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Companies vary on oft-publicized size metrics (number of employees, revenue). Do consumers prefer otherwise identical products made by larger or smaller companies? The answer hinges on whether consumers perceive the products as low-tech or high-tech. This prediction stems from a novel framework charting two lay theories regarding key resources companies utilize to provide value to consumers: employees and finances. In the intrinsic motivation lay theory, consumers believe that employees of larger (vs. smaller) companies are less intrinsically motivated. In the financial resources lay theory, consumers believe that larger (vs. smaller) companies have greater capacity to fund research and development. Critically, product type (low-tech vs. high-tech) differentially affects the accessibility of these two lay theories: For low-tech (vs. high-tech) products, the intrinsic motivation lay theory is more accessible, driving quality evaluations and choice in favor of smaller companies. For high-tech (vs. low-tech) products, the financial resources lay theory is more accessible, driving quality evaluations and choice in favor of larger companies. This research advances theory by reconciling conflicting findings regarding product quality inferences from company size metrics, with guidance for marketers to improve quality evaluations and choice shares by strategically supporting or challenging lay theories and shifting perceptions of company size or product type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Probiotic bacterial supplementation has shown promising results in the treatment of periodontitis and the maintenance of periodontal health. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of Lactobacillus reuteri or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis supplementation with and without prebiotic inulin on biofilm composition using an ex vivo biofilm model., Methods: Subgingival plaque specimens from three periodontitis-affected human donors were used to grow biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks in media supplemented with varying combinations of prebiotic inulin, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Relative abundances of bacterial genera present in mature biofilms were evaluated using 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing. Diversity metrics of microbial communities were evaluated using a next-generation microbiome bioinformatics platform., Results: Inulin supplementation produced statistically significant dose-dependent increases in relative abundances of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species (p < 0.001) with concomitant decreases in relative abundances of Streptococcus, Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, and Prevotella species (p < 0.001). Inoculation with L. reuteri or B. animalis subsp. lactis increased the relative abundance of only the supplemented probiotic genera (p < 0.05). Supplemental inulin led to a statistically significant decrease in biofilm alpha diversity (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The described ex vivo model appears suitable for investigating the effects of probiotic bacteria, prebiotic oligosaccharides, and combinations thereof on biofilm composition and complexity. Within the limitations imposed by this model, results from the present study underscore the potential for prebiotic inulin to modify biofilm composition favorably. Additional research further elucidating biologic rationale and controlled clinical research defining therapeutic benefits is warranted., (© 2022 American Academy of Periodontology.)

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and microbiological effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DN-173010 containing yogurt as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in periodontitis patients., Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical study registered with NCT05408364 under clinical trial registration. Thirty periodontitis patients were divided into 2 groups at random. As adjunctive to supra and subgingival instrumentation, the test group consumed Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DN-173010 containing yogurt while the control group consumed natural yogurt, once daily for 28 days. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 28th day, and 3rd month. Microbiological analysis was performed using culture method by obtaining subgingival plaque samples from 2 periodontal sites with 4≤PD≤6 mm at the same time points., Results: The inter-group comparisons of PI, GI, and BOP as well as the changes between the measurement time points were statistically significant in favor of the test group. There were no significant differences in terms of PD and CAL changes between the study groups at all times (∆baseline-28 days, ∆baseline-3 months) (p>0.05). The number of patients presenting subgingival Bifidobacterium species was significantly greater in the test group than the control group at the 28th day (p<0.05)., Conclusions: The administration of probiotics has shown beneficial effects, albeit limited, on clinical and microbiological outcomes in the management of periodontitis patients., Clinical Relevance: Daily consumption of probiotic yogurt may be supportive for supra and subgingival instrumentation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Ischemic stroke is a common and dangerous disease in clinical practice. Astrocytes (ASs) are essential for maintaining the metabolic balance of the affected regions during the disease process. 4-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4HBA) from Gastrodia elata Bl. has potential neuroprotective properties due to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. In an in vitro experiment, we replicated the oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model, and used methyl thiazoly tertrazolium, flow cytometry, kits, and other technical means to clarify the protective effect of 4HBA on primary ASs. In in vivo experiments, the 2VO model was replicated, and immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to clarify the protective effect of 4HBA on ASs and the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier. Differential metabolites and related pathways were screened and verified using metabolomics analysis and western blot. 4HBA noticeably amplified AS cell survival, reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, and mitigated oxidative stress. It demonstrated a protective effect on ASs in both environments and was instrumental in stabilizing the blood–brain barrier. Metabolomic data indicated that 4HBA regulated nucleic acid and glutathione metabolism, influencing purines, pyrimidines, and amino acids, and it activated the N-methyl-D-aspartate/p-cAMP-response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway via