Search Results (196)

Microplastic pollution is an escalating environmental and public health issue. Defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, microplastics have been found in oceans, rivers, food, drinking water, air, and even human tissues. While scientific research on microplastics has expanded significantly, public understanding and behavioral change remain limited. This literature scan synthesizes global findings on public awareness, perceptions, and responses to microplastics, drawing from surveys, focus groups, and online behavioral data collected by existing studies. It explores the following: (1) general knowledge and perceived environmental and health risks; (2) trust in scientific and governmental sources; (3) willingness to adopt behavioral changes; (4) attitudes toward policy and corporate responsibility. Public concern is high, especially regarding marine life and food safety, but varies across populations based on education, socioeconomic status, and media exposure. Despite growing concern, psychological distance and persistent knowledge gaps hinder meaningful action. Communication strategies such as school programs, media campaigns, and eco-labels show mixed success, while regulatory interventions like plastic bags or microbead bans are more effective when supported by clear public messaging. This literature scan highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to close the knowledge–behavior–policy gap and strengthen public engagement, particularly in urban settings where consumption and waste generation are concentrated. Full article

Background/Objectives: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends some vaccinations using shared clinical decision-making (SCDM). SCDM recommendations are made when not every individual within a given age or risk group would benefit from vaccination, requiring collaborative discussions between patients and providers to assess risks and benefits. Pharmacists play a key role in implementing this recommendation and have frequent opportunities to engage with patients who may be eligible for SCDM-based vaccines. Because SCDM requires provider discussions to assess each patient’s eligibility for the vaccines under SCDM, trust may play a central role in the process. Trust has been suggested to affect patient’s participation in their care and their decision making preferences; however, the nature of this relationship in the context of SCDM vaccines and willingness to engage with pharmacists has yet to be investigated. As the CDC continues to expand the SCDM vaccine category, there is need to assess these. This study aimed to examine relationships between patient characteristics, trust in pharmacists, willingness to engage in SCDM, and vaccination decision control preference. Methods: Using quota sampling, cross-sectional data were collected from Alabama residents aged 18+ between February and March 2024 via a validated online questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between trust, patient characteristics and willingness. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the direct and indirect relationships between trust, willingness and vaccination decision control preference. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A substantial portion (45.8%) of participants were unaware that certain vaccinations were based on SCDM. Multivariable logistic regression showed that race (Black vs. White, p = 0.001), age (25–34 vs. 18–24, p = 0.029), highest degree obtained (high school diploma or graduate equivalency degree vs. less than high school, p = 0.001; associate degree or vocational certificate vs. less than high school, p = 0.000; bachelor’s degree or higher vs. less than high school, p = 0.001), political affiliation (Democrat vs. Republican, p = 0.002), confidence in understanding health-related information (high vs. low, p =.029); moderate vs. low, p = 0.002), and patients’ trust in community pharmacists’ communication skills (p = 0.045) and benevolence (p = 0.001) towards their patients were significantly associated with patients’ willingness to engage in SCDM. Trust had a significant direct (p = 0.001) and indirect relationship (p = 0.000) with decision control preference through the willingness variable. Conclusions: Educational interventions are recommended to improve awareness and knowledge of SCDM vaccines among patients. Given their trusted role, pharmacists should actively build and maintain trust with patients, as this may help foster collaborative environments for discussion, encourage patient engagement in SCDM, and support more informed vaccination choices. Full article

