Search Results (1,257)

The rapid development of autonomous vehicle technologies represents a major transformation in contemporary transportation systems; however, their successful integration depends not only on technological maturity but also on societal acceptance. This study investigates public attitudes toward autonomous vehicles, with particular emphasis on generational and gender-based differences, aiming to identify key factors influencing acceptance, usage intention, and purchase-related decision-making. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was applied using an online questionnaire survey conducted between January and September 2025. The final sample consisted of 655 respondents, with a balanced gender distribution and representation across multiple generational cohorts. Statistical analyses included one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), complemented by non-parametric tests when distributional assumptions were not fully met. The results indicate significant generational differences across all examined dimensions. Younger generations, particularly Generations Y and Z, exhibit significantly higher willingness to try autonomous vehicles, greater openness to new technologies, and stronger consideration of autonomous functions in vehicle purchasing decisions. Gender-based differences were also identified, with men generally demonstrating higher technological openness than women. Moreover, a significant interaction effect between generation and gender was found, suggesting that gender differences vary across generational groups and are less pronounced among younger cohorts. Despite these contributions, the study has several limitations. Its cross-sectional design captures attitudes at a single point in time and does not allow causal inference or longitudinal analysis of attitude change. The use of self-reported, hypothetical measures may not fully reflect actual behaviour in real-world adoption scenarios. Additionally, online data collection may introduce self-selection bias, favouring respondents with higher digital literacy and technological interest. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of considering demographic heterogeneity when developing, communicating, and regulating autonomous vehicle technologies, while also underscoring the need for longitudinal and behaviour-based research in future studies. Full article

Suburban residential streets have long been criticised for their multiple short-comings, including traffic-related injury, increased stormwater runoff, and lack of aesthetic values. Research suggests that Integrated Green-Grey Infrastructure (IGGI) is likely to play a role in mitigating these problems. IGGI refers to infrastructure that consists of both natural materials (such as plants, soil) and human-made structures (such as concrete, pipes). However, IGGI’s definition remains vague, and little is known about its implementation in suburban street retrofitting, and how effective it is. Using a systematic literature review method, this paper analyses peer-reviewed journal articles published over a period of ten years between 2014 and 2023. The objective was to understand IGGI’s definition, integration, and effectiveness in implemented residential street retrofitting projects. Through a rigorous screening process, 15 papers were selected for qualitative analysis. Clusters developed in analysing the results consist of IGGI’s concepts, components, integration and effectiveness. The most notable subject area is system-scale integration, shared by 14 papers. Findings regarding the effectiveness of IGGI suggest strong empirical evidence related to stormwater management and road user behavioural change; however, there were mixed perceptions toward the aesthetic values of rain gardens. Full article

Snakebite envenoming is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease and causes mortality, morbidity, and economic impacts for hundreds of thousands of people per year, particularly in tropical, low- and middle-income countries. Most research on snakebite interventions focuses on improving clinical management rather than bite prevention. However, prevention may provide a better mechanism to minimise snakebite impacts, particularly in rural areas where access to effective medical treatment is limited. This study reports on the preliminary testing phase of a participatory workshop intervention run in rural Uganda in 2022–23, which used a community engagement approach designed to reduce snakebites through discussing snake behaviour and biology. A mixed methods survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted, both with workshop attendees and non-attendees, after the delivery of the workshops. We found that a fearful attitude toward snakes often led to human–snake conflict, with snake killings occurring commonly, and some bites occurring during attempted killings. Workshops appeared to challenge negative attitudes, as understanding snake behaviour seemed to build compassion toward snakes and therefore has the potential to reduce human–snake conflict. Those who attended workshops were more likely to suggest ‘giving snakes space,’ rather than attempting to kill them, and were more likely to suggest hospital treatment if bitten. We also found that many effective methods for snakebite prevention are already known to the community, but those who attended the workshop were aware of a wider range of prevention methods and were more likely to implement less ecologically damaging and more effective strategies. This emphasises that appropriate knowledge resides within the community to prevent snakebites, and so community engagement approaches can improve prevention practices while recognising that the ownership and knowledge for such changes is generated by the local people themselves. Full article

