Interpersonal Research Articles

Staff shortages in hospitality and tourism industries: how technology influences?

PurposeThis paper offers an introduction and sets the stage for the theme issue. It describes the methodology used and highlights the articles that address the strategic question of how hospitality and tourism industries can minimize the effects of labor shortages by embracing advanced technologies.Design/methodology/approachThis special issue explores the potential of automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced data analytics in mitigating staff shortages. Automation streamlines operations, AI enhances customer interactions, robotics reimagines service delivery and data analytics informs strategic decisions. The study addresses a strategic question by combining literature reviews, data analysis, expert insights from practitioners and practical solution recommendations.FindingsThe theme issue presents research that explores how advanced technologies can be effectively utilized to mitigate labor shortages in the hospitality and tourism industries. Automation streamlines operations, AI enhances customer interactions, robotics reimagines service delivery and data analytics informs strategic decisions. However, successful integration of technology requires careful planning, training and ongoing maintenance to ensure a balance between technology and human interaction. By embracing these technologies, businesses can better cope with staffing deficits and position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly evolving environment.Originality/valueThis special issue explores the ways in which advanced technologies, such as automation, AI and robotics, can be leveraged to alleviate the labor shortage crisis faced by the hospitality and tourism industries worldwide. From developed to developing countries, these industries are grappling with severe labor shortages, particularly in terms of skilled workers. The articles presented in this issue offer valuable insights and strategies for addressing this pressing issue.

Canker and dieback of Alnus rubra is caused by Lonsdalea quercina.

Understanding the ecology of pathogens is important for disease management. Recently a devastating canker disease was found on red alder (Alnus rubra) planted as landscape trees. Bacteria were isolated from two groups of symptomatic trees located approximately 1 kilometer apart and one strain from each group was used to complete Koch's postulates. Results showed that these bacteria can not only cause disease on red alder but also on two other alder species. Unexpectedly, analyses of genome sequences of bacterial strains identified them as Lonsdalea quercina, a pathogenic species previously known to cause dieback of oak species, but not alder. Additionally, a core genome phylogeny clustered bacterial strains isolated from red alder within a subclade of L. quercina strains isolated from symptomatic oak trees. Consistent with the close phylogenetic relationship, there was no obvious evidence for divergence in genome composition of strains isolated from red alder and oak. Altogether, findings indicate that L. quercina is a potential threat to Alnus species.

Morphological characterization of glial cells in the <i>Substantia nigra</i> of spontaneously hypertensive SHR rats

BACKGROUND: Substantia nigra is the main dopaminergic center of the brain. Massive loss of dopaminergic neurons is characteristic for Parkinson’s disease. Arterial hypertension is considered a possible risk factor for Parkinson’s disease development, but to date there is no understanding of the mechanisms that may mediate the effect of high blood pressure on the death of dopaminergic neurons and the development of Parkinson’s disease. Since neuroglia is known to make a major contribution to the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, it is important to evaluate the effect of arterial hypertension on the functional status of glial cells in the Substantia nigra. AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze the features of morphofunctional state of both microglia and astroglia in the Substantia nigra of spontaneously hypertensive rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brain samples from Wistar rats (n = 3) and from spontaneously hypertensive SHR rats aged 9 months (n = 4) were used as a material for the study. Brain sections were immunostained for tyrosine hydroxylase to identify the Substantia Nigra, for calcium-binding protein Iba-1 to identify microglia, and for glial fibrillary acidic protein to identify astrocytes. RESULTS: Compared to the control, microglial cells in the Substantia nigra of spontaneously hypertensive rats show signs of moderate activation manifested in significant thickening of the processes of microgliocytes. Single microgliocytes exhibit ameboid morphology, indicating their strong activation. A close spatial relationship with the bodies of dopaminergic neurons was noted for some identified microgliocytes. Astrocytes in Substantia nigra of both Wistar rats and SHR rats show no signs of activation. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial hypertension may be one of the causes of neuroinflammation mediated by microglia in the Substantia nigra.

Number of human protein interactions correlates with structural, but not regulatory conservation of the respective genes.

