Jane Ali-Knight

Bio: Jane Ali-Knight is an academic researcher from Edinburgh Napier University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Tourism & Cultural tourism. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 37 publications receiving 1468 citations. Previous affiliations of Jane Ali-Knight include Curtin University.

The environmental attitudes and practices of family businesses in the rural tourism and hospitality sectors

Abstract: This paper examines the environmental goals of rural, family owned/operated tourism business with a view to evaluating their conservation ethic and commitment to sustainable tourism. From a survey of 198 family businesses in Western Australia, it was determined that about half of them had implemented a range of sustainable management practices. Future research needs are identified, and management ideas are suggested which could encourage the adoption of sustainable tourism practices in rural family businesses.

Festival and Events Management

Abstract: Festival and Events Management: an international perspective is a unique text looking at the central role of events management in the cultural, tourism and arts industries. With international contributions from industry and academia, the text looks at the following: * Events & cultural environments * Managing the arts & leisure experience * Marketing, policies and strategies of art and leisure management Chapters include exercises, and additional teaching materials and solutions to questions are provided as part of an accompanying online resource.

Wine Tourism — A Thirst for Knowledge?

Abstract: Wine tourism is a growing segment of the tourism industry. Wine tourists are not a homogeneous group, but seek differing components of the overall wine tourism experience. This research evaluates their demand for an educational element in the overall process, within Australia. Personal surveys were carried out in two wine regions in Western Australia. Respondents were questioned on their previous experience of wine education, the possibilities for learning at the cellar door, the benefits of wine education, and how far their expectations for wine education had been met. The research yielded findings from which broad visitor profiles of the Western Australian wine tourist can be constructed, as well as general conclusions on the provision of wine education at the cellar door. Some variation between responses from the two regions are also reported.

Intrastate Travel Experiences of International Students and Their Perceptions of Western Australia as a Tourist Destination

Abstract: This paper presents initial findings from a study examining the impact on Western Australian (WA) tourism of the growing number of international students in the state. Focusing on one university with the largest number of international students (3946 onshore students in 2000) the study examines the intrastate travel behaviour and student perception of WA as a tourist destination. Both undergraduate and postgraduate international students were sent a self-administered questionnaire (296 usable responses were obtained) and this paper presents the findings about the travel experiences of these students while doing their studies in the state. The results indicate the importance of the international student market for regional tourism and confirm its contribution to the domestic tourism market.

Updated guidelines for using Interferon Gamma Release Assays to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection - United States, 2010.

Abstract: n 2005, CDC published guidelines for using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (QFT-G) (Cellestis Limited, Carnegie, Victoria, Australia) (CDC. Guidelines for using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, United States. MMWR;54[No. RR-15]:49-55). Subsequently, two new interferon gamma (IFN- gamma) release assays (IGRAs) were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as aids in diagnosing M. tuberculosis infection, both latent infection and infection manifesting as active tuberculosis. These tests are the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT) (Cellestis Limited, Carnegie, Victoria, Australia) and the T-SPOT.TB test (T-Spot) (Oxford Immunotec Limited, Abingdon, United Kingdom). The antigens, methods, and interpretation criteria for these assays differ from those for IGRAs approved previously by FDA. For assistance in developing recommendations related to IGRA use, CDC convened a group of experts to review the scientific evidence and provide opinions regarding use of IGRAs. Data submitted to FDA, published reports, and expert opinion related to IGRAs were used in preparing these guidelines. Results of studies examining sensitivity, specificity, and agreement for IGRAs and TST vary with respect to which test is better. Although data on the accuracy of IGRAs and their ability to predict subsequent active tuberculosis are limited, to date, no major deficiencies have been reported in studies involving various populations. This report provides guidance to U.S. public health officials, health-care providers, and laboratory workers for use of FDA-approved IGRAs in the diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection in adults and children. In brief, TSTs and IGRAs (QFT-G, QFT-GIT, and T-Spot) may be used as aids in diagnosing M. tuberculosis infection. They may be used for surveillance purposes and to identify persons likely to benefit from treatment. Multiple additional recommendations are provided that address quality control, test selection, and medical management after testing. Although substantial progress has been made in documenting the utility of IGRAs, additional research is needed that focuses on the value and limitations of IGRAs in situations of importance to medical care or tuberculosis control. Specific areas needing additional research are listed.