Search Results (904)

In the era of digital intelligence, digital media landscapes increasingly influence cultural tourism consumption. Consumerism capitalizes on tourists’ superficial aesthetic commonalities, constructing a homogenized media imagination that leads to collective convergence in travel decisions, which obscures aspects of local culture, poses safety risks, and results in fleeting local tourism booms. In this study, semistructured interviews were conducted with 36 tourists, and NVivo12.0 was used for three-level node coding in a qualitative analysis to explore the digital media attributions of conformist travel behavior. The findings indicate that digital media landscapes exert a “digital persuasion” effect by reconstructing self-experience models, directing the individual gaze, and projecting idealized self-images. These mechanisms drive tourists to follow digital traffic trends and engage in imitative behaviors, ultimately shaping the phenomenon of “group roaming”, grounded in the psychological effect of herd behavior. Full article

As ad-supported subscription models proliferate across over-the-top (OTT) media platforms, understanding the psychological mechanisms and perceptual factors that underlie consumers’ transition decisions becomes increasingly consequential. This study integrates the Uses and Gratifications framework with a contemporary motivation-based perspective to examine how users’ media consumption motivations and advertising attitudes predict intentions to adopt ad-supported OTT plans. Data were collected via a nationally representative online survey in South Korea (N = 813). The sample included both premium subscribers (n = 708) and non-subscribers (n = 105). The findings reveal distinct segmentation in decision-making patterns. Among premium subscribers, switching intentions were predominantly driven by intrinsic motivations—particularly identity alignment with content—and by the perceived informational value of advertisements. These individuals are more likely to consider ad-supported plans when ad content is personally relevant and cognitively enriching. Conversely, non-subscribers exhibited greater sensitivity to extrinsic cues such as the entertainment value of ads and the presence of tangible incentives (e.g., discounts), suggesting a hedonic-reward orientation. By advancing a dual-pathway explanatory model, this study contributes to the theoretical discourse on digital subscription behavior and offers actionable insights for OTT service providers. The results underscore the necessity of segment-specific advertising strategies: premium subscribers may be engaged through informative and identity-consistent advertising, while non-subscribers respond more favorably to enjoyable and benefit-laden ad experiences. These insights inform platform monetization efforts amid the evolving dynamics of consumer attention and subscription fatigue. Full article

This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Theory of Consumption Values through a mixed-methods approach (structured interview and structural equation model) to investigate cross-platform disposal behaviors for idle clothing on social media and second-hand platform ecosystems. The study reconstructs traditional theoretical variables: psychological motivation dimension (platform-enabled green attitude, social circle environmental demonstration, and cross-platform behavioral control) and perceived value dimension (functional integration value perception, socialized emotional empowerment, and community identity value). Key findings: Cross-platform behavioral control is the strongest predictor of behavioral intention. In the value dimension, emotional value has the strongest direct impact on disposal intentions, functional integration is key to enhancing behavioral control, and community identity value most significantly impacts the platform-enabled green attitude and the social circle environmental demonstration. Finally, proposing a governance framework of “technological empowerment–emotional resonance–identity motivation”, offering theoretical foundations for optimizing platform interoperability and formulating digital environmental policies. Full article

The electrooxidation (EO) of three important environmental contaminants, anticorrosive 1H-benzotriazole (BTA), plasticizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 (tert-octylphenoxy[poly(ethoxy)] ethanol, t-OPPE), was studied as a possible means to improve their elimination from wastewaters, which are an important emission source. EO was performed in a batch reactor with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode and a stainless steel cathode. Different supporting electrolytes were tested: NaCl, H₂SO₄, and Na₂SO₄. Results were analysed from the point of their efficacy in terms of degradation rate, kinetics, energy consumption, and transformation products. The highest degradation rate, shortest half-life, and lowest energy consumption was observed in the electrolyte H₂SO₄, followed by Na₂SO₄ with only slightly less favourable characteristics. In both cases, degradation was probably due to the formation of persulphate or sulphate radicals. Transformation products (TPs) were studied mainly in the sulphate media and several oxidation products were identified with all three contaminants, while some evidence of progressive degradation, e.g., ring-opening products, was observed only with t-OPPE. The possible reasons for the lack of further degradation in BTA and DBP are too short of an EO treatment time and perhaps a lack of detection due to unsuitable analytical methods for more polar TPs. Results demonstrate that BDD-based EO is a robust method for the efficient removal of structurally diverse organic contaminants, making it a promising candidate for advanced water treatment technologies. Full article

