Household waste behaviours among a community sample in Iran: An application of the theory of planned behaviour

Understanding the factors influencing recycling behaviour can lead to better and more effective recycling programs in a community. The goal of this study was to examine factors associated with household waste behaviours in the context of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) among a community sample of Iranians that included data collection at time 1 and at follow-up one year later at time 2. Study participants were sampled from households under the coverage of eight urban health centers in the city of Qazvin. Of 2000 invited households, 1782 agreed to participate in the study. A self-reported questionnaire was used for assessing socio-demographic factors and the TPB constructs (i.e. attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intention). Furthermore, questions regarding moral obligation, self-identity, action planning, and past recycling behaviour were asked, creating an extended TPB. At time 2, participants were asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire on self-reported recycling behaviours. All TPB constructs had positive and significant correlations with each other. Recycling behaviour at time 1 (past behaviour) significantly related to household waste behaviour at time 2. The extended TPB explained 47% of the variance in household waste behaviour at time 2. Attitude, perceived behavioural control, intention, moral obligation, self-identity, action planning, and past recycling behaviour were significant predictors of household waste behaviour at time 2 in all models. The fact that the expanded TPB constructs significantly predicted household waste behaviours holds great promise for developing effective public campaigns and behaviour-changing interventions in a region where overall rates of household waste reduction behaviours are low. Our results indicate that educational materials which target moral obligation and action planning may be particularly effective.     

Predicting the effects of urbanization on runoff after frequent rainfall events

Urbanization dynamics are commonly subjected to powerful market forces, only partly managed by land-use plans. The density, location and pattern of urbanized areas affect rainfall-runoff relations. Consequently, it is essential to understand future impacts of urbanization on runoff and produce focused regulation. The goal was to analyze land-cover scenarios and their impact on runoff in an urbanized watershed in Israel. Present and predicted land-cover scenarios in a densely populated watershed were produced. The runoff response to rainfall was then simulated using a hydrological model. The impact of implementing afforestation and quarrying national outline plans was considered. By the year 2050, 50% of the watershed will be urbanized with a linear increase in runoff response. Afforestation and quarrying plans show little effect on runoff, although quarries may decrease runoff through percolation. As urbanization is expected to continue spreading in adjacent watersheds, statutory measures should be applied to mitigating runoff.     

Factors Influencing Unsafe Behaviors and Accidents on Construction Sites: A Review

Objective. Construction is a hazardous occupation due to the unique nature of activities involved and the repetitiveness of several field behaviors. The aim of this methodological and theoretical review is to explore the empirical factors influencing unsafe behaviors and accidents on construction sites. Methods. In this work, results and findings from 56 related previous studies were investigated. These studies were categorized based on their design, type, methods of data collection, analytical methods, variables, and key findings. A qualitative content analysis procedure was used to extract variables, themes, and factors. In addition, all studies were reviewed to determine the quality rating and to evaluate the strength of provided evidence. Results. The content analysis identified 8 main categories: (a) society, (b) organization, (c) project management, (d) supervision, (e) contractor, (f) site condition, (g) work group, and (h) individual characteristics. The review highlighted the importance of more distal factors, e.g., society and organization, and project management, that may contribute to reducing the likelihood of unsafe behaviors and accidents through the promotion of site condition and individual features (as proximal factors). Conclusion. Further research is necessary to provide a better understanding of the links between unsafe behavior theories and empirical findings, challenge theoretical assumptions, develop new applied theories, and make stronger recommendations.     

The dynamic nexus between air transport,technological innovation,FDI, and economic growth: evidence from BRICS-MT countries

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study examines the endogenous growth theory for technological innovation and economic growth with the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) and...     

Microplastics in urban waters and its effects on microbial communities: a critical review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Microplastic (MP) pollution is one of the emerging threats to the water and terrestrial environment, forcing a new environmental challenge due to the...     

Experimental studies on solar chimneys for natural ventilation in domestic applications: a comprehensive review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Solar chimneys are among relatively modern mechanisms in the field of renewable energy which can be employed for power generation or indoor...     

Sample preparation methods for the analysis of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - The vast amount of plastic waste emitted into the environment is of increasing concern because there is mounting evidence for various toxic effects of...