Search

Intratracheal instillation (ITI) is considered the most pragmatic approach for investigating the potential toxicities of various respiratory exposure materials. Various respiratory exposure materials, including nanomaterials, hazardous air pollutants, fine dust, and household biocides, have raised public health concerns because of limited toxicological information and increasing consumption. Hence, toxicity studies using ITI in laboratory animals are important to accurately assess the human risks associated with these respiratory-exposed materials. However, data to adequately support the study design of ITI toxicity studies, particularly those examining the effects of commonly used vehicles following repeated exposure are insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of 16 types of commonly used vehicles in toxicity studies following 14-day repeated ITI in mice. General health endpoints (mortality, clinical signs, and body weight) were monitored throughout the study period, and terminal endpoints (gross observation, lung weight, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, and lung histopathological examination) were assessed after terminal sacrifice. Saline and phosphate-buffered saline elicited the least response, whereas corn oil (50 µL) showed the most severe toxicity findings. In addition, several commonly used vehicles, including distilled water, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, Tween 20, and Tween 80, induced mild-to-severe toxicity in the respiratory system. Based on the results of this study, some commonly used vehicles in toxicity studies should be used with caution when the ITI exposure route is considered. These results provide important background information on the effects of vehicles in ITI toxicity studies along with valuable insights for designing toxicity studies using respiratory exposure materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bis‐diamine was developed as amebicidal and male contraceptive agents; however, it is also reported to induce characteristic congenital heart defects especially in the cardiac conotruncal area of rats. Because of its characteristic congenital heart defects, bis‐diamine‐induced animal models can be used for studying congenital heart defects. However, comprehensive toxicological information regarding bis‐diamine‐induced congenital heart defects in this animal model is not available. Methods: In this study, we investigated and characterized an animal model for bis‐diamine‐induced congenital heart defects. A single dose of 200‐mg bis‐diamine was administered by oral gavage to pregnant rats on gestation day 10, and then observed the representative toxicological endpoints for general systemic health of pregnant rats, embryo‐fetal development, and parturition. Results: Characteristic congenital heart defects and other birth defects similar to DiGeorge syndrome were observed in bis‐diamine‐administered pregnant rats. In addition, developmental and reproductive toxicity findings, including increased postimplantation loss, decreased fetal weight, increased perinatal death, and increased gestation period, were observed in bis‐diamine‐administered pregnant rats. In particular, these developmental and reproductive toxicities were observed without maternal toxicity findings. Conclusion: These results will be useful to use this animal model for further studies in congenital heart defects, cardiovascular defects, and understanding their mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) is a transcriptional factor that drives embryonic stem cells to neuroendocrine cells in lung development and is highly expressed in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the prognostic role of SOX2 and its relationship with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has not been determined in SCLC. Herein, we assessed the expression of SOX2 and CD8+ TILs to obtain insights into the prognostic role of SOX2 and CD8+ TILs in limited-stage (LS)-SCLC. Methods: A total of 75 patients with LS-SCLC was enrolled. The SOX2 expression and CD8+ TILs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results: High SOX2 and CD8+ TIL levels were identified in 52 (69.3%) and 40 (53.3%) patients, respectively. High SOX2 expression was correlated with increased density of CD8+ TILs (p = 0.041). Unlike SOX2, high CD8+ TIL numbers were associated with significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS; 13.9 vs. 8.0 months, p = 0.014). Patients with both high SOX2 expression and CD8+ TIL numbers (n = 29, 38.7%) had significantly longer PFS and overall survival (OS) compared to those from the other groups (median PFS 19.3 vs. 8.4 months; p = 0.002 and median OS 35.7 vs. 17.4 months; p = 0.004, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the combination of high SOX2 expression and CD8+ TIL levels was an independent good prognostic factor for OS (HR = 0.471, 95% CI, 0.250–0.887, p = 0.02) and PFS (HR = 0.447, 95% CI, 0.250–0.801, p = 0.007) in SCLC. Conclusions: Evaluation of the combination of SOX2 and CD8+ TIL levels may be of a prognostic value in LS-SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the growing recognition of