Search Results (43)

This study explores the factors influencing the willingness of Cashew Feni producers to adopt GI certifications, delving deeper into the behavioural factors. This study is guided by the extended Theory of Planned Behaviour. This study was conducted in Goa, India, from June 2024 to January 2025 using a quantitative approach. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted with Cashew Feni producers actively producing, processing, and distributing Feni in the key production regions. A total of 200 producers were approached, and after validation, 148 responses were considered valid for analysis. The respondents were chosen using a stratified random sampling method. This study employed Partial Least Squares-based Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) in the SmartPLS 4 software to analyse the data. This study found that attitude is a strong predictor significantly driving adoption. Perceived economic benefits also impact attitudes and directly affect the willingness to adopt GIs, emphasising the role of economic factors. Additionally, awareness influences attitudes and subjective norms, indicating that informed producers are likelier to have a positive attitude towards GI adoption. This study also found a significant impact of subjective norms on attitudes and perceived behavioural control. These insights can assist policy formulation and boost sustainable growth and cultural preservation. Full article

This article presents a novel methodology for auditing urban regulatory frameworks through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) using the case of Greater Santiago as an empirical laboratory. Based on the semantic analysis of 31 communal zoning ordinances (Planes Reguladores Comunales, PRCs), the study uncovers how legal structures actively reproduce socio-spatial inequalities under the guise of normative neutrality. The DeepSeek-R1 model, fine-tuned for Chilean legal-urban discourse, was used, enabling the detection of normative asymmetries, omissions, and structural fragmentation. Key findings indicate that affluent communes, such as Vitacura and Las Condes, display detailed and incentive-rich regulations, while peripheral municipalities lack provisions for social housing, participatory mechanisms, or climate resilience, thereby reinforcing exclusionary patterns. The analysis also introduces a scalable rubric-based evaluation system and GIS visualizations to synthetize regulatory disparities across the metropolitan area. Methodologically, the study shows how domain-adapted AI can extend regulatory scrutiny beyond manual limitations, while substantively contributing to debates on spatial justice, institutional fragmentation, and regulatory opacity in urban planning. The results call for binding mechanisms that align local zoning with metropolitan equity goals and highlight the potential of automated audits to inform reform agendas in the Global South. Full article

Amid growing sustainability demands, limited research explores how green organizational practices influence employee retention through personal norms. In the Chinese manufacturing sector, where talent retention is increasingly critical amid environmental challenges, this study examined the relationships between green shared vision, green corporate social responsibility (CSR), green psychological climate, and green human resource management (HRM) with employee retention, mediated by personal norms. A quantitative research design was adopted, collecting survey data from 263 employees working in the Chinese manufacturing sector. Structural equation modeling (SEM) using Smart PLS tested the direct and mediating effects of personal norms on the relationship between green organizational practices and employee retention. The results reveal that green shared vision and green CSR significantly enhance personal norms, which positively impact employee retention. Personal norms mediate the relationships between these two practices and retention. However, green psychological climate and green HRM show no significant direct or mediated effects on personal norms and retention, suggesting the need for additional contextual alignment to enhance their effectiveness. Organizations should integrate sustainability into their strategic vision and CSR activities to foster personal norms that drive retention. Efforts such as green communication campaigns, community-centered CSR programs, and targeted green HRM policies can strengthen employees’ alignment with organizational goals and reduce turnover. This study extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) by demonstrating the role of personal norms as a mediator, providing fresh insights into the psychological mechanisms linking green practices to employee retention within China’s manufacturing context. Full article

Background: Besides conventional norms that recognize synovial fluid (SF) as a joint lubricant, nutritional channel, and a diagnostic tool in knee osteoarthritis (kOA), based on the authors previous studies, this study aims to define functional role of SF in kOA. Methods: U937, a monocytic, human myeloid cell line, was induced with progressive grades of kOA SF, and the induction response was assessed on various pro-inflammatory parameters. This ‘SF challenge test model’ was further extended to determine the impact of SF on U937 differentiation using macrophage-specific markers and associated transcription factor genes. Mitochondrial membrane potential changes in SF-treated cells were evaluated with fluorescent JC-1 probe. Results: a significant increase in nitric oxide, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, 13, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-1 was noted in the induced cells. A marked increase was seen in CD68, CD86, and the transcription factors –activator protein (AP)-1, interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6 in the SF-treated cells indicating active monocytes to macrophage differentiation. Reduced mitochondrial membrane potential was reflected by a reduced red-to-green ratio in JC-1 staining. Conclusions: these results underline the active role of OA SF in stimulating and maintaining inflammation in joint cells, fostering monocyte differentiation into pro-inflammatory macrophages. The decline in the membrane potential suggestive of additional inflammatory pathway in OA via the release of pro-apoptotic factors and damaged associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) within the cells. Overall, biochemical modulation of SF warrants a potential approach to intervene inflammatory cascade in OA and mitigate its progression. Full article

Integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the norm activation model (NAM), this study investigated the formation mechanism of university students’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for carbon offsets under climate change. Through a survey of 2728 students across 28 universities in Yunnan Province, China, we developed an extended TPB-NAM framework incorporating carbon offset cognition (COC), climate change hazard perception (CCHP), and climate change awareness (CCA). Key findings revealed the following. (1) The integrated model explained 74.8% of WTP variance (R² = 0.748), with behavioral attitude (β = 0.467, p < 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.297, p < 0.001), and COC (β = 0.087, p < 0.001) emerging as primary direct predictors. (2) PN exerted the strongest indirect effect via ATP (β = 0.223, p < 0.001), while full mediation occurred between AC and WTP through ATP/PN. (3) Counterintuitively, CCHP demonstrated significant negative impacts (β = −0.027, p < 0.01), revealing nonlinear risk perception–behavior relationships. This research pioneers the application of TPB-NAM synthesis in carbon offset studies, proposing a tripartite intervention framework (“value identity–social norms–cognitive drive”) for campus carbon neutrality policies. The results advance voluntary carbon market mechanisms through theoretical integration and contextualized behavioral insights. Full article

This study examines the influence of environmental concerns on water conservation behaviors among Gen Z tourists in Iranian desert regions by extending the Norm Activation Theory (NAT). Adopting a quantitative approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 330 Gen Z tourists (born between 1997 and 2012) who visited four Iranian desert villages (Qale Bala, Mesr, Abyaneh, and Rezaabad) between April and July 2023. Using systematic sampling, every fifth Gen Z tourist was selected. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results show that environmental concerns, situational responsibility, and personal norms positively impact water conservation behaviors, while denial of responsibility negatively affects them. Personal norms positively influence pride and guilt emotions, which in turn promote water conservation behaviors. The extended model, incorporating environmental concerns, demonstrated improved explanatory power over the original NAT. This research contributes to sustainable tourism literature by integrating environmental concerns and moral emotions into the NAT framework, offering insights into psychological mechanisms driving pro-environmental behaviors among Gen Z tourists in desert environments. Full article

(1) Background: Climate change mitigation behavior has become a critical area of research, particularly in understanding how family contexts influence such behaviors. However, there is limited empirical comparison of theoretical models explaining this behavior in Chinese families. (2) Purpose: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three models—the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Value–Identity–Personal Norm Activation Model (VIP-NAM), and an extended TPB model—in predicting climate change mitigation behavior within Chinese families. (3) Methods: Data were collected from 302 Chinese families in Zhejiang Province. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to perform the data analysis in this study. (4) Results: The extended TPB model, incorporating biospheric values, personal norms, and perceived behavioral control, demonstrated superior explanatory and predictive capabilities compared to the TPB and VIP-NAM models. However, metacognitive climate knowledge did not significantly moderate the intention–behavior relationship. (5) Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of integrating values and norms into theoretical frameworks for better understanding of climate change mitigation behavior. (6) Implications: This study provides insights into designing family-centered interventions and highlights the need to address the intention–behavior gap. Future research should explore additional contextual and cultural factors influencing these behaviors in Chinese families. Full article

