As increasing number of stray cats, it recently has more chance for stray cats to invade people area. Inevitably, the number of cases of inconvenience and damage caused by street cats is also increasing proportionally. Therefore, we investigated and analyzed the current status and implementation of TNR in Korea and suggested the direction in which Korea's policy should go. Domestic TNR has been implemented for about 20 years, but the ratio of stray cats to which TNR is applied insufficient and post-management after TNR is also insufficient. In the case of other countries, a large percentage of TNR is conducted by selecting TNR target cats based on scientific grounds and adoption or additional observation is carried out after TNR. Based on this strategy, the conditions for successful TNR need to expand the decision-making authority of veterinarians involved in TNR and actively invigorate subsequent solutions such as adoption. In addition, the policy should be improved in the way of expanding management and supervision after TNR through food service centers and shelters.

Background: The potential impact of aqueous extracts from Psidium guajava leaves on the reproductive system of female rabbits was evaluated. Methods: Twenty-eight rabbits, aged five to six months were utilized. Rabbits were divided into four groups and were randomly assigned to receive one of the following oral doses of the guava leaf extracts: 0 (control group), 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg of body weight. After a treatment period of 30 days, blood was collected via jugular venipunture and the serum was extracted for the assessment of serum biochemical traits levels. The females were bred and monitored throughout their pregnancy to ascertain reproductive outcomes. Results: The results indicated that the guava leaf extract significantly increased the body weight of the rabbits during both pre- and post-pregnancy compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The litter size at three weeks post-birth, prolificity rate, FSH, LH, and protein levels were notably higher (p < 0.05) at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight. The viability rate three weeks post-birth increased with escalating extract doses, and the highest values were observed at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg of body weight (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that, the aqueous extract of guava leaves appears to stimulate the production of FSH, LH and enhance body weight, prolificity, and pregnancy outcomes in mammals. As such, it is suggested that a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight could be beneficial in improving the reproductive performance of female.

The disposal of organic pollutants is one of the important research topics. Some of the studies in this field are based on the degradation of organic pollutants with a catalytic agent. The cobalt tetraoxide/peroxymonosulfate system is an important catalytic system used for the radical degradation of organic pollutants. To increase the catalytic efficiency of such reactions, graphitization of activated carbon used as a support solid and nitrogen doping to the carbon structure are commonly used methods. In this study, cobalt tetraoxide production, N-doping and graphitization were carried out in a single step by heat treatment of activated carbon doped with the phthlocyanine cobalt (II) complex. The catalytic performance of the catalyst/ peroxymonosulfate system was investigated by changing the pH, catalyst, and PMS concentration parameters on rhodamine B and 1,3,5 trichlorophenol, which were used as models. It was seen that the catalysts had 97% activity on rhodamine B in 16 min and 100% on 1,3,5 trichlorophenol in 6 min. It was observed that the catalysts continued to show high catalytic activity for five cycles in reusability studies and had a very low cobalt leaching rate. These results are in good agreement with previously published studies. In line with these results, the synthesized N-doped graphitic carbon/Co3O4 catalyst can be used as an effective catalyst for wastewater treatments.

In the present investigation, a new electrochemical sensor based on carbon paste electrode was applied to simultaneous determine the tramadol, olanzapine and acetaminophen for the first time. The CuO/reduced graphene nanoribbons (rGNR) nanocomposites and 1-ethyl 3-methyl imidazolinium chloride as ionic liquid (IL) were employed as modifiers. The electrooxidation of these drugs at the surface of the modified electrode was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry. Various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were used to validate the structure of CuO-rGNR nanocomposites. This sensor displayed a superb electro catalytic oxidation activity and good sensitivity. Under optimized conditions, the results showed the linear in the concentration range of 0.08–900 μM and detection limit (LOD) was achieved to be 0.05 μM. The suggested technique was effectively used to the determination of tramadol in pharmaceuticals and human serum samples. For the first time, the present study demonstrated the synthesis and utilization of the porous nanocomposites to make a unique and sensitive electrode and ionic liquid for electrode modification to co-measurement of these drugs.

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) is a persistent aromatic compound widely associated with environmental pollutants. Given its persistence and possible bioaccumulation, exploring a feasible technique to eradicate BDE209 efficiently is critical for today’s environmentally sustainable societies. Herein, an advanced nanocomposite is elaborately constructed, in which a large number of titanium dioxide ( TiO2) nanoparticles are anchored uniformly on two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets ( TiO2/GO) via a modified Hummer’s method and subsequent solvothermal treatment to achieve efficient photocatalytic degradation BDE209. The obtained TiO2/ GO photocatalyst has excellent photocatalytic due to the intense coupling between conductive GO nanosheets and TiO2 nanoparticles. Under the optimal photocatalytic degradation test conditions, the degradation efficiency of BDE209 is more than 90%. In addition, this study also provides an efficient route for designing highly active catalytic materials.