the importance of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles in various industries, particularly in relation to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The article highlights the lack of comprehensive research on ESG as a strategic tool in the academic domain. The special issue of the journal focuses on ESG management and marketing concerns in the tourism and hospitality industry, featuring 10 empirical papers from researchers in different countries. The articles cover topics such as corporate governance, ESG practices in the restaurant industry, consumer skepticism, employee behavior, web accessibility, and the involvement of international tourism organizations in incorporating SDGs. The authors express their appreciation to the contributors and reviewers of the special issue. [Extracted from the article]

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) are widely used in various commercial applications because of their characteristic properties. People can be easily exposed to CeO2 NPs in real life, but the safety assessment of CeO2 NPs has not been fully investigated. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a combined repeated-dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity screening study (OECD testing guideline 422) to investigate the potential hazards on human health, including reproductive/developmental functions, after repeated daily CeO2 NPs oral gavage administration to both males and females. In addition, tissues from parental animals and their pups were collected to analyze the internal accumulation of cerium. CeO2 NPs were orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats at doses of 0, 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg during their pre-mating, mating, gestation and early lactation periods. In the general systemic and reproductive/developmental examinations, no marked toxicities were observed in any in-life and terminal observation parameters in this study. In the biodistribution analysis, cerium was not detected in either parental or pup tissues (blood, liver, lungs and kidneys). Repeated oral exposure of CeO2 NPs did not induce marked toxicities affecting general systemic and reproductive/developmental functions up to the dose level of 1000 mg/kg and the CeO2 NPs were not systemically absorbed in parental animals or their pups. This result could be used in risk assessment for humans, and additional toxicity studies with CeO2 NPs will be necessary considering various physicochemical properties and exposure probabilities of these nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We test whether a bias exists in analyst recommendations for firms that file for bankruptcy during 1995-2001. We fail to find overoptimism in analyst recommendations, including those of affiliated analysts. Our multivariate analysis of the market reaction to changes in analyst recommendations indicates that prior affiliation exerts no impact on either returns or trading volume. We find that the market does not view recommendation upgrades by affiliated analysts as biased since there is no price reversal following these recommendation changes. Overall, our results suggest that recently passed legislation to reduce analysts' conflicts of interest might be an overreaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We sought to assess the prognostic significance of lymph node ratio (LNR) and N stage in patients undergoing D2 gastrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy, S-1, and XELOX and to compare the efficacy of them according to LNRs and N stages to evaluate the clinical impact of using LNRs compared with using N staging.Methods: Patients undergoing D2 gastrectomy with adequate lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II/III gastric cancer between Mar 2011 and Dec 2016 were analysed. Of the 477 patients enrolled, 331 received S-1 and 146 received XELOX. LNR groups were segregated as 0, 0-0.1, 0.1-0.25, and > 0.25 (LNR0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimise potential selection bias and compare DFS and OS stratified by LNRs and N stages in the two treatment groups.Results: After PSM, the sample size of each group was 110 patients, and variables were well balanced. All patients had more than 15 examined lymph nodes (median 51, range 16~124). In multivariate analysis, LNR (> 0.25) and N stage (N3) showed independent prognostic value in OS and DFS, but LNR (> 0.25) showed better prognostic value. In subgroup analysis, the LNR3 group showed better 5-year DFS (20% vs 54%; HR 0.29; p = 0.004) and 5-year OS (26% vs 67%; HR 0.28; p = 0.020) in the XELOX group. The N3 group showed better 5-year DFS (38% vs 66%; HR 0.40; p = 0.004) and 5-year OS (47% vs 71%; HR 0.45; p = 0.019) in the XELOX group. Stage IIIC showed better 5-year DFS (22% vs 57%; HR 0.32; p = 0.004) and 5-year OS (27% vs 68%; HR 0.32; p = 0.009) in the XELOX group. The LNR3 group within N3 patients showed better 5-year DFS (21% vs 55%; HR 0.31; p = 0.004) and 5-year OS (27% vs 68%; HR 0.34; p = 0.018) in the XELOX group.Conclusions: LNR showed better prognostic value than N staging. LNR3, N3 and stage IIIC groups showed the superior efficacy of XELOX to that of S-1. And the LNR3 group within N3 patients showed more survival benefit from XELOX. LNR > 0.25, N3 stage and stage IIIC were the discriminant factors for selecting XELOX over S-1.Trial Registration: Not applicable (retrospective study). