Editorial: Tourism Innovation and Resilience during Uncertainty

This special issue aims to deepen understanding on innovation and resilience aspects in tourism by following a multi-disciplinary approach that uncovers the internal and external dynamics that affect the evolution, planning and development of tourism at times of uncertainty. Judging by the collection of articles published in this special issue which present rich research findings that carry theoretical and practical implications, it seems that the aim has been successfully achieved. The special issue comprises of eight articles examining resilience and innovation in hospitality and tourism settings, showcasing findings from a variety of study contexts both in terms of sector and geographical location

Investigating the triangular relationship between Temporary event workforce, event employment businesses and event organisers

This study examines issues of talent management in events. Specifically, it investigates the triangular relationship that exists amongst temporary event workforces, event employment businesses and event organisers. A mixed method design was used including 1) a quantitative survey of UK Temporary Event Workers (TEW) to examine their characteristics and motivations to work at events; 2) a qualitative survey with Event organisers (EOs) to understand the reasons for using Temporary Event Workers and Event Employment Businesses and 3) interviews with Event Employment Businesses (EEBs) to understand their challenges in delivering best-fit between Temporary Event Workers and Event organisers. This study sheds light on the complex relationships amongst temporary event workforces, event organisers and event employment businesses. Findings show TEW who display high levels of affective commitment towards their employment organisation, and possess the characteristics of extraversion and contentiousness, are highly motivated to work at events. Event organisers suggest their operational restrictions (such as limited resources, time and expertise) are fuelling the need to use Event Employment Businesses to source staff with the right skills and attitudes. In turn, these recruiters demonstrate they play an active role in reconciling the often-conflicting needs of Event Organisers and Temporary Event Workers. This study extends knowledge and understanding on Talent Management (TM) in events by providing insights into the characteristics of TEW as a growing labour market segment in the event sector. Significantly, the study contributes to a better understanding of the critical role that Event Employment Businesses play in theN/

The Impact of Ammonium to Nitrate Ratio on the Growth and Nutritional Status of Kale

The effect of four NH4:NO3 ratios in the nutrient solution (0:100; 25:75; 50:50 and 75:25) on growth and nutrient concentrations of four kale (Brassica oleraceae L. var. acephala) hybrids: ‘CN KAL 1029’, ‘Redbor’, ‘Winnetou’, ‘Reflex’ and  one indigenous cultivar: ‘Ntopia Mytilinis’ was investigated. In the first four weeks of cultivation none of the NH4/NO3 ratios applied induced adverse effects on most growth characteristics determined whereas plants grown with 75% NH4-N accumulated higher leaf N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations. After an eight week period, plants under 75% NH4-N showed significant reductions in many growth parameters suggesting a probable preference of kale plants grown for a prolonged period towards either a complete exclusion of NH4 from the nutrient solution or a 25:75 or a 50:50 NH4/NO3 ratio. Among the genotypes tested, ‘Ntopia Mytilinis’ produced the greatest yield with the lowest leaf nitrate accumulation.&nbsp

Le récepteur syndecan-1 contrôle l'expression de MMP-9 au cours de la migration des kératinocytes

