Search Results (359)

The intrinsic relationship between food and health has led to growing interest in functional foods, particularly among athletes seeking to optimize performance and recovery. This study investigates the impact of product information and sensory attributes on athletes’ willingness to pay for an innovative high-protein bread. Utilizing a two-treatment experimental design, athletes were exposed to sensory evaluations either before or after receiving information. A combination of hedonic sensory analysis and economic evaluation assessed preferences through a non-hypothetical auction. Findings show that both sensory attributes—especially taste and aroma—and product information significantly influenced willingness to pay. The order of presentation played a crucial role: providing information first enhanced perceived value more strongly. While sensory evaluation moderately increased willingness to pay, product information had a stronger impact. A key contribution of this study is its novel evidence on how athletes balance sensory and informational cues in food evaluation—an aspect rarely explored. Contrary to assumptions that athletes ignore sensory quality due to their focus on nutrition, they did value sensory aspects, though they prioritized product information. These findings suggest that developing functional foods for athletes should integrate nutritional benefits and sensory appeal, as both elements contribute to acceptance and potential market success. Full article

This study examines the regional disparities in public perceptions of decarbonization and the acceptance of the bioeconomy within Western Macedonia, a Greek region undergoing structural economic change. While the environmental benefits of decarbonization, such as reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality, are widely acknowledged, perceptions of economic and social outcomes, including investments, new business development, and policy support, vary significantly across sub-regions. To this end, a structured survey was conducted among 765 residents, utilizing Likert-scale items to assess attitudes, with demographic data providing a contextual framework. Statistical analyses, incorporating techniques such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis, and multiple regression, were employed to explore spatial variations and identify the primary drivers of bioeconomy acceptance. The results indicate that perceived government action, visible investment, new enterprises, and a positive view of public sentiment are all significant predictors of acceptance, with institutional support showing the strongest influence. The findings reveal that certain areas feel less engaged in the transition, expressing skepticism about its benefits, while others report more optimism. This disparity in perception underscores the necessity for targeted policy interventions to ensure inclusive and equitable participation. The study emphasizes the necessity for regionally responsive governance, enhanced communication strategies, and tangible local development initiatives to cultivate public trust and support. The study makes a significant contribution to the broader discourse on just transitions by emphasizing the role of place-based perceptions in shaping sustainable change. Full article

Digital transformation as a strategic goal is not new in the cultural heritage sector, yet it gained momentum due to COVID-19. This is reflected in policies and national strategies across Europe, where digitalisation is often seen as key to sustainable development. This study focuses on small heritage institutions in peripheral settings and explores the opportunities and limitations of digitalisation and its impact on sustainable regional development. A mixed-methods approach was applied, including a literature review, an online survey, focus groups, and a stakeholder interview, complemented by a case study. The findings show an uneven distribution of the perceived benefits, depending on funding, staff, and location. Nevertheless, digital transformation has positive social impacts by enhancing access to, participation in, and awareness of cultural heritage and therefore well-being. However, its economic effects in peripheral regions should not be overestimated. Digitalisation’s ecological impact on sustainable regional development is an underrepresented topic in the literature. Moreover, digitalisation is particularly challenging in peripheral regions and for smaller institutions with limited resources and should not be regarded as a guaranteed pathway towards sustainability. This paper contributes to an emerging field by examining the intersection of heritage institutions, digitalisation, and sustainable regional development in peripheral areas. Full article

Background: Standing has medical and psychosocial benefits for people with lower limb impairments; however, systemic, logistical, and economic barriers often limit opportunities to stand in daily life. This study explored how users perceive standing and standing-assistive technologies. Methods: This study used a mixed-methods approach: in-person interviews (n = 18) and a nationwide web-based survey (n = 125; 74.4% male, mean age 52.2 ± 13.9 years, diagnoses: spinal cord injury 37.6%, cerebrovascular disease 27.2%, and cerebral palsy 16.8%). Results: Participants described the psychosocial values of standing, such as feeling more confident and being able to interact with others at eye level. The web survey revealed that most participants believed that standing was beneficial for health (76.8%) and task efficiency (76.0%), although only 49.6% showed an interest in standing wheelchairs. The multivariate analysis revealed that ongoing standing training was the strongest predictor of positive perceptions of health benefits, task efficiency, and interest in standing wheelchairs. Younger participants showed a greater interest in standing wheelchairs. The reported barriers include a lack of awareness, high costs, and difficulty in accessing training. Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for a user-centered design and improved support systems to integrate standing into the daily lives of people with mobility impairments. Full article

