Search Results (64)

The co-production of CO₂ continues to remain the bane of several hydrogen production technologies, including the steam reforming of methane and the dry reforming of methane processes. Efficient utilization of abundant greenhouse gas in the form of methane provides opportunities for the design of an innovative system that will maximize the use of such a raw material in the most environmentally friendly manner. The study of the mechanism of the pyrolysis of methane reactions over molten metals provides promise for improved hydrogen yield and methane conversion with a greater turnover frequency. Catalyst electronic properties computed via Density Functional Theory using the Quantum Espresso code provided data that were built into a database. Using Bismuth as the base metal, active transition metals including Ni, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ag, and Au of different concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 25% were placed on 96 atoms of the base metal and relaxed to obtain the optimized geometric structures for the catalytic reaction studies. The kinetics of the individual elementary steps of the pyrolysis reaction at preset temperatures over the bi-metals were calculated using the Car-Parinello (CP) method and Nudge Elastic Band (NEB) computations. The collated data of the various pyrolysis of methane reactions over the different bi-metals was used to train machine learning models for the prediction of reaction outcome, catalytic performance, and efficient operating conditions for the pyrolysis of methane over molten metals. The turnover frequency, which is determined using the transition state energies of the fundamental reaction cycles, will be used to simulate the stability of the catalyst. Full article

This positioning paper explores integrating smart in-process inspection and human–automation symbiosis within human–cyber–physical manufacturing systems. As manufacturing environments evolve with increased automation and digitalization, the synergy between human operators and intelligent systems becomes vital for optimizing production performance. Human–automation symbiosis, a vision widely endorsed as the future of human–automation research, emphasizes closer partnership and mutually beneficial collaboration between human and automation agents. In addition, to maintain high product quality and enable the in-time feedback of process issues for advanced manufacturing, in-process inspection is an efficient strategy that manufacturers adopt. In this regard, this paper outlines a research framework combining smart in-process inspection and human–automation symbiosis, enabling real-time defect identification and process optimization with cognitive intelligence. Smart in-process inspection studies the effective automation of real-time inspection and defect mitigation using data-driven technologies and intelligent agents to foster adaptability in complex production environments. Concurrently, human–automation symbiosis focuses on achieving a symbiotic human–automation relationship through cognitive task allocation and behavioral nudges to enhance human–automation collaboration. It promotes a human-centered manufacturing paradigm by integrating the studies in advanced manufacturing systems, cognitive engineering, and human–automation interaction. This paper examines critical technical challenges, including defect inspection and mitigation, human cognition modeling for adaptive task allocation, and manufacturing nudging design and personalization. A research roadmap detailing the technical solutions to these challenges is proposed. Full article

