12508 research outputs found
Sort by
Restaurants’ outdoor signs say more than you think: an enquiry from a linguistic landscape perspective
Get PDFYesBuilding on the linguistic landscape theory and literature on customers’ experience with restaurants’ authenticity and status, this study investigates whether restaurants’ outdoor signs influence customers’ perceptions and behavioral intentions. Using an experimental design comprising two studies, supported by data collected from Chinese consumers, we test how display characters and text flow may jointly impact on customers’ perceptions of the status and authenticity of ethnic (Japanese and Taiwanese) restaurants, thus influencing their visiting intentions and willingness to pay. We find that display characters influence Chinese customers’ perceptions of authenticity and status in both Japanese and Taiwanese restaurants in Mainland China. There is an interaction effect between display characters and text flow on customers’ perception of authenticity and status in Japanese restaurants in Mainland China. This study applies the linguistic landscape theory to a restaurant context and examines how such features may influence customers’ perceptions and decisions. The findings have important practical implications on managing customer experiences and perceptions via effective restaurant sign designs
Building restaurant customers’ technology readiness through robot-assisted experiences at multiple product levels
Get PDFYesThe growing popularity of robot-related research contexts in hospitality and tourism calls for in-depth analysis of how different product/service designs strategies integrating robots may influence customers’ experiences. Employing a scenario-based 2×2×2 experimental research design, this study assesses service robots applied at three different product/service levels (i.e., core, facilitating, and augmented). From surveying 378 customers of mid-priced casual restaurants and 312 tourists of a mid-priced theme park restaurant, findings of the study suggest that using robots at all three product/service levels lead to a more positive educational experience but not entertainment experience. The study further extends the literature by positioning dining at a robotic restaurant as an important occasion to showcase the latest technologies to customers. By providing memorable entertainment and educational experiences, customers’ technology readiness could be enhanced, making them more willing to try new technologies. Such a focus brings in unique contributions both in literature and practice
Controlled bioactive delivery using degradable electroactive polymers
Get PDFYesBiomaterials capable of precisely controlling the delivery of agrochemicals/biologics/drugs/fragrances have significant markets in the agriscience/healthcare industries. Here, we report the development of degradable electroactive polymers and their application for the controlled delivery of a clinically relevant drug (the anti-inflammatory dexamethasone phosphate, DMP). Electroactive copolymers composed of blocks of polycaprolactone (PCL) and naturally occurring electroactive pyrrole oligomers (e.g., bilirubin, biliverdin, and hemin) were prepared and solution-processed to produce films (optionally doped with DMP). A combination of in silico/in vitro/in vivo studies demonstrated the cytocompatibility of the polymers. The release of DMP in response to the application of an electrical stimulus was observed to be enhanced by ca. 10-30% relative to the passive release from nonstimulated samples in vitro. Such stimuli-responsive biomaterials have the potential for integration devices capable of delivering a variety of molecules for technical/medical applications.This research was funded by a variety of sources, and the authors acknowledge the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) for a PhD Studentship for M.D.A. (Grant references: EP/R512564/1, 2065445), in support of the EPSRC First Grant for J.G.H. (Grant reference: EP/ R003823/1); the UK Royal Society for support of J.G.H. (Grant reference: RG160449); and the UK Royal Society and CONICET (Argentina) for supporting M.D.A., S.M., M.F.D., and J.G.H. (Grant Reference: A103355)
Addressing health corruption during a public health crisis through anticipatory governance: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Get PDFYesCorruption in the health sector costs over 500 billion USD every year, weakening health system preparedness and response to health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of resources to deal with a shock limit the capacity to protect the population, exposing them to a greater risk of infection and mortality. There is an urgent need to improve health policy to reduce corruption in the health sector during times of crisis.
This article aims to propose a prepare and response strategy to address corruption during times of health crises. We first explore the inherent characteristics of health systems that make them vulnerable to corruption and present the different faces corrupt practices take. We then explain why anticipatory governance is fundamental in addressing corruption in health systems and draw upon examples of corruption during the COVID-19. Finally, we conclude by proposing that anticipatory governance could decrease the impact of corruption during health crises by increasing the availability of resources required to improve the population’s health
Determinants of overweight and obesity and preventive strategies in Pacific countries: a systematic review
Get PDFYesThis study aimed to explore more on contributing factors and prevention of overweight and obesity among Pacific islanders.
Methods: Using Cochrane library guideline, four electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL, were systematically searched from 2010 to 2020. Search strategy included key concepts, free text terms, and database-controlled vocabulary terms to identify articles on determinants and preventative strategies of overweight and obesity in the Pacific countries. A data extraction sheet was developed to extract relevant information required for analysis and theme development for this study.
Results: A total of 22 articles were summarized and categorized. Determinants of overweight and obesity identified two themes: environmental related factors 13.6% (3/22) and sociocultural related factors 27.3% (6/22). The preventative strategies of overweight and obesity was categorized into behavioural change 22.7% (5/22), school-related 18.2% (4/22), and policies 50% (11/22). The quality assessment of articles showed “Good” 68.2% (15/22), and “Fair” 31.8% (7/22).