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines how organizational error management culture influences organizational commitment and employee turnover intention through employee psychological safety and perceived fairness. Data was collected from 173 hotel employees in Hong Kong. Using structural equation modeling, this study found that (1) error management culture positively influences employee psychological safety and perceived fairness; (2) error management culture had significant indirect effect on employee' s turnover intentions, sequentially mediated by perceived fairness, psychological safety and organization commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt has been made to use an instrumented TUG (iTUG) that complements the limitations of the traditional "timed up and go" (TUG). However, the variables that represent the characteristics of a faller have been reported to be different among preceding studies with iTUG. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a fall prediction model based on three years follow-up study with iTUG. Total 69 subjects participated in this experiment: 26 fallers (4 male and 22 female) who fell within 12 months from the first year measurement date and those newly fallen within 12 months from the second and third year measurement day were added up, and 43 non-fallers (11 male and 32 female) who had no falls. ITUG was performed once a year (two experiments per year) for three consecutive years using IMU sensor system (APDM Inc.). Among 30 variables, the final fall prediction model with logistic regression analysis consisted of five variables such as the duration of the total and the sit-to-stand phase, peak velocity of trunk sagittal plane and range of motion of trunk horizontal plane during gait phase and peak turn velocity during the turn-to-sit phase. Prediction accuracy using the receiver operation characteristic curve was 69.9 %. It is necessary to develop a more accurate fall prediction model by increasing the follow-up period and adding the numbers of the fallers. Further, it is important to identify meaningful variables by consecutive years rather than simple annual comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postural sway typically has high intrinsic variability. Due to high intrinsic variability, the reliability of its clinical application is limited. This study proposed the modified stability coefficient considering the intrinsic variability of postural sway for reducing its high level of variability, and calculated the contribution of major sensory systems (somatosensory, visual and vestibular) for its possible clinical application. The subjects of this study were composed of 25 healthy young (HY) adults in their 20 s and 33 healthy older (HO) adults over 65 years of age. Each subject maintained four standing conditions (eyes open and eyes closed on a firm surface, and a foam surface) for 1 min each, and postural sway was measured using the inertial sensor that was attached to their waist. Postural sway was calculated using seven variables that reflect the changes in spatial movements (Mean distance, Root mean square, Path length, Range of acceleration, Mean velocity, Mean frequency, 95% confidence ellipse area). The stability coefficient proposed in this study was calculated using the variables that showed significant difference between groups, and sensory contributions were calculated. The indices on the statistics (p value) and practical significance (effect size: Cohen's d) between the groups, and the coefficient of variation (CV) within each group were calculated by the calculated sensory contribution. By introducing the stability coefficient, the average CV was reduced to 28.13% in HY and 27.20% in HO with a high level of variation, compared to 36.67% in HY and 39.30% in HO with a very high level of variation. The average CV of sensory ratios was 12.79% in HY and 12.92% in HO with a medium level of variation. As the sensory ratios utilizing stability coefficient show statistical and practical differences of age-related changes in balance and the average CVs with a medium level of variation, these results indicate the possibility of clinical use about the sensory ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicity and target organ distribution of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) were investigated via single intravenous injection and single oral administration, respectively. Rats were sacrificed at 24 h after treatment with doses of 30 and 300 mg/kg, and cerium concentrations were measured in liver, kidney, spleen, lung, blood, urine and feces. Results revealed cerium levels in blood and tissues were considerably low in oral treated groups and most cerium was detected in feces, meaning CeNPs would not be absorbed in the gastro-intestinal system. Conversely, high concentrations of cerium were detected in all tissues of rats after intravenous injection. Liver and spleen were