bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Territories still to find – the business of hotel internationalisation
Authors: Litteljohn David , Roper Angela , Altinay Levent 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present directions for researching “new territories” by systematically reviewing contemporary research in the area of hotel internationalization.Design/methodology/approachComprehensive analysis drawing on frameworks and debates in the international services management literature of research published over the period 1996‐2005 identifies approaches and results of hotel internationalization research. Work is organized into two broad categories: studies that relate hotel organizations to their external environments and those taking an internal perspective. This analysis is complemented by a short review of relevant demand and policy trends to ensure relevance of the critique.FindingsModal choice research has now reached a stage where it can provide greater depth of understanding in the relationships between this choice and organizational capabilities. Secondly, there has been a welcome increase in more internalised, qualitative research. Thirdly, while there have been some comparative industry studies more is encouraged as dialogue between researchers in different service (and manufacturing) industries will be of value as hotel internationalization meets new supply and demand conditions.Research limitations/implicationsEclectic paradigms to be supplemented by more focused industry and comparative industry studies; internal, organization focused research must account for cultural diversity amongst new hotel developers, firms and customers to prevent parochialism or ethnocentrism; more specific work could explore policy dimensions.Practical implicationsThe paper outlines some future trends which will affect the internationalization process and bases of competitiveness/competitive advantage of hotel companies.Originality/valueThrough a timely review of one of the first service businesses to internationalise the paper contributes to knowledge of hotel internationalization by a rigorous review of contemporary research and suggests a research compass for the future.
The internationalization of retailing
Authors: Doherty Anne Marie 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that motivate international retail companies to choose franchising as a method for entering international markets.Design/methodology/approachEmploys a qualitative methodology and a multiple case study design. Six major UK‐based international fashion retailers form the empirical basis for the work.FindingsFinds the motivating influences to be a combination of both organisational and environmental factors. International retailing experience, availability of financial resources, presence of a franchisable retail brand, company restructuring and influence of key managers emerge as the organisational factors while environmental influences are revealed as opportunistic approaches, local market complexities, domestic competitive pressures and availability of potential franchise partners.Practical implicationsProvides a useful source of information for those retail firms considering internationalization via the franchising method. Research is made all the more pertinent by the fact that retail service firms do not necessarily have franchising experience in the domestic market before they adopt franchising in the international environment. While findings are particular to retail firms they could also have relevance for other service sectors.Originality/valueAddresses a gap in international franchising literature by examining the factors that motivate retail firms to internationalise via franchising. As such, the paper contributes to academic and practitioner understanding of the international retail franchise process.
High performance work practices and competitive advantage in the Irish hospitality sector
Authors: Connolly Pauline , McGing Geraldine 
Published: April 2007

