Search Results (27,058)

Understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying consumer loyalty behavior constitutes a central challenge for the behavioral sciences. Despite growing research on experiential marketing, limited attention has been directed toward understanding the conditional cognitive mechanisms that determine when and how consumption experiences translate into stable loyalty patterns, particularly in emerging market contexts where consumer behavior dynamics differ substantially from those in mature economies. The present study examines how experiential processing influences the formation of behavioral loyalty patterns, considering the moderating role of cognitive value evaluation. A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 500 consumers from retail businesses in Pueblo Nuevo, Peru. The instruments demonstrated adequate psychometric properties (α > 0.88; AVE > 0.50). The results of the moderation analysis using PROCESS Model 1 revealed that the model explains 79.9% of the variance in loyalty behavior (R² = 0.799, p < 0.001). The interaction effect was significant (B = 0.10, p < 0.001), confirming that cognitive value evaluation moderates the relationship between experiential processing and behavioral loyalty. Simple slopes analysis showed that the effect of experiential processing on loyalty intensifies as perceived value increases, ranging from B = 0.56 at low levels to B = 0.77 at high levels. The Johnson–Neyman criterion identified the transition point at 14.80. These findings contribute to consumer behavior theory by demonstrating that consumption experiences require a favorable cognitive evaluation to translate into stable behavioral loyalty patterns, with implications for Sustainable Development Goal 8 concerning sustainable economic growth. These results advance consumer behavior theory by providing an integrative moderating framework applicable beyond the Peruvian context, and offer retail managers a diagnostic tool for calibrating experiential strategies based on consumer value perception thresholds. Full article

This study reveals the internal mechanism of the synergetic evolution of financial support, technological innovation, and industrial upgrading from the perspective of system synergy. It aims to provide a theoretical basis and reference for promoting benign interactions among these elements, thereby driving high-quality economic development. During the research process, an evaluation indicator system was constructed based on China’s industrial development data, utilizing the entropy method to determine indicator weights and the Haken model to analyze synergy effects. In a methodological innovation, this study identifies the system’s order parameters to derive the potential function. Through this approach, it systematically analyzes the dynamic evolution characteristics and synergetic mechanisms of the composite system. The research results indicate that the three systems have formed a mutually promoting and closely coupled compound synergetic mechanism, rather than following a single linear transmission path. The overall synergy level presents a medium-to-low development trend, following an asymmetric U-shaped evolution trajectory that first decreases and then slowly recovers. Furthermore, the degree of synergy exhibits an inverse relationship with the volatility of the subsystems, suggesting that the stability of synergy is highly susceptible to external forces and remains in a state of dynamic flux. Full article

Water scarcity and pollution from anthropogenic activities are major challenges, increasing the need for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. Constructed wetlands mimic natural wetland ecosystems using macrophytes and substrates, representing a possible nature-based solution aligned with circular economy principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. So, this revision integrates recent literature, providing an overview of natural wetlands and examining the design and operation of constructed wetland systems. Also, incorporates a case study that focuses on a constructed wetland implemented at an eco-friendly dog shelter in Portugal—a unique example globally—demonstrating practical wastewater treatment and small-scale water reuse, and offering insights for sustainable management. Performance assessment based on previous work indicates that the system effectively reduces most water quality parameters to levels compliant with national and European irrigation standards. Removal efficiencies exceeded 97% for chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and turbidity, while maintaining low energy consumption and minimal maintenance. Overall, constructed wetlands emerge as a sustainable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment systems; however, several challenges remain to be addressed. Future research should focus on improved aeration strategies, optimized substrate–macrophyte combinations, and long-term monitoring under climate variability, with floating wetlands offering promising opportunities to further enhance treatment efficiency. Full article