main target organs. Cerium levels in liver were 594.9 ± 95.3 μg/g tissue in 30 mg/kg treat group and 3741.7 ± 932.7 μg/g tissue in 300 mg/kg treat group. Cerium levels in spleen reached almost levels of liver. Cerium was also detected, that is relatively low compared to oral administration, in feces of rats treated via intravenous injection, that supports biliary excretion of CeNPs. Urine excretion of CeNPs was not detected in oral treatment and intravenous injection. In accordance with level of cerium distribution, toxicities based on hematology, serum biochemistry and histopathology were observed in rats treated by intravenous injection while no significance was revealed in orally treated groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates technology affordances of online travel media determining ways of presenting pictorial information and creating the spatial structure of a destination: modality and navigability. To examine the impacts of technology affordances on virtual travel experience, a 2 (modality: still pictures versus panoramic pictures) × 2 (navigability: absence versus presence) between-subjects experiment was conducted with 213 participants. This study found significant effects of modality and navigability on affective and cognitive dimensions of virtual travel experience. Scrutinizing the mediating role of virtual travel experience, the findings explain the psychological mechanism of how modality and navigability influence tourists’ behavioral intention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recent toxicity studies of zinc oxide nanoparticles by oral administration showed relatively low toxicity, which may be resulted from low bioavailability. So, the intrinsic toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles needs to be evaluated in the target organs by intravenous injection for full systemic concentration of the administered dosage. Although the exposure chance of injection route is low compared to oral and/or inhalation route, it is important to see the toxicity with different exposure routes to get better risk management tool. In this study, the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on dams and fetuses were investigated in rats after intravenous injection (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) from gestation day 6 to 20. Two of 20 dams in the 20 mg/kg treatment group died during the treatment period. Hematological examination and serum biochemistry showed dose-dependent toxicity in treated dams. Histopathological analysis of treated dams revealed multifocal mixed cell infiltration and thrombosis in lung, tubular dilation in kidneys, and extramedullary hemopoiesis in liver. Total dead fetuses (post-implantation loss) were increased and the body weight of fetus was decreased in the 20 mg/kg treatment group. Statistical differences in corpora lutea, resorption, placental weight, morphological alterations including external, visceral and skeletal malformations were not observed in treated groups. Based on the data, lowest observed adverse effect level of injection route was suggested to be 5 mg/kg in dams and no observed adverse effect level was suggested to be 10 mg/kg in fetal developmental toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toluene is an organic solvent that is used in various industrial applications. Despite its usefulness, toluene has toxic effects on the brain and is a substance that is commonly abused. Toluene causes behavioral and functional abnormalities such as decreased memory capacity, cognitive impairment, and depression-like symptoms. However, the target sites and toxic mechanisms of inhaled toluene in the brain are poorly understood. In this study, we subjected Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to acute high-level toluene exposure (7000 ppm) to investigate its neuronal toxicity, and in particular, its effect on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. In order to assay the effects of inhaled toluene on hippocampal neurogenesis, we measured the levels of neurogenesis markers Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX) in the hippocampus 1, 2, 5, and 8 days after cessation of toluene exposure. In addition to assaying clinical signs, body weight, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, the liver, lungs, and kidneys were subjected to histopathological examination to investigate the toxic effects of high-level toluene exposure. Although abnormal neurological signs were observed after toluene exposure, these disappeared within 24 h and no toluene-related toxicological effects were observed in the liver, lungs, or kidneys. The animals exposed to toluene showed significantly decreased hippocampal neurogenesis, which persisted until the 8th and final day of measurement. Thus, acute high-level toluene exposure inhibited hippocampal neurogenesis and produced transient abnormal neurological signs, but did not produce toxicity in the other organs studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research builds on the idea that casino customers’ subjective, global judgments of service quality are shaped by experience of its specific attributes, and examines how casino