Search Results (28,738)

This study examines why privacy concerns do not consistently deter online information disclosure by focusing on internal evaluative dynamics underlying privacy decisions. Drawing on theories of attitudinal ambivalence and cognitive–affective inconsistency, it investigates how internal tensions shape the translation of privacy concerns into disclosure behavior. Using two-phase data comprising a survey, the research distinguishes between threat-based and coping-based evaluative conflicts by operationalizing ambivalence and cognitive–affective inconsistency across privacy risks, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and response efficacy. Results from Phase 1, based on 540 Amazon Mechanical Turk participants, indicate that while privacy concerns generally reduce disclosure intentions, this effect is significantly weakened when individuals experience higher levels of cognitive–affective inconsistency and ambivalence. Although ambivalence significantly reduces the magnitude of inconsistency, it has a limited influence on the moderating role of inconsistency. Phase 2 findings further show that under conditions of high ambivalence, cognitive–affective inconsistency related to self-efficacy exerts a significant effect in situation-specific disclosure contexts. By elucidating the dynamic interplay of the internal tensions, this study clarifies when and why privacy concerns fail to predict disclosure behavior and highlights the importance of incorporating internal evaluative dynamics into models of digital privacy decision-making. Full article

The way in which remote working is interpreted by organizations (by top management, by human resources management), even in its being an element of possible sustainability, may vary in relation to national work cultures and laws, with differences between countries. This study, in particular, aims to trace the differences and similarities in terms of how organizations regulate and manage remote working by considering 294 organizations of four different countries: France (n = 92), Switzerland (n = 82), Italy (n = 60), and Quebec (n = 60). In each country, each response relates to an entire organization. The findings show that perceived pressure from the environment to implement remote working is higher in Quebec (Canada) than in Switzerland and Italy. In terms of regulations, 90% of Quebec organizations reported to have approved an internal regulation for remote working compared with European countries, ranging between 72% (for Italy) and 76% (for France). Finally, the findings confirm the role played by top-management positive beliefs for remote working and pressure from the environment for the implementation of different adaptations: All these findings show differences in particular between Quebec and European countries that are interesting to better understand and debate. Full article

Ethnic identity is a central psychological construct that shapes social perception, intergroup behavior, and everyday decision making, yet its influence on support for minority-owned businesses remains insufficiently understood. This research examines how variations in ethnic identification predict consumer preferences, evaluations, and loyalty, and whether these effects depend on product involvement. Two empirical studies were conducted among members of an ethnocultural minority group. Study 1 assessed preferences for minority versus majority-owned businesses across four purchase scenarios differing in involvement level. The findings show that ethnic identity predicts supportive choices primarily in low-involvement contexts: individuals with stronger ethnic identification were more likely to prefer minority-owned supermarkets, and indicators of cultural attachment predicted preference for minority-owned restaurants. No identity effects emerged in high involvement decisions, where utilitarian considerations dominated. Study 2 examined whether ethnic identity predicts store evaluations and loyalty toward a minority-owned retail chain. Across both involvement conditions, stronger ethnic identification was associated with more positive store evaluations, greater perceived value, higher fairness assessments, and stronger loyalty intentions, while product involvement and its interaction with identity were nonsignificant. Together, the results demonstrate that ethnic identification meaningfully shapes consumer support for minority enterprises and clarify the conditions under which identity-based processes guide marketplace behavior. Full article

In today’s society, children are increasingly exposed to negative environmental information. How such exposure shapes pro-environmental behavioral intentions matters for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, empirical evidence specific to Chinese children remains limited. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted with Grade 4 to 6 students in N City, China (survey n = 253; focus groups n = 16). The survey assessed negative environmental information exposure, environmental worry, environmental self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions, and tested mediation and moderation models. Focus groups were analyzed thematically to refine the mechanisms. Quantitative results revealed a clear “double-edged” pattern: exposure to negative environmental information was positively associated with pro-environmental behavioral intentions via heightened environmental worry, yet negatively associated with intentions via reduced environmental self-efficacy. Moreover, environmental self-efficacy moderated the link between worry and intention. Qualitative findings further corroborated and specified these pathways, indicating that children interpret negative messages through crisis narratives, blame attribution, and scale comparison, whereas actionable scripts and positive feedback help sustain perceived control and support translating worry into intention. Sustainability communication and education should therefore pair risk information with efficacy cues, feasible actions, and meaningful feedback rather than relying solely on threat narratives. Full article