Background: Expanding the role of healthcare professionals could improve patient care. Workforce shortages and financial challenges within the healthcare system have led to non-medical prescribing models, such as pharmacist prescribing in several countries. However, in Germany, the prescribing authority remains with medical professionals, leaving pharmacist prescribing unexplored. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess community pharmacists’ perceptions of the concept of prescribing by pharmacists, to investigate general concerns, and to evaluate the overall readiness and willingness of community pharmacists to take on prescribing responsibilities. Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous online survey of community pharmacists was conducted between August and October 2023. The 22-item questionnaire included demographic characteristics, daily work routines, and statements regarding the concept of prescribing by pharmacists. The data were coded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0.1. Results: The key finding was that attitudes toward prescribing by pharmacists were generally very positive, regardless of the pharmacists’ age and the size of the city in which the pharmacy was located. This positive perception was reflected by 82.3% of the participants, indicating support for the concept of prescribing by pharmacists in Germany. Additionally, 81.8% expressed confidence in taking on a prescribing role after completing the necessary qualifications and training, which 85.9% of all participants considered a basic requirement. Conclusions: Most participants expressed strong support for prescribing by pharmacists and indicated openness to its implementation on a certain scale while addressing the importance of further and specialized training. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vaccination uptake in Ethiopia is deeply shaped by gender norms, with women serving as primary caregivers but often limited by low autonomy, while men typically control household decisions but remain less engaged in child health. This study examines gendered influences on vaccine hesitancy and acceptance to inform future strategies. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in four regions of Ethiopia (Amhara, Oromia, Afar, and Tigray). Quantitative data were collected from 992 caregivers through multistage stratified sampling procedure, whereas qualitative data were collected from 26 in-depth interviews, 24 exit interviews and 11 key informant interviews and were analyzed thematically guided by the WHO Behavioural and Social Drivers framework. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the associations. Results: The result highlighted that the proportion of caregivers who reported willingness to vaccinate their child with all recommended vaccines was high (93.5%) and more likely among those with higher education, family support, religious support, and frequency of health worker contact. However, 51.1% of caregivers displayed some degree of vaccine hesitancy, with higher prevalence among males. Hesitancy was linked to traditional beliefs and norms that assign vaccination responsibility to mothers, urban residence, and being employed, while secondary education, family support, and religious support were protective. While acceptance is high, hesitancy persists. Gender roles, education, social support, and health worker engagement influence immunization outcomes. Conclusions: The study highlighted that expanding immunization across all age groups and reducing persistent hesitancy requires a shift toward gender-responsive strategies including integrating a gender perspective into the immunization programs that address traditional norms and misinformation. Full article

The South Korean government plans to increase the share of renewable energy (RE) used in public buildings by 10% from the current 30% to 40% by 2030. This article seeks to estimate the public willingness to pay (WTP) for this increase. To this end, a contingent valuation was applied, with 1000 households randomly selected and surveyed through one-on-one interviews. The payment vehicle and WTP elicitation method were determined to be income tax per household and the one-and-one-half-bound model, respectively. The annual WTP per household was estimated to be KRW 2712 (USD 2.04) with statistical significance. When expanded to the population, this produces an annual value of KRW 60.15 billion (USD 45.23 million). The increase in the RE use share can not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also result in savings on electricity bills. The sum of these two can be considered as benefits, and the sum of the construction and maintenance costs incurred due to the increase can be considered as costs. The cost–benefit analysis indicates that the present value of net benefits and the benefit-to-cost ratio were estimated to be KRW 667.3 billion (USD 501.7 million) and 1.48, respectively. Consequently, the increase is socially desirable and should be implemented immediately. Full article

