Search Results (2,735)

Reducing fertilizer usage from the perspective of farm household behavior is important for mitigating agricultural environmental pollution. However, existing studies often treat farmers as independent decision-makers in a risk-free setting and overlook the role of risk, particularly subjective risk, in fertilizer application decisions. Drawing on Arrow–Pratt’s theory of risk aversion, this paper develops a decision-making framework for fertilizer input under risk, examines the effect of risk attitudes on fertilizer input and its underlying mechanisms, and further investigates the heterogeneous impacts of risk attitude across different orientations of farmers’ economic benefit pursuits and intergenerational cohorts. The results indicate that: (1) more risk-averse farmers apply more fertilizer, and this finding remains robust after addressing endogeneity and conducting several robustness checks; (2) mediation analysis results indicate that both expected returns and path dependence have significant indirect effects in the association between risk attitude and farmers’ chemical fertilizer input; and (3) the positive effect of risk attitude on fertilizer input is more pronounced among farmers with a short-term orientation in their economic benefit pursuits and among the older-generation farmer groups. These findings offer a new theoretical perspective for understanding farmers’ fertilizer input decisions under risk and provide theoretical and practical implications for designing more effective fertilizer reduction policies that account for heterogeneous economic benefit orientations and intergenerational differences among farmers. Full article

The article reflects on the care for the work of creation within Benedictine spirituality and within the broader tradition of the Cistercian Order. It seeks to demonstrate that monastic spirituality, though developed in a pre-modern context, contains enduring theological and ethical intuitions that remain relevant for contemporary ecological reflection. The starting point of the analysis is the Rule of Saint Benedict written by Benedict of Nursia, which, although it does not employ the modern vocabulary of ecology or environmental ethics, nevertheless articulates a coherent vision of human life characterized by reverence, moderation, and responsibility toward the created world. Particular attention is given to key spiritual and anthropological dimensions of the Benedictine tradition, such as attentive listening (obsculta), humility, moderation, stability, and responsible work, expressed synthetically in the principle ora et labora. These elements are interpreted not only as monastic disciplines shaping individual and communal life, but also as forming a relational anthropology in which the human person is understood as fundamentally embedded within a network of relationships with God, other people, and creation. In this sense, Benedictine spirituality already implies a non-exploitative attitude toward the natural world. The article then examines how concern for creation has been deepened and concretized in the spirituality, institutional practice, and historical development of the Cistercian Order. Drawing on selected Cistercian documents as well as contemporary monastic reflections, the study shows that care for the natural environment is inseparably linked with spiritual attentiveness to God, interior silence, openness of heart, and readiness to serve. The Cistercian tradition, with its emphasis on simplicity of life, manual labor, and harmonious integration with the surrounding environment, develops these Benedictine intuitions in a particularly concrete and historically embodied form. From this perspective, a pro-ecological attitude is not interpreted merely as a reactive response to contemporary environmental crises, but rather as a structural consequence of a theologically grounded vision of reality. It emerges from a deep relationship with God as Creator and from a sense of entrusted responsibility for creation understood as a gift rather than as an object of domination. Ecological sensitivity is thus presented as an intrinsic dimension of monastic spirituality rather than an external adaptation to modern concerns. The main research question of the article is: to what extent and in what way do Benedictine and Cistercian spiritual traditions provide theological, anthropological, and ethical foundations for an ecological attitude toward creation within the framework of contemporary integral ecology. To address this problem, the study employs qualitative research methods grounded in theological inquiry. The primary method is textual analysis of the Rule of Saint Benedict and selected Cistercian documents, complemented by theological–hermeneutical interpretation aimed at identifying key spiritual principles and their implicit ecological implications. In addition, the study applies a historical–critical perspective in order to situate monastic sources within their original cultural and theological context, as well as a comparative theological approach, which enables a dialogue between classical monastic spirituality and contemporary ecological theology. These methods are used not only to reconstruct historical meanings, but also to interpret monastic texts in light of contemporary debates on integral ecology, sustainability, and the ethics of responsibility for our common home. In this way, the article highlights a significant continuity between monastic wisdom and modern ecological reflection, showing their mutual capacity for enrichment. Full article

