Industry Stakeholders Research Articles

Motivations, Choices, and Constraints of Italian Transgender Travelers: A Study of Tourism Dynamics within the Rainbow

This study explores the motivations, choices, and constraints shaping tourism behavior among transgender individuals living in Italy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research begins with quantitative data collection and analyses, followed by qualitative insights to uncover the multifaceted reasons that drive transgender individuals to engage in tourism. These motivations range from seeking personal authenticity to cultural exploration and community connection. This study also examines the intricate interplay of choice and constraint in shaping transgender travelers’ tourism experiences, highlighting the challenges they face and the strategies they use to cope with the obstacles they face within the tourism context. Given Italy’s persistent stereotypes and prejudices against gender and sexual minorities, this research provides a critical examination of the intersectionality of gender identity and tourism within a challenging cultural and legal landscape. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of transgender travelers’ tourism experiences and offer valuable implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and scholars. By amplifying the voices of Italian transgender travelers, this study aims to foster greater inclusivity and recognition of their diverse needs and experiences within the tourism sector.

How Will Our Retirement Life Be? An Analysis of Elderly Care through the Lens of the Forest Therapy Industry

With the development of the social economy and the arrival of the aging era, the issue of elderly care has increasingly gained social attention. This matter not only concerns the personal interests of individuals but also represents a significant focal point in the construction of social welfare systems, influencing the development direction of multiple industries. As the elderly population continues to grow, there is a pressing need for innovative and sustainable care solutions. Among the diverse elderly care models, the forest therapy industry emerges as a new direction, providing seniors with a comfortable natural environment that promotes physical and mental health. This approach not only enhances the well-being of older adults but also serves as an important avenue for rational and sustainable development through the utilization of forest ecological products. This paper explores the connection between elderly care models and the forest therapy industry, offering insights into the current state and future development of the Chinese elderly care sector. By examining the benefits of integrating forest therapy into existing care frameworks, this study aims to provide practical recommendations. It is hoped that these insights will serve as a reference for stakeholders in the Chinese elderly care industry, promoting the positive role of forest therapy in optimizing and enhancing elderly care models for a healthier, happier aging population.

Action Plans Study: Principles of Green Chemistry, Sustainable Development, and Smart Cities

The sustainability of cities is a challenge due to the growth, functioning, and needs of the population. In this context, the concept of the smart city has gained prominence worldwide in the last decades. In Brazil, it has also drawn attention driven by technological advances and the search for innovative solutions to urban challenges. Several different reports were created aiming to assess and categorize the advancement of cities in this regard. Some of them established their own indicators for this evaluation, whereas others are based on standards ISO 37120 and ISO 37122. The focus of this study revolves around the examination of indicators presently utilized, which may be influenced by initiatives grounded in the principles of green chemistry (PGCs). Furthermore, it explores how these principles can aid in the realization of the targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. Two case studies are presented, the first pointing out how PGCs and SDGs can correlate with smart city reporting indicators. The second is a case study centered on the Brazilian city of Curitiba (PR). We aim to exemplify how the city’s action plans underscore the significance of synergy among the principles of green chemistry, the objectives of sustainable development, and indicators for smart cities. Assessing how chemically green a city can be is a relevant argument for future industrial installations and stakeholders and the influence of this index on the quality of life of its population. Such an approach not only fosters innovation and efficiency but also fosters environmental stewardship, thus contributing to overall sustainability.

Improved Monitoring and Classification of Engine Oil Condition through Two Machine Learning Techniques

<div>This study explores the effectiveness of two machine learning models, namely multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLP-NN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), in advancing maintenance management based on engine oil analysis. Data obtained from a Mercedes Benz 2628 diesel engine were utilized to both train and assess the MLP-NN and ANFIS models. Six indices—Fe, Pb, Al, Cr, Si, and PQ—were employed as inputs to predict and classify engine conditions. Remarkably, both models exhibited high accuracy, achieving an average precision of 94%. While the radial basis function (RBF) model, as presented in a referenced article, surpassed ANFIS, this comparison underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the realm of maintenance management. Serving as a proof-of-concept for AI applications in maintenance management, this study encourages industry stakeholders to explore analogous methodologies.</div> <section> <h2>Highlights</h2> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Two machine learning models, multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLP-NN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), were employed to predict and classify the performance condition of diesel engines.</div> </li> <li> <div>Among various training algorithms, Levenberg–Marquardt and the Bayesian regularization demonstrated superior classification accuracy, achieving a 95%–96% range.</div> </li> <li> <div>To assess the generalizability of MLP-NN and ANFIS, the training set size was varied from 90% to 10%.</div> </li> <li> <div>The ANFIS model exhibited greater stability than MLP-NN, with a 50% higher performance.</div> </li> </ul> </div> </section> <section> <h2>Graphical Abstract</h2> <div> <img/> </div> </section>

