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This paper aims to appraise the influence of strategic control tactics on financial performance. The goal is to examine the mediating effect of the resource allocation process on the relationship between financial performance and five strategic control tactics. A quantitative hypothetico-deductive methodology was used in this study. A basic random sample of the Ministry of Finance–North Lebanon's workforce was used to conduct an electronic questionnaire. A total of 232 valid responses were collected. Two statistical analysis methods, an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis, were implemented. The sample adequacy was confirmed by a KMO value higher than 0.7 before instigating the principal component analysis (PCA). The latter kept more than 60% of the initial data while structuring the data. The findings of the KMO and Barlett tests supported the adoption of PCA. The correlation matrix confirmed a statistically significant relationship between resource allocation, financial success, and strategic control techniques. The structural equation model (SEM) validated the linear correlations and statistical significance between the variables. The hypotheses were examined. Results confirmed that the model satisfactorily fits the data. The RMSEA is below the 0.05 threshold. The incremental indices are higher than 0.9. Results confirmed that the resource allocation process mediates the relationship between preventive control, operational control, special alert control, implementation control, and financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to develop a scenario analysis on the experts' perceptions of benefits and barriers related to adopting digital technologies for the life cycle assessment (LCA) to catalyse a circular economy transition in the agri-food system. Methods: A literature review was performed to identify LCA's digital technologies that can be implemented within the agri-food system. Furthermore, an in-depth interview with a panel of senior researchers was conducted to establish a set of items and assess the perceived benefits and barriers associated with an "empowered LCA", i.e. a future-oriented LCA based on digital technologies. To this end, a two-stage exploratory factor analysis relying on the principal component analysis technique was carried out to refine the set of items. Finally, a covariance-based structural equation model was performed, built on a confirmatory factor analysis, to test the measurement model. Results and discussion: The study's findings provide five constructs to explore the potential benefits and barriers related to adopting a digital technologies-based LCA (empowered LCA) for a circular economy transition in the agri-food system. More specifically, the benefits can be assessed using the following constructs: "benefits for the data collection and analysis", "benefits for the LCA analysts", "benefits for the management" and "benefits for traceability". In addition, the barriers have been evaluated using a single construct labelled "general barriers". Conclusions: The study highlights the relevance of digital technologies for a circular economy transition to develop a more reliable LCA, enhancing legislative compliance and supporting the traceability processes in the agri-food system. The associated implications for LCA experts, agri-food managers and policymakers are presented. Furthermore, limitations and future research directions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to understand the determinants of Vietnamese shoppers' perceived value and their shopping intention towards omnichannel. First, this paper examines factors affecting customers' perceived value of omnichannel and identifies predictors of these factors. Second, it examines the association between customers' perceived value and their shopping intention towards omnichannel retailing. In doing so, this study utilizes quantitative research by means of a survey of 225 omnichannel shoppers in the electronics retail industry in Ho Chi Minh City. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation models are employed to analyze the data. The findings show that compatibility and perceived risk have a significant association with perceived value; that the predictors of perceived risk are consistency, flexibility, and personalization; and that the predictor of compatibility is consistency. In addition, perceived value has a positive association with shopping intention. This paper supports the current knowledge of omnichannel retailing and extends the research framework by providing contextual determinants from Vietnam. Practical implications are provided to practitioners for implementing and maintaining successful omnichannel adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With growing competition in the tourism industry and changing tourists' expectations, motives and behavior, marketers are at the outset to promote, position and brand their tourism destinations lucratively. Though there are many allied themes on destination branding and marketing arena, tourists' motives have been widely looked up as research emphasis the dynamic revamps being seen with the intervention of digital sources of information. However, research at this aspect is at gradual phase. This paper focuses on such a theme and tries to understand the significant impact of tourists' behavior towards esources of information on their motives. Literary sources have been analyzed and hypothesis has been formulated. To test the assumption, the research location has been chosen - a district in Tamil Nadu state which serves wide range of tourists' motives and bestowed with distinct tourism attractions. A Structured questionnaire containing the necessary items measuring the study factors has been floated to 422 tourists through convenient sampling technique. However, 327 have been rounded as the final sample after excluding the illegible responses. Three Stage Analysis has been performed where Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) has been sued for data reduction and exploring the new factors, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) has been used for identifying and confirming the individual models and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) has been used for understanding the structural relationship between the factors. Model fit has been found for CFA and SEM. Significant impact has been found by tourists' behavior towards the esources of information on tourists' motives. Simple Percentage Analysis (SPA) has been used to analyze the distribution of respondents based on their personal factors. Suggestions to the marketers and policy makers have been provided through managerial implications. Theoretical recommendations have also been narrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The current study investigates how consumers are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to explain consumers' stockpiling and impulse buying behaviour during the current crisis. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the scope and focus of this study, our primary data collection tool was an online survey questionnaire that was sent to 1,000+ people and the results were computed from 417 responses received. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis to substantiate the construct validity of the constructs. Unidimensionality, validity and reliability of the model were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. The effect of the COVID crisis on consumer stocking and impulse buying behaviour was investigated using structural equation modelling. Findings: The findings show that the COVID pandemic did have a significant impact on consumer behavioural patterns indicated by the stocking and impulse buying behaviour of consumers. Practical implications: These results have consequences for policymakers and practitioners in terms of adjusting inventory and response policies, especially in terms of efficient supply chain management processes and actively reaching out to customers to reduce their fear and anxiety levels, which contribute to such panic activity. Originality/value: This paper adds value to the literature on consumer behaviour during COVID-19 pandemic in case of Indian consumers. The findings of the paper will help in doing a comparison of the said behaviour of consumers in other parts of the world. The paper also helps in explaining the underlying theories elucidating such behaviour of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper aims to study the outreach and performance of business correspondent (BC) models, which are implemented as a subsidiary agent of banks to accelerate the financial inclusion (FI) mission in India. In this regard, the study illustrates BC's products and services rendered to customers, forms of delivery channels and BC's view on banking services and Kiosk-based BC programs. Design/methodology/approach: The current paper is an empirical study based on surveying 200 Kiosk-based BCs working in the state of Kerala. After the preliminary screening analysis of the data with outlier deletion, removal of missing values and normality test, both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were executed followed by reliability test, convergent and discriminant validity tests. