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The immune system is an emerging regulator of hemostasis and thrombosis. The concept of immunothrombosis redefines the relationship between coagulation and immunomodulation, and the Gas6/Tyro3-Axl-MerTK (TAM) signaling pathway builds the bridge across them. During coagulation, Gas6/TAM signaling pathway not only activates platelets, but also promotes thrombosis through endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells involved in inflammatory responses. Thrombosis appears to be a common result of a Gas6/TAM signaling pathway-mediated immune dysregulation. TAM TK and its ligands have been found to be involved in coagulation through the PI3K/AKT or JAK/STAT pathway in various systemic diseases, providing new perspectives in the understanding of immunothrombosis. Gas6/TAM signaling pathway serves as a breakthrough target for novel therapeutic strategies to improve disease management. Many preclinical and clinical studies of TAM receptor inhibitors are in process, confirming the pivotal role of Gas6/TAM signaling pathway in immunothrombosis. Therapeutics targeting the TAM receptor show potential both in anticoagulation management and immunotherapy. Here, we review the immunological functions of the Gas6/TAM signaling pathway in coagulation and its multiple mechanisms in diseases identified to date, and discuss the new clinical strategies that may generated by these roles. • Gas6/TAM signaling pathway bridges hemostasis and immunoregulation. • TAM receptor is a pivotal driver of immunothrombosis in diseases. • TAM receptor inhibitors are effective anticoagulants in preclinical studies, yet the clinical application is challenging. • Therapeutic strategies targeting TAM reveal great perspectives in therapy for immunothrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tumor microenvironment (TME), communication between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) through secreted extracellular proteins promotes cancer progression. Here, we observed that co-culturing cancer cells (4T1) and macrophage cells (Raw264.7) significantly enhanced superoxide production in both cell types. Using MALDI-TOF, we identified PKM2 as a highly secreted protein by Raw264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived monocytes. The extracellular recombinant PKM2 protein not only enhanced cancer cell migration and invasion but also increased superoxide production. Additionally, PKM2 was found to associate with the cell surface, and its binding to integrin α5/β1 receptor was inhibited by antibodies specifically targeting it. Furthermore, we investigated downstream signaling pathways involved in PKM2-induced superoxide production. We found that knock-down of RhoA and p47phox using siRNAs effectively abolished superoxide generation in response to extracellular PKM2. Notably, extracellular PKM2 triggered the phosphorylation of p47phox at Ser345 residue and RhoA at Tyr42 residue (p -Tyr42 RhoA). Moreover, extracellular PKM2 exerted regulatory control over the expression of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including ZEB1, Snail1, vimentin, and E-cadherin. Interestingly, p -Tyr42 RhoA translocated to the nucleus, where it bound to the ZEB1 promoter region. In light of these findings, we propose that extracellular PKM2 within the TME plays a critical role in tumorigenesis by promoting cancer cell migration and invasion through RhoA/p47phox signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Extracellular PKM2 secreted from macrophages stimulates superoxide production in cancer cells. • Superoxide production is regulated by p-Tyrosine42 RhoA and p-p47phox. • p-Tyrosine42 RhoA translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to the promoter of ZEB1 and induces its expression. • Extracellular PKM2 binds to integrin α5β1 and phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) inhibits PKM2 binding to the integrin α5β1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HEI in the Philippines is entrusted with three mandates by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED): teaching, research, and extension service. Among these mandates, research productivity plays a crucial role in fostering knowledge generation, production, and transfer within the community. However, monitoring research productivity has been a persistent challenge due to the diverse evaluation criteria set by local and international accrediting organizations, which directly impact an HEI's educational quality. This study has selected an academic institution and aims to 1) Design a system model as research data collection; 2) employ Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based techniques to facilitate the monitoring and retrieval of information on research productivity and 3) generate visualizations and analytics based on research data. The extensive review of relevant literature, visualization and analysis of the institution's research data were carried out in this study. NLP techniques was employed to enable mapping of the institution's research output to the government and organizations research agenda, facilitating the identification of emerging topics through clustering techniques and modeling. Systems evaluation through Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was gained 4.56 mean results from the respondent corresponding to "Strongly Agree" which indicates that system is able to assist in monitoring the institution's research productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental consciousness and digital competence are sought-after characteristics of managers by many organisations today. The digital expertise of organisations is considered a critical capability that drives their digitalisation strategies. Also, values and beliefs towards environmental sustainability influence their attitudes towards achieving environmental performance. By integrating the three 'big' adoption theories of DoI, TAM and UTAUT, along with decision-making literature, this study empirically investigates the effects of the digital expertise and environmental consciousness of managers on their intention to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. We used an online survey with 172 managers from Australian firms using the PLS-SEM method for data analysis. The results show that managers' environmental consciousness and digital expertise significantly and positively affect their intention to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Their perceived usefulness of technologies partially mediates the relationships between digital expertise and intention to adopt and between environmental consciousness and intention to adopt. The mediation roles of perceived ease of use, perceived visibility and social influence were not empirically confirmed. Integrating adoption theories with domain-specific knowledge-based decision-making is a novel theoretical approach adopted in the study. The key contribution is to the Industry 4.0 technology adoption literature by empirically confirming the effects of domain-specific knowledge expertise and environmental consciousness on the intention to adopt. Its practical implications lie in the confirmation that organisations benefit from their investment in the digital skill development of managers and environmentally conscious managers. • Digital competence and environmental consciousness are sought-after characteristics. • Technology adoption and decision-making literature are integrated. • Managers' environmental consciousness increases their intention to adopt technologies. • Managers' digital expertise positively affects their technology adoption intentions. • Demonstrated usefulness of technology mediates managers' technology adoption intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of perceptions of ChatGPT, the leading AI chatbot since November 2022, on the acceptance and perceived efficacy of future GPT-powered virtual medical consultation systems (GPT-VMCSs), as well as their influence on the propensity to adopt such systems amid debates over their suitability for medical consultations. By utilizing the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study differentiated between perceptions of ChatGPT and GPT-VMCS by assessing how these perceptions, along with doctor satisfaction, resistance, and ChatGPT usage, affect adoption intentions. Among the 2150 participants from 21 countries, 1038 who had used ChatGPT or observed its use were selected for hypothesis testing. The results indicated that the perceived usefulness (PU) of the GPT-VMCS was the strongest predictor of adoption intentions, with the perceived ease of use (PEOU) also playing a critical role. In contrast, resistance, which was positively influenced by doctor satisfaction, was negatively associated with adoption intentions. The quality of ChatGPT responses was positively correlated with GPT-VMCS PU, although direct usage of ChatGPT did not significantly affect adoption intentions. The study concludes with a discussion of both theoretical and practical implications. • This study probed ChatGPT's impacts on virtual medical chatbots' adoption intentions. • A survey of 2150 respondents across 21 countries was conducted. • Satisfaction with doctors negatively impacted adoption intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a modified version of TAM, this study investigates the factors that impact ChatGPT usage intentions among college students, with personalization acting as a moderator. A structured questionnaire was designed for data collection as part of the quantitative procedure. Smart PLS 4 was utilized for analysis. The results showed that social influence had no effect on the predicted perceived usefulness and ease of use, but that awareness and perceived enjoyment did. The willingness to utilize ChatGPT was based on how beneficial and easy it was seen to be. The association