bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges and innovations in hotel operations in Canada
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana (Chandi) , Lawlor Fred , Grieco J. Charles , Savard Michel , Tarnowski Michael 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse key challenges Canadian hotels are facing, and to suggest innovative steps to make hotel operations in Canada more successful.Design/methodology/approachThe foundation for this paper was laid during a well attended Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) roundtable discussion between industry leaders and hospitality educators in May 2012. The subject of hotel operations is discussed in the context of the theme for the 2012 Canadian WHATT roundtable and the strategic question: “What innovations are needed in the Canadian hotel industry and how might they be implemented to secure the industry's future?”FindingsThe paper provides valuable information on hotel management and operations, and outlines innovative solutions to key challenges Canadian hotels are facing.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights effective approaches to managing hotel operations. The authors propose segment‐specific, tailor‐made training sessions for the diverse workforce of today.Originality/valueThe paper draws on the authors' experience and observations to explain how hoteliers can implement innovative change that enables them to achieve greater operational success. As the team of authors represents both academia and the industry, including a former general manager of the largest hotel in Canada, this paper will be of immense value to students, educators, and researchers, as well as industry leaders.
Using interventions to change the quality profile of an organisation
Authors: Johansson Elisabeth , Witell Lars , Rönnbäck Åsa 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how a quality profile can evolve over time and, in particular, how different kinds of interventions can further develop or change an existing quality profile.Design/methodology/approachData was collected over a five‐year period, including a literature review, interviews, a document study and observations to capture the quality profile and associated interventions. The study was carried out in a service organisation in the public sector.FindingsThis study shows that the quality profile can change over time due to the use of specific interventions. If a company wants to emphasise a specific quality principle, it must target the quality principle with one or more interventions. However, even if a quality principle is targeted, there is no guarantee that the quality principle will show improvement in the quality profile. Also, one main finding is that the quality profile becomes more even over time due to the internal consistency of the quality principles.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper sheds light on the need to study the adoption of individual quality principles and the evolution of the quality profile of an organisation.Practical implicationsThe results can provide insights for organisations aiming to embark on a quality programme, specifically how to design and develop a quality profile.Originality/valueThis research implies that the quality profile is a recurring, general phenomenon in all quality management improvement programmes. In other words, successful implementation of quality management requires a cohesive quality profile.
Mexican journalists and journalists covering war: a comparison of psychological wellbeing
Authors: Feinstein Anthony 
Published: March 2013

PurposeWar journalists confront many dangers, leaving them at risk for mental health problems. They are, however, able to take breaks from the hazards of frontline work by periodically leaving conflict zones for the safety of home. This respite is not afforded local journalists who cover conflict situations. An example of this may be found in Mexico where journalists reporting on the drug cartels may under threat. This inability to seek temporary respite from grave danger may theoretically increase levels of psychological distress. The purpose of this paper is to examine this possibility.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample comprised 104 Mexican journalists and a control group of 104 war journalists (non‐Mexican, demographically matched). Outcome measures included indices of posttraumatic stress disorder (Impact of Event Scale‐Revised)(IES‐R), depression (Beck Depression Inventory‐Revised (BDI‐II) and psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire‐28 (GHQ‐28).FindingsMexican journalists had higher scores on the avoidance (p=0.01), arousal (p=0.0001), but not intrusion (p=0.29) scales of the IES‐R. They had higher scores on the BDI‐II (p=0.0001) and anxiety (p=0.0001), somatic (p=0.0001) and social dysfunction (p=0.01) subscales of the GHQ‐28.Practical implicationsMexican journalists targeted by drug cartels have more psychopathology than journalists who cover war. News organisations that employ journalists in this line of work therefore need to be aware of this and have a mechanism in place to provide treatment, when needed.Originality/valueThis is the first study to directly explore the psychological effects of violence on local journalists who do not cover war, but nevertheless live and work in areas of grave danger.
Factors affecting international doctoral students' academic engagement, satisfaction with their studies, and dropping out
Authors: Sakurai Yusuke , Pyhältö Kirsi , Lindblom‐Ylänne Sari 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThis article's purpose is to report the findings and implications of a study that explored factors promoting and hindering international doctoral students' academic engagement.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study sought data through a questionnaire from international students registered for doctoral study at the University of Helsinki. Open‐ended and Likert‐scale survey data were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed.FindingsThe students commented most frequently (41 per cent) on the scholarly community as a factor in promoting their studies. Departmental issues had the largest proportion of hindering factors overall (34 per cent). Promoting factors related to the supervision they received and private domain factors were positively related to students' satisfaction with their studies. Considering dropping out was significantly associated with hindering factors related to their supervision and to departmental issues. Also, peers and colleagues were not significantly associated with students' satisfaction with their studies or with their contemplating dropping out.Practical implicationsThe article addresses key issues that will be of interest and benefit to universities who wish to retain and attract overseas research students. In particular, it discusses the importance of wider scholarly communities in providing international doctoral students with a favourable study experience which may be enhanced by performing departmental tasks as an important part of enculturation within supportive scholarly communities.Originality/valueThis paper offers a novel way of understanding early career researcher development, as illustrated by doctoral students' academic experiences. It also taps into the under‐ examined area of international doctoral students' study experiences.
