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27 pages, 2131 KB  
Article
Stage-Dependent Behavioral Patterns in MOOC Dropout: An Explainable Learning Analytics Study
by Xinyu Xiang, Jiayue Song, Shukai Duan, Lidan Wang and Jia Yan
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16070999 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
The high dropout rate in massive open online courses (MOOCs) continues to limit their potential in promoting inclusive and sustainable learning. Although many prediction models have been used to identify potential dropouts, most studies view dropout as a static classification problem and fail [...] Read more.
The high dropout rate in massive open online courses (MOOCs) continues to limit their potential in promoting inclusive and sustainable learning. Although many prediction models have been used to identify potential dropouts, most studies view dropout as a static classification problem and fail to clearly reveal the dynamic trajectory of learner participation over time. Therefore, this study introduces a phased analysis perspective, treating MOOC dropout as a process that continuously evolves at different stages. On the basis of the KDDCUP2015 dataset, we constructed behavioral characteristics at three time points: the first week, the third week, and the fifth week. By combining robust feature analysis and interpretable models, we systematically examined the changing patterns of dropout modes. The results revealed significant differences across the different stages. In the early stage of the course, dropout was related mainly to the unstable interaction behaviors of learners, such as restricted access to resources and irregular participation rhythms. In the middle and late stages, task-oriented behaviors, especially those related to video-based learning activities, gradually became key factors. Notably, high-frequency video participation does not always reduce the risk of dropout; when video activity is high but the overall interaction rate is low, it is more likely to indicate an increase in the risk of dropout. These results indicate that the combination of behaviors is more crucial than mere activity levels. By revealing the changing characteristics of behaviors at different stages, this study helps support the design of more practical early warning methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in Higher Education: Advancing Research, Teaching, and Learning)
28 pages, 644 KB  
Article
From Experience to Evangelism: Emotional and Social Drivers of Online Cosmetics Purchase Behavior—A 4Es Perspective
by Kris Jangjarat, Pongsakorn Limna and Yarnaphat Shaengchart
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 1054; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16071054 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
This study examines how the 4Es framework—Experience, Exchange, Everyplace, and Evangelism—influences online cosmetics purchase behavior in Thailand, addressing the growing importance of digital consumer engagement in emerging markets. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from a structured survey with qualitative insights [...] Read more.
This study examines how the 4Es framework—Experience, Exchange, Everyplace, and Evangelism—influences online cosmetics purchase behavior in Thailand, addressing the growing importance of digital consumer engagement in emerging markets. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from a structured survey with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects and predictive power of the 4Es and selected demographic and behavioral variables. The results indicate that all four dimensions significantly influence purchase behavior, with Evangelism emerging as the strongest predictor, followed by Experience, Everyplace, and Exchange. The model demonstrates strong predictive capability, highlighting the importance of behavioral factors such as platform usage, purchase frequency, and social media engagement, while several demographic variables show limited influence. Qualitative findings further support these results, revealing that consumers place strong emphasis on social influence, emotional engagement, and convenience in their online shopping experiences. The study concludes that online cosmetics purchase behavior is shaped by a combination of experiential, relational, and socially driven factors, with social influence playing a dominant role. These findings demonstrate that the 4Es framework remains highly relevant in digitally mediated consumer environments, where purchase decisions are increasingly influenced by interactive experiences, omnichannel accessibility, value co-creation, and consumer advocacy. By integrating quantitative and qualitative evidence, the study extends the application of the 4Es framework beyond traditional marketing contexts and demonstrates its value as a comprehensive model for understanding consumer engagement and online purchasing behavior in contemporary digital marketplaces. The mixed-methods approach provides both generalizable and contextually grounded insights, offering theoretical contributions to digital marketing literature and practical guidance for marketers seeking to strengthen consumer engagement and brand advocacy in increasingly competitive online markets. Full article
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27 pages, 1167 KB  
Article
Managing Quality Information Through AI-Assisted Platform Certification and Seller Voluntary Disclosure in Competitive Online Retail
by Yue Sun, Xiaobing Liu and Xiaowei Li
Systems 2026, 14(7), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14070732 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
In online retail, consumers cannot experience product quality before purchase. With the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), platforms can certify product quality information. However, stronger platform certification may reduce sellers’ incentives to disclose and limit personalized information such as product fit. This study [...] Read more.