The application Strava is widely used among runners, yet its influence on motivational processes remains unclear. This study examined endurance sport self-efficacy, achievement goals, fitness indicators, and Strava use in 225 active club runners using validated quantitative instruments and qualitative survey data. Self-efficacy and achievement goal scores were generally high. Greater endurance capacity was associated with higher self-efficacy and task-approach goals. Strava settings and subscription status were not associated with motivational outcomes; however, runners who had deleted training sessions due to perceived slow running pace scored higher on other-avoidance goals. Qualitative findings showed that Strava can enhance training through feedback, routine building, and social connection, while also introducing pressure, comparison, and stress, particularly during injury or reduced performance. Several participants reported adapting their use of the app to preserve motivation. Overall, Strava’s motivational impact appears context dependent and shaped by both its features and individual usage patterns. Full article

This review examines existing research on virtual streamers in live streaming commerce and digital marketing, identifying key factors that shape consumer responses. Based on 41 peer-reviewed studies and following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the analysis applies the CIMCO to synthesize findings through a systematic review. Results highlight three primary mechanisms—trait-based trust, perceived social presence, and message framing—which collectively constitute an integrative model explaining how virtual streamers influence AI-enabled consumer behavior. These elements shape how consumers engage with virtual streamers across platforms and product types. However, current research is limited by geographic concentration, reliance on self-reports, and a lack of longitudinal or behavioral data, which constrains broader applicability. For retailers and platform operators, aligning avatar traits and communication styles with product categories and consumer expectations is crucial for effective digital service delivery. Transparency about whether a streamer is AI or human-operated is also important for maintaining user trust. This review proposes a triadic integration model and offers a foundation for future research on AI-driven marketing influence. Full article

Drawing on digital agency theory, expectancy–value frameworks, and self-regulated learning perspectives, this study proposes and tests a moderated mediation model explaining students’ intentions to use AI. Using data from 673 university students, we examined whether sense of positive agency (SOPA) predicts intention to use AI indirectly through perceived value and perceived benefits of AI, and whether these pathways are conditionally shaped by sense of negative agency (SONA). Conditional process analysis (PROCESS Model 59) showed that SOPA had no direct effect on intention to use AI (b = 0.013, p = 0.882). Instead, its influence was fully indirect and conditional. SOPA predicted perceived value and perceived benefits of AI only at moderate to high levels of SONA, with significant SOPA × SONA interactions for both mediators (p = 0.040). Perceived value strongly predicted intention to use AI (b = 0.385, p < 0.001), and this relationship was amplified at higher levels of negative agency (b = 0.138, p = 0.002). In contrast, the effect of perceived benefits on intention weakened as SONA increased (b = −0.125, p = 0.005), becoming non-significant at higher levels of negative agency (Johnson–Neyman point ≈ 2.99). The final model explained 50.4% of the variance in intention to use AI. Overall, the findings indicate a conditional appraisal mechanism: as negative agency increases, perceived value becomes a stronger predictor of intention, whereas the motivational contribution of perceived benefits weakens and becomes non-significant beyond the Johnson–Neyman threshold. These results support an agency-aware account of AI adoption focused on how cognitive appraisals relate to intention under different perceived agency orientations, without implying ethical reasoning or moral deliberation processes not measured in this study. Full article

Awaken, aware, arise, perform, pause, and repeat. The actions of the everyday. Without it, we fall into dysregulation. This paper seeks to examine creative research developed as an experiment during COVID-19, an audiovisualscape in virtual reality (VR). Rhythmanalysis+ is a social, ecological, and sensorial enquiry into materiality, grounded in archipelagic thinking, through the lens of Rhythmanalysis, a form of analysis focusing on the everyday, through the lens of cyclical and linear rhythms. (Lefebvre). The research will also draw on Deleuze and Guattari’s rhizome theory, a botanical and philosophical investigation into networks. Networks form the backbone of the research. Lars Bang Larsen also argues that networks offer a distinctive view on how factual, speculative, historical, and non-human elements envelop and intertwine. Glissant’s archipelagic thought promotes transformation, multiplicity, and a sense of unpredictability. For this work, four inhabitants from Sherkin, a small island off the southwest coast of Ireland with a population of 100, became the research focus. Across four weeks, islanders gathered data from their daily sensory rhythms. Flight patterns of birds and bats were recorded, daily tasks noted, pathways cycled. Relational impacts of animal-odour on farming, weather, and tides were processed remotely, and an immersive cartographic score was created as a direct response in a three-dimensional virtual space. Rhythmanalysis+ analyses our newly altered perceptions of time and space as a material within a virtual world. VR, created as a gaming platform, is being pushed by art itself, forcing us to relook at the natural world, which is not static, but relational. Fluid but equally extractive, it is important to look at technology’s impact on all that is human and how it is perceived within the body as it is reframed digitally. Full article