Despite the increasing popularity of spiritual tourism, there has not yet been an effort to provide an overview of the growing body of research. Addressing this void, this study employs a systematic literature review of 45 articles to highlight the state of knowledge and important gaps in the field.

Using Social Network Analysis methodology, specifically the Network of Similarity and Response Time Testing as a survey method, we measured and examined, based on conviction strength, the relationships between beliefs in various conspiracy theories. We employ Social Network Analysis (SNA) to uncover conspiracy thinking patterns. SNA facilitates the disclosure of interdependencies among variables and intricate direct and indirect relationships. The network of conspiracy convictions is mapped and scrutinized to discern the clustering of variables, which is achieved using greedy-modularity algorithms. Structural properties, such as nodal and subgroup density, are subsequently calculated to assess the quality of the clusters. A qualitative evaluation explores the semantic meanings underlying the observed patterns. Our analysis revealed strong correlations between the items, indicating that individuals who believe in one conspiracy theory are highly likely to believe in others. Furthermore, Response Time Testing allowed for measuring the level of people's conviction in these beliefs. We discuss the implications of these findings, suggesting that conspiracy theories may serve as a means for individuals to confirm their positions and feelings in society. This insight calls for a reassessment of strategies to address the spread and impact of conspiracy theories, focusing on understanding the psychological and social factors driving belief in multiple conspiracies and the strength of these convictions.

In recent years, the marketing literature has given considerable attention to the concept of online consumer misbehaviour. However, this increased interest has resulted in a significant accumulation of knowledge, leading to fragmentation and confusion in the field. This situation has serious implications for both researchers and practitioners, as it impedes the development of a coherent and unified understanding of the field. To address this issue, this paper presents a systematic review aimed at consolidating and organizing the available research on online consumer misbehaviour. The paper provides a conceptualization and operationalization of the concept of OCM. Additionally, the paper identifies and discusses the existing theories used in the field of OCM research.

Trust is well recognized as a critical component of effective health system processes, as patient trust is known to influence satisfaction and other health-related behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic has strongly affected healthcare organizations, leading to the need for reorganizing services, practices, interactions. Particularly, because of COVID-19 pandemic, patient/doctor exchanges have increasingly been mediated by digital technologies, thus leading to potential devaluation of patients trust toward the healthcare system.

This abstract summarizes an early-stage research proposal examining the benefits of storytelling in marketing green brands. Many research studies have been published in the last decade observing the growth and popularity of sustainable products (e.g., Bhardwaj et al., 2020; de Souza Correa et al., 2022; Haider, Shannon, & Poschis, 2022; Lunde, 2018; Rajogopal, Mahajan, & Priya, 2021; Skackuskiene & Vilkaite-Vaitone, 2022; among many others). Only some of these products offered immediate economic benefits to consumers when introduced. Consumers were skeptical of the sustainability of the products (e.g., Matthes & Wonneberger, 2014), consumers felt the prices were higher than unsustainable products (e.g., Juan, Hsu, & Xie, 2017), and consumers felt that the company was greenwashing (e.g., Cho & Taylor, 2020). However, the story of these businesses imagining a green future was the main driving force in attracting and convincing consumers to switch regardless of the cost and risk involved in the decision (e.g., Moshood et al., 2022). Getting exposed to these exciting stories, consumers want to join and be part of them by purchasing green products. For example, when sustainable Toyota Prius and Tesla cars were first introduced, there were more economical and best-performing cars in the crowded US market (i.e., Toyota.com, 2023; Tesla.com, 2023). However, unlike conventional combustion engine cars, they had a story to tell. Then, and today, the companies sell the imaginary of a green and sustainable future for humankind. It is the same with the sustainable apparel brand, Patagonia, which has gained popularity throughout the years (Patagonia.com, 2023). Their products are expensive compared to their unsustainable competitors. However, consumers are willing to pay the price to be a part of the story that the brand narrates, promising a more sustainable future.

Innovative companies after the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic are undergoing significant changes: from new trends in the markets to the growth of remote work in the digital environment. At any stage of development, innovative companies need an adaptive marketing approach to the implementation of the planned strategy. Marketing solutions to the problems of a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment (VUCA) in 2023 can rightfully be considered an emergency aid to innovative transformations in emerging markets. The triad “market orientation – innovation – performance” chain has been extended to various innovation types– from technological and product innovation to innovation orientation and capability. Moreover, the market orientation research agenda has, during last 10 years, highlighted customer orientation as a key component of market orientation that drives innovative activities.

