Equation Modeling Analysis Research Articles

Topography Significantly influences the Growth Dynamics of Moso Bamboo Along a 10-year Chrono Sequence Following Afforestation

ABSTRACT Topography plays a critical role in the growth, development, and carbon accumulation of Moso bamboo. However, it is still unknown whether the effects of topography on the newly sprouted culms, the diameter at breast height (DBH) and the carbon stocks of newly sprouted culms (called carbon stocks below) vary temporally following Moso bamboo afforestation. In this study, thirty-one 20 × 20 m long-term sample plots were established and the DBH, age, height, and coordination of every newly sprouted culm were measured from 2009 to 2018. Four Moso bamboo expansion periods (rhizome expansion period, early period, middle period, and stable period) were divided according to the patterns of change of newly sprouted culms. Structural equation modeling and univariate analysis were combined to assess the dynamic effects of topographic factors (slope, aspect, slope position, and topographic complexity) and the effect of single topographic factors and their interactions on the carbon stocks during the four expansion periods. The result showed that the leading topographic factors influencing DBH, newly sprouted culms and carbon stocks were depended on the expansion period. Furthermore, the effective degree of leading topographic factor, aspect, decreased from the early period to a stable period. The four topographic factors studied here did not influence carbon stocks and newly sprouted culms during the stable period. The optimal interactions between carbon stocks and slope position and aspect (an east aspect of lower and upper slope positions) were relatively larger than those of a single aspect (east aspect), and significantly decreased in a stable period. Low topographic complexity was beneficial to the carbon accumulation under abrupt slopes but middle topographic complexity was needed under steeper slopes (steep and dangerous slope). Overall, this study offers a greater understanding of the effect of topography on Moso bamboo growth and provides a scientific basis for the selection of suitable afforestation locations for forest management.

The influence of the corporate social responsibility disclosures on consumer brand attitudes under the impact of COVID-19

This study focuses on the use of we-media by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to disclose internal corporate social responsibility (ICSR) under the impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Study 1 interprets the catalyst effect of COVID-19 on the externalization of SMEs’ ICSR. The fuzzy grading evaluation method is initially verified. Under the impact of COVID-19, SMEs fulfilling their ICSR can enhance consumer brand attitudes. Study 2 uses a structural equation model and empirical analysis of 946 effective samples and finds that consumers perceive the self-sacrifice of corporations during the coronavirus disease period. SMEs can fulfill their ICSR to enhance the internal explanation mechanism of consumer brand attitudes and the moderating role of enterprise losses.

The Causal Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Reputation on Brand Equity: A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an international phenomenon, and while enterprises are engaging in related activities for the benefit of stakeholders, one might question whether CSR has a key driving role at establishing corporate reputation and brand equity. To address the issue, this research explores the causal impact of CSR and corporate reputation on brand equity by using structural equation modeling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. The findings from structural equation modeling show that CSR has a positive effect on brand equity and corporate reputation. In addition, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis identifies several causal configurations of CSR and corporate reputation in building brand equity. Overall, the driving factors of CSR and corporate reputation, depending on enterprise characteristics, have different impacts on brand equity. These results suggest that companies need to rethink their strategic actions for brand equity building.

Service Quality and Service Gap of Autonomous Driving Group Rapid Transit System

Recently, the trend of public transportation has evolved from traditional vehicles to intelligent transportation systems. Among many innovative systems, the development of group rapid transit (GRT) has become increasingly important. This study aims to explore the key acceptance factors for users to adopt GRT through three dimensions: technology, sharing, and experiential marketing (TSE). First, this study identifies variables under each construct of the TSE model through a literature review and interviews with experts, so as to understand what factors of the model impact users’ usage intention and continuous usage intention. Subsequently, through a questionnaire survey, the theoretical model is verified. The participants of the survey were users of GRT, and a total of 306 valid questionnaires were collected. Through structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, the results indicate that technology does not significantly impact usage intention, as users may not fully understand GRT’s future developments; technology only affects continuous usage intention. Sharing also only influences continuous usage intention. These results show that the adoption of GRT may be gradual and long-term rather than short-term. Finally, experiential marketing has a significant impact on both usage intention and continuous usage intention. This implies that users’ experiences are vital in promoting innovative services, hence service providers should seek to not only improve the service but also enhance users’ trust in and support for the service.