N-methyl-D-aspartate R1/N-methyl-D-aspartate 2C receptors. Our findings suggest that 4HBA is a potent neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke, enhancing AS cell survival and function while stabilizing the blood–brain barrier. The N-methyl-D-aspartate/p-cAMP-response element binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway is activated by 4HBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring high reliability and low latency poses challenges for numerous applications that require rigid performance guarantees, such as industrial automation and autonomous vehicles. Our research primarily concentrates on addressing the real-time requirements of ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). Specifically, we tackle the challenge of hard delay constraints in real-time transmission systems, overcoming this obstacle through a finite blocklength coding scheme. In the physical layer, we encode randomly arriving packets using a variable-length coding scheme and transmit the encoded symbols by truncated channel inversion over parallel channels. In the network layer, we model the encoding and transmission processes as tandem queues. These queues backlog the data bits waiting to be encoded and the encoded symbols to be transmitted, respectively. This way, we represent the system as a two-dimensional Markov chain. By focusing on instances when the symbol queue is empty, we simplify the Markov chain into a one-dimensional Markov chain, with the packet queue being the system state. This approach allows us to analytically express power consumption and formulate a power minimization problem under hard delay constraints. Finally, we propose a heuristic algorithm to solve the problem and provide an extensive evaluation of the trade-offs between the hard delay constraint and power consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review starts off with the first germline homozygous variants of the Nucleoporin 98 gene (NUP98) in siblings whose clinical presentation recalls Rothmund–Thomson (RTS) and Werner (WS) syndromes. The progeroid phenotype caused by a gene associated with haematological malignancies and neurodegenerative disorders primed the search for interplay between caretakers involved in genome instability syndromes and Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC) components. In the context of basic information on NPC architecture and functions, we discuss the studies on the interdependence of caretakers and gatekeepers in WS and Hereditary Fibrosing Poikiloderma (POIKTMP), both entering in differential diagnosis with RTS. In WS, the WRN/WRNIP complex interacts with nucleoporins of the Y-complex and NDC1 altering NPC architecture. In POIKTMP, the mutated FAM111B, recruited by the Y-complex's SEC13 and NUP96, interacts with several Nups safeguarding NPC structure. The linkage of both defective caretakers to the NPC highlights the attempt to activate a repair hub at the nuclear periphery to restore the DNA damage. The two separate WS and POIKTMP syndromes are drawn close by the interaction of their damage sensors with the NPC and by the shared hallmark of short fragile telomeres disclosing a major role of both caretakers in telomere maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rapid changes incurred by tourism pose challenges to local residents, transforming their perceptions of place and levels of identification to it. Building on the premises of two theoretical frameworks, this study aimed to investigate the way place image and social identity determine residents' predispositions to tourism and their overall life satisfaction. Using data drawn from Seville residents, the study revealed that place image determines residents' perceptions of tourism impacts, while social identity only affected support for tourism. Perceived impacts further formulated support and life satisfaction. The study sheds some light on residents' attitudes and their life satisfaction in mature destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines residents' perceptions of tourism development in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, focusing on its benefits and costs, guided by social exchange theory. The objective is to explore how the perceived impacts of tourism development, along with external factors such as community attachment, residents' knowledge of tourism development, and community involvement, affect locals' satisfaction with tourism and their intention to support tourism development. A survey of 427 locals, analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), reveals a positive correlation between community attachment and the perceived benefits from tourism. Residents' knowledge about tourism is linked to perceived benefits, but not to perceived costs, and community involvement does not significantly impact perceptions. Perceived benefits positively influence support for tourism, while perceived costs have a negative effect. Residents' satisfaction with tourism, shaped by their perceptions of the benefits and costs, influences their future support for tourism initiatives. The theoretical implications highlight social exchange theory's role in understanding community perceptions, while the practical implications emphasize inclusive and transparent tourism planning to gain local support. These results underscore the importance of considering locals' perceptions and satisfaction in both current and future tourism planning and development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) is the gold standard diagnostic method for prostate cancer. In people with low health literacy, accurate and early diagnosis rates decrease, making it difficult to maintain health and compliance with treatment. In our study, we investigated how health literacy and sociocultural parameters affected compliance and awareness in patients with suspected prostate cancer, for whom TRUS-Bx was planned. Methods: In the study, 98 male patients aged 50–80 years, recommended for TRUS-Bx, were included in our study. The data including age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, digital rectal examination findings, education leveland area of residence of the patients included in the study were recorded. Health Literacy Survey-Turkey- Questionnaire 47 and Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 forms were completed by the patients who agreed to participate in the study, and their scores were recorded. Patients scheduled for TRUS-Bx were divided into two groups: those who attended their appointments and underwent the biopsy, and those who did not attend their scheduled appointments. The effect of health literacy and other parameters on the TRUS-Bx requirement was examined between the two groups. Furthermore, 52 patients who underwent TRUS-Bx were divided into two groups as malignancy (malignant) detected and not-detected (benign) patients according to the pathology results, and the parameters were analyzed separately for these groups. Results: The education level of the patients who underwent the TRUS-Bx procedure was found to be statistically higher (p = 0.026). Health Literacy Survey-Turkey- Questionnaire 47 and Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 scores were statistically significantly higher in the TRUS-Bx group (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). In the logistic regression analysis, education level, Health Literacy Survey-Turkey- Questionnaire 47 and Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 were found to be important predictors for awareness of the requirement for TRUS-Bx. Conclusion: The study's findings indicate that patients with higher health literacy and education levels were more likely to receive an early diagnosis and promptly proceed with the recommended TRUS-Bx after visiting a urologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research on the use of robotics in hospitality and tourism has called attention to tourists' post-adoption behavior, including value co-creation. Guided by the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework, a mixed-method study was conducted to explore the antecedents and mechanisms of tourists' value co-creation behavior with robots. Qualitative interviews revealed robots' anthropomorphism and economic rewards as tourists' key concerns regarding robot-provided services. Subsequently, partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to investigate how robot service attributes influenced tourist–robot co-creation, including participation and citizenship behaviors, and enhancing tourists' experiences at tourist attractions. Findings indicated that three types of perceived experiential value fully mediated the relationships between robots' degree of anthropomorphism and tourists' value co-creation behavior, as well as between economic rewards and participation behavior. However, the relationship between economic rewards and citizenship behavior was partially mediated. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study empirically and comprehensively explores consumers' ethical perceptions of autonomous service robots (ASRs) in hotels. Under the triangulation approach, this study has identified eight themes of consumer perceived ethical issues (privacy, security, safety, transparency, fairness, socialization, autonomy, and responsibility). Each theme can be explained from two dimensions: ethical issues arise during the interaction (i.e., ubiquitous surveillance, excessive data, unidentified risks, service disclosure, inaccessibility, dehumanization, selection of services, and service recovery), and ethical issues can be raised by the characteristics of ASRs (i.e., privacy infringement, malicious use, malfunctions, untrustworthiness, biased features, job replacement, inflexibility, and self-identified solutions). This study is the first to propose ethical issues of ASRs from two dimensions with different intelligence levels, and to highlight ethical issues during hotel service interactions. The findings contribute to ethics studies of service robots from consumers' perspectives and offer managerial insights to reduce ethical concerns and enhance ASRs usage in hotels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osseointegration is fundamental to achieving successful implant therapy in dentistry. However, the heat generated during implant placement emerges as a critical factor predisposing to implant failure. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the different factors related to heat generation during implant placement, offering insights to clinicians in their daily clinical practice. Methods: Utilizing the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, we conducted an electronic search for articles published between January 2013 and December 2023. The analysis focused on several factors including bone type, drill shape, drill speed, drill material, drilling force, osteotomy depth, drill load, drilling technique (intermittent or continuous), presence of a surgical guide, irrigation methods, drill wear, and preparation tools available. Results: Initially, 2525 records were identified. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and full-text assessment, 93 articles were included in this scoping review. Additionally, some articles published before 2013 were incorporated in the bibliography to ensure completeness of the review. Conclusions: Heat generation during implant placement arises from a complex interplay of multiple factors. While irrigation and bone hardness appear to be crucial determinants of heat generation during the osteotomy phase, the involvement of other factors remains less clear. Further studies are needed to better understand the precise contribution of these factors towards increasing temperature at the implant site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension and cardiovascular disease are prominent features of chronic kidney disease, and they are associated with premature mortality and progression toward end-stage kidney disease. Renalase, an enzyme secreted predominantly by the kidney and identified in 2005, seems to be one of the missing pieces in the puzzle of heart and kidney interaction in chronic kidney disease by lowering blood pressure and reducing the overactivity of sympathetic tone. This review aims to summarize evidence from clinical studies performed on subjects with CKD in order to explore the value of renalase as a marker and/or a therapeutic target in this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the role of hindrance stressors in the relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and employees' outcomes in challenging contexts. Thus, this paper studies the role of stressors in a situation of uncertainty, such as the one derived from the pandemic, and examines the mechanisms through which HPWS can improve employees' satisfaction and reduce turnover intentions. Data were collected from 202 hotel employees on the island of Gran Canaria in 2021, and research hypotheses were tested with PLS-SEM. The study revealed that reducing hindrance stressors is an important mechanism through which HPWS improve job satisfaction and decrease turnover intentions. These findings emphasize the relevance of developing HPWS to cope with challenging situations, revert the Great Resignation and recover the tourism sector by valuing its workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The safety of medication use among older adults is a growing concern, given the aging population. Despite widespread attention, the exploration of medication literacy in older adults, particularly from the perspective of information literacy, is in its nascent stages. Methods: This study utilized the existing literature to define medication information literacy (MIL) as a theoretical framework. A two‐round Delphi survey was conducted to identify the essential components of a MIL indicator system for older adults. