Search Results (226)

This study presents DeepVisionAnalytics, an integrated framework that combines eye tracking, OpenCV-based computer vision (CV), and machine learning (ML) to support objective analysis of consumer behaviour in visually driven tasks. Unlike conventional self-reported surveys, which are prone to cognitive bias, recall errors, and social desirability effects, the proposed approach relies on direct behavioural measurements of visual attention. The system captures gaze distribution and fixation dynamics during interaction with products or interfaces. It uses AOI-level eye tracking metrics as the sole behavioural signal to infer candidate choice under constrained experimental conditions. In parallel, OpenCV and ML perform facial analysis to estimate demographic attributes (age, gender, and ethnicity). These attributes are collected independently and linked post hoc to gaze-derived outcomes. Demographics are not used as predictive features for choice inference. Instead, they are used as contextual metadata to support stratified, segment-level interpretation. Empirical results show that gaze-based inference closely reproduces observed choice distributions in short-horizon, visually driven tasks. Demographic estimates enable meaningful post hoc segmentation without affecting the decision mechanism. Together, these results show that multimodal integration can move beyond descriptive heatmaps. The platform produces reproducible decision-support artefacts, including AOI rankings, heatmaps, and segment-level summaries, grounded in objective behavioural data. By separating the decision signal (gaze) from contextual descriptors (demographics), this work contributes a reusable end-to-end platform for marketing and UX research. It supports choice inference under constrained conditions and segment-level interpretation without demographic priors in the decision mechanism. Full article

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterised by impairments in cognition, motor function, behaviour, and social interaction. Their genetic basis is highly diverse, and next-generation sequencing has become central to improving diagnostic yield. We retrospectively analysed 94 paediatric patients (0–18 years) with NDDs referred to the Paediatric and Rare Diseases Clinic, Microcitemico Hospital “A. Cao,” between January 2019 and July 2024. Each patient underwent detailed clinical evaluation and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Variants were prioritised according to ACMG guidelines. Gene burden analysis of rare predicted loss-of-function variants was performed using the Cohort Allelic Sums Test to detect enrichment in NDD cases relative to controls. WES identified 12 pathogenic variants, 16 likely pathogenic variants, and 10 variants of uncertain significance. Autosomal dominant disorders were the most frequent (n = 35 patients), while autosomal recessive and X-linked dominant conditions were identified in a single case each. The findings of this study further highlight the importance of WES in identifying novel genetic variants and in providing explanations for previously unexplained NDD cases. Moreover, the Cohort Allelic Sums Test (CAST) demonstrated that rare variants are enriched in genes implicated in neuronal development in affected individuals. Full article

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 advocates for equitable access to and participation in quality inclusive education for all learners. Inclusive education has gained worldwide recognition for promoting equity and social justice for students with special educational needs. Although the existing literature acknowledges the significant role of teachers’ intention and behaviour towards the successful implementation of inclusive education, this area is under-researched in Sub-Saharan countries, including Ghana. In this study, applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), 484 teachers at pilot inclusive schools completed an online survey assessing the factors predicting their intention and teaching behaviour towards inclusive education. A path analysis of the TPB variables revealed that only attitude and self-efficacy significantly predicted the teachers’ intention to teach in inclusive classrooms. Moreover, both self-efficacy and intention were found to significantly predict inclusive behaviour. This study’s findings will strengthen the national commitment to implementing inclusive education policy and guide future research aimed at improving and expanding inclusive education in Ghana. Full article

Animals scan their environment to detect threats. Such vigilance behaviour is costly, and animals adjust their vigilance to prevailing threats. Waterholes are dangerous places that attract predators, and require heightened vigilance. We investigated how Gouldian finches adjust their vigilance at waterholes by measuring the frequency of head movements and interscan interval while drinking. The frequency of head movements increased with increasing risk perception (a) from perching in the tree to being on the ground and (b) while drinking, with a higher frequency of movements recorded at small waterholes compared to medium and large ones. The latter adds to recent findings that small waterholes are perceived as more dangerous and require further investigation. With a predicted increase in droughts, birds will rely on small waterholes for longer during the dry season which might cause stress. Furthermore, interscan interval varied in terms of interaction with waterhole size and group size, indicating adjustments linked to perceived threat and social effects. Finally, frequency of head movements and interscan intervals were positively correlated. This might reflect different strategies to check the environment, with either a high frequency of head movements when scanning accompanied by long drinking bouts or looking in one direction for a longer time (lower vigilance) but repeating this behaviour at shorter intervals. Full article