In online retail, consumers cannot experience product quality before purchase. With the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), platforms can certify product quality information. However, stronger platform certification may reduce sellers’ incentives to disclose and limit personalized information such as product fit. This study examines the conditions under which a platform should adopt AI-assisted platform certification (AIPC). We develop a game-theoretic model with one platform and two competing sellers. We compare the case of not adopting AIPC with adopting AIPC, and examine how AIPC affects seller disclosure, pricing, and profits. Sellers decide whether to disclose product information and set prices. Consumers update their quality beliefs based on seller disclosure and platform labels. Our results show that AIPC is not always the preferred strategy. When product-fit information spillovers between competing sellers are strong, the platform may be better off not adopting AIPC. When information spillovers are weak, AIPC adoption depends on consumers’ prior belief regarding product quality. Specifically, when consumers have a low prior belief that an uncertified or undisclosed product is of high quality, AIPC benefits the platform and sellers but reduces consumer surplus. When this prior belief is sufficiently high, AIPC creates a win–win–win outcome for the platform, sellers, and consumers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Supply Chain Management)
23 pages, 631 KB  
Article
Mapping Patterns of Parental Burnout Along Psychological Resources and Parenting Styles
by Patrik M. Bogdán, Katalin Varga, Szandra Katona, Kristóf Gróf and Annamária Pakai
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16071051 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Parental burnout results from chronic stress related to the parental role and reflects a persistent imbalance between parenting demands and available psychological resources, negatively affecting parental well-being and parent–child relationships. This study examined the associations between parental burnout, parenting attitudes, and psychological [...] Read more.
Background: Parental burnout results from chronic stress related to the parental role and reflects a persistent imbalance between parenting demands and available psychological resources, negatively affecting parental well-being and parent–child relationships. This study examined the associations between parental burnout, parenting attitudes, and psychological resilience within the parental adaptation of the job demands–resources model, with particular attention to the potential mediating role of parenting styles in the relationship between resilience and parental burnout, while controlling for sociodemographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional design was applied with 447 Hungarian parents who completed an anonymous online questionnaire including the Parental Burnout Assessment, the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire, and the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Data were analyzed using nonparametric correlations, group comparisons, multiple linear regression models with bootstrap estimation, and mediation analyses. Results: Resilience showed negative associations with all dimensions of parental burnout. Authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were positively associated with burnout, whereas authoritative parenting style showed negative associations. In multivariate analyses, authoritative parenting attitudes and fulfillment of the ideal parental role emerged as protective factors, while authoritarian parenting style functioned as a significant risk factor. Mediation analyses further indicated that the association between resilience and parental burnout may partly operate through parenting styles, particularly across the dimensions of emotional exhaustion, contrast, and emotional distancing. Conclusions: Parental burnout appears to be a dynamic psychological process shaped by the interaction of internal resources and parenting functioning, underscoring the importance of resource-oriented approaches in prevention and intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Psychology)
32 pages, 2128 KB  
Article
Share Weal and Woe: Should Online Retail Platforms Introduce Return Shipping Insurance Through Independent or Dependent Insurers?
by Yiming Li, Mingyao Sun, Fang Wang and Giri Kumar Tayi
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(7), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21070198 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
Global retail e-commerce sales have surged, yet product fit uncertainty remains a significant challenge, leading to rising product return rates. To address consumer concerns about return shipping costs, major Chinese online retail platforms have introduced return shipping insurance (RSI). Retailers can choose between [...] Read more.
