Search Results (1,621)

This study introduces a novel reflective–formative hierarchical model specification for the classic push–pull tourist motivation construct, aligning its measurement with the theoretical distinction between intrinsic “push” drives and external “pull” attributes. Unlike the traditional reflective-reflective structuring of tourist motivation we defied the higher order factors (novelty, knowledge and facilities as formative. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on a purposive sample of 319 international tourists, we empirically validate the reflective–formative (reflective first-order, formative second-order) model. The reflective–formative model showed a superior fit and predictive power: it explained substantially more variance in key outcome constructs (social motives (R² = 53.60) and self-actualization (R² = 23.10)) than the traditional reflective–reflective specification (social motives (R² = 49.30) and self-actualization (R² = 21.70)), which is consistent with best-practice guidelines for theoretically grounded models. In contrast, the incorrectly specified reflective–reflective model showed stronger effects between unrelated constructs, supporting concerns that choosing the wrong type of measurement model can lead to incorrect conclusions. By reconciling the push–pull theory with measurement design, this work’s main contributions are a theoretically justified reflective–formative model for tourist motivation, and evidence of its empirical benefits. These findings highlight a methodological innovation in motivation modeling and underscore that modeling push–pull motives formatively yields more accurate insights for theory and practice. Full article

In recent years, significant changes in food consumption habits have emerged due to various factors, including climate change, population growth, urbanization, and the depletion of natural resources. These changes pose a threat to the stability of global food systems and raise serious concerns about food security. Although this process encourages innovative and sustainable food consumption, it also makes individuals more skeptical and concerned about new foods. In this context, understanding consumer intentions regarding behaviors such as purchasing genetically modified (GM) foods is critical for predicting consumer responses and promoting responsible consumption patterns within the scope of sustainability. This study examined the effects of food technology neophobia and perceived information on attitudes and purchase intentions toward genetically modified (GM) foods. Survey data were collected from 324 participants across Turkey and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that food technology neophobia reduces perceived benefits and increases perceived risks, whereas perceived information enhances perceived benefits and lowers perceived risks. Additionally, attitudes were found to influence the intention to purchase GM foods significantly. Global issues, such as climate change and the depletion of natural resources, highlight the importance of innovations in food technology for sustainable food production. Understanding consumer concerns and perceived knowledge levels regarding genetically modified (GM) foods is critical to ensuring that these products are accepted at the societal level in an informed and conscious way. This study contributes to the promotion of sustainable food technologies and responsible consumer behavior, in line with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Full article

This study examines the role of AI tools in improving public communication via social media analysis. It reviews five of the top platforms—Google Cloud Natural Language, IBM Watson NLU, Hootsuite Insights, Talkwalker Analytics, and Sprout Social—to determine their accuracy in detecting sentiment, predicting trends, optimally timing content, and enhancing messaging engagement. Adopting a structured model approach and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via SMART PLS, this research uses 500 influencer posts from five Arab countries. The results demonstrate the impactful relationships between AI tool functions and communication outcomes: the utilization of text analysis tools significantly improved public engagement (β = 0.62, p = 0.001), trend forecasting tools improved strategic planning decisions (β = 0.74, p < 0.001), and timing optimization tools enhanced message efficacy (β = 0.59, p = 0.004). Beyond the technical dimensions, the study addresses urgent ethical considerations by outlining a five-principle ethical governance model that encourages transparency, fairness, privacy, human oversee of technologies, and institutional accountability considering data bias, algorithmic opacity, and over-reliance on automated solutions. The research adds a multidimensional framework for propelling AI into digital public communication in culturally sensitive and linguistically diverse environments and provides a blueprint for improving AI integration. Full article

This study investigates medical students’ intentions to adopt AI-powered Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot) within educational contexts aligned with the perceived requirements of digital sustainability. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), data were collected from 301 medical students in Saudi Arabia and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that Performance Expectancy (PE) (β = 0.65), Effort Expectancy (EE) (β = 0.58), and Social Influence (SI) (β = 0.53) collectively and significantly predict Behavioral Intention (BI), explicating 62% of the variance in BI (R² = 0.62). AI awareness did not significantly influence students’ responses or the relationships among constructs, possibly because practical familiarity and widespread exposure to AI-NLP tools exert a stronger influence than general awareness. Moreover, BI exhibited a strong positive effect on perceptions of digital sustainability (PDS) (β = 0.72, R² = 0.51), highlighting a meaningful link between AI adoption and sustainable digital practices. Consequently, these findings indicate the strategic role of AI-driven NLP tools as both educational innovations and key enablers of digital sustainability, aligning with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 9. The study also concerns AI’s transformative potential in medical education and recommends further research, particularly longitudinal studies, to better understand the evolving impact of AI awareness on students’ adoption behaviours. Full article

