Search Results (326)

This research investigates how hybrid review systems integrating human-generated reviews and AI-generated summaries shape consumer trust and decision-related confidence. Across three controlled experiments conducted in simulated e-commerce environments, when and how hybrid reviews enhance consumer evaluations were examined. Study 1 demonstrates that hybrid reviews, which combine the emotional authenticity of human input with the analytical objectivity of AI, elicit greater levels of review trust and decision confidence than single-source reviews. Study 2 employs an experimental manipulation of presentation order and demonstrates that decision confidence increases when human reviews are presented before AI summaries, because this sequencing facilitates more effective cognitive integration. Finally, Study 3 shows that AI literacy strengthens the positive effect of perceived diagnosticity on confidence, while information overload mitigates it. By explicitly testing these processes across three experiments, this research clarifies the mechanisms through which hybrid reviews operate, identifying authenticity and objectivity as dual mediators, and sequencing, literacy, and cognitive load as critical contextual moderators. This research advances current theories on human–AI complementarity, information diagnosticity, and dual-process cognition by demonstrating that emotional and analytical cues can jointly foster trust in AI-mediated communications. This integrative evidence contributes to a nuanced understanding of how hybrid intelligence systems shape consumer decision-making within digital marketplaces. Full article

Climate change is affecting agricultural stability, making farmers’ adaptive capacity crucial for productivity and viability. Existing indices primarily record actions taken but overlook the intention-to-action stage. This paper proposes the Farmers’ Readiness for Climate Adaptation (FRCA) index, a factor-analytic composite index combining economic, environmental, social, institutional, and psychological factors to capture readiness between intention and implementation. A structured-questionnaire survey of farmers in Kilkis, Central Macedonia (Greece) reveals heterogeneity in perceptions, attitudes, and practices linked to social influences, individual beliefs, resource access, and institutional constraints. Farmers widely perceive climate change as a serious threat and express willingness to adopt measures, yet actual uptake varies. FRCA offers a practical diagnostic to inform policies that strengthen sectoral sustainability and resilience. Full article

This study examines how real photographs and AI-generated photographs shape sustainable engagement and travel intention in tropical island tourism. We used a one-factor between subjects survey experiment with two independent conditions, real images and AI images, with 357 participants in each group. Guided by the SOR framework, we measured perceived authenticity, cognitive destination image, emotional comfort, and perceived information diagnosticity, together with sustainable engagement and travel intention. Structural equation modeling shows that under both visual conditions the four perceptual factors are positively associated with travel intention. In the real photo condition, sustainable engagement partially mediates the effects of all four factors on travel intention. In the AI photo condition, sustainable engagement mediates the effects of cognitive destination image, emotional comfort, and perceived information diagnosticity on travel intention, while the indirect pathway from perceived authenticity to travel intention through sustainable engagement is not significant. These findings support an actionable dual-track visual strategy. Use AI images to expand reach at low ecological cost, then use real images with verifiable cues to strengthen credibility and encourage responsible choices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) requires accessible and non-invasive biomarkers that can support early detection, especially in settings lacking specialized expertise. Sonification techniques may offer an alternative way to convey neurophysiological information through auditory perception. This study aimed to evaluate whether human listeners without EEG training can discriminate between sonified electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns from patients with AD and healthy controls. Methods: EEG recordings from 65 subjects (36 with Alzheimer’s, 29 controls) from the Open-Neuro ds004504 dataset were used. Data were processed through sliding-window spectral analysis, extracting relative band powers across five frequency bands (delta: 1–4 Hz, theta: 4–8 Hz, alpha: 8–13 Hz, beta: 13–30 Hz, gamma: 30–45 Hz) and spectral entropy, aggregated across 10 topographic regions. Extracted features were sonified via parameter mapping to independent synthesis sources per frequency band, implemented in an interactive web interface (Tone.js v14.8.49) enabling auditory evaluation. Eight evaluators without EEG experience blindly classified subjects into two groups based solely on listening to the sonifications. Results: Listeners achieved a mean classification accuracy of 76.12% (SD = 17.95%; range: 49.25–97.01%), exceeding chance performance (p = 0.001, permutation test). Accuracy variability across evaluators suggests that certain auditory cues derived from the sonified features were consistently perceived. Conclusions: Parametric EEG sonification preserves discriminative neurophysiological information that can be perceived through auditory evaluation, enabling above-chance differentiation between Alzheimer’s patients and healthy controls without technical expertise. This proof-of-concept study supports sonification as a complementary, accessible method for examining brain patterns in neurodegenerative diseases and highlight its potential contribution to the development of accessible diagnostic tools. Full article

