Search Results (380)

Background: Nurse-manager competencies shape workforce stability, yet role-based perception gaps between managers and staff may influence staff nurses’ turnover cognitions. Objectives: To (1) compare nurse managers’ self-ratings with staff nurses’ ratings of the same managers on the Nurse Manager Competency Inventory (NMCI); (2) compare both groups’ perceptions of staff nurses’ turnover intention (EMTIS); (3) examine domain-specific links between perceived competencies and perceived turnover intention; and (4) explore demographic influences (age, education, experience) on these perceptions. Methods: Cross-sectional dual-rater study with 225 staff nurses and 171 nurse managers in two tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from August to November 2024. Managers completed NMCI self-ratings, and staff nurses rated their managers on the same NMCI domains; both groups rated staff nurses’ turnover intention using EMTIS. Between-group differences were tested with one-way ANOVA (two-tailed α = 0.05), and associations were examined with Pearson’s r (95% CIs). Findings: Managers consistently rated themselves higher than staff rated them across all nine NMCI domains; the largest descriptive gaps were in Promoting Staff Retention, Recruit Staff, Perform Supervisory Responsibilities, and Facilitate Staff Development (e.g., overall NMCI: managers M = 3.67, SD = 0.61 vs. staff M = 3.04, SD = 0.74; F = 0.114, p = 0.73)with comparatively smaller divergence for Ensure Patient Safety and Quality. Managers and staff did not differ significantly on EMTIS (overall EMTIS: managers M = 3.16, SD = 1.28 vs. staff M = 3.00, SD = 1.15; F = 21.32, p = 0.173). Specific competency domains—retention, supervision, staff development, safety/quality leadership, and quality improvement—showed small inverse correlations with EMTIS facets (typical r ≈ −0.11 to −0.19; p < 0.05), whereas the global NMCI–overall EMTIS correlation was non-significant (r = −0.077, p = 0.124). Effect sizes were modest and should be interpreted cautiously. Conclusions: Actionable signals reside at the domain (micro-competency) level rather than in global leadership composites. Targeted, continuous, unit-embedded development in human- and development-focused competencies—tracked with dual-lens (manager–staff) measurement and linked to retention KPIs—may help nudge turnover cognitions downward. Key limitations include the cross-sectional, perception-based design and two-site setting. Findings nonetheless align with international workforce challenges and may be transferable to similar hospital contexts. Full article

The activation and dissociation of O₂ molecules play a key role in the oxidation of toxic gas molecules and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in hydrogen–oxygen fuel cells. The interactions between O₂ molecules and the surfaces of Fe-doped γ-graphyne were systematically explored, mainly adopting the combined method of the density functional theory with dispersion correction (DFT-D3) and the climbing image nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) method. The order of the formation energy values of these defective systems is E_f(Fe_C2) < E_f(Fe_C1) < E_f(Fe_D1) < E_f(V_C1) < E_f(V_D1) < E_f(V_C2) < E_f(Fe_D2) < E_f(V_D2), which indicates that the process of Fe dopant atoms substituting single-carbon atoms/double-carbon atoms is relatively easier than the formation of vacancy-like defects. The results of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations confirm that the doped systems can maintain structural stability at room temperature conditions. Fe-doped atoms transfer a certain amount of electrons to the adsorbed O₂ molecules, thereby causing an increase in the O-O bond length of the adsorbed O₂ molecules. The electrons obtained by the anti-bonding 2π* orbitals of the adsorbed O₂ molecules are mainly derived from the 3d orbitals of Fe atoms. There is a competitive relationship between the substrate’s carbon atoms and the adsorbed O₂ molecules for the charges transferred from Fe atoms. In the C1 and C2 systems, O₂ molecules have a greater advantage in electron accepting ability compared to the substrate’s carbon atoms. The elongation of O-O bonds and the amount of charge transfer exhibit a positive relationship. More electrons are transferred from Fe-3d orbitals to adsorbed O₂ molecules, occupying the 2π* orbitals of adsorbed O₂ molecules, further elongating the O-O chemical bond until it breaks. The dissociation process of adsorbed O₂ molecules on the surfaces of GY-Fe systems (C2 and D2 sites) involves very low energy barriers (0.016 eV for C2 and 0.12 eV for D2). Thus, our studies may provide useful insights for designing catalyst materials for oxidation reactions and the oxygen reduction reaction. Full article

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have redefined the dynamics of self-disclosure, enabling users to share personal information in curated and highly visible ways. Existing research often frames this practice through the “privacy paradox,” yet such models overlook the deeper psychological motivations behind online disclosure. Drawing on more than 150 peer-reviewed sources, this paper advances a conceptual distinction between identity and the Self, with emphasis on the expression of the “True Self” in digital contexts. The discussion, informed by psychological perspectives of the self, examines how SNSs facilitate authentic dimensions of identity rarely expressed offline due to fear of judgment. Integrating theoretical frameworks such as Construal Level Theory, perceived control, digital nudging, and social conformity (lemming effect), the review demonstrates that online disclosure reflects not only strategic behavior but also an intrinsic drive for authenticity and self-verification. SNSs thus emerge as spaces of both social performance and authentic self-expression. Full article