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was then used to assign weights to each indicator. Results: The study observed relatively high response rates in both rounds of the questionnaire, which, along with expert authority coefficients (Cr) of 0.86 and 0.89, underscores the credibility and expertise of the panellists. Additionally, Kendall's coefficient of concordance (Kendall's W) ranging from 0.157 to 0.33 (p < 0.05) indicates a consensus among experts on the identified indicators. Utilizing the Delphi process, a MIL indicator system for older adults was developed, comprising five primary and 23 secondary indicators. These indicators were weighted, with medication information cognition and acquisition emerging as pivotal factors in enhancing medication literacy among older adults. Conclusions: This study developed a MIL indicator system tailored for older adults using the Delphi approach. The findings can inform healthcare professionals in providing customized medication guidance and assist policymakers in crafting policies to enhance medication safety among older adults. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient and public engagement played a pivotal role in the development of our medication information literacy indicator system for older adults. Their involvement contributed to shaping research questions, facilitating study participation, and enriching evidence interpretation. Collaborations with experts in geriatric nursing, medicine, and public health, along with discussions with caregivers and individuals with lived experience, provided invaluable insights into medication management among older adults. Their input guided our research direction and ensured the relevance and comprehensiveness of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an early warning sign of stroke and death, necessitating suitable animal models due to the associated clinical diagnostic challenges. In this study, we developed a TIA model using flexible spatially targeted photothrombosis combined with real-time blood flow imaging feedback. By modulating the excitation light using wavefront technology, we precisely created a square light spot (50 × 250 µm), targeted at the distal middle cerebral artery (dMCA). The use of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) provided real-time feedback on the ischemia, while the excitation light was ceased upon reaching complete occlusion. Our results demonstrated that the photothrombus formed in the dMCA and spontaneously recanalized within 10 min (416.8 ± 96.4 s), with no sensorimotor deficits or infarction 24 h post-TIA. During the acute phase, ischemic spreading depression occurred in the ipsilateral dorsal cortex, leading to more severe ischemia and collateral circulation establishment synchronized with the onset of dMCA narrowing. Post-reperfusion, the thrombi were primarily in the sensorimotor and visual cortex, disappearing within 24 h. The blood flow changes in the dMCA were more indicative of cortical ischemic conditions than diameter changes. Our method successfully establishes a photochemical TIA model based on the dMCA, allowing for the dynamic observation and control of thrombus formation and recanalization and enabling real-time monitoring of the impacts on cerebral blood flow during the acute phase of TIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Statins were regarded as a main medication for managing hypercholesterolemia. Administration of statin therapy could reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), which was recognized by multipal clinical guidelines. But previous studies had conflicting results on whether the long-term use of statins could benefit the renal function in diabetic patients. Aim: To evaluate the association between statin treatment and Chronic Kidney Disease in DM patients. Methods: This is a retrospective disproportionality analysis and cohort study based on real-world data. All DM cases reported in US Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system (FAERS) between the first quarter of 2004 and the fourth quarter of 2022 were included. Disproportionality analyses were conducted by estimating the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the information component (IC). We further compared the CKD odds ratio (OR) between the statins group and the other primary suspected drug group among the included diabetes mellitus cases. Results: We finally included 593647 DM cases from FAERS, 5113 (5.31%) CKD cases in the statins group and 8810 (1.77%) CKD cases in the control group. Data analysis showed that the statins group showed a significant CKD signal (ROR: 3.11, 95% CI: 3.00-3.22; IC: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07-1.29). In case group with two or more statins treatment history, the CKD signal was even stronger (ROR: 19.56, 95% CI: 18.10-21.13; IC: 3.70, 95% CI:3.44-3.93) compared with cases with one statin treatment history. Conclusion: The impact of statin therapy on the progression of renal disease in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) remains inconclusive. After data mining on the current FAERS dataset, we discovered significant signals between statin treatment and CKD in diabetic patients. Furthermore, the incidence rate of CKD was higher among DM patients who used statins compared to those who did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We show how the relationship between the sub-network entropy of malignant up-regulated genes in twelve different types of cancer, spanning the entire spectrum of 5-year overall survival rates, can serve as a benchmark for optimizing RNA-seq workflows. Assessing the Shannon entropy of sub-networks formed by malignant up-regulated genes by several RNA-seq workflow approaches, such as DESeq2 and edgeR, but also by evaluating nine normalization methods on paired samples of TCGA RNA-seq, we found that the pipeline incorporating TPM normalization coupled with log2 fold change yielded the best correlation coefficient between cancer aggressiveness and tumor entropy. RNA-seq faces persistent challenges due to the ongoing, expanding array of data processing workflows, none of which have yet achieved standardization to date. It is imperative to determine which method most effectively preserves biological facts. Here, we used Shannon entropy as a tool for depicting the biological status of a system. Thus, we assessed the measurement of Shannon entropy by several RNA-seq workflow approaches, such as DESeq2 and edgeR, but also by combining nine normalization methods with log2 fold change on paired samples of TCGA RNA-seq representing datasets of 515 patients and spanning 12 different cancer types with 5-year overall