Sustainable enhancement in clients who perceive the Tree Theme Method® as a positive intervention in psychosocial occupational therapy
Authors: Gunnarsson A. Birgitta , Björklund Anita 
Published: March 2013

Background/aimThe Tree Theme Method® is an intervention based on creative activities and occupational storytelling. The Tree Theme Method® implies that the clients draw and paint trees symbolising various periods in their life. The pictures are then used as a starting point to tell their life story to enhance their wellbeing and management of their everyday life. This study aimed to evaluate if changes observed among clients regarding their wellbeing and everyday occupations, between baseline and the end of their term of the Tree Theme Method® therapy, persisted three years after the completion of the intervention.MethodsThis study had a quantitative design. Thirty‐one former clients were recruited to a follow‐up three years after completing the intervention. Self‐rating questionnaires were used regarding psychological symptoms, self‐mastery, sense of coherence, activity level, occupational performance and satisfaction with occupational performance. Non‐parametric methods were used for the data analysis.ResultsThe findings revealed positive significant changes regarding sense of coherence and occupational performance and satisfaction with occupational performance, measured between the end of the intervention and at the time of the three‐year follow‐up. Furthermore, the respondents' ratings regarding psychological symptoms, self‐mastery, activity level and the extent of satisfaction with performed occupations were found to be stable.ConclusionsThe Tree Theme Method® appeared to function well as an intervention in psychosocial occupational therapy, where the aim was that a client would enhance their wellbeing and management of their everyday life. However, there is need for further evaluation to assess the effects of the Tree Theme Method® intervention.
The Usefulness of Intermediate Products of Plum Processing for Alcoholic Fermentation and Chemical Composition of the Obtained Distillates
Authors: Balcerek Maria , Pielech‐Przybylska Katarzyna , Patelski Piotr , Sapińska Ewelina , Księżopolska Mirosława 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this study, an evaluation of intermediate products of plum processing as potential raw materials for distillates production was performed. Effects of composition of mashes on ethanol yield, chemical composition and taste, and flavor of the obtained spirits were determined. The obtained results showed that spontaneous fermentations of the tested products of plum processing with native microflora of raisins resulted in lower ethanol yields, compared to the ones fermented with wine yeast Saccharomyces bayanus. The supplementation of mashes with 120 g/L of sucrose caused an increase in ethanol contents from 6.2 ± 0.2 ÷ 6.5 ± 0.2% v/v in reference mashes (without sucrose addition, fermented with S. bayanus) to ca. 10.3 ± 0.3% v/v, where its highest yields amounted to 94.7 ± 2.9 ÷ 95.6 ± 2.9% of theoretical capacity, without negative changes in raw material originality of distillates. The concentrations of volatile compounds in the obtained distillates exceeding 2000 mg/L alcohol 100% v/v and low content of methanol and hydrocyanic acid, as well as their good taste and aroma make the examined products of plum processing be very attractive raw materials for the plum distillates production.
An Applicable Strategy for Improvement Recovery in Simultaneous Analysis of 20 Pesticides Residue in Tea
Authors: Shoeibi Shahram , Amirahmadi Maryam , Rastegar Hossein , Khosrokhavar Roya , Khaneghah Amin Mousavi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIt is important to have a reliable method to analyze pesticides in tea, a beverage commonly consumed in Iran. A validated method was developed for the determination of 20 pesticides in tea based on QuEChERS sample preparation and capillary gas chromatography‐quadrupole mass spectrometry in selective ion monitoring mode (GC‐MS/SIM) using triphenyl methane (TPM) solution as an internal standard. We used fortified, extracted, and cleaned‐up tea samples instead of calibration standards for quantitation, which substantially reduced adverse matrix‐related effects and negative recovery affected by graphite carbon black (GCB) on pesticide analysis. The recovery of pesticides at 3 concentration (40, 60, and 240 ng/g) ranged from 79.5% to 111.4% (n = 3). The method had acceptable repeatability with RSDr < 20%. The limits of quantification (LOQ) for all pesticides were ≤20 ng/g. The analytical results of the proposed method were in good agreement with proficiency test results (FAPAS, 19116). The recoveries and repeatabilities were in accordance with the criteria set by SANCO Guideline. The validated method was suitable for the analysis of pesticides in tea.