Global retail e-commerce sales have surged, yet product fit uncertainty remains a significant challenge, leading to rising product return rates. To address consumer concerns about return shipping costs, major Chinese online retail platforms have introduced return shipping insurance (RSI). Retailers can choose between Retailer-RSI (RRSI), which is provided by the retailer, and Customer-RSI (CRSI), which is purchased by consumers. Despite these options, information asymmetry causes insurers to assess return rates with bias—referred to as managerial confidence bias. Consequently, platforms are increasingly partnering with insurers to enhance their RSI offerings. This study develops a game-theoretical model to examine the dynamics between a platform and an insurer, as well as the impact of managerial confidence bias on RSI strategies. Our analysis reveals that the platform–insurer relationship is crucial in determining the optimal RSI strategy. Under an independent insurer, RSI is viable only if the insurer underestimates product return rates (i.e., exhibits overconfidence bias); RRSI is preferred if the bias is sufficiently strong, whereas CRSI is chosen otherwise. In contrast, under a dependent insurer, CRSI is favored by the retailer only when its return handling costs are substantially high; otherwise, RRSI is preferred. Furthermore, RSI consistently increases consumer surplus by reducing return hassle costs while only mildly raising the product price. However, the independent insurer’s bias leads to its own profit loss, resulting in a “loss–win–win–win” scenario across stakeholders. In contrast, the dependent insurer, supported by platform subsidies, can yield a “win–win–win–win” outcome that aligns stakeholder interests and enhances long-term platform benefits. Full article
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32 pages, 3246 KB  
Systematic Review
Real Estate Recommender Systems: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review of Multimodal, Spatio-Temporal, Explainable, and Fairness-Aware Innovations
by Musa Mbedzi and Thulane Paepae
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6339; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136339 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
The rapid expansion of online real estate (RE) platforms has intensified information overload, making property search and decision-making increasingly complex. Real estate recommendation systems (RERSs) have emerged as essential decision-support tools; however, their development has not kept pace with advances in explainable artificial [...] Read more.
The rapid expansion of online real estate (RE) platforms has intensified information overload, making property search and decision-making increasingly complex. Real estate recommendation systems (RERSs) have emerged as essential decision-support tools; however, their development has not kept pace with advances in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), transfer learning (TL), and fairness-aware machine learning. This PRISMA-compliant systematic review synthesizes 59 peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2025 to critically examine algorithmic approaches, data modalities, evaluation practices, and ethical considerations in RERS research. Our analysis reveals a substantial lag in the adoption of state-of-the-art AI techniques: While deep learning is employed in 15% of studies, no reviewed work implements state-of-the-art post hoc XAI or TL frameworks, despite their relevance for addressing interpretability and data scarcity challenges. Furthermore, we identify systemic research biases, including reliance on proprietary datasets (80%), geographic concentration in Asia (56%), the dominance of residential property studies (91%), and limited fairness auditing despite documented discrimination risks in housing markets. To address these gaps, we propose a trust-based evaluation (T-EVAL) framework that integrates predictive accuracy, user trust, fairness, and market efficiency, and introduces a comprehensive nine-layer conceptual architecture for transparent, ethical, and data-efficient next-generation RERS. This review establishes an empirical benchmark for technology adoption gaps and outlines a research agenda for advancing responsible AI in RE decision-support systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Industrial Technologies)
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20 pages, 717 KB  
Article
Disordered Eating and Exercise Addiction Among Former Student-Athletes: Contribution of Athletic Experience and Personality
by Juliette Maurin, Véronique Boudreault and Olivier Laverdière
Nutrients 2026, 18(13), 2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18132054 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sport retirement entails many adjustments for varsity student-athletes, including changes in identity and body-related experiences, potentially increasing their vulnerability to disordered eating (DE) and exercise addiction. This study aimed to (1) compare the severity of DE and exercise addiction symptoms between [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sport retirement entails many adjustments for varsity student-athletes, including changes in identity and body-related experiences, potentially increasing their vulnerability to disordered eating (DE) and exercise addiction. This study aimed to (1) compare the severity of DE and exercise addiction symptoms between former varsity student-athletes and former non-athlete students, and (2) examine whether the associations between personality traits and these symptoms differ across groups. Methods: A total of 88 former varsity student-athletes and 69 former non-athlete students completed an online questionnaire between January and September 2025. Results: Former student-athletes reported more symptoms of exercise addiction (p = 0.025), a tendency to report lower DE associated with drive for muscularity (p = 0.074), and similar levels of DE associated with drive for thinness and symptoms of orthorexia (p = 0.273 and p = 0.376, respectively) compared to the control group. Furthermore, perfectionism was significantly associated with all dependent variables. Moderation analyses revealed significant interactions between perfectionism and group (p = 0.048 for drive for thinness and p = 0.044 for drive for muscularity), indicating that the association between perfectionism and DE associated with drive for thinness and drive for muscularity is significant in the control group but not in former student-athletes. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need to prevent and detect symptoms of exercise addiction as well as different forms of DE throughout an athletic career and during retirement. Interventions targeting perfectionism, such as fostering acceptance of body-related experiences, clarifying personal values, and developing greater body awareness, may help support student-athletes and reduce vulnerability to exercise addiction and DE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image)
