Search Results (726)

The permeation of tritium from secondary neutron source rods in nuclear power plants presents a significant and unavoidable safety concern both for internal equipment and the external environment. This study primarily explores two feasible strategies for tritium permeation barriers: coating stainless steel surfaces with tritium permeation barrier (TPB) materials and utilizing materials with excellent tritium absorption properties. Through external ion irradiation tests, a comparative analysis was conducted on the tritium permeation performance, morphology, and nanohardness changes in two tritium-resistant designs, specifically Cr₂O₃/Al₂O₃ composite coatings and a zirconium-based tritium-absorbing material under varying irradiation doses. The results indicate that both approaches exhibit exceptional radiation resistance, maintaining an effective tritium permeation reduction factor (PRF) even after irradiation. Full article

Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study presents and tests an integrated model to investigate how individual cultural values influence tourists’ decisions when selecting sustainable accommodation. This study aims to examine the cultural impact on sustainable accommodation choices from the perspectives of tourists in three culturally distinct countries. Data were gathered from 1855 participants in Spain, Norway, and Lithuania using a questionnaire survey method. The data was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method, with statistical analysis based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This study found that uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation significantly influence attitude. Additionally, collectivism and power distance notably impact subjective norms, while masculinity affects perceived behavioral control. Tourists’ intentions regarding sustainable accommodation choices were determined to be influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. These findings contribute to the theoretical discussion of sustainable purchasing by emphasizing the intricate role of individual cultural values and provide practical insights for developing marketing strategies that resonate with these values. Full article

The main objective of this article is to analyze the effect of a group of predictors on entrepreneurial intention from the perspective of emotional competencies. To achieve this aim, a sample of 996 students belonging to ten public and seven private universities was selected, with each university having been granted high-quality accreditation by the Colombian Ministry of Education. The theoretical approach was based on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and the empirical analysis was based on structural equation models. Eight hypotheses were tested, with entrepreneurial intention as the dependent variable and emotional competencies, subjective norms, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial attitude as independent variables. The information was obtained by applying a questionnaire with a Likert scale to students of subjects related to entrepreneurship. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that in the two ecosystems analyzed (public and private), emotional competencies (EC) have neither a direct influence on entrepreneurial intention (EI) nor an indirect one since no significant influence is observed between emotional competencies and entrepreneurial attitude; however, a direct and positive effect was recorded between the self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitude constructs on entrepreneurial intention. In addition, it is observed that subjective norms (SN) do not directly affect EI, but they do influence it indirectly, being mediated by entrepreneurial attitude and self-efficacy. The contribution of this study is focused on obtaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial intentions of university students in Colombia, which will make it possible to foster strategies for the generation of youth employment and public policies to promote various entrepreneurial initiatives. This could be based on government regulations adopted in the last decade, which are still under development, and the broad participation of university students and research groups of higher education institutions. Furthermore, given the dearth of research examining the impact of emotional competencies on the entrepreneurial intentions of young Colombian university students, this study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap, thereby contributing to the development of a more robust body of literature that can inform the design and implementation of educational strategies and public policies aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the university ecosystems of this country. Full article

Addressing gaps in the existing research, this study investigates how event image affects attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC); how attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC impact behavioral intention, applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework; and how social support moderates these variables among older participants in park golf. We gathered data from senior park golf tournament participants and utilized confirmatory factor analysis to validate the measurement scale, assessing factor loadings, average variance extracted (AVE), and construct reliability (CR), while our analysis of Cronbach’s alpha ensured scale reliability. We also employed structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation to analyze the positive relationships and conducted a moderation analysis using Jamovi software. The results indicate the significant effect of event image on attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC, as well as the significant effect of attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC on behavioral intention. Moreover, social support moderates the relationship between subjective norms and behavioral intention. Full article

Society at large has become increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainable development, so tourism and travel service providers have begun to focus more actively on sustainable development goals. Prior research has shown that supervisors’ support fosters employee green behavior and companies’ environmental performance. This study concentrated on Portuguese hospitality contexts to develop a fuller understanding of how organizations’ green efforts can combine with the individual variables highlighted by the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (i.e., attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) to encourage supervisors’ organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE). Data on 74 hotel managers were collected with an online survey. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived green organizational climate positively correlates with TPB variables, thereby increasing supervisors’ intention to adopt and encourage OCBE in their workplaces. These findings clarify how organizational and individual factors foster managers’ OCBE. The results have practical implications for organizations seeking to promote their managers’ pro-environmental behavior to boost their environmental sustainability. Full article

