Search Results (3,853)

Digital nomads blur the boundaries between tourism, work, and temporary residence, yet little is known about how local businesses interpret this ambiguous population. This study examines how Greek SMEs classify digital nomads and how these classifications shape perceived business benefits and harms, support for protective policy guardrails, and firm-level adaptation intentions. Using survey data from 747 SME owner-managers and managers in tourism-linked and adjacent sectors, the study tests an integrated framework with PLS-SEM and multi-group analysis. The findings show that SME responses are interpretive rather than automatic. Residency-Based Visitor Beliefs positively predicted support for protective policy guardrails (β = 0.334, p < 0.001), but did not directly predict adaptation intentions. Perceived Touristness positively predicted both guardrail support (β = 0.110, p < 0.001) and adaptation intentions (β = 0.181, p < 0.001). Perceived Business Benefits was the strongest predictor of adaptation intentions (β = 0.390, p < 0.001), while Perceived Business Harms also increased both guardrail support (β = 0.175, p < 0.001) and adaptation intentions (β = 0.310, p < 0.001). Mediation results showed that the effects of Residency-Based Visitor Beliefs on adaptation were fully transmitted through benefits and harms, whereas Perceived Touristness operated indirectly only through harms. Multi-group analysis further revealed significant heterogeneity across firm size, years in operation, and tourism dependence. The study contributes to digital nomad and tourism research by introducing a business-side classification perspective and by linking classification, evaluation, and response in a single model. Overall, the findings show that whether digital nomads are classified as tourists by businesses has measurable implications for regulatory preferences and market adaptation. Full article

This study examines how institutional pressures influence the adoption of social sustainability practices in habitat systems within the construction sector. Drawing on Institutional Theory, the research analyzes the differentiated effects of coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures, as well as the mediating role of organizational awareness. Data were collected through a digital survey administered between February and March 2026 to 102 professionals linked to construction and habitat development projects in Mexico, including architects, civil engineers, valuators, and related specialists. The proposed model was evaluated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that coercive pressures constitute the only statistically significant institutional mechanism affecting organizational awareness ($\beta$ = 0.310; p = 0.043), while mimetic and normative pressures do not exhibit significant effects. Furthermore, organizational awareness strongly explains the adoption of social sustainability practices ($\beta$ = 0.739; p < 0.001), which, in turn, is strongly associated with sustainable habitat outcomes ($\beta$ = 0.711; p < 0.001). The model achieved moderate predictive power, with $R^2$ values of 0.449 for awareness, 0.546 for adoption, and 0.505 for sustainable habitat systems. The findings contribute to institutional theory by demonstrating that institutional mechanisms operate asymmetrically in emerging contexts and that organizational awareness functions as a key explanatory mechanism linking external pressures with sustainability outcomes. The study also provides practical implications for urban governance, regulatory design, and socially sustainable habitat planning. Full article

The expansion of the transport sector in Thailand has resulted in a continuous increase in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Therefore, promoting the adoption of commercial electric vehicles (EVs) has become an important approach to mitigating environmental impacts and enhancing sustainability. This study integrates the TAM, TPB, and 7Ps frameworks to examine factors influencing the intention to adopt EVs among freight transport operators in Thailand. A total of 876 freight operators were surveyed, and the data were analyzed using a random parameters probit model with heterogeneity in means. The results indicate that environmental motivation, perceived safety, ease of use, reductions in operational costs, social benefits, dealership credibility, and perceived quality-of-life improvement positively influence the intention to adopt EVs. In contrast, gaps between EV attitudes and purchasing readiness, along with over-reliance on promotional and online channels, negatively affect EV adoption intention. Furthermore, perceptions of price appropriateness show heterogeneous effects across respondents, reflecting hidden costs and operational uncertainties. Based on these findings, the study proposes an integrated set of policy measures to support a sustainable transition toward EV adoption in the freight transport sector. These results provide useful guidance for policymakers and freight transport operators in developing strategies and policies that encourage the long-term adoption of electric vehicles in freight transportation. Full article

