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Exaggerated statements in online consumer reviews : causes and implications
Get PDFThis study investigates the factors that contribute to the creation of inflated consumer testimonials. Quantitative data were gathered from four-hundred forty (440) respondents who shared their service experiences through popular social media platforms. A covariance-based structural equations model approach has been used to analyze the data. The results suggest that psychological and emotional factors including the consumers’ self-image, self-enhancement as well as their motivations for retribution against service providers, are having a significant effect on the development of amplified review content.peer-reviewe
Application of operational data analysis in the optimization and enhancement of logistics process safety
Get PDFPURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the efficiency of transport processes and
operational safety levels based on a set of logistics and operational indicators obtained from
the Logistics Information System (LIS) and telematics systems for a selected fleet of 10
vehicles. The analysis demonstrates how combining technical and economic indicators allows
for the diagnosis of logistics processes and the formulation of recommendations in the context
of variability and risk.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was conducted in a logistics and transport
company implementing LIS and vehicle telematics. Quantitative analysis was used to evaluate
operational indicators such as the number of deliveries, vehicle load utilization, waiting time,
number and causes of delays, the OTIF index, and representing the unit value of the
utilized vehicle load capacity. Data were collected from telematics and CRM systems and
aggregated into the central LIS database. Non-parametric DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis)
and indicator analysis methods were applied.FINDINGS: The conducted analysis demonstrated that the highest efficiency and safety of the
logistics process were achieved by vehicles exhibiting low delay rates and high values of the
unit indicator for utilized vehicle load capacity. The lowest OTIF (On-Time In-Full) values
characterized vehicles with the highest share of logistics delays. The findings also indicated
that the number of completed deliveries alone does not guarantee high process efficiency or
operational safety.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results draw fleet managers’ attention to the need for continuous
data analytics to quickly identify weak points and implement corrective measures. It
emphasizes the importance of conducting regular statistical analyses of delay causes and
managing operational risk within a dynamically changing transport environment. Raising the
level of safety requires not only responding to threats but also prediction and prevention based
on LIS and telematics data.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This article presents a practical application of advanced LIS and telematics
tools in a comprehensive assessment of transport fleet efficiency and safety. The findings
provide actionable recommendations for managers on how data analysis can directly enhance
competitiveness, operational performance, and resilience to disruptions.peer-reviewe
Privacy-aware monitoring for assisted living : ethical, legal, and technological aspects of audio-and video-based AAL solutions
No full textThis chapter aims to explore state-of-the-art vision- and audio-based methods for vital sign monitoring, as applied to ambient assisted living for older adults and people with special needs. We review different vision- and audio-based monitoring techniques, identify their advantages and limitations, explore emerging trends and open challenges, and draw recommendations for future directions. This work will serve as a starting point for beginners who are looking to gain an entry point into the area, as well as a guide to practitioners who are interested in learning more about recent developments of vision- and audio-based methods for active assisted living in general, and remote monitoring of vital signs in particular.COST Action GoodBrother—Network on Privacy-Aware Audio- and Video-Based Applications for Active and Assisted Living (CA19121)peer-reviewe
Research priorities of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) : a questionnaire-based study
Get PDFIntroduction
It is important for health professional societies to involve members in defining their roles and future activities including research priorities.Aim
This study aimed to identify members’ views on the areas of research that European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) should prioritise in delivering research support, research projects and education.Method
An online questionnaire was initially developed by the ESCP Research Committee and reviewed by the research team. It included structured and open-ended items related to respondents’ demographics, research experience, views on future research priorities, topics that ESCP should prioritise, and barriers to research involvement. After testing face and content validity, the questionnaire was sent to all ESCP members (N = 417). Descriptive statistics and summative content analysis were used.Results