This study explores how parenting practices influence access to mental health and substance use (MHSU) care among African immigrant and refugee youth in Nova Scotia. Based on qualitative interviews and focus groups with youth aged 18–25 who had accessed or attempted to access MHSU services, this study centers youth narratives on parental roles in navigating culturally unfamiliar health systems. Data were analyzed thematically by the research team, with input from advisory committee members of African descent, using a collaborative and manual approach grounded in Afrocentric and Ubuntu principles of relationality, collective meaning-making, and respect for participant voice. Despite stigma, and acculturative stress, findings reveal that African parents often act as vigilant protectors, cultural anchors, and decisive actors in recognizing and responding to youth substance use. Participants described their parents as watchful, strict, and deeply invested in their well-being, sometimes even “saving” them by initiating care when peers or institutions failed to do so. Parental nudging, family-based intervention, and cultural values of collective responsibility were central to accessing MHSU services. This study emphasizes the need for culturally responsive and family-inclusive healthcare delivery by highlighting gaps in care systems where parental involvement was excluded or where African family dynamics that shape help-seeking and support were misunderstood. Full article

As the prevalence of public discourse pertaining to loneliness increases, digital interventions, such as artificial intelligence companions, are being introduced as methods for fostering connection and mitigating individual negative experiences of loneliness. These tools, while increasing in volume and popularity, operate within and are shaped by the same engagement-driven systems that have been found to contribute to loneliness. This meta-narrative review examines how algorithmic infrastructures, which are optimized for retention, emotional predictability, and behavioural nudging, not only mediate responses to loneliness but participate in its ongoing production. Flattening complex social dynamics into curated, low-friction interactions, these systems gradually displace relational agency and erode users’ capacity for autonomous social decision making. Drawing on frameworks from communication studies and behavioural information design, this review finds that loneliness is understood both as an emotional or interpersonal state and as a logical consequence of hegemonic digital and technological design paradigms. Without addressing the structural logics of platform capitalism and algorithmic control, digital public health interventions risk treating loneliness as an individual deficit rather than a systemic outcome. Finally, a model is proposed for evaluating and designing digital public health interventions that resist behavioural enclosure and support autonomy, relational depth, systemic accountability, and structural transparency. Full article

With increasing digitalization of learning environments, concerns regarding the psychological effect of seductive interface design on the motivational level and cognitive health of learners have been raised. This research investigates the effects of certain persuasive and adaptive design elements, i.e., Perceived Persuasiveness of Platform Design (PPS), Frequency of Nudge Exposure (NE), and Perceived Personalization (PP), on intrinsic motivation in virtual learning environments (INTR). We draw on Self-Determination Theory, Cognitive Load Theory, and Persuasive Systems Design to develop and test a conceptual model featuring cognitive overload (COG) and perceived autonomy (PAUTO) as mediating variables. We used a cross-sectional survey of university students (N = 740) and used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The findings show that all three predictors have significant impacts on intrinsic motivation, with PP as the strongest direct predictor. Mediation analyses produced complementary effects for NE and PP in that these traits not only boosted motivation directly, but also autonomy, and they decreased cognitive overload. Alternatively, PPS showed competitive mediation, boosting motivation directly but lowering it indirectly by increasing overload and decreasing autonomy. Multi-Group Analysis also revealed that such effects differ by gender, age, education, digital literacy, exposure to persuasive features, and use frequency of the platform. The results underscore the imperative for educational technology design to reduce cognitive load and support user control, especially for subgroups at risk. Interface designers, teachers, and policymakers who are interested in supporting healthy and ethical digital learning environments are provided with implications. This work is part of the new generation of research in the field of the ethical design of impactful education technologies, focusing on the balance between motivational-enabling functions and the psychological needs of users. Full article

Rising household carbon emissions (HCEs) substantially increase residential energy consumption. This review evaluates the four principal quantification methods: Emission Coefficient Method (ECM), Input–Output Analysis (IOA), Consumer Lifestyle Approach (CLA), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The methods are compared according to data requirements, uncertainty levels, and scale suitability. The study synthesizes multidimensional determinants—including household income, household size, urbanization, energy intensity and composition, population aging, and household location—and translates these insights into behavior-informed mitigation pathways grounded in behavioral economics principles. Combining compact-city planning, targeted energy-efficiency incentives, and behavior-nudging measures can reduce HCEs without compromising living standards, providing local governments with an actionable roadmap to carbon neutrality. Full article