The increasing prevalence of digital communication has made students a primary target for various cyber threats, including identity deception and impersonation techniques that can lead to data breaches and financial loss. In Saudi Arabia, where the youth population is digitally active and integrated into online learning environments, understanding their vulnerability to such threats is paramount. This paper investigates university students’ awareness, confidence, and behavioral responses to different types of spoofing attacks, including email, SMS, caller ID, and website spoofing, in Saudi Arabia. A survey was conducted to gather data from 1437 students at Saudi Electronic University, and it was analyzed using a quantitative research methodology and different statistical tests, such as Chi-square tests, Friedman tests, Kruskal–Wallis tests, correlation analysis, and regression models. The analysis results indicate that students exhibit a relatively high level of awareness. However, awareness and confidence vary across demographic groups, with significant differences associated with gender and age group. The results also reveal a significant gap between perceived confidence and detection ability in scenario-based assessments, highlighting that self-reported awareness does not necessarily translate into practical identification skills. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening practical cybersecurity education, simulation-based training, and effective awareness delivery methods to improve students’ ability to recognize impersonation-based cyber threats in the Saudi educational sector. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global crisis, affecting healthcare systems and professionals worldwide. This study investigates the prevalence and factors associated with burnout and insomnia among Greek physicians affiliated with the Athens Medical Association after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data were collected through an anonymous online survey distributed to active physician members of the Athens Medical Association between 15 June 2023 and 15 July 2023. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and insomnia was assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Descriptive, unadjusted, and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: A total of 1023 physicians participated. Insomnia (AIS ≥ 6) affected 83.0% of the participants. Based on standard MBI cut-offs, 52.4% had high emotional exhaustion, 35.9% had high depersonalization, and 39.2% had low personal accomplishment. In multivariable logistic regression, older age was significantly associated with lower odds of insomnia, while public-sector employment and high concern about future career consequences were associated with higher odds. In multiple linear regression models, a higher AIS total score was significantly associated with higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and with lower personal accomplishment. Conclusions: These findings suggest high rates of insomnia and burnout in this physician sample. Greater insomnia was significantly associated with less favorable scores across all three burnout dimensions. Younger age, public-sector employment, and higher concern about future career consequences were associated with insomnia. These findings should be interpreted as associations, rather than causal effects. Full article

Building healthy communities requires organizational arrangements that center on resident and community assets while using data to guide decisions. This study examines how the Evidence2Success framework was implemented in three communities, Kearns, UT, Mobile, AL, and Memphis, TN, to understand how citizen-led asset mapping, coalition processes, and funding strategies shape youth well-being efforts. Using an interpretive case-study design, we analyzed process-evaluation interviews, implementation milestones and benchmarks, strengths-and-concerns reports, and community case materials to trace how coalitions mobilized assets, reoriented institutional resources, and adapted evidence-based programs. The results show that broad, cross-sector Community Boards completed most implementation tasks, increased participation by people of color, and developed more inclusive decision-making structures that addressed historical inequities. Coalitions also strengthened data-use capacities, employing youth survey results and local qualitative input to select priorities, braid funding, and make culturally responsive adaptations while maintaining program fidelity. Overall, the findings suggest that when evidence-based planning frameworks are embedded within asset-based, resident-governed structures, communities can build sustainable organizational arrangements that support youth well-being and advance more equitable local systems. Full article

The construction sector accounts for approximately 36% of global final energy consumption and close to 40% of total CO₂ emissions, making it a primary target of international climate policy. Despite this growing attention, the indigenous building traditions of the Ecuadorian Andes remain virtually absent from the international scientific literature on vernacular sustainability. This study presents a systematic field documentation and bioclimatic assessment of vernacular bahareque dwellings in the Kichwa-Saraguro community of Ilincho, canton of Saraguro, province of Loja, Ecuador (2700 m a.s.l.). A field survey of 30 dwellings identified five morphological typologies—I-1P, I-2P, 2B, L, and C—with typology C, a compact C-shaped block with a three-sided portal, accounting for 53.3% of the sample. A structured multi-criteria framework of 48 bioclimatic indicators distributed across eight categories, adapted to the cold-temperate mountain climate of the study area, was applied to quantify each typology’s bioclimatic performance. All typologies exceeded 75% overall compliance on the global Bioclimatic Performance Index (BPI), with typology C achieving the highest value (88.5%). Categories F (Materials and construction) and H (Cultural and social aspects) scored 100% across all typologies, reflecting system-level properties of the bahareque constructive system rather than morphological differences between typological variants; a supplementary morphological BPI restricted to Categories A–E and G is reported. An exploratory, uncalibrated energy simulation of typology C provided indicative evidence consistent with the expected thermal behavior of a high-thermal-mass bahareque envelope, with simulated minimum temperatures in the sleeping area within the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 55-2013 comfort range (T-min 18.80 °C). Collectively, these findings contribute quantified bioclimatic documentation of vernacular bahareque architecture in Ilincho, identifying attributes—encompassing solar control, spatial compactness, high-thermal-mass envelope performance, and use of locally sourced low-embodied-energy materials—that may inform sustainable rural housing discussions in the Ecuadorian Andes and comparable high-altitude mountain contexts. Its documentation in the indexed scientific literature constitutes a step toward recognizing this constructive heritage as a practical resource for low-carbon building policy. Full article

Fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks are widely positioned as key enablers of industrial digital transformation. However, despite extensive coverage expansion, the deployment landscape remains dominated by Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures integrated with legacy 4G cores, limiting the practical availability of advanced capabilities such as Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), and network slicing. This has contributed to a disparity between projected 5G functionality and realised industrial utility. This paper investigates the economic and structural factors constraining advanced 5G adoption and examines their implications for emerging sixth-generation (6G) frameworks. We conceptualise the current stagnation as arising from concurrent supply-side and demand-side constraints: elevated Radio Access Network (RAN) capital expenditure relative to previous generations, and limited demonstrable return on investment (ROI) for advanced service capabilities. To evaluate these dynamics empirically, a regional stakeholder study was conducted across industrial and public sector organisations in Ayrshire, Scotland. Data were collected through structured surveys and workshop-based questionnaires involving 34 participants, with proportional sectoral analysis performed to assess representativeness. The results indicate that high initial deployment costs and ROI uncertainty are the primary adoption barriers, with 45.83% of respondents reporting no immediate operational requirement for advanced 5G features. The findings identify an implementation gap in which economic viability, rather than technical feasibility, limits progression beyond basic 5G deployment. The paper argues that unless cost-efficiency and sector-specific value articulation are addressed, similar adoption constraints may extend into 6G development. These results provide empirically grounded insights to inform more economically aligned next-generation network planning. Full article

Timor-Leste, Asia’s youngest nation since its independence in 2002, has been making progress in its education sector. However, these gains have not translated into leadership representation as expected, with women remaining significantly underrepresented in senior academic and managerial roles in higher education. While existing studies highlight the potential of intersectional disaggregated data to enhance the visibility of layered inequalities and inform more targeted leadership interventions, its application in Timor-Leste remains at an early stage. This study examines respondents’ perception of barriers and enablers influencing the collection and use of intersectional disaggregated data, and their association with perceived leadership interventions aimed at advancing women in higher education leadership in Timor-Leste. A survey design was employed, with questionnaires administered to purposively selected academic and non-academic staff across selected universities in Timor-Leste. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential techniques, including the Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s rank correlation (ρ). The findings suggest that respondents perceive key leadership interventions to include women’s leadership development programmes, mentorship, mental health support, and establishment of dedicated equality and diversity units Respondents also identified key enablers and barriers influencing the collection and use of intersectional disaggregated data, including staff training in ethical data practices, the use of mixed-method approaches, and the provision of privacy protections, alongside constraints related to data systems, capacity, and leadership support. Spearman’s analysis showed significant associations between perceived enablers and barriers influencing the collection and use of intersectional disaggregated data and perceived leadership interventions. This study contributes to the gender equity literature by providing empirical insights on perceived institutional conditions, reported barriers, enablers and perceived mechanisms through which intersectional data may inform leadership-related interventions in the context of Timor-Leste’s higher education system. Full article

The climate emergency in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has transformed sustainability from an aspirational goal into a strategic imperative, particularly in the context of decoupling economic growth from natural capital depletion. This research analyzes eco-innovation within the frameworks of the National Innovation System (NIS), open innovation, and absorptive capacity, with the objective of examining the moderating role of collaboration in overcoming financial, knowledge, and market-related obstacles to innovative behavior. Employing a quantitative methodology using firm-level microdata from the Latin American Harmonized Innovation Surveys (LAIS) between 2007 and 2017, this study focuses on eco-innovative outcomes specifically linked to reductions in energy and material consumption. By estimating models that assess the role of technical cooperation and public policy support, this study seeks to determine whether collaborative strategies operate as an effective buffer against uncertainty and the limitations of local innovation systems. Expanding the scope of previous analyses centered on a single country, this work provides a regional perspective that underscores institutional and sectoral disparities in emerging contexts. Ultimately, this research examines how integrating an environmental purpose into corporate strategy and strengthening absorptive capacity enable LAC firms to transform ecological pressures into sustainable competitive advantages, mitigating the barriers that traditionally hinder technological progress in the region. Full article

The accelerating pace of urbanization, both locally and regionally, is undoubtedly one of the main drivers impacting the structure and diversity of vegetation cover. However, the relationship between the diversity and distribution of plant communities and the degree of urbanization remains a topic requiring further research. This contribution aims to reveal the impact of the urbanization gradient on the structure and diversity of wild flora in the urban setting of a Mediterranean city (Témara, Morocco). The study area was subdivided into three sectors according to a decreasing urbanization gradient: the first sector delimits the city center (built-up area exceeding 75%), the second covers an area with a built-up area between 50 and 75%, and the third delimits the city’s peripheral area with a built-up area of less than 50%. Each sector was surveyed using four transects, and each transect was surveyed six times, resulting in 24 surveys covering 260.5 m² per sector. The comparative study of diversity between the three sectors was based on the calculation of alpha diversity (Shannon–Weaver index and Pielou’s evenness index) and beta diversity (Jaccard similarity index). The results showed modest specific similarity among the four transects (mean Jaccard index = 0.385) and greater floristic richness in the peripheral area than in the city center. However, no significant difference (F = 0.675, α = 0.05) was observed in specific diversity among the three sectors. In addition, the therophyte rate calculation revealed significant therophytization in the city center compared with the outskirts. Such findings may lead to a more complete understanding of the processes underlying the relationship between urbanization and plant diversity, which may have implications for the conservation of this diversity in urban settings. Full article