This research investigates how ingredient statement (IS) labels influence consumer perceptions of food processing and the downstream effects on behavioral intentions, with implications for sustainability. Across three studies, we demonstrate that consumers rely more heavily on IS labels than Nutrition Facts (NF) panels when judging the degree of food processing. Study 1 shows that IS labels attract greater attention and are perceived as more diagnostic for processing judgments. Study 2 confirms that IS labels elicit higher processing perceptions than NF labels across multiple food categories. Study 3 reveals that IS label length and ingredient familiarity interact to shape processing perceptions and behavioral intentions, with longer and less familiar ingredient lists reducing purchase and recommendation intentions. Theoretically, these findings support schema and dual-process models of consumer cognition, highlighting the role of heuristic cues in food evaluation. Practically, they suggest that simplifying ingredient lists may enhance consumer trust and product appeal. From a policy perspective, IS labels may serve as informal sustainability heuristics, nudging consumers toward less processed, potentially lower-impact foods. We discuss the implications for labeling regulation, product reformulation, and integrated health–sustainability frameworks, while identifying avenues for future research on real-world behavior and environmental metrics. Full article

Background: Diagnosing physical and mental health issues in individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) often proves challenging, as these patients are unable to speak for themselves. Caregivers’ tacit knowledge (TK) refers to interpreting non-verbal signs, and is difficult to communicate with physicians. As limited research exists on physicians’ perspectives, we aimed to explore how intellectual disability physicians (ID physicians) perceive and value caregivers’ TK. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with ID physicians (n = 10), focusing on their perceptions and experiences with caregivers’ TK in medical care for people with PIMD, were analyzed thematically with an interpretive approach to identify key patterns and insights. Results: ID physicians perceived caregivers’ TK as a critical ability to pick up subtle signs and irregularities or as a deep sensing something is wrong, with the latter being more difficult to communicate. They understood the importance of TK for diagnostic cues and of collaborative relationships to explicate TK. Conclusions: We describe how integrating caregivers’ TK with medical knowledge relies on trust and partnership. Moreover, we discuss how to overcome communication barriers and to improve medical care in co-production with caregivers in order to enhance the physical and mental well-being of people with PIMD. Full article

Artificial Intelligence in Education is expanding rapidly, yet the adaptation of chatbots to specific reading-comprehension levels remains underexplored. This mixed-methods study presents Lectobot, a conversational agent designed to provide personalized scaffolding across three levels of reading comprehension (literal, inferential, and critical). First, we conducted a diagnostic assessment with first-year undergraduates (N = 58) using validated instruments: COMPLECsec (reading comprehension), EMA (Academic Motivation Scale), and MARSI (Metacognitive Strategies). Non-parametric analyses (Kolmogorov–Smirnov; Mann–Whitney U with Benjamini–Hochberg adjustment) indicated wide heterogeneity in comprehension (median global accuracy ≈ 55%) and a predominance of extrinsic motivation, with selective use of problem-solving strategies. These findings informed design rules for Lectobot (text selection, adaptive task difficulty, and strategy prompts). In a five-week implementation with a focus group (n = 8), semi-structured interviews were transcribed and coded in MAXQDA, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (perceived usefulness and ease of use). Students perceived Lectobot as useful for text understanding and synthesis and moderately easy to use; reported difficulties were mainly technical (access and session continuity), leading to actionable design improvements. We discuss ethical and practical implications for personalized scaffolding in higher education and outline avenues for larger-scale evaluations and broader grade levels. Full article