between perceived usefulness and the intent to use ChatGPT was not affected by personalization, however, the relationship between ease of use and intention to use ChatGPT was. The study suggested several recommendations to colleges and universities regarding AI tools' incorporation in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) paradigms to delve into the intricate variables that shape Instagram users' intentions to visit renowned Spanish museums, known as the Golden Triangle of Art. Leveraging a comprehensive analysis using partial least squares, this research scrutinizes the visiting intentions of Instagram users and synthesizes insights from a diverse sample of 956 respondents. The findings of this study yield remarkable contributions: (1) presenting an exceptional framework for advancing research in the realm of visiting intentions within the S-O-R and TAM paradigms; (2) bridging a critical research gap by exploring the influence of social networks on visiting intentions; and (3) illuminating the vital role of cognitive and affective reactions in translating information attributes into tangible behavioural responses. This research offers insights for academia, practitioners, and museum stakeholders alike, shaping the understanding of digital platforms' impact on cultural tourism. • Visiting intentions is explained within the SOR and TAM models paradigm. • Info attributes trigger cognitive, affective reactions for behavioral responses. • Instagram is a driver of visiting intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the need to address the mental health issues for the future adoption of e-learning among massive students in higher education. This study takes a lead to investigate whether and how general anxiety will influence college students' e-learning intention to provide knowledge to better improve the e-learning technology.Methods: We adopted the Technology acceptance model (TAM) to examine the difference between students with and without general anxiety in the e-learning intention where the students are classified based on the General Anxiety Disorder-2 scale. The model is empirically analyzed based on a survey of 512 college students in China regarding their e-learning experience in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Results demonstrate that the TAM is powerful in explaining the e-learning intention among college students with general anxiety. Besides, all effects associated with perceived usefulness (PU) are reinforced while those associated with perceived ease of use (PEOU) are attenuated in the anxiety group. The results suggest that instructors and higher education institutions should take advantage of the significant PU-intention relationship by providing quality e-learning, which is paramount to coping with the general anxiety among students.Limitations: This study provides a prototype attempt to investigate the influence of anxiety on e-learning where the different types of anxiety sources are synthesized. However, anxiety can stem from internal sources (computer anxiety, academic stress) and external sources (fear of the virus, lack of social interaction), which requires further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging technologies such as electronic procurement have rapidly become common practice in recent years. With the advent of internet technologies and open innovations, the traditional procurement system is transformed into an electronic procurement system. Technology adoption is influenced by multiple factors, including the adopter, technology, and ecosystem in which they function. Considering this, E-procurement is still being adopted slowly. This research aims to investigate the extension of the adoption of E-procurement and identify the relationships between the E-procurement technologies and green procurement practices across different sectors of ISO 14001-certified Malaysian enterprises. This research is supported by the Technology Acceptance Model, one of the significant theories of technology adoption. Using SPSS and SmartPLS, the survey data is analyzed quantitatively. The structural model explains 86% of the variance in green procurement and shows the positive significant relationship between green procurement and the E-procurement technology of the ISO 14001 firms. Consequently, adopting E-procurement technology would benefit company sustainability. A benchmark for ISO companies will be established, highlighting the importance of E-procurement technology in improving green procurement and supply chain efficiency. The study recommends that demand for environmentally friendly products and services be fueled by technology-based purchases, resulting in a greener supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anesthetics have a potential impact on the long-term tumor growth, metastasis risk, and recurrence of cancer patients after surgery. • Lidocaine combined with general anesthetics inhibits the metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer by blocking EMT signaling. • Lidocaine not only reduced M2-tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), but also increased macrophage M1 polarization in TNBC. • The combined anesthetics may offer a therapeutic approach to prevent breast cancer recurrence and metastasis in patients after curative resection. Surgical resection is the best-known approach for breast cancer treatment. However, post-operative metastases increase the rate of death. The potential effect of anesthetic drugs on long-term tumor growth, risk of metastasis, and recurrence after surgery has been investigated in cancer patients. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the anti-metastatic effect of lidocaine combined with common anesthetics and its mechanisms of action on lung metastasis in breast cancer models. The combination of lidocaine with propofol or sevoflurane inhibited the growth of TNBC cells compared to treatment alone. In addition, the combination effectively inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. It suppressed tumor growth and increased the survival rate in breast 4 T1 orthotopic models. More importantly, it inhibited lung metastasis and recurrence compared with groups treated with a single anesthetic. In co-culture with TAMs and TNBC cells, lidocaine not only reduced M2-tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) that were increased by sevoflurane or propofol but also increased M1 macrophage polarization, impeding tumor growth in TNBC. Also, we found that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) derived from TAMs increased EMT signaling in TNBC cells, and that lidocaine affected cancer cells as well as M2-TAMs, inducing M2 to M1 reprogramming and decreasing TGF-β/Smads-mediated EMT signaling in TNBC cells, leading to inhibition of cancer metastasis and recurrence. These findings suggest lidocaine combined with general anesthetics as a potential therapeutic approach for the inhibition of recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer patients undergoing curative resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in the recurrence and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the specified mechanism has not been elucidated. Single-cell and transcriptome analysis were applied to characterize the heterogeneity of TAMs. SCENIC would infer regulators of different subsets of TAMs. The CellChat algorithm was used to infer macrophage-tumor interaction networks, whereas pseudo-time traces were used to parse cell evolution and dynamics. In this study, single-cell transcriptomic data of ccRCC were analyzed. Notably, the macrophages were clustered to select the cluster with a tendency toward M2-type TAM, which has an impact on the occurrence and metastasis of ccRCC. This macrophage cluster was defined as "TAM2". And this study revealed that TCF7L2 as a potential transcription factor regulating TAM2 transcriptional heterogeneity and differentiation. Pseudotime traces showed TCF7L2 trajectories during TAM2 cell cluster development. In addition, the results of cell interaction showed that TAM2 had the highest number and strength of interactions with cancer cells and endothelial cells. In vitro experiments, this study found that TCF7L2 was highly expressed in TAMs and promoted the polarization of macrophages to M2-type macrophages. And then overexpression of TCF7L2 in macrophages markedly promoted ccRCC invasion and proliferation. TCF7L2 could play a key role in the progression of ccRCC via enhancing TAMs recruitment and M2-type polarization. [Display omitted] • Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in the progression of ccRCC. • In this study, single-cell data of ccRCC were analyzed. • Overexpression of TCF7L2 in macrophages markedly promoted ccRCC invasion and proliferation. • TCF7L2 could play a key role in the progression of ccRCC via enhancing TAMs recruitment and M2-type polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of cancer immunity and antitumor factors generated by natural polysaccharides is not yet fully comprehended. Polysaccharides, like cashew gum (CG), can exhibit immunomodulatory action and may assist in the antitumor process and side effects relieve. This study aimed to determine the antitumor effect of CG alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide (CTX), and its interactions with immune cells, in a murine melanoma model, using the B16-F10 cell line. Tumor growth inhibition, hematological, histopathological, ELISA, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR analyses were performed to elucidate the antitumor potential, involvement of immune cells, and potential toxic effects. CG showed significant tumor growth inhibition, reaching up to 42.9 % alone and 51.4 % in combination with CTX, with mild toxicity to organs. CG enhanced leukocyte count, even in the presence of CTX. Furthermore, CG influenced the