This exploratory descriptive-correlational study analyses the perceptions of 257 adult students (doctoral, master’s, and teachers) at DPPD, USV Iași, during the 2025–2026 academic year regarding hybrid education, teaching quality, and environmental sustainability. Using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire, the analysis indicates good-to-excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging between 0.886 and 0.901, and a high overall global average score of 4.64. The findings reveal strong support for the hybrid model. Perceived teaching quality received the highest subscale rating (M = 4.80), closely followed by the perceived ecological impact (M = 4.65). The analysis indicates strong Pearson correlations, specifically between the hybrid learning experience and perceived teaching quality (r = 0.818), as well as between the perceived ecological impact and pro-sustainability attitudes (r = 0.809). Regarding academic mobility, the estimate indicates 81,283 km of avoided commuting travel and approximately 12,295 kg of avoided commuting-related CO₂ emissions, based on self-reported distance, means of transport, and number of physical attendances replaced by online activities. These findings suggest that hybrid learning may represent a relevant managerial option for university sustainability policies. The model appears well suited to postgraduate programmes addressed to employed adults, although the ecological benefits should be read as partial and do not displace perceived teaching quality as the central factor. Full article

Background: Edible insects constitute a highly nutritious, environmentally sustainable and culturally significant food resource with considerable potential to contribute to food system transformation within academic and broader societal contexts. Although global interest in entomophagy continues to increase, there remains limited research exploring the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and consumption practices of university populations within rural South African settings. Methods: Three concurrent cross-sectional quantitative studies were conducted at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), located in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Study 1 evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and consumption patterns of edible insects among 200 students. Study 2 examined knowledge and utilisation of edible insects among 390 students. Study 3 investigated knowledge and perceptions regarding edible insects among 200 university staff members. Structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and food frequency practices were administered across all studies. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 28 through descriptive statistics, frequencies and percentages. Analyses were descriptive only; no inferential testing, factor analysis or regression was undertaken, and the three studies are compared as a descriptive synthesis rather than pooled into a single dataset. Results: Findings across all study groups demonstrated high levels of awareness regarding edible insects, with awareness reported by 85% of participants in Study 1 and 100% in Study 2, and 98% of staff members acknowleded the ecological importance of insects. Mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina), termites and grasshoppers emerged as the most recognised and frequently consumed edible insect species. Consumption prevalence was notably high, reported at 91% in Study 1 and 69.2% in Study 2 and 66.3% among staff in Study 3. General attitudes towards entomophagy were largely favourable, with 41% of students expressing excitement about edible insect consumption and 91.1% of staff supporting the commercialisation of edible insects. Key barriers influencing consumption included religious restrictions (25.1%, reported in Study 2 only; participants with religious dietary prohibitions were excluded at sampling in Studies 1 and 3, limiting cross-study comparability of this barrier), cultural taboos (3%), inadequate market availability and limited awareness regarding nutritional benefits. Staff members further demonstrated positive environmental and sustainability perceptions, with 84.1% recognising edible insects as environmentally beneficial and viable future food sources. Conclusions: Across three independent cross-sectional studies conducted at the University of Venda, broadly similar patterns of awareness, attitudes, perceptions and edible insect consumption were observed. Although the studies differed in sampling and measurement, they consistently suggest that edible insects remain culturally accepted among many students and staff. Nevertheless, challenges relating to nutritional literacy, market accessibility and policy integration continue to limit broader adoption. Strengthening nutrition education initiatives and incorporating edible insects into institutional food systems may enhance the contribution of edible insects towards food security, sustainable protein provision and nutrition sustainability within Limpopo Province and beyond. Full article

Household food waste represents a major environmental, economic and social challenge, particularly in developing countries where empirical evidence remains limited. To address this gap, this study extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by simultaneously incorporating sustainable marketing and food-related lifestyle, providing a more comprehensive framework for explaining consumers’ intentions to reduce household food waste in the Tunisian context. Data were collected through a survey of 919 consumers across four Tunisian cities and analyzed using a structural equation model. The results show that attitude is the strongest predictor of food waste reduction intention, while subjective norms influence intention indirectly through attitude and perceived behavioral control. Sustainable marketing positively enhances both attitude and perceived behavioral control, whereas food-related lifestyle negatively affects attitude and behavioral intentions. The findings also indicate that stronger intentions to reduce food waste could encourage more sustainable food-related lifestyles. By integrating marketing, sensory and social meal lifestyle-related determinants into the TPB framework, this study advances understanding of household food waste behavior in an under-researched developing country context and provides practical insights for designing interventions that combine awareness raising with food management practices to promote sustainable household consumption. Full article