Companies need to allocate substantial effort and resources towards adapting to dynamic market trends and promptly meeting their customers’ evolving expectations in the online business context. Although e-commerce research has experienced significant growth over the past two decades, a comprehensive, systematic, and longitudinal analysis that maps the evolution of publications, academic collaboration patterns, influential actors and sources, thematic structures, and theoretical foundations of the field is still lacking. This gap limits a holistic understanding of the maturation, intellectual structure, and future research directions of e-commerce as an academic domain. Based on these premises, the primary objective of the present study is to analyse the landscape of e-commerce spanning the period from 2008 to 2024. By employing bibliometric analysis, we have identified the most prolific and influential authors and publications that have made notable contributions to the literature on e-commerce, as well as the collaborations between authors and countries within the same field. Furthermore, we have analysed the thematic map, research trends, and interconnections between research themes over the past 17 years, providing a dynamic summary of scientific topics of interest in the field of e-commerce and suggesting potential directions for future explorations. The results reveal the heterogeneity of themes associated with e-commerce. We found that research topics in this field have evolved alongside technological evolution and social changes. Some themes have persisted over the years, such as customer behaviour or trust, while others have either disappeared or transformed. For instance, research related to supporting e-commerce technologies has become more specific, focusing on topics such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, metaverse or blockchain. From a social perspective, the impact of COVID-19 has resonated within the scientific community, becoming a significant focus of researchers around the world. This study serves as a comprehensive guide for professionals and researchers seeking to bridge current research topics with forthcoming developments in the field of e-commerce. Examining contributions and emerging trends reveals new perspectives on how technological progress interacts with the social and economic dimensions of e-commerce. Full article

This research presents a novel thermomechanical model of a rotatable spherical shell characterized by changing thermal conductivity, situated within the framework of the Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) theorem of generalized thermoelasticity. The governing differential equations in the Laplace transform domain, utilizing non-dimensional variables, have been applied to a thermoelastic, isotropic, homogeneous spherical shell subjected to ramp-type thermal loading. The numerical distributions of temperature increase, volumetric strain, and invariant average stress are illustrated in figures for varying values of thermal conductivity, ramp-time heat, rotation speed, and Moore–Gibson–Thompson relaxation time, and are analyzed. The variable thermal conductivity impacts all analyzed functions and substantially modifies the behaviour of the thermomechanical spherical shell. The ramp-time heat, rotational speed, and relaxation time of the Moore–Gibson–Thompson parameters substantially influence the distributions of temperature increase, volumetric strain, and invariant stress. Full article

Slope stability is a critical and extensively researched topic that is important in structural design, especially when slopes are located near residential or civil engineering structures, as human lives are at risk. This paper presents a detailed analysis and evaluation of slope stability, synthesizing current understanding of slope behaviour, soil shear strength parameters, and the methodologies applied in stability assessment. In the conducted parametric study, the stability of slopes composed of fine-grained soils was investigated using both the limit equilibrium method (LEM) and the finite element method (FEM). The principal objective of the research was to assess the influence of soil shear strength parameters on the resulting factor of safety (FoS), while also accounting for variations in slope height. The results of the study show that an increase in soil shear strength parameters leads to a linear increase in FoS, with this relationship being more pronounced for changes in soil cohesion than for changes in the angle of internal friction. The effect of shear strength variations on stability is more pronounced in slopes of smaller height. Furthermore, the comparative analysis indicates that LEM provides more conservative estimates of slope stability in comparison with FEM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a multifactorial condition and a major public health challenge. Conventional treatment centers on caloric restriction, which is often unsustainable and may cause stigma and psychoemotional harm. This study aimed to describe the methodology and assess the effects of a multicomponent nutritional intervention not focused on caloric restriction on psychoemotional outcomes. Women were selected as the target population because of the higher prevalence of obesity-related psychoemotional distress, body dissatisfaction, and weight-related stigma in this group, as well as their greater vulnerability to the psychosocial impacts of weight-focused interventions. Methods: This randomised, parallel, open-label trial included 89 obese women from primary care in Viçosa, Brazil. The participants were allocated into three groups: Group 1 (Control), which received a personalised hypocaloric diet (from 500 to 1000 kcal/day); Group 2 (NutrirCom (NutrirCom is a multicomponent, person-centred nutritional intervention protocol that is not focused on caloric restriction, conceived by a group of researchers at the Federal University of Viçosa for the care of women with obesity in Primary Health Care. It integrates nutritional, psychoemotional, behavioural, and social strategies, with an emphasis on promoting eating autonomy, mental health, and quality of life through a humanised, integrated, and sustainable approach, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of health care delivery and clinical practice)), which received 10 individual NutrirCom-based sessions; and Group 3 (NutrirCom + Social Support), which combined individual NutrirCom sessions with monthly group meetings for social support. Randomisation was stratified by body mass index via Excel^® with concealed allocation. The six-month intervention assessed changes in stress, anxiety, depression, and self-compassion, along with anthropometric and metabolic markers. Results: All groups presented reductions in waist circumference, fasting glucose, and total body fat, with increased lean mass. Anxiety remained unchanged in Group 1 but decreased significantly in Groups 2 (p = 0.002) and 3 (p = 0.005). Only Group 2 showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms (p = 0.023). Self-compassion improved significantly in groups 2 and 3. Conclusions: NutrirCom is a low-cost, scalable, and human-centered intervention that integrates emotional, social, and nutritional aspects of care. This approach shows promise as a sustainable strategy for obesity treatment in primary health care. Registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (no. RBR-87wb8x5). Full article