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24 pages, 5355 KB  
Article
Linking AI-Enabled Logistics Optimizations and Sustainable Supply Chain Performance via Logistics Process Efficiency and the Moderating Role of Environmental Uncertainty
by Sabeeh Pervaiz, Li Guohao and Sikandar Ali Qalati
Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6409; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136409 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Grounded in dynamic capability theory, this research examines the impact of AI-enabled logistics optimization (ALO) on logistics process efficiency (LPE) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). It further explores the mediation of LPE and the moderation of environmental uncertainty (EU). A structured online [...] Read more.
Grounded in dynamic capability theory, this research examines the impact of AI-enabled logistics optimization (ALO) on logistics process efficiency (LPE) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). It further explores the mediation of LPE and the moderation of environmental uncertainty (EU). A structured online questionnaire was distributed to 600 participants via stratified random sampling from June to December 2025, resulting in 380 valid responses, and was analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results include a significant influence of ALO on LPE and SSCP. In addition, LPE significantly affects SSCP and partially mediates the ALO–SSCP relationship. Additionally, the EU significantly moderates the ALO–SSCP relationship, identifying that ALO becomes more performance-related under a volatile and uncertain operational environment. The research is based on cross-sectional survey data with self-reported outcomes. Future research is recommended to employ longitudinal or multi-source research methods. It also suggested examining other mechanisms for dynamic capabilities (e.g., agility, resilience) across several sectors. The results of this research extend dynamic capability by elucidating when (under the EU) and how (via LPE) ALO transforms into SSCP. Full article
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19 pages, 585 KB  
Article
Extending the Validity of the Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire Solid Feeding Version (FPSQ-S) to Mothers and Fathers Living with Socioeconomic Disadvantage
by Smita Nambiar, Jeffrey T. H. So and Elena Jansen
Nutrients 2026, 18(13), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18132046 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objective: Parental feeding practices play an important role in shaping children’s dietary intake, eating behaviours, and long-term health outcomes. Although several questionnaires assess feeding practices, few have been validated among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, despite these groups being disproportionately affected by food insecurity and [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Parental feeding practices play an important role in shaping children’s dietary intake, eating behaviours, and long-term health outcomes. Although several questionnaires assess feeding practices, few have been validated among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, despite these groups being disproportionately affected by food insecurity and diet-related health inequities. This study assessed the structural validity and internal consistency of the Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire—Solid Feeding version (FPSQ-S)—among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers and fathers of young children. Methods: Two cross-sectional online surveys were conducted with 178 mothers and 94 fathers of children aged 5–35 months living in disadvantaged households. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the structural validity of the FPSQ-S. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Hancock’s H coefficients. Results: The original six-factor FPSQ-S structure was retained and demonstrated acceptable overall model fit in this disadvantaged sample (CFI = 0.846, TLI = 0.821, RMSEA = 0.070). Internal consistency ranged from acceptable to excellent across subscales (Cronbach’s α = 0.63–0.93; Hancock’s H = 0.64–0.93). Most items loaded satisfactorily onto their intended constructs; however, two items within the Feeding on Demand construct demonstrated weak factor loadings, and this construct showed lower reliability than the remaining subscales Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the FPSQ-S among socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers and fathers of children aged 5–35 months. The FPSQ-S demonstrated acceptable structural validity and reliability. While the six-factor structure was largely supported, further refinement of the Feeding on Demand construct and additional psychometric evaluation are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Toddler Feeding and Development)
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28 pages, 1101 KB  
Article
Revisiting Electric Mobility: How Individual Perceived Value Shapes Battery Electric Vehicle Adoption—Insights into Technophilia, Range Anxiety, and Battery Cost in China
by Haojie Jia, Haipeng Zhao and Yosuke Uchiyama
World Electr. Veh. J. 2026, 17(7), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj17070325 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
As transportation-related environmental pressures intensify, understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption has become increasingly important. Drawing on the Value–Attitude–Behavior (VAB) framework, this study investigates how perceived green value, hedonic value, and utilitarian value shape Chinese consumers’ attitudes and purchase [...] Read more.