The differential ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitutions (dN/dS) is a common measure of the rate of structural evolution in proteincoding genes. In addition, we recently suggested that the proportion of transposable elements in gene promoters that host functional genomic sites serves as a marker of the rate of regulatory evolution of genes. Such functional genomic regions may include transcription factor binding sites and modified histone binding loci. Here, we constructed a model of the human interactome based on 600,136 documented molecular interactions and investigated the overall relationship between the number of interactions of each protein and the rate of structural and regulatory evolution of the corresponding genes. By evaluating a total of 4,505 human genes and 1,936 molecular pathways we found a general correlation between structural and regulatory evolution rate metrics (Spearman 0.08-0.16 and 0.25-0.37 for gene and pathway levels, respectively, p < 0.01). Further exploration revealed in the established human interactome model lack of correlation between the rate of gene regulatory evolution and the number of protein interactions on gene level, and weak negative correlation (∼0.15) on pathway level. We also found a statistically significant negative correlation between the rate of gene structural evolution and the number of protein interactions (Spearman -0.11 and -0.3 for gene and pathway levels, respectively, p < 0.01). Our result suggests stronger structural rather than regulatory conservation of genes whose protein products have multiple interaction partners.

Identification of a disulfidptosis-related genes signature for diagnostic and immune infiltration characteristics in endometriosis

Endometriosis (EMs) is the prevalent gynecological disease with the typical features of intricate pathogenesis and immune-related factors. Currently, there is no effective therapeutic intervention for EMs. Disulfidptosis, the cell death pattern discovered recently, may show close relationships to immunity and EMs. In this study, bioinformatics analysis was used to investigate the role of disulfide breakdown related genes (DRGs) in EMs. The EMs gene expression matrix was subjected to differential analysis for identifying overlap between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EMs and genes associated with disulfide poisoning. Immunoinfiltration analysis was performed. In addition, the association of hub genes with immune cells was examined. Multiple machine learning methods were employed to identify hub genes, construction of predictive models, and validation using external datasets and clinical samples. Totally 15 overlapping genes were identified. Immune-correlation analysis showed that NK cells played a vital role, and these 15 genes were closely related to NK cells. PDLIM1 was further determined as the hub gene through machine learning techniques. Clinical samples and external datasets were adopted for validating the performance in diagnosis. According to the above findings, we built the predictive model, and calculated the AUCs obtained from three external validation datasets to demonstrate the model accuracy. RT-qPCR and IHC analyses were applied to confirm the results. Colony formation was used to verify the effect of PDLIM1 on the proliferation of primary EMs cells. A strong correlation between disulfidptosis and EMs was identified in this study, highlighting its close correlation with the immune microenvironment. Moreover, our results shed new lights on exploring biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for EMs.

Bibliometric and visualization analysis in the field of epigenetics and glioma (2009-2024).

Glioma represents the most prevalent primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system, a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms driving glioma is imperative for guiding future treatment strategies. Emerging evidence has implicated a close relationship between glioma development and epigenetic regulation. However, there remains a significant lack of comprehensive summaries in this domain. This study aims to analyze epigenetic publications pertaining to gliomas from 2009 to 2024 using bibliometric methods, consolidate the extant research, and delineate future prospects for investigation in this critical area. For the purpose of this study, publications spanning the years 2009 to 2024 were extracted from the esteemed Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Utilizing advanced visualization tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer, comprehensive data pertaining to various aspects including countries, authors, author co-citations, countries/regions, institutions, journals, cited literature, and keywords were systematically visualized and analyzed. A thorough analysis was conducted on a comprehensive dataset consisting of 858 publications, which unveiled a discernible trend of steady annual growth in research output within this specific field. The nations of the United States, China, and Germany emerged as the foremost contributors to this research domain. It is noteworthy that von Deimling A and the Helmholtz Association were distinguished as prominent authors and institutions, respectively, in this corpus of literature. A rigorous keyword search and subsequent co-occurrence analysis were executed, ultimately leading to the identification of seven distinct clusters: "epigenetic regulation", "DNA repair", "DNA methylation", "brain tumors", "diffuse midline glioma (DMG)", "U-87 MG" and "epigenomics". Furthermore, an intricate cluster analysis revealed that the primary foci of research within this field were centered around the exploration of glioma pathogenesis and the development of corresponding treatment strategies. This article underscores the prevailing trends and hotspots in glioma epigenetics, offering invaluable insights that can guide future research endeavors. The investigation of epigenetic mechanisms primarily centers on DNA modification, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and histone modification. Furthermore, the pursuit of overcoming temozolomide (TMZ) resistance and the exploration of diverse emerging therapeutic strategies have emerged as pivotal avenues for future research within the field of glioma epigenetics.