As green consumption becomes mainstream, deceptive marketing in the food industry poses a significant threat to the sustainability of food systems. This study aimed to investigate how consumers’ psychological decision-making mechanisms and food choices are influenced by corporate greenwashing. This study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional design, integrating environmental cognition, greenwashing perception, and brand trust into an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. Survey data collected from 445 respondents in Taiwan, using a fictional plant-based food (oat milk) brand as a scenario stimulus, were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that environmental knowledge and awareness significantly enhance greenwashing perception, which significantly diminishes brand trust, thereby diminishing positive sustainable food choices. Notably, environmental awareness positively moderated the relationship between greenwashing perception and brand trust. Furthermore, the interaction between perceived behavioral control and attitude toward food choices was not significant, demonstrating that emotional rejection substantially outweighs rational evaluation when faced with food-related deception. This study re-examines the rational assumptions of the traditional TPB, revealing that moral defense mechanisms play a central role in consumer food choices. From a practical perspective, the findings urge food enterprises to shift from symbolic green marketing to high transparency, which is essential for restoring brand trust and avoiding consumer boycotts. Full article

Renewable energy communities (RECs) are increasingly recognised as important instruments for accelerating the transition towards decentralised, low-carbon energy systems. However, technological progress and supportive policies alone cannot ensure their success, as participation depends largely on citizens’ behavioural readiness. This study investigates the behavioural determinants of participation in renewable energy communities by extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) with four motivational dimensions: environmental, economic, technical, and social. A quantitative cross-sectional survey of 174 household electricity users in Slovenia was analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings show that environmental and economic motivations were positively associated with Attitudes, Technical Motivation was positively associated with Perceived Behavioural Control, and Social Motivation was positively associated with Subjective Norms. These TPB constructs are positively associated with behavioural readiness to participate in renewable energy communities. A supplementary exploratory multi-group analysis suggested possible differences between prosumers and conventional consumers. Prosumer status reflected individual household renewable electricity production and not verified REC membership, while Behavioural Readiness captured prospective stated intention and willingness rather than observed participation. However, because the prosumer subgroup comprised only 15 respondents, these group-specific patterns should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in larger and more balanced samples. The study extends the Theory of Planned Behaviour by integrating a multidimensional motivational framework and conceptualises participation in renewable energy communities as a socio-technical behavioural process. The findings provide empirically informed insights for policymakers, municipalities, and renewable energy community developers seeking to support citizens’ behavioural readiness to participate in renewable energy communities. Full article

To address the need for low-power, real-time underwater acoustic signal processing and autonomous target detection on deep-sea unmanned mobile platforms, such as profiling acoustic buoys and underwater gliders, this study developed an embedded Linux-based signal processing system for buoy platforms. Conventional digital signal processing hardware platforms are often constrained by large size, high power consumption, and limited data communication capability. The proposed system adopts a compact, low-power architecture and a multithreaded processing framework based on the AM6254 heterogeneous multicore processor. It acquires four-channel vector-hydrophone signals together with attitude data from an inertial navigation module and performs band-pass filtering, fast Fourier transform (FFT), direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation, and constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection for autonomous target detection. The measured typical power consumption was approximately 2.3 W. Anechoic-tank and sea-trial results showed the lowest tested spectral level at which autonomous detection was achieved was 54 dB at 1 kHz, corresponding to an average in-band level of 46 dB. Under sea state 3, the system maintained continuous bearing tracking after target acquisition for a surface target traveling at 7 kn, up to a range of approximately 7 km, and provided unambiguous bearing estimation. These results demonstrate the target-detection capability and practical applicability of the system under representative operating conditions and indicate its potential for marine environmental monitoring and unmanned-platform observation and detection. Full article

