Factor Analysis Techniques Research Articles

Uncovering the underlying aspects of successful COVID-19 prevention and control in Thailand through factor analysis: Lessons we have not yet learned from village health volunteers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a global challenge, leading different nations to adopt diverse strategies for prevention and control. In Thailand, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) have played a pivotal role in the fight against the virus. As the pandemic unfolded, the critical role of VHVs became apparent, prompting a closer examination of their practices and the underlying factors contributing to their effectiveness. This study aimed to uncover the underlying factors and indicators contributing to the successful prevention and control of COVID-19 by VHVs in Thailand. The sample group included 10,400 VHVs nationwide. Data were collected from October 2020 to February 2021 using five-point Likert rating scale online questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the Exploratory Factor Analysis technique, with Principal Component Analysis and the orthogonal Varimax method. The study revealed nine effective factors and 52 indicators contributing to the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Thailand. The identified factors are as follows: 1) Personal precautions, 2) Proactive disease control strategy, 3) Awareness of COVID-19 severity, 4) Pride and job motivation, 5) Adequate medical equipment and support, 6) Communication, planning, and monitoring processes, 7) Self-care for health, 8) Data collection, record maintenance, and report submission, and 9) Proper hand washing. This research emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to community-based health interventions. It highlights the crucial role of VHVs in disseminating information, ensuring preparedness, and fostering a sense of responsibility among community members. This strategic approach will effectively contribute to ongoing efforts to successfully prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 and potential future outbreaks.

A Multidimensional Approach for Measuring Meritocratic Beliefs: Advantages, Limitations and Alternatives to the ISSP Social Inequality Survey

A great part of the comparative international research that has attempted to measure meritocratic beliefs has used the social inequality module of the ISSP (International Social Survey Programme), which offers an unprecedented opportunity to compare meritocratic views in different societies. Based on a series of studies using ISSP data, the present paper proposes a multidimensional measurement framework for meritocratic beliefs. This framework distinguishes, on the one side, between perceptions and preferences and, on the other side, between meritocratic and not meritocratic aspects. In the first study, we test the multidimensional framework for meritocratic beliefs using the ISSP 2009 inequality module through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) techniques. After identifying the advantages and some limitations of ISSP items for a multidimensional operationalization of meritocratic beliefs, in a second study, we suggest a modified set of items that better taps the different dimensions of meritocracy. We examined the measuring properties of this new instrument using a sample of Chilean adults (N = 2,141). Based on these results, we recommend improvements in measuring meritocratic beliefs in cross-national studies.

Assessment of Ukraine’s external debt burden under geopolitical instability

Several specific features and circumstances can characterize Ukraine’s policy of external public debt management, and the results are not always unambiguous. The study aims to assess the effect of external public debt on Ukraine’s economy from 2014 to 2022, a period that includes the Crimea annexation, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the beginning of the open Russian military aggression. To analyze the contemporary state of public debt and assess the degree of external debt burden’s impact on the country’s economy, a factor analysis technique known as the principal components method was used. Via the STATISTICA.12 software, it was substantiated that the debt situation worsens with the growth of debt burden and solvency indicators as their values approach the thresholds. The application of the Kaiser criterion allowed the selection of the most influential indicators (principal components) for assessing the external debt burden. The eigenvalue of the first component (inflation rate) is 4.48, and it explains 50% of the variance; the second component (production of export-oriented goods) has an eigenvalue of 2.43, explaining 27% of the variance; the third component (government spending on military purposes) has an eigenvalue of 1.24, and it explains 14% of the variance.

Analisis Motivasi Penggunaan Dompet Digital Dana pada Masyarakat di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

This study aims to determine the effect of perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), privacy and security (PS), and brand image to see the effects on behavioral intention (BI) and actual system use (ASU) on the use of OVO digital wallets in the community in the special area of Yogyakarta. This study uses a quantitative approach with the interval scale method. The number of samples in this study was 150 community respondents in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The sampling method uses factor analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that it has no significant effect, so the hypothesis is rejected. Variable testing using path analysis.

Understanding the Maintenance of Students’ Trust in Universities from Estonian Context

Universities are institutions governed by management principles and practices. Understanding the factors affecting the trust students repose in universities can provide useful insights into the management of these organizations. This study intends to investigate the factors that contribute to the trust students have in universities, specifically in terms of how well the institution prepares students for employment. For this, the study has used Estonia-based data from the Eurostudent-VII survey to examine the perceptions students have. Factors have been identified using factor analysis techniques and the substantiated effect these factors have on student trust using structural equation modelling. The study revealed that the level of trust students have in their university is influenced by student–teacher relations as well as career-support services. The interest taken by lecturers in what students have to say and their willingness to motivate their students to do their best, coupled with the assistance provided to students to help balance their studies, family, and paid work, all have a positive impact on students’ trust in universities for future employment. In addition to fostering academic discourse on student trust in the Estonian context of trust literature, the findings of this study have implications for university policies and practices, suggesting the importance of nurturing positive relationships between students and teachers, as well as providing relevant and high-quality career services.