Exploring the Importance of Race and Gender Concordance Between Patients and Physical Therapists in Digital Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Conditions: Observational, Longitudinal Study.

Race/ethnicity and gender concordance between patients and providers is a potential strategy to improve health care interventions. In digital health, where human interactions occur both synchronously and asynchronously, the effect of concordance between patients and providers is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of race/ethnicity or gender concordance between patients and physical therapists (PTs) in engagement and the clinical outcomes following a digital care program (DCP) in patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. This secondary analysis of 2 prospective longitudinal studies (originally focused on assessing the acceptance, engagement, and clinical outcomes after a remote DCP) examined the impact of both race/ethnicity concordance and gender concordance between patients and PTs on outcomes for a digital intervention for MSK conditions. Outcomes included engagement (measured by the completion rate and communication, assessed by text interactions), satisfaction, and clinical outcomes (response rate, ie, percentage of patients achieving at least a minimal clinically important change in pain, measured by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS]; anxiety, measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale [GAD-7]; depression, measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item [PHQ-9]; and daily activity impairment, measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment [WPAI] questionnaire). Of 71,201 patients, 63.9% (n=45,507) were matched with their PT in terms of race/ethnicity, while 61.2% (n=43,560) were matched for gender. Concordant dyads showed a higher completion rate among White (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.19, P<.001) and Hispanic (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08-1.54, P=.009) groups, as well as women (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.18, P<.001), when compared to discordant dyads. High and similar levels of interaction between patients and PTs were observed across race/ethnicity and gender dyads, except for Asian concordant dyads (adjusted β coefficient 5.32, 95% CI 3.28-7.36, P<.001). Concordance did not affect satisfaction, with high values (>8.52, 95% CI 8.27-8.77) reported across all dyads. Response rates for pain, anxiety, and daily activity impairment were unaffected by race/ethnicity concordance. An exception was observed for depression, with White patients reporting a higher response rate when matched with PTs from other races/ethnicities (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02-1.39, P=.02). In terms of gender, men had a slightly higher pain response rate in discordant dyads (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15, P=.03) and a higher depression response rate in concordant dyads (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.47, P=.01). Race/ethnicity and gender concordance between patients and PTs does not translate into higher satisfaction or improvement for most clinical outcomes, aside from a positive effect on treatment completion. These results highlight the importance of other PT characteristics, in addition to race/ethnicity or gender concordance, suggesting the potential benefit of experience, languages spoken, and cultural safety training as ways to optimize care. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092946, NCT05417685; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05417685, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04092946.

Human intelligence can safeguard against artificial intelligence: individual differences in the discernment of human from AI texts

Artificial intelligence (AI) models can produce output that closely mimics human-generated content. We examined individual differences in the human ability to differentiate human- from AI-generated texts, exploring relationships with fluid intelligence, executive functioning, empathy, and digital habits. Overall, participants exhibited better than chance text discrimination, with substantial variation across individuals. Fluid intelligence strongly predicted differences in the ability to distinguish human from AI, but executive functioning and empathy did not. Meanwhile, heavier smartphone and social media use predicted misattribution of AI content (mistaking it for human). Determinations about the origin of encountered content also affected sharing preferences, with those who were better able to distinguish human from AI indicating a lower likelihood of sharing AI content online. Word-level differences in linguistic composition of the texts did not meaningfully influence participants’ judgements. These findings inform our understanding of how individual difference factors may shape the course of human interactions with AI-generated information.