In the context of emergency management, individual or household decisions to engage in risk mitigation behaviors are widely recognized to be influenced by a benefit–cost perception (perceived applied value (PAV) vs. perceived economic value (PEV), respectively). To better understand how such decisions are made, we conducted a mail survey (N = 211) of households living in the Red River of the North Basin, North Dakota, in 2018. The survey is aimed at understanding the overall experience of households with flooding and their behavior toward advanced protective strategies against future floods by analyzing household PEV—their willingness to pay for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Satellite Enhanced Snowmelt Flood Prediction system. This paper presents a mediation model in which various predictors (flood risk, experience, flood knowledge, flood risk perception, flood preparedness, flood mitigation, and flood insurance) are analyzed in relation to the PAV of the new Satellite Enhanced Snowmelt Flood Predictions in the Red River of the North Basin, which, in turn, may shape the PEV of this product. We discuss the potential implications for both the emergency management research community and professionals regarding the application of advanced risk mitigation technologies to help protect and sustain communities across the country from floods and other natural disasters. This paper provides a greater understanding of the economic and social aspects of sustainability in the context of emergency management and community development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite its well-established health benefits, adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife) has declined globally, including in its region of origin, alongside a significant shift toward ultra-processed food consumption. Understanding the factors associated with MedLife adherence is essential for developing targeted interventions and tailored policy recommendations. As part of the MEDIET4ALL PRIMA project, this cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively examine geo-demographic, socio-economic, psychological, behavioral, and barrier-related factors associated with and potentially contributing to MedLife adherence. Methods: Data were collected from 4010 participants aged 18 years and above across ten Mediterranean and neighboring countries using the multinational MEDIET4ALL e-survey, which included the validated MedLife index, along with various other questionnaires. Results: Results indicate that only 22% of respondents demonstrated high adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (MedLife), with significant variability observed across countries, age groups, education levels, and health statuses. Spain had the highest proportion of participants with high adherence (38%). Factors associated with significantly higher adherence rates include older age, living in the Mediterranean region, higher education levels, a greater awareness of MedLife principles, lower perceived barriers, normal BMI, better health status, and stable economic and marital conditions (p-values ranging from 0.04 to <0.001). Additionally, individuals with high MedLife adherence exhibited more socially and physically active lifestyles and experienced less psychological strain (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified MedLife awareness as the strongest positive predictor of adherence (β = 0.206), followed by social participation (β = 0.194) and physical activity (β = 0.096). Additional positive contributors include life satisfaction, sleep quality, living in the Mediterranean region, age, and education (β ranging from 0.049 to 0.093). Conversely, factors that are negatively associated with adherence include sedentary behavior, living environment, and barriers such as low motivation, taste dislike, price unaffordability, limited availability, and the time-consuming nature of preparing Mediterranean food (MedFood; β ranging from −0.036 to −0.067). Conclusions: These findings indicate that fewer than one in four adults across Mediterranean and neighboring countries demonstrate high adherence to MedLife, supporting prior evidence of suboptimal adherence even within Mediterranean regions. This study identified a range of behavioral, socio-demographic, and environmental factors—both positive and negative predictors—that can help guide the design of targeted, culturally adapted interventions to promote MedLife behavior. Future research should incorporate objective measurements and longitudinal monitoring to better understand underlying mechanisms, establish causality, and develop sustainable strategies for enhancing MedLife adherence in diverse populations. Full article

In the digital economy, information asymmetry among individuals, data users, and governments limits the full realization of personal data value. To address this, “symmetry enhancement” strategies aim to reduce information gaps, enabling more balanced decision-making and facilitating efficient data flow. This study establishes a tripartite evolutionary game model based on personal data collection and development, conducts simulations using MATLAB R2024a, and proposes countermeasures based on equilibrium analysis and simulation results. The results highlight that individual participation is pivotal, influenced by perceived benefits, management costs, and privacy risks. Meanwhile, data users’ compliance hinges on economic incentives and regulatory burdens, with excessive costs potentially discouraging adherence. Governments must carefully weigh social benefits against regulatory expenditures. Based on these findings, this paper proposes the following recommendations: use personal data application scenarios as a guide, rely on the construction of personal trustworthy data spaces, explore and improve personal data revenue distribution mechanisms, strengthen the management of data users, and promote the maximization of personal data value through multi-party collaborative ecological incentives. Full article