This study investigates how digital lifestyles and cognitive fatigue influence sustainable behaviour and energy awareness among Generation Z. Drawing on environmental psychology and social science perspectives, it explores behavioural and cognitive mechanisms linking digital overexposure with pro-environmental engagement. A cross-sectional survey conducted among 683 Polish secondary-school students examined the relationships between digital activity, fatigue, self-regulation, and sustainability practices such as waste segregation, reuse, and consumption moderation. The results show that higher digital fatigue and problematic online use are negatively associated with sustainability engagement, supporting the view that cognitive overload reduces individuals’ capacity for mindful, sustainability-oriented action. Using k-means clustering and robust regression analyses based on ordinary least squares (OLS), this study identifies distinct sustainability behaviour profiles among Generation Z and examines how digital fatigue and problematic online use predict lower engagement in pro-environmental practices. Importantly, educational level moderated this effect, suggesting that energy and sustainability literacy can buffer the adverse consequences of digital exhaustion. The findings contribute to the growing field of digital sustainability and highlight the need to integrate digital well-being and environmental education into youth and social policy frameworks. Full article

This study examines the psychosocial factors predicting municipal solid waste separation in Italy, applying and extending a model originally developed for Southern regions. The model integrates the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Value-Belief-Norm framework to explain how values, norms, and attitudes shape waste separation intentions and behaviours. Using data from 321 online survey respondents, this study tests the model’s validity in Northern Italy. Additionally, the study examines the relationships among the variables under investigation in people residing in the Northern and Southern regions of Italy. Findings confirm the model (χ² (10) = 28.118, p = 0.002, CFI = 0.956; RMSEA = 0.075; AIC = 8.118): bio-altruistic values and social norms significantly predict positive attitudes, which in turn determine behavioural intentions. Perceived distributive unfairness is negatively associated with attitudes toward waste separation. Separation behaviour is mainly influenced by internal attributions and knowledge, while egoistic values show a negative relationship. The multi-group analysis indicates a good model fit for both Northern and Southern samples (χ² (31) = 45.059, p = 0.049, CFI = 0.969; RMSEA = 0.053; AIC = −16.941), suggesting consistent psychosocial mechanisms. By integrating psychosocial insights with behavioural data, this research highlights the importance of knowledge, fairness, and social norms in promoting sustainable waste management. The findings provide practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners to design regionally communication and participation strategies that enhance the long-term sustainability of waste separation systems in Italy. Full article

Background: Hypertension is a leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases globally, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa. Primordial prevention targeting normotensive individuals plays a key role in reducing lifetime risk. Aim: To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and social determinants of health related to primordial hypertension prevention among normotensive adults in OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape province. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 245 randomly selected normotensive adults. A validated questionnaire captured socio-demographic characteristics and KAP levels. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Participants demonstrated moderate knowledge (53.9%), highly positive attitudes (86.1%), and fair preventive practices (59.6%), highlighting a clear knowledge–practice gap. Higher knowledge was significantly associated with female gender (p < 0.001), older age (p < 0.001), and family history of hypertension (p = 0.001). Positive attitudes correlated with older age (p = 0.018) and higher education (p = 0.008). Knowledge level significantly predicted both positive attitudes (p < 0.001) and preventive practices (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Despite moderate knowledge and positive attitudes, a clear knowledge–practice gap was evident, possibly influenced by social and structural constraints. Strengthening primordial hypertension prevention in rural South Africa requires integrated strategies combining context-specific health education with interventions addressing structural barriers to enable sustainable behaviour change. Full article

Although many instruments assess driving behaviour, the validity of the Chinese versions of these tools in assessing the driving behaviours of drivers aged over 60 years remains largely unexamined. Additionally, the number of Chinese drivers over 55 obtaining licenses continues to rise, yet links between risky driving and crashes in this group are underexplored. To address these gaps, the Road Traffic Behaviours Questionnaire (RTBQ) was adapted to 320 drivers aged 55–65 years. Participants completed questionnaires assessing personality traits, social desirability, and driving behaviour. The finalized Chinese version of the RTBQ contains 13 questions and demonstrates excellent reliability. Significant associations among the RTBQ score, personality traits, social desirability and aggressive and prosocial driving behaviours suggest that its convergent and discriminant validity are acceptable. Finally, drivers with previous traffic accidents scored significantly higher on the RTBQ than those without traffic accidents, indicating its known-group validity is satisfactory. The RTBQ score can also predict traffic accidents in the following 6 months. The reliable and validated RTBQ has the potential to be used for subsequent research on Chinese drivers aged 55–65 years and provides empirical evidence for traffic safety policy-making in China. Full article

