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Abstract The rapidly growing applications of additive manufacturing (AM) are transforming the scenario of the medical industry for sustainably availing customized orthotic products. The adaptive interlinking attribute of 3D printing enables it to replicate the optimization results of a trauma-based anatomical problem, designed and solved with artificial intelligence (AI) for structural mechanics. In the present hybrid approach, the potential of simulation engineering has been used to solve the physics of a mallet trauma transforming existing geometry into an efficacious splint design capable of delivering improved recovery outcomes. The physical measurements have been precisely converted into a customized orthosis, by executing 3D scanning and printing over the optimized parameters availed by data analysis coupled with artificial intelligence of statistical tools. The topological simulation-predicted design was processed for creating the tailored 3D printed mallet splint with a prediction accuracy of 98.49%, availing 42.6% (weight 2.87 gm for 58.28% mass splint) lighter orthosis than the original (weight 5 gm for 100% mass splint) that provides effective ventilation with 149.19% greater heat dissipation. The noninvasive interaction for anthropometric data collection and appealing custom appliances fabricated with bio-sourced materials can trigger faster psychological and physiological healing in patients. The results recorded with an implemented hybrid approach can change the perspective of medical professionals for adopting the AM fused with simulation engineering, as a sustainable alternative to traditional services. The biocompatibility of 3D printed orthotic products facilitates the removal of the excess burden of medical waste and thus the applications of the adopted approach can be practiced for providing sustainable responses to other medical branches like podiatry, dentistry, orthopedics, rheumatology and neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introductory paper offers an overview of transformational paths suggested by the contributors of this issue and the recent work of other scholars. Going forward, by drawing on the essence of existing scholarship, it suggests an inner transformation pathway for the suppliers, facilitators and receivers of tourism. The ultimate goal is to embark on a journey towards a state of awakening that transcends to the higher self of consciousness and a sense of connectedness (and therefore mindfulness) towards all living beings and the earth in general. To address the question of "how to move towards a higher state of consciousness?," a transformational tourism paradigm is presented, which suggests an inner path towards a state of "Being," stimulated by peak travel experiences and B-cognition, which can initiate harmony of the gross and subtle elements of human existence and transcend the self to the ultimate higher purpose of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an attempt has been made to harvest energy from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric material using fluid flow in an open channel system. Piezoelectric energy harvesting using fluid flow (PEHF) experimental model has been designed and the outputs obtained are compared with results obtained from simulations using ANSYS (computational fluid dynamics) and also with the mathematical modeling. The PEHF model has been utilized to analyze the effect of flow rate of water with reference to energy extracted. The full wave bridge rectifier circuit has been used to obtain the direct current (DC) from the PEHF model. It is observed that the output obtained using experiments holds good in agreement with the results retrieved through simulations and mathematical results. It is also observed that the increase in flow rate of fluid leads to increase in output of PEHF model. ANFIS is also used for the prediction of further results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an attempt has been made to harvest green energy from piezoelectric material using fluid flow in a conduit. Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting using Fluid Flow (PEHF) experimental model has been designed and the outputs obtained are compared with results obtained from simulations using ANSYS (computational fluid dynamics) and also with the mathematical modeling. The PEHF model has been utilized to analyze the effect of flow rate of water with reference to energy extracted. The full wave bridge rectifier and voltage doubler circuits have been used to obtain the direct current (DC) from the PEHF model. It is observed that the output obtained using experiments holds good in agreement with the results retrieved through simulations and mathematical results. The increase in flow rate of fluid leads to initially increase and then decrease in output of PEHF model as the maximum energy generated when flow rates (external force) matches with the frequency of excitation of the systems, i.e., at its resonance. The maximum energy output is generated at its resonance frequencies. It is observed that the full wave bridge rectifier circuit gives greater output as compared to a voltage doubler circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Leisure/Loisir: Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study assesses economic impact of two festivals on a rural town (Wickenburg) in the State of Arizona in the USA. It also examines social and environmental impacts of the two festivals to determine if festivals produce viable economic benefits for the town. Limited studies have, to date, taken into account social and environmental perspectives in economic impact analyses. The results of this study show that heritage festivals bring socio-economic benefits to the host community. However, in terms of environmental impacts, mixed views of local residents and stakeholders are noted. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders to design appropriate ecological measures are needed to make the festivals economically viable in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the optimal placement of piezoelectric actuators on a thin plate using modified control matrix and singular value decomposition (MCSVD) approach. The MCSVD is considered as the fitness function and optimal positions of the actuators are obtained by maximizing it with MHGA (modified heuristic genetic algorithm). Vibration suppression has been studied for simply supported plate with piezoelectric patches in optimal positions to suppress first specified modes using LQR (linear quadratic regulator) controller. It is observed that the positions of patches obtained with this approach give greater vibration suppression, reduced computational requirements, and provide global optimum solution only. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on the assessment of gambling in terms of work ethic and greed, prostitution and alcoholism exposure, unproductive disposition, and addiction. It notes the consideration of perspectives suitable in countering harm associated to gambling. It points out the significance of discursive engagement of gambling-related harm mitigation or resolution.

The article presents the study on the impact of park tourism on the economic development. Topics discussed include the measurement of the effect of park operating expenses and visitors expenditures on the local economy through impact analysis for planning (IMPLAN) modelling software, the several factors considered in the visitor economic impact analysis such as spending, and the results outlined which provide statistics on the total economic contribution of parks.

