Environmental Experiences Research Articles

The Impact of Tourism Environment Fit on Tourists' Psychological Recovery: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Value on Place Attachment

This study focuses on the effects of tourism environment perception, perceived value, place attachment and media publicity on tourists' psychological satisfaction, aiming to reveal the intrinsic links between these elements through empirical analyses.The study found that tourism environment perception has a significant positive effect on tourists' psychological satisfaction. This suggests that environmental elements such as the natural environment, cultural atmosphere, service quality and overall experience of tourism destinations that match tourists' expectations and preferences will significantly increase their satisfaction. Therefore, improving the quality of the tourism environment has become the key to enhancing tourists' satisfaction. Tourism destinations should enhance tourists' positive perceptions of the tourism environment by improving the natural landscape, enriching the cultural connotation, and improving the service quality.In addition, perceived value has been shown to have a positive impact on tourists' psychological satisfaction. Tourists' perceived value of tourism products or services during tourism is an important indicator of their satisfaction. This implies that providing cost-effective tourism products or services that meet the needs of tourists is essential for enhancing tourists' satisfaction.This study reveals the important role of tourism environment perception and perceived value in enhancing tourists' psychological satisfaction, and provides a scientific basis for tourism destination management and marketing strategies. Tourism destinations should pay attention to improving the quality of tourism environment and optimising tourism products or services in order to meet the diversified needs of tourists, and then enhance the overall satisfaction and loyalty of tourists.

Impact of CEOs' Environmental Experience on Corporate Green Innovation

ABSTRACTCEOs' environmental background imprints their strategic preferences, which are crucial for promoting corporate green innovation (GI). However, the influence and mechanisms of CEOs' environmental experience (Green) on GI, especially exploring the specific relationship and mechanism between Green and different types of green technology innovation (GTI) and green management innovation (GMI) remain unexplored. Drawing upon the upper echelons theory and resource‐based view, we discuss the impact of Green on GTI and GMI and examine the moderating role of CEO power. Moreover, we investigate the mechanism analysis in the relationship between Green and GTI and GMI, respectively. Our empirical findings suggest that Green significantly promotes GTI and GMI, and the positive relationship between Green and GI is negatively moderated by the strength of CEO power. Furthermore, the mechanism of green consciousness is the functioning channel between Green and GTI; the dynamic capability is the functioning channel between Green and GMI.

Histone lysine crotonylation associated epigenetic mechanism dynamically regulates prenatal stress induced anxiety-related behaviour in adolescent offspring.

This study designed to examine whether social/ environmental experiences can induce the epigenetic modification, and influence the associated physiology and behaviour. To test this, we have used social stress [prenatal stress (PNS)] model and then housed at environmental enrichment (EE) condition to evaluate the interaction between specific epigenetic modification and its influence on behaviour. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into a control group, PNS group, and PNS+EE group. PNS and PNS+EE animals were subjected to social defeat (SD) stress during their gestational day (GD) 16-18. PNS animals and their offspring were always housed in standard laboratory condition, PNS+EE animal was housed in EE cage during GD-10 to the pup's age of postnatal day (PND) 30. Animals were tested for anxiety-like behaviour using Open-Field Test (OFT) and memory was examined by passive avoidance test. Western blotting was used to detect the expression pattern of molecules associated with histone crotonylation. We observed anxiety-like behaviour, memory deficit in the animals experienced PNS. Further, level of Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2), repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST), Sirtuin 1(SIRT1), Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) and Enhancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit (EZH2) and histone methylation (H3K27me3) was elevated. Where as, the expression of p300, histone crotonylation (H3K18Cr) and neuropeptide VGF were suppressed. Notably, EE restore the normal expression pattern of MeCP2, REST, P300, SIRT1, CYDL, EZH2, H3K27me3, H3K18Cr and VGF. EE reverse the PNS induced alterations, including suppression of histone crotonylation (H3K18Cr), which possibly involved in the regulation of expression of VGF and behaviour.