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CBSEM) was performed for CFA and inferential tests were carried out by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and analysis of a moment structures (AMOS) and Eviews. Findings: Chiefly, eight operational forms of BCs were found from the field survey. Hypothetical tests show the significant impact of the serviceability of banks on BC's profitability. Validity tests such as average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability (CR), maximum shared variance (MSV) and average shared variance (ASV) were established after the removal of the cross-loaded items of the questionnaire from the rotated component matrix. BCs perform main banking services especially bank account opening facility and Akshaya E-Centers are widely used for this model as Kiosk banking in the surveyed state. Originality/value: So far, no study has encompassed empirical research on performance analysis and outreach of the BC model in the state of Kerala where this BC model well functions. Since the study is a novel form of banking channelization for FI, the study can contribute to understanding the further feasibility and future dimension of the model based on experimental views of BCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful implementation of Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) requires leadership, but the understanding of such leadership among scholars and practitioners is insufficient. The purpose of this paper is to explore a leadership scale to provide insights. This study develops the scale via 3 independent samples of quality personnel according to Hinkin's recommended scale development process. Exploratory factor analysis sheds light on the tri-dimensional structure of the scale, which comprises task-oriented, change-oriented, and relations-oriented behaviours. The results are affirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, which also demonstrates satisfactory reliability and construct validity. To further explore the predictive validity of leadership and delve deeper into its mechanics, based on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this study identifies connectivity and challenge stressors as keys to the 'Black Box' of the relationship between leadership and thriving at work. Structural equation modelling suggests that leadership has a positive influence on thriving at work, connectivity, and challenge stressors. Connectivity and challenge stressors mediate the relationship between leadership and thriving at work. The Q4.0 leadership scale can be used as a guideline for organisations embracing Q4.0 to select and appoint managers, as well as for quality leaders to evaluate and improve themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsafe acts of ship officers have been a direct cause of many maritime accidents. In the maritime industry, much effort has been made to prevent unsafe acts and to improve safe behaviours of ship officers. The positive effect of organizational safety climate on human behaviour has been well documented in the literature. Within this context, this paper aims to pioneer the development of the measurement constructs of safety climate in shipping operations and analyze its impact on safety consciousness and behaviour of ship officers. Using primary data collected from 284 deck officers and captains, an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and a structural equation model are used to reveal the relationship among the constructs of safety climate, safety consciousness and safety behaviour. The research results show that (1) safety climate generates a direct positive effect on safety consciousness and behaviour; (2) safety consciousness has a positive effect on safety behaviour; and (3) safety consciousness acts as a mediator between safety climate and safety behaviour. Its managerial implications and practical contributions lie in the provision of useful insights on how ship managers can effectively gain the improved safety behaviours of ship officers by appropriate introduction of safety climate and consciousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to the implementation of big data (BD) in the healthcare supply chain (HSC). Design/methodology/approach: First, the barriers concerning BD adoption in the HSC were found by conducting a detailed literature survey and with the expert's opinion. Then the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was employed to categorize the barriers. The obtained results are verified using the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis gives the path diagram representing the interrelationship between latent variables and observed variables. Findings: The segregation of 13 barriers into three categories, namely "data governance perspective," "technological and expertise perspective," and "organizational and social perspective," is performed using EFA. Three hypotheses are tested, and all are accepted. It can be concluded that the "data governance perspective" is positively related to "technological and expertise perspective" and "organizational and social perspective" factors. Also, the "technological and expertise perspective" is positively related to "organizational and social perspective." Research limitations/implications: In literature, very few studies have been performed on finding the barriers to BD adoption in the HSC. The systematic methodology and statistical verification applied in this study empowers the healthcare organizations and policymakers in further decision-making. Originality/value: This paper is first of its kind to adopt an approach to classify barriers to BD implementation in the HSC into three distinct perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The validity of a standardised test is questioned if an irrelevant construct is accounted for the performance of examinees, which is wrongly modeled as the ability in the construct (test items). A test must ensure precision in the examinee's ability irrespective of their sub-population in any demographic variables. This paper explored the potentials of gender and school location as major covariates on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) mathematics items among examinees (N=2,866) using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). The results remarked that the test is multidimensional (six-factors) with compliance fix indices of (2 (940)=4882.024, p < 0.05, CFI=0.962, TLI=0.930, RMSEA=0.038, SRMR=0.030, 90 % CI=0.037-0.039, Akaike information criterion (AIC)=147290.577, Bayesian information criterion (BIC)=149585.436 and Sample-size adjusted BIC=148362.154) respectively. Also, there were 10 (20 %) significant DIF items in the WAEC to gender, while 3 (6 %) of the items indicated significant DIF to school location. Observed DIF items acquaint test developers; the existence of DIF may differentially affect the performance of examinees with the same ability level. The implications of the test are severe for the examinees. Hence, accurate and unbiased assessment should be the basic principles for any test item measurement, and test developers need to test the items to be free from biases psychometrically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 20% of the population is disabled. Many people have mobility problems, including the elderly and people with young children. It is crucial to adapt cities to the needs of these people and, at the same time, to the needs of all residents. This is the subject of universal design, which should consider inhabitants' needs and habits. This information can be collected by Internet of Things (IoT) devices that observe and listen to residents. Residents do not accept constant surveillance, so the public may not accept data collection by IoT sensors. This study aimed to identify and evaluate factors influencing the acceptance of data collection by IoT devices for universal design. For this purpose, an online survey was prepared by the Warsaw University of Technology. The following statistical methods were used to analyze the data: descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis and structural equation modeling. This paper identifies key factors influencing the acceptance of IoT devices for universal design. The statistically significant factors are the perceived usefulness of data collection, trust in city authorities, the perceived security of data collected by IoT devices and empathy for people with disabilities. The original achievement of this study is its indication that empathy for the disabled moderates and increases the positive relationship between the perceived usefulness of IoT devices and their acceptance. It was also found that trust in city authorities mediates the relationship between the perceived usability and acceptance of IoT devices. City authorities can use the results of this analysis in the implementation of IoT devices in smart cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human resources are recognized as the ultimate and most indispensable resource in economic development. In this study, an inquiry was made to ascertain the determinants of workers' innovativeness. A survey of 229 respondents in food and beverage processing firms selected through random and snowballing sampling techniques was implemented. