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Abstract The business environment undergoes constant and dynamic changes. The current social, legal and economic contexts where firms operate enable them to meet their stakeholders' needs. Accordingly, efficient management more oriented to meet customers' requirements regarding firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices has been increasingly credited for the achievement of new firm managerial goals such as sustainability. Thus, the aim of this paper is to address the influence of the structure of human values and cultural differences by country on customers' CSR perception taking into consideration a firm's customers as one of its main stakeholders. Unlike the majority of earlier papers focusing on the relationship between customers' CSR perception and firm performance, this paper provides insights under the umbrella of social sustainability according to recent trends based on societal needs and firm commitments. The cross-cultural analysis has been conducted in a Latin American-European context by comparing two different cultural environments, Spain and Brazil, scarcely analysed in the managerial literature. The findings reveal that human values such as self-transcendence, conservation and openness to change exert a significant influence on the CSR's customer perception. Furthermore, cross-cultural differences by country moderate the relationship between these human values and CSR perception. The results allow for an adequate understanding of the drivers influencing customer perception of CSR social and environmental practices, and these drivers in turn are fundamental to firms' sustainability and, thus, firms' sustainable competitive advantage, as well as to academia to advance knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In a highly competitive market place, understanding competitive position of the destination is important for destination managers. Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and its extension Importance Performance Competitor Analysis (IPCA) are two common methods used by the researchers for this purpose. By using IPA and IPCA methods, this study identifies the competitive position of the Costa Brava, Spain against Antalya, Turkey as popular resort destinations. The data were collected from Russian tourists visiting the destinations. IPA results showed that Costa Brava has some strength attributes, such as clean beaches, local cuisine, and value for money. However, IPCA findings revealed that most of these attributes are null advantage, when the performance of its rival Antalya is taken into account. Thus, the results of the study signify the importance of determining a resort destination's competitiveness by using different analytical frameworks. Highlights • Costa Brava's strengths and weaknesses are firstly shown by IPA. • The relative competitiveness of Costa Brava against Antalya is determined by IPCA. • IPA and IPCA categorized destination attributes, differently. • Different analytical frameworks are recommended to be used for obtaining comprehensive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeking to gain fundamental understanding of the thermoelectric (TE) behavior of polyanilines (PANIs), structure- property relationships of PANI nanorods, doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) and 5-sulfoisophtalic acid sodium salt (NaSIPA), and prepared by an indirect synthetic route, are discussed in terms of the contribution of the acid concentrations on the thermoelectric properties. The synergistic combination of high doping level and layer structure, accounts for the moderately high electrical conductivities (σ) and low constant Seebeck coefficients (α) of PANI-DBSA. Conversely, the poor doping ability of NaSIPA and low crystallinity degree explain the low electrical conductivities along with significant increases in Seebeck coefficient values. In relation to conduction mechanisms, PANI-DBSA shows a hopping behavior with a carrier concentration of c≈0.49 (hole type), while PANI-NaSIPA displays a diffusive regime, characteristic of degenerate metallic semiconductors, with an estimated charge carrier density of n ≈3 × 10 21 e/cm 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a multi-criteria methodology to identify target markets for the hotel industry, based on objective and quantitative criteria from official statistical sources, using five dimensions: volume, evolution, seasonality, length of stay and expenditure. The methodology allows tourism organisations to: i) identify market indicators that respond to their organisational goals; ii) build a composite indicator that reveals the suitability of these markets; and iii) evaluate market segments based on their attractiveness and their market share. We test and illustrate the methodology using pre- and post-pandemic data for international tourism demand to Spain, illustrating the value of different target markets both for the country's hotel industry and for individual hoteliers. • Hoteliers need to better understand the value of target markets to take informed decisions. • We provide a viable tool to select tourism markets. • A multicriteria criteria ranking is a comprehensive and objective tool to rank markets. • Our index includes market volume, evolution, seasonality, length of stay, and expenditure. • The index clearly captures market changes before and after covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores global differences in travel risk perception based on i) attitudes towards travel abroad, and ii) the time required to plan travel. Baseline data from 2019 is compared with data from 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A methodology based on Big Data is developed through the Skyscanner metasearch engine, working with 20,756 million flight searches and 1979 million flight picks worldwide. We conduct an exploratory analysis by region, followed by a cluster analysis of 45 countries. We argue that the findings respond to uncertainty avoidance, with clear differences between Europe, America and Asia-Pacific. This knowledge has marketing implications for tourist destinations in terms of what marketing messages to convey and the best time to introduce marketing campaigns for each country or group of countries, so that the opportunity for reactivation of tourism is maximised. • Uncertainty avoidance helps explain patterns in international flight planning behaviour. • Aversion to travel and lead time help operationalise health travel risk perception. • Marketing campaigns should be scheduled based on travel planning lead times. • Destinations should first target travellers from risk tolerant countries in Europe and Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study how risk conditions derived from the COVID-19 pandemic may impact on both the desire to travel and intention to visit of tourists and, therefore, on different stages of the destination choice process. We analyse 5134 million flight searches and 379 million flight picks during 2020 for the 17 largest European tourism source markets. An unweighted index number is employed to measure the average variation for searches and picks, for the year 2020, in relation to the reference base period (year 2019). This is done for air travel in general and to Spain specifically. The study then proceeds to conduct an analysis of 17 international