Organizational Justice and Affective Commitment in the Post-Revolution Tunisian Context: The Role of Employment Type

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of organizational justice (OJ) on affective commitment (AC) taking into account the employment type (ET). Data were collected from 864 employees working in the Tunisian telecom sector. Structural Equations Modeling and Multi-Group Analysis were used to test the hypotheses. The results highlight the ineffectiveness of the traditional distributional justice facet and the prevalence of the socio-emotional component (interactional justice). Most importantly, the results confirm that ET has a moderating effect. Procedural justice and vertical interactional justice have a greater effect on temporary employees’ commitment. Whereas, horizontal interactional justice may be an important lever of the commitment of permanent employees. This study offers a better understanding of the OJ contribution to AC. It offers a reading grid for managers of telecom sector to better lead and identify key elements that may boost the commitment of different types of employees (permanent vs temporary). Moreover, this model is applied in an emerging country setting in order to bridge the research gap. The distinction between the vertical and the horizontal interactional justice can be considered as a novelty in this field of research.

Teacher support and the social classroom environment as predictors of student loneliness

This study examined the relationships between students’ perceptions of teacher support, the social classroom environment, school loneliness, and possible gender differences among 2099 first year upper secondary school students in Norway. Data were collected in the fall (t1) and spring (t2) of the school year. Results from structural equation modelling (SEM) analyses showed that perceived emotional and instrumental teacher support were directly related to students’ perceptions of the social classroom environment, and indirectly to student loneliness through the social classroom environment. While for boys, both types of teacher support were significantly related to these variables, only emotional teacher support was of significance to girls. The strongest contributing factor to students’ school loneliness was their perceptions of the social classroom environment. Some implications of this study are that a positive social classroom environment is an important safeguard against student loneliness, and that teachers can aid in preventing loneliness among students through facilitating a positive social environment in the class.

Does a paternalistic leader facilitate voice and creative performance? Evidence from Ghana

Drawing upon the conservation of resource theory and leadership contingency model, this study investigated how and when employee voice under three paternalistic leadership dimensions of benevolence, morality, and authoritarianism relates to creativity. The sample included matched survey responses obtained from 82 leaders and 324 subordinates from manufacturing companies in Ghana. Structural equation modelling and regression analysis results revealed benevolent leadership to foster creativity, while authoritarian leadership stymied creativity. The relationship between benevolent/ authoritarian leadership and creativity was stronger with promotive voice with power distance but, not with prohibitive voice. Our findings extend social exchange, a self-based concept perspective, to conservation of resource theory in order to enhance understanding of paternalistic leadership potential to affect employees’ perception of resource gain or loss with voice expression.

Gender Equality, Women’s Political Representation, and Maternal Mortality: Lessons from Indonesia

Abstract Many studies have shown that gender equality and women’s political representation lead to better health outcomes, including a lower rate of maternal mortality. Nevertheless, we still lack a clear understanding of the causal mechanism linking gender equality and politics to maternal health. Besides, most of the studies on this subject suffer from a whole nation bias as they focus on the national level. Using a structural equation model (SEM) analysis, this article examines the effect of gender equality and women’s political representation on disparities in maternal mortality across regions in Indonesia. Compared to districts with a lower level of gender equality, the results reveal that districts with a higher level of gender equality were more likely to have a lower rate of maternal mortality. The effect was mediated by increases in the utilization of maternal health care services made possible by higher rates of gender equality. However, our findings show no strong evidence in support of women’s political representation effects on reducing maternal mortality. Thus, the findings of this study suggest the primacy of gender equality in improving maternal health.

Academic Stress and Adolescents Mental Health: A Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) Study in Northwest of Iran.

