Empirical Research Research Articles

How to Keep Millennial Social Network Users Active? Millennial Social Network Usage on Mobile Devices Across Cultures

ABSTRACT Despite the continuous upsurge in the use of social networks by consumers and marketers, the empirical research investigating their economic value in different cultures still lags. This study develops an extended Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) model that includes trust in the social network community, perceived enjoyment, and Hofstede’s cultural factors (masculinity/femininity, power distance, individualism/collectivism, and long-term objectives). Using survey methodology across three countries (Kuwait, Tunisia, and Italy), data is analyzed using a structural equation model. The results of this study empirically extended the TRA model by including the significant impact of perceived enjoyment and attitude on the use of Facebook across different cultures. Trust in the social network community and its impact on the use of Facebook was only significant in Arab culture and not European culture. Hofstede’s factors moderate the relationship between subjective norms and usage of Facebook, and their impact is varies across different cultures. The study highlights the differential impact of cultures on social network use and the importance of understanding the type of culture the business is targeting. Commercial organizations should guide their marketing efforts to manage their marketing differently across cultures to enhance their consumer engagement.

Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in a multitude of impairments to physical, cognitive, communicative, psychological, and psychosocial functioning. Music interventions are emerging as a valuable form of intervention in the rehabilitation of children with ABI, stimulating brain functions involved in movement, cognition, speech, emotions, and sensory perceptions. To date, the literature detailing the impact of music and music therapy interventions on functional outcomes in children with ABI has not been reviewed systematically. To address this, Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage integrative review framework was employed, which includes (a) problem identification, (b) literature search, (c) data evaluation, (d) data analysis and synthesis, and (e) presentation of the findings. A total of 388 articles were retrieved, and 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis and synthesis resulted in 3 overarching themes: outcomes of using music therapy in pediatric ABI, music therapy as a motivator in pediatric ABI rehabilitation, and collaboration. The review highlights the pivotal role of music as a motivational catalyst that promotes adherence to rehabilitative intervention. Nevertheless, it underscores a significant gap in empirical research within the field, emphasizing the necessity for larger, more rigorous studies.

Can industrial intelligence promote carbon emission efficiency? --empirical research based on the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Can industrial intelligence promote carbon emission efficiency? --empirical research based on the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Dispute Resolution over Music Performance Contract Cancellation Due to the Effects of Controversial Actions

This research aims to analyze the category of music performance contract cancellations due to controversial actions and the forms of non-litigation dispute resolution between the event organizer and 1975. This study combines normative and empirical research methods. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed qualitatively to describe the problem and address the research purposes. The results show that the controversial actions of The 1975 vocalist in Malaysia, leading to the cancellation of their performance at “We the Fest 2023” in Jakarta, constitute a breach of contract. This cancellation not only reveals the direct impact on the event but also highlights the importance of clauses in contracts that specifically regulate public behavior and the potential consequences of such behavior, both legally and ethically. Furthermore, the dispute resolution between the Event Organizer and The 1975 following the cancellation of their performance was achieved through negotiation. The dispute resolution process between the two parties was effective and took only two days, demonstrating that negotiation is a quick and efficient non-litigious method. Therefore, it is recommended that event organizers and artists, singers, or bands include and clarify clauses in performance contracts related to public behavior and its potential consequences. These clauses should detail the fines or legal consequences that may arise from controversial actions that could negatively affect the execution of the contract or the reputation of the involved parties. Additionally, Event Organizers are advised to set behavior standards that band personnel must adhere to while on stage, thereby minimizing the risk of future music performance cancellations. Lastly, both Event Organizers and music bands should prioritize non-litigation as the initial step before pursuing litigation, as negotiation has proven efficient and effective in resolving disputes arising from breaches of contract due to controversial actions.