Transformative learning processes that can trigger deep and long-lasting behaviour changes are highly sought after for targeted improvements ranging from human diet and health to pro-environmental behaviours. A step forward was the reporting of a method that reliably produces transformative learning outcomes (TLOs) as an (incidental) effect of group shared values crystallisation, but the theme of the TLOs could not be targeted, e.g., for pro-environmental behaviours. A recent exploratory study bolted on environmentally themed pre-Nudging and unexpectedly produced a heavy bias towards pro-environmental behaviour changes. Here, we investigated more systematically the influences of different Nudging types upon TLO themes produced using two further case study designs created for comparability with earlier studies and using the same process (WeValue InSitu) and post-event data collection of TLOs categorised as environmental/not and behavioural/not. Our findings show that most Nudging had no effect, including raising the profile of environmental photos and the materials used in the crystallisation process, having participants reflect on their environmental identities, or emphasising environmental topics before going home. However, Nudging which involved answering written questions on specific personal pro-environmental actions such as recycling, applied early on, was linked to desired results. This has pragmatic significance for sustainability practitioners and raises questions for further research on the mechanisms of both active learning and Nudging. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern exacerbated by inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing practices, particularly in low-resource settings such as Uganda. The research aimed to develop a culturally sensitive behavioral intervention, leveraging a “nudge” strategy, to improve healthcare provider adherence to the 2016 Uganda Clinical Guidelines (UCG 2016) in five Ugandan hospitals. This intervention formed part of broader antimicrobial stewardship initiatives led by the United States Agency for International Development Medicines, Technologies, and Pharmaceutical Services Program. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining formative research and behavioral intervention. Guided by the Deloitte Behavioral Insights Framework, the research team conducted key informant interviews to identify prescribing barriers and motivators and developed three suitable behavioral interventions: perceived monitoring, ward leaderboards, and educational workshops. The study evaluated the interventions’ impact through point prevalence surveys (PPS), using the World Health Organization PPS methodology at three stages: pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and one-month post-intervention. Results: Key behavioral themes across individual, social, environmental, and organizational elements informed the intervention design and implementation. The behavioral intervention package increased antimicrobial prescription compliance with the UCG 2016 from 27% at baseline to 50% immediately post-intervention, though these effects diminished at one-month post-intervention. Conclusions: Our study addresses an existing gap in behavioral nudges-based operational research on antimicrobial prescribing in low- and middle-income countries. These results showed an immediate improvement in adherence to the UCG 2016 among healthcare providers in Ugandan hospitals, though the effect was attenuated at one-month follow-up. Despite the attenuation, behavior change presents a feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to improving antimicrobial prescribing practices and addressing AMR. Full article

The non-burning rice straw (NBRS) strategy plays a crucial role in mitigating the climate impact of rice farming. This paper explores the factors influencing the efficacy of information nudges and proposes practical nudging strategies to promote NBRS. Experimental nudges were employed on participating farmers, followed by a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews to investigate clearer reasons for their adoption of non-burning practices, as well as the inclusion of participatory nudging design. Key factors influencing the efficacy of information nudges for NBRS among burning farmers showed that the perceived susceptibility and severity of burning could positively influence their adoption of non-burning practices, while rewards for burning were mostly found to be a significantly negative factor. Providing economic incentives helped the farmers to adopt non-burning practices because the monetary benefit was perceived. For those employing non-burning practices, self-efficacy was found to have a significant positive influence on the tendency to continue NBRS. The perceived cost of rice straw utilization (RSU) was mostly found to be a negative factor influencing RSU adoption. At first glance, the promotion of NBRS via demonstrating its ease and timeliness showed the practicality of information nudges, especially through leadership and farmers’ perception of success based on their direct experience. After testing each method, results indicate that if it fits the farmers’ context, making it seem social and attractive can build more confidence in RSU. Four main communication strategies for the nudging of NBRS include the following: (1) empower leading farmers as change agents through practical and visualized knowledge and skills training, continuous guidance and monitoring, and the providing of platforms to communicate the benefits of RSU to fellow farmers; (2) facilitate RSU and encourage farmers to practice integrated farming according to their local context; (3) elevate RSU among farmer groups to meet standardized and accepted levels; and (4) establish clear incentives for RSU and the systematic and collaborative managing of burning. Full article

In the context of increasing online health misinformation, several new approaches have been deployed to reduce the spread and increase the quality of information consumed. This systematic review examines how source credibility labels and other nudging interventions impact online health information choices. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies that present empirical evidence on the impact of interventions designed to affect online health-information-seeking behavior. Results are mixed: some interventions, such as content labels identifying misinformation or icon arrays displaying information, proved capable of impacting behavior in a particular context. In contrast, other reviewed strategies around signaling the source’s credibility have failed to produce significant effects in the tested circumstances. The field of literature is not large enough to draw meaningful conclusions, suggesting that future research should explore how differences in design, method, application, and sources may affect the impact of these interventions and how they can be leveraged to combat the spread of online health misinformation. Full article