PurposeFailte Ireland argues that high performance work practices will provide the Irish tourist industry with the necessary competitive edge. The main focus of this study is to explore the extent of these practices in the Irish hospitality industry with particular emphasis on the practices of staff empowerment and participation.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was chosen as the most appropriate means of obtaining information from managers because respondents could be targeted in a cost effective method. A total of 71 questionnaires were mailed to managers in all three, four and five‐star hotels in the Dublin and greater Dublin area.FindingsThe data show that Dublin‐based hotels display some of the human resource practices associated with high performing work practices. There are, however, very low levels of employee participation, which many authors argue are the cornerstone of high performance practices.Practical implicationsThe Irish hotel industry is undergoing fundamental change, not least of which is the increasingly demanding and discerning clients. Customers are demanding quality products and services, speed and reliability of service, price competitiveness and innovation. If Irish hotels are to survive and remain competitive, the issue of staff representation, participation and the channels of communication will have to be addressed. Recognising, utilizing and developing their human resources may be the most significant challenge that management faces, and it is posited that those organisations that excel at this will be the industry leaders.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into the realities of management practices in hotels in an Irish setting.
A population and economic overview of Cambria County, Pennsylvania following the 1977 Johnstown Flood
Authors: Spencer Jeffrey , Myer Rick 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the extent of monetary damage, the loss of life and the effect on employment caused by 1977 Johnstown Flood and their subsequent effects on population, unemployment rate, poverty rate, per capita income, median household income, and education in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.Design/methodology/approachStatistics from 1980, 1990 and 2000 were used to create an economic and population overview of Cambria County. Short‐term and long‐term effects of the 1977 flood were examined to uncover possible trends regarding population and economics. Revealed trends might aid communities in recovering following a natural disaster.FindingsThere have been continuous decreases in population following the 1977 Johnstown Flood and a drastic increase in the unemployment rate following the flood. These findings suggest that the loss of key employers following a major natural disaster may lead to long‐term losses in the overall population.Research limitations/implicationsThese data relate to only Cambria County and may not relate to other areas. Implications suggest that following a similar natural disaster Crisis Counselors may aid community governments in rebuilding economic infrastructures and Career Counselors could assist displaced workers with retraining and job‐seeking.Originality/valueThis paper begins to explore the relationship between natural disasters and population changes.
The winning formula for growth: course, capability and conviction
Authors: Kapur Vivek , Ferris Jeffere , Juliano John , Berman Saul J. 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis study of the growth history and practices of 1,238 companies over a decade by the IBM Institute for Business Value found that top growth companies excel in three vital areas: course, capability and conviction. IBM calls this the “3Cs model.”Design/methodology/approachThe IBM research team developed a database of growth and shareholder return performance for companies included in the S&P Global 1200. Starting with the 2003 list, the team added the firms that “fell off” the listing over the preceding decade. The study worked with a final list of 1,238 companies with complete data over the decade. Collectively, this group recorded median annual revenue growth of 8.5 percent and median TSR growth of 8.8 percent.FindingsThe most successful growers: have a clear point of view on their industry, addressing both where it is headed and how they will create value in its new form or environment; are iconoclasts who evolve their product‐market portfolio on an ongoing basis; sustain the growth quest by developing multiple growth initiatives that are backed by ongoing cost and asset management to create funding; foster a culture that responds to the necessity of change, and a cadre of leaders with the passion and follow through to make the change stickResearch limitations/implicationsThe article provides a sound intellectual background for researchers who want to compile in‐depth case studies.Practical implicationsThe article advises corporate leaders to: assess their company's status against your growth ambitions and the 3C model winners follow; develop a point of view on the future and its opportunities; evolve your product market portfolio and initiatives; develop a competitive model; get to know your capabilities and align them with opportunities.Originality/valueContrary to conventional wisdom, firms with the will to be successful growers can break free of perceived constraints related to size, industry boundaries and geographic neighborhood.
Banking 2015: a classic strategy battle of scale vs focus
Authors: Hedley Kimberly , White John , Petit dit de la Roche Cormac , Banerjea Sunny 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThis article examines the trends that will likely define the future of the retail banking industry in the next decade and the strategic imperatives for success.Design/methodology/approachScenario technology and trend analysis.FindingsLarge players will generate higher aggregate profits by reaping the benefits of super scale, while niche players will aggressively pursue the most desirable customers by addressing their needs in distinct ways – those in the middle will get squeezed.Research limitations/implicationsCombining the results of the IBM CEO survey with market research and interviews with industry executives, the authors have identified five key areas of ongoing innovation that have the potential to fuel enormous growth for the retail banking industry: retail payments, mortgage loans, account and product integration, global expansion and the customer experience.Practical implicationsThere are four strategic imperatives banks must follow to cultivate innovation and position themselves for sustainable growth.Originality/valueAll banks, but small and medium sized banks especially, will have to specialize and focus on their core strengths – those activities in which they excel – and partner with best‐in‐class specialists for everything else.
Selected design aspects in CAN‐bus system connected with signal propagation in real transmission lines
Authors: Kalita Włodzimierz , Kamuda Kazimierz 
Published: April 2007

PurposeThe paper focuses on CAN‐bus based systems: a determination of the configuration parameters by analysis of their characteristic structure, topology conditions and transmission properties.Design/methodology/approachVoltage measurements were made in a test circuit of CAN‐bus together with calculations of adequate waveforms with the help of elaborated programs. The signal parameters transmitted in bus lines were logged and measured using digital oscilloscope.FindingsThe results allow some conclusions to be drawn about the correctness of assumptions in realising the configurationOriginality/valueThe results of the investigations have proved the possibilities of parameters calculation, required to choose relevant CAN controller configuration during the design.
Expression of indoleamine 2, 3‐dioxygenase and the recruitment of Foxp3‐expressing regulatory T cells in the development and progression of uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Nakamura Takafumi , Shima Tomoko , Saeki Ai , Hidaka Takao , Nakashima Akitoshi , Takikawa Osamu , Saito Shigeru 
Published: April 2007

