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The increasing accumulation of synthetic plastic waste in oceans and landfills, along with the depletion of non-renewable fossil-based resources, has sparked environmental concerns and prompted the search for environmentally friendly alternatives. Biodegradable plastics derived from lignocellulosic materials are emerging as substitutes for synthetic plastics, offering significant potential to reduce landfill stress and minimise environmental impacts. This study highlights a sustainable and cost-effective solution by utilising agricultural residues and invasive plant materials as carbon substrates for the production of biopolymers, particularly polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), through microbiological processes. Locally sourced residual materials were preferred to reduce transportation costs and ensure accessibility. The selection of suitable residue streams was based on various criteria, including strength properties, cellulose content, low ash and lignin content, affordability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, shelf-life, mechanical and physical properties, short maturation period, antibacterial properties and compatibility with global food security. Life cycle assessments confirm that PHB dramatically lowers CO₂ emissions compared to traditional plastics, while the growing use of lignocellulosic biomass in biopolymeric applications offers renewable and readily available resources. Governments worldwide are increasingly inclined to develop comprehensive bioeconomy policies and specialised bioplastics initiatives, driven by customer acceptability and the rising demand for environmentally friendly solutions. The implications of climate change, price volatility in fossil materials, and the imperative to reduce dependence on fossil resources further contribute to the desirability of biopolymers. The study involves fermentation, turbidity measurements, extraction and purification of PHB, and the manufacturing and testing of composite biopolymers using various physical, mechanical and chemical tests.

Innovative modern technologies are utilised in the hospitality and tourist industry to attract prospective consumers. Travel vlogs have emerged as a type of visual travel blog which includes information regarding tourist destinations, accommodation, cuisine, touristic activities, mode of accessibility, etc. The current study aims to investigate the influence of vlogger credibility on triggering the tourist intention to visit an eco-tourism destination.

The present study is a quantitative study, and it was conducted by surveying 218 respondents. A structured, close-ended and self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents.

The findings indicated that vlogger trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness significantly impact Bangladeshi tourists' intention towards visiting an eco-tourist destination.

The present study has several theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, the research framework illustrated how the vloggers' trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness on Bangladeshi tourists' visit intention to eco-tourist destinations. Practically, tourism industry practitioners, particularly destination marketers, will get benefit from the present study.

The performance of thermal comfort utilising machine learning and its acceptability by students and other users at the Professor Sir Edouard Lim Fat Engineering Tower at the University of Mauritius are evaluated in this study. Students and building occupants were asked to fill out surveys on-site as data was gathered from sensors throughout the structure. The Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) and other important data were collected through the surveys, including the effect of wind on thermal comfort. An adaptive model incorporating solar and wind effects was evaluated using multiple linear regression techniques and RStudio. Three models were used to evaluate thermal comfort, including the adaptive one. Numerous models were compared and evaluated in order to select the best one. It was found that the adaptive model (Model 1) was deemed to be the best model for its application. It was also found that Fanger's PMV/PPD (Model 2) was a very good approach to determining thermal comfort. Through thorough analysis, it was concluded that the range of air temperature and wind speed for thermal comfort was 25.830°C–28.0°C and 0.26 m/s to 0.42 m/s, respectively. In order for cities to remain secure, resilient and sustainable, it will be important to manage thermal comfort and reduce populations' exposure to heat stress (SDG 11). The achievement of income and productivity goals will be hampered if measures to protect populations from heat stress are not taken (SDG 8). Thermal regulation is also necessary for the provision of numerous health services (SDG 3).

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) on vlog marketing. The focus was to analyse the major themes in this field and provide insights for future research directions.

The authors reviewed a total of 49 peer-reviewed publications that include the search terms “vlog” or “video blog” in their titles, keywords and abstracts, retrieved from digital databases Scopus and Web of Science, up to the end of July 2023. Thematic analysis was used to examine and synthesise the articles.

The authors found 19 sub-themes and identified four major themes that emerged from the literature: (1) endorsement outcomes, (2) vlogger characteristics, (3) consumer credibility and (4) vlog content crafting.

There are many unanswered questions in the literature, suggesting that vlog marketing research is still in its infancy, and that in-depth further studies are required for a more comprehensive understanding of the field. This study has identified potential avenues for future research that may contribute to the existing body of knowledge and valuable insights on vlog marketing.

A daily vlog is a new type of film tourism that has been underexplored in the literature. This study aims to explore the key elements of daily vlogs that trigger a followers’ travel intention within the framework of enduring involvement. The study will highlight the affect-inspiring role of para-social relationships (PSR), extending the scope of film tourism research.

In Study 1, the objective was to investigate the essential components of enduring involvement in destination-life scenarios. This was accomplished through the analysis of qualitative data, including interview data collected from 15 participants and more than 20,000 words extracted from online blogs, barrages and comments. Additionally, Study 2 used 376 questionnaires to test the proposed structural model.