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major threat to global public health, with the disease burden particularly severe in developing countries, China being one of them. The preventive and control effects of traditional treatment methods on NCDs are limited, and innovative strategies are urgently needed. In recent years, vaccine technology has expanded from the field of infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therapeutic vaccines have shown the potential to intervene in chronic diseases through immunomodulation, but their research and development (R & D), as well as promotion, still face multiple challenges. Methods: This article systematically reviews the current development status of NCD vaccines worldwide and points out the imbalance in their matching with disease burden: current research focuses on the field of cancer, while there is a lack of targeted vaccines for high-burden diseases such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease; the progress of independent R & D in China lags behind, and there are implementation obstacles such as uneven distribution of medical resources between urban and rural areas and low public willingness to be vaccinated. Results: By analyzing the biological mechanisms of NCD vaccines and non-biological challenges, phased solutions are proposed: In the short term, focus on target discovery and improvement of vaccine accessibility. In the medium term, strengthen multi-center clinical trials and international technology sharing. In the long term, build a digital health monitoring system and a public–private partnership financing model. Conclusions: The breakthrough of NCD vaccines requires interdisciplinary collaboration and systematic policy support. Their successful application will reshape the paradigm of chronic disease prevention and control, providing a new path for global health equity. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in both Poland and worldwide. Despite a decline in CVD-related mortality observed in Poland since 1991, national rates still exceed the European Union average. Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and the level of health awareness among Polish Armed Forces personnel, including both soldiers and civilian employees. A total of 308 participants (82.00% soldiers) underwent anthropometric measurements, lipid profile testing, and completed a structured questionnaire. Results: The results indicate a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as overweight (30.30%), low physical activity (21.20%), and tobacco use (21.20%). Additionally, 54.00% of respondents reported experiencing stress, and 17.00% had elevated cholesterol levels. Statistically significant associations were found between selected parameters and gender, age, service corps, and occupational status. Despite a moderate level of knowledge regarding CVD, the majority of participants expressed a willingness to expand their understanding. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of early prevention and health education on cardiovascular diseases, especially in military environments where stress and lifestyle factors may contribute to increased risk. Full article

Against the backdrop of pervasive land fragmentation and high transaction costs, organized land transfer has emerged as a growing trend in China’s agricultural land market, facilitating the transition toward moderate-scale farming. Based on survey data from 1472 households across 72 villages in Jiangsu Province, this study investigates the impact of organized land transfer on agricultural land allocation efficiency and explores the underlying mechanisms. The results show that organized land transfer significantly enhances agricultural land allocation efficiency. This finding proves to be robust across a series of robustness analyses. Specifically, organized land transfer enhances land allocation efficiency, primarily by enhancing transfer stability, expanding the transfer scale, and broadening the transfer scope. Moreover, our analysis of moderating factors reveals that the strength of the village collective economy positively moderates the relationship between organized land transfer and efficiency, whereas lineage networks exert a negative moderating influence. Addressing equity implications, this study also examines the model’s impact on farmers’ autonomy. The findings indicate that organized land transfer significantly suppresses transfer willingness, particularly in those with low incomes and the elderly. These results carry significant policy implications: when promoting organized land transfer, it is crucial to balance the strengthening of village collectives’ intermediary role with robust regulatory frameworks designed to safeguard farmers’ land rights and autonomy. Full article

Based on SWOT and TOWS analyses and combined with expert interviews, this study proposes a series of marketing strategies to enhance consumers’ willingness to purchase used electric vehicles (UEVs). In terms of the strengths and opportunities (SO) strategy, it is recommended that enterprises strengthen marketing and brand building, customize services and special features, use price advantages and environmental awareness to attract specific groups, provide convenient charging services, give full play to technical support advantages, and expand channels through cooperation with the government and manufacturers. The strategies for the strengths and threats (ST) scenario include establishing a government relations department, improving product quality and brand image, enhancing information transparency and quality assurance, and building a partner network and customer relationships. In terms of weaknesses and opportunities (WO), it is proposed to transform corporate weaknesses into opportunities by investing in evaluation technology and expanding charging facilities, strengthening market promotion and consumer education, and providing personalized car purchase advice and high-quality after-sales services. In the face of weaknesses and threats (WT), the emphasis is on reducing risks and improving competitiveness by improving quality management, internal management, and providing long-term after-sales and warranty services. The main innovation of this study lies in integrating SWOT-TOWS strategic frameworks with qualitative expert insights to develop actionable and scenario-specific marketing strategies for the UEV market—an area previously underexplored in existing literature. The comprehensive strategy proposed in this study provides a practical path for UEV companies to enhance consumer trust and purchase willingness and promote the industry’s sustainable development. Full article