travel destinations that are in the evoked sets of the two largest outbound markets in Europe (Germany and UK). We also identify which markets are most favourable to Spain. The research design can inform cost-efficient marketing decisions in a situation of high uncertainty. • We study travel desires and intentions to travel under COVID-19 constraints. • We use choice set concept to understand the emotional responses of tourists based on data from flight searches and picks • We show how COVID-19 has influenced the source markets differently • Spain has continued to occupy a relevant position in the evoked sets (and available sets) of its main source markets. • Tourist destinations need to re-analyse their marketing strategies according to their consumers' risk perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the links among corporate social responsibility (CSR), reputation, and performance in hotel companies from a multidimensional perspective. Data were collected from 322 hotels in China and partial least squares equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed for a causal-predictive analysis. Study results reveal that CSR practices influence hotel reputation as seen from both international and local perspectives. CSR and reputation influence performance dimensions (accounting-based performance, market-based performance, and non-financial performance) differently. The research findings offer specific theoretical and practical implications for hotel managers. • CSR is defined via customer, employee, local-community, and environmental dimensions • CSR practices positively affect both short-term and long-term hotel performance • CSR practices have different impacts on different dimensions of hotel performance • Reputation has a mediating effect on the link between CSR and hotel performance. • Managers must focus more on non-financial performance to gain sustainable advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-cultural study investigates antecedents of travel-related user-generated content (UGC) in China and Spain. Based on a critical literature review, a theoretical model was developed and tested. Co-creation, empowerment, community, and self-concept were proposed as the precursors of UGC. Personality traits (i.e. neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) were tested as potential moderators. Study results indicate that empowerment has the greatest influence on involvement in UGC in China, whereas co-creation is the most important driver of motivation in Spain. Whereas neurotic individuals in China engage with UGC for self-empowerment, novelty seekers tend to cooperate better with others. Tourists play an essential role in the value creation process through their use of UGC. UGC has key implications for the tourism industry, as it influences tourist behavior as well as destination image and performance. • An individual's engagement with UGC is influenced by his/her motivation. • Cultural differences are found regarding consumers' UGC involvement motivation. • Personality traits moderate the relationship between motivation and UGC involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the studies dealing with polyanilines (PANIs) are focused on electrochemical polymerization; however, chemical polymerization is more suitable for large–scale production. In order to develop commercially viable, clean, effective materials for thermal sensor devices, temperature dependent electrical response has been studied in PANIs obtained by simple, low-cost synthesis conditions, transferable to industrial processing. PANIs doped with HCl, dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) and sodio-5-sulfoisophtalic acid (NaSIPA) were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization, through direct and indirect routes of synthesis. TEM images disclosed formation of nanorods and microfibrils. Microstructural analysis confirmed differences in doping level and crystallinity which were related with the PANI conductivity. Two PANI-DBSA synthesized by direct and indirect methods, exhibit the best conductivity retention up to 150 °C. In cyclic tests, they show excellent performance after 4 heating-cooling cycles up to 70 °C. The amplitude of electrical response for PANI-DBSA obtained by direct synthesis is twice the value of PANI-DBSA prepared by indirect route. Conversely, the latter displays slightly better repeatability due to its lower moisture content. This study suggests that both PANI-DBSA are suitable for use in electronic applications, under ambient conditions below 150 °C, and are promising materials for temperature sensor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this work was to evaluate the suitability of wet granulation as an innovative and fast method for the preparation of granules containing a drug–resin complex (resinate), having cholestyramine as resin and potassium diclofenac (KD) as drug. Resinate and granules were prepared directly by steam granulation in high shear mixer (method A), using two different amount of resin (granules 1 and 2). For comparison granules 1 were also prepared by conventional batch method followed by steam granulation (method B). All granules showed quite irregular shape, main size fractions between 75 and 500 µm, good flowability and uniform KD distribution. Granules 1A exhibited controlled release profiles at pH 7.4, while granules 2A showed a burst effect due to KD free crystals. FT-IR studies confirmed the complete complexation between resin and KD during the granulation process with method A for granules 1. Finally, the dissolution test of granules 1A in different media revealed a controlled drug release in 12 h, providing the utility of this system for enteric drug delivery. Granules 1B evidenced similar characteristics to those of granules 1A; the drawback of the multistep procedure was related to the long processing time. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97:1313–1324, 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Little is known about the effect of Cervitec®, a chlorhexidine-thymol varnish, on root caries. Our objective was to determine whether a 3-monthly application of Cervitec® over 1 year would limit the progress of existing root caries lesions and reduce the incidence of dental root caries in a group of dentate institutionalized elderly, as a complement to their usual oral hygiene practices. Methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 68 subjects (34 per group) in two residences in Almería (Spain). Twenty-one subjects with 60 root caries lesions and 25 with 65 lesions, in the Cervitec® and placebo groups, respectively, completed the study. Varnishes were applied twice in the first week, 1 month later, and every 3 months until the end of the study. Clinical parameters associated with established lesions were determined at baseline and after 6 and 12 months, as was the incidence of root caries lesions. Results: The clinical evolution of lesions was significantly better in the Cervitec® group as opposed to the placebo group in terms of width, height, color, and texture. The increase in root caries was significantly lower (p =0.039) in the Cervitec® group. Conclusion: According to these results, Cervitec® may help to control established root lesions and reduce the incidence of root caries lesion among institutionalized elderly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]