Conclusion: This study highlighted two contributing, non-medication factors affecting overweight and obesity are both environmental and socio-cultural issues. Overweight and obesity preventative strategies identified in the Pacific context considered behavioural change, knowledge enhancement, and policy development. Further research should aim at exploring the current preventative strategies in-depth, to appreciate the most feasible and recommended preventative approach within the Pacific society
Interfacial cocrystallization using oily phase via liquid−liquid phase separation
Get PDFYesCocrystals consist of two molecules bonded together in a single crystal lattice giving rise to wide applications including improving solubility of poorly soluble pharmaceuticals. Cocrystallization reaction occurs in the oily phase of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) after it is mixed with coformers. Indomethacin–saccharin cocrystal formation was monitored in situ, and the kinetics of crystallization were determined. The crystallization rates show that the process can be proposed to prevent unwanted oily phase formation during LLPS.Research Development Fund Publication Prize Award winner, Sep 2022
Routine omics collection is a golden opportunity for European human research in space and analog environments
Get PDFYesWidespread generation and analysis of omics data have revolutionized molecular medicine on Earth, yet its power to yield new mechanistic insights and improve occupational health during spaceflight is still to be fully realized in humans. Nevertheless, rapid technological advancements and ever-regular spaceflight programs mean that longitudinal, standardized, and cost-effective collection of human space omics data are firmly within reach. Here, we consider the practicality and scientific return of different sampling methods and omic types in the context of human spaceflight. We also appraise ethical and legal considerations pertinent to omics data derived from European astronauts and spaceflight participants (SFPs). Ultimately, we propose that a routine omics collection program in spaceflight and analog environments presents a golden opportunity. Unlocking this bright future of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analyses and personalized medicine approaches will require further investigation into best practices, including policy design and standardization of omics data, metadata, and sampling methods.H.C., R.H., J.B., D.B., S.G., T.E., and N.J.S. are members of the ESA Space Omics Topical Team, funded by the ESA grant/contract 4000131202/20/NL/PG/pt “Space Omics: Towards an integrated ESA/NASA –omics database for spaceflight and ground facilities experiments” awarded to R.H., which was the main funding source for this work. H.C. is also supported by the Horizon Center for Doctoral Training at the University of Nottingham (UKRI grant no. EP/S023305/1). S.G. is supported by the Swedish Research Council VR grant 2020-04864. L.A.R. and M.M. represent the Omics Subgroup of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI funding group “Living in Space” and are supported by JP15K21745, JP20H03234, and 20F20382. L.A.R. is also supported by the JSPS postdoctoral fellowship P20382. We thank Dr. Sarah Castro-Wallace, the NASA GeneLab Animal AWG, ISSOP, ESA Space Omics Topical Team, ESA Personalized Medicine Topical Team, and Global Alliance for Genomic Health (GA4GH) for useful discussions
When stuff gets old: material surface characteristics and the visual perception of material change over time
Get PDFYesMaterials’ surfaces change over time due to chemical and physical processes. These processes can significantly alter a material’s visual appearance, yet we can recognise the material as the same. The present study examined the extent of changes the human visual system can detect in specific materials over time. Participants (N = 5) were shown images of different materials (Banana, Copper, Leaf) from an existing calibrated set of photographs. Participants indicated which image pair (of the 2 pairs shown) displayed the largest difference. Estimated perceptual scales showed that observers were able to rank the images of aged materials systematically. Next, we examined the role that global and local changes in material surface colour play in the perception of material change. We altered the information about colour and geometrical distribution in the images used in the first experiment, and participants repeated the task with the altered images. Our results showed significant differences between individual observers. Most importantly, participants’ ability to rank the images varied with material type. The leaf images were particularly affected by our alteration of the geometrical distribution. Together, our findings show the factors contributing to the perception of material change over time.This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme [Grant Agreement No 765121]
Nursing Intervention on Discharge Planning for Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review
Get PDFYesThis literature review aims to conduct an extensive systematic literature review of the nursing interventions on
discharge planning among geriatric patients with hip fractures. Design: The review applied multiple research designs, and the literature search was based on PRISMA’s publication standard. Data Sources: The articles were selected from three primary online databases: Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science and one supporting database,
Google Scholar. Review Method: After searching the eligible articles, 15 articles were selected for thematic analysis.
Results: The systematic review came out with five central themes 1) assessments of the patient’s and family member’s
needs: 2) diagnosis of an individual discharge planning: 3) prescription of the appropriate nursing interventions; 4)
implementation of the nursing interventions and 5) follow -up after the patients have been discharged from hospital.
Conclusion: The review’s findings explained the nursing intervention implemented and its effectiveness on elderly patients with hip fractures. Apart from that, this review also highlighted the methodology approach and health
outcomes measured, which will help the scholars better understand the study area. Impact: The review contributes
needed information for future nursing research and practice of the elderly with hip fractures
Mediating Role of Social Commerce Trust in Behavioral Intention and Use
Get PDFYesWhile the importance of s-commerce is implicitly recognized, inconsistencies in extant empirical research pose significant challenges. Based on perspectives from trust, social presence, and socio-technical theories, this study develops an integrated model of the factors that influence intention and use behavior, with particular attention to the role of trust in s-commerce. The model is tested using meta-analytic structural equation modeling techniques on 201 observations from 83 s-commerce studies. Implications for research and practice are discussed