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, its widespread application in the field of business management has become a significant issue faced by contemporary enterprises. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model, this study explores the impact of AI technology acceptance on organizational decision-making efficiency, performance, and the depth of technology application. It also reveals the driving mechanisms of top management support, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use on AI technology adoption through path analysis. To validate the research hypotheses, the study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) based on survey data collected from 420 respondents across various industries. The study found that top management support significantly enhances technology acceptance through perceived variables, while perceived usefulness is the core factor driving technology adoption. Although perceived ease of use has a weaker effect, it is equally important in lowering the psychological barriers during the initial stages of technology adoption. The adoption of AI technology has significantly improved organizational decision efficiency and overall performance, promoting the deep application of technology by optimizing resource allocation and enhancing scientific decision-making capabilities. This study further validates the applicability of the TAM theory in the context of AI technology, expanding its theoretical explanatory power in complex technology-adoption mechanisms. At the same time, the research provides practical guidance for enterprises in the introduction and application of technology, emphasizing that managers need to shape an open and innovative organizational culture at a strategic level and enhance employees’ willingness to accept technology through technical training and value transmission. Future research can incorporate cross-cultural and multi-level analytical frameworks to explore the dynamic adaptation paths of AI technology adoption and its potential risks in sustainable development. Full article

Under intensified downward economic pressures on the economy, technological innovation is playing a pivotal role in the development of Chinese enterprises. Employees’ psychological safety significantly influences their innovative behaviors, as a climate of psychological safety fosters greater willingness among staff to engage in voice behaviors. Guanxi with a team leader may decrease this effect. This study analyzed survey data from 263 employees of China’s private manufacturing enterprises to explore the moderating role of guanxi with a team leader in the relationship between psychological safety climate and voice behavior. Results showed that psychological safety climate was positively correlated with promotive and prohibitive voices, and employees with a higher psychological safety climate were more likely to develop voice behavior. Guanxi with team leaders negatively moderated the relationship between psychological safety climate and promotive and prohibitive voices, and the association between psychological safety climate and promotive and prohibitive voices was strong when guanxi with a team leader was weak. This study expands the scope of the application of guanxi, with team leaders as a moderating variable. It helps leaders focus on the psychological safety climate of employees, maintain harmonious and friendly interpersonal relationships with employees, enable employees to spontaneously contribute to the development of the organization, and enhance cohesion in the organization. Full article

Background: Kidney transplantation from a living donor is considered the most beneficial form of treatment for end-stage renal failure, which, in addition to providing patients with better treatment results, significantly improves their quality of life. Understanding factors that influence the willingness to donate kidneys to strangers is critical in promoting and expanding the living donor pool. When considering the decision to become an altruistic kidney donor, individuals must evaluate multiple factors, including the identity of the recipient and their own perceived level of safety. This study aimed to assess the willingness of dialysis center employees to act as living kidney donors for a stranger. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from February 2023 to June 2024 among dialysis specialists across Poland. The study involved 1093 people (doctors and nurses). The study used our survey questionnaire and standardized tools. Results: Nurses (vs. physicians) and those who advocated the regulation of unspecified living kidney donation in Poland, did not believe in the risk of organ trafficking, and would donate a kidney to a husband/wife or friend and accept kidney transplantation from a husband/wife were more likely to donate a kidney to a stranger. Furthermore, respondents who accepted a loved one’s decision to donate a kidney to a stranger were significantly more willing to donate a kidney to such a person themselves. Perceived self-efficacy was positively associated with the willingness to donate a kidney to a stranger. Conclusions: Less than half of healthcare professionals supported unspecific living organ donation in Poland, and nurses were more willing to donate than physicians. The factors supporting the decision generally included knowledge about organ donation and transplantation, a lack of fear of organ trafficking, and attitudes towards donation. Full article