Petrographic Characterisation and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction of the Kipala Shales (Central Basin, DRC, Kwilu Province)

In order to fill the glaring gaps in geological data for the Kipala region, in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, geological studies were carried out. The results identified four different lithofacies in the study area: dark greasy shale, feldspathic microgres, clayey sandstone and bituminous shale. The petrographic compositions and palaeoenvironmental conditions of the deposit are presented for the first time in this work. From a petrographic point of view, the rock samples analysed differ in the nature of their constituent minerals and/or matrix or cement. Similarly, there is a close relationship between local lake and river sediments. The size and degree of rounding of the clayey sandstones in the rocks studied suggest that they were transported over a long period under strong hydrodynamic conditions.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the chloroplast genome of Diospyros aff. oleifera

The Diospyros genus (Ebenaceae) has significant economic value. During field surveys, we discovered a Diospyros specimen showing morphological overlap with both D. oleifera and D. kaki var. silvestris, provisionally named Diospyros aff. oleifera. To resolve its taxonomy, we sequenced and analyzed its chloroplast genome. The complete chloroplast genome is 157,732 bp with a quadripartite structure. mVISTA analysis revealed unique sequence variations compared to related species. Phylogenetic analysis using 75 protein-coding genes grouped it with D. oleifera, indicating their close relationship. Our findings suggest this specimen likely represents a novel, undescribed species. This study provides insights into Diospyros diversity and a foundation for future research.

Approaches to Dementia Control in a Community in Japan

Abstract Background In order to consider future dementia countermeasures in the community, we conducted a survey to understand the characteristics of the elderly living in the community. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in collaboration with Hanno-city, Saitama Prefecture, targeting all persons aged 65 years or older (excluding institutionalized residents) living in Hanno-city (aging rate: 32.0%). The questionnaire items included basic attributes, lifestyle, daily living conditions, and willingness to participate in activities. The survey was sent to 7,133 people, and 3,623 valid responses were received (valid response rate: 50.8%). Results Respondents were 1,135 males (51.2%) and 1,080 females (48.8%); 1,979 (54.6%) were aged 65-74 and 1,644 (45.4%) were aged 75 and over. The proportion of single-person households was 12.1%. 56.1% of the respondents had been living in the community for 30 years or more, and the overall membership rate of the residents’ association was high at 91.0%. A total of 691 (19.1%) of the respondents had seen someone suspected of having dementia. 1,178 (32.5%) answered ‘yes,’ 1,452 (40.1%) answered ‘no,’ and 881 (24.3%) answered ‘don’t know. There were 472 (8.1%) dementia supporters. Conclusions The membership rate of local residents’ associations was high at 91.0%, indicating that the community maintains relatively close relationships with its residents. Based on the National Dementia plan, further consideration will be given to long-term goals such as human resource development for each region and policies to support these goals. Main messages: In a mountainous district with an aging population similar to that of Japan as a whole, only about one-third of the respondents knew of a contact point for dementia-related issues. Based on the National Dementia Plan, the government will consider dementia policies, including long-term goals and policies to support these goals in the community. Key messages • In a mountainous district with an aging population similar to that of Japan as a whole, only about one-third of the respondents knew of a contact point for dementia-related issues. • Based on the National Dementia Plan, the government will consider dementia policies, including long-term goals and policies to support these goals in the community.

Normal reference values of left atrioventricular coupling index on two-dimensional echocardiography

Abstract Background From a physiological background, there is close relationship between left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) expressed as coupling. The assessment of LA/LV coupling may reflect LV dysfunction and differentiate between normal and abnormal LV function. Aim of study The study is designed to sample normal subjects to provide the normal reference values of LA/LV coupling index (LACI) according to age and sex using 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). Methods 550 healthy subjects (51.9±17.8 years, 56% males) were included with good 2DE image quality enabled measurement of end-diastolic volumes of both LA and LV. LACI was defined as the ratio between LA to LV end-diastolic volumes. Results An off-line analysis of apical 4-chamber and 2-chamber views to obtain the 2DE measurements was performed within short time (1.5± 0.3 min). Measurement of LACI was obtained in all individuals. Subjects were divided into 3 age groups (G I: 18-40 years, G II: 41-65 years, and GIII: &amp;gt;65 years). As shown in table 1, the normal LACI values in the whole population was 0.17±0.08 with significantly higher in females (0.178±0.09) than males (0.15±0.06); P&amp;lt;0.02. The LACI values tends to be higher in females than males in the subdivided 3 age groups but not statistically significant. In both sexes, increasing age was associated with significant reduction of the mean LVEDV (P&amp;lt;0.0001), significant increase of the mean LAEDV (P= 0.004), and significant increase of LACI (P&amp;lt; 0.0001); especially considering the differences between the youngest and oldest age groups. Conclusions Measurement of LACI is feasible and easily obtainable using 2DE. Age and sex should be considered when defining normal reference values for LACI. The standardization of normal LACI values will help the future studies to assess the changes of these normal values in various cardiac abnormalities for prognostic risk stratification.