Background/Objectives: In England, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are eligible for vaccination at NHS sexual health services, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines. However, current research shows limited understanding of the factors influencing vaccination uptake among GBMSM. This study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators affecting the offer and uptake of these vaccination programmes. Methods: A qualitative interview study following the Person-Based Approach (a systematic method for developing and optimising health interventions) involving GBMSM and sexual health service staff from two regions of England. Purposive sampling aimed to include GBMSM with diverse backgrounds and engagement with sexual health services. Patient and public involvement shaped the study design and interview topic guides. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed to identify barriers and facilitators which were interpreted using the COM-B model of behaviour change. Results: Twenty GBMSM and eleven staff took part. The findings showed that opportunistic delivery of HPV, HAV, and HBV vaccination within sexual health services is mostly acceptable and feasible for GBMSM and staff, while also highlighting areas for optimization. Despite low knowledge of these viruses and their associated risks, willingness to be vaccinated was high, with healthcare provider recommendations and the convenience of vaccine delivery during routine clinic visits acting as important facilitators. However, the reach of opportunistic models was limited, particularly for individuals underserved by sexual health services or disengaged from GBMSM social networks. System-level barriers such as complex vaccine schedules (particularly when multiple schedules are combined), inconsistent access to vaccination histories, and limited system-level follow-up processes (e.g., automated invites and reminders) were also found to act as obstacles to vaccination uptake and delivery. Conclusions: To improve equitable uptake, sexual health services should explore the feasibility of addressing both individual and structural barriers through additional strategies, including targeted and persuasive communication to increase knowledge, leveraging regular contact with GBMSM to promote uptake, and implementing enhanced approaches to support vaccination completion (e.g., automated prompts or reminders). Full article

Dogs increasingly function as relational beings, shaping their guardians’ emotional well-being and daily routines. Consequently, dog owner education has expanded beyond behaviour-focused training toward integrative approaches that address the emotional, relational, and cognitive dimensions of the human–dog relationship. Despite this shift, international comparative research on the organisation and institutionalisation of dog owner education remains limited. The study applies a qualitative exploratory comparative case study to examine systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia, identifying national patterns and shared components to inform context-appropriate frameworks, particularly in South Korea. The study examines legal and policy documents, institutional guidelines, and standardised education programmes that function as national or de facto standards using document and content analysis. It integrates within- and cross-case comparisons and interprets findings through a framework drawing on human–animal interaction, attachment, canine behaviour, and cognitive–behavioural coaching theories. The analysis reveals five shared components of behaviour change: guardian responsibility and animal welfare, science-based positive reinforcement, early socialisation and prevention, a balance between standardisation and individualisation, and guardians’ emotional and relational engagement. These findings suggest that dog owner education functions as an integrated system that supports responsible guardianship and stable human–dog relationships across sociocultural contexts. Full article