Social media has emerged as a powerful marketing channel for smallholder farmers, reshaping how they engage with consumers through direct online interactions and content sharing, while also facilitating the communication of sustainable agricultural practices. This study investigates social media marketing usage among smallholder farmers in Saudi Arabia and examines its impact on marketing capabilities through the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), sustainability orientation (SO), and entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Survey data collected from 300 farmers were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that perceived usefulness (β = 0.195, p < 0.001) and perceived ease of use (β = 0.511, p < 0.001) significantly influence social media marketing usage, with perceived ease of use exerting the strongest influence, while perceived usefulness remains a significant enabler. Social media marketing usage also positively affects sustainability orientation (β = 0.525, p < 0.001) and enhances marketing capabilities both directly and indirectly through sustainability orientation, which acts as a significant mediator. Entrepreneurial orientation further exerts a positive influence on social media usage, marketing capabilities, and financial performance. The model explains 53.6% of the variance in social media marketing usage, 40.3% in marketing capabilities, and 73.5% in financial performance. The study extends TAM by conceptualizing sustainability orientation as a value-creation mechanism through which social media marketing use is transformed into enhanced marketing capabilities, rather than as a mere outcome of digital adoption. The findings offer practical and policy-relevant insights for strengthening digital literacy, sustainability-driven marketing strategies, and agricultural digital infrastructure. Full article

This study investigated the intricate relationship between sociodemographic factors and mental health indicators among a cohort of pregnant adolescents. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 338 primigravidas, aged 11–19 years, systematically collecting sociodemographic data, including age, socioeconomic status, schooling, occupation, marital status, and family structure. Mental health was assessed using validated scales for depressive symptoms (EPDS), state–trait anxiety inventory (STAI), self-esteem (Coopersmith), and perceived stress (PSS-4). A substantial portion of the cohort presented with significant mental health challenges: 33.5% screened positive for depressive symptoms, 18% for state anxiety, 23% for trait anxiety, 67% reported low self-esteem, and 52% experienced high perceived stress. Specifically, working adolescents exhibited markedly higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR 3.516), low self-esteem (OR 1.091), elevated state anxiety (OR 2.803), and increased trait anxiety (OR 2.455). Adolescents living with a partner also showed a greater likelihood of reporting depressive symptoms (OR 1.921), heightened state anxiety (OR 1.772), and increased trait anxiety (OR 2.335). Additionally, lower educational attainment (OR 1.885) and residing in extended family structures (OR 1.894) were associated with diminished self-esteem. These findings underscore the significant influence of occupation, family structure, and marital status on the mental health trajectories of pregnant adolescents. Consequently, promoting educational continuity and fostering greater autonomy in personal life decisions for adolescents could be crucial interventions to improve their emotional well-being during pregnancy. Full article

Exoscopic systems are increasingly used as an alternative to the operating microscope in microsurgical reconstruction, offering high-definition visualisation, shared operative viewing, and greater flexibility in surgeon positioning. This retrospective case series describes the use of exoscopic visualisation during microsurgical reconstruction in five illustrative head and neck and reconstructive cases. Different commercially available exoscopic platforms were utilised, and feasibility, workflow integration, and surgeon-perceived ergonomic aspects were assessed descriptively. Exoscopic visualisation was feasible for completion of microvascular anastomoses across a range of complex reconstructions. From the surgeons’ perspective, exoscopy allowed a more flexible working posture during prolonged microsurgical tasks and may offer advantages in training environments, particularly for junior surgeons. Further studies incorporating objective outcome measures are required to better define the role of exoscopy in microsurgical practice. Full article