PSII-7 Development and assessment of a mobility scoring system for beef cattle

Abstract Lameness is a disruption of normal gait due to infection, injury, or abnormal conformation, causing pain and discomfort. Several scoring systems have been developed to determine lameness severity; a key indicator in deciding if an animal is fit to withstand transport. However, most scoring systems were developed for dairy cattle and may not be suited for use in feedlot cattle due to the large genetic variation between beef breeds as well as the highly variable environment in which they are housed. Lack of consistency when scoring lameness and reduced ability to detect early lame cattle can result in poor animal welfare and increased costs. The objectives of this study were 1) to develop a mobility scoring system that aids in transport decisions for beef cattle, and 2) to determine observer repeatability using this scoring system. Over a 7-mo period, video cameras were placed in an alley to record the ambulation of individual cattle exiting the processing barn at 4 commercial feedlots in Southern Alberta. Cameras were set to record whole-body videos of cattle walking, running, or trotting. Five researchers trained to use this mobility scoring system, individually evaluated 174 cattle from the collected videos, for fitness for transport and the presence/absence of gait abnormalities: shortness of stride, stiffness (mild, moderate, or severe), limp (mild, moderate, or severe), hip hike, head dropped, head bob, arched back, non-weight bearing, or reluctance to move. The mobility scoring system used was a modified (NCBA and Zinpro) 4-point scale (0-3) for locomotion: 0) an animal with no gait abnormalities; 1) an animal with mild stiffness and shortness of stride; 2) an animal with difficulty taking some steps and one or more of the following: severe stiffness, limp favoring affected limb, limps with a head bob when walking but still bears weight; and 3) an animal reluctant or unable to move, bearing little or no weight on affected limb, the head of the animal is dropped and back arched with pronounced head bob and severe limp detected, or incoordination. Fitness for transport was scored as fit, compromised, or unfit according to the humane transportation guidelines of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. A kappa statistic was calculated to assess inter-observer reliability for both mobility and transport fitness scoring systems as well as gait abnormalities. The combined mobility scores had substantial agreement between observers (Κ = 0.63; P < 0.001). Mobility score of 2 had the highest agreement among all variables (Κ = 0.88; P < 0.001), followed by head bob (Κ = 0.85; P < 0.001), and arched back (Κ = 0.76; P < 0.001). Results of this study will aid in the development of a mobility score that improves industry stakeholder agreement regarding lameness severity and transport loading decisions.

301 Leveraging genomics to advance the breeding of Canadian livestock

Abstract Implementing breeding strategies for a more sustainable food system is one of the most pressing topics for livestock industries. Although different species face different challenges, large-scale research projects can pave the way for future opportunities in these key sectors. Herein, we present two examples (dairy and poultry) of how research projects can result in meaningful changes to commercial breeding programs. The first example is an international large-scale dairy project, which will deliver a roadmap for greenhouse gas (GHG) management using genomics and nutrition. The project aims to facilitate a 55% reduction in GHG emissions from Canadian dairy at an estimated value of $338M CAD. This systems-level approach will leverage resources developed through previous and current large-scale projects to produce accurate multi-level emission estimates and identify opportunities to mitigate enteric GHG emissions. The results of this project will provide accurate, reliable, and robust data for industry stakeholders, national policy, and GHG inventories. The second example is a research collaboration with a commercial turkey breeding company that will enable breeding strategies for long-term and sustainable genetic improvement in health traits. This project aims to reduce preslaughter mortality by 5% and condemnations due to myopathies and health issues. This reduction alone is expected to result in 7.5M kg more turkey meat at a value of $19.8M CAD. Furthermore, there is also an expected reduction of 2.3M kg of CO2 equivalent per year for each 1% livability improvement due to production efficiencies and reduced inputs wasted for more sustainable and ethical meat production. Overall, ongoing and future research initiatives will continue to deliver solutions for key Canadian livestock sectors to improve animal health and welfare as well as efficiency and sustainability. The strides made in these ongoing collaborative projects are imperative for enhancing the sustainability of animal agriculture to feed the growing population.