Foxp3+ CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and immunoregulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) play an important role in immunoregulation. Accumulating evidence shows that IDO and Treg cells have potent regulatory properties for immune escape in cancer. To evaluate the expression of IDO and the localization of Foxp3+ Treg cells in the development and progression of uterine cervical cancer, IDO expression and Foxp3+ Treg cells in the primary and metastatic lesions were studied using immunohistochemistry. IDO expression in tumor cells appeared in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)‐3 of the uterine cervix and marked expression in microinvasive cancer cells was observed. Interestingly, IDO expression in invasive cancer was confined to the cancer cells at the invasive front. Moreover, antigen‐presenting cells (APC) at the invasive front in primary and metastatic lesions were also expressing IDO. Stromal Foxp3+ Treg cells appeared in CIN‐3 and increased in microinvasive and invasive cancer. Intraepithelial Foxp3+ Treg cells were restricted within microinvasive and invasive cancer. No significant differences in the proportion of Foxp3+/CD4+ in the stroma or epithelium, or between non‐metastatic and metastatic invasive cancers, were observed in primary lesions of cervical cancer, while there was a significant increase (P < 0.005) in the proportion of Foxp3+/CD4+ in metastatic lymph nodes compared with non‐metastatic lymph nodes. Some of the Foxp3+ Treg cells in metastatic lymph nodes contacted the IDO+ APC. IDO expression at the invasive front of cancer cells and APC, and the localization of Foxp3+ Treg cells in front of cancer tissues, may create a network between IDO and Treg for the induction of immune escape. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 874–881)
Indicators of ecological change: new tools for managing populations of large herbivores
Authors: MORELLET NICOLAS , GAILLARD JEAN‐MICHEL , HEWISON A. J. MARK , BALLON PHILIPPE , BOSCARDIN YVES , DUNCAN PATRICK , KLEIN FRANÇOIS , MAILLARD DANIEL 
Published: April 2007

Summary

High‐density populations of large herbivores are now widespread. Wildlife managers commonly attempt to control large herbivores through hunting to meet specific management objectives, considering population density as the minimal key source of information. Here, we review the problems of censusing populations of large herbivores and describe an alternative approach, employing indicators of ecological change.
Estimating density of large herbivores with high precision and accuracy is difficult, especially over large areas, and requires considerable investment of time, people and money. Management decisions are often made on an annual basis, informed by population changes over the previous year. However, estimating year‐to‐year changes in density is not a realistic goal for most large herbivores. Furthermore, population density per se provides no information on the relationship between the population and its habitat.
For successful management of large herbivores, we need to consider not only the fate of the population, but rather changes in both population and habitat features, as well as their interaction. Managers require information on trends in both the animal population and habitat quality in order to interpret changes in the interaction between these two compartments.
We propose that a set of indicators of animal performance, population abundance, habitat quality and/or herbivore habitat impact provides relevant information on the population–habitat system. Monitoring temporal changes in these indicators provides a new basis for setting hunting quotas to achieve specific management objectives. This sort of adaptive management is employed widely in France for managing roe deer Capreolus capreolus.
Synthesis and applications. The management of large herbivores would be improved by investing fewer resources in trying to estimate the absolute abundance of ungulates, and more resources in collecting additional data to inform understanding of the ecological status of the ungulate–habitat system being managed. This paper presents a set of indicators of ecological change for monitoring the interaction between a population and its habitat as a basis for adaptive management to attain explicit goals and to improve knowledge of the system. This approach could improve management for a variety of large herbivores, by harmonizing actions at wide spatial scales.
Clinical value of gallium‐67 SPECT scintigraphy in the diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of retroperitoneal fibrosis: a prospective study
Authors: Van Bommel E. F. H. , Siemes C. , Van Der Veer S. J. , Han S. H. , Huiskes A. W. L. C. , Hendriksz T. R. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract.Background.  Gallium‐67 (67Ga) scintigraphy may be useful in evaluating patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), but a systematic assessment of its value is lacking.Objective.  Prospective evaluation of the value of 67Ga scintigraphy in assessing active RPF disease and in predicting treatment response.Methods.  Thirty‐four patients with nonmalignant RPF treated with tamoxifen underwent 67Ga scintigraphy at baseline and – if baseline gallium scan was positive – at 3 months follow‐up. Gallium scans were visually scored according to pathologic 67Ga‐uptake compared to normal bone marrow 67Ga‐uptake. Results were correlated with other (follow‐up) measurements. Value of (follow‐up) 67Ga scintigraphy in predicting treatment response was also assessed.Results.  Gallium scans were positive in 24 patients (71%). Mass thickness was greater in patients with positive gallium scan compared with patients with negative gallium scan (P = 0.006). Visual gallium score correlated with mass thickness (P = 0.006). Visual gallium score decreased significantly following tamoxifen treatment (P < 0.0001). Decrease in visual gallium score correlated with decreases in C‐reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.019) and with decrease in mass thickness (P < 0.01). Positive predicting value (PPV) of positive baseline gallium scan was 0.71; PPV of negative follow‐up gallium scan in patients with initial positive scan was 0.89. 67Ga scintigraphy detected extra‐abdominal involvement in one patient and recurrent active disease in two symptomatic patients with normal acute‐phase reactants and stable residual mass.Conclusion.  67Ga scintigraphy is useful in assessing (recurrent) activity of RPF disease and in evaluating treatment response in patients with initial positive gallium scan.
Homocysteine‐lowering therapy does not affect inflammatory markers of atherosclerosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Bleie Ø. , Semb A. G. , Grundt H. , Nordrehaug J. E. , Vollset S. E. , Ueland P. M. , Nilsen D. W. T. , Bakken A. M. , Refsum H. , Nygård O. K. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract.Objectives.  A high level of total homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and is related to inflammation. We wanted to test the effect of homocysteine‐lowering B‐vitamin therapy, as used in the Western Norway B‐vitamin Intervention Trial (WENBIT), on inflammatory markers associated with atherosclerosis.Design.  Single centre, prospective double‐blind clinical interventional study, randomised in a 2 × 2 factorial design.Subjects and methods.  Ninety patients (21 female) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), aged 38–80 years, were blindly randomised into one of four groups of daily oral treatment with (A) folic acid (0.8 mg)/vitamin B12 (0.4 mg)/vitamin B6 (40 mg), (B) folic acid/vitamin B12, (C) vitamin B6 alone or (D) placebo. Blood samples were collected before and after 6 months of treatment.Results.  Before intervention, median levels of the analytes were: tHcy 11.0 μmol L−1, neopterin 8.1 nmol L−1, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) 3.9 ng mL−1, interleukin (IL)‐6 1.9 pg mL−1, C‐reactive protein (CRP) 1.9 mg L−1 and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 3.3 mmol L−1. tHcy was significantly associated with neopterin (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) and with IL‐6 (r = 0.29, P = 0.01), but not with CRP or sCD40L. Neither treatment with folic acid/B12 nor with B6 induced significant changes in any of these inflammatory biomarkers (P ≥ 0.14). In patients receiving folic acid/B12 (groups A and B), tHcy was reduced with 33% (P < 0.001).Conclusions.  In patients with stable CAD, homocysteine‐lowering therapy with B‐vitamins does not affect levels of inflammatory markers associated with atherogenesis. Failure to reverse inflammatory processes, may partly explain the negative results in clinical secondary B‐vitamin intervention trials.
Randomised clinical trial of a group parent education programme for Australian Indigenous families
Authors: Turner Karen MT , Richards Mary , Sanders Matthew R 
Published: April 2007