The advancement of autonomous driving technology, particularly Tesla’s launch of its new Robotaxi, marks a transformation in transportation. Understanding the theoretical mechanisms that drive consumers’ intention to use autonomous taxis is essential. This study develops a structural equation model (SEM), extending the applicability of the TAM and TPB model, and incorporates external factors like attitudes, subjective norms, traffic efficiency, and perceived cost–benefit into the model to analyze their impact on consumers’ perceived characteristics (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use). A survey of 427 valid responses revealed that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived cost–benefit all have significant positive impacts on perceived usefulness and ease of use, which, in turn, are the primary drivers of consumers’ intention to use. Additionally, perceived risk significantly weakens the positive effects of perceived usefulness and ease of use on the intention to use, underscoring its critical moderating role in the technology acceptance process. This paper suggests strategies to enhance consumer acceptance, including strengthening user perception through marketing and public experience activities, optimizing technology to improve user experience, reinforcing safety and privacy measures to reduce perceived risk, and highlighting the insurance mechanism, convenience, and economic benefits of autonomous taxis in marketing. Full article

Urban flooding is a widespread and impactful natural hazard, presenting considerable challenges to urban areas. Integrating peri-urban forests (PUFs) into flood management strategies has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate flood hazards. Citizen engagement in PUF management can enhance flood risk reduction efforts. A notable research gap exists in understanding the factors influencing citizens’ intentions to participate in PUF management for flood mitigation. To address this gap, this study investigates the determinants shaping citizens’ intention to engage in PUF management efforts. Using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior framework—which incorporates environmental awareness and risk perception—this research surveyed visitors to PUFs in Tehran. Structural equation modeling with SmartPLS was applied to examine the relationships among these variables. The findings reveal that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and environmental awareness significantly influence citizens’ intentions. In contrast, perceived risk had no significant effect. This study highlights the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward PUF management, creating a supportive social environment, empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, and emphasizing environmental awareness in flood hazard reduction. The results provide empirical evidence supporting the inclusion of environmental awareness as a key determinant in an extended behavioral model. Enhancing citizens’ understanding of the immediate benefits of PUFs is crucial for promoting active participation in flood mitigation initiatives. Full article

Urban areas have a significant impact on climate change, with transport and mobility as one major source. Furthermore, the impact of urban areas on transport extends beyond their own geographic areas, via leisure travel. Research has suggested several mechanisms through which urban areas drive leisure travel, such as social norms, compensation for what is lacking in the urban environment or for the hectic daily life, and cosmopolitan attitudes, all of which increase leisure travel for its expected wellbeing benefits. More research is needed, however, about how the daily exposure to the urban environment affects leisure travel activity and how perceived wellbeing is associated with this. Therefore, this study was set to examine data from a 2017 softGIS survey from Reykjavík, Iceland, to study the connections between urban environment, local mobility, leisure travel, and life satisfaction. The study employs activity spaces as a basis for exposure modeling and canonical correlation analysis for statistical analysis. The results reveal that although exposure to green and gray spaces is important to overall life satisfaction, underlying socio-economic background is more relevant. Further, higher exposure to gray spaces was found to be associated with more emissions from long-distance leisure travel when socio-economic background was included, but it lost importance when attitudinal factors were added. Furthermore, indications of high levels of urban mobility leading to more leisure travel away from the city were found. Although overarching policy recommendations cannot be made, the study suggests having a more citizen-oriented approach in urban planning, particularly for mobility, which could yield benefits for both wellbeing and climate mitigation outcomes. Full article

Recreational facilities are widely regarded as one of the largest sources of and contributors to the tourism of countries worldwide. Given this, this study aimed to examine adults’ general behavioral intentions and actual visitation to amusement and recreational facilities. A total of 1367 adult and young-adult Filipinos voluntarily answered a self-administered survey consisting of measure items drawing on the extended theory of planned behavior framework. Structural equation modeling was employed for the simultaneous analysis of all latent variables and their causal relationships, and the marketing mix greatly affected the hedonic motivation and perceived behavioral control, leading to an indirect effect on behavioral intentions and actual visitation. Subjective norms and attitudes also had a significant direct effect on behavioral intentions and indirect effects on actual visitation. Interestingly, the marketing mix prompted a higher significant effect than behavioral intentions on actual visitation. It was implied that consumers are going to recreational facilities and amusement parks when they can visit an area, access a location, participate in different activities, and have enough resources. Businesses may capitalize on this finding in promoting their amusement parks and recreational facilities. In addition, they may highlight their location and space because they are among the highly significant measured items that the participants noted. The results of this study provides insights into the strategies, individual behavior, and motivation aspects. Implications and managerial insights are provided for the study’s adoption and extension worldwide. Full article

