Search Results (735)

The scarcity of water resources in South Africa remains a considerable challenge for water users. This study evaluated the impact of climate variability on the adaptive water-use behaviour of sugarcane producers by identifying the factors influencing their adaptation decisions. A survey, the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to achieve this objective. The study involved 54 sugarcane producers from the Impala Irrigation Scheme, selected through random sampling. Socio-economic profiles revealed a largely male, older demographic with varied education levels and farm characteristics. Results indicated that attitude (β = 0.349, p < 0.1) and subjective norms (β = 0.281, p < 0.05) significantly influenced farmers’ intentions to adapt, while perceived behavioural control had no significant effect (β = 0.051, p > 0.1). These findings suggest that improving farmers’ attitudes and strengthening social support systems can enhance their intentions to adopt adaptive strategies. However, the model’s explanatory power (R² = 0.276) suggests that other unexamined factors may also influence farmers’ adaptive intentions, highlighting the need for further research. Overall, our findings suggest that interventions targeting attitudes, social support, and resource access can improve adaptive behaviours. Full article

In the new normal, online education has become a norm and is considered equally important as traditional face-to-face education. Although online teaching has improved accessibility, reduced management costs, and expanded educational opportunities, there are also some issues, such as whether technology and internet access are widespread and whether the quality of online education is better or worse compared to previous modes. With the rapid development of online education, it is crucial to investigate the key factors influencing university teachers’ continuous usage of online teaching platforms and their working mechanisms, which is of great significance for improving the level of educational informatization and promoting educational modernization. This study mainly explores the continuous usage intention of online teaching platforms by Chinese university teachers under the new normal and its influencing factors, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical insights for improving educational informatization, promoting educational modernization, and designing and optimizing online teaching platforms. This study builds a new theoretical framework based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), UTAUT model, and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). From April to November 2024, 343 questionnaires were collected from Chinese university teachers. Combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the key factors influencing teachers’ continuous usage of online platforms and their configuration relationships are systematically discussed. Not only are the key factors verified, but the configuration relationships are also revealed, providing deeper insights for universities to design, promote, and optimize online teaching platforms and offering theoretical support and practical guidance for promoting sustainable educational development. Full article

Smart tourism technologies (STTs) enable tourists to obtain travel information instantly and to conduct several contactless transactions, which are preferred by travelers to limit the amount of unnecessary contacts after the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this paper surveyed 451 tourists and investigated the influence of attitudes and self-efficacy on an intention to visit smart tourism destinations. Attributes of STTs and tourists’ expertise and personal innovativeness were explored to understand their influence on attitudes and self-efficacy. Furthermore, we examined the moderating effect of being domestic or international tourists to address the differences in self-efficacy, attitudes, and behavioral intention. Our research findings show that attitudes have a stronger effect on behavioral intention than self-efficacy does, and interactivity has the strongest effect, among other factors, on attitudes. The finding suggests that by focusing on providing interactive services that can respond quickly to tourists’ requests together with personalized information, tourism providers would be able to enhance tourists’ intention to visit smart tourism destinations. Tourist type (domestic vs. international) did moderate the effects of interactivity and personalization on attitudes towards STTs. The finding highlights the differences between the two groups of travelers and provides an initial point for future research. Full article

In the context of escalating environmental concerns and the imperative for sustainable consumption, this study meticulously examines the variations in food literacy and the propensity to purchase green food among Chinese consumers across three generational cohorts: baby boomers, generation X, and generation Y. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework, and employing SPSS and structural equation modeling (SEM) for rigorous data analysis, the research elucidates the influence of generational attributes on green food consumption patterns. The study’s importance is marked by its unique contributions: it identifies intergenerational discrepancies in food literacy and furnishes empirical support for the enhancement of green food literacy across all consumer demographics. Furthermore, the research constructs an innovative model of food literacy that integrates generational traits, establishing a theoretical scaffold for advancing consumers’ green food literacy. This comprehensive model synthesizes the determinants of generational variations, food literacy, and the intention to consume green food. Findings from a demographically stratified sample of 720 participants, with equal representation from each cohort and gender (240 participants per cohort), highlight the distinct profiles in food literacy and green food purchasing intentions. These findings are instrumental for stakeholders in formulating nuanced strategies that promote sustainable consumption practices, tailored to the specific characteristics of each generational group within the Chinese market. Full article