Background/Objective: Informal caregiving for individuals with severe mental disorders (SMDs) often leads to significant psychological distress. However, the specific coping strategies that determine mental health outcomes among siblings remain poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the predictive capacity of various coping strategies regarding health, perceived stress, self-esteem, and caregiving experience for siblings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of siblings of patients with SMDs (N = 60) from mental health service. Self-report measures were used to assess perceived health, perceived stress, self-esteem, coping strategies, and caregiving experience. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed for each dependent variable, controlling for collinearity. Results: The siblings reported a higher mean use of problem-focused coping strategies compared to emotion-focused coping strategies. Regression models were statistically significant for all analyzed variables, except for somatic symptoms. Emotion-focused maladaptive coping (EFMC) strategies emerged as the most consistent and powerful predictor, showing a significant association with positive caregiving appraisal (β = 0.657), depression (β = 0.500), poor health (β = 0.453), negative stress (β = 0.449), social dysfunction (β = 0.429), self-esteem (β = −0.390), and anxiety (β = 0.368). In contrast, problem-focused strategies were largely non-significant, except for an association with positive and negative aspects of caregiving (β_PFMC = 0.509, β_PFMC = 0.312, respectively), and positive stress (β_PFAC = −0.272). Conclusions: These results suggest that while siblings of people with SMDs report a greater use of problem-focused coping strategies, the adoption of EFMC strategies is the most detrimental factor observed, given their negative influence on mental health, self-esteem, and caregiving experience. Full article

Mixed Reality (MR) overlays digital content onto the physical world, holding significant promise for improving construction collaboration and inspection. This study investigates its current role via a quantitative, survey based methodology, collecting data from 125 global construction professionals. Descriptive statistics revealed limited MR adoption, with 40.8% of respondents using the technology rarely and just 12.8% reporting frequent usage. Reliability analysis confirmed strong internal consistency for perceived benefits (α = 0.935) and acceptable consistency for barriers (α = 0.762). Exploratory factor analysis (KMO = 0.932; Bartlett’s test of sphericity, p < 0.001) validated the unidimensionality of the benefits construct. Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between perceived benefits or barriers and MR usage frequency (R² = 0.011, p = 0.512). Chi square analysis found no significant regional differences in MR use (χ² = 115.4, p = 0.899), though this result warrants cautious interpretation given the sparse expected cell counts. The findings suggest that MR adoption may be influenced by factors beyond user perceptions, highlighting the importance of organisational readiness, training, and infrastructure support. Full article

There is increasing interest in perceived campus climate in the postsecondary education literature. However, conceptualizations and measurements of this construct have lacked reliability, statistical rigor, and validity. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel instrument to measure perceived campus climate. Across two studies with more than 1500 participants, we developed a 46-item novel instrument. This instrument has five factors: University Responsiveness (10 items), Community and Connection (10 items), Equity and Belonging (15 items), Campus Culture and Student Experience (8 items), and Student Satisfaction (3 items). We evaluated the psychometric properties of the novel instrument using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, hierarchical regression, paired-samples t-tests, correlation, and ANOVA. Overall, the results suggest that the novel instrument is reliable, valid, and provides additional predictive power compared to previous iterations of campus climate instruments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Safe disposal of unused medicines represents an increasing public health and environmental concern. Until 2024, Romanian community pharmacies collected expired medicines from the public, though implementation was inconsistent. Using a knowledge–attitude–practice (KAP) framework, this study assessed community pharmacists’ self-reported involvement in pharmaceutical waste prevention in Bihor County, Romania, one year after new legislation transferred collection responsibilities to hospital-based centers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2025 using a self-administered questionnaire comprising 22 items covering socio-demographics, professional practices, knowledge, and attitudes. Eligible participants were community pharmacists (N = 285). Results: Respondents reported high awareness and favourable attitudes toward pharmaceutical waste management: 98.2% indicated awareness of current legislation, 94.4% reported receiving training on the new regulations, 99.6% acknowledged health and environmental risks, and 98.9% expressed agreement that patient education is important. However, 55.4% reported providing disposal information only when patients requested it, while 89.8% indicated that patients rarely asked about medicine disposal. Self-reported proactive counseling increased with patient request frequency (χ²(3) = 7.914, p = 0.048), with pharmacists in the high-request group reporting substantially higher proactive counseling than those in the low-request group (83.3% vs. 42.9%). In an adjusted logistic regression, low request frequency was associated with lower odds of proactive counseling (aOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05–0.98, p = 0.047). Most respondents (94.6%) perceived waste-related responsibilities, though these perceptions were only weakly related to reported counseling behaviors. Conclusions: Pharmacists reported high awareness and positive attitudes toward pharmaceutical waste management, but counseling remained reactive. Patient demand was a key correlate of counseling proactivity, underscoring the need for structured education within Romania’s hospital-based take-back system. Full article