Global leaders have adopted sustainable development goals to address critical issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution from both human activities and firms. Over the years, there has been a demand for stricter regulations, accountability, and improved sustainable business practices by stakeholders. In the field of accounting, voluntary disclosure of firms’ sustainability efforts has become an important component of firm reporting architecture. Despite being a voluntary practice in many jurisdictions, sustainability reporting has become essential for firms to demonstrate their commitment to meeting sustainability goals, ensuring future growth, and achieving long-term success. This study examines firms’ sustainability reporting intentions and further investigates the dominant factors that drive such intentions, relying on the extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Data for the study were gathered from managers of member firms with the Association of Ghana Industries. Using a total of 518 valid responses, the study’s hypotheses were tested employing the partial least square structural equation modelling technique. The results indicate that subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, dynamic capabilities, cultural tightness–looseness, sustainability commitment, and perceived benefit are good predictors of firms’ sustainability reporting intentions. However, the results suggest an inverse relationship exists between attitude, perceived cost, and intention to engage in sustainability reporting. The findings highlight some of the critical factors driving sustainability reporting behaviour among firms. Full article

This paper empirically examines whether integrating entrepreneurial abilities with the theory of perceived behaviour positively influences Sustainable-Development-Goal-8-driven sustainable entrepreneurial intentions (SDG-8 SEIs). The data used in this study were gathered from 540 students from top-ranked Indian engineering colleges that offer entrepreneurship courses and have access to company incubators. According to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, and entrepreneurial drive are the three elements of perceived entrepreneurial behaviour. The TPB’s dimensions in this study have entrepreneurial competencies as their antecedents. Cognitive competency, risk propensity, and social competency and resilience are antecedents of the TPB’s dimensions. One entrepreneurial viewpoint uses sustainable UNDP-SDG-8 as a metric for assessing intentions; its objectives are the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). According to the findings, engineering students in India are more likely to have entrepreneurial-focused intentions based on sustainability if they adhere to the TPB’s dimensions along with additional constructs. Using an expanded TPB model, we show that the TPB has learnable and stimulating antecedents, with these having a positive effect on SDG-8 SEIs, thus extending entrepreneurial activity in India. Policymakers, universities, and students will find these results very intriguing. The TPB’s dimensions and three additional dimensions are proposed as antecedents in a new conceptual model aimed at sustainable entrepreneurship in this study. Full article

Objective: This study aims to extend the Theory of Planned Behavior with Triggers (TPBT) to improve the prediction of physical activity (PA) behavior using the TPB model. Methods: Questionnaires, including the TPB scale, PA rating scale (PARS-3), and triggers scale, were administered to 596 Chinese college students, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 24.0. Results: Subjective norm (SN), attitude (AT), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) all significantly and positively affected behavioral intention (BI). The path coefficient of PA behavior was significantly influenced by the interaction term of three types of triggers and BI, and the TPB with Triggers (TPBT) model improved the explanation rate of PA behavior. Conclusion: Triggers have a moderating effect on the relationship between BI and PA behavior, and the TPBT model better explains college students’ PA behavior. Among the three dimensions of triggers, people are more receptive to facilitator and signal triggers than spark triggers. This has practical implications for practitioners designing interventions to promote PA among college students. Full article

Despite many governments having actively promoted the importance of developing ecological agriculture, the participation rate of farmers remains relatively low. Therefore, exploring the factors that influence farmers to participate in agroecological cultivation is important. Here, our aim was to identify the intention to participate in eco-agriculture through an extended theory of the planned behavior model. We collected 409 samples using a systematic probability proportional sampling method in Tianzhu County, located in the Gansu section of the Qilian Mountain National Park, China. The results validated that farmers’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms positively influenced their intention to participate in agroecology. The extended model introduces ecological value variables; if perceived behavioral control influences willingness to participate through the mediating variable of attitude, ecological values moderate the mediating role of attitude. Agroecological development in national parks should be promoted by strengthening agroecological communication and increasing environmental awareness among farmers. Our study expands the theoretical model of planned behavior, which can help policymakers better understand the factors that influence farmers’ participation in agroecological farming. It can also serve as a reference for the ecological development of agriculture in other protected areas. Full article