While policies targeting education in schools, marketing campaigns, and taxation strategies are of great importance to tackle our population’s malnutrition, there is growing concern about enhancing the supermarket environment to promote healthier food consumption. Public and private policies targeting the food retail sector can contribute to achieving this goal. Supermarkets play a significant role in presenting food options. As gatekeepers of the food system’s impact on consumers’ health, they have the power to help people make better food choices. Examples include making healthy checkouts and nudging consumption of vegetables through infographics. Currently, few policies specify how supermarkets’ environments could be set up to improve healthy purchases (e.g., the “Partnership for a healthy diet” in Norway and “hange4Life Convenience Stores” in the UK). Furthermore, we see recent shifts in the policy agendas of countries like Germany and Argentina, with new nutrition behavioural policies being legislated and implemented. However, we lack general guidelines that unify the available information on this topic. Addressing this gap has the potential to guide future supermarket policy recommendations. We will perform a review and delve deeper to search for governmental policies and policies of major supermarket brands in selected countries (i.e., Germany and Argentina) to taxonomize the policy initiatives, examining their projects and campaigns designed to improve supermarket environments and encourage consumers to choose healthy options. We will harvest sources published since the release of the SDGs (2015), from ScienceDirect, the FAO policy search engine Informas, and the NOURISHING platform. We will identify the grey literature by searching related websites and databases as well as national government pages or private supermarket policy documents. We will extract the information relevant to policymaking to improve environments in terms of product reformulation, labelling strategies, placement, product processes, and sweet beverage representation. While spotting incentive, procurement, and regulative policies, we will group them in terms of interventions and further taxonomize the different approaches/initiatives. Our objective is to provide unified policy recommendations by leveraging existing experiences and policies and designing applicable recommendations to improve the food environment in supermarkets. Furthermore, we aim to promote the creation of science-based policies that consider these recommendations. Full article

Food environments have a major influence on consumers’ food choices. The increasing abilities and accessibility of technology have caused food choices to be made in digital environments. Contemporary consumers increasingly select and purchase foods via web-based and mobile applications, where their perceptions and food choices are mediated entirely through user-interface (UI) designs. Therefore, online services offer a great opportunity for choice architects to develop new digital nudging strategies that could promote healthier food choices. At the conference, we present the results of two recently conducted studies to test two digital nudging strategies: the first was conducted within an experimental online grocery store and the second was conducted using a mobile application for food (specifically snacks) tracking. A review of existing digital nudging strategies used on online grocery stores was provided to demonstrate why research on the potential impacts of digital environments on food choices is needed. In addition, two different digital nudging strategies were presented, providing details about the applied human–computer interaction principles. The first nudging strategy, implemented within an experimental online grocery store, is based on the re-positioning of product categories and of food products within those categories based on the content of a specific nutrient (specifically dietary fibre). The second strategy, implemented within a mobile application, exploits the influence of UI, implemented as background images of either healthy or unhealthy snacks, on snack choices. In addition, the mobile app was published as an open-access app; thus, further studies investigating the impact of UI can be conducted and the easy collection of data is facilitated. The results of both studies, performed in different digital settings and in two countries (Slovenia and Australia), were presented. The main findings suggest that further investigation of this research field is warranted, and that strategically implementing digital nudging strategies in online environments may promote healthier food choices. Lastly, this research provides insights (i) for consumers on how UIs can affect food choice decisions, (ii) for choice architects in the health-promotion research area, as it may inform the development of interventions to promote healthy food choices, and (iii) for policy makers regarding whether regulations are needed to protect consumers in online food choice settings. Full article