Copyright of Leisure/Loisir: Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study examines the relationship between negotiated self-authenticated experiences on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty. A purposive sample of Indian diaspora, based in the USA, is examined. The results unpack need for a negotiated self-authenticated experience through engagement with the homeland's perceived objectively authentic settings and environments. Furthermore, its significant influence on attitudinal loyalty is unveiled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs a projective technique to probe into the mind of the college students. The aim is to find out if the id of the student travelers is aligned with their super ego. Furthermore, an effort is made to identify instances of differences between id and super ego in cases of non-alignment. The results indicate that for the majority of the students, the super ego is in hormony with the id thereby implying efforts to adhere to the inner needs. That said, approximately 30% of the students indicate that their travel destination choices are not in harmony with their inner needs. Important implications for the marketing managers are presented in terms of deeper psychological insights. Suggestions are offered for designing appropriate tailor-made messages for the Generation Y markets. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study applies a social marketing approach to study the gender equity issue in tourism advertising. Using a geographic strata approach, vacation guides of destination marketing organizations from all the states in the United States are examined to investigate gender image representations. A total of 394 pictures are visually analyzed and coded using Goffman's framework on gender and media relations. Mixed results in terms of both blatant and subtle visual cues depicting relationships between men and women are reported. Thereafter, important implications for social marketing are drawn and a means-end quality-of-life framework is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, authenticity conceptualizations have taken into account the views of both suppliers and tourists. However, most studies, at the a priori stage, have not taken a market segment perspective but considered tourists to be a homogeneous population. This study challenges that by focusing on a distinct market segment based on age and life experience: Generation Y, drawing out an a priori-based sub-segment of Generation Y's perspectives of authenticity. It investigates if authenticity ideologies influence decisions to become a heritage tourist. Additionally, it determines other factors that predict differences between a heritage tourist and a non-heritage tourist. The study unveils interesting findings. With the exception of the objectivist and negotiation stance, other authenticity ideologies fail to inspire this generation to be heritage tourists. Intervention factors such as party size (and with it a social experience) and ethnicity prove to be better predictors of heritage preference. The results offer important implications for the heritage industry. For instance, “time travel” demand based on purely objective or negotiated versions can help promote conservation efforts and the sustainable development of heritage. This can lead to enhanced opportunities for partnership between the tourism industry and cultural/heritage site managers, and help revive discontinued or forgotten traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an argument on the gender issue in the U.S. media advertising. It attempts to test the hypothesis whether contemporary tourism advertising exerts a lagging influence on accurate portrayal of women. It examines factors such as rank order of gender influence gender subordination portrayal.

This study is unique in suggesting lucrative markets based on perception-driven gambling behavior. It examines dynamism in gambling behavior based on three perception-based groups: “agreed” (those who agree with the socioeconomic and environmental benefits), “disagreed” (those who disagree with the same), and “neutral” (those who have a neutral attitude toward them). Gambling behavior is used as a proxy for the largest amount wagered at a casino in the State of Iowa, United States, and the number of trips made to the casino during the past 12 months. The results suggest that all perceptions of gamblers do not translate into behavioral patterns. By selectively focusing on relevant perceptions of gamblers, higher spending and visitation can be encouraged. Additionally, sustainable practices can be designed to check negative impacts of casino gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tests a sustainable marketing protocol for heritage tourism institutions. The marketing plans of 24 museums across the United States are examined to grasp the empirical reality of the proposed model. The model is crafted along strategic marketing criteria, including measures such as environment analysis, level of local community involvement, partnership, and maintenance of traditional preservation-based objectives of the museums. A gap between the philosophical underpinnings of the proposed model and the existing marketing strategies is found. It is noted that the contemporary museum ethos in many regions of the United States is centered on short term plans and current survival. Additionally, regardless of locations, funding and short-termism dictate the core elements of all marketing plans. Overall, the results indicate that dedicated efforts and more awareness are needed to sustain the core purpose of contemporary museums. Using an applied approach, this study offers a unique and realistic perspective to a conceptually drawn framework. The results enhance the marketing literature, offer suggestions on how museum marketing plans could include sustainable elements and become part of a sustainable heritage tourism paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores quality of life (QOL) perceptions associated with casino gambling and examines the causes of variations in those perceptions using an integrated version of age-graded phenomenon and life characteristics. This study further examines the affects of gaming activity participation as a leisure activity on subsequent support for the casino gambling activity within the context of social exchange theory (SET). Data were collected from local residents residing within a 50-mile radius of existing casinos in a U.S. midwestern state. Results indicate similar gambling activity participation behavior across age groups. In addition, more subtle affects of age and life characteristics across age groups for the casino gambling activity are noted. Traces of similarities in perceptions, participation, and SET behavior are found to be more notable than absent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the resident perceptions of socioeconomic impacts associated with a destination resort casino and a non-resort casino in the U.S. Local residents have perceived the social and economic costs of non-resort casinos to be higher. They believed that resort casinos provide more social benefits than their counterparts. The social exchange theory (SET) framework is fully confirmed in the non-resort casino setting and partially confirmed in the resort-casino setting. Residents are also more supportive in resort-casino settings.

The Baby Boom generation has become a tempting target for tourism suppliers and tourism development stakeholders. While it presents itself as a lucrative group to be tapped by destination marketing organizations, its perspective regarding tourism development in their home states is equally important because they form a substantial portion of the US population. This study aimed to examine the benefit and cost perceptions of the Baby Boom generation to identify factors likely to influence them. It also investigates the Influence of perceptions on support for casino gambling. The subjects under study were the local residents of Iowa, USA. The study results identify important determinants of perceptions and confirm a close-to universal influence of social exchange theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Leisure/Loisir: Journal of the Canadian Association for Leisure Studies is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)