Under the impetus of digital rural development and the rapid advancement of smart logistics, intelligent terminal delivery technologies are gradually expanding into rural areas. This study employs a three-phase mixed research approach to systematically investigate the factors influencing and mechanisms underlying rural residents’ willingness to adopt smart logistics in Hebei Province. In the first phase, grounded theory is employed to identify seven key perceived factors: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, sensitivity to collective evaluation, cultural conservatism, infrastructure quality, facilitating conditions, and technological trust. In the second phase, integrating the TAM and the UTAUT, this study incorporates context-specific variables and conducts empirical analysis using SEM and the bootstrap method on 451 valid questionnaire responses. The results indicate that all factors except infrastructure quality significantly influence adoption willingness, with cultural conservatism exerting a negative effect. In the third phase, fsQCA is applied to identify eight configurations that lead to high adoption willingness, further supplementing and enriching the explanatory power of the SEM results. This research expands the theoretical understanding of smart logistics technology adoption mechanisms in rural areas and offers practical guidance for the promotion and application of related technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: End-of-life (EOL) HIV cure research, which studies HIV persistence through pre- and post-mortem tissue collection, has focused primarily on people living with HIV (PLWH) with a prognosis of six months or less. However, the perspectives of long-term survivors (LTS) diagnosed before the advent of effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) remain underexplored. Understanding their motivations and concerns about EOL cure research is essential for creating inclusive and ethical research frameworks. Methods: Between 2023 and 2024, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 16 PLWH aged 60 and older from diverse backgrounds across the United States, recruited through community-based organizations and HIV networks. We used inductive thematic analysis to explore LTS’ perspectives on EOL HIV research. Results: Participants included cisgender men (56.25%) and women (43.75%) with diverse racial identities. While participants supported EOL HIV cure research, their willingness to participate varied, influenced by awareness, logistics, and ethical concerns. Altruism-motivated participation, but misconceptions about procedures and concerns over bodily integrity represented potential barriers. Some viewed blood draws and leukaphereses as routine, while others expressed hesitancy with biopsies and post-mortem tissue retrieval. HIV stigma, historical mistrust, and cultural beliefs also played a role in willingness to participate. LTS emphasized the need for decentralized research sites, travel support, and financial safeguards. Conclusions: To include LTS in EOL HIV cure research, a community-driven approach is needed, focusing on clear communication, ethical considerations, logistical support, and linkages to EOL care. Addressing misconceptions and building trust, particularly within groups traditionally underrepresented in research, is essential to expanding participation. Full article

Agricultural green production (AGP) is a key strategy for ensuring stable and sustainable grain production in developing countries. However, from the perspective of technology acquisition, research on farmers’ willingness to adopt AGP remains limited. Based on this, a survey was conducted on 862 households in major grain-producing counties in the Huang Huai Hai Plain of China with a reliable and effective response rate of 97.44%. The aim was to employ Probit and mediation models to empirically analyze the direct impacts of green perception benefits and environmental regulation intensity on farmers’ AGP willingness, and further examine the intrinsic mechanisms of technology acquisition. The results demonstrated that both green perception benefits and environmental regulation intensity significantly enhanced farmers’ willingness to engage in AGP, with green perception benefits having a greater influence. Among the two-dimensional variables, economic benefits had a stronger promoting effect than identity benefits, with a difference of 0.044 units, while subjective regulation intensity outperformed objective regulation intensity by 0.173 units. This suggested the need to strengthen the subjective impact of AGP policies in practice. Further analysis revealed that technology acquisition mediated 5.87% of the effect of green perception benefits on farmers’ AGP willingness, with acquisition evaluation having the greatest mediating effect, followed by acquisition quality and acquisition channels. However, although the overall environmental regulation intensity did not significantly impact farmers’ willingness to engage in AGP, its two-dimensional indicators played a mediating role to varying degrees. The findings in this study provide valuable empirical evidence for promoting AGP among grain producers, contributing to grain production security and the sustainable development of developing countries. Thus, implementing environmental regulatory policies tailored to local conditions, enhancing farmers’ economic awareness and sense of responsibility, and expanding farmers’ channels for technology acquisition are reasonable policy choices. Full article