Agricultural producers play a crucial role in combating agricultural non-point source pollution, so improving their production behaviors and practices will be key to alleviating such pollution. This study employs the Theory of Planned Behavior and focuses on Huaxian County, a major grain-producing county in Anyang City, Henan Province. The study focuses on randomly selected sample farming households in townships within Hua County’s agricultural intensification zone. Through structural equation modeling, it has analyzed the impact of farmers’ individual characteristics, behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on their willingness to engage in pollution management, as well as the influence of such willingness on actual management behaviors. Research indicates that behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly and positively influence governance intention, and governance intention significantly and positively influences governance behavior. Behavioral attitude is the key latent variable (behavioral attitude > perceived behavioral control > subjective norm). That is, the economic benefits derived from agricultural non-point source pollution governance constitute the most critical factor influencing farmers’ willingness to participate in pollution governance. Furthermore, farmers’ willingness to participate in pollution control bridges the gap between their attitudinal inclination and actual behavioral implementation. Accordingly, this study can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the governance of non-point source pollution in county-level regions of Henan Province and similar major grain-producing areas and offer theoretical support for the sustainable development of agriculture. Full article

The popularity of small-scale and local fruit and vegetable production has increased in recent years due to perceived economic, environmental, and social benefits. However, these operations face contamination risks that both consumers and small-scale producers may underestimate. The present study aimed to assess the microbiological and chemical hazards on fruit, vegetables, soil, and water samples from small-scale farms in north-western Portugal during pre-harvest activities. Additionally, the study investigated farmers’ non-compliance with food safety regulations and good agricultural practices (GAPs), exploring how their behaviour might contribute to the identified hazards. A before-and-after analysis of non-compliant behaviours was conducted to determine the impact of training on improving food safety practices. The analysis identified the presence of pathogenic bacteria, pesticides, flame retardant residues, nitrates, and heavy metals. Lead (Pb) concentrations exceeded EU limits in organic carrots from one producer (0.156 ± 0.043 mg/kg) and in chard from another (0.450 ± 0.126 mg/kg). Cadmium (Cd) levels were also above regulatory thresholds in bell peppers (0.023 ± 0.009 mg/kg) and organic tomatoes (0.026 ± 0.015 mg/kg) from two different producers. Elevated levels of heavy metals were detected in irrigation water from two sites, with zinc (Zn) at 0.2503 ± 0.0075 mg/L and Pb at 0.0218 ± 0.0073 mg/L. Among food samples, the most prevalent microorganisms were Pseudomonas spp. (88.2%), Bacillus cereus (76.5%), and aerobic mesophilic bacteria (100%). Phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), particularly tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), were detected in all food and soil samples. Some EU-banned pesticides were detected in food and soil samples, but at levels below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Chlorpyrifos (35.3%) and p,p’-DDD (23.5%) were the most detected pesticides in food samples. After the training, GAP behaviour improved, particularly that related to hygiene. However, issues related to record-keeping and soil and water analyses persisted, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving full compliance. Full article

Community-led rural tourism plays a crucial role in promoting economic sustainability and cultural preservation by prioritizing local needs and values. Active resident participation fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, essential for the long-term success of tourism initiatives. A study of 386 residents from Bregenzerwald, Austria—selected for its established community-led tourism model and strong local engagement—characterized by a balanced gender distribution and high education levels, investigated the factors influencing local engagement in tourism, including perceived benefits, empowerment, trust, place attachment, and resource accessibility. Complementary interviews with 31 stakeholders from Fruška Gora, Serbia—chosen as an emerging rural tourism destination with potential for sustainable development—further emphasized the significance of community agency and empowerment. Through factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM), the research validated its conceptual framework, demonstrating the transferability of the Bregenzerwald model to other rural contexts. Two key constructs emerged: tourism empowerment and sustainable belonging, jointly explaining 84.655% of the variance. Tourism empowerment underscores residents’ recognition of tourism as a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and cultural safeguarding, while sustainable belonging reflects a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and social cohesion. Stakeholders from Fruška Gora echoed these findings, highlighting tourism’s role in economic development, cultural identity reinforcement, and environmental stewardship. The results illustrate that rural tourism, when community-led, serves as a comprehensive development tool, fostering economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and social solidarity. The Bregenzerwald model offers a valuable framework for enhancing community participation and sustainable tourism development in other rural regions seeking holistic growth. Full article

This study is one of the first empirical attempts to quantify the social benefit of virtual power plants (VPPs) in South Korea using the contingent valuation method (CVM). As Korea pursues its ambitious carbon neutrality goal by 2050, VPPs have emerged as a critical technology for managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources and ensuring grid stability. Despite their recognized technical potential, the social and economic value of VPPs remains largely unexplored. Through a nationwide survey of 1105 households, we employed a double-bounded dichotomous choice spike model to estimate willingness to pay (WTP) for government-led VPP implementation. The analysis revealed two distinct dimensions influencing VPP valuation: electricity bill perceptions and electricity generation mix preferences. Results indicated that Korean households exhibited significant but heterogeneous WTP for VPP implementation, with unconditional mean annual WTP ranging from KRW 23,474 to KRW 26,545 per household. Notably, support for renewable energy transition showed stronger positive effects on WTP compared to nuclear expansion preferences, suggesting VPPs are primarily valued as renewable energy enablers. The substantial spike probability (32–34%) indicated that approximately one-third of the population has zero WTP, highlighting challenges in introducing novel energy technologies. Key determinants of positive WTP included perceived fairness of electricity pricing, support for market-based mechanisms, and preferences for transitioning from coal and nuclear to renewables. These findings provide critical policy insights for VPP deployment strategies, suggesting the need for phased implementation, targeted communication emphasizing renewable integration benefits, and coordination with broader electricity market reforms. The study contributes to energy transition economics literature by demonstrating how public preferences for emerging grid technologies are shaped by both economic considerations and environmental values. Full article