An Empirical Study on Vicarious Liability in Medical Negligence

Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds an employer or principal accountable for the wrongful actions of their employees or agents while acting within the scope of their duties. In the realm of healthcare, the doctrine of vicarious liability plays a significant role in cases of medical negligence, where patients seek compensation for harm caused by healthcare professionals. The term “medical negligence” is an omnibus one, which has come in vogue to refer to wrongful actions or omissions of professionals in the field of medicine, in pursuit of their profession, while dealing with patients. It is not a term defined or referred to anywhere in any of the enacted Indian laws. A basic knowledge of how judicial forums deal with the cases relating to medical negligence is of absolute necessity for doctors. The need for such knowledge is more now than before in light of higher premium being placed by the Indian forums on the value of human life and suffering, and perhaps rightly so. Indian society has been witnessing the growing awareness regarding the rights of patients. This abstract presents a comprehensive analysis of vicarious liability concerning medical negligence. It delves into the underlying principles, case precedents, and factors influencing the application of this doctrine in the healthcare context. The objective is to provide a clear understanding of the legal implications for healthcare institutions and professionals in such scenarios. Negligence in the medical field is now more careless and we can observe the significant failure. Medical negligence occurs due to not ensuring a standard of care that must be provided. Liability of the hospital as an employer for negligent act. The method used here is empirical research. The final observation from this research is that the medical negligence occurs due to negligence of hospitals and authorities

Chasing balloons as scientific practice: On transformative cocreation and epistemic ethics of care in the emerging field of youth citizen social science

How does including youth in research within a citizen social science framework challenge and transform our participatory action research practices and approaches? Through a storying journey we unravel how the training and subsequent conducting of a co-creative research process with young citizen social scientists are evolving from a cacophony of traditions, approaches and disciplines, among them youth participatory action research, action research in organizations, citizen science and social anthropology. The article is based on empirical research with a group of young people in Oslo, Norway, involved in a large collaborative citizen social science project on social inclusion of youth in Europe. We have witnessed closely how an epistemic ethics of care is integral to securing the epistemic justice of youth and argue that citizen social science can promote both epistemic justice and epistemic abundance by including youth in all parts of a rigorous research process that produces new scientific knowledge. Yet, we found that performing an ethics of care is (close to) impossible within the current conditions and structures of social sciences, as our ideals and views on what science is, delimit the practices of relational care necessary for inclusive processes. The implications of our findings call for an ethics of care framework for both citizen social science and action research practices.

The Concept of ‘Inventiveness of Machines’: How Ready is Patent Law to Afford the Creative Inventiveness of Artificial Intelligence?

Making science fiction a reality, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative drive in almost every aspect of human life today. With the advancements of modern technology, AI has acquired the ability to think like humans and create inventions that are economically worthwhile. The concept of ‘inventiveness of machines’ has become a focal point in the field of intellectual property law at present. It has compelled the world to reconsider the parameters of patent law in terms of protecting AI inventors and inventions of AI. Simultaneously, the procurement of patents for inventions of AI has posed challenges not only in the legal field but also in ethical and moral aspects. As AI is gradually becoming an undeniable part of human life, every nation will have to adopt the developments of AI technology into their legal systems sooner or later. Taking the prevailing definitions of ‘inventor’ into account, this research mainly discusses whether machine inventors and human inventors be given equal protection of law or whether there should be different dimensions of protection. This paper also discusses the moral and ethical dilemma of granting legal recognition for AI inventors while examining the capability of existing legal framework including Sri Lanka in accommodating the inventiveness of machines. This research was carried out using mixed method approach. Literature review, qualitative and empirical research methodologies and comparative analysis were incorporated to strengthen the study. The paper concludes by highlighting the need of legislative intervention of competent authorities to reconsider the legal parameters to accommodate the possible challenges waiting to be imposed by inventiveness of machine in future. This paper also introduces the concept of ‘collaborative inventiveness of humans and AI’ and suggests recommendations to amend existing laws in a manner that they afford the technological advancements of modern times.

Special education experiences and stress among Asian-American parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities

ABSTRACT Family involvement is an essential component of the special education process for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In addition to the legal requirement that parents should be equal partners in the decision-making of the student’s individualized education program (IEP) program (IDEA, 2004), a bulk of empirical research demonstrates the positive impact of parent involvement on student outcomes. However, many families face barriers to participation in the special education process. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD), including Asian-American families, especially face systemic barriers when accessing services for their children with disabilities. Unfortunately, less research is known about how Asian-American families participate in their child’s IEP meeting. To these ends, individual interviews were conducted with eight Asian-American families of children with IDD to explore parental perceptions of stress in relation to IEP meetings, special education knowledge, and family-professional partnerships. Participants reported feeling stress before, during, and after the IEP meeting. Regardless of the nature (i.e. positive, negative, or neutral) relationship with the school, participants reported barriers (i.e. language and poor experiences with school personnel) to their family-school partnerships. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Intercultural relations among Filipino immigrants living in Macau