The “Green Nudges” program, developed within the framework of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is based on behavioral science and nudge theory. Aimed primarily at universities, it explores ways to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Studies show that many young people recognize climate change as a major problem but that it leaves them feeling helpless and anxious—something that our teaching practice confirms. As we had had no success teaching sustainability using conventional approaches, we used the pedagogical design capacity (PDC) principle to develop a novel workshop format and implement it in a pilot series of three repeated workshops. The workshop concept is based on empowering educators and students to tackle emerging global issues while also boosting critical thinking, field research, and teamwork skills. An important part of the integration of different tools was based on supporting students’ self-direction and knowledge- and evidence-based decision making. The results demonstrate that the proposed pedagogical framework resonates with and empowers students. At the same time, the workshop empowers educators to competently navigate complex and sustainability-oriented topics within the field of education for sustainable development (ESD). Full article

Haptic nudging via wearable devices promotes physical activity and may increase upper limb movement in stroke rehabilitation. This study investigated the optimal approach to haptic nudging by examining diurnal variation, duration of effect, and repeated nudging. The study analysed data from a multiple-period randomised crossover study. A 12 h inpatient rehabilitation day was divided into 72 intervals in which participants with stroke (n = 20) randomly received either a ‘nudge’ or ‘no nudge’. Upper limb movement was observed, classified, and analysed using longitudinal mixed models. The odds of affected upper limb movement following a nudge compared with no nudge were significantly higher during active periods such as breakfast, lunch, and morning and afternoon activities (odds ratios (ORs) 2.01–4.63, 95% CIs [1.27–2.67, 3.17–8.01]), but not dinner (OR 1.36, 95% CI [0.86, 2.16]). The effect of nudging was no longer statistically significant at 50–60 s post-nudge. Consecutive delays in nudging significantly decreased the odds of moving when a nudge was eventually delivered. Contrary to expectations, people with stroke appear more responsive to haptic nudging during active periods rather than periods of inactivity. By understanding the optimal timing and frequency of haptic nudging, the design of wearable devices can be optimised to maximise their therapeutic benefits. Full article

Incentive-based programs are increasingly becoming common in recycling promotion. These programs are usually designed on the premise that the incentives will nudge the participants’ behavior to be more pro-recycling so that they may continue to support recycling even if there is no reward presented anymore. The technical and economic aspects receive a great deal of attention, while the social elements do not usually receive the same level of attention as above. In this study, a survey was conducted to recognize the recycling consciousness of participants in an urban recycling promotional program. The urban recycling program analyzed in this study was administered by Zeytinburnu Municipality in Istanbul, Turkey. This program had about 10,000 active users at the time of this face-to-face survey conducted among 428 participants in 2021. Zeytinburnu is a densely populated municipality, with a greater majority residing in apartment buildings. The results revealed that about half of the survey population was spontaneous recyclers, and they would like to continue even if there was no reward, while the other half was in the program just for the reward. However, the findings also displayed the potential of the incentive mechanism to be used to enhance the pro-recycling behavior of its participants. This may be achieved through educational tools and providing solutions to ease the burden most apartment-dwelling participants carry with storage/transportation issues. Full article

Food insecurity is an ongoing problem in the U.S. with implications for health problems and social disadvantages. Past food insecurity intervention studies have targeted barriers to accessing healthy food. However, information barriers have not been adequately addressed by food insecurity interventions. This research included the first phase of a two-phase feasibility study that involved testing a text message as an informational nudge through interviews among a small, preliminary sample of adults in the southwest U.S. (n = 10). Interview questions focused on the message content, persuasiveness, relevancy, clarity, and details that participants liked and disliked. A qualitative content analysis of interview responses then highlighted any necessary modifications to the text message. Interview responses highlighted that the message conveyed details about how to access food assistance resources. The message was perceived as informative, clear, and friendly. Participants highlighted the need for better spacing in the message layout, more details about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and a better explanation for why SNAP is relevant. Text message readability, relevancy, and informativeness were common concerns raised during interviews. Participant-informed modifications to the text message were applied in preparation for using the message in a food insecurity intervention. This research is a novel contribution to the extant literature on nudges, as no known intervention study has used informational nudges to exclusively promote food security. Future food insecurity research efforts should similarly test novel interventions to ensure the intervention is acceptable and relevant for the target population. Full article