activation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), characterized by an increase in Il4 , as well as a reduction in Ifng, Il1b, Tgfb , and Il6 gene expression. Nevertheless, these effects did not compromise the antitumor activity of CG. In summary, the combination of CG with CTX is a promising approach for leukopenia, one of the most important side effects of cancer treatment and deserves further investigation. • Cashew gum exhibit antitumor effect alone and in combination with cyclophosphamide. • Cashew gum increase leukocytes and macrophage infiltration in tumor. • Cashew gum influence the activation of tumor associated macrophages. • Cashew gum increase Il4 and reduce Tgfb , Ifng, Il1b, and Il6 gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological, gene sequence, host tissue tropism, and life cycle characteristics were utilized to describe the myxozoan, Myxobolus rasmusseni n. sp. from fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, collected from reservoirs in southern Alberta. Results from serial histological sections of whole heads showed that myxospores were contained within irregular-shaped and sized coelozoic capsules (=plasmodia). Clusters of membrane-bound, myxospore-filled plasmodia filled the head cavities of juvenile fathead minnows, leading to the development of large, white, disfiguring lesions in mid to late summer. Bilateral exopthalmia (pop-eye disease) was a common outcome of M. rasmusseni n. sp. development. BLASTn search of a 1974 bp sequence of the 18S rDNA gene isolated from myxospores indicated that M. rasmusseni n. sp. was distinct from other coelozoic and histozoic Myxobolus spp. cataloged in GenBank. 18S rDNA gene sequences from triactinomyxon spores released from the oligochaete Tubifex were 100% identical to sequences from myxospores collected from syntopic fathead minnows. Results from a longitudinal survey of the 2020 cohort of fathead minnows showed that young-of-the-year are exposed at 1–5 mo and that 60–90% of these had developed myxospore-filled lesions approximately one year later. Data regarding potential sources and timing of M. rasmusseni n. sp. emergence in fathead minnow populations are needed. [Display omitted] • a new species of coloezoic myxozoan is described from fathead minnow in southern Alberta, Canada. • Myxobolus rasmusseni n. sp. is closely related to Myxobolus spp. in other cyprinid fishes. • Myxospores reside within membrane-bound plasmodia that fill the head cavity of infected fish. • Exophthalmia (eye-bulge) is a common outcome of M. rasmusseni n. sp. development in fatheads. • M. rasmusseni n. sp. may be an emerging disease within populations of fatheads in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-oxygen conditions (hypoxia) have been associated primarily with cell-cycle arrest in dividing cells. Macrophages are typically quiescent in G0 but can proliferate in response to tissue signals. Here we show that hypoxia (1% oxygen tension) results in reversible entry into the cell cycle in macrophages. Cell cycle progression is largely limited to G0-G1/S phase transition with little progression to G2/M. This cell cycle transitioning is triggered by an HIF2α-directed transcriptional program. The response is accompanied by increased expression of cell-cycle-associated proteins, including CDK1, which is known to phosphorylate SAMHD1 at T592 and thereby regulate antiviral activity. Prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitors are able to recapitulate HIF2α-dependent cell cycle entry in macrophages. Finally, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in lung cancers exhibit transcriptomic profiles representing responses to low oxygen and cell cycle progression at the single-cell level. These findings have implications for inflammation and tumor progression/metastasis where low-oxygen environments are common. [Display omitted] • 1% oxygen results in reversible cell cycle re-entry in macrophages • Transition triggered by HIF2α-directed transcriptional program and MEK-ERK activation • CDK1 accumulation is accompanied by SAMHD1 phosphorylation at T592 • Cell cycle and hypoxia signatures seen in tumor-associated macrophage transcriptomes Meng et al. show that 1% oxygen results in cell cycle re-entry in macrophages. Mechanistically, this is triggered by an HIF2α-directed transcriptional program and accompanied by reversible activation of the canonical MEK/ERK proliferation pathway. CDK1-associated SAMHD1 phosphorylation at T592 in hypoxic macrophages renders them more susceptible to lentiviral transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can get new insights and comparative advantages from implementing information systems (ISs). This study aims to examine the factors that influence SMEs willingness to use cloud-based accounting. A theoretical framework was developed that incorporates technological and organizational variables from the Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework as external factors for the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Additionally, there were proposed environmental factors that influence the adoption of cloud accounting. A survey was carried out among accountants employed in SMEs in Saudi Arabia. 354 valid responds were collected and analyzed. The data was analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling with the aid of the SmartPLS software. The results indicate that factors such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, organizational resources, employee capability, top senior management support, mimetic pressures, normative pressures, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use significantly impact the intention to adopt cloud accounting. The model acts as a blueprint for achieving favorable results in business organizations and offers suggestions for successful cloud accounting integration. This study utilizes two information technology (IT) adoption models to improve prediction accuracy, acting as a strategy for leadership to help businesses make well-informed decisions about cloud accounting despite resource constraints and apprehensions about cloud service utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) usually presents infrequent infiltration of T lymphocytes. The known immune-checkpoint inhibitors to date focus on activating T cells and manifest limited effectiveness in PDAC. SIGLEC15 was identified as a novel tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-related immune-checkpoint in other cancer types, while its immunosuppressive role and clinical significance remained unclear in PDAC. In our study, SIGLEC15 presented immunosuppressive relevance in PDAC via bioinformatic analysis and expressed on TAM and PDAC cells. SIGLEC15+ TAM, rather than SIGLEC15+ PDAC cells or SIGLEC15- TAM, correlated with poor prognosis and immunosuppressive microenvironment in the PDAC microarray cohort. Compared with SIGLEC15- TAM, SIGLEC15+ TAM presented an M2-like phenotype that could be modulated by SIGLEC15 in a tumor cell-dependent manner. In mechanism, SIGLEC15 interacted with PDAC-expressed sialic acid, preferentially α-2, 3 sialic acids, to stimulate SYK phosphorylation in TAM, which further promoted its immunoregulatory cytokines and chemokines production. In vivo, SIGLEC15+ TAM also presented an M2-like phenotype, accelerated tumor growth, and facilitated immunosuppressive microenvironment, which was greatly abolished by SYK inhibitor. Our study highlighted a novel M2-promoting function of SIGLEC15 and strongly suggested SIGLEC15 as a potential immunotherapeutic target for PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphones are essential devices in most people's lives nowadays. There are many benefits offered by smartphones, such as: the ability to access the internet, e-mail, access social media, etc. Their advanced features and ease of use enhances their functionality including storing contacts, photos, videos and other sensitive information. Thus, smartphones become attractive target for hackers especially with regard to get unauthorized access to sensitive data from users that violates their privacy. This paper investigated the impact of users' intention in using a smartphone despite privacy threats that can occur. Questionnaires were distributed to 300 respondents who were actively using a smartphone to obtain the study data. The level of relationships among the constructs were analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results of this study indicate that the factors that influence users in using a smartphone are mobile users' information privacy concern, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sudden change in the learning process during the Covid-19 pandemic has brought schools at all levels to adopt e-learning. In this study, we analyze user acceptance of NUADU platform in private schools in Balikpapan, Indonesia. The extended Technology Acceptance Model is used as a reference model. The study results indicate that facilitating conditions have a significant effect on perceived usefulness. All core constructs of TAM have a significant effect except the relationship between perceived ease of use and attitude and perceived usefulness and behavior. Based on these findings, recommendations are then made to strengthen the acceptance of NUADU platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research explores the behavioral perspective of the millennial generation on job pursuit intention on Multi-Level Marketing companies through social media. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) are used to assess the job pursuit intention. The data were analyzed by Structural Equation Model (SEM). Analysis reveals the strong influence of attitude on job pursuit intention. The result in this research can be used as the theoretical basis that can be very beneficial for MLM companies, investors, and academicians in marketing. Further theoretical and practical suggestions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A research domain that concentrates on looking at the interactions and phenomena between information technology and enterprise organizations. It is necessary to study the level of acceptance of the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology for fishermen. Therefore, this research was conducted on the use of GPS in the Pangandaran Regency using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This study uses a quantitative approach. Meanwhile, the data collection technique used questionnaire survey techniques and interviews. Questionnaires were distributed to 4 sub-districts with a total of 50 respondents. Data analysis used a simple linear regression. The results showed that the 6 hypotheses tested positive. H6 has the strongest linear relationship than others with R2 is 0.780. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovery tools are becoming popular all over the world. Yet, there is little information regarding discovery tool implementation and evaluation. The objectives of this study are to explore: (a) librarians' and information professional' current use of discovery tools, (b) to what extent does the TAM explain librarians' and information professionals' intentions to use discovery tools, (c) to what extent do characteristics such as cognitive appraisals explain librarians' and information professionals' intentions to use discovery books, and (d) to what extent do personality dimensions such as openness to experience explain librarians' and information professionals' intentions to use discovery books. The research was conducted in Israel during the first semester of the 2015 academic year and encompassed 145 librarians and information professionals. Researchers used eight questionnaires and two open questions to gather the data. Findings reveal that the implementation of discovery tools in Israel is still in its infancy. Further, findings confirm that the TAM, cognitive appraisals, openness to experience, and importance of discovery tool features, affect respondents' satisfaction with discovery tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to establish a connection between students' behavioral concerns, namely stress and anxiety, related to the completion of academic tasks, and their integration of technology using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) through the utilization of Chat-GPT via ubiquitous learning (UL) procedure. To achieve this objective, data was collected from 156 students studying management science who were engaged in their final year research projects or internship reports from selected universities in Pakistan. The gathered data underwent analysis through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS software. The findings reveal a significant relationship: students' stress contributes to the emergence of anxiety, which in turn motivates the adoption of technology-assisted solutions, specifically Chat-GPT, to efficiently complete assigned tasks within deadlines working through any device from anywhere. Consequently, the perceived ease of use and usefulness associated with Chat-GPT's AI-generated text contribute to shaping students' favorable attitudes toward utilizing Chat-GPT and also play a role in reducing their stress levels. Furthermore, the study confirms that the development of a positive attitude in students acts as a driving force, compelling them to engage with Chat-GPT through ubiquitous learning (UL) procedure, ultimately resulting in increased actual usage of Chat-GPT. This pattern, in turn, contributes to stress and anxiety reduction among management science students. The study's outcomes corroborate the TAM model, which aligns with the social exchange process, demonstrating its applicability within the context of the educational setup in management sciences and its potential to enhance the learning experiences of researchers. • The study applies the Technology Acceptance Model to understand chat-GPT use among students of Universities of Pakistan. • Psychological factors (stress & Anxiety) and technology use is investigated among university students. • Behavioral Factors, Ubiquitous learning, Chat GPT and TAM are aligned to understand human computer interaction. • Based on detail analysis novel approach related to Technology and Social Acceptance Model (TSAM) is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There is a lack of research into the adoption of meta-government (metaverse government). • A dual-factor approach based on the Technology Acceptance Model is effective in investigating meta-government adoption. • Both enablers and barriers influence the adoption of meta-government. • Herd behavior plays a critical role in shaping citizens' behavioral intention toward meta-government. The primary aim of this study is to examine citizens' intentions to adopt meta-government (or metaverse government) by investigating the influence of various enablers and barriers on adoption intentions. Drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model, this research utilizes a dual factor approach to examine how herd behavior, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived cyber risks, and resistance to change impact intentions to adopt meta-government. A total of 371 responses were collected and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The results highlight the significance of herd behavior, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness in facilitating adoption intentions, while perceived cyber risks negatively affect both adoption intentions and perceived usefulness. This study contributes original insights into the key facilitators and obstacles citizens encounter when considering meta-government adoption, addressing a gap in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study introduces an extended TAM to understand ECNY adoption in China. • It offers insights into ECNY adoption, emphasizing convenience, government promotion, and social influence. • The study compares ECNY to other mobile payments, highlighting unique user preferences and trust factors globally. • Findings inform policymakers and fintech designers on user-centered design and trust-building for digital currency success. This study examines consumer adoption of the electronic Chinese yuan (e-CNY) using the technology acceptance model (TAM) and emotional design principles. The findings suggest that perceived usefulness, ease of use, credibility, and emotional design influence consumers' willingness to use e-CNY. Data from 28 pilot projects show that these factors are affected by herd behavior and socioeconomic status. The findings can guide government strategies for promoting digital currency and help businesses capitalize on market opportunities created by new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Security professionals often suggest password managers as one of the best measures for the end-users. However, the end-users have shown reluctance in adopting them, mostly due to the trust factor. The purpose of the paper was to examine the relationship of initial trust, and it's antecedents with the password manager's adoption intention. In this regard, using the Initial Trust Model as a framework, data from 289 respondents (age 18-35) were collected through a crowdsourcing website and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in SmartPLS 3.2. Results show that initial trust has a significant effect on the intention to adopt a password manager. In initial trust formation, firm reputation and structural assurances play a significant role, whereas personal propensity to trust does not significantly relate to initial trust. Moreover, firm reputation and structural assurances indirectly affect intention to adopt password managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the M2-like phenotype with potent immunosuppressive activity, and play a pro-tumor role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) biology. In this study, we investigated the role of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) as a determinant of TAM polarity. Clinical data revealed that the levels of IGFBP2 correlated with M2 TAMs accumulation and disease progression in human PDAC. In vivo mouse model experiments showed that IGFBP2 promoted an immunosuppressive microenvironment and tumor growth in a macrophage dependent manner. Bioinformatics analysis of PDAC transcriptomes revealed a significant association between IGFBP2 expression and M2 macrophage polarization and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that IGFBP2 augmented the expression and secretion of IL-10 through STAT3 activation in PDAC cells, which induced TAM polarization toward an M2 phenotype. IGFBP2-polarized M2 macrophages significantly increased Tregs infiltration and impaired antitumor T-cell immunity in a mouse model. Thus, our investigations have illuminated the IGFBP2 signaling pathway that contributes to the macrophage-based immunosuppressive microenvironment in PDAC, suggesting that blocking the IGFBP2 axis constitutes a potential treatment strategy to reset TAM polarization toward an antitumor state in PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of 3D-IC technology has become quite widespread in designing core-based systems-on-chip (SoCs). Concomitantly, testing of cores and inter-layer through-silicon-vias (TSVs) spanning through different layers of 3D chips has become an important problem in the manufacturing cycle. Testing 3D-SoCs is more challenging compared to their 2D counterparts because of the complexity of their design and power management issues. Also, the test procedure demands substantially more power than what is required in the normal functional mode, and hence, stringent thermal constraints during test need to be fulfilled to safeguard future performance and reliability of the