Exploring Pharmacists' Perceptions of Text-Based Artificial Intelligence in Resident and Student Education.

Introduction: As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into various professional fields, understanding its impact on pharmacy education is crucial. This study explores pharmacists' perceptions of AI's role in enhancing educational and professional practices, particularly focusing on the generation of educational content and analytical tasks. Objectives: The primary objective was to assess pharmacists' concerns and perceived benefits regarding the use of AI in pharmacy education, examining variations across different age groups and years of practice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed by 446 pharmacists who actively precept pharmacy residents and students. Respondents practiced across 35 states with over half (53.4%) being in Ohio. The survey included items on concerns about AI's quality and accuracy, human interaction, plagiarism, and its potential benefits in data analysis and research literature summarization. Responses were analyzed to identify trends across demographic categories, including age and years in practice. Results: Of the respondents, 67.9% expressed concerns about the quality and accuracy of AI-generated content, while 50.9% were concerned about plagiarism. Younger pharmacists (73.8% of those aged 20-29) showed heightened concern about accuracy compared to older groups (56.8% of those aged 60+). In contrast, 57.8% of respondents recognized AI's potential benefits for data analysis, with experienced pharmacists (>20 years in practice) being more likely to see these advantages (62.2%). Conclusion: The findings indicate a need for targeted educational strategies to address AI literacy and ethical use in pharmacy education. Integrating AI tools that support educational objectives while addressing these concerns could enhance the efficacy and acceptance of AI in pharmacy practice. Further research should explore the development of training programs that align with the evolving expectations and technological competencies of different pharmacist demographics.

Association of renal circulation at acute phase with decongestion level at discharge in patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure

Abstract Background In patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), renal hemodynamics may play an important role in the clinical course during hospitalization based on the close cardio-renal relationship. Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI), distinguished by its advanced clutter suppression capabilities to reveal microflow details, holds promise for evaluating renal circulation. Consequently, our study aims to explore the association between renal circulation as assessed by SMI and the levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) at discharge as an indicator of decongestion status. Methods In a prospective design, 45 ADHF patients were sequentially examined via renal ultrasound with SMI at discharge. The vascular index (VI) by SMI was calculated as the percentage of blood flow signal area in the region of interest. Then, the intra-renal perfusion index (IRPI) as an index of cyclic variation in VI, was calculated as the maximum VI minus the minimum VI within one cardiac cycle in the ROI divided by the Max.VI (Figure A). Results The values of IRPI were as follows: at 12h, 0.70±0.04; at 48h, 0.58±0.05; at 1W, 0.50±0.04; and at discharge, 0.61±0.04. The IRPI measured at 48h showed a stronger correlation with BNP at discharge (r = 0.57, p&amp;lt;0.001) than those at the other three points (Figure B). Patients with higher log BNP at discharge (&amp;gt; 2.31: determined by the median value) had significantly higher IRPI and age, and lower hemoglobin levels at 48h, however, there were no significant differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate, ejection fraction, or systolic pulmonary artery pressure at 48h. The area under the curve of IRPI at 48h for higher log BNP at discharge &amp;gt; 2.31 at discharge was 0.746 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 48%). Conclusion Early assessment of renal circulation by SMI around 48 hours after ADHF admission may predict congestion resolution at discharge. This underscores the potential utility of SMI in guiding more aggressive decongestive treatment strategies earlier in ADHF.