survival rates ranging from 20% to 98%. Our analysis revealed that TPM, RLE, and TMM normalization, coupled with a threshold of log2 fold change ≥1, for identifying differentially expressed genes, yielded the best results. We propose that Shannon entropy can serve as an objective metric for refining the optimization of RNA-seq workflows and mRNA sequencing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of China Tourism Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology is the property of Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Probiotics are promising adjuncts to non‐surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing (SRP)) for managing gingival and periodontal diseases. Probiotics are considered alternatives to antibiotics, especially with the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Hence, the present systematic review aims to generate evidence on the role of probiotics compared to antimicrobial agents for managing periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis). Method: Six electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane, Clinical Trial Registry) were searched to collect studies comparing the effect of probiotics with antibiotics for periodontal disease. In total, 5530 articles were retrieved from all databases, of which 1891 were included for title and abstract screening. After screening, a total of ten clinical studies were included for data extraction and analysis. Probing pocket depth (PPD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and microbial profile were recorded. Results: Probiotics showed a significant reduction in the PPD and CAL compared to antibiotics. Antibiotics were more effective in reducing the PI and GI. A combination of probiotics and antibiotics superior compared to probiotics and antibiotics alone. Conclusion: Probiotics can be used as an alternative to antibiotics, however, a combination is more effective for managing periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Estudios Empresariales Segunda Época is the property of Editorial de la Universidad de Jaen and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is a major outcry among Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in emerging tourism destinations regarding the low participation or engagement of key stakeholders, mainly local residents, in sustainable tourism. Although several initiatives have been taken by DMOs to ensure that local residents participate in inclusive tourism development, major progress has not been achieved so far. Past studies indicate that even though local residents are engaged and involved in tourism development, they have not been able to fully exercise power and control over tourism, hence they participate as passive beneficiaries rather than active beneficiaries. Thus, this study is an attempt to investigate the role of destination promotion videos and tourism knowledge as drivers of residents' empowerment in emerging tourism destinations. The study used convenience sampling to determine a sample of 417 local residents in the Dodoma region, from whom data were collected. The data analysis, using structural equation modeling, suggests that tourism knowledge is an important driver of residents' empowerment among local residents. Additionally, tourism knowledge can be cultivated through the use of destination promotion videos as important sources of information about tourism destinations. This study recommends that DMOs should utilize various public awareness campaigns, such as short destination videos, to empower individuals with knowledge. This knowledge could instill confidence and encourage their participation in inclusive tourism development. Plain language summary: This study looks at how videos promoting tourist destinations can help local people in emerging tourism areas. It explores how these videos increase residents' knowledge about tourism, which in turn can empower them. The findings suggest that when residents have better information about tourism through these videos, they can participate more actively in the development of their community. This increased involvement can lead to positive changes and benefits for the local population. There has been a significant outcry from organizations managing tourism destinations in emerging regions. These organizations are concerned that local residents are not sufficiently participating in sustainable tourism efforts. Despite multiple initiatives to involve local residents in tourism development, substantial progress has not been achieved. Previous research shows that although local residents are engaged in tourism development, they often do not have full control or power in the process. As a result, they tend to be passive participants rather than active contributors. This study aims to explore how destination promotion videos and tourism knowledge can empower local residents in emerging tourism destinations. Specifically, it looks at whether these tools can help local residents become more active and influential in tourism development. The study was conducted in the Dodoma region, using a sample of 417 local residents. The researchers used a method called convenience sampling to select participants. Data was then analyzed using a statistical technique known as structural equation modeling. The analysis revealed that having knowledge about tourism significantly empowers local residents. This knowledge helps them feel more confident and capable of participating in tourism development. Also, destination promotion videos were found to be effective in providing important information about tourism destinations. These videos can serve as valuable tools for educating and informing local residents about tourism. Based on these findings, the study recommends that Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) should use public awareness campaigns, including short destination videos, to spread tourism knowledge among local residents. By doing so, residents can gain the confidence and information needed to become more actively involved in tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TP53 gene is renowned as a tumor suppressor, playing a pivotal role in overseeing the cell cycle, apoptosis, and maintaining genomic stability. Dysregulation of p53 often contributes to the initiation and progression of various cancers, including lung cancer (LC) subtypes. The review explores the intricate relationship between p53 and its role in the development and progression of LC. p53, a crucial tumor suppressor protein, exists in various isoforms, and understanding their distinct functions in LC is essential for advancing our knowledge of this deadly disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive literature overview of p53, its relevance to LC, and potential clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminium alloys have a wide