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and the structural equation model. Findings reveal that though personal, family, organizational and social factors were hypothesized to be influencing the ability of employees to innovate, only family (β = 0.358; p < 0.001) and organizational (β = 0.213; p < 0.01) factors showed a significant and positive influence on employees' innovativeness. The paper concludes that the support employees received from their homes and organizations is crucial and contributed significantly to their innovative ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the efficiency of learning and promote achievements, the current paper explores the correlation of the growth mindset to students and teachers. This study aims to develop the growth mindset scale with the evidence of structural validity, measurement of direct and indirect effects in Chinese samples. To achieve the research objective, this study investigates 654 participants, including 321 students at different learning stages and 266 teachers from primary and secondary schools. In the investigation, using SPSS 25.0 and Amos 24.0 software, we conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation model (SEM), mediation analysis, and one-way ANOVA method with Welch's test to achieve the study aim. The analysis of effect presents that challenge, adversity, attitude, motivation, grit and a positive mindset are all important to the growth mindset. In conclusion, the results show that: (1) the growth mindset scale was successfully constructed, developed and validated by the SEM; (2) measurement model, direct and indirect effects were confirmed; (3) growth mindset is positively correlated with age (and learning stage). It also indicates the importance of cultivating the growth mindset for students and teachers. The other possibilities, limitations and implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper examines the mediating role of manufacturing strategies in the relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach: This study gathered 250 responses from firms in a developing country's key manufacturing sectors, including mechanical, electronics, automotive, textile and food. First, descriptive statistics were applied to fix outliers like respondent biases, missing values and normality issues. Second, exploratory factors analysis (EFA) ensured data adequacy and homogeneity through Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests. Finally, confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) was used to identify the interactions (direct, indirect and total effects) between latent variables representing manufacturing strategies (quality, cost, delivery and flexibility), competitive strategies (cost-leadership and differentiation) and firms' performance (sales growth and profitability). In total, two structural equation modelling (SEM) models (SEM-I, SEM-II) were created to test the hypotheses. Findings: Of the 40 items identified by the literature review, four were outliers, and three could not satisfy the EFA criteria (eigenvalue >1). Only 33 items could therefore reach CFA. SEM–I and SEM-II study results found no direct relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance (−0.03 = β = 0.08; p > 0.05). However, the findings revealed that cost-leadership could be an appropriate strategic choice and improved firms' performance if the quality and delivery are focussed (0.20 = β = 0.87; p < 0.001). While competitive strategies impact manufacturing strategies positively, the latter is only a mediator between the cost-leadership strategy and the firms' performance. Originality/value: This research shows that the cost-leadership approach currently seems viable; however, flexibility and cost requirements were not satisfied due to infeasible product differentiation. These results will be beneficial to executives interested in investing in India's industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The increase in the innovativeness of enterprises is conditioned by many external and internal factors. One of the internal factors on which an enterprise has significant influence is the management of the company. The objective of this paper is to identify the strategic management-related factors of enterprise innovativeness, understood as the most important internal factors in the area of management, which positively impact the innovativeness of enterprises in the strategic perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical studies were conducted on a purposive sample of N = 180 small and medium-sized innovative manufacturing enterprises in Poland. The Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique was employed. Data analysis was performed using exploratory factor analysis within the confirmatory factor analysis framework (E-CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings: In light of the results of the research - the identified strategic factors of enterprise innovativeness in the area of management are the managerial competencies of the company's executives in the implementation of innovation strategies, human resource management and building trust-based relationships, as well as openness to innovation. Research limitations/ implications: A limitation of the study is the purposive selection of the research sample, preventing the generalization of the results. Further research should focus on the identification of strategic factors of enterprise innovativeness in the area of management in the age of development of Industry 4.0. Practical implications: The results of the research serve as recommendations for leaders/managers interested in increasing the level of innovativeness of their enterprises. Social implications: The inclusion of recommendations by leaders/managers should result in an increase in the innovativeness of enterprises. Originality/value: The research results have cognitive value for the expansion of knowledge in the studied area. The presented procedure of empirical research is recommended for use by researchers in further scientific studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algorithms embedded in media applications increasingly influence individuals' media practice and behavioral decisions. However, it is also important to consider how the influence of such algorithms can be resisted. Few studies have explored the resistant outcomes of the interactions with algorithms. Based on an affordance perspective, this study constructed a formation framework of algorithmic resistance in the context of short videos in China. Survey responses from 2,000 short video users to test the model. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. The findings reveal two types of "moderate" resistance: avoidance and obfuscation. Specific needs, such as the motivations of peeking and escapism, are significantly related to perceived algorithmic affordance, which, in turn, encourages the tactics of avoidant and obfuscated resistance. The results provide new insights into the potential formation mechanisms of algorithmic resistance. The forms of resistance highlighted in the paper evolve alongside algorithms and have significant practical implications for users and platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of FinTech, many countries are currently exploring the viability of their own digital currencies due to the vast potential in terms of efficiency, security and accessibility. Some digital currencies have been under rapid development and real-world trials have recently been deployed. The purpose of this paper is to understand the main factors that could affect people's intention to use digital currency via an empirical study. A survey was employed to collect data and the final sample consisted of 408 respondents in China. The responses were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results showed that financial knowledge, perceived value, openness to innovation and perceived convenience positively impact people's intention to use digital currency. It was also found that perceived value can be significantly anteceded by perceived monetary value, perceived functional value, and perceived emotional value. In addition, the mediating effect of perceived value on the influencing path between financial knowledge and intention to use was also confirmed. The findings can be utilized by governmental related authorities or FinTech companies to enhance the perception of users and develop effective strategies for increasing their intention to use digital currency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The execution of product recovery strategies and the definition of an adequate system to manage its performance are crucial to move toward the employment of a successful circular economy (CE) concept. Defining strategies for the efficient management of product recovery requires product data that is difficult to obtain, making it harder to handle. However, efficient product recovery management can play a key role in shifting companies from a linear economy model to a more sustainable CE model, providing economic benefits and increasing customer satisfaction by recovering and adding value to the discarded product. Therefore, this study aims to provide better models to support decision-making and to evaluate product recovery performance. Design/methodology/approach: The present study highlights a comprehensive two-stage decision approach to identify