Circular economy strategies: a fuzzy DEMATEL decision framework for the fast fashion footwear manufacture

The fast fashion industry significantly impedes sustainability by its rapid production cycles, low-cost products, and heavy carbon footprint. Nowadays, circular economy (CE) has become an interesting concept, which follows the “take-make-dispose” model and allows products, materials, and resources to be in use as long as possible. There is a paucity of research in the identification of circular economy strategies (CES) and mapping them based on their interrelationships, which is very important from a managerial perspective. In this vein, this study identifies nine CES and analyzes their causal relationships using the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method in the context of fast fashion footwear manufacture. The key contributions include providing actionable insights for implementing CE practices, enhancing the sustainability of the footwear industry, and offering a strategic roadmap for industry stakeholders. The results and implications of this study will guide footwear industry decision-makers in making a strategic map considering the cause-and-effect interrelationships among the CES for implementing CE business practices in the footwear industry.

Advancements and Challenges in Real-Time Electronic Vision Technologies for Canned Fish Quality Inspection: A Comprehensive Review

The global demand for high-quality canned fish products has driven the adoption of advanced inspection technologies to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance with industry standards. This paper provides a comprehensive review of real-time electronic vision technologies employed in the inspection of canned fish quality. It traces the evolution of the canned fish industry from manual inspection methods to sophisticated automated systems, emphasizing the role of technologies such as hyperspectral imaging, machine learning algorithms, and electronic vision systems. The effectiveness of these technologies in detecting defects, assessing quality parameters, and maintaining product integrity is critically analyzed. Despite their benefits, challenges such as high costs, the need for specialized skills, and integration complexities with existing production processes are significant barriers. This review addresses these challenges and proposes solutions, including cost-reduction strategies, workforce training, and the development of adaptable systems. The paper concludes by outlining future research directions, particularly in validating these technologies in real-world scenarios and enhancing their accessibility to the industry. The findings offer valuable insights for researchers and industry stakeholders aiming to advance the quality control of canned fish products through innovative technological solutions.

Shariah Contracts in Private Equity and Its Prospect for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)

This study explores the significance of contracts in private equity applications, particularly in addressing Shariah compliance concerns inherent in traditional private equity structures. Private equity plays a crucial role in funding and nurturing SMEs, aligning with equity-based activities that are conducive to Islamic finance principles. Using a qualitative Grounded Theory approach, the study involves interviews with various stakeholders in the financial industry. Grounded theory is an iterative and inductive method that systematically analyses data to uncover patterns and themes, generating hypotheses or theories derived directly from the data. The study identifies murabahah, ijarah, mudarabah, and musharakah as suitable contracts for private equity applications. These findings illuminate opportunities for financial industry participants, particularly SMEs, to innovate and access funding through private equity avenues.

Economic impacts of tourism demand on the European food and accommodation industry

Sustainability strategies have become central topics in the literature on tourism development, given the significant increase in tourism demand in Europe. This study examines the economic (cost) impact of increased tourism demand on the European Food and Accommodation Industry. We employed three distinct models — pooled linear regression, flexible nonparametric, and semiparametric smooth coefficients — using data spanning European countries from 2005 to 2020. Our findings reveal the heterogeneous impacts of tourist arrivals and length of stay on costs. Although the direct effects were predominantly positive, the indirect effects were found to be negative, resulting in a minor overall negative effect on the average. Furthermore, we found that the proportion of domestic tourists has a notable impact on costs, revealing that higher proportions are linked to lower direct costs but higher indirect costs on average. These findings provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers alike.

Barriers and facilitators to implementing imaging-based diagnostic artificial intelligence-assisted decision-making software in hospitals in China: a qualitative study using the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

ObjectivesTo identify the barriers and facilitators to the successful implementation of imaging-based diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted decision-making software in China, using the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as...

Building Safer Workplaces: Unveiling the Impact of Safety Leadership Styles in the Construction Industry

This study investigates the most effective leadership style for enhancing safety performance in the construction industry. Through a scientometric analysis of 114 research papers and a meta-analysis of 13 studies involving 7220 participants, it uncovers a growing body of research on safety leadership in construction and identifies safety-specific transformational leadership as the most impactful style for improving safety outcomes. The research highlights the increasing importance of safety leadership in the construction sector and reveals a trend towards safety-specific transformational leadership as the preferred approach. This leadership style emphasizes empowering and motivating employees to prioritize safety through shared values, vision, and goals. The study also emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration among researchers and institutions, and advocates for the inclusion of studies from developing countries to ensure a comprehensive understanding of safety leadership practices globally. Additionally, the findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 8, and 11, underscoring the significance of fostering safe and secure working environments and promoting sustainable urbanization. This research serves as a valuable resource for construction industry stakeholders seeking to implement effective safety leadership strategies, and it lays the groundwork for further exploration in this critical area.