chip. Since the overall 3D infrastructure depends on routing layer assignments, core allocation, and the geometry of TSV locations, these parameters should be given due consideration while designing the test-access-mechanism (TAM) that aims for minimizing overall test time satisfying power and TSV constraints. In this paper, we present a three-stage algorithm for reducing the test time in automated post-bond core-based 3D-SoCs, under a set of given constraints on test power, TAM-width, and the number of available TSVs. The proposed algorithm, when run on several ITC-02 SoC benchmarks, outperforms the algorithms presented in earlier work with respect to CPU-time, and additionally, reduces test time in many instances. • A placement algorithm is used to place different cores in different TAM partitions considering different parameters like Test time, power dissipation. It also guarantees that less number of TSVs are used. • A new scheduling algorithm is provided, where a combination of parallel and serial testing is done in a single time-stamp. • The advantage of using Pareto-optimal front to efficiently manage the trade-off between test-time and TAM-width is used. • Test parallelism is not only limited in TAM partitions. Within the TAM partitions we have introduced parallel and serial mixed testing. • A new hardware architecture is proposed to execute the scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We report on six affected family members with TAM and a novel mutation in STIM1. • Our results support a continuous spectrum between TAM and Stormorken syndrome. • Whole-body muscle MRI reveals an apparent pattern of muscle involvement. Heterozygous mutations in the stromal interaction molecule-1-gene (STIM1) cause a clinical phenotype varying from tubular aggregate myopathy with single or multiple signs of Stormorken syndrome to the full Stormorken phenotype. We identified a novel heterozygous mutation c.325C > T (p.H109Y) in the EF-hand domain of STIM1 in six patients of a large Belgian family, and performed a detailed clinical (N = 6), histopathological (N = 2) and whole-body muscle MRI (N = 3) study. The clinical phenotype was characterized by a slowly progressive, predominant proximal muscle weakness in all patients (100%), and additional exercise-induced myalgia in three (60%). Patients experienced symptom onset between 10 and 20 years, remained ambulatory into late adulthood, showed elevated serum creatine kinase levels and tubular aggregates in type 1 and type 2 fibers on muscle biopsy. Interestingly, jaw contractures and hyperlaxity, as well as non-muscular multisystemic features such as menorrhagia, easy bruising and ichthyosis occurred in one patient, and miosis in another. Whole-body muscle MRI revealed predominant involvement of superficial neck extensors, subscapularis, obliquus abdominis externus, lumbar extensors, rectus femoris, biceps femoris longus, medial head of gastrocnemius and flexor hallucis longus. Our findings in patients with myopathy with tubular aggregates and a STIM1 mutation further support the concept of a continuous spectrum with Stormorken syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Social influence and initial trust played the most important roles in AV acceptance. • Some personality traits contributed to AV usage intention. • Sensation seekers and those with a higher openness to experience had a higher intention to adopt AVs. • Neurotic users were less likely to accept AVs. Although automated vehicles (AVs) could offer a potentially effective solution to improving road safety, the benefit associated with AVs can be realized only when the public intend to use them. While some efforts have been made to understand why people would use AVs, few of them have investigated the role of social and personal factors in AV acceptance. The present study aimed to fill in this research gap. An AV acceptance model was proposed by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with social and personal factors, i.e., initial trust, social influence, and the Big Five personality and sensation seeking traits. The validity of the proposed model was confirmed with a questionnaire survey administrated to 647 drivers in China. Results revealed that at the very beginning of AV commercialization, perception factors (i.e., perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) from the original TAM showed significant influence on users' intention to use AVs. But more importantly, it was social influence and initial trust that contributed most to explain whether users would accept AVs or not. Some personality traits also played certain roles in AV usage intention. In particular, sensation seekers and those with a higher openness to experience were more likely to trust AVs and had a higher intention to adopt them. In contrast, neurotic people showed a lower level of trust and were less likely to accept AVs. Practically, these findings suggest that promotion of AVs to influential individuals that could help form good social opinions would have significant downstream effects on AV acceptance at the early state of its marketization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article aims to assess the behavior of tourists in sustainable rural mountain tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the role of social media usage. It investigates the key social media features that influence tourist behavior and introduces the concept of perceived risk as a novel variable within the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to deepen our understanding of the relationship between social media use and tourist behavior. The study conducts an extensive literature review and utilizes survey analysis. Three parameters—perception of risk, perception of value, and trust in social media—are employed to measure the impact of influential social media features. Statistical tests are applied to validate the new variable of perceived risk within the TAM. The study unveils that tourists' perception of risk associated with social media has the most significant influence on their behavior in rural mountain tourism during the pandemic. Additionally, it identifies that active engagement of tourists in online discussions positively affects both tourist behavior and social media usage, emphasizing the importance of community participation. The research acknowledges limitations, including the need for further validation of the perceived risk variable and the consideration of contextual influences. Future studies should explore additional variables and encompass diverse tourist populations to expand the understanding of social media usage and tourist behavior in rural mountain regions. This research significantly advances the understanding of tourist behavior in sustainable rural mountain tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing the novel variable of "perceived risk" within the Technology Acceptance Model. The study identifies influential social media features and underscores the positive effects of participatory habits, providing valuable insights for promoting sustainable tourism through targeted social media interventions. This research holds significant practical implications for practitioners and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable tourism in rural mountain regions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The identification of influential social media features and the emphasis on participatory habits among tourists offer actionable insights. Practitioners can leverage these findings to design targeted social media interventions that foster community engagement and enhance tourists' perception of value while mitigating perceived risks. Policymakers can use this information to shape strategies that encourage interactive online platforms, creating a sense of community participation to boost sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the deployment of the new technology, the behavioral intentions (BI) of pre-service teachers will play a significant role in its effectiveness. This study using the extended TAM model to explored pre-service teachers' BI to adopt Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) in education. The participants of this study were 210 pre-service teachers who completed a self-reported questionnaire after experiencing IVR environment. Results indicated that subjective norms such as endorsement, recommendation, and sharing from mentors and peers had a significant impact on preservice teachers' intention to use IVR compared to other IVR acceptance studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shoppable TV, which allows the purchase of products appearing in TV programmes directly, is a digital trend that is not implemented in most markets, but companies such as Amazon and NBC Universal have proposed the first sales systems. The aim of this research is to forecast the adoption intention of this technology by applying the Technology Acceptance Model. Structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) has been applied to a sample of 283 participants. The results indicate that shopping enjoyment is particularly important in generating attitudes toward this type of consumption, and this increases the intention to use Shoppable TV. • TV shopping in TV programmes is positioned as a digital trend. • The adoption of Shoppable TV is predicted through a Technological Acceptance Model. • Shopping enjoyment as an important factor to generate attitudes toward TV shopping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to determine the extent to which citizens are uncertain about the mobility policies adopted by regulators and how the decision to purchase new vehicles may be motivated by doubts that individuals develop regarding the vehicle type to purchase. The automotive industry's technological innovations, promoted by governments, may not have the environmental impact