Eighty-two responses were received (response rate: 19.7%). Research on real-world processes that facilitate the implementation of clinical pharmacy services into every-day practice was the priority for most respondents (n = 77, 93.9%). Respondents believed that ESCP should focus on research support for implementation science (n = 52, 63.4%) and methods to analyse clinical judgement and decision-making (n = 48, 58.5%). The perceived barriers to developing high-quality research in clinical pharmacy were reported as a lack of knowledge, skills and training, limited funding opportunities and insufficient time.Conclusion
Research topics identified will help to inform ESCP and its committees on the priorities for research activities of the society in the near future, as well as other collaborating professional organisations of the current priority research objectives of ESCP in the international context.peer-reviewe
Insulin : the modern era
Get PDFInsulin – a naturally occurring hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas, has been successfully isolated and purified in the year 1921 by the scientists Banting and Best in Toronto. Since then, more than 100 years later, different formulations and delivery methods have been developed. Type 1 diabetes depends on insulin for survival and reduced morbidity. Therefore, it came naturally with time to research newer technologies that mimic as much as possible the job of the pancreatic beta cells to provide insulin. This led to the development of the first model of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in the 1970s. Several advantages have been linked to the insulin pump as opposed to multiple daily insulin injections. Literature mentions better glycaemic outcomes with increased time in range and reduced hypoglycaemic episodes with insulin pumps. Other benefits vary from practical and psychological benefits with regards to the changing mentality towards living with type 1 diabetes, to long-term benefits involving the reduction of micro- and macrovascular complications. Studies are still being conducted to determine whether type 2 diabetic patients could also benefit from such insulin pumps.peer-reviewe
Assessing plant species diversity in Maltese rocky cliffs using Hill numbers and its implications for conservation
Get PDFThe Mediterranean Basin is known as a global biodiversity hotspot, featuring an
impressive variety of plant species, with the Maltese Archipelago playing a
significant role. This study assesses plant diversity within Malta’s rocky cliffs,
focusing on changes over five decades (1973 and 2024). Using Hill numbers
alongside coverage-based and size-based rarefaction and extrapolation
methods, the research evaluates species richness, Simpson diversity, and
Shannon diversity. Results indicate overall stability in species richness but
reveal declining evenness and increasing dominance by a few species,
suggesting significant ecological shifts. Statistical analyses, including NMDS,
ANOSIM, and PERMANOVA, validate temporal changes in community
composition. Notably, some endemic species, such as Salsola melitensis, show
slight increases, whereas others, like Chiliadenus bocconei, exhibit severe
declines. These findings underscore the importance of rocky habitats as
reservoirs of endemic and specialized flora, highlighting the urgent need for
conservation efforts to mitigate anthropogenic pressures and adapt to changing
environmental conditions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Hill
numbers and advanced diversity metrics in monitoring biodiversity dynamics
and informing conservation strategies.peer-reviewe
ESR Essentials : imaging of lymphoma — practice recommendations by the European Society of Oncologic Imaging
Get PDFImaging is used for lymphoma detection, Ann Arbor/Lugano staging, and treatment response assessment. [18F]FDG PET/CT should be used for most lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma, aggressive/high-grade Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and many indolent/low-grade NHLs such as follicular lymphoma. Apart from these routinely FDG-avid lymphomas, some indolent NHLs, such as marginal zone lymphoma, are variably FDG-avid; here, [18F]FDG PET/CT is an alternative to contrast-enhanced CT at baseline and may be used for treatment response assessment if the lymphoma was FDG-avid at baseline. Only small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) should exclusively undergo CT at baseline and follow-up unless transformation to high-grade lymphoma is suspected. While [18F]FDG PET/CT is sufficient to rule out bone marrow involvement in Hodgkin lymphoma, biopsy may be needed in other lymphomas. The 5-point (Deauville) score for [18F]FDG PET that uses the liver and blood pool uptake as references should be used to assess treatment response in all FDG-avid lymphomas; post-treatment FDG uptake ≤ liver uptake is considered complete response. In all other lymphomas, CT should be used to determine changes in lesion size; for complete response, resolution of all extranodal manifestations, and for lymph nodes, long-axis decrease to ≤ 1.5 cm are required.peer-reviewe
