Pricing in the hotel and catering sector

A model explaining gross margins in the hotel and catering sector is developed. A cost-mark-up model for the retail sector is used as a starting point. Although we have to reject the hypothesis of mark-up pricing in the hotel and catering sector, the model proves a useful instrument to discriminate between such influences as sales composition, costs and their various components, scale and demand conditions on price setting. Our empirical evidence stems from the Dutch hotel and catering sector (1977 through 1981)

Extended preservation and effect of nitric oxide production in liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (Ltx) has become a routine procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease. Despite ongoing progress on short- and long-term graft survival, primary dysfunction (PDF) remains a major problem. PDF is significantly associated with the duration of cold ischemia- and, possibly, with reperfusion-related injury. Nitric oxide (NO) has many physiological functions and plays an important role in modulating tissue injury. However, the mechanism of NO action in ischemia/reperfusion injury after Ltx is thus far unknown. In this study we investigated the role of inducable NO synthase (iNOS) in the liver after preservation with UW solution using the orthotopic Ltx model in the rat. Male Brown Norway rats were used for the Ltx procedure. After donor hepatectomy, livers were stored on ice-cold UW solution for 24 or 40 h and subsequently transplanted. A control group consisted of rats with Ltx after less than 1 h storage. Posttransplant blood samples were taken at 48 h to determine standard parameters for liver injury (aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase). Liver biopsies were obtained for detection of expression of iNOS (western blot) 24 and 48 h posttransplant. We observed that a preservation time of 24 h in UW solution presents no problem for graft survival after Ltx in rats with some brain function and in healthy animals. After 40 h preservation, liver damage is obvious and graft survival reduced, indicating the limits of cold storage may be within reach. With longer preservation times, more NOs was detected in liver tissue. This finding suggests that NO has a role in ischemia/reperfusion-related injury. Current intervention with NOS inhibitors will reveal whether NO has a negative or a positive effect on graft survival after Ltx.</p

Hofstadter butterflies of carbon nanotubes: Pseudofractality of the magnetoelectronic spectrum

The electronic spectrum of a two-dimensional square lattice in a perpendicular magnetic field has become known as the Hofstadter butterfly [Hofstadter, Phys. Rev. B 14, 2239 (1976).]. We have calculated quasi-one-dimensional analogs of the Hofstadter butterfly for carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For the case of single-wall CNTs, it is straightforward to implement magnetic fields parallel to the tube axis by means of zone folding in the graphene reciprocal lattice. We have also studied perpendicular magnetic fields which, in contrast to the parallel case, lead to a much richer, pseudofractal spectrum. Moreover, we have investigated magnetic fields piercing double-wall CNTs and found strong signatures of interwall interaction in the resulting Hofstadter butterfly spectrum, which can be understood with the help of a minimal model. Ubiquitous to all perpendicular magnetic field spectra is the presence of cusp catastrophes at specific values of energy and magnetic field. Resolving the density of states along the tube circumference allows recognition of the snake states already predicted for nonuniform magnetic fields in the two-dimensional electron gas. An analytic model of the magnetic spectrum of electrons on a cylindrical surface is used to explain some of the results.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figures update to published versio

Labour productivity and profitability in the Dutch flower trade

This paper makes an attempt to illustrate the use of econometric models as frame of reference for diagnosing small firm performance. For this purpose, two models are developed explaining differences in labour productivity and profitability among Dutch flower exporters. In addition, we show how these models can be used for inter-firm performance comparisons

The influence of multidisciplinary team meetings on treatment decisions in advanced bladder cancer

Objectives: To investigate the role of specialised genitourinary multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) in decision-making and identify factors that influence the probability of receiving a treatment plan with curative intent for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Patients and methods: Data relating to patients with cT2-4aN0/X-1 M0 urothelial cell carcinoma, diagnosed between November 2017 and October 2019, were selected from the nationwide, population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry (‘BlaZIB study’). Curative treatment options were defined as radical cystectomy (RC) with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, chemoradiation or brachytherapy. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MDTM factors and curative treatment advice and how this advice was followed. Results: Of the 2321 patients, 2048 (88.2%) were discussed in a genitourinary MDTM. Advanced age (&gt;80 years) and poorer World Health Organization performance status (score 1–2 vs 0) were associated with no discussion (P &lt; 0.001). Being discussed was associated with undergoing treatment with curative intent (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–4.9), as was the involvement of a RC hospital (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09–2.65). Involvement of an academic centre was associated with higher rates of bladder-sparing treatment (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.31–3.21). Patient preference was the main reason for non-adherence to treatment advice. Conclusions: For patients with MIBC, the probability of being discussed in a MDTM was associated with age, performance status and receiving treatment with curative intent, especially if a representative of a RC hospital was present. Future studies should focus on the impact of MDTM advice on survival data.</p

The influence of multidisciplinary team meetings on treatment decisions in advanced bladder cancer

Objectives: To investigate the role of specialised genitourinary multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) in decision-making and identify factors that influence the probability of receiving a treatment plan with curative intent for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Patients and methods: Data relating to patients with cT2-4aN0/X-1 M0 urothelial cell carcinoma, diagnosed between November 2017 and October 2019, were selected from the nationwide, population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry (‘BlaZIB study’). Curative treatment options were defined as radical cystectomy (RC) with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, chemoradiation or brachytherapy. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MDTM factors and curative treatment advice and how this advice was followed. Results: Of the 2321 patients, 2048 (88.2%) were discussed in a genitourinary MDTM. Advanced age (&gt;80 years) and poorer World Health Organization performance status (score 1–2 vs 0) were associated with no discussion (P &lt; 0.001). Being discussed was associated with undergoing treatment with curative intent (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–4.9), as was the involvement of a RC hospital (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09–2.65). Involvement of an academic centre was associated with higher rates of bladder-sparing treatment (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.31–3.21). Patient preference was the main reason for non-adherence to treatment advice. Conclusions: For patients with MIBC, the probability of being discussed in a MDTM was associated with age, performance status and receiving treatment with curative intent, especially if a representative of a RC hospital was present. Future studies should focus on the impact of MDTM advice on survival data.</p

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation for diagnostic bronchoscopy using a new face mask: an observational feasibility study

Contains fulltext : 89809.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)PURPOSE: Bronchoscopy is an indispensable tool for invasive pulmonary evaluation with high diagnostic yield and low incidence of major complications. However, hypoxemia increases the risk of complications, in particular after bronchoalveolar lavage. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation may prevent hypoxemia associated with bronchoalveolar lavage. The purpose of this study is to present a modified total face mask to aid bronchoscopy during non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. METHODS: A commercially available full face mask was modified to allow introduction of the bronchoscope without interfering with the ventilator circuit. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 12 hypoxemic non-ICU patients during non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the ICU. Results : Patients had severely impaired oxygen uptake as indicated by PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio 192 +/- 23 mmHg before bronchoscopy. Oxygenation improved after initiation of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. In all patients the procedure could be completed without subsequent complications, although in one patient SpO(2) decreased until 86% during bronchoscopy. A microbiological diagnosis could be established in 8 of 12 patients with suspected for infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified face mask for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is a valuable tool to aid diagnostic bronchoscopy in hypoxemic patients.1 januari 201