Social marketing modifies individual behavior to achieve specific outcomes, mitigating environmental pressures. While proven effective in influencing consumer behavior, empirical studies on its impact on the tourism sector remain limited. This study examines how various social marketing channels influence tourists’ consumption decisions and contributes to achieving SDGs 11 and 12 by reviewing the existing methods of disseminating social marketing content. A conceptual model grounded in theory was developed and empirically tested. In particular, it focuses on the establishment of direct and indirect multi-route effects between social marketing and consumer behavior and introduces different influencing factors. Given the scarcity of research on collective culture, quantitative methods were employed, with data collected through questionnaires in mainland China. Results indicate that social marketing media significantly influence tourist behavior, with three mediators—subjective norms, personal values, and communication channels—playing varying roles across media types (events, public relations, and traditional media). Subjective norms, values, and communication channels act as mediators. This study bridges social marketing, tourist behavior, and SDG attainment, offering novel insights and practical implications for tourism practitioners. Full article

Improving photovoltaic (PV) panel performance under extreme climatic conditions is critical for advancing sustainable energy systems. In hyper-arid regions, elevated operating temperatures significantly reduce panel efficiency. This study investigates and compares three cooling techniques—air cooling, water cooling, and porous media cooling—using thermal and electrical modeling based on CFD simulations in ANSYS. The numerical model replicates a PV system operating under peak solar irradiance (900 W/m²) and realistic ambient conditions in Adrar, Algeria. Simulation results show that air cooling leads to a modest temperature reduction of 6 °C and a marginal efficiency gain of 0.25%. Water cooling, employing a top-down laminar flow, reduces cell temperature by over 35 °C and improves net electrical output by 30.9%, despite pump energy consumption. Porous media cooling, leveraging passive evaporation through gravel, decreases panel temperature by around 30 °C and achieves a net output gain of 26.3%. Mesh sensitivity and validation against experimental data support the accuracy of the model. These findings highlight the significant potential of water and porous material cooling strategies to enhance PV performance in hyper-arid environments. The study also demonstrates that porous media can deliver high thermal effectiveness with minimal energy input, making it a suitable low-cost option for off-grid applications. Future work will integrate long-term climate data, real diffuser geometries, and experimental validation to further refine these models. Full article

Dietary choices and patterns have enormous consequences along the lines of individual, community, and planetary health. Excess meat consumption has been linked to chronic disease risk, and at large scales, the underlying industries maintain a massive environmental footprint. For these reasons, public and planetary health experts are unified in emphasizing a whole or minimally processed plant-based diet. In response, the purveyors of ultra-processed foods have added “meat alternatives” to their ultra-processed commercial portfolios; multinational corporations have been joined by “start-ups” with new ultra-processed meat analogues. Here, in our Viewpoint, we revisit the 1990s food industry rhetoric and product innovation, a time in which multinational corporations pushed a great “low-fat transition.” We focus on the McLean Deluxe burger, a carrageenan-rich product introduced by the McDonald’s Corporation in 1991. Propelled by a marketing and media-driven fear of dietary fats, the lower-fat burger was presented with great fanfare. We reflect this history off the current “great protein transition,” a period once again rich in rhetoric, with similar displays of industry detachment from concerns about the health consequences of innovation. We scrutinize the safety of carrageenan and argue that the McLean burger should serve as a cautionary tale for planetary health and 21st century food innovation. Full article

The dissemination and practice of green consumption behavior is an important issue in promoting sustainable development. With the advent of the digital age, social media platforms have become an important channel for promoting green consumption. The expression of language style has become an increasingly important factor influencing consumer attitudes. From the perspective of consumer perception, this study used three situational simulation experiments (n total = 304) to explore the mechanism by which the “Versailles Literature” language style impacts the feelings and behaviors of audiences of the green consumption behavior of the poster, and to examine the mediating roles of ostentation perception and hypocrisy perception. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS. The research findings showed that, compared with “non-Versailles Literature”, this style significantly reduces positive attitudes toward green consumption while increasing perceptions of bragging and hypocrisy. Furthermore, the strength of social ties between the consumer and the poster plays a moderating role in the effect of language style; specifically, when posts come from strangers, consumers perceive a stronger sense of bragging and hypocrisy. The research results will provide practical guidance for individuals and enterprises to effectively promote the concept of green consumption on social media, helping enterprises avoid the negative reactions brought about by conspicuous green consumption behaviors and exaggerated or false promotion of environmental behaviors, such as “greenwashing”. Full article