customers form their evaluative attitudes toward the casino experience in the Macau context. Using the data collected from 525 Macau casino customers, we first identify four casino quality dimensions; namely, supporting facilities, staff service, diversity, and equitableness. We then test and validate a proposed model for the structural relationships between casino image (as a consequence of the four quality dimensions), value, and loyalty. In particular, value is shown to be a mediator of the relationship between image and loyalty from the perspective of casino customers. The results of our study can show Macau casino operators what constitutes customers’ casino experiences and aid them in enhancing their image, perceived value, and customer loyalty toward casinos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the potential risk of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to humans has recently increased due to widespread application, the potential effects of AgNPs on embryo-fetal development have not yet been determined. This study investigated the potential effects of AgNPs on pregnant dams and embryo-fetal development after maternal exposure on gestational days (GD) 6-19 in rats. AgNPs were administered to pregnant rats by gavage at concentrations of 0, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day. All dams were subjected to Cesarean section on GD 20 and the fetuses were examined for signs of embryotoxic and teratogenic effects. Examinations of hepatic oxidant/antioxidant balance and serum biochemistry were also added to the routine developmental toxicity study. Treatment with AgNPs caused a decrease in catalase and glutathione reductase activities at ≥100 mg/kg/day and a reduction in glutathione content at 1000 mg/kg/day in maternal liver tissues. However, no treatment-related deaths or clinical signs were observed in any of the animals treated with AgNPs. No treatment-related differences in maternal body weight, food consumption, gross findings, serum biochemistry, organ weight, gestation index, fetal deaths, fetal and placental weights, sex ratio, or morphological alterations were observed between the groups. The results show that repeated oral doses of AgNPs during pregnancy caused oxidative stress in hepatic tissues at ≥100 mg/kg/day, but did not cause developmental toxicity at doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of AgNPs is considered to be <100 mg/kg/day for dams and 1000 mg/kg/day for embryo-fetal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Moxibustion has been traditionally used to manage pain related to chronic diseases, including cancer. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for relieving cancer pain in patients with metastatic cancer. Methods. A total of 16 patients were randomly divided into a true moxibustion (TM) group or a sham moxibustion (SM) group. In both groups, moxibustion was applied for 10 minutes, once daily for 7 consecutive days. In the SM group, the moxa cone was removed earlier than in the TM group, so as not to deliver heat stimulation completely into the skin. The changes of pain severity using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and quality of life measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G) were observed. A blinding credibility test was done to validate the sham moxibustion procedure. Results. The total BPI score significantly decreased in the TM group compared with the SM group (TM vs SM: −0.97 ± 1.05 vs 0.35 ± 0.60, P = .025). The 2 subsets of BPI, pain intensity score and pain interference score, also significantly decreased in the TM group (TM vs SM: intensity, −0.82 ± 0.93 vs 0.46 ± 0.87, P = .020; interference, −1.12 ± 1.31 vs 0.24 ± 0.61, P = .047). Even after adjusting for the values of opioid consumption, these results remained significant. FACT-G did not significantly improve in the TM group. The blinding to sham moxibustion was credible and no serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion. We suggest that moxibustion could be a safe and potential modality for cancer-related pain in patients with metastatic cancer. With the limitation of small sample size, a larger and long-term follow-up study is necessary to determine more definitely the efficacy of moxibustion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diagnosis of unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in dogs is currently based on fluoroscopic detection of unequal movement between the crura. Bilateral paralysis may be more difficult to confirm with fluoroscopy because diaphragmatic movement is sometimes produced by compensatory abdominal muscle contractions. The purpose of this study was to develop a new method to evaluate diaphragmatic movement using M-mode ultrasonography and to describe findings for normal and diaphragmatic paralyzed dogs. Fifty-five clinically normal dogs and two dogs with diaphragmatic paralysis were recruited. Thoracic radiographs were acquired for all dogs and fluoroscopy studies were also acquired for clinically affected dogs. Two observers independently measured diaphragmatic direction of motion and amplitude of excursion using M-mode ultrasonography for dogs meeting study