and examine the relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) for performance improvement of an information facilitated product recovery system (IFPRS) in a CE context. In the first phase, a structural equation modeling (SEM) methodology is adopted to categorize the KPIs by employing exploratory factor analysis and measurement of the model fit is obtained using the confirmatory factor analysis. Further, in the second phase, the KPIs are ranked and prioritized on the basis of expert's recommendations adopting fuzzy-technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS). Findings: Empirical investigation is conducted by compiling data from an association of six decision-makers (DMs) and two DMs from a respective prospect. The results highlight that "Technology Capacity" is ranked as the highest and is the most prominent KPI for successful employment of IFPRS practices. The results of the study would benefit policy makers and company directors in the selection of KPIs based on their importance in a context of high competition and greater pressure to adopt sustainable practices in the management of their companies. Originality/value: As far as the authors know, no study has been performed till date to identify and construct a structural KPIs model for IFPRS performance improvement in the context of CE. The paper, therefore, proposes a two-phase SEM-TOPSIS technique to measure the impact of KPIs which is a new integration in the existing literature. The results of the study would benefit policy makers and company directors in the selection of KPIs based on their importance in a context of high competition and greater pressure to adopt sustainable practices in managing their organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although price fairness has been intensively studied for decades, the measurement of its multidimensionality has not yet reached any consensus. Its impact on consumers' trust and switching intentions in financial institutions has been less frequently analysed. This paper fills both gaps and has two objectives. First, it aims to develop a reliable and valid measurement scale for price fairness in microfinance. Second, following the equity and social exchange theories, it tests the impact of price fairness on consumers' trust and switching intentions. Data were collected from 324 customers in six microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as structural equation modelling. The results confirm that price fairness is a multidimensional construct with six dimensions, revealing that the construct has not been comprehensively captured in prior research. Furthermore, findings suggest that price fairness significantly affects customer trust and satisfaction, and that both variables mediate the relationship between price fairness and customer switching intentions. These results confer a strategic role of price fairness, trust and switching intention in the microfinance industry, which is currently subject to customer sensitivity to interest rates and mistrust towards MFIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism festival and special event innovation are the important factors influencing the creation of superior value, the achievement of customer loyalty, and profitable growth. Based on the perspective of product supply and consumer demand integration analysis, this paper constructed an integrated model of tourism festival and special event innovation and its impacts on tourists' behavioral intentions. The basic data was obtained through the tourist survey on Zhangjiajie International Country Music Festival, and the exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to empirically test the relationship between various dimensions of tourism festival and special event innovation and their impacts on tourists' behavioral intentions. The results show the following: (1) tourism festival and special event innovation includes six dimensions of performance, accessibility, self-service technology, aesthetic environment, tourist community, and loyalty program; (2) performance, self-service technology, and aesthetic environment have a significant positive impact on overall innovation, while accessibility, tourist community, and loyalty program have no significant impact on overall innovation; and (3) overall innovation has a significant positive impact on tourists' satisfaction, brand equity, and tourists' behavioral intentions. Moreover, tourists' satisfaction and brand equity play a partial intermediary role in the impacts of overall innovation on the tourists' behavioral intentions. The article concludes with research limitations and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In neuro-rehabilitation, the assessment of post-stroke patients' motor function of damaged upper extremities (UEs) is essential. Clinicians need clear and concise assessment instruments to monitor progress recorded in intensive rehabilitation sessions. One such instrument is Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), which, in our view, requires a modified scoring model aimed at improving the assessment process of patients' motor and functional UE status, and recording their step-by-step-progress, especially if patients undergo a short length of hospitalization (of about 10 therapy days). Hence, this paper presents a new scoring system developed by the authors. This systemresults in a more precise MMT grading scale, which has more grades and can provide a more specific muscular assessment, while offering more clarity in quantifying patients' progress after physical therapy. A prospective study was made of 41 post-stroke patients with upper extremity (UE) impairments. To determine the validity of the assessment tool for hypothesizing, and the unidimensionality and internal consistency of the customized model, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a structural equation model (SEM), Cronbach's Alpha, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used with Fugl–Meyer (FM) assessments, the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), AROM, and the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS). Considering the unidimensionality of the instrument used, we performed a linear regression to identify whether certain movements performed segmentally by the manually evaluated muscles influence the measured manual score of the whole UE. All indices suggested a good model fit, and a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.920 suggested strong internal consistency. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the MMT-customized score with AROM was 0.857, p < 0.001; that with FMUE was 0.905, p < 0.001; that with MRS was −0.608, p = 0.010; and that with MAS was −0.677, p < 0.001. The linear regression results suggest that wrist extensors, shoulder abductors, and finger flexors can influence the manual assessment of the muscle strength of the whole UE, thereby improving post-stroke patient management. The results of our research suggest that, using the proposed scoring, MMT may be a useful tool for UE assessment in post-stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As centenarians are the most vulnerable social group among older adults, their quality of life (QoL) is of great significance for the realization of healthy aging and a harmonious society. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to propose a multidimensional analysis of centenarians' QoL to examine the factors associated with QoL. In the study, a factor analysis method, including exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, was used to uncover the latent structure of QoL and to monitor the dimension, reliability, and validity of the measurement scale. Structural equation model was performed to test the proposed hypotheses. Based on Lawton's "the good life" theoretical framework, we constructed our QoL model with four dimensions: physical health, mental health, family and social relationships, and socioeconomic status. After the factor analysis, three main hypotheses were presented. The results of the final QoL model revealed that two hypotheses of the relationships between QoL and "physical health" and "socioeconomic status" were supported. This paper suggests that interventions related to improving functional health and living standard could enhance the QoL for centenarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This empirical research paper was an extract from a major research work on understanding the tourists experience and post visit behaviour. Tourism industry confronted furious competition as marketers brand and position their destination in global market through lucrative strategies. One of the most predominant approaches was conceiving a favourable image of the destinations. Studies in this arena had highlighted the importance of information sources in destination image formation process. Accordingly, the primary objective of this work was to understand the structural deteminance of information sources, that included online and offline sources on the tourists' perceived cognitive image of the destinations. Literary sources were analysed and supporting evidence was pulled out. A model was formulated and hypothesis was framed stating that information sources determine the cognitive destination image. A structured questionnaire containing necessary statements measuring