Monitoring fungicide residues in orange fruits is vital, as fungicides for orange cultivation are increasingly used to prevent yield loss. At the same time, increasing restrictions are added by regulatory organizations. For facile on-site monitoring of the fungicide carbendazim (MBC), five ion-selective potentiometric sensors are proposed and compared. The first two sensors were prepared with a precipitation-based technique using molybdate (sensor 1) and tetraphenylborate (TPB) (sensor 2), respectively. Furthermore, two ionophore-based sensors were prepared using β-cyclodextrin as ionophore together with TPB (sensor 3) and tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate (TpClPB) (sensor 4) as ion-exchanger. Further incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) between the graphite rod and the sensing membrane of sensor 4 (sensor 5) further improved the stability and significantly lowered the limit of detection (LOD). Their performance was evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations, revealing linear response in the concentration range 1 × 10⁻⁴–1 × 10⁻² M, 1 × 10⁻⁵–1 × 10⁻² M, 1 × 10⁻⁵–1 × 10⁻³ M, 1 × 10⁻⁶–1 × 10⁻³ M, and 1 × 10⁻⁷–1 × 10⁻³ M with a Nernstian slope of 54.56, 55.48, 56.00, 56.85, and 57.34 mV/decade, respectively. The LOD values for the five sensors were found to be 7.92 × 10⁻⁵, 9.98 × 10⁻⁶, 9.72 × 10⁻⁶, 9.61 × 10⁻⁷, and 9.57 × 10⁻⁸ M, respectively. The developed potentiometric sensors were successfully applied to determine the residue and degradation rate of MBC in orange samples. After the researched fungicide was applied to the orange trees, the preharvest interval (PHI) could be calculated based on the MBC degradation kinetics determined in the tested orange samples. Full article

The implementation of water-saving methods has become imperative in college water management to facilitate the promotion of the sustainable growth of water resources within educational institutions. This research aimed to identify differences in water-saving behaviors (WSBs) among college students due to different environmental education in their schools and to determine the corresponding driving factors. The specific steps were as follows: Firstly, specific factors based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and specific WSBs were selected for conducting a questionnaire. Then, 347 college students from HUE’s School of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Power (S1) and School of Mathematics and Physics (S2) were surveyed. Finally, factor analysis and gray relational analysis were utilized to analyze the data. The results show that the college students from S1 scored better in regard to three WSBs than the students from S2. This can be attributed to the better environmental education offered by S1, which improved the students’ understanding of the importance of water saving. This paper highlights the differences in WSBs among college students and suggests ways for college administrators in departments concerned with course offerings, such as the Ministry of Education and the Office of Academic Affairs, to improve these behaviors. Full article

Limited research has focused on consumption reduction as one potential pathway to meet sustainable development goals. This paper investigates consumers’ intentions to undertake consumption reduction through the lens of an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB), where selected individual differences, namely the need for evaluation (NE) and self-referencing (SR), are given considerable attention. In total, 226 respondents participated in this web-based survey study. The results from structural equation modeling analysis confirm that the extended theory of planned behavior effectively explains consumers’ intentions to undertake consumption reduction. Notably, the individual differences of the NE and SR each uniquely moderate the relationships within the TPB model. This study provides a theoretical contribution by integrating the selected moderators (i.e., the NE and SR) into the TPB framework, increases the TPB’s predictive power, and further provides a novel understanding of the underlying influences of individual differences on consumers’ intentions to undertake consumption reduction for the benefit of the environment. Moreover, the findings offer practical implications for policymakers and social marketers in designing tailor-made interventions and consumption reduction strategies by considering the important role of individual differences. Full article

Hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) constructed by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of aromatic compounds have emerged as a new class of porous materials with unique merit. Herein, a HCP named HCP-TPB was coated onto a capillary column through in situ synthesis. The prepared column exhibited a nonpolar nature, and the column efficiency for n-dodecane was 3003 plates m⁻¹. Moreover, the relative standard deviations of retention time and peak area for six replicate injections of the C3–C6 were lower than 0.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The results of this study showed that it is very promising to utilize HCPs as stationary phases for the separation of C3–C6. Full article

The utilization of membrane sensors for the monitoring and determination of pharmaceutical environmental pollutants has emerged as a crucial objective in recent years. Given the extensive use of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) in medicine, its presence in the environment, particularly in surface water such as rivers, is highly probable. Prolonged exposure of river water to sunlight and the photo-degradability of CPZ may enhance its photo-degradation. For the purpose of measuring CPZ in the presence of its primary photo-degradants, two sensitive and selective membrane electrodes were developed. These were synthesized utilizing two ion-pairing agents: sodium tetraphenylborate (TPB) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The electrodes exhibited a linear range that extended from 1 × 10⁻⁶ M to 1 × 10⁻² M. The membrane electrodes of CPZ-TPB and CPZ-PTA exhibited slopes of 59.90 ± 0.60 mV/decade and 58.90 ± 0.80 mV/decade, respectively. The sensors mentioned above showed acceptable performance in a pH range of 2.0 to 6.0. All test parameters were optimized to provide superior electrochemical performance. The fabricated membranes were effectively employed to sensitively quantify CPZ in the presence of its principal photodegradants. The developed sensors were successfully employed to quantify CPZ in river water samples without necessitating pre-treatment procedures. Full article