I am frail and my robot is stuck on the corridor: cohabitation of people with frailty and robots

Abstract UK and European policies promote research and innovation for people living with frailty (PLWF), as realistic strategies for independent living. Yet homes are not designed for PLWF or robots, even though robots could support PLWF with activities, i.e., exercise and companionship. Adoption of robots in homes is limited to devices such as automated vacuum cleaners and voice assistants. Robotics aimed at assisting PLWF have been thus far been tested in laboratories and the study of real homes for the co-habitation of robots and older people is often neglected. We draw on expertise from human-robot interaction, built environment, public health and clinical practice to facilitate optimisation of human and robot cohabitation for PLWF. For this, we have reviewed different robots-for-frailty, in terms of, ability to fit and move within homes. We utilised a range of methods and sources of information including meetings with allied health professionals, visited the Robot House and explored the available robots from a fit for purpose perspective, audited five flats for PLWF in Gloucester, England in accordance with the needs of those with frailty, simulated robot’s function within the home environment, using persona’s for different use case scenarios, trial testing of selected robots in the home environment for comparison with simulation, using knowledge gained to extrapolate this data to estimate suitability for frail individuals in their homes. Most robots currently available would not adequately fit in an independent living accommodation or the smaller ones could be a tripping hazard. The communal areas of independent living would be more realistic for such human robot interactions, rather than the actual households. The research informs the process facilitating the adoption of robots to benefit PLWF both feasible and desired. The research produced a framework that can lead to future research exploring robot and PLWF co-habitation in real home settings. Key messages • The cohabitation of humans and robots currently faces barriers relevant to independent living built-environment spatial restrictions. • Technologies that support independent living and frailty must develop in spatially-unobtrusive ways.

Singularities of worldsheets along framed particle trajectories in Minkowski three-space

Modeling the worldsheets along the trajectory (a string) of a point particle (a 0-brane) as two timelike surfaces in 3-subspace of Minkowskian spacetime, respectively, the work aims at analyzing the topological structures of these two worldsheets along the trajectory of the point particle from the view point of singularity theory. Different from the regular curves, the traveling trajectory (modeled as framed timelike curve) of the particle is allowed to be singular, two worldsheets are generated by the traveling trajectories of the particle. As applications of singularity theory, we classify the singularities of these two worldsheets along the traveling trajectory of the particle. Using the approach of the unfolding theory in singularity theory, we find two new geometric invariants which are useful for characterizing the local topological structures of singularities of these two worldsheets along the particle. It is revealed that there exist cuspidal edge type and swallowtail type of singularities for these two worldsheets under the appropriate conditions of geometric invariants. Meanwhile, it is also pointed out that the types of singularities of these two worldsheets have a close relationships to the order of contacts between these two worldsheets and two timelike planes, respectively. Finally, some examples are presented to interpret our theoretical results.

Paradisiacal Travelers' Experiences Shaping Sustainable Tourism Development (SGD) in Sicogon Island

Objective: This study explores the captivating encounters that shape travelers’ perceptions of Sicogon Island's enchanting allure, providing insights for sustainable tourism development (SGD). Theoretical Framework: This research is grounded in phenomenology, aiming to understand the essence of travelers' lived experiences on Sicogon Island. It draws on literature emphasizing the significance of subjective experiences, the interplay of natural and cultural elements in shaping destination appeal, and the growing trend of experiential tourism. Method: A qualitative approach was adopted, employing in-depth interviews and participant observations with 15 travelers who had diverse experiences on the island. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo software, facilitating thematic analysis and identification of patterns. Results and Discussion: Five key themes emerged, revealing captivating encounters related to nature's serenity, cultural immersion, adventure, simplicity, and transformative connections. These encounters were shaped by the island's natural beauty, cultural richness, opportunities for exploration, unhurried pace of life, and genuine human interactions. Research Implications: This study offers valuable insights for sustainable tourism development on Sicogon Island. It underscores the need to preserve the island's natural environment, promote cultural heritage, develop eco-tourism and adventure activities, foster slow travel experiences, and facilitate authentic connections between visitors and the local community. Originality/Value: In exploring the captivating encounters that contribute to Sicogon Island's allure, this study can provide a unique perspective on the island's tourism potential. The findings can inform the development of sustainable tourism strategies that enhance the visitor experience while preserving the island's natural and cultural treasures.