the sources of information and perceived cognitive image of the destination was circulated and the data was collected from 400 tourists using convenient sampling technique. Sample size was rounded to 370 after rejecting the illegible responses. A three stage approach that included Exploratory Factor Analysis of SPSS, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling of AMOS were used to test the hypothesis and the validity of the model. The model fit was identified for the individual factors and for the structural model. Also, the test results indicated the significant impact of information sources on cognitive image. Though there were studies that found the significance similar to this study, the novelty was indicated through the model. Studies were not found modelling these two factors viz; information sources and cognitive destination image. Suggestions were provided for the destination marketers. Limitations and Scope for further research were indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite interest in social stereotypes such as gender, race and age, professional stereotypes of frontline employees is still a new topic that requires measurement in the banking services. The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a reliable banker stereotype scale that reflects all useful dimensions. Design/methodology/approach: A multi-dimensional scale is developed using a mixed method in the French context. Qualitative data were collected from two samples (11 private banking clients, 17 retail banking clients). Quantitative data were collected from two diversified samples built by quotas: an exploratory sample (n = 226) and a confirmatory sample (n = 579). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test and validate the scale. Findings: The measurement scale proves to be valid and reliable. The scale is then used in a conceptual model as an explanatory factor of expected relational benefits where relations are analyzed using structural equation modeling. The model successfully provides some explanatory links between the banker stereotypes and the expected relational benefits. Practical implications: The concept of the professional stereotype can be further used to better understand relationship quality and customer satisfaction through relational benefits, and more widely as a part of the know your customer (KYC) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) procedures. Originality/value: The scale identifies four behavioral dimensions (partner, paternalistic, subordinate and shark) and one about dress code (formal clothing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterprise innovation is currently becoming a recognized factor of the competitiveness, survival, and development of companies in the market economy. Managers still need recommendations on ways of stimulating the growth of innovation in their companies. The objective of this paper is to identify the strategic factors of enterprise innovativeness in the area of technology, defined as the most important internal factors positively impacting the innovativeness of enterprises in a strategic perspective. Empirical studies were conducted using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method on a purposive sample of N = 180 small and medium-sized innovative industrial processing enterprises in Poland. Data analysis was performed using Exploratory Factor Analysis within the Confirmatory Factor Analysis framework (E-CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Empirical research shows that the strategic factor of enterprise innovativeness in the area of technology is technological activity. A technologically active company should (1) possess a modern machinery stock, (2) conduct systematic technological audits, and (3) maintain close technical cooperation with the suppliers of raw materials, consumables, and intermediates. The implementation of the indicated recommendations by managers should lead to increased innovativeness of small and medium-sized industrial companies. The author recommends the use of the presented research procedure and data analysis methods in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online learning is a reality in much of the world. Among the tools available for online learning, there are Online Discussion Forums (ODF), due to their potential to promote collaborative learning. However, there is a lack in the literature about the evaluation of the forums, a gap marked by the absence of quantitative tools that make it possible to evaluate the forums from the student's perspective. In this sense, the objective of this paper was to develop and validate a Quality Perception of Online Discussion Forums (QPODF) scale. To this end, quantitative research was carried out with students of postgraduate courses lato sensu the online distance education. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the QPODF scale. The results demonstrate that the quality of the construct perceived online discussion forums has two dimensions "Forum Structure" and "Forum Mediation." The two identified factors were shown to be consistent and accurate to measure the quality of online forums. Moreover, the theoretical approach used to compose the scale is convergent with the measurement model proposed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the effect of parent–adolescent conflict in step versus biological families on family communication patterns (FCPs) and the conflict resolution strategy adopted by adolescents during family destinations or holiday planning (where to visit?). Design/methodology/approach: The literature on family conflict (i.e. parent–adolescent conflict) and the different types of families (step vs nuclear) supported the proposed framework. The survey was conducted in the Indian subcontinent with a sample size of 437 adolescents. SPSS 22.0 was used for factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis) and structural equation modelling was used through AMOS 26.0 for data analysis. Findings: Significant relationship was observed between the types of families (step and biological), FCP and the resolution strategy chosen by Indian adolescents. Adopting a resolution strategy by adolescents in both families depends on the type of FCP in the family. Adolescents in stepfamilies have socio-oriented FCP and use "positive problem-solving" and "conflict withdrawal" as a resolution strategy. In contrast, adolescents in biological families have concept-oriented families and use "conflict enhancement" as a resolution strategy. It has also been found that adolescents who fall into high-stress categories used conflict enhancement strategies. In contrast, those who fall under low-stress categories used positive problem-solving and withdrawal strategies. Practical implications: This study will add a new chapter to adolescents' decision-making literature in line with the previous research. It has practical implications for tourism marketers, academicians/researchers and policymakers. Marketers can segment adolescents into step versus biological families, and the choice of resolution strategies may introduce efficient and competent marketing strategies and promotional campaigns. Originality/value: This study favours that family type is a robust construct to predict adolescents' choice of resolution strategy. So, it is one of the most influential variables in adolescents' resolution strategy adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shore power is a green technology used by the shipping industry to abate emissions from vessels berthing in ports. This paper aims to identify industry-related opinions on shore power based on a set of collected data by means of a questionnaire in China. A four-pronged approach is used for this investigation. First, a questionnaire based on more than 50 items of related literature was designed. Second, factor analysis, including exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, was carried out. Third, a structural equation model was used to test specified hypotheses and identify connections among varied factors, such as technology, application, etc. Finally, other related questions, such as development trends and the influence on shore power of new regulations on use of sulphur, were investigated. The results show that motivation, application, incentive, technology, and recognition all have positive influences on the promotion of shore power with 0.452, 0.398, 0.239, 0.216, and 0.194 standardised factor loadings, respectively. Meanwhile, a unified standard, subsidy/incentive, and implementation/enforcement are considered three urgent measures that can be employed to improve the uptake of shore power. Moreover, in upcoming years, digitalisation of application and payment and decarbonisation are predicted to be two major development trends in the industrial use of shore power. Three-quarters of the respondents thought that a new/lower limit of sulphur emission would boost the use of shore power. The findings from this investigation provide a decision-making tool for policymakers and the developed method can be used to promote the wide use of green technology. • Take a four-pronged method to identify industry-related opinions on shore power. • Use a structural equation model to explore connections among varied factors. • Unified standards, incentives, and enforcement