Background: We aimed to determine the relation of different sources of academic stress and adolescents´ mental health through mediator variables on the student and school levels. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Overall, 1724 students aged 12-19 yr were selected from 53 high schools in Qazvin City, central Iran through stratified cluster sampling. The sources of academic stress include family conditions, education system, future concerns, academic competitions, interaction with teachers, school disciplines, peer pressure, parental involvement, and financial problems. Academic self-efficacy and self-concept were the mediator constructs. The students and schools´ information were considered on levels 1 and 2, respectively. A Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) analysis was done. Results: High value of academic stress was associated with reduction of mental health. On the student level, the academic stress caused by the families 0.31 (95% CI: 0.28, 0.34), peers 0.29 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.32), and the education system 0.21 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.24) had the highest impact on the adolescentsˊ mental health, respectively. There was a direct and indirect relation between academic stress and mental health through the self-concept. On the school level, only family conditions stress had a relation with mental health ( P =0.015, b=1.08). Academic self-efficacy showed no significant relation in the model. Conclusion: The stress from the family is the most important source of stress associated with adolescent mental health. Self-concept unlike academic self-efficacy had an important mediating role in the relation between different sources of academic stress and adolescents' mental health.

Interactions among Environmental Training, Environmental Strategic Planning and Personnel Controls in Radical Environmental Innovation

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of environmental training on the relationship between environmental strategic planning and personnel controls in radical environmental innovation. To collect the data, we designed a questionnaire for companies in the Brazil Stock Exchange (B3-Brazil, Bolsa, and Balcão). Data from 150 companies were analyzed using structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (FsQCA). The results show that environmental strategic planning and personnel controls affect radical environmental innovation. The findings also show that environmental training impacts the relationship between environmental strategic planning and personnel controls in radical environmental innovation. The asymmetric approach reinforces this evidence and suggests that environmental training is a central element that leads to high radical environmental innovation. The study contributes to the literature by showing that environmental training assists in the management of radical environmental innovation by aligning individual and organizational objectives.

Individual characteristics and geospatial reasoning ability: a multigroup analysis of age, culture, and gender

ABSTRACT Professionals routinely view, interpret, and make decisions using geospatial data. Nevertheless, our scientific understanding of how individuals work with geospatial information is still limited. While contemporary decision support systems improve geospatial decision-making, managers and researchers must form a more comprehensive understanding of how decision-makers work with geospatial data. For instance, little is known about the prerequisite cognitive abilities required to solve geospatial problems, how to measure such abilities effectively, and the influence of individual characteristics on these abilities. To address this need, we validate the Geospatial Reasoning Ability (GRA) measurement scale on a large sample (N = 794) using a structural equation model (PLS-SEM) analysis. Furthermore, we examine the effects of age, culture, and gender on the model through multigroup (PLS-MGA and permutation) analyses. Our findings demonstrate the validity of the 12-item GRA scale and indicate higher GRA scores for females. Contributions and implications of our findings are provided.

Is this a Real Choice? Critical Exploration of the Social License to Operate in the Oil Extraction Context of the Ecuadorian Amazon

The purpose of this research was to critically analyze the social license to operate (SLO) for an oil company operating in Block 10, an oil concession located in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The specific study area is an important biodiversity hotspot, inhabited by indigenous villages. A mixed-methods approach was used to support a deeper understanding of SLO, grounded in participants’ direct experience. Semi-structured interviews (N = 53) were conducted with village leaders and members, indigenous associations, State institutions, and oil company staff, while household surveys were conducted with village residents (N = 346). The qualitative data informed a modified version of Moffat and Zhang’s SLO model, which was tested through structural equation modelling (SEM) analyses. Compared to the reference model, our findings revealed a more crucial role of procedural fairness in building community trust, as well as acceptance and approval of the company. Procedural fairness was found to be central in mediating the relationship between trust and the effects of essential services provided by the company (medical assistance, education, house availability) and sources of livelihoods (i.e., fishing, hunting, harvesting, cultivating, and waterway quality). The main results suggested that the concept of SLO may not appropriately apply without taking into account a community’s autonomy to decline company operation. To enhance procedural fairness and respect for the right of community self-determination, companies may need to consider the following: Establishing a meaningful and transparent dialogue with the local community; engaging the community in decision-making processes; enhancing fair distribution of project benefits; and properly addressing community concerns, even in the form of protests. The respect of the free prior informed consent procedure is also needed, through the collaboration of both the State and companies. The reduction of community dependence on companies (e.g., through the presence of developmental alternatives to oil extraction) is another important requirement to support an authentic SLO in the study area.