Background: Falls are a major cause of injury, functional decline, and reduced quality of life among older adults, posing a significant public health challenge. Social prescribing is gaining relevance in gerontology, offering structured strategies to engage individuals in preventive activities, including fall prevention strategies, through engagement in community-based activities. Aim: To examine older adults’ perception of the relevance of personal protection and development activities (e.g., prevention against falling) and compare sociodemographic, behavioural, and engagement profiles between those who agree and those who disagree with its relevance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 613 older adults aged 65–93 years. Data collection included sociodemographic, health-related, and behavioural/social engagement variables (including perceptions regarding the benefits of social prescribing and interest in community-based activities). For this analysis, participants were dichotomized based on their agreement with the relevance of personal protection and development activities (e.g., prevention against falling). Of the 569 participants included, 538 (94.5%) agreed with its relevance and 31 (5.5%) disagreed. Descriptive and exploratory analyses were conducted to compare the two groups across variables. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore independent predictors of agreement across sociodemographic, behavioural, social prescribing, and health-related variables. Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups in awareness of active ageing (p = 0.018), volunteering (p < 0.001), participation in social and community activities (p < 0.001), and hobbies like gardening, fishing, or cooking (p = 0.002). Those who agreed with the importance of personal protection and development activities were significantly more likely to value a range of initiatives, including social activities in recreational organizations, physical activity in the community (e.g., hiking), artistic and creative activities (e.g., visual arts, music), technical or technological activities (e.g., do-it-yourself, computers), and cultural enrichment activities (e.g., visiting museums), (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed no effects of sociodemographic or health-related factors, whereas behavioural and engagement-related variables—including volunteering, hobbies, and several social prescribing activities—significantly predicted agreement with the relevance of personal protection and development activities. Discussion: The findings suggest that older adults who perceive fall prevention as relevant are more actively engaged in diverse health-promoting activities, including volunteering, hobbies, and community-based programmes. This pattern may reflect higher health literacy, stronger social networks, and proactive attitudes towards ageing. Conclusions: Perceptions of fall prevention are closely linked to broader patterns of engagement in health-promoting activities among older adults. Recognizing and addressing differences in how these activities are valued can inform more inclusive and targeted gerontological interventions. Full article

Improving the social environment conducive to learning in schools is a critical challenge globally and within the Swedish context, as education systems face persistent issues like a lack of classroom safety and a concurrent crisis in teacher well-being and professional leadership. Therefore, various intervention frameworks are implemented to address the issue. This study investigated how two Swedish compulsory schools implemented the Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS) framework. By combining classroom observations and teacher interviews, the research addresses a gap in existing research that often provides an incomplete view of actual practices. The results, based on observations and interviews with 14 staff members, confirmed that PBS successfully creates a calm and predictable school climate. Teachers consistently maintained a calm demeanour and used clear lesson structures, along with positive feedback. However, the study also revealed a significant gap between the intended proactive nature of PBS and the observed reactive behaviours of teachers. While the framework fostered a shared, collaborative approach among staff, it was inconsistently applied when it came to proactive strategies, such as explicitly teaching social and life skills. The results suggest that future professional development should focus on helping teachers shift from a reactive to a more consistently proactive and positive model of behavioural support. Full article

AI-generated phishing emails present a growing cybersecurity threat, exploiting human psychology with high-quality, context-aware language. This paper introduces a novel two-stage detection framework that combines deep learning with psychological analysis to address this challenge. A new dataset containing 2995 GPT-o1-generated phishing emails, each labelled with Cialdini’s six persuasion principles, is created across five organisational sectors—forming one of the largest and most behaviourally annotated corpora in the field. The first stage employs a fine-tuned DistilBERT model to predict the presence of persuasion principles in each email. These confidence scores then feed into a lightweight dense neural network at the second stage for final binary classification. This interpretable design balances performance with insight into attacker strategies. The full system achieves 94% accuracy and 98% AUC, outperforming comparable methods while offering a clearer explanation of model decisions. Analysis shows that principles like authority, scarcity, and social proof are highly indicative of phishing, while reciprocation and likeability occur more often in legitimate emails. This research contributes an interpretable, psychology-informed framework for phishing detection, alongside a unique dataset for future study. Results demonstrate the value of behavioural cues in identifying sophisticated phishing attacks and suggest broader applications in detecting malicious AI-generated content. Full article