Improving tropical cyclone (TC) track forecasts is critical for enhancing disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the spectral nudging (SN) technique in simulating TC tracks with diverse path patterns over the Western North Pacific using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The results show that the SN technique is remarkably effective in improving tropical cyclone track forecasts for all types of regular track patterns, except for irregular tracks. Specifically, spectral nudging reduced simulated mean track position errors by approximately 60%, 67%, and 77% on average for curving, northwestward-, and westward-moving tracks, respectively. Better simulations of large-scale flow dynamics contributed to these improvements, particularly in scenarios where the subtropical high underwent rapid changes in its circulation patterns. For irregular tracks, applying the SN technique showed mixed results, ranging from 75% error reduction to 20% error increase. This implies that the effectiveness of spectral nudging on the simulation of irregular tracks is case dependent. Since the effectiveness of spectral nudging depends on the scales (spectrum) of the underlying processes creating the irregularities of the tracks, when such irregularities were caused by local and regional-scale factors, spectral nudging became ineffective. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adequate adolescent nutrition is vital for lifelong health, yet traditional school meal programs often emphasize processed foods. Digital nudges, subtle digital changes, may help promote healthier food choices. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a digital nudge intervention in a smart school canteen on students’ food choices and nutrient intake over three months. Methods: A pre-post single-arm (quasi-experimental) study was conducted among 502 high school students (aged 15–17) in Shenyang, China. In August 2023, the school implemented a smart canteen with a mobile mini-program for meal pre-ordering. Embedded digital nudges included improved visibility of healthy options, nutritional information, and default settings favoring nutritious choices. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day 24 h dietary record and a food frequency questionnaire. Paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Results: Post-intervention, the weekly consumption frequency of coarse grains (p = 0.017), fruits (p < 0.001), seafood (p < 0.001), and soy products (p < 0.001) significantly increased, while sweets (p = 0.033), sugary drinks (p = 0.015), fast food, and eating out (both p < 0.001) decreased. Daily calcium intake rose from 683.00 mg to 804.11 mg (p < 0.1), and the proportion meeting recommendations increased from 39.3% to 50.9%. No significant change was observed in vitamin C intake (p = 0.192). Conclusions: The digital nudge intervention in the smart school canteen effectively improved students’ dietary choices, particularly increasing the consumption frequency of healthy foods and dietary calcium intake. Full article

The MA₂Z₄ family represents a class of two-dimensional materials renowned for their outstanding mechanical properties and excellent environmental stability. By means of elemental substitution, we designed two novel phases of ScSi₂N₄, namely β₁ and β₂. Their dynamical, thermal, and mechanical stabilities were thoroughly verified through phonon dispersion analysis, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, and calculations of mechanical parameters such as Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Electronic structure analysis using both PBE and HSE06 methods further revealed that both the β₁ and β₂ phases exhibit metallic behavior, highlighting their potential for battery-related applications. Based on these outstanding properties, the climbing image nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) method was employed to investigate the diffusion behavior of Li, Na, and K ions on the material surfaces. Both structures demonstrate extremely low diffusion energy barriers (Li: 0.38 eV, Na: 0.22 eV, K: 0.12 eV), indicating rapid ion migration—especially for K—and excellent rate performance. The lowest barrier for K ions (0.12 eV) suggests the fastest diffusion kinetics, making it particularly suitable for high-power potassium-ion batteries. The significantly lower barrier for Na ions (0.22 eV) compared with Li (0.38 eV) implies that both β₁ and β₂ phases may be more favorable for fast-charging/discharging sodium-ion battery applications. First-principles calculations were applied to determine the open-circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery materials. The β₂ phase exhibits a higher OCV in Li/Na systems, while the β₁ phase shows more prominent voltage for K. The results demonstrate that both phases possess high theoretical capacities and suitable OCVs. Full article

Governments worldwide are mandating e-invoicing and real-time VAT reporting, yet many cash-intensive service SMEs continue to under-report VAT, eroding fiscal revenues. This study investigates whether financial technology (FinTech) adoption can reduce this under-reporting among tourism SMEs in Greece—an economy with high seasonal spending and a persistent shadow economy. This is the first micro-level empirical study to examine how FinTech tools affect VAT compliance in this sector, offering novel insights into how technology interacts with behavioral factors to influence fiscal behavior. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model, deterrence theory, and behavioral tax compliance frameworks, we surveyed 214 hotels, guesthouses, and tour operators across Greece’s main tourism regions. A structured questionnaire measured five constructs: FinTech adoption, VAT compliance behavior, tax morale, perceived audit probability, and financial performance. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and bootstrapped moderation–mediation analysis, we find that FinTech adoption significantly improves declared VAT, with compliance fully mediating its impact on financial outcomes. The effect is especially strong among businesses led by owners with high tax morale or strong perceptions of audit risk. These findings suggest that FinTech tools function both as efficiency enablers and behavioral nudges. The results support targeted policy actions such as subsidies for e-invoicing, tax compliance training, and transparent audit communication. By integrating technological and psychological dimensions, the study contributes new evidence to the digital fiscal governance literature and offers a practical framework for narrowing the VAT gap in tourism-driven economies. Full article