Rapid urbanization in China has driven substantial rural population out-migration, raising concerns about its implications for the governance of land commons in villages. While existing studies have acknowledged the effects of migration on rural resource management, little attention has been paid to its influence on the self-governance of rural public open spaces (POSs). This study adopts the social–ecological systems (SES) framework to examine how rural out-migration shapes POS self-governance mechanisms. Based on survey data from 594 villagers across 198 villages in Taigu District, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and a mediation model grounded in the SES framework were employed for analysis. The results indicate that rural out-migration does not exert a direct impact on POS self-governance. Instead, it negatively influences governance outcomes through full mediation by villager organizations, the left-behind population, collective investment in POSs, and self-organizing activities. Notably, the mediating roles of the left-behind population and self-organizing activities account for 67.38% of the total effect, underscoring their critical importance. Drawing on these insights, the study proposes four policy recommendations to strengthen rural POS self-governance under conditions of demographic transition. This research contributes to the literature by being the first to incorporate an external social factor—rural out-migration—within the SES framework in the context of POS governance, thereby advancing both theoretical and practical understandings of rural commons management. Full article

As environmental sustainability becomes a central strategic priority in the hospitality industry, understanding the mechanisms that enhance employees’ green behavior is increasingly essential. This study investigates the influence of Green Transformational Leadership (GTL) on employees’ green resilience (GR), exploring the sequential mediating roles of employee environmental commitment (ECOM), environmental engagement (EENG), and Green High-Performance Work Practices (GHPWPs). Drawing on data from 475 full-time employees working in green-certified hotels in Izmir, Türkiye, the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that GTL significantly enhances employees’ green resilience, both directly and indirectly, through its positive impact on their environmental attitudes and the implementation of green-oriented work practices. This research contributes to leadership and sustainability research by integrating affective, cognitive, and behavioral pathways. It offers practical insights for hotel managers aiming to build a resilient and environmentally engaged workforce. Full article

The aim of this study is to investigate how consumers’ cognitive and affective responses to web-based augmented reality affect their intention to continue to use augmented reality. The novelty of this study is the integration of the Stimulus–Organism–Response model with Technology Continuance Theory, allowing for an investigation of the relationships among the following critical variables: augmented reality (AR), utilitarian value, perceived risk, user satisfaction, attitude toward AR, and continuance intention. The study sample consisted of 452 participants. Data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The results indicate significant direct relationships between all variables. Furthermore, this study demonstrated an indirect relationship between AR and continuance intention, mediated sequentially by cognitive responses, namely, utilitarian value and perceived risk, and affective responses, including user satisfaction and attitude toward AR. Consequently, it was revealed that all indirect relationships were significant, except for the pathways from AR to continuance intention involving perceived risk. This study presents key insights for online retailers, demonstrating how the integration of AR technology into conventional online shopping platforms can optimize user experiences by enhancing the cognitive and affective responses of customers. This, in turn, strengthens their intention to continue using AR technology, fostering sustained engagement and the long-term adoption of AR technology. Full article

The event scale method, employed for assessing changes in nitrogen (N) dynamics pre- and post-rain, provides insights into its transport to surface water systems. However, the relationships between N discharge in catchments dominated by different land uses and water quality remain unclear. This study quantified variations in key N components in ponds across forest, paddy field, and orchard catchments before and after six rainfall events. The results showed that nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) was the main N component in the ponds. Post-rainfall, N concentrations increased, with ammonium (NH₄⁺-N) and particulate nitrogen (PN) exhibiting significant elevations in agricultural ponds. Orchard catchments contributed the highest N load to the ponds, while forest catchments contributed the lowest. Following a heavy rainstorm event, total nitrogen (TN) loads in the ponds within forest, paddy field, and orchard catchments reached 6.68, 20.93, and 34.62 kg/ha, respectively. These loads were approximately three times higher than those observed after heavy rain events. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) identified that rainfall amount and changes in water volume were the dominant factors influencing N dynamics. Furthermore, the greater slopes of forest and orchard catchments promoted more N loss to the ponds post-rain. In paddy field catchments, larger catchment areas were associated with decreased N flux into the ponds, while larger pond surface areas minimized the variability in N concentration after rainfall events. In orchard catchment ponds, pond area was positively correlated with N concentrations and loads. This study elucidates the effects of rainfall characteristics and catchment heterogeneity on N dynamics in surface waters, offering valuable insights for developing pollution management strategies to mitigate rainfall-induced alterations. Full article