In this research, given the recent spurt of luxury brands featuring their products in the metaverse, we examine if the use of luxury brand items to enhance one’s virtual avatar augments the gamer’s sense of confidence, empowerment, and actual performance. We conduct two studies to test the same. In our first study, we simulated a gaming environment on an online survey portal and asked participants to choose their avatar features. We provided them with a branded item (luxury/regular). Consequently, we asked them to indicate their level of confidence, and empowerment. They were asked to play a game to record their actual performance. In our second study, we asked participants to choose their avatar on an online game on their mobiles and similarly provided them with a branded item (luxury/regular). We then measured their confidence, and empowerment and observed their actual performance.

With the increasing popularity and attention towards virtual stores, the present study examines how consumers' perception of spatial and human crowdedness affects consumers' behavioral and attitudinal intention to shop at the virtual store through positive emotional arousals. Using two between-subject experiments (crowdedness: low spatial x high; low human x high), 171 participants were randomly assigned to each condition. The results demonstrated highly crowded virtual space with more merchandise creates a consumer’s positive emotional arousal, which leads to a positive attitude and satisfaction. Further, consumers perceive positive social crowdedness (i.e., when other shoppers are present) develops excitement among consumers who may entice positive attitude and satisfaction. Findings suggest that retailers should develop stimulating virtual stores.

The interest in the study of organizations’ ambidexterity (i.e., the capacity of combining organizational explorative and exploitative capabilities) entails expectations associated to its conceptual value and practical implications related to high-performing companies and long-term survival. In parallel, it is relevant to understand organizational ambidexterity under the marketing lenses, in particular, looking at the notion of co-creation and service-dominant logic. This study addresses the effects of organizational ambidexterity on organizational co-creation and evaluates whether these dynamics are different in SMEs and Large companies. We further assess how they contribute to the enhancement of firms’ performance. To the endeavor, we develop and empirically test a conceptual model.

Today, the ability to engage customers is a key factor of brand competitiveness in global markets. Not surprising, marketers are scrambling to figure how to utilize social media and other digital platforms to motivate customer engagement (CE), defined as brand-focused behavioral manifestations, other than purchases, resulting from individual and group motivational drivers. In this study we adopt consumer investment in trademarks perspective, suggesting that consumers proactively use global brand’s signs to express themselves, affirm values, communicate, and experience pleasure in digital platforms. The brand owners deploy trademarks to protect the symbols, which can distinguish the goods or services of a brand owner from those of other enterprises. We hypothesize that by registering trademarked signs in the host markets, global brands may facilitate CE and achieve superior performance. We empirically test these proposition using data for 125 global brands and trademark finings these brands in the twenty largest economies. The results of model confirm expectations that both trademarking in the host markets and consistency in using protected signs positively affected brand’s market share. The study provides managerial, theoretical, and policy insights in context of global brand protection.

Several earlier studies have investigated the attitudes and intentions of consumers towards sustainability within both a general (Kim et al., 1998; Nicholls, 2002; Berry & McEachern, 2005) and fashion context (Bray et al., 2011; Henninger et al., 2016; Hosseiunpour et al., 2016; Joergens 2006; Joy et al., 2012; McNeill and Moore, 2015; Reimers et al., 2016; Ritch, 2020; Tey et al., 2018; Bianchi and Gonzalez, 2021). However, there is a paucity of research from the perspective of children (Heo and Muralidharan, 2019; Ritch, 2019; Su et al., 2019; Watkins et al., 2019; Blazquez et. al., 2020; Niinimaki et al., 2020; Riesgo S. B., et al., 2022). There were predictions in 2020 that the global childrenswear market would be worth US$252.2 billion, and was proven to be more resilient than the general fashion sector during the COVID-19 pandemic (Mintel, 2021). Furthermore, the pandemic has seen prominence given to sustainability issues, with consumers increasingly prioritising brands with sustainable credentials (Euromonitor, 2022), yet little is known about children’s attitude towards sustainability. This paper aims to address this shortcoming, by assessing children’s awareness of sustainability. A Theoretical Model is proposed: Children’s sustainability awareness stages infused by educational third places.

This study aims to evaluate the level of reproducibility of the marketing field. The research is motivated because many significant published research findings in various scientific areas, including marketing, have been found to be false or only partially replicable, a phenomenon labelled Reproducibility Crisis. This crisis is partly due to the strong overreliance on frequentist statistics and the misuse and misinterpretation of p-values in the Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) framework. This study offers two main contributions: first, it develops a methodological, quantitative evaluation of the most-cited published papers in marketing history in its four top journals, creating an overall index of marketing science reproducibility. Second, it analyzes how misuse and misinterpretation of p-values and frequentist statistics have undermined marketing science's reproducibility and discusses possible solutions for these problems. We selected a representative sample of the marketing literature, screening the papers using hierarchical classification criteria and the Web of Science (WoS) database to select the most-cited papers.

This study investigates the role of consumers’ value orientations on their attitude towards assertive green advertisements. We find that biospheric value orientation improves attitudes towards assertive ads and hedonic value orientation positively affects consumers’ perceived threat to their freedom. Besides, the study supports the role of assertiveness in persuasive communication.