desired in certain regions. To address this issue, a survey was conducted in the city of Madrid. An exploratory factor analysis, followed by a discriminant analysis, was used to validate the constructs and predict the decision-making. The results confirm that the policies adopted by regulators generate uncertainty among individuals regarding which vehicle to purchase. As such, the purchase of a new vehicle may be postponed. This has the opposite effect that is intended, since a delay in the decision to purchase a new vehicle increases the average age of the vehicle fleet, thus contributing to more pollution from the mobility environment. These results highlight the need for governments to work on policies that align environmental needs with the social and economic context in order to achieve the most efficient transition possible, and an global discussion on the technology and innovation applied to consolidate sustainable mobility. • Public administrations are implementing mobility policies aiming to reduce de CO2 emissions. • These policies may be causing uncertainty among consumers on the decision-making to purchase a new vehicle. • Consumers prefer to postpone the decision to purchase a new vehicle due to the uncertainty developed about mobility policies. • Demonization of ICEV´s may compromise the target to reduce CO2 emissions. • Governments policies should be reconsidered to capture the social and economic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tumor microenvironment, the interplay among macrophages, cancer cells, and endothelial cells is multifaceted. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which often exhibit an M2 phenotype, contribute to tumor growth and angiogenesis, while cancer cells and endothelial cells reciprocally influence macrophage behavior. This complex interrelationship highlights the importance of targeting these interactions for the development of novel cancer therapies aimed at disrupting tumor progression and angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence underscores the indispensable involvement of lncRNAs in shaping macrophage functionality and contributing to the development of cancer. Animal studies have further validated the therapeutic potential of manipulating macrophage lncRNA activity to ameliorate disease severity and reduce morbidity rates. This review provides a survey of our current understanding of macrophage-associated lncRNAs, with a specific emphasis on their molecular targets and their regulatory impact on cancer progression. These lncRNAs predominantly govern macrophage polarization, favoring the dominance of M2 macrophages or TAMs. Exosomes or extracellular vesicles mediate lncRNA transfer between macrophages and cancer cells, affecting cellular functions of each other. Moreover, this review presents therapeutic strategies targeting cancer-associated lncRNAs. The insights and findings presented in this review pertaining to macrophage lncRNAs can offer valuable information for the development of treatments against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An integrated TAM investigates use intention of autonomous shuttle services. • A scooter-dominant urban mobility context was selected. • Ease of use and usefulness positively correlate to attitude, and use intention. • Trust is positively related to attitude while perceived enjoyment to use intention. • Speed is the attribute respondents are most concerned. The evolutionary applications of autonomous vehicles (AVs) to serve as part of public transport systems deserve more attention from the urban transport perspective. This study thus views AV as a novel smart mobility technology and proposes an extended model of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with additional variables to investigate the effects of factors influencing people to use autonomous shuttle services. We utilize a sample of 700 passengers who took a test-ride of autonomous shuttle services in a scooter-dominant urban mobility context for model estimations. Results show that both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness positively correlate to attitude, in turn leading to use intention. Trust is positively related to attitude, but not to use intention, while perceived enjoyment is positively related to both attitude and use intention. Results of multi-group analyses indicate the moderating roles of age and gender in the estimated models. Overall, respondents are satisfied with the shuttle service in terms of the five attributes of speed, stability and comfort, safety, convenience, and information clarity. However, the speed of shuttle service is the one attribute to which respondents are most concerned. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has built a structural equation model of user's acceptance model of government microblog based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM). It investigated government microblog users who registered in representative microblog platforms and collected 309 valid responses. Partial least squares (PLS) was used to test the research model, and the empirical findings revealed that users' behavioral attitude towards government microblog, subjective norm and self-efficacy significantly affect users' intentions to use government microblog, users' behavioral attitude was significantly and positively affected by trust, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Accordingly, some effective strategies were put forward to improve the performance and management of government microblog, which have a positive and practical significance on the development of government microblog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new era of technology has changed how people run their businesses, including transportation network companies. The business has started to utilize advanced internet-based technology. Gojek and Grab have both joined the competition by introducing GO-PAY and OVO as their crucial features in their applications. Both Gojek and Grab have succeeded in countering conventional means of transport and taken over the dominations of services to clients. The term of fintech has been optimized in day-to-day operations, however the figures of capitalization are different significantly indicating the number of loyal customers. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to spot the main causes, a problem illustrated by intention to use and considering the usefulness and also ease of use the applications. Eighty-two of Diploma degree students were asked to complete a set of TAM-questionnaires, and answer which applications they use the most. The hypothesis testing indicates that the high degree of usefulness of similarities, ease of use perceptions, attitude to actual usage between GO-PAY and OVO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology acceptance is an emerging concept which has been researched over the decades. On basis of the prior researches which represented the relationship between the user anxiety and the exogenous variables of technology acceptance model, we conducted meta-analysis to obtain the effect size of the anxiety on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. So we used Comprehensive Meta Analysis software program and evaluated 46 articles' correlation scores. Fixed and random effects statistical model were applied to the data. As a result, random effects model was found more relevant to represent the relationship between anxiety and the exogenous variables of technology acceptance model. Findings represented that the average effect size of perceived usefulness and anxiety was small (ṝ =-0.139, p =0.00), although the effect size of perceived ease of use and anxiety was found medium level (ṝ =-0.291, p=0.00) in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Telehealth bring significant benefits including improved quality of healthcare, efficiency and cost containment, especially for chronic patients and the elderly. China is the second largest country of investment in telemedicine systems, but the acceptance and behavioral intentions of the technology are still low in the elderly. The objective of this study is to explain the micro-mechanism that determines the behavioral intentions to use telemedicine systems from the perspective of elderly patients based on an extended Technology Acceptance Model.Methods: A sample consisting of 436 elderlies selected through multistage cluster sampling from four cities in mainland China. The empirical study was conducted to examine the proposed model by two aspects: measurement model and structural model.Results: The study determined that medical service satisfaction (t = 6.770, β = 0.332), ease of use (t = 5.200, β = 0.179), information quality (t = 12.540, β = 0.639) had a significant impact on the elderly patients' acceptance to telehealth, and the acceptance had a significant impact (t = 14.356, β = 0.697) on the elderly patients' behavior intentions of telehealth. The results also show that the variable of acceptance has significant mediating effects among the theoretical model.Conclusions: This study confirms the applicability of the extended Technology Acceptance Model in the behavioral intentions among elderly people in China using telehealth systems. The results indicate that relationship between telehealth systems and physical medical services are mutually reinforcing rather than alternative. The study will help technology developers better understand the behavioral characteristics of the elderly and encourage healthcare providers to better understand the true need of telehealth systems. These findings provide valuable information to telehealth system developers, governments, investors, and hospitals to promote the use of this technology by elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD30 ligand (CD30L, CD153), belonging to the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, has