EFEKTIVITAS PROGRAM DIRECT MARKETING TERHADAP TINGKAT KUNJUNGAN WISATAWAN DI KABUPATEN CILACAP

Cilacap Regency, Indonesia, is endowed with significant tourism potential, yet its tourist visitation rates remain comparatively low compared to other destinations in Indonesia. To enhance tourist arrivals, this study explores the effectiveness of direct marketing programs as a strategy to increase tourist visitation rates in Cilacap Regency. This research employs a quantitative approach with a survey design, collecting data from respondents who have visited Cilacap Regency. Independent variables include various direct marketing strategies such as email campaigns, social media promotions, and other online marketing activities. The main dependent variable is the tourist visitation rate. Regression analysis is utilized to test the hypothesis that direct marketing programs significantly contribute to increasing tourist visitation rates. The findings reveal that direct marketing programs have a significant positive impact on tourist visitation rates in Cilacap Regency (p < 0.001). These findings provide crucial implications for the development of more effective tourism marketing strategies in the region and offer empirical grounds for recommendations to local governments and tourism industry stakeholders in designing more focused and successful marketing programs.

A Hierarchical Analysis Method for Evaluating the Risk Factors of Pile Foundation Construction for Offshore Wind Power

To improve the safety level of pile foundation construction for offshore wind power, in this study, the risk indicators of pile foundation construction were evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and comprehensive evaluation methods. The pile foundation construction operation process for offshore wind power mainly includes four phases: preparation for construction, pile sinking, end of construction, and foundation scour protection construction. Pile foundation construction risk indicators are systematically identified as human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The most important indicators for pile foundation construction for offshore wind power were evaluated using AHP and comprehensive evaluation methods, which included five indicators: piling equipment, protective equipment, special skills, safety awareness, and emergency management. The four more important indicators are workplace environment, lifting equipment, fire protection systems, and operations. According to the results of our evaluation of the pile foundation construction safety indicators presented herein, corresponding recommendations are made that consider four aspects—human factors, material factors, management factors, and environmental factors. The construction industry should focus on improving the safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators. Pile foundation construction for offshore wind power can be evaluated using the method discussed in this paper, allowing industry stakeholders to prioritize and focus on improving safety measures related to aspects with greater risk indicators.

Trend Analysis of Tourist-arrivals in Nepal Using Auto- Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) Model

Nepal, a diverse and geographically varied landlocked country with a rich tapestry of cultures, and natural heritages, boasts iconic attractions such as Mt. Everest as the world’s highest peak, Lumbini as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Pashupatinath Temple as one of the world’s most celebrated pilgrimages for the Hindus, Chitwan National Park, home to the one-horned rhino enlisted by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization world’s natural treasure, etc. Attracting tourists from all corners of the globe, Nepal’s unique blend of landscapes and cultural heritage has made this country a prominent destination. This research delves into a comprehensive trend analysis of tourist arrivals in Nepal from 1964 to 2023, employing the Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model based on the secondary data employed from the Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal. The model provides insights into past trends and forecasts future tourist arrivals, evidenced by the rigorous test using the Root Mean Square Error. The analysis employed several ARIMA models, including ARIMA (2, 1, 3), ARIMA (2, 1, 2), ARIMA (3, 1, 3), and ARIMA (3, 1, 2), with model performance assessed using criteria such as Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Findings indicate that the ARIMA (2 1, 3) model provides the most accurate forecasts compared to the other models tested. This finding has significant implications for Nepal’s tourism industry. The results underscore the importance of adopting flexible and strategic planning approaches to enhance the resilience of Nepal’s tourism sector. The study’s insights are valuable for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers, contributing to the development of targeted strategies that ensure sustainable growth in the face of ongoing volatility.