The level of success in tourism is gauged by several metrics; however, the most widely used is the level of tourist arrivals. However, this research answered the call for greater investigation of the impacts of qualitative factors and intangible cultural–heritage assets on destination performance. The primary research purpose was to analyze the effect of implementing a local well-being philosophy (Tri Hita Karana) on tourist revisit intentions for Bali and the mediation of destination quality and destination image. A research model was developed to examine the relationships among local wisdom (TKH), destination quality, destination image, and revisit intentions. Data were collected via a survey of 520 digital nomadic tourists and analyzed using SmartPLS 4. The results indicated that the implementation of THK positively and significantly affected revisit intentions, destination image, and destination quality. Destination image and destination quality had positive and significant effects on revisit intentions, and destination image and destination quality also significantly mediated the effect of THK implementation on revisit intentions. The findings suggested that implementing local wisdom values such as THK in the management of a destination makes visitors feel more favorably about the quality and image of the destination and they have the intention to revisit. Full article

The detection of scintillation light in noble-liquid detectors is necessary for identifying neutrino interaction candidates from beam, astrophysical, or solar sources. Large monolithic detectors typically have highly efficient light sensors, like photomultipliers, mounted outside their electric field. This option is not available for modular detectors that wish to maximize their active volume. The ArgonCube light readout system detectors (ArCLights) are large-area thin-wavelength-shifting (WLS) panels that can operate in highly proximate modular detectors and within the electric field. The WLS plastic forming the bulk structure of the ArCLight has Tetraphenyl Butadiene (TPB) and sheets of dichroic mirror layered across its surface. It is coupled to a set of six silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). This publication compares TPB coating techniques for large surface areas and describes quality control methods for large-scale production. Full article

This research investigates the efficacy of Spirogyra sp. biomass as an effective adsorbent for the removal of AFB₁ and OTA from aqueous solutions. Several factors, including contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH level, and initial mycotoxin concentration, were analyzed to evaluate their impact on adsorption efficacy. The optimal contact time for equilibrium was determined at 60 min, during which the TPA obtained a 91% reduction in AFB₁ and 68% removal of OTA. Although increasing the adsorbent dosage improved effectiveness, excessive quantities led to particle aggregation, hence diminishing adsorption performance. The optimal dosage of 5.0 mg/mL optimized the efficacy and use of resources. Adsorption was more efficacious at acidic to neutral pH levels (5–6), enhancing the accessibility of functional groups on the biomass. Kinetic analysis indicated that adsorption process followed a pseudo second-order model, whereas isotherm studies demonstrated a heterogeneous adsorption mechanism, with the Freundlich model providing the optimal fit. The TPB exhibited enhanced adsorption capacities for both mycotoxins, offering a viable solution for mitigating mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. These findings illustrate the significance of biomass treatment techniques in improving mycotoxin removal efficacy and suggest the potential of algal biomass in food safety applications. Full article

This study analyzes the entrepreneurial intention of Romanian engineering students. We had a sample of 700 students (mean age = 23.14; SD = 2.92; 378 males and 322 females) who belonged to three technical universities and completed an online survey between October and December 2023. This research extends the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore the factors influencing students’ entrepreneurial intentions. In addition to base TPB components, such as attitude, normative and perceived behavioral control factors, we considered curiosity and well-being. Three structural equation models were used, one after the other, through the method of partial least squares (PLS-EM). The results show that attitude, perceived control behavior and curiosity have a positive impact on entrepreneurial intention, whereas subjectivenorms, surprisingly, have a negative impact on it. Psychological well-being expressed through autonomy is not associated with entrepreneurial intention in our sample of students. This article contributes to a better understanding of entrepreneurial intention in engineering students. Full article

Ecotourism, which promotes environmental conservation and brings social and economic benefits through conscious and harmonious interactions between humans and nature, has become a principal tool for achieving these objectives. Sustainable tourism can only be supported with tourists realizing the elements of attraction toward ecotourism. This study analyzes the roots of ecotourism behavior using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), specifically determining the roles of ecotourism tendency, attitude, human–land coordination stress, and sense of self-control in influencing tourists’ intention and behavior toward ecotourism. This study used a cross-sectional design, requiring 847 participants to complete a standardized questionnaire assessing their behavior toward ecotourism, attitudes, and perceptions. Reliability testing, descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and factor analysis were used to analyze the datasets to discover major factors relating to ecotourism intention behavior. A consequent outcome is that ecotourism attitude and self-determination are the significant drivers of ecotourism desire, while behavioral norms only impact ecotourism attitude and selflessness. The study concluded that the subjective perception of tourists and their behavior control ability are the ones that affect their ecotourism behavior more than other factors. The findings suggest that enhancing tourists’ ecotourism attitude, sense of self-control, and awareness of human–place coordination can significantly promote ecotourism behaviors. These results highlight the importance of comprehensive regional ecotourism analysis, robust environmental education, and promoting normative behaviors to foster sustainable tourism practices. To validate these findings, further research should focus on longitudinal studies and clinical trials to standardize integrated ecotourism strategies and explore the underlying mechanisms influencing ecotourism behavior. Full article