PCC Slab Temperature Gradients as a Function of Structure and Environment Experience from the SHRP II R21 Composite Pavement Test Track

The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) II R21 Composite Pavement Research Project test track constructed at University of California Pavement Research Center (UCPRC) ATIRC facility has yielded significant Portland cement concrete (PCC) temperature data over the nearly past two years of testing. The nine different test sections consisted of combinations of plain and hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlaid jointed plain concrete (JPCP) pavement sections of varying thicknesses. Over 135 thermo couples were placed at five depths and three locations within each slab and have been continuously monitored since test track construction. This paper will identify the changes in PCC slab temperature gradients as a function of PCC slab thickness (178mm and 127mm), HMA overlay thickness (114mm, 64mm, and 0mm) and type (Polymer modified and rubber). Results provide important information about the thermal insulation effect of HMA layer to reduce temperature gradients in PCC layers and provide experimental data for continued evaluation of the effects of reduced temperature gradients on PCC layer cracking performance.

Exploring the Impact of Computer RPG Game-Based Teaching Modules on Environmental Education for Eighth-Grade Junior High School Students

This study aims to explore the changes in the cognition, attitudes, and behaviors of eighth-grade students regarding environmental and marine conservation after being taught using a computer-based RPG (Role-playing game) instructional module. The participants were divided into an experimental group and a control group. The control group received traditional instruction, while the experimental group used a course module designed for this study. This module was adapted based on the concept of the Fish Banks game, and the researcher developed a computer RPG game called "Ocean Domination" for the instruction. The results of the study revealed that, among the five environmental education competency indicators, the experimental group, which used the computer RPG game-based instructional module, showed significant improvement in environmental awareness and sensitivity, environmental conceptual knowledge, and environmental action experience. In contrast, the group that used traditional instruction did not show significant progress. Both groups exhibited significant improvement in environmental values and attitudes, as well as environmental action skills, with the experimental group's progress being higher than that of the traditional instruction group. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in interest in environmental course learning, whereas the traditional instruction group did not. In summary, the computer RPG game-based instructional module developed in this study had a positive impact on the cognition, affect, and skills of eighth-grade students in terms of environmental conservation.

Green finance and ESG performance of enterprises: Evidence from Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone

ABSTRACT Corporate ESG performance holds a critical role in driving the shift towards sustainable production. Green finance promotes the green transformation of enterprises by altering the allocation of financial resources, which plays a crucial role in enhancing corporate ESG performance. Based on data from Chinese listed companies between 2012 and 2020, this study innovatively employs the triple difference methodology to explore the impact of the Green Finance Reform and Innovation Pilot Zones (GFRI) policy on the ESG performance of heavily polluting enterprises. Our findings reveal a significant improvement in ESG performance, especially in environmental protection and social responsibility scores. Mechanism tests reveal that GFRI policy enhances ESG performance by promoting green innovation, increasing investment in environmental protection, and reducing agency costs. For state-owned enterprises and enterprises whose CEO has environmental protection experience, GFRI policy has a greater promotion effect on ESG performance. Furthermore, GFRI policy has stronger effects in regions with stringent environmental regulations and on companies in growth and maturity stages. We further provide new theoretical explanations and empirical evidence for the green transformation of economic development in developing countries.

Improvements in skill-based learning in chemical engineering laboratory practicals through the use of flipped classroom methodology assited by video tutorial

Laboratory practicals in the Industrial Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree are a scenario where students can test their hypotheses, and which facilitate the understanding of theoretical concepts, calculation methodologies and the influence of operating conditions. They foster a learning environment based on the essential competencies of 'learning to know', 'learning to do', 'learning to live together' and 'learning to be'. However, these subjects require individualized attention so that our students can fully understand what, how and why they should do. When the groups of students are large, the teacher cannot provide quick advice to everyone and the student may face technical difficulties due to their lack of previous experience in laboratory environments. This fact usually leads to student’s insecurity and poor learning of lab-work skills. This study shows evidence of improvements in learning when implementing the flipped classroom teaching methodology based on the use of video tutorials in experimental subjects. The video tutorials, carefully designed to cover both fundamental concepts and experimental procedures in laboratory practicals, generate a more autonomous learning environment and a more active role of the student in his/her own learning process compared to traditional methods. In fact, 100% of the students rated the overall use of the video tutorials in these laboratory practicals with a score of 4-5 out of 5. It is noticeable that the use of the video tutorials made the students feel more confident in facing their assignments. Furthermore, 92% considered that this teaching innovation should be extended to all the experimental subjects that make up their study programme.