The Model of Domestic Product Quality Syndrome

This paper aims to develop and test a model that involves consumer ethnocentrism, world-mindedness, patriotism, and domestic product quality syndrome. This research used a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a survey of 222 respondents in Jakarta, Indonesia. The respondents are consumer electronic product users. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was used to test the conceptual model and hypotheses. The results of this research show that the conceptual model has a good fit. We found that consumer ethnocentrism has a positive and significant impact on domestic product quality syndrome. We also found that patriotism significantly influences consumer ethnocentrism, while world-mindedness does not significantly influence consumer ethnocentrism. Data were collected only in Jakarta. Furthermore, a convenience sampling technique was applied. Thus, the findings of this research may not be generalized to other contexts. Therefore, future studies involving larger respondents coming from diverse areas are required to improve the generalization of the results and examine the stability of this research’s findings. Company should align its strategy and quality objectives with the level of consumer ethnocentrism and patriotism to overcome domestic product quality syndrome. There is a lack of research that develops and tests a model that can be used to explain the phenomenon of domestic product quality syndrome. This research fulfills the literature gaps.

NIAT PERILAKU MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI KESEHATAN GRAB HEALTH SELAMA MASA PANDEMIK COVID-19

This research aims to examine the effect of behavioural intention using the Grab Health application during the Covid-19 pandemic. Variables that support the formation of behavioral intentions are attitudes. The formation of attitudes in use is caused by perceived enjoyment, social influence, and perceived vulnerability in using Grab Health applications. Data was obtained from questionnaires were distributed to the general public who use health applications Grab Health. The sampling technique used is non probability sampling, that is convenience sampling technique. The sample used in the study was 200 respondents who used the health applications Grab Health. Hypothesis testing is done by the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis method using the AMOS program. The results of this research indicate that attitudes have a significant effect on behavioral intentions, positive perceptions of perceived enjoyment are significant to attitudes, social influences have a significant influence on attitudes, and perceptions of vulnerability do not significantly influence attitudes in the use of health applications Grab Health.

Postpartum depression in mothers and fathers: a structural equation model

BackgroundPost-partum depression (PPD) is a growing mental health concern worldwide. There is little evidence in the Chinese context of the relationship between paternal PPD and maternal PPD. Given the growing global concerns this relationship requires further exploration.MethodsA survey was conducted with 950 total couples from March 2017 to December 2018. The study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire that included basic demographic information, information on the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, marital satisfaction (both maternal and paternal), and PPD symptoms. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanism for PPD symptoms in mothers and fathers.ResultsIn 4.4% of the couples both the wife and the husband showed depressive symptoms. Maternal marital satisfaction showed a significant mediating effect on paternal PPD (B = -0.114, p < 0.01), and there was a direct effect of maternal PPD on paternal PPD (B = 0.31, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate the possible correlation between maternal PPD, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship satisfaction, maternal marital satisfaction, paternal marital satisfaction, and paternal PPD. It is important for future PPD interventions to target both maternal and paternal mental health, as well as the mechanisms identified that can lead to PPD.

Alexithymia and metabolic syndrome: the mediating role of binge eating

PurposeAlexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties in emotional processing, has been associated with unhealthy behaviors and chronic medical conditions. This study aimed to further develop our understanding of this complex relationship by investigating whether alexithymia increases the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in participants with obesity or overweight through the mediating role of binge eating (BE).MethodsA consecutive sample of 238 treatment-seeking patients with obesity or overweight were recruited. Alexithymia (TAS-20), binge eating symptoms (BES), body mass index (BMI), and depression and anxiety symptoms (HADS) were concurrently assessed.ResultsAlmost half of the participants met the criteria for MetS (44.12%). Compared to patients without MetS, those with MetS were older, had a longer duration of overweight, and had a higher BMI (p < 0.01). Individual with MetS also had higher HADS, BES, and TAS-20 scores, particularly difficulty identifying and describing feelings. The structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that BES levels exerted a significant direct effect on MetS (p < 0.01), and that TAS-20 levels exerted a significant direct effect on BES (p < 0.01), anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001). Moreover, psychological distress (anxiety, p = 0.01, and depression, p = .05) indirectly affected MetS through the mediating effect of BES, and TAS-20 (p = 0.01) indirectly affected MetS through the mediating effect of HADS and BES. Finally, age had a significant direct effect on MetS (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur findings indicate that alexithymia is a concurrent causative factor to the development of MetS through the mediating role of BE and psychological distress.Level of evidenceLevel III, case–control analytic study.