Aim:  Parenting programmes have been shown to improve children’s adjustment and reduce problem behaviour; however, little research has addressed outcomes for Indigenous families. The aim of this project was to assess the impact and cultural appropriateness of a parenting programme tailored for Indigenous families, an adaptation of the evidence‐based Group Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.Methods:  A repeated measures randomised group design methodology was used, comparing the intervention with a waitlist control condition pre‐ and post‐intervention, with a 6‐month follow‐up of the intervention group.Results:  Parents attending Group Triple P reported a significant decrease in rates of problem child behaviour and less reliance on some dysfunctional parenting practices following the intervention in comparison to waitlist families. The programme also led to greater movement from the clinical range to the non‐clinic range for mean child behaviour scores on all measures. Effects were primarily maintained at 6‐month follow‐up. Qualitative data showed generally positive responses to the programme resources, content and process. However, only a small number of waitlist families subsequently attended groups, signalling the importance of engaging families when they first make contact, helping families deal with competing demands, and offering flexible service delivery so families can resume contact when circumstances permit.Conclusions:  This study provides empirical support for the effectiveness and acceptability of a culturally tailored approach to Group Triple P conducted by Child Health and Indigenous Health workers in a community setting. The outcomes of this trial may be seen as a significant step in increasing appropriate service provision for Indigenous families and reducing barriers to accessing available services in the community.
Photos in Pediatrics
Authors: Ogawa Eiji 
Published: April 2007

On behalf of the Editors it is a great pleasure to introduce a new section in Pediatrics International– Photos in Pediatrics. The purpose of the section is to present state‐of‐the‐art images that assist in the diagnosis of both common and unusual cases of pediatric illnesses. The Editors will select photos based on their educational or artistic value and interest to the pediatric community. Submissions are welcome and must be accompanied by a brief caption for each photo as well as a description of why this image or series of photos would be of interest to our readers. All work submitted to the journal must be original and the author‘s own material, or appropriate permission obtained. Professor Yukishige Yanagawa Editor‐in‐Chief