been reported to act as an immune regulator mainly in several autoimmune diseases and Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, little is known about its regulation in the glioma microenvironment. In this study, using a GL261 mouse glioma model, we showed that CD30L deficiency in the host accelerated glioma growth and reduced mouse survival, which might be associated with the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and CD8+ PD-1+ T cells. Moreover, CD30L deficiency resulted in distinct subsets of tumor-associated macrophages compared with those of wild-type mice. Furthermore, compared with those of wild-type mice, tumor-associated macrophages and microglia in CD30L-deficient mice adopted a more pro-tumorigenic phenotype within tumors. CD8+ T cells in CD30L-deficient mice decreased the expression of ki-67. Therefore, these results suggest that CD30L deficiency promotes the exhaustion of CD8+ T cells and the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages and microglia. Our findings provide evidence for a new potential immunotherapy for glioma targeting CD30/CD30L signaling. • CD30L deficiency facilitates glioma progression. • CD30L deficiency promotes the accumulation of TAMs and MDSC in glioma. • CD30L deficiency alters the phenotype of TAMs and microglia in glioma. • CD30L deficiency upregulates PD-1 in CD8+ T cells in glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite their many advantages, teachers' adoption of mobile technologies as didactic tools is still limited. Their adoption is conditioned by first-order and second-order barriers. The former are associated with the availability of resources, and the latter refer to internal barriers as a consequence of the reflection of instructors about their own teaching practice, which are harder to overcome. Teacher training plays an important role on the formation of these barriers, but prior research mainly focuses on pre-service teachers in their last years of training, where some of those barriers have already been formed, and it mostly investigates computer-based learning. This research aims to fill that gap by analyzing the influence of second-order barriers on first-year pre-service teachers' intention to use mobile devices in their future teaching practice. The study identifies the most relevant second-order barriers and tests the proposed model using a sample of 160 first-year primary education pre-service teachers. The results of the partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis offer relevant practical, theoretical and methodological implications for mobile learning adoption: first, they provide evidence of the key role of second-order barriers, accounting for 70.8% of the variance of the intention to use these technologies; second, the importance of compatibility and enjoyment, higher than that of traditional key variables as perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, points out tothe need to reconsider pre-service teacher training programs; third, the study compares traditional reflective modeling of subjective norm and formative modeling, suggesting the adequacy of formative formulations in technology adoption studies. Highlights • A TAM based model for the analysis of the second-order barriers is designed. • Second-order barriers predict the 70% of the behavioral intention of using. • The hedonic component plays a key role in the intention of using mLearning. • The pre-conceptions about teaching influences the intention of the students. • Subjective norm is better modelled as a formative composite with separated sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumour microenvironments promote cancer cell proliferation, immunosuppression and angiogenesis, leading to tumour growth and metastasis. TAMs have become increasingly recognised as a cancer therapy target, such as in combination therapy with an immunity checkpoint inhibitor. However, the clinical and prognostic features of TAMs, and the relationship between TAMs and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), remain unexplored in oesophageal cancer. Methods Using a non-biased database of 305 resected oesophageal cancer preparations, we evaluated the expression of two M2-like macrophage markers (CD163 and CD204) and PD-L1 on tumour cells by immunostaining. Through in vitro assays, we examined how TAMs influence phenotypic malignancy and PD-L1 expression. Results High density of CD163 (n = 160) or CD204 (n = 146) was associated with significantly worse overall survival than low expression (log rank P = 0.0025 and 0.018 for CD163 and CD204, respectively). The prognostic effect of TAMs was not significantly modified by any clinical factors (P > 0.05 for all interactions). High TAM density was significantly associated with increased PD-L1 expression. In in vitro assays, cell invasion and migration ability were significantly more upregulated in oesophageal cancer cell lines cocultured with activated macrophages than in control cell lines. Coculture with activated macrophages elevated the PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. Conclusions High TAM density in oesophageal cancer tissues was associated with shorter survival, suggesting a prognostic biomarker role for TAMs. TAMs also increase PD-L1 expression in tumour cells. Given the significant interest in cancer immunotherapies targeting TAMs and PD-L1, the current findings should have considerable clinical implications. Highlights • Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) adversely affects prognosis in human cancers. • TAMs have become increasingly recognised as a cancer therapy target, such as in combination therapy with an immunity checkpoint inhibitor. • High CD163/CD204 expression correlated with poor prognosis in oesophageal cancers. • TAMs affect programmed death ligand 1 expression and migration/invasion activity in oesophageal cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The impact of website experience on attitude is less than that of perceived usefulness. • The impact of website experience on attitude is less than that of subjective norm. • Attitude towards review site determines one's intention to visit the business listed. Abstract The number of review websites has increased within the past years since more people rely on online reviews to help their decision-making process. Previous studies have either focused on the attributes of the content posted on review websites (i.e., reviews) or customers' behavior concerning their selection of review website on which to post reviews. This study, however, extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate the factors that influence individuals' restaurant review website adoption behaviors to read reviews and make dining decisions. In addition, this study will look at the differences in individuals' perceptions of various restaurant review websites (i.e., Yelp vs. others). The findings revealed the role of influential factors on individuals' review website adoption and dining decisions as well as the differences in proposed structural relationships among various restaurant review websites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Extensive literature study on DSC curves, kinetics and mechanism of the decomposition of t-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). • Proof of the nth order reaction model and discussion of observed reaction orders (n < =1, n = 1) of the decomposition of TBHP. • Evaluation of DSC curves of the decomposition of TBHP in different DSC crucible types by ASTM E698 and model free kinetics. • Comparison of the activation parameters of the decomposition of TBHP considering the linear enthalpy entropy compensation. • First study of the influence of differently coated and uncoated DSC crucibles on the decomposition of TBHP measured by TAM. Abstract The decomposition of hydroperoxides like tert.-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) due to reactions with reactor materials (wall reactions) is an important issue in the frame of industrial processes and the analysis of such compounds. Because of the high surface-volume ratio such heterogeneous reactions are also especially important in case of thermo-analytical measurements. Therefore, the decomposition of TBHP has been studied for the first time extensively by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) using differently coated high pressure stainless steel crucibles (uncoated, gilded, silicon coated) and a medium pressure stainless steel crucible. Furthermore, the interaction of such crucible materials with TBHP has been measured for the first time by Thermal Activity Monitoring (TAM). The material of the gilded copper blowout disc turned out to be the reason for the very different DSC curves published in literature and had the highest influence compared to the crucible body material and the pressure. To protect the sample against the blowout disc, an aluminium foil has been placed below the blowout disc. This changed the shape of the DSC curve completely. It became more similar to that obtained with the medium pressure crucible. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism, kinetics and chemical aspects of the decomposition of TBHP at different conditions have been discussed and kinetics has been investigated for the first time by an overall evaluation of the DSC curves and a model free kinetics approach. Using the linear relationship between the kinetic activation parameters the published values are compared to those of the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We proposed and empirically tested an autonomous vehicle (AV) acceptance model. • Trust was the most critical factor in promoting AV acceptance. • Perceived safety risk had a negative effect on AV acceptance through trust. • Perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) were significant factors. • The effects of PEOU and PU were weaker compared to trust. Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore factors affecting users' acceptance of automated vehicles (AVs, Level 3). A theoretical acceptance model was proposed by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with new constructs: initial trust and two types of perceived risk (i.e., perceived safety risk [PSR] and perceived privacy risk [PPR]). It was hypothesized that initial trust was built upon perception factors (i.e., perceived usefulness [PU], perceived ease of use [PEOU], PSR, and PPR) and was a key determinant of AV acceptance. The validity of the model was confirmed with a structure equation modeling analysis based on data collected from 216 survey samples. Results revealed that initial trust was the most critical factor in promoting a positive attitude towards AVs, which, together with PU, determined users' intention to use AVs. Initial trust could be enhanced by improving PU and reducing PSR associated with AVs. Theoretically, these findings suggest that initial trust offers another and probably more important pathway for other factors to impact consumers' adoption of systems with uncertainty. Practically, the findings provide guidance for designing interventions aimed at improving public's acceptance towards AVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Rodent and clinical studies have documented that myeloid cell infiltration of tumors is associated with poor outcomes, neutrophilia and lymphocytopenia. This contrasts with increased lymphocyte infiltration of tumors, which is correlated with improved outcomes. Lifestyle parameters, such as obesity and diets with high levels of saturated fat and/or omega (ω)-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), can influence these inflammatory parameters, including an increase in extramedullary myelopoiesis (EMM). While tumor secretion of growth factors (GFs) and chemokines regulate tumor-immune-cell crosstalk, lifestyle choices also contribute to inflammation, abnormal pathology and leukocyte infiltration of tumors. A relationship between obesity and high-fat diets (notably saturated fats in Western diets) and inflammation, tumor incidence, metastasis and poor outcomes is generally accepted. However, the mechanisms of dietary promotion of an inflammatory microenvironment and targeted drugs to inhibit the clinical sequelae are poorly understood. Thus, modifications of obesity and dietary fat may provide preventative or therapeutic approaches to control tumor-associated inflammation and disease progression. Currently, the majority of basic and clinical research does not differentiate between obesity and fatty acid consumption as mediators of inflammatory and neoplastic processes. In this review, we discuss the relationships between dietary PUFAs, inflammation and neoplasia and experimental strategies to improve our understanding of these relationships. We conclude that dietary composition, notably the ratio of ω-3 vs ω-6 PUFA regulates tumor growth and the frequency and sites of metastasis that together, impact overall survival (OS) in mice. Highlights • This review examines the relationships between dietary PUFAs, lipid mediators, inflammation and neoplasia. • Discusses need for isocaloric, isolipidic and pair-fed models to separate obesity vs dietary mechanisms • Discusses dietary PUFA control of inflammation and neoplastic progression as a strategy for cancer intervention. • Discusses recent findings on PUFA regulation of tumor initiation and growth and the extent and sites of metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and VEGF receptor expression in the peritumoral brain zone (PBZ) differs from that in the tumor core (TC) of glioblastoma. To date, no comparative study has investigated the expression of immunosuppressive cells in the PBZ and TC of glioblastoma. Methods In 10 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of VEGF-A, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), Foxp3, CD163, CD4, and CD8 to assess the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Results The number of Foxp3+ and CD163+ cells was significantly greater in the TC than in the PBZ and correlated with greater expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and VEGF-A in the TC than in the PBZ. The number of CD8+ T cells was lower in the TC than in the PBZ, and the TC had more PD-1+CD8+ T cells compared with the PBZ. These results suggest that the hypoxic condition could be associated with PD-1 expression on lymphocytes, the distribution of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages. Conclusions The present study reports the first clinicopathologic features of the differences in immunosuppressive cells and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules between the TC and PBZ of glioblastoma. Highlights • This is the first study to present details of the tumor immune environment in the PBZ of glioblastoma. • Different VEGF expression between the TC and PBZ is associated with the immune reaction. • Tregs and TAMs were induced by VEGF under hypoxic conditions. • A different distribution of CD4 and CD8 T cells could be related to the expression of Tregs and TAMs. • CD8+/PD-1− T cells in the PBZ could lead to a possible immunotherapeutic strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have explored the applicability of social media technology in diverse fields. However, its significance as a delivery tool in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) motorcycle industry lacks literature. Motorcycles for product delivery are one of SSA's largest informal employments to generational cohorts. Motorcycles are crucial for product mobility and passenger conveyance in SSA, and it is currently the most outsourced logistics that drive the SSA online commerce ecosystem. With the financial challenges of the SSA motorcycle industry, generational cohorts of this economic sector have adopted social media technology for delivery purposes. Even though this phenomenon is realized among the predominated Generation (Gen) X, Y, and Z, no research has explored the area. However, motorcycle studies are based on actors, organizations, politics, forms of service regulation, safety, health, environmental impacts, and spatial patterns, creating a significant gap in social media adoption, usage, and importance. Therefore, the study aims to assess the effects of the factors influencing the recent adoption of social media technology for delivery operations and the difference in social media acceptance and application between Gen X, Y, and Z in the SSA motorcycle industry using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The novel findings show the theoretical extension of the adopted theories by introducing cohorts' technical know-how (TKH), which positively influences cohorts' social media adoption and application. It also confirms the differences in generational cohorts' technology intelligence and acceptance. Generally, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitude influence generational cohorts to adopt social media for delivery purposes. Cohorts' perceived risk was insignificant, and the predictors of the TAM and TPB model partially mediate the positive relationship between TKH and intention to use social media as a delivery tool. The study's findings have theoretical and business implications, which are discussed in detail in the conclusion. But generally, the findings will service as a guide for logistics companies to integrate a cost-effective technology into their system. It will help policymakers of the various African states to revise the ban on motorcycle usage for commercial purposes. • Theories adopted are the technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior • Generally, the adopted constructs influence cohorts' social media adoption • Cohorts' technical know-how highly influences the predictors of TAM and TPB • Predictors of TAM and TPB partially mediate cohorts TKH and social media adoption • Findings reveal differences and similarities among Gen X, Y and Z [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart waste classification and collection systems improve workload balances while promoting environmental sustainability. Consumer acceptability is critical for effectively implementing novel and upcoming techniques to enhance ecological sustainability and minimize pollution. The current study looked at the factors that impact Chinese residents' intention to use smart waste classification and collection systems, using Shanghai as a case study. The study extended an integrated theory of planned behavior and technology acceptance model with community engagement. 514 valid responses from a questionnaire survey were examined using structural equation modeling. The main findings indicate that residents' adoption intentions are influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and perceived usefulness. There was no statistically significant link between adoption intention and community engagement. However, community engagement influence residents' intention via attitude. The study provides a robust standard for understanding smart waste classification and collection systems adoption intention in ecological sustainability and pro-environmental consumption. Also, the study provides policymakers and stakeholders with comprehensive policy recommendations to promote public patronage and involvement in local community smart waste classification systems initiatives. • The factors that influence smart waste classification systems adoption are assessed. • Integrated TPB and TAM models was extended with community engagement. • 514 responses from a questionnaire survey in Shanghai were examined. • There is no direct link between community engagement and adoption intention. • Community engagement influences residents' adoption intention through attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]