As organizations become increasingly digital, the environmental impact of digital infrastructures is gaining growing attention within ESG agendas. However, many organizations still struggle to translate digital infrastructure data into clear, measurable, and reliable ESG reporting outcomes. This study develops and empirically tests a socio-technical model explaining how organizations achieve ESG measurement and reporting readiness through sustainable computing practices. Drawing on a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 312 respondents from government, private, and educational organizations in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region, the study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA). The findings reveal that organizational drivers are the strongest predictors of sustainable computing practices, while organizational barriers exert significant negative effects on adoption. Sustainable computing practices play a critical mediating role by enabling organizations to transform fragmented digital data into structured and credible ESG reporting systems. Sectoral differences further highlight the influence of institutional contexts on adoption pathways. The study contributes by positioning sustainable computing as a foundational organizational capability that bridges digital transformation and ESG reporting, offering both theoretical insights and practical implications for enhancing ESG measurement and reporting readiness. Full article

The excessive generation and improper disposal of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) represent one of the main environmental challenges in the sector. However, its potential for reuse and recycling enables the mitigation of these impacts through sustainable practices. In this context, the present study aimed to estimate reference values for the Federal District, Brazil, regarding the environmental impacts associated both with the transportation stage of CDW—from its point of origin to the processing facility—and with the operations involved in its conversion into recycled aggregates, through the application of a simplified Life Cycle Assessment approach. The analysis focused on quantifying the consumption of electricity, water, and fossil fuels, as well as carbon dioxide emissions and the generation of contaminant residues throughout the analyzed process. The system boundary adopted corresponds to a “cradle-to-gate” scope, with a declared unit of 1 tonne of recycled aggregate. Additionally, a survey of scientific studies providing life cycle inventory data related to aggregate production was conducted, enabling a consistency analysis with the data obtained in this study. Primary data related to the recycled aggregate production process were collected through direct field observations, in situ measurements, and the analysis of operational records from the studied facility. For the year 2024, the environmental indicators obtained showed that the production of 1 tonne of recycled aggregate required 1.23 kWh of electricity, 5.65 L of water, and 2.14 L of diesel, in addition to resulting in emissions of 6.64 kg CO₂ eq and the generation of 2.3 kg of contaminant waste. Full article

Background: Although industrialisation of the 20th century advanced economic prosperity, it resulted in significant environmental deterioration and other industrialisation-related deleterious environmental impact. However, extant research has mainly focused on outcomes rather than on the underlying motives for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) adoption, while limited studies focus on cross-country evidence from non-service small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. This study investigates the motives for adopting SSCM practices among SMEs operating in non-service sector-based industries in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Methods: A quantitative approach was employed, drawing on instrumental, relational, and moral theoretical lenses. Data were collected through an online survey of 378 SME owners/managers using purposive and convenience sampling and analysed using comparative statistical techniques. Results: The findings reveal that relational and moral motives are the strongest drivers of SSCM adoption, with moral motives strongest in Ghana and Nigeria, moderate in South Africa, and weakest in Kenya. Significant cross-country differences and a notable motive-adoption gap were identified, highlighting the role of institutional and operational constraints. Conclusions: The study contributes novel cross-country empirical evidence from Africa and highlights the need for context-specific SSCM strategies that strengthen governance and capacity to translate ethical intent into practice. Full article

This systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesises SEM-based evidence on the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) and organisational performance. The Web of Science, Scopus, and Semantic Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed studies, published between 2015 and 2026, that reported direct TQM-to-performance structural paths. Of 255 full-text records assessed, 148 were coded, and 92 contributed to the primary random-effects model. The pooled standardised path coefficient indicates a moderate positive effect. Between-study heterogeneity was substantial. Composite TQM operationalisation produced stronger effects than individual dimensions. Aggregate and sustainability performance responded more strongly than other performance types. Meta-regression revealed no statistically significant contextual moderators. Key limitations include geographic concentration in South and Southeast Asia and the MENA region, reliance on cross-sectional survey designs, and a single-coder approach. No risk-of-bias tool was applied, as no validated instrument exists for this study type in management research. TQM consistently improves organisational performance across contexts. Future research should prioritise longitudinal designs, broader sectoral coverage, and non-English literature. Full article