As society becomes increasingly diverse over time, the interaction among different cultural groups is an essential topic in intercultural research. Berry (2017) proposed three hypotheses of intercultural relations: multiculturalism, contact, and integration, in trying to answer the question, “How shall we all live together?”. Since most studies on intercultural relations are conducted in the context of Western culture, less empirical evidence about the three hypotheses examination is drawn from the plural societies other than Western ones. Therefore, this study evaluates three hypotheses on intercultural relations with regards to Filipino immigrants in Macau, and expects to provide new empirical research support for testing relevant hypotheses on intercultural relations and enrich the existing literature. A total of 233 community samples (58.5 % females; Mage= 28.24) were recruited and employed scales from the MIRIPS questionnaire to collect data on co-ethnic contact, host contact, perceived discrimination, acculturation strategies, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Path analysis revealed that: (1) With respect to the multicultural hypothesis, perceived discrimination was positively related with integration and separation; (2) With respect to the contact hypothesis, co-ethnic contact was positively related with perceived discrimination; co-ethnic contact was positively related with integration and separation, and host contact was positively related with assimilation; (3) With respect to the integration hypothesis, integration was the most preferred strategy for the participants and was associated with better psychological adaptation (termed self-esteem and life satisfaction). These findings partially support the validity of the hypotheses. Finally, future research directions and empirical implications are discussed.

How Institutional Quality Causes Financial Development?

Institutional quality has received considerable attention in recent years as a potential determinant of variation in the level of financial development across countries. The current paper critically reviews the literature linking formal and informal institutions and financial development. It discusses the main theories in this regard—namely, legal origins theory, the new political economy of finance, and cultural finance. The paper provides an overview of the latest empirical research in each of these areas with a focus on the data and methods used. The directions for further research are also highlighted.

Mapping as a means of developing cognitive competence of university students

The relevance. The introduction of digital technologies into the professional sphere has predetermined an increase in the amount of information necessary for successful development in professional activities. This fact involves the development of students’ skills in searching, analyzing, systematizing and mastering educational material.The problem statement: how can the interaction of visual and non-modal channels of information perception be optimized so that the process of searching, analyzing, systematizing and assimilating professionally significant information among higher school students becomes effective?The goal of the research is to substantiate the effectiveness of using mapping as a means of developing skills in searching, analyzing, systematizing and assimilating professionally significant information in the process of educational activities.The following methods of empirical research were used: questionnaires based on Google forms, conversation and testing, T-Test. The experiment involved students and teachers of Kuban and Adyghe State Universities.The results of the research consist in clarifying the content of the concept of «visualization», establishing the relationship between the purpose of using mapping and the educational result, identifying the potential of mapping in increasing the efficiency of search, analysis, systematization and assimilation of educational material.Key conclusions: The introduction of mapping into the educational process contributes to improving the perception of information through visualization of the material being studied and the introduction of a «clip» method of demonstrating information; optimizing time when learning new material due to the structure of educational information; increasing involvement in the educational process due to the optimal combination of visualization of the artistic attractiveness of the map design and the structural and logical diagram of the information being studied in one didactic toolkit.

Tourism Constraints and Subjective Well-Being for Senior: A Serial Multiple Mediation Model

ABSTRACT This study targets seniors aged 60 and above, exploring the impact of tourism constraints on their subjective well-being through the lens of Activity Theory, as well as the mediating and serial mediating roles played by constraint negotiation and tourism participation. Conducted through a questionnaire survey, the empirical research reveals that tourism constraints negatively impact the subjective well-being of seniors. Conversely, tourism constraints positively influence constraint negotiation, which in turn positively affects tourism participation. Tourism participation enhances subjective well-being. Furthermore, constraint negotiation acts as a mediator in the relationship between tourism constraints and tourism participation, while tourism participation mediates the relationship between tourism constraints and subjective well-being. Serial mediating effect is found between tourism constraints and subjective well-being through constraint negotiation and tourism participation. This paper enriches the study of outcome variables and mechanisms of elderly tourism constraints, offering targeted suggestions to improve the tourism participation of seniors, thereby enhancing their sense of achievement and well-being.

