The rapid adoption of AI chatbots in the tourism industry has changed how tourists search for information, plan their trips, and decide where to stay. Even though more and more researchers are examining AI-enabled services, there are not many real-world studies showing how specific chatbot features affect visitors’ booking decisions through experiential processes. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the role of customer experience as a crucial mediating factor linking AI chatbot attributes to booking intention, while also exploring the moderating influence of tourists’ technological readiness. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study combines the functional attributes (perceived usefulness, ease of use, information quality, and 24/7 availability) and the social-interactive attributes (anthropomorphism and conversational intelligence) of AI chatbots to create a complete research model. Data were collected via an online survey targeting travelers in Bangladesh who had previously used AI chatbots for travel information or booking. Using purposive sampling, 326 valid responses were analyzed with SPSS (v.25), AMOS (v.24), and PROCESS Macro (v.4.2) to investigate direct, mediating, and moderating effects. The results show that all the chatbot features have a positive and significant influence on customer experience, which, in turn, has a significant positive effect on the intention to book. Mediation investigation substantiates that customer experience functions as a vital psychological conduit through which AI chatbot qualities influence booking intention. Moreover, the moderation results demonstrate that tourist technology readiness substantially strengthens the relationship between customer experience and booking intention, underscoring the importance of individual differences in technology adoption.
This study investigates faculty perspectives on Open Access (OA) publishing in Bangladeshi science and technology universities, focusing on awareness, confidence, and practices related to OA models, Article Processing Charges (APCs), and rights retention strategies. A survey of 175 faculty members across academic ranks assessed knowledge of Gold, Green, Hybrid, and Diamond OA, APC pricing and waivers, and licensing tools such as Creative Commons and the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) Author Addendum. Results indicate strong conceptual familiarity with OA models, particularly among senior and experienced faculty, but limited institutional support and gaps in understanding of APC waivers, transformative agreements, and rights retention mechanisms. Awareness of Diamond OA and independent APC resources remains low, with a reliance on publisher-provided information. OA literacy was significantly associated with academic designation, education, experience, and publication output. The study recommends targeted, career-stage-specific training, improved institutional guidance, and promotion of equitable OA models to support sustainable and inclusive scholarly communication.
Mobile payment (m-payment) still lacks widespread acceptance among Bangladeshi users despite its enormous possibilities. Previous studies have identified the reasons behind such reluctant usage intentions based on the data collected from regular m-payment users in Bangladesh. However, in Bangladesh, no study has considered the first-time user experience, which reflects initial trust yet. Therefore, the study was undertaken to identify the factors determining initial trust and their impact on m-payment usage intention in Bangladesh. We applied the structural equation modelling method to conduct an analysis of 284 first-time m-payment user data in Bangladesh. Initial trust was found positively influenced by perceived ubiquity, perceived security and perceived ease of use; perceived usefulness and the intention to use m-payments were found positively affected by initial trust. The study also revealed the positive association of users' personal innovativeness and the negative association of perceived cost on m-payment usage intention. The mediation effects of initial trust were also found significant. The study recommends building initial user trust and service provider measures to encourage m-payment usage intention.
Human exposure to toxic metals via consumption of contaminated marine fish poses a significant public health concern, particularly in coastal regions impacted by pollution. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of trace and heavy metal contamiantion (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Hg, Ni, Co, Se, Rb, Sr, and As) in seven commercially important yet previously understudied offshore fish species from the Bay of Bengal, varying in habitat and feeding behavior. Metal concentrations were determined using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), and associated health risks were evaluated using multiple indices. The mean concentrations followed the order: Fe > Sr > Zn > Cu > Se > Cr > Co > Rb > Ni > Pb > Hg > As, Mn (below detection). Among the seven fishes, Thunnus obesus exhibited the highest Metal Pollution Index (MPI), indicating higher bioaccumulation. Estimated daily intake (EDI) values for both adults and children were below recommended safety limits. Target hazard quotient (THQ) values remained <1, suggesting no significant non-carcinogenic risks. Carcinogenic risk (CR) values for Cr were within acceptable limits and Pb posed negligible risk. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, Cluster analyses) identified industrial effluents and agricultural runoff as the primary sources of metal contamination. The results remain significant despite the absence of immediate human health risks, as they offer essential baseline data for tracking long-term marine pollution trends and informing future seafood safety regulations.
Microplastics (MPs), both conventional and biodegradable, are emerging contaminants of significant concern in marine ecosystems. While biodegradable plastics such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) are marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, growing evidence suggests that their degradation products may exhibit comparable toxicity to conventional polymers like polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS). This review critically examines the physicochemical properties, degradation behavior, and ecotoxicological impacts of both biodegradable and conventional MPs on the marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris. The analysis highlights that both MP types inhibit algal growth, disrupt photosynthesis, and induce oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, enzymatic imbalance, and cellular membrane damage. Mechanistic pathways involve particle aggregation, surface adsorption, and the release of toxic leachates and nano-sized derivatives, amplifying their ecological risks. Furthermore, biodegradable MPs often fragment faster, increasing MP particle counts and pollutant adsorption potential. The findings challenge the perceived environmental safety of “biodegradable” plastics and underscore the need for realistic field-based assessments. Understanding MP-algae interactions is crucial, as disruptions at this trophic level may cascade through marine food webs, affecting productivity and biogeochemical cycling. The review calls for comprehensive ecotoxicological frameworks to guide sustainable polymer design and effective marine pollution management.