To develop secure, fast, and interoperable smart substations, it is vital to understand the current situation and potential future directions of the technologies involved. This study presents the evolution and state of the art of the Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) communication protocol, defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850 standard. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. This included journal articles published from 2004 to 2025 and conference papers from 2020 to 2025, written in English within Engineering. Only studies primarily focusing on GOOSE, citing it at least ten times, and indexed in the Scopus, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science databases were included. The quantitative analysis used SciMAT software, complemented by a qualitative analysis. Due to the bibliometric and thematic nature of this review, potential biases were considered at the review level rather than by applying a formal study-level risk-of-bias tool. The final analysis comprised 82 journal articles and 84 conference papers. The results offer a comprehensive mapping of GOOSE research evolution, identify nine main challenges and limitations from the last 22 years, and highlight current research directions. The literature reveals methodological heterogeneity, a predominance of simulation-based approaches, and limited large-scale empirical validation. Full article

Deciphering the coloration mechanism of natural-colored cocoons in the domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) is of great importance for the green and sustainable development of the sericulture industry. In this study, 14 silkworm strains were selected for studying differences in the coloration mechanism of diverse cocoon colors, and the present research carried out integrated investigations from three aspects: pigment content, differences in gene expression levels, and gene structural variation. The results demonstrated that pigment accumulation presented distinct tissue-specific and strain-specific characteristics. The middle silk gland (MSG) acts as the primary locus for pigment deposition: silkworm strains forming yellow or red cocoons accumulate carotenoids at high levels in this tissue, whereas those producing green cocoons show abundant flavonoid enrichment here. Analysis of gene expression profiles indicated that the expression patterns of core transporter genes are highly correlated with the spatial distribution of pigments. The expression level of CBP gene in the MSG is over 10-fold higher than that in the midgut (MG) among yellow/red cocoon strains. The pivotal glycosylation gene UGT86 displayed remarkably elevated expression in the MSG relative to other tissues across all green cocoon silkworm strains. The CBP gene acts as a core regulatory factor governing the transport of carotenoid pigments, and notable disparities existed in the coding region of the gene among silkworm strains with different cocoon colors. In contrast to yellow and red cocoon strains, the transcription start site of CBP gene is displaced in silkworm varieties that form green or white cocoons. In summary, this study clarified the expression patterns and variations in key pigment deposition-related genes at the population level for the first time and provided data references for the study of the biological basis and coloration mechanism of diverse cocoon colors. Full article

Road construction, inspection and maintenance are activities that often require workers near heavy equipment, traffic, and dangerous materials. This proximity to potential hazards along with the characteristics of highway and street work zones—transient and in restricted areas—increases the possibility of accidents and near-misses. Recent developments in remote-controlled technology can provide workers and inspectors with the ability to conduct activities from a safer distance. This paper aims to scan and evaluate several promising remote-controlled technologies that could be used to improve safety in highway and streets work zones. The technology scanning highlighted over twenty technologies in several levels of development that met this goal. Each technology was briefly evaluated not only based on safety features but also on productivity, data processing, and requirements for implementation. Finally, recommendations for implementation of selected technologies were provided. This consolidated review provides a unique and timely resource for researchers and practitioners. Full article

In the last decade, as cities increasingly seek sustainable development pathways within the cultural and creative economy, cultural-creative events have gained prominence as strategic instruments for urban transformation. Among them, city design weeks have emerged as complex service systems that connect creative industries, urban governance, and tourism development. This research aims to understand how cultural-creative events (represented by design weeks) facilitate sustainable tourism development from a service design perspective. Adopting a qualitative comparative research design, the study examines 30 design weeks selected through a cross-validated process with the World Design Weeks global network and UNESCO City of Design network. Data from 2020 to 2025 is collected primarily through expert interviews, official reports, and media materials in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Grounded in the service design perspective, four Service Design Levels are summarized into 17 assessment dimensions, and experts applied Likert scale to evaluate the relative service intensity of each case. Through cross-case analysis, the findings reveal four distinct models of design weeks, reflecting different configurations of service intensity and strategic orientation. The study contributes theoretically by extending service design theory to cultural-creative tourism research, and practically by providing guidance for the organizers of cultural-creative events seeking to support sustainable city tourism development. Future research may incorporate quantitative impact assessments to further refine these models. Full article