Examining the sensitivity of ultrasound‐guided large core biopsy for invasive breast carcinoma in a population screening programme
Authors: Rouse Hannah C. , Ussher Simon , Kavanagh Anne M. , Cawson Jennifer N. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionTo evaluate the sensitivity of ultrasound‐guided core‐needle biopsy (UCB) in invasive breast carcinoma and to establish causes of false‐negative biopsy in a population screening programme.MethodWe identified 571 consecutive women diagnosed with surgically proven invasive breast cancer. Histology from 14‐gauge UCB was compared with surgical histology to identify true‐positive and false‐negative ultrasound core biopsies. True‐positive and false‐negative groups were compared for tumour size and histology. On blinded review of UCB images and pathology reports from false negative (n = 20) and a random sample of true‐positive cases (n = 80), we compared core sample number and needle visualisation in the lesion.ResultsOf 571 carcinomas sampled with UCB, 551 (96.5%) were true positive and 20 (3.5%) were false negative. The mean core number was 2.0 (range 1–3) for false negatives and 2.25 (range 1–4) for true positives (P = 0.27). Mean tumour sizes were 13.3 and 16.2 mm for the false‐negative and true‐positive groups, respectively (P = 0.25). Tubular carcinomas represented 30% (6/20) of false‐negative cases compared with 5.1% (28/551) of the true‐positive cases (P < 0.001). On blinded review, needle visualisation within the lesion was demonstrated in 47.4% (9/19) of false‐negative cases and 76.3% (61/80) of true‐positive cases (P = 0.02).ConclusionWe demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.5% with a mean of 2.21 cores. False‐negative results were more likely in the absence of post‐fire needle position verification and with tubular carcinomas. Neither tumour size nor core number predicted diagnostic accuracy.
TLR2 down‐regulates FcεRI and its transcription factor PU.1 in human Langerhans cells
Authors: Herrmann N. , Koch S. , Leib N. , Bedorf J. , Wilms H. , Schnautz S. , Fimmers R. , Bieber T. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundEpidermal Langerhans cells (LC) expressing the high‐affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) play a key role in atopic dermatitis (AD). AD skin is highly colonized with Staphylococcus aureus (S.a.), which are sensed by Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2). We hypothesized that TLR2 may impact on the expression of FcεRI on LC.ObjectivesTo study a putative impact of TLR2 signaling on FcεRI, we analyzed FcεRI and known transcription factors of the receptor after ligand binding to TLR2.MethodsWe generated LC from CD34+ progenitors in vitro (CD34LC) expressing FcεRI and TLR2 as well as its partners TLR1 and TLR6. The expression of FcεRI and known transcription factors of the receptor was analyzed on the protein and RNA level by flow cytometry, Western blotting, and real‐time PCR.ResultsFor CD34LC from 123 donors, we observed a high heterogeneity in FcεRI surface expression correlating with mRNA level of its α‐chain. Stimulation of TLR1/2 or TLR2/6 dramatically down‐regulated FcεRI on protein and mRNA level of both α‐ and γ‐chain. Further analysis of putative transcription factors for FCER1A revealed the lack of GATA1 in CD34LC, weak expression of ELF1 and YY1, and high expression of PU.1. While ELF1 and YY1 appeared to be little affected by TLR2 engagement, PU.1 was significantly down‐regulated.ConclusionsTaken together, our findings show that in human, LC ligation of TLR2 by S.a.‐derived products down‐regulates FcεRI and its transcription factor PU.1, thus suggesting that FcεRI is controlled by PU.1 in these cells.
Consumption of unpasteurized milk and its effects on atopy and asthma in children and adult inhabitants in rural Poland
Authors: Sozańska B. , Pearce N. , Dudek K. , Cullinan P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundConsumption of unpasteurized cow's milk has been identified as a possible protective factor for atopy and asthma. Most studies have been conducted among children and in farming populations. We investigated the effects of consumption of unpasteurized milk in early life on atopy, asthma, and rhinitis in village and town inhabitants in a region of Poland and assessed whether any protective effects of milk consumption differed according to place of residence and farming status.MethodsWe surveyed the inhabitants (aged >5 years) of a small town and seven nearby villages in southwest Poland (n = 1700, response rate 88%). Participants (or their parents for those <16 years of age) completed a questionnaire on farm exposures and symptoms of asthma and rhinitis. In particular, information was collected on unpasteurized milk consumption in early life. Atopy was assessed using skin prick tests.ResultsConsumption of unpasteurized milk in the first year of life was inversely associated with atopy and asthma both among town and village inhabitants – town: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for atopy 0.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.52] asthma 0.51 (0.32–0.74); villages: atopy 0.59 (0.44–0.70) and asthma 0.59 (0.42–0.74). For atopy, the protective effect was more clearly seen among nonfarmers (0.42; 0.34–0.46) than in farmers (0.82; 0.54–1.11). For doctor‐diagnosed hay fever and current rhinitis symptoms, the protective effect was only observed among town inhabitants and/or nonfarmers.ConclusionsEarly‐life exposure to unpasteurized milk may protect against atopy, asthma, and related conditions, independently of place of residence and farming status, and in both children and adults.