La phase de l'épithélialisation de la réparation cutanée se déroule en impliquant plusieurs processus dynamiques et interactifs pendant lesquels les kératinocytes migrent, prolifèrent et se différentient afin de reconstruire la fonction de la barrière. La migration des kératinocytes est l'événement qui détermine l'efficacité du processus entier. Le comportement migratoire est contrôlé au même temps au niveau extracellulaire et intracellulaire et dépend d'interactions dynamiques entre les cellules et leur environnement extracellulaire, des facteurs de croissance et des cytokines. Parmi les protéines de la matrice extracellulaire, la laminine 332 est un substrat d'adhésion majeur des kératinocytes qui joue un rôle important au cours de la migration des kératinocytes, travers son domaine LG4/5 localisé à l'extrémité carboxy-terminale de sa chaine a. Des études récentes ont rapporté que l'induction de la migration des kératinocytes par LG4/5 est dépendante des Métalloprotéinases Matricielles pro-migratoires (MMP)-9 et -1 qui jouent des rôles essentiels au cours de la cicatrisation et surtout pendant la ré-épithélialisation. Etant donné que des travaux antérieurs du laboratoire ont montré que le domaine LG4/5 participe à la dynamique du cytosquelette et à la motilité cellulaire au travers de liaisons avec les récepteurs de type de protéoglycanes à heparane sulfate, syndécan-1 et -4 on a regardé l'implication potentielle de ces récepteurs au processus. Afin d'analyser la participation possible des syndecans dans ce processus, nous avons développé une approche de mutagénèse dirigée dans la protéine LG4/5 recombinante pour altérer les sites de liaison aux syndécan-1 ou -4. Notre analyse PCR et nos résultats de zymographie ont révélé une différence du profile d'activation des MMPs en fonction de la mutation produite et donc de la capacité de la protéine à recruter le syndécan-1 ou le syndécan-4, ainsi que le syndécan-1, et pas la syndécan-4, est impliqué dans l'activation de la production de la MMP-9 par LG4/5. Nous avons ensuite confirmé ces résultats en réduisant l'expression du syndécan-1 dans des kératinocytes et on a pu aussi montrer que le traitement avec des cytokines telles que TNFalpha et IL-1beta, connues pour leur capacité d'induire l'activation de la MMP-9, a produit le même résultat dans ce systéme. L'addition de l'héparine dans nos experiences a inhibé l'activation de l'expression de MMP-9 suggerant que les heparanes sulfates dans syndecan-1 sont impliqué au mécanisme. Pour confirmer ces résultats des experiences avec des séries de syndecan-1 mutés sont en cours. Pour conclure, nos résultats montrent pour la première fois un rôle important de syndecan-1 à l'expression de MMP-9 suggérant que sa re-distribution au front des kératinocytes migratoires puisse éventuellement être liée au clivage ou à la dégradation des protéines de la matrice extracellulaire. En plus, nos résultats proposent que le domain LG4/5 de la laminin 332 libéré soit capable d'affecter la balance de l'expression de la MMP-9 lors de la migration des kératinocytes en leur permettant de traverser le caillot de fibrineDuring skin repair, the epithelialization phase occurs by an orderly series of events whereby keratinocytes migrate, proliferate, and differentiate to restore the barrier function. Keratinocyte migration determines the efficiency of the overall wound repair process. The migratory behaviour is governed at both the extracellular and intracellular levels and depends on the carefully balanced dynamic interactions of the cells with ECM components, growth factors and cytokines. Among extracellular matrix proteins, laminin 332, known as a major adhesion substrate for keratinocytes was shown to contribute to skin reepithelialization through its a3 chain C-terminal domains LG45. Recent studies have reported that LG45 induces keratinocyte migration, an event that relies on the involvement of the pro-migratory matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -9, two MMPs known to play a role in the reepithelialization phase of wound healing. As findings from our laboratory have reported that LG45 domains participate in cytoskeleton dynamic and cell movement through binding of the heparan sulphate proteoglycans syndecan-1 and -4, we analyzed the potential involvement of these receptors in this process. To that end, we have developed a site-directed mutagenesis approach within a recombinant LG45 protein to alter either the syndecan-1 or syndecan-4 binding site. Our PCR analysis and zymography results revealed that depending on the mutants, syndecan-1 or syndecan-4 recruitment induced different MMP activation profile and suggested that syndecan-1 plays a role in LG45 induced MMP-9 expression and activation. We confirmed these results by down regulating syndecans expression in keratinocytes and revealed that this phenomenon also occurred when cells were treated with TNFalpha or IL1beta, two cytokines known to up-regulate MMP-9 expression. Addition of heparin in these experiments abolished MMP-9 expression activation suggesting that syndecan-1 heparan sulfate moieties are involved in this mechanism. Confirming experiments using a series of mutated syndecan-1 in their ectodomain (lacking glycosaminoglycan chains) or in their cytoplasmic tail are ongoing in the lab. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time that syndecan-1 plays a pivotal role in MMP-9 expression, suggesting that its re-distribution at the front edge of migrating keratinocyte may have a role to play in the cleavage or degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. Our results further suggest that the released laminin 332 LG45 domain has the ability to impact the MMP9 expression balance during keratinocyte migration therefore facilitating their path through the fibrin clo

Laminin 332 in junctional epidermolysis and as autoantigen in mucous membrane pemphigoid (Part I -Chapter 9)

International audienceLaminin 332, with chain composition α3β3γ2, is a component of basement membranes localized beneath specialized epithelia with secretory or protective function. This protein plays a pivotal structural role as it directly connects basal epithelial cells to the underlying extracellular matrix molecular networks. Its deficiency in human inherited and autoimmune disorders has emphasized the importance of laminin 332 for the structural integrity of the dermal-epidermal junction in skin. The junctional form of epidermolysis bullosa, a skin disease characterized by loss of cohesion between the epidermis and the dermis that results in blister formation and chronic wounds, is caused by genetic mutations in several different genes encoding proteins of the epidermal adhesion complex such as the three chains of laminin 332. Besides, autoimmune disorders affecting laminin 332 belong to the mucous membrane pemphigoid heterogeneous group of rare autoimmune blistering disease. Antilaminin 332 autoantibodies cause erosive lesions followed by scarring of the skin and mucous membranes. This chapter reviews the molecular characteristics of laminin 332, its organisation within basement membranes and its involvement in bullous diseases

The role of c-Src in lung cancer, its metastasis and anti-cancer therapy

Editoria

Chaordic Destination Image Formulation through Gastronomy Perspectives: Evidence from Greece