As transportation-related environmental pressures intensify, understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption has become increasingly important. Drawing on the Value–Attitude–Behavior (VAB) framework, this study investigates how perceived green value, hedonic value, and utilitarian value shape Chinese consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions toward BEVs, while examining the moderating roles of technophilia, range anxiety, and battery cost. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China, yielding 596 valid responses. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) were employed for data analysis. The results show that perceived hedonic value exerts the strongest positive effect on Attitude Toward Using BEVs (β = 0.591, p < 0.001), followed by perceived utilitarian value (β = 0.135, p < 0.001) and perceived green value (β = 0.074, p = 0.026). Attitude Toward Using significantly predicts BEV purchase intention (β = 0.151, p = 0.002). Technophilia significantly moderates the relationship between attitude and purchase intention (β = −0.096, p = 0.002), whereas the moderating effects of range anxiety and battery cost are not significant. The structural model explains 40.9% of the variance in attitude and 24.2% of the variance in purchase intention. NCA results further reveal that hedonic value constitutes the most critical necessary condition for forming favorable attitudes toward BEVs (d = 0.079, p < 0.001). This study contributes to the sustainable mobility literature by extending the VAB framework through the integration of multidimensional perceived value and necessary condition logic within the Chinese BEV context. The findings highlight that experiential and technological enjoyment, rather than environmental concern alone, has become a central driver of BEV adoption in emerging electric mobility markets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marketing, Promotion and Socio Economics)
20 pages, 1976 KB  
Article
Drivers and Barriers of Wine Consumption Among Predominantly Young, Highly Educated Chinese Consumers: A Sociodemographic and Network Analysis
by Lin Zhu, Xinshu Jiang, Yulin Fang and Xiangyu Sun
Foods 2026, 15(13), 2253; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15132253 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Understanding the drivers and barriers of wine consumption is of substantial importance for both market development and sensory science research, and this is particularly salient in rapidly changing non-Western markets. Young, highly educated Chinese consumers represent one of the fastest-growing segments in the [...] Read more.
Understanding the drivers and barriers of wine consumption is of substantial importance for both market development and sensory science research, and this is particularly salient in rapidly changing non-Western markets. Young, highly educated Chinese consumers represent one of the fastest-growing segments in the global wine market, yet large-scale studies of their consumption preferences and rejection patterns remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the conditional dependence structure of wine-consumption behavior in this population and to examine the associations between common consumption barriers and sociodemographic variables. A nationwide cross-sectional online survey collected 4823 valid responses. Non-parametric tests were used to compare sociodemographic groups, and a regularized Gaussian graphical model (GGM) was estimated to characterize the conditional associations among 15 consumption-behavior variables. The sample was dominated by young respondents (18–24 years) and individuals with higher education. The three most frequently endorsed barriers were taste aversion (51.1%), price sensitivity (38.7%), and lack of knowledge (19.6%). Age and education were the most central sociodemographic variables in the network. The knowledge barrier showed a moderate negative conditional association with education (partial r ≈ −0.171), whereas taste aversion—although the most frequently endorsed barrier—did not show clear conditional associations with sociodemographic variables in the network. Gender was not conditionally associated with any other variable in the network. These observations suggest that the three consumption barriers may operate through different network pathways and may therefore have different implications for intervention design, a possibility that warrants further confirmatory and longitudinal research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)
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28 pages, 1053 KB  
Systematic Review
Intelligent Orthotics Technology in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
by Wissam Osman Soubra, Dennis John Cordato, Kaneez Fatima Shad and Sara Lal
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6301; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136301 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: The management of diabetic foot disease and knee osteoarthritis (OA) with smart orthotics holds significant importance during the early stages of these conditions, given their potential consequences, including functional impairment, chronic pain, and economic burden. Real-time monitoring of plantar foot pressure enables [...] Read more.