Taxes on the consumption of certain products have played a key role in public revenue analysis in European countries. This work assesses the differences in tax planning for new non-combustion products across some European territories. Through theoretical analysis, the paper has three distinct aspects. Firstly, we show the taxpayer profile in different countries. Secondly, the study analyzes the risks for the health system and the individual. Thirdly, the design of the national tobacco tax is based on previous experience and planning in Europe. This paper concludes with a case study for different countries: (1) Spain “vapers” and “smokers”, where the analysis is based on micro-data from the European Health Interview Survey 2020. (2) Sweden, with the analysis of snus, shows it as a practice on how to reach economic savings while decreasing economic costs thanks to the nudging of consumers towards better products. The results show taxation and, especially, land taxation should consider differences in planning in the case of new products, such as non-combustion products, given the user per capita income and the potential lower health risks involved. Full article

This paper discusses current developments in tax compliance research, with a focus on three aspects. First, we summarize empirical evidence on the traditional deterrence or enforcement approach, suggesting that tax audits and fines for noncompliance are critical in taxpayers’ compliance decisions. However, recent research indicates that the effects of deterrence are more nuanced than initially thought, suggesting that other interventions are needed to improve tax compliance. Second, therefore, we discuss research on behavioral approaches to increase tax compliance, starting with research that analyzes the effects of “nudges”, or interventions that use behavioral economics to alter the ways in which the choice architecture facing individuals is communicated to them by the tax administration. As applied to tax compliance, we conclude that nudges have had mixed effects on increasing tax compliance, suggesting that the specific design and implementation of these interventions determine their effectiveness. Third, we extend our discussion to other behavioral economics interventions that have not yet been studied widely in tax compliance research. These include “sludge”, or institutional features that complicate compliance, and “boosts”, or initiatives that target individuals’ competencies and thereby help them to make better decisions. Our central argument is that all three of these behavioral interventions should be utilized in the design of tax policies. However, for these methods to effectively complement traditional deterrence approaches, tax administrations should evaluate them before implementing them in the field. Closer cooperation between administrators and academics should thus be facilitated and encouraged. Full article

Objective: Impulse buying is a recognized phenomenon as consumers have abundant shopping opportunities. We investigate whether orderly space encourages consumers to buy impulsively and whether this relationship is moderated by self-construal. Specifically, we hypothesize that consumers show greater impulse buying intentions when space is orderly than disorderly. We also hypothesize that when interdependent self-construal is primed, the effect of orderly space on consumers’ increased impulse buying intentions will be attenuated. Background: Our hypotheses are based on the research about emotions that consumers experience while they shop in a retail store. When the store is orderly, consumers experience pleasure. In contrast, disorganized shelves, unsorted merchandise, and messy clothing racks evoke negative emotions. A recent study shows consumers’ positive emotional responses to a retail environment result in heightened impulse buying. Methods: Two experiments were carried out to test the two hypotheses. Experiment 1 employed a 2 (space order: orderly vs. disorderly) between-subjects design. Participants randomly received one of the two store images and were asked to indicate their impulse-buying intentions. Experiment 2 employed a 2 (space order: orderly vs. disorderly) × 2 (self-construal: independent vs. interdependent) between-subjects design. Participants were randomly given one of the two store images and one of the two self-construal priming tasks to measure their impulse buying intentions. Results: As hypothesized, Experiment 1 demonstrated that participants exerted stronger impulse-buying intentions in an orderly space. Experiment 2 also showed that when participants were primed by interdependent self-construal, their impulse buying intentions did not differ, regardless of whether the space was orderly. Implications: Our findings provide insights for offline store managers. To nudge visitors to buy impulsively, managers should organize their spaces orderly. However, the effect of space order on consumers’ impulse buying will disappear when consumers’ interdependent self-construal is activated. Our findings contribute to the academic research into the factors that lead consumers to buy impulsively. Full article