range of applications, mainly due to their advantageous strength-to-weight ratio, denoted as specific strength and corrosion resistance. In recent decades, there has been a notable surge in the usage of recycled alloys, attributed to their reduced production costs and emissions. One of the conditions for secondary production is the optimal sorting of used scrap. Once the aluminium scrap has been melted, it is tough to reduce the content of the various additives. Copper is the primary alloying element in some aluminium alloys, which leads to an increased amount of copper in the aluminium scrap. Therefore, it is important to investigate its effect on the properties of aluminium alloys in which it is not commonly present. For this reason, this paper is concerned with the influence of copper on the microstructure and properties of the secondary aluminium alloy AlZn10Si8Mg. Specifically, it compares two melts of self-hardening AlZn10Si8Mg alloys differing in copper content (0.019% and 1.72%). A complex quantitative and metallographic analysis by optical and electron microscopy has been performed. Mechanical properties were investigated by tensile test, Brinell hardness, and Vickers microhardness measurements. The corrosion resistance of the individual melts was verified by the Audi test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates residents' pro-environmental behavior from the unique perspective of government-resident interactions. Guided by social movement theory, how local governments regulate residents' waste-sorting behavior in Chinese rural tourism destinations is assessed. This longitudinal study (lasting from 2016 to 2022) uses participant observation, in-depth interviews (N = 25), and secondary data as the key research techniques. The dual roles of local governments (i.e., resource mobilization and power redistribution) jointly shape residents' pro-environmental behavior in the waste-sorting campaign. Resource mobilization enhances knowledge of waste-sorting and raises individuals' environmental consciousness. Power redistribution within groups activates social networks in rural communities and changes groups' social capital to influence residents' collective behavior. Results are discussed in relation to how the organizational-level resource mobilization and power redistribution influence the individual-level environmental psychological and sociological factors in shaping residents' waste-sorting behavior. Practical recommendations are offered for sustainable tourism management from a social interaction perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review is to identify the microbiological alterations caused by various therapy modalities by critically analyzing the current findings. We limited our search to English-language papers published between 1 January 2004 and 7 May 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that were relevant to our topic. In the search approach, the Boolean keywords "microbio*" AND "periodontitis" were used. A total of 5152 papers were obtained from the databases Web of Science (2205), PubMed (1793), and Scopus (1154). This resulted in 3266 articles after eliminating duplicates (1886), and 1411 entries were eliminated after their titles and abstracts were examined. The qualitative analysis of the 22 final articles is included in this study. Research on periodontal disease shows that periodontitis alters the oral microbiome and increases antibiotic resistance. Treatments like scaling and root planing (SRP), especially when combined with minocycline, improve clinical outcomes by reducing harmful bacteria. Comprehensive mechanical debridement with antibiotics, probiotics, EMD with bone grafts, and other adjunctive therapies enhances periodontal health. Personalized treatment strategies and advanced microbial analyses are crucial for effective periodontal management and antibiotic resistance control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comparatively examines residents’ attitudes toward the tourism economy across eight rural counties at varying tourism development stages within the Monongahela National Forest region, West Virginia. Nine hypotheses related to attitudes toward sustainable tourism, perceptions of regional collaboration, and perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) are proposed and evaluated with the Social Exchange Theory (SET), Tourism Area Life Cycle model (TALC), and Doxey’s Irritation Index as the theoretical foundations. While the nine hypotheses are not consistently supported with mixed findings, it seems that residents from counties at higher levels of development stages are more likely to support tourism development because of its positive economic benefits to communities while disfavoring tourism development for its negative social impacts on communities; to value the importance and benefits of regional collaboration, and to score higher on their communities’ strengths in tourism development. Research implications, limitations, and future research needs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explored the relationships between destination social responsibility, tourism impacts, and residents' quality of life based on stakeholder and social exchange theories. We collected data from the responses of 452 inhabitants in Saudi Arabia. Our findings indicated that destination social responsibility positively affected residents' perceptions of economic and socio-cultural impacts. Interestingly, we found that economic and socio-cultural tourism impacts mediated the link between destination social responsibility and quality of life. Our research contributes to the tourism development field and suggests that managers pay attention to tourism's social responsibility and economic and socio-cultural impacts, improving quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease with various levels varying from fatty liver steatosis to acute steatosis which is non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can develop into hepatic failure, as well as in some conditions it can develop into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the NAFLD and NASH context, aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression has a thorough contribution to the incidence and development of these liver disorders by influencing key biological actions, involving lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Dysregulated miRNAs can disrupt the balance between lipid accumulation and clearance, exacerbate inflammatory responses, and promote fibrogenesis, thus advancing the severeness of the disorder from simple steatosis to more complex NASH. In the current review, the latest development concerned with the activity of complex regulatory networks of miRNA in the incidence as well as the evolution of NAFLD is to be discussed, also conferring about the miRNAs' role in the