HEVERL – Viewport Estimation Using Reinforcement Learning for 360-degree Video Streaming

360-degree video content has become a pivotal component in virtual reality environments, offering viewers an immersive and engaging experience. However, streaming such comprehensive video content presents significant challenges due to the substantial file sizes and varying network conditions. To address these challenges, view adaptive streaming has emerged as a promising solution, aimed at reducing the burden on network capacity. This technique involves streaming lower-quality video for peripheral views while delivering high-quality content for the specific viewport that the user is actively watching. Essentially, it necessitates accurately predicting the user’s viewing direction and enhancing the quality of that particular segment, underscoring the significance of Viewport Adaptive Streaming (VAS). Our research delves into the application of incremental learning techniques to predict the scores required by the VAS system. By doing so, we aim to optimize the streaming process by ensuring that the most relevant portions of the video are rendered in high quality. Furthermore, our approach is augmented by a thorough analysis of human head and facial movement behaviors. By leveraging these insights, we have developed a reinforcement learning model specifically designed to anticipate user view directions and improve the experience quality in targeted regions. The effectiveness of our proposed method is evidenced by our experimental results, which show significant improvements over existing reference methods. Specifically, our approach enhances the Precision metric by values ranging from 0.011 to 0.022. Additionally, it reduces the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) by 0.008 to 0.013, the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) by 0.012 to 0.018 and the F1-score by 0.017 to 0.028. Furthermore, we observe an increase in overall accuracy of 2.79 to 16.98. These improvements highlight the potential of our model to significantly enhance the viewing experience in virtual reality environments, making 360-degree video streaming more efficient and user-friendly.

Neuroeconomics and Neuroenvironment in Chimborazo Markets: Post-Pandemic Consumer Behavior

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the influence of neuroeconomics and neuroenvironment on consumer behavior in the markets of Guano, Ecuador, during the post-pandemic period. The primary focus was on understanding how these factors affect purchasing decisions in local gastronomic businesses, particularly in the context of the economic and social changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. Method: Method: The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Using a finite population formula, a sample size of 382 consumers was calculated from a total population of 42,851 residents. The study utilized advanced eye-tracking technology to measure visual attention and consumer behavior, complemented by in-depth interviews and focus groups. Data collection was conducted through simple random sampling, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with Chi-squared tests employed for hypothesis testing to evaluate the relationship between neuroeconomic factors and consumer behavior. Results and Discussion: The analysis revealed a significant correlation between neuroeconomics, neuroenvironment, and consumer behavior, with a statistical significance of p-value = 0.000. The study identified key emotional responses including joy, trust, and curiosity, with biosafety and cleanliness emerging as primary factors in building consumer trust. Customer service quality and appropriate ambient music generated positive emotional responses, while eye-tracking data demonstrated varying levels of consumer engagement with brands. Interestingly, certain aspects of market decoration were found to induce negative emotions such as sadness. These findings conclusively validated the hypothesis that neuroeconomics and neuroenvironment significantly influence purchasing decisions in Guanese markets. Research Implications: The study's findings provide crucial insights for traders and marketers to enhance consumer experiences in post-pandemic market environments. The research emphasizes the importance of prioritizing biosafety and cleanliness measures, maintaining product variety to stimulate consumer curiosity, and creating engaging market environments. These insights offer valuable guidance for developing effective marketing strategies adapted to post-pandemic consumer behavior, particularly beneficial for local businesses adapting to new market dynamics and consumer expectations. Originality/Value: This research pioneers the examination of post-pandemic consumer behavior in Chimborazo markets using neuroeconomics and eye-tracking technology, offering valuable insights for local businesses adapting to new market dynamics and contributing to the understanding of consumer behavior during crisis periods.