Within daily vlog-induced tourism, PSR assumes a pivotal role as a catalyst for evoking emotions. This phenomenon is interwoven with enduring involvement and has a direct impact on the determination of travel intention. Within the contextual framework of enduring involvement, constituents such as destination-life self-disclosure, situational resonance and affective belonging converge synergistically. These elements collectively underpin the process through which followers harness PSR as a driving force for nurturing travel intentions within the realm of daily vlog-induced tourism.

This study proposes the concept of daily vlog-induced tourism and emphasizes the emotion-inspiring role of PSR, to extend film tourism research to include daily vlogs. The study then explores the influencing factors of daily vlog-induced tourism under the framework of enduring involvement, providing a new understanding of enduring involvement in daily vlog-induced tourism.

日常视频博客是一种新型的电影旅游, 但文献中对它的研究还不够。本研究旨在持久卷入的框架内探讨日常视频博客触发追随者旅游意向的关键因素。本研究将强调辅助准社会关系的情感激励作用, 从而扩展电影旅游研究的范围。

研究1的目的是调查目的地生活场景中持久参与的基本要素。为此, 研究人员分析了定性数据, 包括从15名参与者那里收集的访谈数据, 以及从在线博客、弹幕（即时更新的互动评论系统）和评论中提取的 20,000 多字的数据。此外, 研究2利用 376 份调查问卷对所提出的结构模型进行了检验。

在由日常博客引发的旅游中, 准社会关系作为唤起情感的催化剂发挥着举足轻重的作用。这一现象与持久参与交织在一起, 并对旅游意向的产生产生直接影响。在持久参与的情境框架内, 目的地生活的自我披露、情境共鸣和情感归属等要素协同作用。这些要素共同支撑着追随者利用准社会关系的过程, 准社会关系在日常视频博客引发的旅游领域中是培育旅游意愿的驱动力。

本研究提出了“日常视频博客诱导旅游” 的概念, 并强调了准社会关系的情感激励作用, 从而将电影旅游研究扩展至日常微博。随后, 研究在持久参与的框架下探讨了日常视频博客诱发旅游的影响因素, 为日常视频博客诱发旅游中的持久参与提供了新的理解。

Los “vlogs” diarios son un nuevo tipo de turismo cinematográfico poco explorado en la bibliografía. Este estudio pretende explorar los elementos clave de los vlogs diarios que desencadenan la intención de viaje de los seguidores en el marco de la implicación duradera. El estudio destacará el papel inspirador de afecto de las relaciones para-sociales (RPS), ampliando el alcance de la investigación sobre el turismo cinematográfico.

En el Estudio 1, el objetivo era investigar los componentes esenciales de la implicación duradera en escenarios de vida en destino. Para ello se analizaron datos cualitativos, incluidos datos de entrevistas realizadas a 15 participantes y más de 20.000 palabras extraídas de blogs, “barrages” (un sistema de comentarios interactivos actualizados al instante) y comentarios. Además, el Estudio 2 utilizó 376 cuestionarios para poner a prueba el modelo estructural propuesto.

Dentro del turismo cotidiano inducido por los “vlogs”, la RSP asume un papel fundamental como catalizador para evocar emociones. Este fenómeno se entrelaza con la implicación duradera y tiene un impacto directo en la determinación de la intención de viaje. En el marco contextual de la implicación duradera convergen sinérgicamente elementos como la autodivulgación de la vida en el destino (AD), la resonancia situacional y la pertenencia afectiva. Estos elementos apuntalan colectivamente el proceso a través del cual los seguidores aprovechan el PSR como fuerza motriz para alimentar las intenciones de viaje en el ámbito del turismo cotidiano inducido por los “vlogs”.

Este estudio propone el concepto de turismo diario inducido por “vlogs” y hace hincapié en el papel inspirador de emociones del PSR, para ampliar la investigación sobre el turismo cinematográfico e incluir los “vlogs” diarios. A continuación, el estudio explora los factores que influyen en el turismo diario inducido por “vlogs” bajo el marco de la implicación duradera, proporcionando una nueva comprensión de la implicación duradera en el turismo diario inducido por “vlogs”.

The purpose of this study was to develop the augmented reality (AR) educational program combined with the instructional guidance for supportive learning, which enhanced the thinking process cooperative discussion and problem-solving skills in chemistry subject.

The method used the quasi-experimental research design. Of the 45 students who attended this experiment, only 25 with low achievement qualified in operating the AR learning system of saponification and transesterification environment (ARLS-STE) system.

These results confirmed that the AR educational program could have increased substantial benefits in improvements of students’ knowledge and the ability of the thinking process for the participants with the lowest score. In semi-structured interviews, most of participants enjoyed manipulating the ARLS-STE system, which was realistic, motived and interesting for learning science subjects.

The low-achieving students have often been known with a low learning capability, and they lack in developing constructional knowledge, despite being keen for learning. Regarding educational concerns for this population, providing orientated learning and supportive materials could increase their learning effects. Virtual worlds are an efficient learning tool in educational setting. The AR can offer visual concepts and physical interaction for students with low achievement in learning. Thus, this study investigates the acceptability of an educational program designed in the ARLS-STE, which involves the learning effects of academic knowledge and the capability of thinking process for students with low achievement. The ARLS-STE system was developed for this proposal, based upon the marker-based AR technologies combined with hands-on manipulation.