This study explores the intersection of sociocultural factors, particularly privacy, with energy consumption patterns in residential buildings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While cultural values around privacy have long been recognised as influential in residential design, the impact of these values on energy consumption is underexplored. This research aims to fill this gap by examining how privacy needs, residents’ preferences, and open layouts affect energy efficiency, particularly in terms of natural light and ventilation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including semi-structured interviews with engineers, data collected from 108 respondents via an online survey, a case study of a residential building in Riyadh, and building performance simulations using IES software. The study also assessed actual energy consumption data and indoor lighting as potential implications of privacy concerns, causing changes in behavioural control of systems (e.g., windows, blinds, lighting, etc.). It focuses on the relationship between privacy needs, energy use, and natural daylight distribution. The IES simulation results for the studied residential building show an annual energy consumption of 24,000 kWh, primarily due to cooling loads and artificial lighting caused by privacy measures applied by the residents. The findings reveal that privacy-driven design choices and occupant behaviours, such as the use of full window shutters, frosted glazing and limited window operation, significantly reduce daylight availability and natural ventilation, leading to increased reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. This study highlights the need for human-centric design approaches that address the interplay between sociocultural factors, particularly reinforcing cultural sensitivity, and building performance, offering insights for future sustainable housing developments in Riyadh and similar contexts. Full article

Water from mountain regions is a crucial natural resource because of its major economic, social, and environmental significance. Wildfires may disrupt the normal functioning of the hydrological cycle, limiting water resources for nearby areas and degrading water quality in mountainous regions as contaminants enter water systems from the burning of vegetation and soil. In August 2022, the Serra da Estrela mountain, situated in the Mediterranean biogeographical region, was affected by a large wildfire that consumed 270 km² of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, often resulting in severe vegetation burn, although the soil burn severity was low to moderate in most of the area. The research objective is to assess the impact of this wildfire on the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater and surface water in the Manteigas-Covão da Ametade sector of Serra da Estrela in the context of a wildfire with limited soil burn severity. Groundwater and surface water samples were collected from October 2022 to September 2023 and were analyzed for pH, Total Organic Carbon, electrical conductivity, major ions, potentially toxic elements, iron (Fe), and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. A stormy event in mid-September 2022, occurring before the first sampling campaign, removed most of the ash layer and likely caused transient hydrogeochemical changes in streams. However, the analytical results from the sampled waters revealed that the post-wildfire hydrogeochemical effects are not evident. In fact, the hydrogeochemical changes observed in groundwater and surface water appear to be primarily influenced by the regular hydrological behaviour of aquifers and streams. The low to moderate soil burn severity, the high soil hydrophobicity, and the temporal distribution of precipitation explain why the hydrogeochemistry was primarily influenced by groundwater flow paths, the types and weathering of local lithologies, soil types, dilution effects following wet periods, and seasonal changes in the tributaries feeding into streams, rather than by post-wildfire effects. These outcomes provide valuable insights for water resource management and for developing strategies to mitigate wildfire impacts in mountainous environments. Full article