Energy security οf Central and Eastern Europe in the context of geopolitical tensions and diversification of raw material supplies
No full textPURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the energy security status of Central and
Eastern Europe in view of the modern geopolitical tensions, especially those related to the
Russo-Ukrainian conflict. The author focussed on the importance of diversification of
sources and directions of energy raw material supplies as the key element improving the
resilience of countries in the region. The paper is also intended to assess the activities
undertaken by the countries and international institutions towards the strengthening of
energy independence.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The analytical-descriptive approach was used in the paper,
based on the analysis of statistical data, strategic documents and field literature relating to
energy security. The study includes both the geopolitical context, as well as the activities of
countries in the region, relating to diversification of energy sources.FINDINGS: In view of the geopolitical tensions, the energy security of Central and Eastern
Europe requires extensive expansion of the energy infrastructure and diversification of
energy raw material sources. Projects such as Baltic Pipe, the development of LNG terminals
and investments in renewable energy are the key elements of energy security policy in the
region. Additionally, international cooperation, both within the EU and the Three Seas
Initiative, is of key importance in the drive towards building a more stable and diversified
energy market, enabling the lower dependence on individual energy raw material suppliers.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The conclusions from this paper may provide support for political
decision makers and institutions responsible for energy security in shaping long-term
diversification strategies for raw material supplies. The paper indicates the need to intensify
investments in energy infrastructure, development of renewable energy sources and
tightening the cooperation in the region in order to limit the dependence on unstable
geopolitical partners.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The paper provides value through the analysis of the impact of the
modern day geopolitical tensions on the energy security of Central and Eastern Europe and
an assessment of diversification activities undertaken in the region.peer-reviewe
Engagement and creative self-efficacy in preservice teachers : the mediating role of cognitive reappraisal
Get PDFStudent engagement is a crucial determinant of both academic achievement and personal
development. The use of cognitive reappraisal to regulate emotions is considered a highly
effective way of improving affect and relationships as well as engagement. One of the
aims of the present study was to examine the extent to which student engagement predicts
the use of cognitive reappraisal as an emotion regulation strategy. We also analyse
whether engagement is positively associated with creative self-efficacy, an important trait
for students' future professional development, and whether this relationship is mediated
by cognitive reappraisal. Participants consisted of 604 preservice teachers (60.1% female,
30.8% male, 0.7% non-binary, 8.4% not disclosed) aged between 18 and 29 years (M =
20.67, SD = 1.64) and enrolled in a university in the Basque Country (northern Spain).
Students with higher levels of engagement, both behavioural and affective, scored higher
on cognitive reappraisal and creative self-efficacy. Furthermore, mediation analysis
showed that affective engagement had an indirect effect on creative self-efficacy via
cognitive reappraisal. Initiatives to promote engagement and enhance creative self-efficacy through greater use of cognitive reappraisal are essential to ensure that preservice
teachers develop the requisite skills to deal effectively with the demands of the
profession.peer-reviewe
Looking both ways : identity, intersectionality, and solidarity in South Asian American youth activism
Get PDFIn this piece, I draw on a select history of South Asian American activist youth
camps as a device to discuss the nuanced relationship they forged between
identity politics, intersectionality, and solidarity across the last few decades.
The two South Asian American political action youth camps that I examine
are Youth Solidarity Summer (1997–2006 in New York City) and Bay Area
Solidarity Summer (2011–present in California). The article, grounded in
scholarship on critical multiculturalism and intersectionality (rooted in the
legacy of Black feminisms), opens a reflection on the ways in which the
evolution of U.S. politics over the last several decades has informed and
transformed sites of youth organizing. Such gatherings have strategically
organized around identity as an entry point into a deeper commitment to a
robust solidarity. In its conclusion, the article calls attention to a
contradictory relationship between identity and solidarity – especially for
people of color groups that occupy ambiguous or complex locations of
privilege and marginalization, and operate in environments where the
category of intersectionality has been all too easily co-opted into the service
of liberal multiculturalism.peer-reviewe