Artificial intelligence has been considered as a transformative element capable of reshaping STEM education into equitable, resource-efficient, and scalable learning environments. However, realizing this potential requires striking a careful balance between technological innovation, pedagogical considerations, and ethical concerns. This study sought to examine the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by STEM university faculty members in Saudi Arabia to promote Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education). While doing so, the study attempted to explore how Saudi STEM university faculty members integrated AI tools in their instructional practices and analyze their perceptions towards these tools. To achieve these goals, the study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. In the first phase of data collection, a close-ended questionnaire was applied to a random sample of (324) STEM university faculty members. The second phase involved gathering qualitative data using a semi-structured interview administered to 12 purposively selected experts. Key quantitative findings revealed an overall AI integration at a medium level with a mean of (2.71) and standard deviation of (0.36) across three instructional practices, namely planning, implementation, and assessment. The highest integration level was in assessment (M = 2.93, medium) while the lowest was in planning (M = 2.61, medium). The results also revealed that the participants’ perceptions towards integrating AI tools were highly positive (M = 4.00, high), albeit with some concerns regarding the effect of excessive and unguided use of AI tools on students’ higher-order thinking skills, particularly the risk of AI functioning merely as an information delivery mechanism rather than serving its more pedagogically valuable role as a brainstorming scaffold. Furthermore, the study unveiled a number of barriers to integrating AI tools, including the weakness of digital infrastructure, lack of professional development, the limited credibility of AI-generated content, and ethical concerns related to academic integrity and copyrights. The research suggests the establishment of a sustainable digital environment by improving the infrastructure, providing specific training in accordance with the principles of sustainability, and implementing policies that promote equitable, transparent, and responsible integration of AI. These strategies can coordinate the growth of technology with the larger needs of the quality of education, inclusion, and sustainability of STEM education in the long term. Full article

The transition from diesel to electric trucks faces a critical adoption gap despite technological maturity and favorable economics. This study identifies multi-dimensional planning complexity, spanning technical, economic, operational, and organizational dimensions, as a primary barrier that existing decision support tools fail to address. Through systematic literature review and analysis of Danish transport sector data, we develop the AI-Readiness Framework for Fleet Electrification (ARFFE), a modular decision support system adapted to different organizational readiness levels. Our secondary data analysis illustrates that two frequently overlooked factors, the CO₂-differentiated road tax savings of 430,000–465,000 DKK over five years and charging strategy decisions creating cost differences of 930,000 DKK, have greater economic impact than traditionally emphasized factors. The framework comprises five progressive modules mapped across four readiness stages and four planning dimensions, creating an integrated decision support system for evaluating an estimated 50,000+ scenarios. This research contributes theoretically by proposing AI as a “mediating technology” in socio-technical transitions and practically by providing an actionable framework illustrated through Danish transport sector analysis. Full article

Air quality management in zoological gardens plays a crucial role in their sustainable development. However, air quality in these settings remains understudied. In addition, previous research has largely focused on airborne microbial contamination merely in animal enclosures. This exploratory study provides preliminary insights into airborne fungal contamination alongside microclimate conditions in the visitor and worker areas of animal premises in the Zagreb Zoo. The study was performed in the Monkey House, Tropical House, Rainy Africa, and Bird House, as well as outdoors in fall. Fungi were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Total culturable fungal concentration in indoor air ranged between 50 and 4.25 × 10³ CFU/m³, and in outdoor air between 1.00 × 10² and 1.50 × 10³ CFU/m³. Molds of eight genera and yeasts were isolated from the air. Both indoors and outdoors, the predominant genera were Cladosporium and Penicillium, and also genus Aspergillus indoors. Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. concentrations, as well as total fungal concentration in the air, were on average, highest in Rainy Africa and Bird House, while the highest average Aspergillus spp. concentration was found in the Tropical House. Levels of Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp., and Aspergillus spp. concentrations were associated with microclimate conditions. Study results suggest that the airborne fungal contamination may depend on the animals housed in the premises, and the design and management of the premises. Although total fungal concentration determined may not necessarily pose a health risk for exposed people, the qualitative composition of fungi signifies the importance of implementing good practices in zoo premises, including optimal microclimate conditions and effective ventilation. The results obtained also indicate the need for air quality monitoring, which concurs with zoo sustainability goals. Full article