This retrospective study evaluated the clinical utility of Virtual Reality (VR) in visualizing extracardiac CHD (eCHD) abnormalities involving great vessels, pericardium, or structures outside the heart in nine pediatric patients. Anonymized computed tomography angiography (CTA) DICOM images were processed using Elucis (Version 1.10 elucis next) software to generate interactive 3D models via segmentation. VR models were reviewed for a variety of cases: vascular rings (two with right aortic arch, aberrant left subclavian artery, and diverticulum of Kommerell; two with double aortic arch), pericardial teratomas (n = 2), right superior vena cava draining into the left atrium (n = 1), left pulmonary artery sling (n = 1), and aortopulmonary window (n = 1). VR video images were presented during weekly heart center conferences. A survey conducted among heart center staff assessed the perceived value of VR in clinical practice. A total of 62% found traditional diagnostic modalities very effective, 100% considered VR a valuable diagnostic tool, 65% responded positively to VR image resolution, 50% highlighted its educational benefit, 81% believed VR enhanced diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning, and 100% would recommend its use to colleagues. This study demonstrates the successful integration of VR-based segmentation into clinical workflows, underlining its potential as both an educational resource and a tool to support diagnostic and surgical decision-making. Full article

Although the increased use of three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic treatment, the necessity of the CBCT on treatment decision-making for maxillary impacted canines was not fully assessed compared to two-dimensional (2D) radiographs. This study aimed to assess differences in treatment decisions derived from CBCT data and 2D radiographs by analyzing survey responses from orthodontic specialists. Ten maxillary impacted canines with complete sets of two-dimensional (2D) radiographs and 3D CBCT data were selected and two sets of questionnaires were administered: using 2D radiographic data and 3D CBCT data. 31 orthodontists completed the survey. Diagnoses and treatment decisions were compared between the 2D and 3D imaging. Additionally, estimated angular and linear measurements of canine position were assessed with 2D and 3D and compared with actual CBCT measurements. The treatment decisions varied between 2D and 3D imaging. Notably, 51.5% of extraction decision with 2D were changed to orthodontic traction with 3D. The 3D imaging also improved the prediction of tooth collisions during traction and reduced the perceived treatment difficulty. CT proficiency influenced clinical decisions, with higher proficiency levels associated with fewer extractions and more accurate treatment predictions. 3D imaging offers greater diagnostic accuracy and improved treatment planning for impacted canines compared to 2D imaging, particularly for high and palatal impactions. Full article

Background/Objectives: To identify clinical, biochemical, and psychological factors associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) in climacteric women and to determine independent predictors of MS across menopausal stages. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 225 women (perimenopausal, n = 75; early postmenopausal, n = 75; late postmenopausal, n = 75). Anthropometry, clinical history, and fasting laboratory tests were obtained. Psychological measures included perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS), anxiety symptoms (Short Health Anxiety Inventory, SHAI-18), and depressive symptoms (Hamilton–Bech–Rafaelsen Scale). Results: Perimenopausal women had higher BMI than both postmenopausal groups (33 ± 5 vs. 30 ± 5 and 29 ± 4 kg/m²; F = 13.39, p < 0.001). Waist/hip ratio showed a modest group effect (F = 6.34, p = 0.002), being higher in perimenopause versus late postmenopause (p = 0.001). Significant group differences were observed in lipid and glucose profiles across menopausal stages. Total cholesterol (F = 4.86, p = 0.009), HDL cholesterol (F = 7.12, p = 0.001), and non-HDL cholesterol (F = 8.13, p < 0.001) differed significantly, as confirmed by post hoc Tukey HSD tests, with higher total and non-HDL cholesterol levels in early and late postmenopausal women compared with the perimenopausal group, and higher HDL cholesterol levels in early postmenopausal women compared with the perimenopausal group. Fasting glucose showed a significant difference (H = 9.89, p = 0.007, Kruskal–Wallis test), with higher median levels in perimenopausal (127 mg/dL) than in early postmenopausal women (97 mg/dL, p = 0.003, Mann–Whitney U). Perceived stress was highest in early postmenopause (61.3%) compared with late postmenopause (48.0%) and perimenopause (34.7%), χ² = 10.68, p = 0.0048, while anxiety and depression did not differ. Logistic regression analyses identified perceived stress and depressive symptoms as significant predictors of metabolic syndrome under different diagnostic definitions. Higher perceived stress was inversely associated in the psychological model (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.43–0.88; p = 0.008) but positively related in the clinical model including fasting glucose and blood pressure (aOR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.07–2.22; p = 0.021). In the combined model, both fasting glucose and perceived stress remained independent predictors (p < 0.05), under-scoring the contribution of psychological factors to metabolic risk. Conclusions: Among climacteric women, perceived stress and cardiometabolic factors (systemic arterial hypertension, Type 2 DM, and elevated fasting glucose) are independent predictors of metabolic syndrome. Early identification and integrated management of stress and metabolic risks may help reduce the burden of metabolic syndrome across menopausal stages. Full article