The future of green tourism in Bali: Challenges and opportunities

This research examines the future of green tourism in Bali, analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the island in its sustainable tourism development efforts. The research adopts a multi-method qualitative approach, including a systematic literature review using the PRISMA method, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and participatory observation. Data were collected from key stakeholders in Bali's tourism industry, including experienced tourism operators, government officials, environmental experts, and community leaders representatives. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling, with the criteria of having a minimum of five years of experience in Bali's tourism industry or related fields. Their role was to provide insights into the current state of green tourism in Bali, challenges faced, and potential development opportunities. Key findings revealed significant challenges such as environmental damage from mass tourism, inadequate waste management, threats to biodiversity, cultural exploitation, and economic inequality. Nonetheless, Bali also shows great potential for green tourism development, including supportive government policies, community engagement opportunities, technological advances, and the growing global demand for sustainable tourism experiences. This research proposes a comprehensive strategy to boost green tourism in Bali, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, sustainable tourism standards, eco-friendly infrastructure improvements, and awareness-raising campaigns.

Traveling with an eating disorder

This study aims to uncover what it means to be a tourist with an invisible impairment. We highlight this important yet neglected area within inclusive and accessible tourism by examining how eating disorders impact travel. The subject of eating disorders in the context of travel is not well-articulated, and academic attention toward eating disorders is scant. To explore the lived experiences of an eating disorder and travel, we adopted qualitative research methods. Our phenomenological study followed the purposeful sampling technique and conducted in-depth interviews to collect data. Since research on this neglected traveler population is at an early stage, this research contributes to a fruitful future for this research area by exploring eating disorders and their impact on travel under the key themes of lacking public social awareness, change of routine and structure, responsibility, and access to support and barriers of the skin. The findings expand scant research into traveling with an eating disorder. Importantly, this study reveals the imbalance between what is visible externally vs. the real lived experience and advocates for diversity and inclusion in the context of travel. This research calls for closer dialogue between researchers, society, and people with eating disorders, such as our participants with an eating disorder, to ensure that the value of their voices is highlighted and heard by the stakeholders of the tourism industry. The findings of this research will be helpful in fostering tourism stakeholders' ability to provide service and care for people with eating disorders and other invisible disabilities.

Virus-like particles in poultry disease: an approach to effective and safe vaccination.

The poultry industry, a cornerstone of global food security, faces dynamic challenges exacerbated by viral diseases. This review traces the trajectory of poultry vaccination, evolving from traditional methods to the forefront of innovation Virus-Like Particle (VLP) vaccines. Vaccination has been pivotal in disease control, but traditional vaccines exhibit some limitations. This review examines the emergence of VLPs as a game-changer in poultry vaccination. VLPs, mimicking viruses without replication, offer a safer, targeted alternative with enhanced immunogenicity. The narrative encompasses VLP design principles, production methods, immunogenicity, and efficacy against major poultry viruses. Challenges and prospects are explored, presenting VLP vaccines as a transformative technique in poultry disease control. Understanding their potential empowers industry stakeholders to navigate poultry health management with precision, promising improved welfare, reduced economic losses, and heightened food safety.

Opportunities for Prediction Models to Reduce Food Loss and Waste in the Postharvest Chain of Horticultural Crops

Significant losses occur in the fresh produce supply chain, spanning from the harvest to postharvest stages, with considerable wastage during production and consumption. Developing predictive models for overall postharvest losses is crucial to inform growers and industry stakeholders, facilitating better decision-making and resource management. These models play a pivotal role in supporting governments, as well as global food and agricultural organizations, in their efforts to alleviate poverty and ensure food and nutrition security for the growing human population. This review discusses opportunity targets for predicting total postharvest losses and addresses strategies for effective waste management with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural production and enhancing global food security.

Biological factors and production challenges drive significant UK fruit and vegetable loss.

Food loss and waste estimates are highly inconsistent as a result of methodological and systemic differences. Additionally, the absence of in-depth evidence surrounding the biological drivers of food loss and waste precludes targeted mitigation action. To address this challenge, we undertook a metanalysis utilising a systematic literature review combined with industry stakeholder surveys to examine the incidence of food loss and waste in the UK fruit and vegetable supply chain between primary production and retail. We estimated that 37% of fruit and vegetables, equivalent to 2.4 Mt of produce, is lost between production and sale. In the UK, primary production is the main stage responsible for these losses (58%), and is dominated by four crops (apple, onion, carrot and potato), which contribute 71% of total food loss and waste. Quality and supply/demand mismatch are the core drivers, combined with limited ability to control postharvest quality decline as a result of technical or economic barriers. Innate biological mechanisms contribute to, and detract from, marketable quality generating food loss risks where these cannot be adequately modified or controlled. Through climate change effects, reduced pesticide availability, changing consumer behaviour and increased pressure to reduce resource/energy inputs during pre- and postharvest handling, food loss and waste risk is likely to increase in the short term unless targeted, coordinated action is taken to actively promote its mitigation. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.