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The demand for novel bio-based materials in UV-curing additive manufacturing has surged due to increasing environmental concerns and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the manufacturing industry. However, at the moment, their thermomechanical performance is not equal to that of their fossil-based counterparts and this impedes the acceptance of these materials within the industrial community. Therefore, in this study, a series of nanocomposite polyesters based on itaconic acid was synthesized for the first time with in-situ polymerization, in an attempt to leverage the unique properties of nanofillers and improve the overall performance of the material. A variety of reinforcing agents were utilized, namely cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), montmorillonite (MMT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2), to understand the effect of each filler on the physicochemical properties of the polyester. Formulations of these polyesters were then prepared and processed on a digital light processing (DLP) 3D printer to prepare test specimens. Extensive thermomechanical characterization showed that the interference of the fillers with the UV curing process was the main parameter determining the mechanical performance of the 3D printed materials.

This paper reflects on the history of adult and community education (ACE) in Aotearoa New Zealand with special reference to older people's learning. The paper adopts a critical framework and draws on both primary and secondary sources. Key economic, political, social, demographic and cultural forces are discussed along with the huge growth in tertiary education, the increasing pressures on people to continue their education in later life, and the impact of social movements on this expansion. This growth in tertiary education has not been paralleled by a comparable growth of ACE, and I argue that the history of ACE is in fact more complex and subtle, with many different stories being told. I then discuss the history of older adults' learning and report briefly on some ACE programmes which have emerged over the years and some trends in government policy with special reference to the New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy and its implications for older people's learning. In the light of the positive ageing rhetoric I also raise questions about the very limited government investment in ACE generally and in particular in older people's learning.

Introduction: This paper presents a theoretical concept and methodological approach for identifying critical determinants for behavior change interventions. The approach is based on established theories and constructs but represents them in an intervention- instead of questionnaire-oriented form. Six discriminant and targetable dimensions of behavior determinants are proposed: Consideration, feasibility, instrumental evaluation, norms and goals, affective evaluation, and needs and tension states. Methods: For estimating the importance of these dimensions for a specific behavior to be changed in a specific situation and population, a quasi)experimental approach is proposed, in which interventions are designed to have effects on one of these dimensions but none on the other dimensions. By measuring changes of the target behavior or its consequences, the impact of each dimension on changing the behavior can be estimated in-situ without questionnaires. The approach was applied to develop a campaign for reducing picnic littering in an urban park in Zurich (Switzerland). In 2019, posters targeting four dimensions were set up during three waves in up to four zones with two control zones without posters. Before, between, and after the intervention waves, for at least 2  weeks, no interventions were in place. The volume of litter was measured on 119  days at 55 points. Results: In some cases, the amount of litter was too small for effects to be detected, but where enough littering occurred, posters providing information, inducing positive emotions, or activating reciprocity norms—as well as providing the option of separating fractions of waste for recycling as a structural measure— reduced litter significantly. Interventions targeting the tension state of disgust had no effect. Posters targeting descriptive and injunctive norms increased the amount of litter. Discussion: Based on the results of the preparative study, a large-scale campaign was designed, implemented, and evaluated in 2022, which led to promising effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive climate change (CC) forces people—particularly in the Global South—to adapt to its consequences, some of which include droughts, flooding, and new diseases. This study investigates the determinants of behaviors for adapting to these threats in a population from the region of Cusco (Peru). Data were gathered via a cross-sectional interview-based survey in 2016, using random-route sampling. For up to 542 cases, we regressed a scale combining performed behaviors and intentions on psychological constructs, for the entire and sub-samples (n > 179, allowing to detect an R2 of 10% with a power of 80% at p = 0.05). Behavior-specific evaluations—particularly perceived feasibility (β = 0.355), descriptive norms (β = 0.267), and cost-benefit evaluations (β = 0.235)—can explain most of the variance (44% with a total R2 = 61%). Furthermore, trust in specific sources (β = 0.106), general trust (β = 0.098), and negative attitudes toward nature (β = 0.077) are positively related to adaptation, particularly regarding public behaviors (supporting community projects and policies). However, evaluations directly related to CC, such as risk perception (β = 0.010) or how much a behavior helps prevent damage (adaptation efficacy, β = −0.042)), do not explain adaptation, except for an effect of adaptation efficacy on changing daily behaviors. Experiences with and expectations of CC consequences are mostly unrelated to adaptation. However, worries about such events are correlated with adaptation (r between 0.097 and 0.360). We conclude that, to promote adaptation behaviors in this region, the focus should be on the characteristics of the behavior performance (e.g., its costs or feasibility), not on the expected risks of extreme events because of CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We test a general theory of norm changes based on evidence that people will punish less hygienic others more strongly than more hygienic others. The theory concludes that such asymmetric punishment would result in hygiene norms becoming ever stricter. We argue that, because complaints about one's behavior might lead to protest, norms might not always change because of such complaints. We conducted an online experiment (N = 1,023 Swiss adults) using handwashing as the target behavior. We replicated the asymmetry in punishment intensities and found that the intensity of protests against complaints about one's too unhygienic behavior approached the intensity of these complaints. We conclude that, while asymmetric punishment may drive norm change, protests may lead to norm stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]