Employee retention is intricate in a competitive market, and yet it is critical for long-term competitive advantage, organizational performance, and longevity. Low employee retention causes several challenges, including increased training and recruitment costs, insufficiently skilled staff, and disruption to organizational operations. This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the factors influencing employees’ intention to remain with companies in the Philippines or leave the country. Data were collected through a questionnaire completed by 200 participants via online survey, with the results presented in frequency and charts. The findings aim to contribute both theoretically and practically to organizational management, offering insights for companies to adopt sustainable strategies for employee retention. Drawing on prior research and empirical theories, this study examines the effects of Employee Satisfaction (ES), Salary Impact (SI), and Workplace Impact (WI) on these intentions. The findings provide strong evidence that salary, workplace conditions, and employee satisfaction have a direct impact on employees’ decisions to stay in their home country. These findings have significant managerial implications for fostering sustainable organizational practices. Full article

In the context of the global climate change debate, changing consumer awareness and guiding them towards sustainable lifestyles should be key considerations. This study investigates the factors influencing consumers’ upcycling behaviors by conducting research and collecting 336 valid questionnaires at the “Eco Blet” sustainable design exhibition and workshop held at Livat Beijing (Ingka Centres Beijing). The survey results revealed that consumers’ upcycling behavior is significantly influenced by subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived usefulness, and attitudes. In addition, individuals with higher levels of education and those with annual incomes of less than 100,000 RMB and more than 400,000 RMB are more likely to engage in upcycling. The empirical analysis of consumer upcycling behavior is conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM), and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and technology acceptance model (TAM) are integrated into a comprehensive framework. This research provides both theoretical support and practical insights for promoting sustainable consumer behaviors, contributing significantly to carbon emission reduction. Full article

Understanding the factors that drive consumers to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) is critical to achieving decarbonization of China’s transportation sector, as well as mitigating global warming. This study aims to construct a research model based on altruistic and self-interested perspectives by integrating the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Norm Activation Model (NAM) to predict the psychological factors that influence Chinese consumers’ intention to purchase EVs. Data were collected from 867 participants in China and empirically tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Self-interested factors, namely subjective norms, attitudes and perceived behavioural control, all had a significant positive effect on EV purchase intention. Additionally, the results showed that personal norms had the greatest effect on EV purchase intention. It was also found that awareness of consequence, ascription of responsibility and subjective norms were positive predictors of personal norms. Awareness of consequence had a positive effect on both the ascription of responsibility and attitudes. The findings contribute to understanding the psychological drivers of Chinese consumers’ intention to purchase EVs and can provide decision-making references for policy makers and manufacturers. Full article

This study aimed to examine the factors influencing Chinese tourists’ shopping behavior during shopping tourism in Korea using a theoretical framework based on the modified theory of planned behavior (TPB). A quantitative research method was used; the questionnaire for this study was posted on Wenjuanxing for data collection and 269 valid questionnaires were analyzed in September 2024 using partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of analyzing the 269 questionnaires showed that attitude, conformity, perceived behavioral control, and perceived quality of goods influenced shopping intention. However, face consciousness did not affect shopping intentions. Additionally, Chinese tourists’ shopping intentions influenced their shopping behavior during shopping tourism in Korea. The results of this study reveal the potential mechanisms of the influence of shopping intentions with conformity (a factor of Chinese-subjective norms) and the perceived quality of goods (a new factor) in shopping behavior, and they provide theoretical guidance and appropriate marketing strategies for companies in the Korean tourism field. Full article

As businesses and governments increasingly explore innovative strategies to promote pro-environmental behavior, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a key initiative for fostering sustainable communities. However, the specific norms—personal, descriptive, and subjective—that influence behavioral intentions regarding AV adoption remain underexplored. This research addresses this gap by integrating the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) with pro-environmental variables to examine both direct and indirect influences on behavioral intentions. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the proposed model was validated with data from 516 domestic Chinese tourists. The findings highlight that subjective norms and trust significantly shape positive intentions toward adopting autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, environmental knowledge and concerns exert a significant indirect impact on these intentions, underscoring the complex interplay of factors that drive pro-environmental behavior. These results provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance the acceptance of AVs in China and offer a foundation for future research on the role of norms in technology adoption. Full article