Background: The management of diabetic foot disease and knee osteoarthritis (OA) with smart orthotics holds significant importance during the early stages of these conditions, given their potential consequences, including functional impairment, chronic pain, and economic burden. Real-time monitoring of plantar foot pressure enables early detection of abnormal force distribution and gait biomechanics, allowing for the redirection of forces away from affected ulcers or arthritic joints. This is the first systematic review to synthesise clinical evidence for smart orthotics technology with real-time plantar pressure sensor biofeedback across both diabetic foot ulcer prevention and knee osteoarthritis management simultaneously. A search of the PROSPERO register confirmed no existing registration covers this specific combination. Objectives: To examine the clinical evidence for the use of standard and smart orthotics in the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and knee OA, and to evaluate their impact on plantar pressure redistribution, ulcer recurrence, pain, biomechanics, and economic burden. Eligibility criteria: Studies published in English involving human adult participants (≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (at risk of DFU or with peripheral neuropathy) or knee OA, where the intervention involved any orthotic device or smart/intelligent insole with clinical outcomes reported, were included. Studies on healthy individuals only, those not reporting participant age, and non-weight-bearing protocols not differentiated from weight-bearing were excluded. Information sources: Five databases were searched: CINAHL (EBSCO Information Services, Ipswich, MA, USA), PubMed Advanced (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA), Wiley Online Library (John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, NJ, USA), Cochrane Library (Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK), and Google Scholar (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA). Searches were completed in May 2026. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review. This review was structured and reported with reference to the PRISMA 2020 statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis; University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada) to guide transparency of reporting. It does not constitute a full Cochrane-style systematic review; risk of bias assessment was applied to key included studies and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation; McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada) certainty ratings were applied informally and narratively rather than as formal per-outcome evidence profiles. Five databases were searched yielding 92,637 records. After removal of 398 duplicates by Rayyan, 92,239 records remained. A subsequent automated keyword-based relevance filter applied within Rayyan (Rayyan AI, Doha, Qatar), prior to human screening, excluded 84,572 records that did not contain any terms related to orthotics, diabetic foot, or knee osteoarthritis, yielding 7667 records for human title/abstract screening. A narrative synthesis approach was adopted owing to the heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures across included studies, which precluded meta-analysis. This review was not prospectively registered. A complete list of all 78 included studies, including those not individually discussed in the results and discussion. Results: The available clinical studies report promising findings for orthotics and smart orthotics in pain reduction, ulcer prevention, and potential reduction in economic burden, though conclusions are limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and predominantly open-label designs. Recent research found that orthotics can be used to alter the gait pattern that influences knee OA by reducing excessive force on the affected joint. A randomised controlled trial demonstrated an 80% relative risk reduction in DFU recurrence (RR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.06–0.79; p = 0.022), with absolute event rates of 6.3% in the intervention group versus 30.8% in controls (ARR = 24.5%); a second trial reported a 71% reduction in ulcer incidence over 18 months; and a third randomised controlled trial demonstrated statistically significant plantar pressure reduction (p < 0.01) in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that orthotics may be associated with improved pressure redistribution, reduced ulcer incidence, and benefit in the management of knee OA. Although the number of studies directly comparing smart orthotics with standard orthotics remains limited, the limited comparative studies suggested that smart orthotics showed promising results in reducing ulcer incidence, providing the patient with real-time feedback to offload via their electronic devices. These findings, while preliminary, highlight the potential of smart orthotic technology as an adjunct to standard orthotic care in reducing the overall burden of diabetic foot disease and knee osteoarthritis. Limitations: The primary methodological limitation of this review is the open-label design of all included smart orthotic trials, which precludes participant blinding and introduces performance bias. However, this limitation is structural and inherent