are shown to be 3 urgent measures to broaden the uptake of shore power. • Digitalisation and decarbonisation are identified to be 2 major trends in the industrial use of shore power. • A lower limit of Sulphur emission would boost the use of shore power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport-52) is a tool developed to measure the frequency of stress associated through recovery activities with strong theoretical foundations. The study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay version of RESTQ-Sport-52 using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). A cross-sectional study with purposive sampling method was employed. There were 617 undergraduate university students in Malaysia participated in the study with mean age of 20 years old (SD = 1.5). The majority of the participants were female (66.1 %), Malay (76 %) and participated in at least one sport or exercise. The RESTQ-Sport-52-M consisted of 52 items with two main sections; (1) general stress and recovery scales and (2) sport-specific stress and recovery scales. Mplus 8.3 was used to perform the CFA and ESEM analysis to examine the construct validity and reliability of RESTQ-Sport-52-M. For measurement model assessment using CFA, the final model of general-stress/recovery and sport-specific stress/recovery indicated a fit based on several fit indices. However, in the measurement model assessment using ESEM, the fit indices for model of general-stress/recovery (CFI = 0.935, SRMR = 0.037, RMSEA = 0.045) and sport-stress/recovery (CFI = 0.923, SRMR = 0.036, RMSEA = 0.044) were generally improved. The construct reliability for measurement models of RESTQ-Sport-52-M ranged from 0.76 to 0.89. The ESEM approach yielded a better fit indices compared to the CFA approach for both scales. The RESTQ-Sport-52-M (50 items) were considered a more valid and reliable questionnaire to measure recovery and stress in sports for Malaysian sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale (CHAOS in English Version) was originally developed in the USA by Matheny et al (Bringing order out of chaos: psychometric characteristics of the confusion, hubbub, and order scale. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology 16(3):429–444, 1995) to measure chaos in the family environment, characterized by confusion, lack of routine, and organization. Objective: To present evidence of content validity, internal structure validity, and validity based on relationships with external measures of an adapted version of the CHAOS into Brasilian Portuguese with adolescents sample in São Paulo - Brasil. Method: Study 1 involved the translation/back-translation and adaptation of the scale into Brazilian Portuguese [here named "Escala de Confusão, Alvoroço e Ordem no Sistema familiar" (CAOS)], assessed by 5 judges. In Study 2, we conducted an exploratory factor analyses (EFA) to determine the scale's factor structure (N = 180 adults). In Study 3, we carried out confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to confirm the internal validity of the scale, along with complete structural equation modeling to explore convergent validity in another sample (N = 239 adolescents). Results: The CAOS scale displayed content validity, and the EFA and CFA showed a unifactorial structure (with some scale adjustments) with an acceptable fit. The family chaos latent factor was associated with externalizing symptoms and perceived stress in adolescents. Conclusion: Overall, the Brazilian version of the scale presented evidence of construct, internal, and concurrent validity that indicate its usefulness in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study validated an integrated framework of the academic analogue of the Psychological Momentum theory (PMT) in the context of Sophomore Slump phenomenon, based on the preliminary work of [9]. The sample of the study was 303 Second Year Computer Science, Mechanical, and Electronics Engineering Students under the STEM discipline at the Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India. The tools used for the study were the Academic Procrastination scale - short form by [33], the Engineering Self-Efficacy scale by [22], the Academic Inertia Scale by [9], and the Inspiration scale by [30]. Exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis were conducted using SPSS Statistics software Ver 23.0 on 103 subjects of the data, and the remaining 200 sample size data was used for confirmatory factor analysis study to adapt the foreign tools in the Indian context, along with the validation of the integrative framework of the academic analogue of PMT on sophomore engineering students using structural equation modeling (SEM) through SPSS AMOS software Ver. 23.0. The overall hypothesized integrative framework of PMT in academic context for second-year engineering undergraduates under the sophomore slump phenomenon, displayed acceptable goodness of fit indices. Educational and psychometric implications of the study towards the promotion of sustainable development goal 4 of quality education under STEM discipline in India, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication after kidney transplant is an important cause of graft rejection and loss. Approaches to minimization of non-adherence have focused on the identification of episodes of medication non-adherence, but by then irreparable harm to the graft may already have occurred, and a more effective approach would be to adopt preventive measures in patients who may have difficulty in adhering to medication. The aim of this study protocol is to develop and validate a clinical questionnaire for assessing, in kidney transplant candidate patients in the pre-transplant setting, the predisposition to non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication. In this multicenter, prospective study, a pilot questionnaire in Brazilian Portuguese language, composed of Likert-scaled statements expressing patients' beliefs, behaviors and barriers regarding medication taking will be assembled from a literature review, from focus groups, and an expert panel. The pilot questionnaire will be administered to a minimum of 300 patients in kidney transplant waiting lists and exploratory factor analysis will be used for development of the definitive questionnaire. A random subsample of a minimum of 60 patients will have the scale re-administered after one month for evaluation of test-retest reliability. A multicenter, external validation study will include 364 kidney transplant candidates who will be evaluated immediately before surgery and at months 3, 6 and 12 post-transplant for assessment of concurrent validity, by comparison with two scales that assess medication non-adherence, and for determination of predictive validity using a triangulation method for assessment of medication non-adherence. Structural validity will be assessed with confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling. Cross-cultural generalizability and validity will be assessed by a multicenter study, in which a translation of the scale to another language will be administered to kidney transplant candidate patients from a different culture, with a subsample being selected for test-retest. This study will be conducted in Spain with a Spanish translation of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale to measure the extent of initiative taking behaviors displayed by hospital personnel, while also investigating the effects of emotional labor on such initiative taking behaviors. The development of the initiative taking scale (ITS) was undertaken among healthcare workers to achieve this objective. The research sample comprised 769 clinical and administrative personnel employed in four public hospitals and one private hospital operating in Istanbul. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) yielded the ITS, which comprises 5 dimensions and 34 items: perceived organizational support, individual competency, willingness to take risks, job autonomy, and failure related trust to supervisor. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the scale dimensions, accounting for 53.02% of the overall variance, varied from .67 to .90. The total of Cronbach's alpha coefficient for scale was found to be .93. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test the fit of the theoretical model with the data, and it was determined to be a satisfactory fit. The criterion-related validity for ITS was tested using the emotional labor scale (ELS). The results revealed statistically significant positive correlations between all dimensions of both scales, indicating the existence of criterion-related validity. In addition to descriptive statistics, variance analyses were performed, and the effect of emotional labor on initiative taking behavior was measured by structural equation modeling (SEM) path analysis. It was inferred that the ITS developed for healthcare workers is a valid and reliable measurement tool based on statistical data. The SEM path analysis revealed a significant effect of emotional labor on the initiative taking behavior of hospital personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The development of the capital market of sports goods is important because it can bring many benefits for developing countries to attract foreign capital to the host country and as a result increase investment, create job opportunities and transfer technology to the host country and play an important role in strengthen their economies and societies. The purpose of this research was to construct and validate the questionnaire for the development of the sports capital goods market. Method: For this purpose, 150 users of sports capital goods were selected as a purposive sampling and completed the questionnaire made by the researcher for the development of the sports capital goods market. This research is exploratory and is a type of correlational study. The form and content validity of the research tool was confirmed by a group of expert professors and its structural validity was confirmed by factor analysis based on the structural equation model. Results: Based on exploratory factor analysis with orthogonal rotation, 36 items were placed in eight factors, which accounted for 61.62% of the variance of sustainable social development. The results of confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficients supported the eight-factor structure of 36 questions and confirmed its validity and reliability. Conclusion: The results of this research can be helpful for teachers, managers, officials and experts in this field in the development of the sports capital goods market by specifying the role of each of the mentioned items for more attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in consumer perception, awareness, and behavior in response to policy modifications and health concerns. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of crisis awareness on consumer behavior mechanisms. This study employed an empirical approach and collected data from 788 Taiwanese consumers through an online survey. The collected data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis with SPSS, confirmatory factor analysis with AMOS, and structural equation modeling with SmartPLS. The study findings indicate that crisis awareness of COVID-19 has a positive and significant impact on hedonic motivation towards purchase intention (shopping to be surprised), while it does not strongly interact with utilitarian motivation and purchase intention (shopping to survive). This study is an early attempt to explore consumer behavior from a crisis awareness perspective, which contributes to a comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The practical implications of the study's findings can assist businesses and policymakers in understanding how crisis awareness affects consumer behavior during a pandemic. Businesses can tailor their marketing strategies to better serve the needs of customers, while policymakers can develop effective policies to mitigate the negative impact of crises on the economy and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shaping the healthy psychology of college students and promoting the healthy growth of talents are the goals that colleges and universities should strive for in moral education. The mobile Internet era has brought opportunities and challenges to the psychological quality education of college students. In order to effectively cope with the existing challenges, it is imperative to explore a psychological quality education model that conforms to the new environment. Therefore, this article has carried out the analysis and management of the physical and mental quality of college students based on multidimensional data mining. By adopting exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis methods, this paper establishes a structural equation model of students' psychological quality. Through the theoretical discussion of psychological quality, the connotation and characteristics of the psychological quality of college students are further defined. We should discuss the relationship between psychological quality and other psychological phenomena and provide suggestions for college students' psychological quality. There is a need for an empirical research program for the quality structure and actual psychological quality structure. Finally, we conducted a multidimensional evaluation of the program through the TOPSIS evaluation model and confirmed the effectiveness of the program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of cultural/language scale validations is usually undervalued, and the authors are to be congratulated on their analysis of the VSI in a population distinct from the one targeted in the original validation (USA). Outside of the present work, IAT has served as consultant for Pfizer Inc. CM has received speaker fees from Kyowa Kirin, Norgine, Biocodex, Mayoly spindler, Tillots, and Ipsen, and has served as Advisory Board member for Kyowa Kirin. In their paper "Anxiety-related factors associated with symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome",1 Black et al. have analyzed the factorial structure of the Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI),2 a well-known and widely used measure of gastrointestinal (GI)-specific anxiety, in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) sample from the UK. [Extracted from the article]

This study aims to examine any possible effects of servant leadership (SL) on psychological empowerment (PE) in terms of sub dimensionality. Implementing convenience sampling, 356 questionnaires were collected from five-star hotel employees in Antalya. The overall relationships were tested by conducting Pearson's correlation analysis, and all constructs were subjected to the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Later on, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted in terms of providing support for dimensionality and confirmed convergent and discriminant validity via Amos. To test the hypothesized model, structural equation modeling was employed. The model showed that Agapao love has a substantial significant positive effect on the meaning sub-dimension of the PE, and the same effect was observed in the competence and impact sub-dimensions of the PE. Along with Agapao love, trust was also significant and had positive effects on PE sub-dimensions. Referring to our discussion in this paper, leaders should support their followers in terms of psychological empowerment and preferably closely interact with their subordinates as an expected leadership behavior in service enterprises. Besides, trustworthiness is a crucial cue for kitchen employees in terms of motivation, inspiration, and competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop and validate a new measurement tool, the Rehabilitation Adherence Inventory (RAI), to measure patients' rehabilitation adherence. We recruited 236 patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures from the United Kingdom (Mage = 33.58 ± 10.03, range = 18 to 59; female = 46.2%). Participants completed a survey, that measured their rehabilitation adherence, rehabilitation volume, psychological needs support, autonomous motivation, and intention at baseline, and at the 2nd and 4th month. Factorial, convergent, discriminant, concurrent, predictive, ecological validity and test-retest reliability of the RAI were tested via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). All the EFAs, CFAs, and SEMs yielded acceptable to excellent goodness-of-fit, Χ2 = 10.51 to 224.12, df = 9 to 161, CFI > 0.95, TLI > 0.95, RMSEA <0.09 [90%C I < 0.06 to 0.12], SRMR <0.04. Results fully supported the RAI's factorial, convergent, discriminant, and ecological validity, and test-retest reliability. The concurrent and predictive validity of the RAI was only partially supported because the RAI scores at baseline was positively associated with rehabilitation frequency at all time points (r = 0.34 to 0.38, p < 0.001), but its corresponding associations with rehabilitation duration were not statistically significant (p = 0.07 to 0.93). Overall, our findings suggest that this six-item RAI is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating patients' rehabilitation adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This model targets to specify the welcoming attitudes of residents towards tourists through place personality, place attachment and self-congruity amidst Covid-19 Pandemic. A whole range of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was applied to the variables. Following the First Level Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the validity and reliability of the variables were evaluated. Then CFA, Structural Equation Modeling was performed with the remaining variables. Results show that the sincerity (21%) and excitement (32%) affect the residents' welcoming attitude through selfcongruity and place attachment; and the competence (21%) directly affects the welcoming attitude. While place attachment (11%) directly affects the welcoming attitudes, self-congruity (53%) indirectly affects the welcoming attitudes. Also, selfcongruity affects the welcoming attitude through place attachment. Another significant result is the strong effect (45%) of self-congruity on place attachment. Some studies revealed locals adopted a negative attitude towards tourists during the pandemic while others indicated locals adopted positive attitudes towards tourists. Within this context this study, as addressing this controversial issue contribute to the development of more sustainable plans and policies by destination management organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of