onset, pathogenesis as well as diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH discussing miRNAs' role as diagnostic biomarkers and their therapeutic effects on NAFLD/NASH., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not Applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Conflict of interest: The author declares they have no conflict of interest. Human and animal ethics: Not applicable., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Periodontitis is widely acknowledged as the most prevalent type of oral inflammation, arising from the dynamic interplay between oral pathogens and the host's immune responses. It is also recognized as a contributing factor to various systemic diseases. Dysbiosis of the oral microbiota can significantly alter the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. Researchers have delved into the links between periodontitis and systemic diseases through the "oral-gut" axis. However, whether the associations between periodontitis and the gut microbiota are simply correlative or driven by causative mechanistic interactions remains uncertain. This review investigates how dysbiosis of the gut microbiota impacts periodontitis, drawing on existing preclinical and clinical data. This study highlights potential mechanisms of this interaction, including alterations in subgingival microbiota, oral mucosal barrier function, neutrophil activity, and abnormal T-cell recycling, and offers new perspectives for managing periodontitis, especially in cases linked to systemic diseases., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The concepts of positive psychology and positive organizational scholarship emphasize the value of employees' positive emotions and satisfaction for organizations to thrive. However, conceptions of positive practices or virtuousness emanating from managers are not yet fully established and suffer from incompleteness and inconsistency. This study establishes a framework that holistically and coherently captures management practices that lead to satisfaction among employees, applying text mining and unsupervised machine learning methods to a large sample of employee reviews (n = 5,650). The framework of positive management practices (PMP) encompasses the six dimensions of respectful interaction, open communication, interpersonal support, reasonable instructions, intellectual support, and managerial competence. In a subsequent analysis, this study finds a positive association between PMP at the organizational level and firm profitability, indicating that companies should ensure that employees in leadership positions understand and adopt PMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics, this study investigates consumer behaviour with a specific emphasis on the determinants that impact the adoption and purchase of AI tourism applications by tourists, thereby augmenting their perceived value. The study aims to identify the factors that impact tourists' inclination to adopt and buy AI tourism applications, with a focus on enhancing perceived value. Using data collected from a survey of 301 visitors of different nationalities visiting Greece, this study conducts structural equation modelling to assess the relationship between technology adoption and certain factors influencing customers’ perceived value in the tourism sector, considering the Value Adoption Model (VAM). Findings indicate that suggested modifications in the VAM demonstrate that factors including Happiness, Perceived Immersion, Trust and Effort are relevant to the successful acceptance concept of paying for using AI tourism apps. The most likely outcome is the mediating role of Perceived Value in willingness to accept and pay for AI tourism apps. The study recontextualizes the VAM theory by analyzing the acceptance of AI apps in tourism and hospitality sector research. The findings are valuable to hotel directors, ICT developers, and researchers studying the difficulties of technology adoption and implementation of service management in the hospitality industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to apply the service robot acceptance model (sRAM) to examine how attitude toward human–robot interaction (HRI) and engagement influence consumer acceptance of service robots in a frontline setting. Design/methodology/approach: Data was collected from 255 visitors who interacted with a robotic tour guide at a city museum. The data was analyzed using smart PLS 4.0. Findings: The findings show the positive effects of subjective norms, appearance, perceived trust and positive emotion on both attitude toward HRI and engagement. In addition, social capability impacted attitude toward HRI, whereas perceived usefulness affected engagement. Practical implications: To deliver engaging museum experiences that bring about positive word-of-mouth and intention to visit, managers need to incorporate the sRAM dimensions in the design and deployment of service robots. Originality/value: This research uses field data to empirically validate the sRAM in the context of service robot acceptance. It introduces engagement as a novel mediating variable, enriching current understanding of human-like qualities in HRIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the factors that build resistance and attitude towards AI voice assistants (AIVA). A theoretical model is proposed using the dual-factor framework by integrating status quo bias factors (sunk cost, regret avoidance, inertia, perceived value, switching costs, and perceived threat) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM; perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) variables. The study model investigates the relationship between the status quo factors and resistance towards adoption of AIVA, and the relationship between TAM factors and attitudes towards AIVA. A sample of four hundred and twenty was analysed using structural equation modeling to investigate the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate an insignificant relationship between inertia and resistance to AIVA. Perceived value was found to have a negative but significant relationship with resistance to AIVA. Further, the study also found that inertia significantly differs across gender (male/female) and age groupings. The study's framework and results are posited as adding value to the extant literature and practice, directly related to status quo bias theory, dual-factor model and TAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been extensively studied in recent years. Here, we aimed to assess its potential role as a cargo protein of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by astrocytes (ADEVs) in response to brain ischemia. Plasma samples from eighteen AIS patients at 24 h (D1), 7 days (D7), and one month (M1) post-symptoms onset, and nine age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factor-matched