The Digital Economy and Real Economy: The Dynamic Interaction Effect and the Coupling Coordination Degree

This article aims to analyze the interplay between the digital economy (DE) and the real economy (RE), examining how they impact each other in terms of empowerment and supply effects. The study object is China from 2011 to 2021. This study applies the panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR). The study’s findings underscore a delayed empowerment effect within the DE. While DE growth has the potential to substantially enhance the future overall expansion of the tangible economy, it might concurrently dampen the short-term structural balance of the latter. However, the supply effect in the RE mode exhibits a similar delay. The time-lagged factors relating to the tangible economy’s total growth and structural fine-tuning play a pivotal role in fostering the progress of DE. Self-enhancement mechanisms significantly influence the overall growth of the tangible economy. However, this mechanism does not have the same significance in regard to enhancing structural coordination. Although the tangible economy’s expansion can catalyze structural refinement, the inverse relationship—where structural enhancement profoundly fuels tangible economic growth—does not hold true to a substantial extent. By assessing the overall degree of coupling and coordination between the DE and the tangible economy, it becomes apparent that these two domains are not tightly integrated. Instead, they exist in a fundamentally coordinated state, with a year-on-year upwards trend in their alignment, albeit at a modest pace. Furthermore, this coupling coordination degree displays a progressively diminishing trend from the southeastern coastal regions to the western interior, revealing a pronounced spatial imbalance. The contribution of this paper lies in its comprehensive enhancement of the theoretical framework and empirical research in the integration of energy and digital economy, addressing sustainable development, regional economic disparities, and practical policy implications to support future strategies for blending digital advancement with renewable energy utilization.

Do global innovation networks influence the status of global value chains? Based on a patent cooperation network perspective

Under the impact of economic globalization, the internationalization of production and trade has given rise to global value chains (GVCs) and global innovation networks (GINs); however, few studies have explored the link between these two networks. This paper constructs a global innovation cooperation network based on patent cooperation data and then analyzes the impact of different network characteristics on improving global value chain status. Empirical research shows that the characteristics of GINs significantly affect GVC status; the higher the eigenvector centrality and network connectivity, the higher the country’s GVC status. Moreover, a higher degree of constraint is associated with a lower GVC status for the country concerned. The heterogeneity analysis further reveals apparent differences in the impact of GINs on different countries, manifesting as a catalytic effect in developed countries and as a disincentive in emerging economies; the effect is less apparent in developing countries. This paper provides theoretical support for the development of technological innovation activities and provides a reference for government departments to formulate policies on cross-border technological innovation cooperation.

Educational Approaches with ΑΙ in Primary School Settings: A Systematic Review of the Literature Available in Scopus

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent, it has become a topic of interest in education. The use of AI in education poses complex issues, not only in terms of its impact on teaching and learning outcomes but also in terms of the ethical considerations regarding personal data and the individual needs of each student. Our study systematically analyzed empirical research on the use of AI in primary education, specifically for children aged 4–12 years old. We reviewed 35 articles indexed in SCOPUS, filtered them according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, analyzed them, and categorized the findings. The research focused on the studies’ objectives, learning content, learning outcomes, learning activities, and the pedagogy of activities or the AI tools. Our categorization resulted in three main categories of research objectives regarding the creation, implementation, and evaluation of AI tools and five categories for learning content: AI and ML (machine learning) concepts in STEM and STEAM, language learning, mathematics, arts, and various other subjects. The learning activities were split into four categories: apply, engage, interact, use; project-based learning with multiple activities; experience and practice; and students as tutors. The learning outcomes were split into three levels: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The pedagogy of AI tools falls into four categories: constructivism, experiential learning, AI-assisted learning, and project-based learning. The implications for teacher professional development are discussed.

What drives the adoption of digital technology in the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector in a developing economy?

Purpose This study aims to explore the determinants of digital technology adoption within micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in a developing economy. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of fit-viability and task-technology fit models, this study investigates the impact of environmental fit, task-technology fit and viability on the intention to adopt digital technologies among MSMEs. Design/methodology/approach This study validates the theoretical model using structural equation modeling, using data collected from 280 experienced respondents employed in the MSMEs in India. Findings The results indicate that both functional and symbolic benefits positively impact managers’ intention to adopt digital technology. However, subgroup analysis reveals that in the case of service enterprises, only functional benefits have a positive influence on managers’ intention to adopt digital technology. In addition, the findings underscore the crucial role of viability in shaping the intention to adopt digital technologies among MSMEs. This study highlights how functional and symbolic benefits motivate digital technology adoption in MSMEs. Originality/value There is a dearth of empirical studies investigating the factors influencing the adoption of digital technology by MSME firms, especially within the context of developing economies and specifically within the MSME domain. This study contributes to the theoretical discussion surrounding digital technology adoption among MSMEs in India. Through empirical research, it expands on the fit-viability model and formulates a technology adoption model within the MSME context.