This study analyzes the evolution of topics related to COVID-19 on Chinese social media platforms with the aim of identifying changes in netizens' concerns during the different stages of the pandemic.

In total, 793,947 posts were collected from Zhihu, a Chinese Question and Answer website, and Dingxiangyuan, a Chinese online healthcare community, from 31 December, 2019, to 4 August, 2021. Topics were extracted during the prodromal and outbreak stages, and in the abatement–resurgence cycle.

Netizens' concerns varied in different stages. During the prodromal and outbreak stages, netizens showed greater concern about COVID-19 news, the impact of COVID-19 and the prevention and control of COVID-19. During the first round of the abatement and resurgence stage, netizens remained concerned about COVID-19 news and the prevention and control of the pandemic, however, less attention was paid to the impact of COVID-19. During later stages, popularity grew in topics concerning the impact of COVID-19, while netizens engaged more in discussions about international events and the raising of spirits to fight the global pandemic.

This study contributes to the practice by providing a way for the government and policy makers to retrospect the pandemic and thereby make a good preparation to take proper measures to communicate with citizens and address their demands in similar situations in the future.

This study contributes to the literature by applying an adapted version of Fink's (1986) crisis life cycle to create a five-stage evolution model to understand the repeated resurgence of COVID-19 in Mainland China.

This paper aims to explore financial anxiety and generalized anxiety as the serial mediators linking perceived organizational support (POS) to career commitment.

Data were collected from 388 managerial and nonmanagerial employees in diverse service areas, such as restaurants, airlines and hotels in Turkey. The direct and mediating effects were tested via the PROCESS macro.

Financial anxiety partly mediates the impact of POS on career commitment. The findings further reveal that financial anxiety and generalized anxiety serially mediate the effect of POS on career commitment.

Management should work with mentors to provide employees with psychosocial support during the COVID-19 pandemic. When employees perceive that the firm really cares about them and values their contribution during these challenging days, they display lower anxiety and higher career commitment. Management should also retain employees who are high on career commitment because such employees possess a sense of calling and are unlikely to quit. These implications may not be considered new. However, management would need such employees concerning the firm’s performance recovery after COVID-19.

Workers in the service industries suffer from financial and generalized anxieties and display reduced career commitment during COVID-19. However, little is known about the antecedents and outcomes of financial anxiety among hospitality and tourism workers. More importantly, no empirical piece has tested these anxiety variables as the mediators linking POS to career commitment in the pertinent literature so far.

The design, fabrication and experimental validation of defected microstrip structure (DMS) are proposed to address the problem of near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT) between the microstrip transmission lines in a printed circuit board.

The proposed DMS evolved with the combination of spur line (L-shaped DMS) and U-shaped DMS topologies. This technique reduces the strength of electromagnetic coupling and suppresses crosstalk by optimizing the capacitive and inductive coupling ratio between the linked microstrip lines. The practical inductance value is much more significant in DMS than in defected ground structures (DGS), but the capacitance value remains the same.

A DMS unit is etched on the aggressor microstrip line instead of the DGS circuit. Because there is no leakage via the ground plane and the circuit size is far smaller than with DGS, the enclosure issue is disregarded. DMS structures have a larger effective inductance and are resistant to electromagnetic interference. A tightly coupled transmission line structure with minimal separation between the coupled microstrip line is designed using DMS. Further research must be conducted to improve the NEXT, FEXT and spacing between the transmission lines.

Simulation and actual measurement results show that the proposed DMS structure can effectively suppress crosstalk by analysing the S-parameters, namely, S_12, S_13 and S_14, with measured values of 1.48 dB, 20.65 dB and 21.099 dB, respectively. The data rate is measured to be 1.34 Gbps as per the eye diagram characterization. The results show that the NEXT and FEXT are reduced by approximately 20 dB in the frequency range of 1–11 GHz for mixed signals. The substantial measured results in the vector network analyser coincide with the computer simulation technology microwave studio suite simulation results.

In this study, the authors sought to investigate how the implicit social ties of both project owners and potential backers are associated with crowdfunding project success.

Drawing on social ties theory and factors that affect crowdfunding success, in this research, the authors developed a model to study how project owners' and potential backers' implicit social ties are associated with crowdfunding projects' degrees of success. The proposed model was empirically tested with crowdfunding data collected from Kickstarter and social media data collected from Twitter. The authors performed the test using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model with fixed effects.

The authors found that project owners' implicit social ties (specifically, their social media activities, degree centrality and betweenness centrality) are significantly and positively associated with crowdfunding projects' degrees of success. Meanwhile, potential project backers' implicit social ties (their social media activities and degree centrality) are negatively associated with crowdfunding projects' degrees of success. The authors also found that project size moderates the effects of project owners' social media activities on projects' degrees of success.

This work contributes to the literature on crowdfunding by investigating how the implicit social ties of both potential backers and project owners on social media are associated with crowdfunding project success. This study extends the previous research on social ties' roles in explaining crowdfunding project success by including implicit social ties, while the literature explored only explicit social ties.