Animal welfare assessment is a vital component of working with animals in a research environment and is a growing expectation. Rabbits are a common species worked with in biomedical research, but information on rabbit welfare and best practices are limited, making it difficult to assess welfare. To address this gap, a rabbit welfare assessment tool was developed within an international contract research organization and commercial breeder. The tool contained 134 descriptors including input- and output-based measures of welfare across six categories: physical, behavioral, environmental, training, procedural, and culture of care. Benchmarking assessments occurred in March and September 2025, assessing 13 facilities across seven countries. In March, overall scores were in the range of 70–92%, with high scores in the physical category (avg: 97%) and the most room for improvement in training (avg: 73%). In September, overall scores were in the range of 77–88%, with the highest score in the physical category (avg: 98%) and the most room for improvement in culture of care (avg: 74%). The results of the assessments identified strengths in rabbit management programs, as well as identified areas needing refinement. The results allow for development of facility and organizational level goals to improve rabbit welfare and create a culture of continuous improvement. Full article

Unconventional aircraft configurations show significant potential to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint. Computerized conceptual design environments enable the design of unconventional aircraft concepts and the comparison of their performance and environmental impact against conventional Tube-And-Wing aircraft and other competing unconventional layouts. However, no environment has yet been specifically developed to support the Twin-Fuselage configuration. This paper addresses this gap by analyzing the advantages of the Twin-Fuselage configuration, identifying a potentially relevant design space, and compiling the existing conceptual-level design methods applicable to this layout. Building on these results, a roadmap for the conception of computerized conceptual design environments supporting Twin-Fuselage aircraft is presented. A structured environment architecture is proposed considering current trends and limitations of state-of-the-art environments supporting other unconventional configurations. The proposed modules for each discipline are also outlined. Finally, the main research gaps in Twin-Fuselage aircraft conceptual design are identified, highlighting and prioritizing the developments needed to enable a fully operational Twin-Fuselage-supporting computerized conceptual design environment. Full article

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in South Africa continue to experience challenges related to staff commitment, organisational performance, and institutional effectiveness. These challenges highlight the need to better understand leadership approaches that sustain academic engagement and stability. This study examines the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational commitment among academic staff at a selected TVET college in Gauteng, South Africa. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory of Bass and Avolio, the study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from 203 academic staff across six campuses using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed using SPSS. The findings revealed low levels of organisational commitment among academic staff. While transformational leadership, as a composite construct, did not significantly predict organisational commitment, specific components—namely intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualised consideration—showed significant positive relationships with organisational commitment. Theoretically, the study refines the application of transformational leadership theory within the TVET context by demonstrating that its components may operate differentially rather than as a unified construct in predicting organisational commitment. These findings challenge assumptions regarding the holistic predictive power of transformational leadership and extend leadership scholarship within under-researched TVET settings in developing-country contexts. Practically, the results provide evidence-based guidance for TVET management to design targeted leadership development interventions that emphasise specific transformational leadership behaviours to enhance academic staff commitment. Full article

Managing soil heavy metal pollution is pivotal for the sustainable development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration. This study integrated geostatistical methods, Principal Component Analysis, and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) to characterize “source–sink” dynamics across diverse Main Functional Zones. Results revealed distinct pollution landscapes: Key Development Zones exhibited high-risk accumulation driven by multi-source superposition, while Ecological-restricted Zones, despite overall low pollution levels, faced significant anomalous enrichment of Cadmium (Cd). Source apportionment confirmed that this spatial differentiation stems from the coexistence of “in situ accumulation” and “source–sink misalignment” mechanisms. The former is driven by high-intensity industrial agglomeration, whereas the latter is governed by cross-boundary atmospheric transport and the topographic blocking of emissions from the plains. This research demonstrates for the first time the joint shaping effect of national spatial planning and natural geographical processes on regional pollution patterns. Accordingly, a precise management framework incorporating source reduction, cross-boundary synergy, and spatial reorganization is proposed, providing a new paradigm for addressing environmental risks caused by unbalanced development in rapidly urbanizing regions. Full article