Addressing the pressing global challenge of environmental sustainability, this study investigates novel pathways through which egoistic motivations—specifically personal health benefits, economic advantages, and perceived social status—influence green purchasing behavior among Chinese consumers. Employing an integrated approach that combines the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and self-identity theory (SIT), the research analyzes data from 361 Chinese consumers using advanced statistical techniques, including structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal unique insights: personal health benefits and economic advantages emerge as significant drivers of green purchasing behavior, while perceived social status exerts an indirect effect through symbolic benefits. This study breaks new ground by demonstrating the dual mediating role of symbolic and functional benefits in linking egoistic motivations to green purchasing behavior. The results underscore the importance of developing marketing strategies that highlight personal health and economic savings, complemented by symbolic benefits, to effectively promote green products. Policymakers are encouraged to incorporate these nuanced motivations when designing incentives and regulations to enhance sustainable consumption practices. Full article

Urban water management faces growing pressure from population growth, pollution, and climate variability, demanding innovative strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. This study applies the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) across four case studies in Brazil and Germany, evaluating integrated systems that combine constructed wetlands for greywater treatment with rainwater harvesting for non-potable use. The scenarios include a single-family household, a high-rise residential building, a rural residence, and worker housing. A multi-criteria analysis was conducted to derive consolidated sustainability indicators, and sensitivity analysis explored the influence of dimension weighting. Results showed that water reuse scenarios consistently outperformed conventional counterparts across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) revealed notable reductions in global warming potential, terrestrial acidification, and eutrophication. Life Cycle Costing (LCC) confirmed financial feasibility when externalities were considered, especially in large-scale systems. Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) highlighted the perceived benefits in terms of health, safety, and sustainability engagement. Integrated water reuse systems achieved overall sustainability scores up to 4.8 times higher than their baseline equivalents. These findings underscore the effectiveness of decentralized water reuse as a complementary and robust alternative to conventional supply and treatment models, supporting climate resilience and sustainable development goals. Full article

Mangrove ecosystems are vital for coastal protection, fisheries, biodiversity, and local livelihoods, yet they are increasingly threatened by land-use changes, climate impacts, and limited conservation funding. This study investigates how much local communities are willing to pay (WTP) to conserve the Chwaka Bay mangrove forest in Zanzibar. Using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) with a payment card approach, we conducted a structured household survey to assess both monetary contributions and the psychological and socioeconomic factors influencing them. This study is guided by Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), incorporating attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and mangrove knowledge. The results show that 68.2% of respondents are willing to pay for mangrove conservation, while 24.2% are not—mainly due to financial constraints or skepticism about fund use. Key drivers of WTP include perceived ecological and livelihood benefits, environmental awareness, and prior conservation involvement. Statistical validation using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett’s test of sphericity confirmed the reliability of the model. The findings demonstrate the value of combining behavioral theory with economic valuation to better understand and support community-based conservation strategies. This approach can inform policymakers in designing targeted, transparent, and inclusive mangrove protection programs. Full article

This study explores residents’ perceptions of tourism development with a particular emphasis on the economic dimension of sustainability, focusing on how economic benefits, costs, and related factors shape local support in Serbia, Kazakhstan, and Hungary. By analyzing perceived advantages and disadvantages, the study aims to assess the extent of local support for tourism and the moderating effects of travel frequency and contact with tourists. In parallel, tourist arrival forecasts for 2025–2030 provide context on the anticipated dynamics of tourism growth, with Hungary showing the highest projected increase. Using advanced statistical techniques, including Multi-Group Analysis (MGA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and machine learning methods, key factors driving tourism support were identified. Positive perceptions of economic benefits and cultural identification significantly enhance support for tourism, while perceived costs act as inhibitors. The application of Random Forest and XGBoost (version 1.7.x) models improved predictive accuracy, while K-means clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) clarified relationships among constructs. The findings provide actionable insights for developing sustainable tourism strategies that prioritize economic outcomes and community engagement, particularly in culturally and economically diverse settings. Full article