inclusion criteria. Eight of the clinically normal dogs were excluded due to abnormal thoracic radiographic findings. For the remaining normal dogs, the lower limit values of diaphragmatic excursion were 2.85-2.98 mm during normal breathing. One dog with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis showed paradoxical movement of both crura at the end of inspiration. One dog with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis had diaphragmatic excursion values of 2.00 ± 0.42 mm on the left side and 4.05 ± 1.48 mm on the right side. The difference between left and right diaphragmatic excursion values was 55%. Findings indicated that M-mode ultrasonography is a relatively simple and objective method for measuring diaphragmatic movement in dogs. Future studies are needed in a larger number of dogs with diaphragmatic paralysis to determine the diagnostic sensitivity of this promising new technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry in which people travel to other countries to receive medical treatments. In 2010, Korea attracted 81,789 foreign medical tourists who spent approximately US$100 million. The aims of this study are to analyze general trends in the medical tourism market, identify problems, or obstacles that affect the development of medical tourism in Korea, provide solutions to overcome these obstacles, and propose better policies. This study employed qualitative research methods, including content analysis of written publications and in-depth interviews. According to the results of the analysis of Korean medical tourism, the weaknesses of the system include insufficient promotion, the lack of a centralized administrative support system, the absence of differentiation strategies with respect to competing nations, an insufficient number of medical tourism professionals, and an inadequate legal system. In addition, this study identified threats that include competition from other countries offering medical tourism, the emergence of new competitors in East Asia, unexpected global crises, and international antagonism against Korea. This article discusses solutions addressing these weaknesses and threats and presents strategies that Korea can adopt to become one of the premier destinations for medical tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Anti-tumor efficacies of a red ginseng preparation (RGP) and a cytolase-treated red ginseng preparation (Cytolase-RGP) in an in vitro cytotoxicity assay and in nude mice xenografted with human colon adenocarcinoma (SW480) cells were investigated. The immune-enhancing effect of the preparations was also assessed using a carbonclearance test. The concentrations of protopanaxadiols (including Rb1) and protopanaxatriols (including Rg3) were much higher (1.42-3.43-fold) in Cytolase-RGP than in RGP. RGP and Cytolase-RGP were cytotoxic in vitro to SW480 in a dose-dependent manner, exhibiting IC values of 255 and 1,090 μg/mL, respectively. In vivo, the 4-week application of 300 mg/kg RGP or Cytolase-RGP suppressed tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice, decreasing the tumor weight and volume by 15.6-19.3 and 24.4-27.1%, respectively. In the carbon-clearance assay, a 7-day treatment of RGP or Cytolase-RGP at a dose of 300 mg/kg enhanced the phagocytic index of blood macrophages by 307 and 402% of control value, respectively. The results suggest that Cytolase-RGP is superior to RGP in SW480 tumorsuppressive efficacy, and that the increased antitumor activity of Cytolase-RGP might be due to the improved immunomodulatory activity, rather than due to any increase in the cytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize published contemporary hospitality financial management research from 1998 through 2009 and provide future research directions. Design/methodology/approach – The authors began their initial literature search by entering into the ABI/INFORM database via ProQuest 19 pre-identified keywords (i.e. debt, financing, ownership) related to the major functions of financial management, namely investing, financing, and dividend decisions, as well as commonly indexed keywords in hospitality finance research. The paper then expanded the authors' literature list through the reference lists of the studies that they initially identified. The authors limited their search to published studies between 1998 and 2009 and within hospitality journals written in English. Findings – The paper identifies 98 published papers that represented the major work and efforts in expanding the body of knowledge in both the theoretical and practical perspectives of hospitality financial management. The major categories of papers include hospitality financing, investing, dividend policy, financial condition, and performance. Areas that warrant further investigation are noted throughout the paper. Research limitations/implications – The papers review provides academics and practitioners an overview of the updated body of knowledge in the field and suggests the need for further in-depth research to extend the literature and prompt better financial decision making for practitioners. Originality/value – Since Harris and Brown's and Atkinson and Jones's