This study aims to examine the influence of sustainable leadership, organizational culture, and digital marketing on sustainable performance in tourism sector companies in Indonesia. In addition, the research investigates the indirect effects through knowledge sharing. Specifically, the study explores the moderating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship between sustainable leadership and organizational culture with sustainable performance. The research gap in this study lies in its approach, which combines several variables that have not been widely explored in the context of sustainability in the tourism facilities sector. The population of this research comprises all tourism facility companies operating in natural tourism areas in Indonesia that have been officially licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The sample consists of 103 tourism facility companies. Respondents selected were company leaders or managers deemed to possess in-depth knowledge of the company’s operations and business strategies. The analysis method employed was Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS), utilizing SmartPLS 4.1.1.2 software to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that sustainable leadership, organizational culture, and digital marketing significantly influence sustainable performance. However, sustainable leadership and organizational culture do not significantly influence digital marketing. Furthermore, the study confirms that knowledge sharing serves as a moderating variable that strengthens the relationship between sustainable leadership and organizational culture with sustainable performance. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for tourism sector companies to enhance sustainable performance through the implementation of sustainable leadership, a supportive organizational culture, and effective utilization of digital marketing. Full article

Cropland is crucial for food production, food security, and economic stability, especially in high-altitude Tibetan regions where it is limited. This study investigates the spatiotemporal changes and driving factors of cropland in the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin (YZRB) from 2000 to 2020. Using land use transfer matrices, center of gravity models, standard deviation ellipses, the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), it explores cropland dynamics and predicts land use for 2030. Results show the following: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, the area of cropland entering the basin exceeded that leaving, mainly concentrated in the middle and lower reaches, with a dynamic degree of 0.97%. The proportion of cropland increased from 1.28% in 2000 to 1.52% in 2020. (2) The center of gravity shifted northwest (2000–2005), southeast (2005–2015), and northwest again (2015–2020). (3) Factors like elevation, temperature, precipitation, population density, and GDP correlated with cropland changes. Natural factors positively affected cropland expansion, while socioeconomic and proximity factors indirectly inhibited it. (4) The 2030 cropland conservation scenario in the PLUS model ensures cropland security, ecological protection, and controlled construction land expansion, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Targeted cropland conservation measures can effectively promote sustainable land use and ecological security in the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin. Full article

The current study examines the determinants influencing preparatory year (PY) students’ intentions to adopt AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) models, such as Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini, and how these intentions shape their conceptions of digital sustainability. Additionally, the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was integrated with a diversity of educational constructs, including content availability (CA), learning engagement (LE), learning motivation (LM), learner involvement (LI), and AI satisfaction (AS). Furthermore, responses of 274 PY students from Saudi Universities were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate both the measurement and structural models. Likewise, the findings indicated CA (β = 0.25), LE (β = 0.22), LM (β = 0.20), and LI (β = 0.18) significantly predicted user intention (UI), explaining 52.2% of its variance (R² = 0.522). In turn, UI significantly predicted students’ digital sustainability conceptions (DSC) (β = 0.35, R² = 0.451). However, AI satisfaction (AS) did not exhibit a moderating effect, suggesting uniformly high satisfaction levels among students. Hence, the study concluded that AI-powered NLP models are being adopted as learning assistant technologies and are also essential catalysts in promoting sustainable digital conceptions. Similarly, this study contributes both theoretically and practically by conceptualising digital sustainability as a learner-driven construct and linking educational technology adoption to its advancement. This aligns with global frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 9. The study highlights AI’s transformative potential in higher education by examining how user intention (UI) influences digital sustainability conceptions (DSC) among preparatory year students in Saudi Arabia. Given the demographic focus of the study, further research is recommended, particularly longitudinal studies, to track changes over time across diverse genders, academic specialisations, and cultural contexts. Full article