As the global agri-food system faces escalating climate-related challenges, developing localized low-carbon short food supply chains (SFSCs) has become a vital strategy for sustainable agriculture. To elucidate the psychological drivers of green consumer behavior within this context, this study integrates the Stimulus–Organism–Behavior–Consequence (SOBC) framework with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The aim is to investigate the continuous purchase intentions of Taiwanese consumers for organic cocoa. Data collected via an online survey from 377 consumers with prior cocoa consumption experience were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that personal attitudes and perceived behavioral control positively drive consumption intentions, whereas subjective norms do not. This suggests that consumption behaviors rely on substantive product evaluation rather than social pressures. Additionally, green product attributes and environmental values significantly enhance TPB constructs. Importantly, consumption intentions translate positively into perceived consumer effectiveness and continuous purchase intentions. By elucidating the psychological mechanisms underlying sustainable food choices, this study highlights the value of Taiwan’s “Tree-to-Bar” model. Practically, the findings highlight potential implications for policymakers and agribusinesses regarding how environmental attributes are communicated through front-of-pack (FOP) labels that emphasize local production and low-carbon mileage. Such approaches may help make environmental information more accessible to consumers, although their effectiveness should be evaluated in future research. Full article

Sustainable consumption has become a central pillar of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), as current consumption patterns continue to generate significant environmental impacts. Although environmental awareness has increased, understanding the factors that drive sustainable consumption behavior remains an important challenge, particularly among university students in emerging economies. This study aimed to analyze the determinants of sustainable consumption behavior among engineering students using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model incorporating environmental awareness. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 668 engineering students. The proposed relationships were evaluated through covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings confirmed that attitude toward sustainable consumption was the strongest predictor of sustainable consumption intention (β = 0.93), while intention exerted a substantial positive effect on sustainable consumption behavior (β = 0.79). In addition, perceived behavioral control positively influenced sustainable consumption behavior (β = 0.27), whereas environmental awareness contributed indirectly by strengthening pro-sustainability attitudes. Overall, the results support the explanatory power of the extended TPB model, highlighting the complementary role of environmental awareness in promoting sustainable consumption behavior. This study contributes to the sustainable consumption literature by providing empirical evidence from engineering students in a Latin American context and offers practical implications for higher education institutions seeking to promote responsible consumption through educational strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12. Full article

This research investigates consumers’ perceptions of the disposable cup deposit system using the theory of effort minimization as a theoretical foundation. Return convenience was specified as the independent variable based on the theory of effort minimization, and attitude and behavioral intention as the key outcome variables; moral norm, environmental concern, and age were included as moderators. Data were collected from 400 Korean consumers through a professional survey firm, and the proposed model was tested using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 5). Return convenience was positively associated with both attitude and behavioral intention, and attitude was in turn positively associated with behavioral intention. Moral norm and environmental concern significantly moderated the association between return convenience and behavioral intention. The age interaction was negative and only marginally significant, suggesting that this association may be weaker rather than stronger among older respondents, contrary to what was hypothesized; this pattern should therefore be regarded as tentative. Because the data were cross-sectional and self-reported, the findings describe patterns of association rather than causal relationships. By clarifying the relationships among these six constructs, this study advances understanding of consumers’ perceptions of the disposable cup deposit system and offers insights into how individual characteristics are related to consumers’ responses to, and intentions to participate in, the system. Full article