Smart nucleic acid hydrogels (SNAHs), endowed with stimulus responsiveness, function as programmable molecular switches that can perceive diverse external stimuli and undergo rapid, reversible, and highly specific conformational or performance changes. These dynamic properties have enabled the rational design of biosensors with bionic behaviors, facilitating cascaded “recognition–decision–execution” processes that support advanced biological analysis. Consequently, SNAHs are recognized as a core breakthrough for the next generation of intelligent biosensing units. However, a systematic mapping between SNAH design strategies, specific stimuli, and application fields remains lacking. This review mainly analyzes advances in SNAH-based biosensors over the past five years, proposing flexible and feasible design strategies and key trends in customization. Firstly, we systematically summarize molecular recognition modules involved in the construction of SNAHs, including aptamers, DNAzymes, antibodies, and specific binding peptides. Subsequently, we elaborate on the responses of these modules to external stimuli, so as to further facilitate the signal transduction of signals derived from physical, chemical, and biological sources involving temperature, light, magnetic fields, pH, nucleic acids, proteins, other biomolecules, and pathogens. Additionally, the review outlines the research progress of SNAHs in environmental monitoring, food safety, and medical diagnostics. Finally, we provide an integrated perspective on future opportunities and challenges, highlighting the innovative framework for designing SNAH-based biosensors and offering a practical roadmap for next-generation intelligent sensing applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Readiness for hospital discharge after kidney and liver transplantation is a complex process influenced not only by clinical factors but also by psychological and social aspects. This cross-sectional, analytical study aimed to assess discharge readiness and examine the psychological and social factors affecting patients’ preparations for leaving the hospital among renal and liver transplant recipients. Methods: A diagnostic survey was conducted using standardized questionnaires, including assessment of readiness for discharge (based on Canadian Health Outcomes for Better Information and Care-C-HOBIC), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Resilience Measurement Scale (SPP-25). The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28. The study included 117 recipients (31.6% liver, 68.4% kidney) who received transplants at centers in Poland between February and May 2025. Results: The average discharge readiness score was 34.51 ± 5.37. Overall, 79.5% of respondents had high discharge readiness, while 20.5% reported moderate readiness. A multiple regression model with eight predictors (SPP-25, HADS-depression, HADS-anxiety, Friends, Family, Significant person, Knowledge of self-care, Communication and information support) was statistically significant (F(8,108) = 11.629, p < 0.001), explaining 46.3% of the variance in discharge readiness (R² = 0.463; adjusted R² = 0.423). Knowledge of self-care emerged as the strongest predictor (B = 0.475, β = 0.577, t = 5.424, p < 0.001), followed by psychological resilience (SPP-25) (B = 0.011, β = 0.221, t = 2.381, p = 0.019). Other variables were not significant predictors (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Discharge readiness after kidney and liver transplantation is significantly affected by patients’ self-care knowledge and psychological resilience, highlighting the importance of education and psychological support in preparing patients for discharge. Full article