Do preschoolers imagine different things as their experience expands? A Turkish longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Preschoolers have different experiences in different environments. These experiences can stimulate children’s imaginations. This longitudinal study examines the impact of preschool children’s three-year experiences in early childhood institutions, which are their primary educational environments. The question ‘Do preschoolers imagine different things as their experience expands?’ was discussed by examining the drawings and narratives of a total of 15 children aged 3, 4 and 5 who attend kindergarten in a city centre in southwest Türkiye. The children were asked to draw their imagining and describe these drawings. Children’s drawings and narratives during the three-year study were evaluated as quantitative and qualitative data. Preschoolers imagined mostly on four topics involving plants, people, animals and place. Children’s narratives reveal the richness of their imagination.

Editorial: Designing, implementing and evaluating self-regulated learning experiences in online and innovative learning environments

Editorial: Designing, implementing and evaluating self-regulated learning experiences in online and innovative learning environments

International business education experiences through temporary learning environments: evidence from Atlantic Canada

Purpose International environments introduce a number of learning-related barriers for students endeavoring to understand global business practices. One way in which these obstacles can be addressed is through participation in temporary learning environments (TLEs), such as trade fairs and similar events. This paper aims to examine how international trade missions (ITMs) – a type of short-term, study-abroad experience – were used as TLEs by students at an Atlantic Canada university as part of their EMBA curriculum to gain practical experience in international business environments. Design/methodology/approach This study explores the ways in which students benefitted from participation in the ITMs and resulting TLEs. Accordingly, an online survey that explored export-related issues and learning outcomes was administered to EMBA students who participated in this program to ascertain the ways in which these events furthered their educational experience and how the ITMs enabled them to perceive challenges and strategies related to international market expansion. Findings A survey of ITM participants revealed that students gained insights into firm-level barriers to internationalization in addition to a practical understanding of general challenges in international trade. At the same time, some observations suggested that more emphasis could be placed on pre-trip preparations and post-trip networking. The paper concludes with discussions on how short-term study abroad opportunities can serve as TLEs, in addition to proposing future ways in which the ITMs could provide even more experiences for the students. Originality/value The value-added from this paper is found in two ways. The first is to illustrate how ITMs can be a form of a TLE for students. The second, linked contribution, is to reinforce and to provide further evidence on how the TLEs – a short study-abroad opportunity – can be an environment in which students obtain valuable, hands-on international business experience.

Advancing haptic realism: modelling grasp contact vibrations for enhanced virtual environment interaction

Abstract In haptic technology, achieving realistic tactile feedback is crucial for enhancing the user experience in virtual environments. Previous studies lack effective methods for transmitting high-frequency vibrations crucial for realistic tactile feedback in haptic interfaces, highlighting the need for our research to address this gap. This paper explores the application of a tactile gripping interface to transmit the high-frequency vibrations produced when contacting a hard object's surface. These short vibrations improve the tactile sensation of hard virtual surfaces when overlaid on traditional position-based force feedback within a haptic environment. The enhanced realism of virtual objects is achieved by effectively estimating the vibration composition from user-induced parameters. This work presents a prototype grasping interface and empirically demonstrates this device's utility. We examine empirical grasp contact data, recorded and interpreted, to recognise the relationship between dynamic user-controlled parameters and the resulting vibration transients. This relationship effectively incorporates these changing dynamics to model the grasp impact and estimate the essential system parameters to understand the influence of the user's grasp force. Through our multi-point grasping interface design, this work demonstrates a mathematical relationship between the user's grasp force and the high-frequency vibrations from contact with hard surfaces. The study found that the proposed haptic interface had an RMSE of 0.05, demonstrating the system's high level of accuracy. This low RMSE value indicates that the predicted vibrations closely matched the actual measured vibrations, proving the effectiveness of our methods through objective validation.

Childhood Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education Shape Pro-Environmental Behavior Among Adults: A Study of Residents in Illinois, USA

Childhood nature experiences are instrumental in shaping environmental dispositions, yet there is limited empirical evidence of the mechanism of how childhood experiences may impact adulthood. We examined how childhood experiences explained adults’ intentions to engage in pro-environmental behavior. Using survey data from an online panel of respondents in Illinois, USA (n = 617), we observed from an exploratory factor analysis that childhood experiences were comprised of outdoor recreation and environmental education. We then tested a latent variable path model and found that engagement in childhood outdoor recreation positively influenced adulthood connection to nature, which in turn bolstered environmental values as guiding principles in life. Childhood environmental education experiences did not predict adulthood connection to nature but did positively influence environmental values. As predicted, intentions to engage in pro-environmental behavior were positively correlated with environmental values. Implications for research and practice in environmental education and experiential learning are discussed.