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) is a powerful form of online communication that strongly influences consumer purchasing behaviour. However, what remains less clear is the combined influence of situational factors versus personality traits when assessed simultaneously. The aim of this paper is to address this gap by developing an integrative conceptual model to assess the comparative relevance of situational factors and personality traits in driving eWOM generation in the Romanian accommodation sector. To implement the research scope, an empirical, quantitative, questionnaire-based investigation was pursued, data being collected from 291 tourists who had previous experience with online accommodation platforms such as booking.com, Airbnb, Trivago, etc. Based on the proposed conceptual model, data were analysed by means of structural equation modelling via SmartPLS 4.0. The research extends previous knowledge based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and the Theory of Cognitive Dissonance (TCD), showing the combined multiple effects of situational factors and personality traits on consumers’ behaviour in generating eWOM in the accommodation sector. The results show that acquisition regret strongly drives eWOM generation intention, this regret being significantly increased by the unpleasantness, unacceptability, and importance of the consumer’s situation. Consumer expressivity predicts eWOM generation and is positively influenced by perceived social support, a relationship newly validated in the literature. Full article

Zero-sum beliefs about human–nature relations represent a relatively understudied psychological construct that can shape prosocial behaviours directed toward both the natural environment and humans. Yet, little is known about the individual difference factors that contribute to these beliefs. This study investigates whether Need for Cognition, Tolerance of Ambiguity, and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) predict zero-sum beliefs about the human–nature relationship (ZSB-NH). A cross-sectional, online survey (N = 355 Australians, M_Age = 52.77) assessed Need for Cognition, Tolerance of Ambiguity, SDO, and ZSB-NH, with hierarchical multiple regression revealing that together, Need for Cognition, Tolerance of Ambiguity, and SDO explained 29.9% of the variance in ZSB-NH. However, only SDO, and specifically SDO-Anti-Egalitarianism, significantly predicted ZSB-NH, with a positive and large effect. Need for Cognition and Tolerance of Ambiguity were not significant predictors of ZSB-NH, despite significant negative correlations with ZSB-NH, highlighting the importance of multivariate research to reveal the true effects of these predictors. The findings contribute to the limited research on ZSB-NH, suggesting that interventions should target hierarchical attitudes to influence zero-sum beliefs about the human relationship with nature. Full article

Prolonged stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and two concurrent earthquakes in 2020 increased Internet-based addictive behaviour, leading to decrease in mental health and quality of life (QoL) in the adult Croatian population. This study examined the association between Internet-based addictive behaviour and QoL during prolonged stress (pandemic and earthquakes). Specifically, it explored direct associations between QoL domains and overall/specific Internet use, problematic Internet use (PIU), and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as the indirect role of these symptoms in mediating the relationship between PIU and QoL. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in autumn 2021 with a convenience sample (N = 1004; 82.2% women; M age = 34.98, SD = 12.24). Measures included increased overall and specific Internet use, PIU, stress (Impact of Event Scale), anxiety and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and QoL (WHOQoL-BREF). Structural equation modelling showed that increased Internet use and PIU were directly associated with more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and with lower QoL. Significant indirect effects were also found: higher PIU, social media use, online shopping, and pornography viewing predicted greater depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, which in turn predicted reduced QoL across multiple domains. These findings suggest that problematic and increased Internet use during periods associated with prolonged stress contribute to lower QoL through elevated psychological distress. Full article

AI-based assistive technologies (AIATs) are increasingly recognised as essential tools to enhance accessibility, independence, and inclusion for visually impaired students in higher education. However, limited evidence exists regarding the determinants of their acceptance and use, particularly in terms of psychosocial factors. This study aimed to extend the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by incorporating physical self-esteem (PSE) as a moderator and behavioural intention (BI) as a mediator within a single model. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire administered to 395 visually impaired undergraduates across five Saudi universities. Constructs included effort expectancy (EE), performance expectancy (PE), facilitating conditions (FCs), social influence (SI), BI, and PSE. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis. Results showed that PE and SI significantly predicted both BI and adoption, while EE strongly predicted BI but not AIAT adoption; FC had no significant influence on either outcome. BI positively affected AIAT adoption and mediated the effects of PE, EE, and SI, but not FC. Moderation analysis indicated that PSE strengthened the influence of PE, EE, and SI on BI and adoption. These findings underscore the significance of psychological factors, particularly self-esteem, in promoting the adoption of AIAT and offer guidance for developing inclusive educational strategies. Full article