In academia, innovation intentions among students are a highly sought-after outcome due to their overarching positive impacts on performance and well-being, especially in the higher education context. This research addresses entrepreneurial education and its influence on innovation intentions across several universities in Beirut, Lebanon. The research also examines the indirect effects of opportunity recognition and psychological capital as mediators and fear of failure as a moderator. Through the lens of the theory of planned behavior, the stimulus-organism-response model, and the entrepreneurial event model, a survey was designed. A total of 263 samples were collected from the students of three universities in Beirut where the academic setting was English, and international students were present. Using Partial Least Squares—Structural Equation Modeling, the data was analyzed, and the hypotheses were supported. Results suggest that the learning environment in universities is a major determinant of innovative outcomes for students. However, implementation of entrepreneurial education alone cannot be as effective as it needs to be; it must be complemented by initiatives that enhance perceptions and internal capabilities of students to achieve innovation in their behaviors. This highlights the vitality of psychological capital and fear of failure in this context. Full article

This study investigates the empowering role of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the economic sustainability of waste management (ESW) and the circular industry economy (CIE), specifically in the small, rapidly industrialising Emirate of Ajman, UAE. Embracing a circular economy is vital for the sustainability agenda while forging a transformative commitment to planetary health (PH) in a manner that is especially crucial for small states with limited carrying capabilities. A quantitative methodological orientation is employed in a survey-based research design, followed by the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling statistical technique to test the hypothesised relationships. Sampling involved the three sub-populations of government employees (n = 123), managers/employees of private waste collection businesses (n = 106), and employees of private industrial waste generation industries (n = 276). Findings indicate that PPP empowerment positively impacts ESW and contributes to the creation of CIE. Moreover, ESW fosters the growth of CIE in Ajman. Notably, the perspectives of government stakeholders differ from those of non-government actors. This research underscores the significance of PPP empowerment in the development of CIE towards SDGs 11, 12, and 17, emphasising the mediating role of ESW between PPPs and CIE in small, rapidly industrialising states. The study recommends that the Ajman government implement training and social initiatives aimed at aligning the sustainability perspectives of all stakeholders involved in waste management to promote the mutual benefits of “people, places, and planet”. Full article

Marked by a highly diverse workforce, the Indian construction industry faces ongoing challenges in fostering employee engagement and minimizing organizational withdrawal. This study examines the role of diversity climate in influencing psychological and physical withdrawal behaviors among construction professionals, assessing job satisfaction as a mediating variable. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the research employed a quantitative survey approach, gathering responses from 318 professionals across the sector. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationships. Results indicate that reduced psychological (β = –0.462, f² = 0.465, p < 0.01) and physical withdrawal (β = –0.311, f² = 0.194, p < 0.05) are associated with more positive perceptions of the diversity climate. Furthermore, this relationship is partially mediated by job satisfaction, with diversity climate positively influencing job satisfaction (β = 0.618, p < 0.001), which in turn reduces withdrawal tendencies (indirect effect on psychological withdrawal β = −0.094, p < 0.01 and physical withdrawal β = −0.068, p < 0.01). These results show that encouraging a supportive diversity climate not only helps but is also absolutely necessary for enhancing job satisfaction, lowering withdrawal behavior, and retaining trained talent. The findings offer concrete evidence that construction firms and policymakers should prioritize inclusive human resource strategies that directly improve project outcomes, reduce attrition, and enhance workforce engagement in the Indian construction sector. Full article

This study examines the behavioral mechanism of sustainable consumption through which greenwashing (GW) perception influences consumers’ intention to purchase green food, with a particular focus on Chinese consumers. Grounded in the value-based adoption model (VAM), we propose a structural model that incorporates perceived benefit (PB) and perceived sacrifice (PS) as mediating variables and GW perception as a moderating variable. Using survey data from 347 Chinese respondents, the analysis is conducted via partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results indicate that environmental knowledge, environmental awareness (EA), green food characteristics (GFCs), and consumer characteristics significantly enhance PB, whereas EA and GFCs reduce PS. PB has a positive effect on green food purchase intention, whereas PS has a negative effect. Notably, GW perception does not significantly moderate the relationship between PB and purchase intention, but it does intensify the negative impact of PS on purchase intention. This suggests that consumers who are sensitive to GW are more likely to reject green food products when they experience a high PS. This study contributes to the literature by extending the application of the VAM in the context of sustainable consumption and offering empirical insights into the psychological effects of GW. Practical implications include marketing strategies aimed at reducing PS and fostering trust through transparent, verifiable green claims. Policymakers are encouraged to improve certification systems and public education efforts to alleviate consumer skepticism in the green food market. Full article