DNA methylation, histone acetylation in the regulation of memory and its modulation during aging.

Memory formation is associated with constant modifications of neuronal networks and synaptic plasticity gene expression in response to different environmental stimuli and experiences. Dysregulation of synaptic plasticity gene expression affects memory during aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Covalent modifications such as methylation on DNA and acetylation on histones regulate the transcription of synaptic plasticity genes. Changes in these epigenetic marks correlated with alteration of synaptic plasticity gene expression and memory formation during aging. These epigenetic modifications, in turn, are regulated by physiology and metabolism. Steroid hormone estrogen and metabolites such as S-adenosyl methionine and acetyl CoA directly impact DNA and histones' methylation and acetylation levels. Thus, the decline of estrogen levels or imbalance of these metabolites affects gene expression and underlying brain functions. In the present review, we discussed the importance of DNA methylation and histone acetylation on chromatin modifications, regulation of synaptic plasticity gene expression and memory consolidation, and modulation of these epigenetic marks by epigenetic modifiers such as phytochemicals and vitamins. Further, understanding the molecular mechanisms that modulate these epigenetic modifications will help develop recovery approaches.

Functional Brain Adaptations During Speech Processing in 4-Month-Old Bilingual Infants.

Language learning is influenced by both neural development and environmental experiences. This work investigates the influence of early bilingual experience on the neural mechanisms underlying speech processing in 4-month-old infants. We study how an early environmental factor such as bilingualism interacts with neural development by comparing monolingual and bilingual infants' brain responses to speech. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure 4-month-old Spanish-Basque bilingual and Spanish monolingual infants' brain responses while they listened to forward (FW) and backward (BW) speech stimuli in Spanish. We reveal distinct neural signatures associated with bilingual adaptations, including increased engagement of bilateral inferior frontal and temporal regions during speech processing in bilingual infants, as opposed to left hemispheric functional specialization observed in monolingual infants. This study provides compelling evidence of bilingualism-induced brain adaptations during speech processing in infants as young as 4 months. These findings emphasize the role of early language experience in shaping neural plasticity during infancy suggesting that bilingual exposure at this young age profoundly influences the neural mechanisms underlying speech processing.

Benthic marine invertebrate herbivores diversify their algal diets in winter

AbstractChanges in the seasonal environment substantially influence organisms. Understanding how species respond to such changes, such as in their feeding interactions and physiology, is key to predicting their resilience to both seasonal and longer term climate changes. The Sitka Sound in Southeast Alaska, USA, is an attractive natural laboratory for studying change, as the marine environment experiences substantial seasonal fluctuations in parameters such as temperature, pH, and productivity between summer and winter. By sampling a suite of dominant macrophyte algae and their benthic herbivores in winter (January) and summer (July) 2019, we investigated how producers and their primary consumers may respond to seasonal change inferred through fatty acid trophic markers. We used a fatty acid logratio selection and analysis approach to ask the following: (1) Do fatty acid biomarkers for algae differ between seasons? (2) Do the same fatty acid biomarkers differ between seasons when applied to herbivores, with herbivore fatty acids tracking the presumed trophic resources? (3) Do fatty acid biomarkers for herbivores differ between seasons, when considered independently from algae? Comparing logratio sets selected each for the algae and the herbivore fatty acids, we found that algae fatty acids were different between our sampling seasons, but the algae‐selected fatty acid logratios did not clearly separate most herbivores by season. In contrast, the herbivore‐selected logratios strongly distinguished herbivore species between the January and June samplings. Further, dispersions of fatty acid logratios were greater within herbivore species in the winter than in the summer, potentially due to the utilization of more diverse resources when preferred algae are less abundant. In total, results suggest that herbivores are not simply tracking the seasonal fatty acid changes in the dominant algae as trophic resources; instead, herbivore fatty acid seasonal changes may occur largely through some other nonexclusive mechanisms, such as omnivory, reductions or shifts in dietary composition, and/or endogenous physiological responses. Thus, the benthic herbivores in our study appear not to be locked into their diets when faced with seasonal change and may use a range of strategies, including diet diversification, to cope with environmental variation.

