE transcripts from the same blood samples, the somatic mutation rate was significantly enhanced in IgG4 transcripts (62 versus 83%; p < 0.001), whereas fewer IgG4 sequences displayed statistical evidence of Ag-driven selection (p < 0.001). On average, the hypervariable CDRH3 region was four nucleotides shorter in IgG4 than in IgE transcripts (p < 0.001). IgG4 transcripts in the circulation of children with allergic asthma reflect some characteristics of classical Ag-driven B2 immune responses but display less indication of Ag selection than do IgE transcripts. Although allergen-specific IgG4 can block IgE-mediated allergen presentation and degranulation of mast cells, key factors that influence the Ag-binding properties of the Ab differ between the overall repertoires of circulating IgG4- and IgE-expressing cells.
TRAM Is Required for TLR2 Endosomal Signaling to Type I IFN Induction
Authors: Stack Julianne , Doyle Sarah L. , Connolly Dympna J. , Reinert Line S. , O’Keeffe Kate M. , McLoughlin Rachel M. , Paludan Søren R. , Bowie Andrew G.
Published: November 2014

Detection of microbes by TLRs on the plasma membrane leads to the induction of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, via activation of NF-κB. Alternatively, activation of endosomal TLRs leads to the induction of type I IFNs via IFN regulatory factors (IRFs). TLR4 signaling from the plasma membrane to NF-κB via the Toll/IL-1R (TIR) adaptor protein MyD88 requires the TIR sorting adaptor Mal, whereas endosomal TLR4 signaling to IRF3 via the TIR domain–containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF) requires the TRIF-related adaptor molecule (TRAM). Similar to TLR4 homodimers, TLR2 heterodimers can also induce both proinflammatory cytokines and type I IFNs. TLR2 plasma membrane signaling to NF-κB is known to require MyD88 and Mal, whereas endosomal IRF activation by TLR2 requires MyD88. However, it was unclear whether TLR2 requires a sorting adaptor for endosomal signaling, like TLR4 does. In this study, we show that TLR2-dependent IRF7 activation at the endosome is both Mal- and TRAM-dependent, and that TRAM is required for the TLR2-dependent movement of MyD88 to endosomes following ligand engagement. TRAM interacted with both TLR2 and MyD88, suggesting that TRAM can act as a bridging adapter between these two molecules. Furthermore, infection of macrophages lacking TRAM with herpes viruses or the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus led to impaired induction of type I IFN, indicating a role for TRAM in TLR2-dependent responses to human pathogens. Our work reveals that TRAM acts as a sorting adaptor not only for TLR4, but also for TLR2, to facilitate signaling to IRF7 at the endosome, which explains how TLR2 is capable of causing type I IFN induction.