FROM SERVICE TO SUPERIORITY: UNVEILING THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN GIANT HYPERMARKETS, KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in retail has redefined customer experience, offering new opportunities for personalisation, service quality enhancement, and continuous service delivery. This study investigates the impact of AI on customers’ experience at Giant Hypermarkets in Klang Valley, Malaysia, focusing on four key areas: personalisation, service quality, hassle-free service, and customer service. Using quantitative methods, data were gathered from 365 respondents to assess the influence of AI-driven services on customer experience. The findings reveal that hassle-free service significantly enhances customer experience, while personalisation, service quality, and customer service show no significant impact. These results suggest that while AI is effective in streamlining operations and reducing customer effort, it may fall short in providing the emotional engagement needed to enhance the overall customer experience. This study highlights the importance of balancing AI efficiency with human interaction, particularly in relational services. This research offers valuable insights for retailers, academics, and small business owners, emphasizing the need to adopt AI technologies that focus on customer convenience and experience while maintaining a personal touch. This study clearly highlights the implications for the retail industry, demonstrating that AI can significantly enhance customer experience, but its strategic integration is crucial to address both operational efficiency and emotional engagement.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0735/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Detection and interpretation of central type structures within the territory of southeastern Transbaikalia for prediction of ore-forming systems

Extremely little attention is paid to the issues of detecting and interpreting of central type structures (CTS) when conducting remote structural-geological and structural-geomorphological studies. At the same time, in the 70–80s of the 20th century, the important role of CTSs in the localization of deposits and ore fields was proven. The position of these structures must necessarily be taken into account when solving problems of searching for and predicting mineral resources in the context of metallogenic analysis and reconstruction of the geological history of development of the studied areas. The almost absence of results of mass detecting and interpreting of CTSs can be explained by the still poorly developed methodology for identifying and analyzing this type of structure. In the present study for the territory of southeastern Transbaikalia, based on modern geoinformation technologies, the use of remote sensing data (radar topographic survey) of high resolution, the creation of a digital elevation model and the application of an integrated structural-spatial analysis, an author’s approach to detection and interpretation of the CTSs is presented, including in connection with the localization of ore objects of various geological-industrial (geological-genetic) types within the framework of the concept of the formation of mineral systems. A statistical analysis of the CTSs identified in the area was carried out, which made it possible to establish a smooth increase in the number of structures with a decrease in their diameter. It is shown that the spatial maxima of ore mineralization extent within the territory are concentrated on the periphery of large CTSs and in their immediate vicinity. Most of the known large ore objects are confined to the internal areas of structures less than 10 km in diameter. Based on the approach of constructing model sections, it was possible to reconstruct the deep position of magma chambers associated with the identified CTSs, and, thereby, to determine the probable sources of metal-bearing fluids. A close spatial relationship between the identified magma chambers and deep faults has been established. To determine the most favorable sites for the deposition of ore mineralization, based on structural-spatial criteria, which include not only structural elements of the CTSs, but also segments of known fault structures, weight of evidence models of the territory have been created. The accuracy of the complex model is 89%. Thus, in accordance with the concept of mineral systems, the sources, migration pathways and sites of the most probable deposition of ore mineralization have been reconstructed.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence Factors, and Genetic Diversity of Salmonella from Wenzhou, China

Salmonella species are important foodborne pathogens worldwide. Salmonella pathogenicity is associated with multiple virulence factors and enhanced antimicrobial resistance. To determine the molecular characteristics and genetic correlations of Salmonella, 24 strains of Salmonella isolated from different sources (raw poultry, human stool, and food) in the Wenzhou area were investigated to determine the distribution of antimicrobial resistance and virulence determinants using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected in all samples. Over half of the samples found antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and point mutations for several clinically frequently used antibiotic, beta-lactams, tetracyclines, and quinolones. Of these strains, 62.5% were predicted to be multidrug-resistant (MDR). The quinolone-modifying enzyme gene aac(6’)-Ib-cr, detected in five samples (S1–S4 and S10), was located on integrons. The analysis of Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI) profiles suggests that serotypes with close genetic relationships share the same distribution of virulence factors, revealing a link between genotype and SPI profiles. cgMLST analysis indicated that five isolates S14–S18 were closely related to strains originating from the United Kingdom, suggesting that they may share a common origin. Data from this study may enrich the molecular traceability database for Salmonella and provide a basis for effective public health policies.