Cruise tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry, generating significant economic benefits while also creating challenges related to overtourism, congestion, environmental pressure, and residents’ quality of life. Understanding residents’ attitudes towards tourism is therefore essential for sustainable destination management. Although previous studies have examined the roles of place attachment and quality of life in shaping tourism attitudes, evidence from cruise destinations remains limited. This study investigates the influence of place attachment and quality of life on residents’ attitudes towards tourism in two contrasting European cruise destinations: Kotor (Montenegro) and Athens/Piraeus (Greece). Additionally, it aims to explore the link between place attachment and quality of life, which remains understudied in this context. The study also investigates whether destination moderates the effect between explored variables. To address this objective, Kotor and Athens/Piraeus were purposively selected as a maximum-variation pair. A quantitative survey was conducted among 319 local residents (157 from Kotor and 162 from Athens/Piraeus). The findings indicate that both place attachment and quality of life significantly influence residents’ attitudes towards tourism. Stronger place attachment was associated with more positive perceptions of social interaction with tourists and beneficial cultural impacts, but it also influenced residents’ attitudes indirectly through perceived quality of life. Moreover, place attachment was identified as a significant determinant across all five dimensions of residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, quality-of-life dimensions, particularly heritage and commercial development, socialisation and economic opportunities, and environmental conditions, emerged as significant predictors of tourism attitudes. Destination comparisons revealed overall consistency between both cruise tourism destinations, except for the link between place attachment and health and safety benefits, which was stronger among residents of Athens. The findings provide practical implications for sustainable tourism planning by highlighting the importance of incorporating residents’ perceptions into destination management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exercise is an important component of rehabilitation programmes for stroke survivors, and adherence is key to ensuring the effectiveness of rehabilitation. However, adherence declines over time, especially as stroke survivors transition from in-hospital to post-discharge settings. The present review synthesised evidence on factors associated with exercise adherence among stroke survivors in China across two settings, using the socio-ecological model. This could provide a basis for developing effective intervention strategies to improve exercise adherence. Methods: A literature search was conducted via China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Weipu, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to 30 December 2025. Only cross-sectional studies that examined factors associated with exercise adherence were included. Studies were screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted, categorised, and analysed using a semi-quantitative approach. The review protocol was not prospectively registered but was later registered on the Open Science Framework. Results: Twenty-three studies were included, of which 13 focused on the in-hospital setting and 10 on the post-discharge setting, published between 2013 and 2025, involving 7557 stroke survivors aged 18 to over 75 years, with a mean quality assessment score of 85.33%. Exercise adherence was generally at a medium level in both settings, with a slightly lower adherence index after discharge. During hospitalisation, 34 intrapersonal and five interpersonal factors were identified, while 29 intrapersonal, five interpersonal, and one environmental factor were identified after discharge. Sufficient evidence showed that educational level, functional independence, and self-efficacy were positively associated with exercise adherence across both settings. During hospitalisation, social support was also positively associated with adherence, while age and stroke severity were negatively associated. After discharge, marital status, knowledge, and attitude were positively associated, while time since stroke onset and balance impairment were negatively associated. Conclusions: Previous studies mainly focused on intrapersonal factors, followed by interpersonal factors, while environmental factors received limited attention. Future studies should examine potentially modifiable factors at all three levels and determine whether addressing these factors supports exercise adherence among stroke survivors during hospitalisation and after discharge. Full article

Growing concerns regarding children’s disconnection from nature have increased interest in nature-based pedagogies within Early Childhood Education (ECE). This study examined how participation in a Forest School pilot project influenced children’s learning environments, play, human–nature relationships, and science process skills in three ECE settings in Northern Spain. This longitudinal study combined quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to follow 106 children aged 2–5 years throughout a complete academic year of regular Forest School sessions integrated within mainstream schooling. Data collection combined systematic observation scales, semi-structured interviews, environmental attitude measures, and family questionnaires to examine learning environments, children’s play, social interactions, environmental attitudes and science process skills. The findings indicate that forest environments provided richer opportunities for exploratory play, science process skills, and interaction with unstructured materials than conventional playgrounds. Group symbolic play occurred more frequently in forest settings, while lower levels of conflict were observed. Children progressively developed more ecocentric environmental attitudes, empathy toward living beings, and relational forms of environmental care through repeated interaction with nearby ecosystems. Teachers reported that children demonstrated increasing science process skills—including observation, exploration, representation, and communication—through direct interaction with natural phenomena. The study suggests that regular nature-based learning may support the development of science process skills, environmental care, and holistic child development within mainstream ECE contexts. Full article

Waste management is essential for addressing local and global environmental challenges. Failure to manage waste effectively results in several consequences, including environmental degradation, public health risks, and economic costs. Besides the need for adequate and up-to-date waste management systems, citizens’ cooperation is crucial to achieving sustainable waste management in any community, which depends on their waste literacy levels, comprising the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours required. This study assessed waste literacy among students completing compulsory education in Portugal to provide evidence regarding the outcomes of environmental education policies related to waste management. A representative sample of 1506 freshmen students was surveyed at the start of their undergraduate programmes. An online questionnaire was administered to the sample and the data were analyzed using statistical tests for assessing the influential factors associated with students’ waste knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Results show that, on average, students demonstrated good levels of knowledge and practices on waste management, together with a predominantly ecocentric worldview. A higher performance in waste management knowledge and practices was observed among younger students, with higher grades and higher paternal educational attainment. Besides these variables, best practices were significantly more prevalent among those with a higher participation in environmental activities and holding membership in environmental organizations. The findings suggest that upon completing compulsory education in Portugal, students display generally high levels of waste literacy, while also revealing specific gaps in knowledge and practices that warrant further educational attention. The study identifies these areas for improvement, highlighting the potential value of more practical, participatory and community-based approaches to waste education. Full article