Research on the Impacts of Homestay Program on Rural Areas in Case of Homestay Program in Jingxian County, Anhui Province, China

This paper examines the development and impact of homestay programs in Jing County, Xuancheng City, Anhui Province, China, with a particular focus on the rural Cai Cun Village. Homestay programs have gained popularity among urban Chinese tourists seeking respite from city life, offering them immersive experiences in rural environments. The study underscores the importance of homestays as a rural development strategy, highlighting their role in enhancing local infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and fostering community cooperation. By analyzing demographic, social, economic, political, cultural, and geographic factors, as well as interviewing local homestay operators, the research identifies both the benefits and challenges associated with homestay operations. Key issues such as management inefficiencies, audience limitations, seasonal unemployment, and non-committing participants are discussed. The paper proposes solutions, including the integration of agricultural activities, targeted advertising, and increased government intervention to address these challenges. The findings offer valuable insights for potential homestay operators and contribute to the broader discourse on rural revitalization, emphasizing the potential for homestays to drive sustainable development in less-developed regions.

Being An Wholistic and Developmental Healthcare Leader: Insights from a grounded theory research study

Background: Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex, requiring leaders to cope with a significant degree of uncertainty, change and ambiguity. In this environment, the healthcare leader’s ability to make sense of their experiences and thrive as a leader, is crucial to the efficient functioning of the healthcare system. Objective: To explore how the healthcare leader understands and makes sense of their leadership experiences and to develop a theoretical model which reflects contemporary leadership in a complex healthcare environment. Methods: A constructivist grounded theory methodology provided a comprehensive and rigorous model for the flexible exploration and analysis of the personal experiences and perspectives of the participant healthcare leaders. The rich and varied data was co-created through researcher interviews with participants, where participants engaged in two, one-hour interviews. Memo writing throughout the data collection and analysis process afforded additional valuable data. Results: Coding of data using constant comparative analysis rendered six key categories: Broadening perspectives and abilities as a leader, Creating the best possible healthcare environment, Experiencing and making sense of the bad times, Leading in alignment with personal values, Communicating and building relationships, Experiencing and making sense of the rewarding times. An overarching core category emerged of Being an wholistic and developmental leader, which connected all the categories. Conclusion: This research provides an understanding of how healthcare leaders make meaning from their leadership experiences. A comprehensive model has been constructed to describe how contemporary healthcare leaders make sense of their leadership experiences in complex environments both wholistically and developmentally. This is useful for both informing and supporting the developmental growth of healthcare leaders .

Exploring Customer Experience Drivers in Night Markets: Examining the Roles of Product Preference, Service Quality, and Facility Accessibility

This study investigates the critical factors shaping customer experiences in night markets, emphasizing product preferences, quality of services provided, and accessibility of facilities. As integral hubs of cultural exchange, community engagement, and tourism, night markets contribute significantly to local economies and cultural heritage preservation. However, research on customer experience in these dynamic environments remains limited. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 201 night market visitors through a purposive sampling. The study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the interconnections between the primary variables. The findings reveal that product preference has a substantial positive impact on customer experience (β = 0.465, p < 0.001) along with service quality (β = 0.209, p < 0.01) and facility accessibility (β = 0.585, p < 0.001). Both service quality and facilities play pivotal roles in shaping customer satisfaction and experiences, either directly or indirectly. The results underscore the importance of tailored product offerings, consistent service quality, and well-maintained facilities for fostering satisfaction and loyalty. This study provides practical insights for vendors by emphasizing the value of understanding customer preferences, ensuring operational efficiency, and enhancing facility provisions. These findings contribute to theoretical frameworks on customer experience, enrich the knowledge base for night market operations, and offer actionable strategies for sustainable market development and customer engagement.