School-Level Environment Questionnaire (SLEQ) in the Vietnam context. The study tested the nomological validity of the main measurement model and a competing model. The participants included 29 interviewees and 408 Vietnamese high-school teachers in Ho Chi Minh City. Interview data were used to seek preliminary support for the measurement model and indicators. Survey data were analyzed employing Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. A 9-dimension SLEQ with 38 indicators was validated. The dimensions of school climate have various effects on teachers' job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: "Perceived Symptom Manageability (PSM)" is essential in symptom management among people living with HIV. As a standardized assessment instrument was lacking, we developed a PSM scale for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PSM-HIV). Methods: Data analysis was performed using the sample from HIV-designated medical institutions (N = 540). Psychometric testing, namely reliability and validity, is assessed by unidimensionality, internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results: The final version of the PSM- HIV scale contained 15 items. This scale was submitted to a principal components analysis with varimax rotation, and three factors were obtained, explained by a total variance of 63.10%. The three factors were named Cognitive-Behavioral, Affective Interaction, and Self-Attitude. The results show that the scale had high reliability, Cronbach's α of the scale ranged from 0.71 to 0.92, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.88. The structural equation model supports a factor model with the acceptable fit (χ2/df (CMIN/DF) = 2.50, Root Mean square Residual (RMR) = 0.03, Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI) = 0.93, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index (AGFI) = 0.90, Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.93, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.96, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.96). The average variance extracted was 0.38 ∼ 0.59, and the composite reliability was 0.70 ∼ 0.91, indicating that the convergent validity of the scale is acceptable. Subjects with different stages of the disease reached significance(χ2 = 9.02; df = 2, P<0.05), meaning moderate Known-Groups Comparison Validation. Conclusions: The PSM-HIV scale is a valid instrument that measures overall attitude and belief about controlling or coping with HIV-relevant symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst sustainable tourism gaining momentum globally, the present study analyses the effect of perceived positive and negative effects of tourism on the support for sustainable tourism among the resident community at an internationally renowned responsible tourism destination, Kumarakom in Kerala. Data collected through a structured questionnaire from 276 respondents residing in and around the destination was used for analysis. Based on a comprehensive review, a theoretical model depicting the relationship between the variables of interest was developed for empirical validation. Appropriate constructs for the model were identified through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Then, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to evaluate the measurement model validity. Structural Equation Modelling employing the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method was applied to test the hypothesized model. The study established a significant effect of residents' perception of the positive and negative effects of responsible tourism on their support for tourism development. The study provided evidence for the negative effect on residents' perception of the adverse effects of tourism on support for tourism development. The study provides essential inputs for planners and policymakers in realigning sustainable tourism initiatives in such a way as to garner the support of the resident community. It also empirically validates a theoretical model outlining how the perception of residents on the positive and negative effects of tourism influences their support for sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to propose and examine a conceptual model delineating how two different types of appearance-related self-discrepancies (i.e. the ideal appearance self-discrepancy vs. the ought appearance self-discrepancy) influence retail therapy shopping behavior through motivational route (i.e. approach motivation vs. avoidance motivation). Design/methodology/approach: This study utilized the online survey for data collection. Using a national sample of 532 US consumers who had retail therapy shopping experience, the conceptual model was tested through various statistical techniques, including confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings: Results revealed that the ought appearance self-discrepancy positively influenced retail therapy shopping behavior through avoidance motivation and emotion-focused coping strategy, whereas the ideal appearance self-discrepancy did not influence retail therapy shopping behavior. The results also suggested that the effect of two different types of appearance-related self-discrepancies on motivations in retail therapy shopping context varied depending on the gender (i.e. male vs. female). Originality/value: Results suggest implications regarding potential target market strategies to retailers and provide a better understanding of retail therapy shoppers' characteristics and psychological mechanisms for consumer researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there have been some studies on the success factors for IT software projects, there is still a lack of coherent research on the success factors for IT service projects. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and understand the factors and their relationships that contribute to the success of IT service projects. For this purpose, multivariate regressions and structural equation models (SEMs) were developed and analyzed. The regression models included six project management success criteria used as dependent variables (quality of the delivered product, scope realization and requirements, timeliness of delivery, delivery within budget, customer satisfaction, and provider satisfaction) and four independent variables (agile techniques and change management, organization and people, stakeholders and risk analysis, work environment), which had been identified through exploratory factor analysis. The results showed that not all success factors were relevant to all success criteria, and there were differences in their importance. An additional series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses along with appropriate statistical measures were employed to evaluate the quality of these four factors. The SEM approach was based on five latent constructs with a total of twenty components. The study suggests that investing in improving people's knowledge and skills, using agile methodologies, creating a supportive work environment, and involving stakeholders in regular risk analysis are important for project management success. The results also suggest that the success factors for IT service projects depend on both traditional and agile approaches. The study extensively compared its findings with similar research and discussed common issues and differences in both the model structures and methodologies applied. The investigation utilized mathematical methods and techniques that are not commonly applied in the field of project management success modeling. The comprehensive methodology that was applied may be helpful to other researchers who are interested in this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a critical technology to mitigate climate change, the large-scale implementation of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) depends on both technological advancement and public acceptance, which is significantly influenced by the perceived risks and benefits. Existing studies, however, have yet to reach a consensus regarding the measurement of CCUS in these two aspects. To fill this gap, this paper develops and validates new scales based on four studies. Specifically, Study 1 generates the initial item pool based on a literature review and semi-structured interviews, and then invites experts to examine the content validity of these items; Study 2 identifies the dimensions and assesses the reliability and validity of the measures through an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis; Study 3 conducts a one-way ANOVA to test known-group validity; and Study 4 employed structural equation modeling to evaluate the nomological validity. The results demonstrate the internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity of the new scales developed to measure CCUS. This study provides a valuable tool for investigating public perceptions of CCUS and can help policymakers develop future publicity strategies. • New scales for CCUS are developed considering perceived risks and benefits. • A series of methods are used to assess the reliability and validity of the proposed measures for CCUS. • A valuable tool is provided to explore public perceptions of CCUS and help policymakers develop publicity strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]