While customer-perceived value and value co-creation have received considerable attention in the hospitality management and marketing literature, emerging research demonstrates that the opposite can happen, that is, one or more actors in a service system experience value co-destruction (VCD). Yet, few studies have adopted a dyadic and service eco system perspective. The purpose of this study is to explore drivers of VCD resulting from dyadic interactions in the sharing economy, specifically in peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation from the service ecosystem perspective. Data were collected from Airbnb guests, hosts and online reviews within the context of Australia. The result reveals that six types of guest-host VCD activities that occur on micro, meso, and macro levels to understand the dynamics of dyadic actor interactions across multiple levels. The findings offer several implications for mitigating VCD and enhancing understanding of the value propositions sought by P2P accommodation guests and hosts.
The agricultural sector faces increasing vulnerability to climate change, necessitating effective adaptation measures to maintain productivity and enhance system resilience. Despite this critical need, limited studies explore the factors influencing farmers' adaptive responses within specific climatic zones. This study aimed to identify adaptation measures essential for agricultural sustainability in the three purposively selected Grama Niladari divisions (GNDs) known for their diverse crop varieties in the Maho Agrarian Zone, a region characterised by the Maha (Northeast Monsoon) and Yala (Southwest Monsoon) agricultural seasons. A mixed-methods descriptive research design, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative focus group data, was employed. The findings reveal a highly experienced farming community: 34.9% of farmers have over 30 years of farming experience. A total of 96.7% of farmers reported noticing changes, including a shift in seasons (over 80%) and unpredictable rainfall patterns (53%). A vast majority (62.8%) of farmers lack access to agricultural insurance, leaving them financially exposed to crop losses. Furthermore, while younger and middle-aged groups demonstrated the highest awareness of climate-smart agriculture (CSA), there is a strong, consistent perception across all age groups that government and associated institutions are not providing sufficient support for adaptation efforts. The results offer actionable recommendations for empowering local planning authorities, optimising climate communication strategies, and prioritising the development of practical CSA training modules, ultimately synthesising local knowledge with expert insight to support global resilience-building initiatives.
BACKGROUND Diet is widely recognized as a significant contributor to the development and exacerbation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. However, evidence on the impact of specific dietary factors remains inconsistent. AIM To identify the dietary and nutritional correlates of GERD symptoms in Sri Lankan adults. METHODS A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted on 1200 adults aged 18-70 years, recruited through stratified random cluster sampling across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. Data was collected using interviewer-administered, country-validated tools: A GERD symptom screening tool and a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measures (weight, height, abdominal and hip circumferences) were obtained using calibrated and sensitive instruments. Subjects having heartburn and/or regurgitation at least once per week were diagnosed to have GERD. They were compared with those without GERD (controls). RESULTS In our population (n = 1200, mean +/- SD age: 42.7 +/- 14.4 years, 46.1% males), significant dietary triggers of GERD symptoms included oily foods, bread, wheat, coffee, and sour or vinegar-based foods (P < 0.001, chi(2) test). Meal-related behaviors such as skipping breakfast, consuming late-night snacks (P < 0.001), and lying down within two hours after eating (P = 0.038) were also associated with GERD. No significant differences were observed between GERD and control groups in anthropometric measures, food portion sizes, or overall caloric and nutrient intake (P > 0.05). Total daily fat and fiber intake showed no correlation with GERD symptoms; however, bloating was associated with higher fat and fiber intake, greater fruit and vegetable consumption, and higher body mass index. These findings highlight dietary patterns and habits distinctive to the Sri Lankan population, where frequent consumption of oily and wheat-based foods may contribute to GERD symptom prevalence. CONCLUSION Some dietary items, such as oily foods, wheat, coffee, and sour/vinegar foods, and diet-related habits, such as fat intake, skipping breakfast, and lying down after meals, have a significant association with GERD symptoms as previously reported around the world. Bread is significantly associated with GERD symptoms in Sri Lankan adults, which has not been reported previously. Contrary to common belief, there was no significant association between GERD and nutrient intake or obesity. In addition, not only participants fulfilling criteria for GERD, but even controls were affected by food items triggering heartburn. Thus, lifestyle modifications based on diet and dietary habits are integral to managing GERD symptoms.
Bladder cancer is the eighth most prevalent cancer in Sri Lanka and is characterized by high recurrence and mortality rates. Diagnosis is primarily performed using cystoscopy, an invasive and uncomfortable procedure, followed by histopathological confirmation. During follow-up, patients undergo routine cystoscopy-based examinations to monitor recurrence and disease progression. The primary objective of this preliminary study was to analyse the expression of DNA polymerase beta (POLB) in bladder cancer, with the aim of evaluating its potential as a biomarker. Midstream urine samples were collected from healthy volunteers and patients prior to bladder tumour resection, following informed consent. Samples were immediately processed to extract RNA from exfoliated urothelial cells. Differences in POLB gene expression between healthy individuals and patients with bladder cancer were analysed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and fold changes were calculated relative to a reference gene. POLB expression was significantly upregulated in patients with bladder cancer. The mean fold change in patient samples was 6.67, compared to 1.19 in healthy controls (p < 0.05). These findings describe the expression pattern of POLB in exfoliated urothelial cells and provide a foundation for future investigations into its potential as a non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer.
Purpose-This study investigates motivations and processes that enable career transitions from paid employment to entrepreneurship by applying Schlossberg's transition theory to examine participants' experiences before, during and after the transition. Design/methodology/approach-A qualitative research design was applied using semi-structured interviews with Sri Lankan participants who successfully transited from salaried work to entrepreneurial careers. Thematic analysis was applied to participants' success stories to identify stage-specific drivers, supports and behaviors across the pre-transition, transition and post-transition phases. Findings-Career transitions were underpinned by persistent self-efficacy, confidence and clarity about personal strengths. These core individual attributes interacted with contextual enablers such as family support and timely decision to enter the market in facilitating change. Successful entrants to entrepreneurship also maintained a positive appraisal of the transition, practised self-discipline and adopted deliberate strategies to manage stress and sustain mental well-being. The findings highlight the multifaceted set of elements, such as identity, personal agency and environmental resources across the transition phases. The results show that the success of the transition depends on both individual agency and the enabling socio-economic environment. Originality/value-This study advances the understanding of individuals' decision to pursue an entrepreneurial career by developing a thematic model grounded in Schlossberg's transition logic, capturing the full sequence from pre-transition intention to post-transition entrepreneurial behavior. The model offers phase-specific insights into the transition from employment to entrepreneurship. It also extends transition theory to the small business and entrepreneurship domain by providing a contextually embedded contribution from the South Asian setting.