healthy controls were obtained to isolate EVs using the Exoquick ULTRA EV kit. Subsets of presumed ADEVs were identified further by the expression of the glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) as a specific marker of astrocytes with the Basic Exo-Flow Capture kit. Western blotting has tested the presence of GFAP in ADEV cargo. Post-stroke ADEV GFAP levels were elevated at D1 and D7 but not M1 compared to controls (p = 0.007, p = 0.019, and p = 0.344, respectively). Significant differences were highlighted in ADEV GFAP content at the three time points studied (n = 12, p = 0.027) and between D1 and M1 (z = 2.65, p = 0.023). A positive correlation was observed between the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at D7 and ADEV GFAP at D1 (r = 0.58, p = 0.010) and D7 (r = 0.57, p = 0.013), respectively. ADEV GFAP may dynamically reflect changes during the first month post-ischemia. Profiling ADEVs from peripheral blood could provide a new way to assess the central nervous system pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological data reveal that 45% of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in France are more than 50 years. This population more than 50 is more susceptible to cancer, and this risk may be increased by frequent use of immunosuppressive drugs. Consequently, concerns have arisen about the potential increased risk of cancer in PwMS and how patients should be screened and managed in terms of cancer risk. Objective: To develop evidence-based recommendations to manage the coexistence of cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: The French Group for Recommendations in MS collected articles from PubMed and university databases covering the period January 1975 through June 2022. The RAND/UCLA method was employed to achieve formal consensus. MS experts comprehensively reviewed the full-text articles and developed the initial recommendations. A group of multidisciplinary health care specialists then validated the final proposal. Results: Five key questions were addressed, encompassing various topics such as cancer screening before or after initiating a disease-modifying therapy (DMT), appropriate management of MS in the context of cancer, recommended follow-up for cancer in patients receiving a DMT, and the potential reintroduction of a DMT after initial cancer treatment. A strong consensus was reached for all 31 recommendations. Conclusion: These recommendations propose a strategic approach to managing cancer risk in PwMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of imports in Central and Eastern European countries are closely related to foreign direct investment and government policies. By reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers to imports and promoting trade and investment liberalization, governments can attract foreign capital and diversify the range of products and services available in the host economy. This interconnection between imports and foreign direct investment can have a positive impact on economic development and global integration, depending on national strategies and policies. The article examines the dynamics of imports in Central and Eastern European countries in relation to foreign direct investment and government policies and aims to identify trends, import differences, and adjustments made by each country to improve their economic development. The research highlights the ongoing evolution of international trade in the region and advocates for a strategic approach to trade and economic policy for economic expansion and resilience to external shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Artificial Intelligence is a big revolution in the tourism and hospitality industry, prior research provides little insight into how customers respond to AI replacement and how providers can mitigate AI aversion. Drawing on the Feeling Economy framework, three studies examine how customers react to a different framing of AI replacement (augmentation vs. substitution) compared to using only human employees, affecting their acceptance of AI-based services. The findings contribute to the tourism and hospitality literature by revealing that framing AI as augmentation (vs. substitution) can increase enjoyment and ease of use and improve AI acceptance. Consistent with the Feeling Economy account, the findings highlight the proposed mechanism of enjoyment and perceived ease of use underlying the AI framing effects. This research provides important theoretical and managerial implications for tourism and hospitality providers, helping them understand how to effectively introduce AI-based services to win customers' acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses show that probiotics positively impact clinical parameters of oral diseases such as gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. However, the working mechanism of probiotics is not fully understood, but is hypothesized to be mediated by direct and indirect interactions with the oral microbiota and the human host. In the present narrative review, we focused on the microbiological effect of probiotic supplements based on data retrieved from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). In addition, we assessed to what extent contemporary molecular methods have been employed in clinical trials in the field of oral probiotics. Multiple RCTs have been performed studying the potential effect of probiotics on gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis, as evaluated by microbial endpoints. In general, results are conflicting, with some studies reporting a positive effect, whereas others are not able to record any effect. Major differences in terms of study designs and sample size, as well as delivery route, frequency, and duration of probiotic consumption, hamper comparison across studies. In addition, most RCTs have been performed with a limited sample size using relatively simple methods for microbial identification, such as culturing, qPCR, and DNA–DNA checkerboard, while high-throughput methods such as 16S sequencing have only been employed in a few studies. Currently, state-of-the-art molecular methods such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics have not yet been used in RCTs in the field of probiotics. The present narrative review revealed that the effect of probiotic supplements on the oral microbiota remains largely uncovered. One important reason is that most RCTs are performed without studying the microbiological effect. To facilitate future systematic reviews and meta-analyses, an internationally agreed core outcome set for the reporting of microbial endpoints in clinical trials would be desirable. Such a standardized collection of outcomes would most likely improve the quality of probiotic research in the oral context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]