Education and post-licencing training programmes for novice drivers are widely implemented to improve road safety, yet their effectiveness remains debated. This study evaluates short-term attitudinal changes relating to participation in a mandatory post-licencing training programme for novice drivers in Slovenia. A within-subject pre–post survey methodology was used to evaluate self-reported driving attitudes across six safety-related domains among 225 novice drivers at a Slovenian driving training centre in 2024. Paired t-tests revealed minor yet statistically significant improvement following the programme in perceived support for the additional driver training, lowered overconfidence, heightened care in speeding and intersection behaviour, and enhanced attitudes towards vehicle operation and utilization of safety equipment. Attitudes regarding attention and adherence to traffic regulations showed negligible shifts, indicating a strong baseline attitude towards safe driving. The findings indicate a modest but fairly consistent short-term change in attitudes after programme participation. Due to the lack of a control group and dependence on self-reported data, the findings should be seen as evaluative rather than causative, necessitating more longitudinal and behavioural research to evaluate long-term and behavioural effects. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a developmental phase characterised by profound biological, emotional and social changes and these changes make adolescents particularly vulnerable to the emergence of psychiatric disorders. In this context, gender differences in mental health disorders are of increasing clinical interest. Method: We conducted a scoping review of the literature regarding gender differences in psychiatric disorders during adolescence. Three databases, PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO, were used to identify articles published in English from 2015 until 2025. Twenty-one studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: Ten studies deal with mood disorders, with a focus on gender differences in depression and anxiety during adolescence. Two articles analyse eating disorders, highlighting that girls show higher levels of food restriction and body dissatisfaction. Two studies focus on externalising and neurobehavioural disorders, showing a higher prevalence in boys than in girls. Four articles examine self-harm and suicidal behaviour, where girls report higher rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Finally, two studies address personality disorders in adolescence, noting a higher incidence of borderline traits and impulsive behaviour among girls. Conclusions: Research has revealed gender differences in the onset, frequency and factors associated with psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Understanding these differences is essential for developing prevention strategies, early diagnosis and specific interventions. Full article

This article is aimed at assessing energy–economy models with a focus on their ability to capture the dynamic structural changes of economic systems and the related energy supply chains. A narrative literature review approach was employed, synthesizing relevant peer-reviewed research. The search yielded 229 publications spanning from 2015 to 2024. After applying screening criteria based on methodological transparency, quantitative modelling, and explicit energy–economy integration, 120 articles were retained, from which 23 representative modelling frameworks were selected. The review identifies five key dimensions shaping the realism and applicability of integrated models: geographical and temporal scope, technological detail, modelling approach, and the degree of micro- and macroeconomic realism. Results show a growing adoption of multi-scale modelling and a gradual shift toward hybrid structures combining technological and macroeconomic components. However, significant gaps remain: only 26% of the models move beyond equilibrium assumptions; 17% incorporate behavioural or heterogeneous agents; and almost half rely on exogenous technological change. Moreover, the representation of policy instruments—particularly performance standards, sectoral benchmarks, and public investment mechanisms—remains incomplete across most frameworks. Overall, this analysis highlights the need for more transparent coupling strategies, enhanced behavioural realism, and improved representation of financial and transition risks. These findings inform the methodological development of next-generation models and indicate priority areas for future research aimed at improving the robustness of policy-relevant transition assessments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Effective nutritional care is a critical component of oncology treatment. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) are key elements that drive individual behaviour change and are commonly identified within clinical interventions and implementation strategies. Despite their relevance, the application of BCTs in oncology nutrition has not been systematically examined. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesise the use of BCTs in nutrition interventions and their implementation strategies within adult oncology care. Methods: A search across 10 electronic databases was conducted from inception up to December 2024. Data extraction focused on intervention characteristics, plus implementation barriers, strategies, and outcomes, which were coded using relevant established taxonomies, i.e., Theoretical Domains Framework, Behaviour Change Techniques, and Proctor’s outcomes framework. Study quality was assessed using the QuADS tool. Results: After screening 4055 abstracts and 165 full texts, 38 articles representing 31 unique studies were included. Nutrition interventions (n = 31) spanned across risk screening/assessment, care planning/pathways, nutritional monitoring, and support guidelines. Among the 19 interventions that incorporated BCTs targeting patients and/or healthcare professionals (HCPs), 20 unique BCTs were identified across 97 instances. Separately, implementation strategies reported in 25 of the 38 articles included 96 BCT instances (18 unique) targeting HCPs. BCTs were frequently observed alongside positive outcomes across patient, service, and implementation levels. Conclusions: Application of BCTs in oncology nutrition practice remains implicit and inconsistent. For clinical practice, more explicit specifications of BCTs may support better integration of nutrition care in routine oncology settings. Future research is warranted to test the effectiveness of specific BCTs and their combinations. This can be supported by standardised reporting of intervention content and implementation strategies which can enable identification of patterns of success and optimise replicability. Full article