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We have generated an improved assembly and gene annotation of the pig X Chromosome, and a first draft assembly of the pig Y Chromosome, by sequencing BAC and fosmid clones from Duroc animals and incorporating information from optical mapping and fiber-FISH. The X Chromosome carries 1033 annotated genes, 690 of which are protein coding. Gene order closely matches that found in primates (including humans) and carnivores (including cats and dogs), which is inferred to be ancestral. Nevertheless, several protein-coding genes present on the human X Chromosome were absent from the pig, and 38 pig-specific X-chromosomal genes were annotated, 22 of which were olfactory receptors. The pig Y-specific Chromosome sequence generated here comprises 30 megabases (Mb). A 15-Mb subset of this sequence was assembled, revealing two clusters of male-specific low copy number genes, separated by an ampliconic region including the HSFYgene family, which together make up most of the short arm. Both clusters contain palindromes with high sequence identity, presumably maintained by gene conversion. Many of the ancestral X-related genes previously reported in at least one mammalian Y Chromosome are represented either as active genes or partial sequences. This sequencing project has allowed us to identify genes—both single copy and amplified—on the pig Y Chromosome, to compare the pig X and Y Chromosomes for homologous sequences, and thereby to reveal mechanisms underlying pig X and Y Chromosome evolution.

The article reports on guidelines to align consumer and employer brands which include recognizing the similarities of consumer and employer branding, creating the environment for an employee and employer marketing activity, and working together for the project. Topics mentioned include the importance of employee engagement in business, according to communications and marketing specialists Edelman Inc., the customer services management, and the business development due to employer branding.

The article offers suggestions on driving and managing personal performance of the employee. Topics discussed include establishment of high level of organizational performance, setting long-term goals from the beginning, trust in relationship, supporting and encouraging the employees, regular feedbacks to the employees, encouraging team excellence in performance management and encouraging open communication approach while managing performance.

The article discusses ways on how to address people challenges of 2015 according to winners of the 2014 Best Places to Work in Hospitality awards. Topics covered include the importance of coaching and mentoring as cited by Ceri Gott, human resource (HR) director of restaurant group Hawksmoor, the need to help employees improve their financial awareness, according to Sean Wheeler, area director of human resources for properties of hotel operator Dorchester Collection in Great Britain.

This article focuses on the increase in the use of social technology by businesses in the hospitality industry in Great Britain. It discusses the concept of social technology, its benefits to hospitality businesses and guests, and results of a study conducted by HR Consultant Silkroad on the implementation of social technology within businesses' people strategy.

The article offers guidance on how managers and owners of hospitality businesses in Great Britain can boost employee engagement and at the same time promote growth and profitability. It cites Gallup data on the economic impact of low employee engagement and a Purple Cubed study on the effectiveness of simple approach and sustained effort in facilitating employee engagement. It also advises regarding people promise, adult-to-adult communication, and continuous checking of engagement levels.

The article highlights strategies on training the next batch of hospitality industry leaders. Topics discussed the needed managerial posts to be filled in the industry by 2022 and the three ways to start leadership development including having a clear definition of leadership principles, advantages associated with the "just in time" learning and the importance of investing in a mentoring program.

The article discusses ways on how organisations in the hospitality industry can prepare their talent proposition for the future. It recommends the use of technology to ensure better communication resulting to efficiency and progress, the intrapreneurship concept under which employees are allowed and encouraged to create new solutions which can lead to increased productivity and the adoption of flexible working practices than can benefit both employers and employees.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article on employee incentives in the June 12, 2015 issue.