Purpose: The study evaluates the complex behaviour of tourists in terms of the formulation of destination image related to its gastronomy. Through the examination of gastronomic image, memorability of experiences and food personality traits such as neophobia and neophilia, the research investigates the chaordic (chaos versus order) systems and provides specific pathways that formulate the gastronomic destination image. Design/methodology/approach: Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the study examines the chaordic relations amongst memorable tourism experiences, gastronomic neophobia and neophilia, and gastronomic image upon the formulation of destination image. It also includes two grouping variables (nationality [stratified]; age). Findings: Three sufficient configurations were revealed that can lead to the formulation of destination image, explaining the attributional gastronomic decision-making of holidaymakers. These solutions concern: (i) food personality traits (ii) generated experience, and (iii) gastronomic image. Research limitations/implications: Despite the need for examining the complexity and the chaordic systems in the gastronomic domain, the lack of a sufficient number of studies employing fsQCA hinders its full potential. The complete lack of gastronomic studies employing this method highlights the necessity of its use for research in the respective field. Originality/value: This study explores the complexity of how food-related personality traits influence the attainment of memorable tourism experiences and the formulation of gastronomic image, and how the chaordic systems influence the overall image of a destination

Chaordic Destination Image Formulation through Gastronomy Perspectives: Evidence from Greece

Purpose: The study evaluates the complex behaviour of tourists in terms of the formulation of destination image related to its gastronomy. Through the examination of gastronomic image, memorability of experiences and food personality traits such as neophobia and neophilia, the research investigates the chaordic (chaos versus order) systems and provides specific pathways that formulate the gastronomic destination image. Design/methodology/approach: Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the study examines the chaordic relations amongst memorable tourism experiences, gastronomic neophobia and neophilia, and gastronomic image upon the formulation of destination image. It also includes two grouping variables (nationality [stratified]; age). Findings: Three sufficient configurations were revealed that can lead to the formulation of destination image, explaining the attributional gastronomic decision-making of holidaymakers. These solutions concern: (i) food personality traits (ii) generated experience, and (iii) gastronomic image. Research limitations/implications: Despite the need for examining the complexity and the chaordic systems in the gastronomic domain, the lack of a sufficient number of studies employing fsQCA hinders its full potential. The complete lack of gastronomic studies employing this method highlights the necessity of its use for research in the respective field. Originality/value: This study explores the complexity of how food-related personality traits influence the attainment of memorable tourism experiences and the formulation of gastronomic image, and how the chaordic systems influence the overall image of a destination

Preparation and Evaluation of Collagen-Based Patches as Curcumin Carriers

Patients with psoriasis are dissatisfied with the standard pharmacological treatments, whether systemic or topical, with many of them showing interest in complementary and alternative medicine. Curcumin (Cur), a natural polyphenol derived from turmeric, has recently gained attention for skin-related diseases because of its proven anti-inflammatory action. However, topical treatment with Cur would be inadequate because of its hydrophobicity, instability, and low bioavailability. In addition, hyperkeratosis and lack of moisture in psoriatic skin result in low penetration that would prevent actives from permeating the stratum corneum. In this work, a polymer-based formulation of Cur for the topical treatment of psoriasis is reported. To improve the physicochemical stability of Cur, it was first encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles. The Cur-loaded nanoparticles were incorporated in a hydrophilic, biocompatible collagen-based patch. The nanoparticle-containing porous collagen patches were then chemically cross-linked. Morphology, chemical interactions, swelling ratio, enzymatic hydrolysis, and Cur release from the patches were evaluated. All patches showed excellent swelling ratio, up to ~1500%, and after cross-linking, the pore size decreased, and their hydrolysis rates decelerated. The in vitro release of Cur was sustained with an initial burst release, reaching 55% after 24 h. Cur within the scaffolds imparted a proliferation inhibitory effect on psoriatic human keratinocytes in vitro

Preliminary Evaluation of 3D Printed Chitosan/Pectin Constructs for Biomedical Applications

In the present study, chitosan (CS) and pectin (PEC) were utilized for the preparation of 3D printable inks through pneumatic extrusion for biomedical applications. CS is a polysaccharide with beneficial properties; however, its printing behavior is not satisfying, rendering the addition of a thickening agent necessary, i.e., PEC. The influence of PEC in the prepared inks was assessed through rheological measurements, altering the viscosity of the inks to be suitable for 3D printing. 3D printing conditions were optimized and the effect of different drying procedures, along with the presence or absence of a gelating agent on the CS-PEC printed scaffolds were assessed. The mean pore size along with the average filament diameter were measured through SEM micrographs. Interactions among the characteristic groups of the two polymers were evident through FTIR spectra. Swelling and hydrolysis measurements confirmed the influence of gelation and drying procedure on the subsequent behavior of the scaffolds. Ascribed to the beneficial pore size and swelling behavior, fibroblasts were able to survive upon exposure to the ungelated scaffolds