reviews of past hospitality accounting and finance studies which mostly focused on the former, hospitality financial management research alone has grown noticeably in terms of diverse topics and sophistication of methodologies. To the authors' knowledge, no updated reviews that focus solely on hospitality finance research have been published in the last 12 years, and the need for such a task motivated them to conduct a review of recent research on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combustion tests of pre-mixture of methane and air in constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) have been carried out by means of flame propagation photo and gas pressure measurement, the effects of CVCC body temperature, intake pressure of pre-mixture of methane and air, equivalence ratio and location of the built-in adaptor have been investigated. The whole combustion chamber can be divided into two parts, i.e. the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber, by the built-in adaptor with through hole. Owing to the built-in adaptor with through hole, jet ignition or compression ignition (auto-ignition) phenomena may occur in the lower combustion chamber, which is helpful to getting higher flame propagation velocity, higher combustion peak pressure, low cycle-to-cycle variation and more stable combustion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's main objective is to estimate the economic impact of a mega-convention, including an exhibition that is scheduled to be held in May 2016 in Korea. This study uses the multiplier effect of an input-output model to estimate the economic impact of hosting the convention. To compute the mega-convention's total expenditures, four sources are considered: conference hosts, exhibition host, exhibitors, and foreign attendees. The total expenditures by the four sources generate US$70.2 million. The total convention receipts of US$70.2 million produce US$132.8 million in output, 1,320 full-time-equivalent jobs, US$23.9 million in personal income for residents, US$58.4 million in value added, US$8.1 million in indirect tax, and US$11.1 million in imports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study estimates the changes in volatility of the won/U.S. dollar dailyexchange rates before and after the Korean currency crisis, using the stochastic volatility model with the ARMAregression error term. We find that the persistence of volatility increased after the Koreancurrency crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that the photocurrent and energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells can be greatly enhanced with holographic modification to the morphology of TiO2 electrode. The nanoporous electrode coated onto conducting glass was irradiated by three interfering laser beams at 1064 nm incident from the backside of the substrate. This generated two-dimensional periodic pillars of higher density in the electrode, through which the photoexcited electrons could be extracted more effectively. The cells fabricated with modified electrodes exhibited average photocurrent and efficiency of 17.14 mA/cm2 and 9.03%, while 14.91 mA/cm2 and 7.83% were obtained from the reference cells. It was attributed to the enhanced charge transport accompanied by the reduction of internal resistance of the electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are among the most manufactured nanomaterials in the industry, and are used in food products, toothpastes, cosmetics and paints. Pregnant women as well as their conceptuses may be exposed to TiO2 nanoparticles; however, the potential effects of these nanoparticles during pregnancy are controversial, and their internal distribution has not been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the potential effects of oral exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles and their distribution during pregnancy. TiO2 nanoparticles were orally administered to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (12 females per group) from gestation days (GDs) 6 to 19 at dosage levels of 0, 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg/day, and then cesarean sections were conducted on GD 20. Results: In the maternal and embryo-fetal examinations, there were no marked toxicities in terms of general clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, organ weights, macroscopic findings, cesarean section parameters and fetal morphological examinations. In the distribution analysis, titanium contents were increased in the maternal liver, maternal brain and placenta after exposure to high doses of TiO2 nanoparticles. Conclusion: Oral exposure to TiO2 during pregnancy increased the titanium concentrations in the maternal liver, maternal brain and placenta, but these levels did not induce marked toxicities in maternal animals or affect embryo-fetal development. These results could be used to evaluate the human risk assessment of TiO2 nanoparticle oral exposure during pregnancy, and additional comprehensive toxicity studies are deemed necessary considering the possibility of complex exposure scenarios and the various sizes of TiO2 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]