Comparative copro-diagnosis of Echinococcus multilocularis in experimentally infected foxes

Faecal samples from 15 foxes experimentally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis were examined until 90days post-infection (dpi) by microscopical identification of eggs isolated by flotation/sieving, by coproantigen-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA, respectively, isolated directly from the faecal samples (copro-DNA PCR) and from the eggs obtained by the flotation/sieving procedure (egg-DNA PCR). Based on egg counts, three periods of the infection were defined: pre-patent (2-29dpi), high patent (30-70dpi) and low patent periods (71-90dpi). Whereas all methods were highly sensitive with samples from the high patent period, cELISA was the most sensitive to detect pre-patent infections (63%). Samples from the low patent infections were positive in 77% by microscopy and in 80% by egg-DNA PCR, being significantly more sensitive than cELISA and copro-DNA PCR. The isolation of eggs from the faecal material proved to be more sensitive by the flotation/sieving procedure as compared to the classical concentration McMaster techniqu

The Impact of Total Quality Management Implementation on Employees’ Service Recovery Performance in Five-Star Hotels in Jordan

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of total quality management (TQM) implementations on employees’ service recovery performance in five-star hotels in Jordan. TQM implementations and service recovery performance have received significant attention in previous research. However, the impact of TQM on service recovery performance has remained unexplored research area. A 67-item questionnaire, measuring TQM implementations and service recovery, was distributed to 400 employees in 12 five-star hotels in Jordan with a 63.5 response rate. Principle Component Analysis was utilized to determine the factor structure for both TQM and service recovery and Regression Analysis to determine the impact of TQM implementations on service recovery performance. The result revealed that the TQM implementations in five-star hotels in Jordan was  implemented effectively and thus, have a positive impact on employees’ service recovery performance. This result is attributed to be unique and this is due to the fact that previous studies have focused on manufacturing sector not on hotel sector in measuring either TQM implementations or service recovery performance. This paper suggests replicating the study in additional settings to determine if similar results will be obtained outside five-star-hotels in Jordan. Many of the previous studies on TQM and service recovery performance have been conducted in the context of western economies and very little research has been done in the Middle East in general and Jordan in particular. As such, there is a need to examine, from the employees’ perspective, the levels of implementing TQM that are being encouraged in the hospitality industry and it is effect on service recovery performance among employees towards their both employers and customers. The present paper contributes to filling the gap in the literature by measuring the TQM implementations and service recovery as a whole in a new context. Keywords: Total Quality Management (TQM), Service Failure, Service Recovery Performance, Hotels, Jordan

Understanding the Impact of Empowerment on Employees Innovation Performance: Evidence from the Jordanian Hotel Industry

This research aimed to measure the impact of empowerment on employees’ innovation performance at five-star hotels in Jordan. The research applied the two main perspectives of empowerment (i.e., structural empowerment and psychological empowerment). A 35-item questionnaire, measuring empowerment and innovation performance, was distributed to 400 employees working in 12 five-star hotels in Jordan with a 63.5 response rate. Principle component analysis was utilized to determine the factor structure for both empowerment and innovation performance and regression analysis to determine the impact of empowerment on innovation performance. The results reveal that both forms of empowerment have a positive and significant impact on innovation performance. However, structural empowerment has a stronger impact on innovation performance than psychological empowerment. The results also show that integrating the two perspectives of empowerment together has clearly a higher level of impact on innovation performance than structural and psychological empowerment does when both taken separately. This research provides new insights into the existing literature, implications and directions for future research. Keywords: employee empowerment, structural / psychological empowerment, innovation performance, hotels, and Jordan DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/44-02 Publication date:October 31st 201

Shyness and its Relation with Self-esteem in Light of Some Variables

This study aimed at addressing shyness for learning disabilities students in the province of Irbid in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The descriptive-correlative approach was used. The sample consisted of (250) male and female learning disabilities students of grades two and four at public school in the province of Irbid. To achieve study objectives, shyness scale was developed, and the validity and reliability of its indicators we verified. Findings revealed that the level of shyness for learning disabilities students in the province of Irbid was moderate. They, also, revealed that the presence of statistical differences in the level of shyness for learning disabilities students attributable to the variable of gender. These differences came in favor of females. Furthermore, findings revealed the absence of statistical differences attributable to grade. In light of the findings, the researcher recommends raising the self-esteem level for students through co-operation between school administrations, teachers and guardians. It is also recommended that other researchers to conduct other developmental studies and compare the shyness levels for students in multiple age groups and environments

Parents’ Role in Gifted Students’ Educational Issues and Development

The purpose of this research is to assess the role of parents in the education of children with exceptional intellect. This study is a qualitative and descriptive research effort conducted with parental participation. The researcher created an interview grid as the primary instrument, which was verified by two individuals before to use. Several approaches, including observation, the inspection of documents, and interviews, were used to collect data. Data triangulation, source triangulation, time triangulation, method triangulation, and outcome triangulation were used to validate the data. The Miles-Huberman-Saldana paradigm for data analysis consists of four stages: data collection, data compression, data presentation, and accuracy verification. The studys results reveal, among other things, that it is the obligation of parents to seek information and identify the features of gifted children in order to determine the educational needs of their gifted children. This is one of the recommendations that may be derived from the studys results. Provide support to intelligent youths in choosing and identifying suitable educational institutions. Providing talented children with aid in resolving interpersonal disputes generated by their perfectionism and authoritarianism is an essential component of their educational experience. It is a vital part of education to assist pupils in overcoming the internal obstacles they confront as bright persons to determine if a more effective mentorship technique for teaching talented students can be used in the classroom

MEDIATING ROLE OF EMPOWERMENT BETWEEN TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) AND SERVICE RECOVERY PERFORMANCE IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY

The purpose of this research was to examine the mediating effect of empowerment on the linkage between Total Quality Management (TQM) and service recovery performance in the hotel industry. Although much has been written about TQM, empowerment and service recovery performance, but the role of empowerment as a mediator in the relationship between TQM and service recovery performance has remained a relatively unexplored research area. A 93-item questionnaire is designed to measure TQM, empowerment and service recovery amongst employees in five-star hotels in Jordan, and 254 usable questionnaires were used in this study. Principal components analysis determined the factor structure and regression analysis determined the relationships between the study’s variables. The results revealed that the TQM implementations have positive effects on empowerment and service recovery performance. Moreover, the study found the full mediating effect of empowerment in the relationship between TQM and service recovery performance. Implications, limitations and future research are discussed at the end. This study proposes model of influence of TQM in service recovery performance, whereby empowerment fully mediates this relationship

Food Safety Training: A Study of Food Handlers Working in Hotels in the North of Jordan

In spite of decenniums of advancement, a numerous foodborne outbreaks continue to occur each year; these were mostly happening due to malpractices of employees working in foodservices. This study aims to investigate the role of food safety training in improving food handlers' practices through the application of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) model. Primary data were collected using a self-completed questionnaires that were collected from 100 Food and Beverage (F&B) employees working in hotels at the north of Jordan. Findings confirmed the role of food safety training in increasing F&B employees’ knowledge which positively correlates with their food handling practices. Furthermore, this study explored work environment elements affecting the transformation of learned knowledge into proper food handling practices; these include management motivation, availability of necessary resources and facilities and reinforcement programs. The study contributed to knowledge by employing the aforementioned variables to produce an adapted version of the KAP model