This study describes both experimental and numerical investigations into the heat and mass transfer processes governing the vacuum freeze drying of camel milk, with a specific focus on improving the energy efficiency. A three-dimensional model was developed and solved using the finite element method to simulate temperature evolution and sublimation interface progression during drying. The numerical model was validated against experimental data, achieving strong agreement, with an $R^2$ value of 0.94. A detailed parametric analysis examined the effects of the shelf temperature, sample thickness, and chamber pressure on the drying kinetics and energy input. The results indicate that optimising these parameters can significantly reduce the energy consumption and processing time while maintaining product quality. Notably, reducing the sample thickness to 4 mm shortened the drying time by up to 40% and reduced the specific energy consumption (SEC) from 358 to 149 kWh/kg. These findings offer valuable insights for the design of more energy-efficient freeze drying systems, with implications for sustainable milk powder production and industrial-scale process optimisation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Digital technologies have become increasingly integrated into the daily lives of children and adolescents, largely because their interactive and visually engaging design is particularly suited to the younger users. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, significantly lowering the average age of access to the digital devices. However, scientific consensus remains divided regarding the developmental impact of digital media use—particularly its cognitive, motor, and emotional consequences—depending on whether the use is passive or active. This review aims to explore these effects across developmental stages, focusing on both behavioral and neurobiological dimensions, and to identify emerging risks and protective factors associated with digital engagement. Methods: A PRISMA review was conducted on the impact of digital media use among pre-school children and adolescents. Behavioral, psychosocial, and neurobiological aspects were examined, with specific attention to epigenetic changes, techno-stress, digital overstimulation, and immersive technologies (e.g., virtual and augmented reality). Results: The findings suggest that passive digital consumption is more often associated with negative outcomes, such as impaired attention and emotional regulation, especially in younger children. Active and guided use may offer cognitive benefits. Neurobiological research indicates that chronic exposure to digital stimuli may affect stress regulation and neural development, possibly via epigenetic mechanisms. Effects vary across developmental stages and individual vulnerabilities. Conclusions: A nuanced understanding of digital engagement is essential. While certain technologies can support development, excessive or unguided use may pose risks. This review provides age-specific recommendations to foster balanced and healthy technology use in children and adolescents. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intergenerational care plays a significant role in shaping household dietary quality and human capital development in China. Influenced by the legacy of the one-child policy, the care provided in these families often prioritizes child-focused practices. This study examines how intergenerational care influences schoolchildren’s sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Methods: This study utilizes data from the 2014–2015 China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) to investigate the impact of intergenerational care on schoolchildren’s dietary behaviors, with a focus on sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. We apply both ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and the ordered logit model to estimate the impacts, and we use the instrumental variables approach to address potential endogeneity. Results: Schoolchildren from only-child families report greater SSB consumption, while those from multi-child families consume less. Intergenerational care is linked to more digital media exposure, more pocket money, and less parental supervision. These findings withstand rigorous validation through multiple robustness checks, including sample restriction strategies and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. The effect is especially pronounced among boys, schoolchildren from families with higher parental education levels, and schoolchildren attending schools without formal nutrition education programs. Conclusions: The result indicates that intergenerational care significantly increases SSB consumption among schoolchildren from only-child families. Community nutrition and school health education programs can reduce schoolchildren’s SSB consumption, thereby lowering risks of obesity and other public health concerns. Full article