Leisure studies and occupational therapy in Latin America: a scoping review

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of leisure in occupational therapy within Latin America, recognising its importance for health, well-being, and participation. Despite its significance, investment in this area is limited in the region. Using various databases and sources like Web of Science, PubMed, and others, alongside theses, dissertations, and books, a scoping review was conducted without time constraints. Employing Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR checklist, 30 eligible references were identified out of 2,276 retrieved. Primarily qualitative and mostly from Brazil, these studies revealed four conceptions of leisure: sociocultural, self-motivated occupation during free time, attitude, and subjectivity with “life production.” The findings indicate a promising but emerging body of research. Emphasis is placed on fostering research agendas through establishing networks and scholarly events dedicated to this theme. It is suggested that occupational therapy researchers create consistent dialogues with leisure studies; commit to the theoretical development of leisure based on the findings of theoretical and empirical research; diversify the analytical scale, including collective and structural processes related to leisure; and invest in creating networks of researchers and scientific events around the theme.

The impact of simulation-based training in medical education: A review.

Simulation-based training (SBT) has emerged as a transformative approach in medical education, significantly enhancing healthcare professionals' learning experience and clinical competency. This article explores the impact of SBT, tracing its historical development and examining the various types of simulations utilized today, including high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality environments, standardized patients, and hybrid simulations. These methods offer a safe and controlled environment for students to practice and hone technical and non-technical skills, ultimately improving patient safety and clinical outcomes. The benefits of SBT are manifold, including enhanced skill acquisition, error reduction, and the opportunity for repeated practice without risk to actual patients. Immediate feedback and structured debriefing further solidify learning, making Simulation an invaluable tool in medical education. However, the implementation of SBT is challenging. It requires substantial financial investment, specialized equipment, and trained faculty. Additionally, there are concerns about the realism of simulations and the transferability of skills to real-world clinical settings. Despite these challenges, numerous case studies and empirical research underscore the effectiveness of SBT compared to traditional methods. Looking ahead, advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and improved virtual reality applications, promise to enhance the efficacy and accessibility of simulation training. The integration of Simulation with other training modalities and its adoption in diverse global contexts highlight its potential to revolutionize medical education worldwide. This article affirms the crucial role of SBT in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals and its ongoing evolution driven by technological innovations.

Uncovering post-adoption usage of AI-based voice assistants: a technology affordance lens using a mixed-methods approach

ABSTRACT Despite the growing proliferation of AI-based voice assistants in our daily lives, how different functions of AI-based voice assistants affect users’ post-adoption usage behaviours remains an under-investigated research question. This study explores the nature and causation of post-adoption usage behaviours (effective utilisation after initial adoption or diffusion) within the context of AI-based voice assistants. Using a sequential mixed-methods research design, we first identify the post-adoption usage behaviours of AI-based voice assistants as a multidimensional concept comprised of routine use and extended use, then develop a contextualised model by revealing technology-specific antecedents, cognitive beliefs, and boundary conditions. By integrating results from the quantitative study and qualitative study, we find that three technology affordances (i.e., anthropomorphism affordance, interactivity affordance, and personalisation affordance) are salient antecedents of two cognitive beliefs, which further affect users’ routine use and extended use of AI-based voice assistants. Additionally, we uncover use frequency as a boundary condition and obtain a complementary view of post-adoption usage of AI-based voice assistants. The empirical research findings can extend the post-adoption IS usage literature and provide practical implications for crafting user-centred functionalities to facilitate effective human-AI interactions.

Are natural resources, sustainable growth and entrepreneurship matter endogenous growth theory? The strategic role of technical progress

The increasing environmental degradation is a major obstacle, despite the fact that the world has done a good job of dealing with sustainable development recently. This research sets out to fill that gap by examining 38 Asian economies from 2000 to 2021 in an effort to identify the novel factors that will determine sustainable growth. Progress in technology, availability of raw materials, technological advancement, and entrepreneurship are some of the factors that determine this. Similar to previous empirical research, this study's aims are investigated using the following tests: system GMM, quantile GMM, GMM, two-stage system, and one-step system GMM. Nonetheless, the results of the study show that technological innovation, gross capital creation, and the domestic labor force all contribute positively to economic development. In a similar vein, the endogenous growth hypothesis predicts that when economies develop rapidly, their use of natural resources would decrease. Additionally, some economies see a rise in growth when they engage in entrepreneurial activity and use renewable energy sources. This report also recommends some viable approaches for Asian countries to achieve fast development through the management of natural resources.