Do you respond sincerely? How sellers\u2019 responses to online reviews affect customer relationship and repurchase intention

For many online businesses, online reviews are crucially important to managing reputation, word-of-mouth sales, and, ultimately, their survival. Hence, more and more online business owners are posting public responses to both positive and negative reviews. But do these responses change anything? And, if so, which types of responses are the most effective for strengthening customer relationship and increasing the chances of repeat business? With two surveys and a series of partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analyses, we tested three relevant hypotheses to answer these questions. The results show that when business replies to online reviews with promotional information, consumers perceive the seller to be self-interested, and both relationship quality and repurchase intention decrease. However, sincere responses that do not contain promotional information, such as gratitude and apology, are highly correlated to positive relationship quality and the likelihood of future repeat business. These findings enrich the academic literature on online reviews, and the recommendations stemming from our results should be of interest to any business that relies on their online reputation for survival.

MODEL PERSAMAAN STRUKTURAL UNTUK MENGETAHUI PERSEPSI KONSUMEN TERHADAP BUAH IMPOR

This research is aimed to determine the factors that significantly influence consumer perception in buying imported fruits using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. The study use 164 data obtained from questionnaire, which respondents were aged 18 years old or above, from Gianyar Regency, had bought and had felt imported fruits. The study use 4 latent variables (perception, product, personal, culture) with 19 measured variables. The results showed that consumer knowledge about imported fruits (product) and culture about the use of imported fruits in traditional ceremonies (culture) were significantly influence consumer perception about consumption of imported fruit (perception).

Impact of Usability to User Experience on blanja.com Site

E-commerce business continues to grow in the world, one of which is Blanja.com, a joint venture with the world's largest marketplace Ebay. However, problems arose in sales due to the 56.39% increase in the bounce rate resulting in a low conversion rate. The purpose of this research is to find out how the usability aspects such as learnability, efficient, error, memorability, and satisfaction affect user experience at Blanja.com. Data analysis was performed using statistical modelling techniques of Structural Equation Modelling, (confirmatory) with CFA and path analysis with LISREL statistics. Several results were obtained that the user did not easily understand the content aspect. It was difficult to get information, the hyperlinks were unclear, problems with navigation occurred. Although the users enjoyed it because of the responsive customer service, they were still not satisfied because of the background display, colours and graphics. Through this research, some general guidelines in ecommerce design can be generated to provide a better experience to users.

The Study on Work Life Balance as mediating variable of Workload and Job Satisfaction on Jember University’s Educational Contract Staff Employees

University of Jember is a large State University with many students registered at Jember University, with the large number of students, it needs teaching staff (lecturers) and education staff in their daily education activities. Teaching and learning activities at the University of Jember starts from early morning hours until the evening so that impact on the workload of educational staff. At work, most people begin to feel there is something else that must be considered in addition to work, namely daily life. Lack of work-life balance is one of the triggers for stress. When an individual does not maintain balance and work too much in an organizational setting, this can lead to psychological and behavioral consequences, as well as low job satisfaction as a result of his/her productivity will also be low. This study aims to analyze mediating effect of Work Life Balance on the relationship between Workload and Job Satisfaction of Employees in Education Contract Staff at the University of Jember. The data used in this study are primary data using questionnaires on 106 respondents determined using purposive sampling technique. Researcher determines the sample taken is the University of Jember education contract staff who work more than 1 year and have shifts work schedules outside regular working hours several days a week. The analytical method used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. The results showed that workload and Work life balance had a significant effect on job satisfaction of Education Contract Employees at Jember University.