This mixed-methods case study explores risk management in hotel events using a large resort hotel in Portugal as its empirical setting. Addressing a critical gap between theoretical risk frameworks and their practical application, the research examines which risks are prioritized, how they are perceived, and who owns them across different organizational roles. The study combines a quantitative probability-impact matrix with a qualitative analysis of interviews using a systematic code co-occurrence analysis structured by established risk categories. Quantitatively, operational and safety-related threats, such as accidents during setup, were identified as the most critical. The qualitative findings, however, revealed a stark contrast in siloed risk cultures. The Events Department demonstrated comprehensive, experience-based ownership of risks across all categories. In contrast, other departments exhibited a narrow, operationally focused awareness and showed significant risk blind spots for entire categories, such as Event Planning and Human Resources. This divergence fosters accountability gaps and normalizes recurring issues. Integrating the findings demonstrates that the primary challenge is not the risk register itself but rather the fragmented organizational perception and presence of these blind spots. The study concludes that bridging these perceptual silos is essential for building a resilient, proactive risk culture. The study contributes to theory by empirically mapping divergent risk cultures and blind spots, thereby highlighting the limitations of purely quantitative assessments. It offers a practical diagnostic method and recommendations for using categorical analysis to foster cross-departmental dialogue and shared ownership in hotel event management. Full article

Background/Objectives: A gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the only effective therapy for celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Strict adherence is essential, yet it can impose considerable psychological, social, and financial burdens. This study investigated factors influencing GFD adherence, explored the perceived burden of this therapy, and examined differences between individuals with CD and NCGS. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire was completed by 681 Romanian citizens living in Romania with either a medically confirmed or a self-reported diagnosis of CD or NCGS. The survey assessed GFD adherence and its potential predictors, including gender, family history, comorbidities, diagnostic confirmation, and food security and perceived availability, as well as various psychological, social, and financial factors. Results: Participants with CD showed significantly higher GFD adherence than those with NCGS. Self-diagnosis was more common among NCGS respondents and was associated with poorer adherence, whereas a medically confirmed diagnosis predicted stricter adherence. Longer time since diagnosis, a greater perceived importance of a GFD, consistent label reading, as well as weight gain after starting a GFD were also positively associated with adherence. Although gluten-free (GF) food security has improved over time, cost remains a major barrier. Social activities negatively influenced adherence, reflecting the isolating effects of dietary restrictions. Nearly 25% of respondents reported a family history of gluten-related disorders (GRDs). Women—although more frequently affected by GRDs—exhibited levels of adherence similar to men. Comorbidities were common (33.9%), predominantly autoimmune diseases (56.3%), with autoimmune thyroiditis (32%) and lactose intolerance (19.2%) being the most frequent comorbidities. Conclusions: Diagnostic certainty, motivation, and practical barriers influence GFD adherence. Enhanced public awareness, clear labeling, improved GF food security, and financial support could facilitate sustained adherence and reduce psychosocial burden. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first national study of its kind in Romania. Full article

This study evaluates resident satisfaction with small-town infrastructure and generates a policy-ready ranking of improvement priorities using a modified importance–performance analysis (IPA) that infers indicator importance statistically rather than from self-reported scores. We surveyed small towns in the new districts of Wuhan, China, and developed a resident satisfaction-based evaluation framework spanning road and transport, basic living facilities, public services, public activity space, and townscape and character. We assessed reliability in SPSS, estimated implicit importance via partial correlations with overall satisfaction, and mapped indicators into quadrants to set priorities. Results indicate that overall performance is perceived as generally good, yet road and transport and townscape and character consistently emerge as high importance/low satisfaction domains, and there was notable variation across towns. The framework offers a replicable, user-centered diagnostic that turns resident feedback into a ranked set of priority indicators to guide targeted investment and operations, with transferability to comparable regions. Full article