The permeation of tritium from secondary neutron source rods in nuclear power plants presents a significant and unavoidable safety concern both for internal equipment and the external environment. This study primarily explores two feasible strategies for tritium permeation barriers: coating stainless steel surfaces with tritium permeation barrier (TPB) materials and utilizing materials with excellent tritium absorption properties. Through external ion irradiation tests, a comparative analysis was conducted on the tritium permeation performance, morphology, and nanohardness changes in two tritium-resistant designs, specifically Cr₂O₃/Al₂O₃ composite coatings and a zirconium-based tritium-absorbing material under varying irradiation doses. The results indicate that both approaches exhibit exceptional radiation resistance, maintaining an effective tritium permeation reduction factor (PRF) even after irradiation. Full article

Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study presents and tests an integrated model to investigate how individual cultural values influence tourists’ decisions when selecting sustainable accommodation. This study aims to examine the cultural impact on sustainable accommodation choices from the perspectives of tourists in three culturally distinct countries. Data were gathered from 1855 participants in Spain, Norway, and Lithuania using a questionnaire survey method. The data was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method, with statistical analysis based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This study found that uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation significantly influence attitude. Additionally, collectivism and power distance notably impact subjective norms, while masculinity affects perceived behavioral control. Tourists’ intentions regarding sustainable accommodation choices were determined to be influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. These findings contribute to the theoretical discussion of sustainable purchasing by emphasizing the intricate role of individual cultural values and provide practical insights for developing marketing strategies that resonate with these values. Full article

The main objective of this article is to analyze the effect of a group of predictors on entrepreneurial intention from the perspective of emotional competencies. To achieve this aim, a sample of 996 students belonging to ten public and seven private universities was selected, with each university having been granted high-quality accreditation by the Colombian Ministry of Education. The theoretical approach was based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the empirical analysis was based on structural equation models. Eight hypotheses were tested, with entrepreneurial intention as the dependent variable and emotional competencies, subjective norms, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial attitude as independent variables. The information was obtained by applying a questionnaire with a Likert scale to students of subjects related to entrepreneurship. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that in the two ecosystems analyzed (public and private), emotional competencies (EC) have neither a direct influence on entrepreneurial intention (EI) nor an indirect one since no significant influence is observed between emotional competencies and entrepreneurial attitude; however, a direct and positive effect was recorded between the self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitude constructs on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, it is observed that subjective norms (SN) do not directly affect EI, but they do influence it indirectly, being mediated by entrepreneurial attitude and self-efficacy. The contribution of this study is focused on obtaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Colombia, which will make it possible to foster strategies for the generation of youth employment and public policies to promote various entrepreneurial initiatives. This could be based on government regulations adopted in the last decade, which are still under development, and the broad participation of university students and research groups of higher education institutions. Furthermore, given the dearth of research examining the impact of emotional competencies on the entrepreneurial intentions of young Colombian university students, this study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap, thereby contributing to the development of a more robust body of literature that can inform the design and implementation of educational strategies and public policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the university ecosystems of this country. Full article

Addressing gaps in the existing research, this study investigates how event image affects attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC); how attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC impact behavioral intention, applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework; and how social support moderates these variables among older participants in park golf. We gathered data from senior park golf tournament participants and utilized confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement scale, assessing factor loadings, average variance extracted (AVE), and construct reliability (CR), while our analysis of Cronbach’s alpha ensured scale reliability. We also employed structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation to analyze the positive relationships and conducted a moderation analysis using Jamovi software. The results indicate the significant effect of event image on attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC, as well as the significant effect of attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC on behavioral intention. Moreover, social support moderates the relationship between subjective norms and behavioral intention. Full article

Society at large has become increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainable development, so tourism and travel service providers have begun to focus more actively on sustainable development goals. Prior research has shown that supervisors’ support fosters employee green behavior and companies’ environmental performance. This study concentrated on Portuguese hospitality contexts to develop a fuller understanding of how organizations’ green efforts can combine with the individual variables highlighted by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) to encourage supervisors’ organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE). Data on 74 hotel managers were collected with an online survey. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived green organizational climate positively correlates with TPB variables, thereby increasing supervisors’ intention to adopt and encourage OCBE in their workplaces. These findings clarify how organizational and individual factors foster managers’ OCBE. The results have practical implications for organizations seeking to promote their managers’ pro-environmental behavior to boost their environmental sustainability. Full article

The level of success in tourism is gauged by several metrics; however, the most widely used is the level of tourist arrivals. However, this research answered the call for greater investigation of the impacts of qualitative factors and intangible cultural–heritage assets on destination performance. The primary research purpose was to analyze the effect of implementing a local well-being philosophy (Tri Hita Karana) on tourist revisit intentions for Bali and the mediation of destination quality and destination image. A research model was developed to examine the relationships among local wisdom (TKH), destination quality, destination image, and revisit intentions. Data were collected via a survey of 520 digital nomadic tourists and analyzed using SmartPLS 4. The results indicated that the implementation of THK positively and significantly affected revisit intentions, destination image, and destination quality. Destination image and destination quality had positive and significant effects on revisit intentions, and destination image and destination quality also significantly mediated the effect of THK implementation on revisit intentions. The findings suggested that implementing local wisdom values such as THK in the management of a destination makes visitors feel more favorably about the quality and image of the destination and they have the intention to revisit. Full article