In this pilot study, the crossing behavior of elementary school students commuting on bicycles was investigated with the objective of enhancing safety around pedestrian crossings within school zones. With a noticeable increase in crashes involving young cyclists near schools, this research assessed the effectiveness of visual nudges in the form of red strips displaying “CYCLISTS DISMOUNT” instructions. Initial observations indicated a lack of compliance with dismounting regulations. After the initial observations, a specific elementary school was selected for the implementation of the nudging intervention and additional pre- (N = 91) and post-intervention (N = 71) observations. The pre-intervention observations again revealed poor adherence to the regulations requiring cyclists to dismount at specific points. Following our targeted intervention, the post-intervention observations marked an improvement in compliance. Indeed, the visual nudge effectively communicated the necessity of dismounting at a critical location, leading to a higher rate of adherence among cyclists (52.74% pre-intervention, 97.18% post-intervention). Although it also indirectly affected the behavior of the accompanying adult, who more often held hands with their children while crossing, this effect was weaker than the direct effect on dismounting behavior (20.88% pre-intervention, 39.44% post-intervention). The findings of the current pilot study underscore the possible impact of nudging on behavior and advocate for a combined approach utilizing physical nudges to bolster safety within school zones. Follow-up research, including, for instance, multiple sites, long-term effects, or children traveling alone, is called for. Full article

The aim of our work is to theoretically model the conversion of C6 and C5 carbohydrates derived from lignocellulosic biomass waste into C1–C5 carboxylic acids such as levulinic, oxalic, lactic, and formic acids. Understanding the mechanism of these processes will provide the necessary knowledge to better plan the structure of zeolite. In this article, we focus on the theoretical modeling of two carbohydrates, representing C5 and C6, namely xylose and fructose, into levulinic acid (LE) and formic acid (FA). The modeling was carried out with the participation of Na-BEA zeolite in a hierarchical form, due to the large size of the carbohydrates. The density functional theory (DFT) method (StoBe program) was used, employing non-local generalized gradient-corrected functions according to Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof (RPBE) to account for electron exchange and correlation and using the nudged elastic band (NEB) method to determine the structure and energy of the transition state. The modeling was performed using cluster representations of hierarchical Na-Al₂Si₁₂O₃₉H₂₃ and ideal Al₂Si₂₂O₆₄H₃₄ beta zeolite. However, to accommodate the size of the carbohydrate molecules in reaction paths, only hierarchical Na-Al₂Si₁₂O₃₉H₂₃ was used. Sodium ions were positioned above the aluminum centers within the zeolite framework. Full article

Background/Objectives: Excessive sugar intake through sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has raised global concerns due to its association with various health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nudges—in the form of order placement, variety expansion, and a combination of both—in promoting non-SSB purchases at self-service kiosks, a key environment for SSB consumption. Methods: This study was conducted using a real-world kiosk at food and beverage outlets in South Korea from 28 May to 12 July, 2024. A total of 183 consumers aged 19 to 29 participated in this study. A single kiosk device was used with four screen layouts, each reflecting a different nudge strategy. Participants were unaware of these manipulations when making their purchases. After their purchases, participants completed a survey. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0. Results: Females reported significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males. In particular, both the single (variety) and combination (order and variety) nudges received positive responses from females (p < 0.001). The combination nudge significantly increased non-SSB purchases compared to the control (p < 0.05) and single (order) nudge groups (p < 0.01), which suggests that combination nudge is effective in promoting healthier beverage choices. Females were also more likely to purchase non-SSBs than males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the combination nudge strategy effectively promotes healthier beverage choices in real kiosk settings. Notably, females demonstrate significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males, and are also more likely to purchase non-SSBs. These findings offer valuable insights for real-world applications aimed at encouraging healthier consumption behaviors. Full article

Traditional energy conservation policies have primarily relied on economic incentives and informational campaigns. However, recent insights from behavioral and social sciences indicate that subtle behavioral interventions, particularly social nudges, can significantly influence household electricity use. This paper presents a structured review of 23 recent field studies examining how social nudging strategies, such as peer comparison, group identity, and normative messaging, have contributed to measurable reductions in electricity consumption. By analyzing intervention outcomes across different regions and formats, we identify key success factors, limitations, and policy implications. Special attention is given to ethical considerations, fairness in implementation, and potential challenges in sustaining behavior change. This study offers a framework for integrating social nudges into future energy policies, emphasizing their role as low-cost, scalable tools for promoting sustainable energy behavior. Full article