to the wearable technology field—analogous to surgical trials—and is substantially mitigated by the use of objective primary outcome measures (plantar pressure and ulcer recurrence) across the three included RCTs, the consistency of effect direction across independent RCTs conducted in different countries, and a narrative sensitivity analysis confirming robustness of findings (Risk of Bias Across Studies Section). Formal per-outcome GRADE evidence profiles were not produced; overall certainty of evidence was assessed narratively with reference to GRADE domains and is judged to be low to moderate for smart orthotics in DFU prevention and low for knee OA management, consistent with the Level 2–3 evidence base and open-label study designs. Future adequately powered, multi-site RCTs with standardised outcome reporting, minimum 24-month follow-up, and integrated health economic modelling are the highest priority to extend these preliminary findings. Registration: This review was not prospectively registered. Full article
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20 pages, 888 KB  
Article
Preserved Aesthetic Judgements in Parkinson’s Disease: A Case–Control Study Suggests Limited Need for Content Adaptation for Receptive Arts Engagement
by Blanca T. M. Spee, Domicele Jonauskaite, Bastiaan R. Bloem, Emmy van den Berg, Nina Verhoeven, Dagne Bagdonaviciute, Nicolien Dam, Julia S. Crone, Jorik Nonnekes, David Steyrl and Matthew Pelowski
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 4865; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15134865 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder affecting perceptual, emotional, and reward-related processes. While arts-based interventions in PD have primarily focused on active creative arts engagement, it remains unclear whether receptive arts engagement with visual art—how artworks are perceived [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder affecting perceptual, emotional, and reward-related processes. While arts-based interventions in PD have primarily focused on active creative arts engagement, it remains unclear whether receptive arts engagement with visual art—how artworks are perceived and evaluated—is altered. Our objective is to determine whether aesthetic evaluation of visual artworks differs in individuals with PD compared to age-matched healthy controls. We further examine whether emotional interpretation, color-emotion associations, and experiential responses to art viewing are altered. Methods: In a cross-sectional case–control study, individuals with PD (n = 87) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 49) completed two online assessments. Participants evaluated 36 artworks from the Vienna Art Picture System in terms of liking, beauty, and subjective art attributes. Objective image-derived features were computed for each artwork. Interpretable machine learning models were used to test whether evaluation patterns predicted diagnostic group and to identify determinants of aesthetic judgments. Participants further completed a color-emotion association task using ambiguous expressive portraits and reported perceived changes in cognitive, emotional, motivational, and physical states following art viewing. Results: Aesthetic evaluation patterns did not support reliable classification of PD status, indicating no systematic group differences in liking, beauty, or attribute-based judgments between PD and controls. Instead, aesthetic judgments were robustly predicted by individual differences and objective artwork properties, including art-historical style, symmetry, complexity, and color-related features, whereas diagnostic group, gender, and age did not contribute to predictions. Emotional interpretation and color-emotion associations were largely comparable between groups, with a single specific deviation in color-emotion mapping. Positive emotions were less frequently associated with pink in people with PD. Self-reported experiential responses to art viewing did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: Aesthetic evaluation of visual artworks appears largely preserved in people with PD. These findings suggest that, in digital viewing contexts, substantial adaptation of visual content to make it accessible for people with PD may not be necessary, although subtle perceptual and emotional differences may still be relevant. Efforts may instead be better directed toward addressing practical barriers to visual art engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parkinson's Disease: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment)
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25 pages, 759 KB  
Article
Bridging Offline Experience and Digital Commerce: How Tourism-Derived Information Reduces Uncertainty and Shapes Purchase Intention in Cross-Border E-Commerce
by Sangyoon Jang, Li Cai, Sukjae Park and Zuankuo Liu
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16071042 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has emerged as a critical mode of international trade; however, product uncertainty and transaction risk remain persistent barriers to purchase decisions. While digital platforms have developed various solutions, the role of offline experiential knowledge in shaping online purchase behavior remains [...] Read more.
Cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has emerged as a critical mode of international trade; however, product uncertainty and transaction risk remain persistent barriers to purchase decisions. While digital platforms have developed various solutions, the role of offline experiential knowledge in shaping online purchase behavior remains underexplored. This study examines how tourism-derived information influences purchase intention in CBEC. Drawing on transaction cost theory and uncertainty reduction theory, we propose that tourism-derived information enhances product familiarity and perceived diagnosticity, which subsequently reduce product uncertainty and increase cross-border purchase intention, and further examine the moderating role of transaction uncertainty. A four-week survey in March 2026 collected data from 325 Chinese consumers who had visited Korea and encountered Korean cosmetics and beauty products; data were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results show that tourism-derived information significantly enhances product familiarity and perceived diagnosticity while directly reducing product uncertainty; reduced product uncertainty, in turn, positively influences purchase intention. Transaction uncertainty strengthens the negative effect of product uncertainty on purchase intention. By reconceptualizing tourism experience as an experience-based informational resource in CBEC and providing a multidimensional perspective on consumer uncertainty, this study contributes to consumer behavior research in digital commerce and offers practical insights for CBEC platform operators and cross-border retailers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Dynamics of Consumer Behavior in Digital Commerce)
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2 pages, 147 KB  
Abstract
Marine Recreational Fishing in Portugal: Social and Biological Perspectives for Improved Management
by Samira Nuñez-Velazquez, Pedro M. Guerreiro, Gonçalo Jacinto, Pedro Veiga and Mafalda Rangel
Proceedings 2026, 146(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2026146110 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Introduction: Marine recreational fishing (MRF) is a socially, economically, and ecologically important activity. However, the absence of systematic monitoring and research in Portugal has limited a comprehensive understanding of the sector and its broader implications. Addressing these gaps is essential to support evidence-based [...] Read more.
Introduction: Marine recreational fishing (MRF) is a socially, economically, and ecologically important activity. However, the absence of systematic monitoring and research in Portugal has limited a comprehensive understanding of the sector and its broader implications. Addressing these gaps is essential to support evidence-based and adaptive recreational fisheries management. Objective: This work aimed to improve understanding of marine recreational fishing in Portugal by integrating social and biological perspectives across national, regional, and local scales. Methodology: A multidisciplinary approach was applied. At the national scale, online questionnaire data were combined with licencing information and regional effort estimates to quantify fishing effort, catches, release rates, catch composition, and direct trip expenditures. The same survey framework was also used to identify recreational fisher profiles based on motivations, behaviours, fishing practices, and attitudes toward management. At the local scale, shore angling surveys conducted before the implementation of the Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef were used to estimate fishing activity and establish a baseline for future monitoring. From a biological perspective, field-based catch-and-release experiments were conducted to assess post-release mortality and physiological disturbance, using indicators such as mortality, condition, capture and handling variables, and blood biomarkers of stress and recovery. Results: The national estimates documented substantial fishing effort, catches, and direct expenditure, confirming the relevance of MRF in Portugal at both ecological and socio-economic levels. Portuguese recreational fishers were also shown to be heterogeneous in their motivations, behaviours, and practices, reinforcing the need for management approaches that reflect this diversity. At the local scale, shore angling estimates from the Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef provided an important pre-protection baseline for the now established Marine Protected Area, enabling future comparisons and long-term assessment of management effects. Biological experiments showed that recreational fishing can generate measurable physiological disturbance in fish, with post-release condition influenced by capture and handling factors. Among the variables examined, hook location emerged as particularly important, with deep-hooked fish showing greater impairment and higher mortality risk. Conclusions: Together, these findings show that improving recreational fisheries management in Portugal requires integrating social patterns, fishery magnitude, and biological responses to capture and release. Long-term monitoring programmes, combined with management approaches adapted to different fisher profiles and fishing contexts, are essential to support more effective and sustainable recreational fisheries governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The XI Iberian Congress of Ichthyology)
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