Projected cost‐effectiveness of repeat high‐risk human papillomavirus testing using self‐collected vaginal samples in the Swedish cervical cancer screening program
Authors: Östensson Ellinor , Hellström Ann‐Cathrin , Hellman Kristina , Gustavsson Inger , Gyllensten Ulf , Wilander Erik , Zethraeus Niklas , Andersson Sonia 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) testing is not currently used in primary cervical cancer screening in Sweden, and corresponding cost‐effectiveness is unclear.ObjectiveFrom a societal perspective, to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of high‐risk (HR)‐HPV testing using self‐collected vaginal samples.DesignA cost‐effectiveness analysis.SettingThe Swedish organized cervical cancer screening program.MethodsWe constructed a model to simulate the natural history of cervical cancer using Swedish data on cervical cancer risk. For the base‐case analysis we evaluated two screening strategies with different screening intervals: (i) cytology screening throughout the woman's lifetime (i.e. “conventional cytology strategy”) and (ii) conventional cytology screening until age 35 years, followed by HR‐HPV testing using self‐collected vaginal samples in women aged ≥35 years (i.e. “combination strategy”). Sensitivity analyses were performed, varying model parameters over a significant range of values to identify cost‐effective screening strategies.Main outcome measuresAverage lifetime cost, discounted and undiscounted life‐years gained, reduction in cervical cancer risk, incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios with and without the cost of added life‐years.ResultsDepending on screening interval, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios for the combination strategy ranged from €43 000 to €180 000 per life‐years gained without the cost of added life‐years, and from €74 000 to €206 000 with costs of added life‐years included.ConclusionThe combination strategy with a 5‐year screening interval is potentially cost‐effective compared with no screening, and with current screening practice when using a threshold value of €80 000 per life‐years gained.
Grazing behavior and performance of beef cattle as a function of sward structure and herbage quality under rotational and continuous stocking on species‐rich upland pasture
Authors: Stejskalová Michaela , Hejcmanová Pavla , Pavlů Vilém , Hejcman Michal 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAn experiment to reveal functional response and heifers' performance to sward characteristics and forage chemical composition was conducted for 5 years in rotational (RSS) and continuous (CSS) stocking systems on native species‐rich upland grassland. We measured sward characteristics, forage chemical composition, heifers' grazing behavior and live‐weight gains from July to September. Mean sward surface height was lower on CSS than on RSS; grass and forb density, and white clover stolon length, were similar. Herbage on CSS had higher crude protein content and lower crude fiber content than on RSS. No difference existed in time budgets of grazing, ruminating and resting between stocking systems and season, while grazing rates were higher on CSS. Stocking rate was 1671 and 1332 kg per ha on CSS and RSS, individual daily live‐weight gain 683 and 652 g on CSS and RSS. Gain per ha was 20 kg higher on CSS. Results suggested stocking systems on native species‐rich grassland had no effect on activity time budgets or animal performance. Both RSS and CSS allow similar outputs for stocking rates in terms of individual daily live‐weight gain. Key parameters determining heifers' behavior and performance were sward height, grass and forb density in the sward, and content of crude fiber and protein in forage.
Laminin binds to myostatin and attenuates its signaling
Authors: Yasaka Naofumi , Suzuki Keisuke , Kishioka Yasuhiro , Wakamatsu Jun‐ichi , Nishimura Takanori 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMyostatin is a growth and differentiation factor and acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. Although the mechanism whereby myostatin controls muscle cell growth is mostly clarified, the regulation of myostatin activity after its secretion into the extracellular matrix (ECM) is still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the interaction between laminin and myostatin and the effect of laminin on myostatin signaling in vitro. The surface plasmon resonance assay showed that laminin bound to mature myostatin and activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB), but did not bind to latency‐associated protein, which remains non‐covalently linked to mature myostatin. Furthermore, kinetic analysis demonstrated that the affinity of mature myostatin for laminin was similar to that for ActRIIB. Next, we examined the action of laminin on the myostatin signaling pathway using a conventional reporter assay. The luciferase activity of myostatin‐treated cells was repressed significantly (P < 0.05) by coincubation of laminin. These results suggest that laminin has a potential to regulate myostatin activity through binding to mature myostatin and/or its receptor ActRIIB.