This investigation examines the psychological mechanisms governing human–virtual influencer relationships and their consequential impact on environmentally-conscious consumer behavior within digital marketing ecosystems. Employing theoretical frameworks from computer-mediated communication and social psychology, this study scrutinizes how algorithmically generated social media personalities cultivate para-social relationships that drive sustainable consumption patterns. The research operationalizes five core virtual influencer characteristics—expertise, similarity, attractiveness, familiarity, and para-social interaction—as predictive variables influencing relationship commitment and subsequent eco-conscious brand engagement. Consumer innovativeness functions as a moderating variable within this theoretical model. The data collection encompassed 677 respondents demonstrating active engagement with sustainability-focused virtual influencer content, analyzed through structural equation modeling (EQS 6.4) and the PLS-SEM methodology (SmartPLS 4.0). The empirical analysis reveals significant positive correlations between virtual influencer characteristics and relationship commitment, with similarity and attractiveness demonstrating the strongest predictive validity. Relationship commitment emerged as a significant mediator influencing sustainable brand attitudes, which subsequently affected purchase intentions for environmentally responsible products. Consumer innovativeness demonstrated positive moderating effects across all virtual influencer characteristics, with particularly robust effects observed for attractiveness and para-social interaction within sustainable brand contexts. This research advances the human–AI interaction literature by elucidating the psychological mechanisms through which virtual influencers facilitate consumer relationship formation and drive behavioral outcomes toward sustainable consumption practices. The findings provide empirically validated strategic frameworks for marketers developing virtual influencer campaigns that promote environmental stewardship, emphasizing the cultivation of perceived similarity and attractiveness while incorporating audience innovativeness as a critical segmentation variable in sustainable marketing initiatives. Full article

Social media influencers have made materialism more accessible and desirable, shaping how followers view success, self-worth, and consumption. This study investigates the influence of materialistic messages promoted by lifestyle influencers on their followers’ emotions, self-concept, and consumer behavior, using Symbolic Interactionism as the theoretical framework. The research addresses three key questions: motivations for follower engagement, emotional effects of materialistic content, and how such messages appear to influence purchasing decisions. Using a qualitative approach, the study focuses on 15 Malaysian young adults who actively engage with lifestyle influencers. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework. Six key themes emerged: (1) admiration and aspiration; (2) feelings of inadequacy and envy; (3) rationalization of impulsive purchases; (4) symbolic consumption and self-identity; (5) emotional ambivalence; and (6) distancing and self-regulation. The findings suggest that influencers serve not only as marketing agents but as symbolic figures whose lifestyles become templates for success and self-worth. Participants engaged with this content in emotionally complex ways, simultaneously admiring and resisting the ideals presented. Their consumption behaviors appeared to be shaped by perceived social meanings attached to material goods. The study provides implications for media literacy programs, influencer marketing practices, and platform-level interventions that consider the emotional and identity-based dimensions of materialistic consumption. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), the most abundant by-product from breweries, is mainly discarded or used as animal feed. However, to increase the brewing sustainability, biotechnological utilization of BSG is a much preferred solution. This study examined the fermentation of BSG, composed of old wheat bread and barley malt, by metabolic activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on both hydrolyzed and non-hydrolyzed media. Enzymatic hydrolysis with Viscozyme^® W FG for 6 h was selected as the most effective and was used in the further research step to prepare the hydrolyzed BSG-based medium. Both media supported almost uniform yeast growth (numbers of S. cerevisiae cells was about 8 log₁₀ CFU/g) in an acidic environment (pH value was about 5), but fermentation of hydrolyzed BSG resulted in 20% higher sugar consumption and 10% higher total titratable acidity. These findings underscore the potential of enzymatic pretreatment to improve fermentation performance. The adaptability of S. cerevisiae and the fermentability of both substrates suggest promising potential for scalable BSG valorization strategies in circular food systems. Full article

The rapid development of online media has significantly facilitated the public’s information consumption, knowledge acquisition, and opinion exchange. However, it has also led to more violent conflicts in online discussions. Therefore, controversy detection becomes important for computational and social sciences. Previous research on detection methods has primarily focused on larger datasets and more complex computational models but has rarely examined the underlying mechanisms of conflict, particularly the psychological motivations behind them. In this paper, we propose a lightweight and language-independent method for controversy detection by introducing two novel psychological features: ascending gradient (AG) and tier ascending gradient (TAG). These features capture psychological signals in user interactions—specifically, the patterns where controversial comments generate disproportionate replies or replies outperform parent comments in likes. We develop these features based on the theory of the backfire effect in ideological conflict and demonstrate their consistent effectiveness across models and platforms. Compared with structural, interaction, and text-based features, AG and TAG show higher importance scores and better generalizability. Extensive experiments on Chinese and English platforms (Reddit, Toutiao, and Sina) confirm the robustness of our features across languages and algorithms. Moreover, the features exhibit strong performance even when applied to early-stage data or limited “one-page” scenarios, supporting their utility for early controversy detection. Our work highlights a new psychological perspective on conflict behavior in online discussions and bridges behavioral patterns and computational modeling. Full article