Dimensions of bilingual education program implementation in schools serving linguistically minoritized students in the Czech-Polish border region

IntroductionA core challenge for the implementation of bilingual programs is ensuring that linguistically minoritized students have equitable access to instruction that honors and values their linguistic and cultural assets and strengths. To understand how leaders of bilingual programs might address this challenge, this study sought to identify dimensions of program implementation in bilingual schools serving Polish minorities in the Zaolzie region on the Czech Republic side of the Czech-Polish border.MethodsEmploying a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, the research team first collected surveys from 123 teachers and used factor analytical techniques to identify key dimensions of program implementation. Then, interview and observational data were collected and analyzed using deductive coding to develop descriptions of each dimension in this specific border region.ResultsThe analysis revealed four dimensions of program implementation: (a) program structure and alignment; (b) culturally and linguistically responsive instruction; (c) staff quality and professional learning; and (d) family engagement and community support. They also showed how a network of community-based organizations partnered with schools and families in ways that supported each dimension and facilitated integration across dimensions.DiscussionThe findings have several implications for leaders and researchers in bilingual schools including the important role that community organizations and binational cooperation can play in positively contributing to the education of linguistically minoritized populations.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Land Use on Dissolved Organic Matter in a Typical Karst River

Land use can directly affect the abundance of riverine dissolved organic matter (DOM) by transporting terrestrial organic matter to rivers and can also indirectly enhance local production of DOM by increasing riverine nutrient loading. This study investigated the characteristics and spatial distribution of DOM components in the Furong River during the rainy season (July) using ultraviolet-visible light absorption spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and three-dimensional excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy-parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) techniques. Furthermore, correlation analysis and the partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) were used to identify and quantify the direct and indirect impacts of land use on DOM at multiple scales. The results revealed that:① the direct effects of land use on DOM were generally stronger than the indirect effects. ② The responses of different DOM components to riverine nutrient status and land use varied, with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) components being more susceptible to riverine nutrient status and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) being more sensitive to land use. ③ The direct impact intensity of land use on DOC and CDOM fluctuated slightly with the spatial scale, but the total impact intensity had no visible spatial scale difference, and the direct impact intensity on the FDOM component decreased with the increase in spatial scale. ④ Dryland, urban and other construction land, patch density (PD), edge density (ED), and Shannon's diversity index (SHDI) were typical land use metrics that exacerbated DOM abundance, whereas paddy field, shrubland, largest patch index (LPI), and aggregation index (AI) were typical land use metrics that effectively mitigated DOM abundance. Total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), and dissolved total phosphorus (DTP) were water quality parameters that were significantly affected by land use and were closely related to DOM components, that is, nitrogen and phosphorus played an important "intermediary" role in "land use-riverine DOM." FDOM could be used as indicators to measure the strength of terrestrial organic matter directly input to rivers by land use.

Notes to Factor Analysis Techniques for Construct Validity.

This paper introduces and discusses factor analysis techniques for construct validity, including some suggestions for reporting using the evidence to support the construct validity from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques. Construct validity is a vital part of psychological testing and a prerequisite to every measurement instrument, including aptitude, achievement, and interests. Research, particularly in nursing and the health sciences, depends on reliable and valid measurements. Therefore, a growing emphasis is on assessing validity regarding the structure of test variables commonly estimated by factor analysis techniques. However, it is not always clear how to report the analysis and use it to support the construct validity. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis techniques provide vital evidence to support the construct validity. However, these are not the only available evidence for construct validity, and the researcher should always consider other sources of evidence to develop and support the construct validity of their intended measures. In addition, the collection and presentation of this evidence are not limited to a time, but the validity of constructs is a continuous process that leads to validating the underlying theories from which constructs have emerged.

GWOKM: A novel hybrid optimization algorithm for geochemical anomaly detection based on Grey wolf optimizer and K-means clustering

Identifying the geochemical signatures of valuable mineral deposits using regional geochemical data from stream sediments is a challenging task due to the intricate characteristics of geological formations. Our team is currently investigating the potential of unsupervised clustering analysis (CA) and hybridization with the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) in developing multi-element geochemical models using stream sediment data. To cluster the geochemical data and uncover any unusual patterns, we opted to use the K-means (KM) algorithm due to its straightforward implementation, fast computation speed, and capacity to handle the large datasets. Despite its benefits, the KM method also has notable limitations, such as the random selection of cluster centroids. This can result in higher systematic uncertainty in unsupervised geochemical modeling and longer computation times. To mitigate this concern, we have introduced a new hybrid approach, grey wolf optimizer with K-means so-called the GWOKM algorithm to enhance the delineation of multi-elemental patterns in stream sediment geochemical data. This method incorporates the grey wolf optimization algorithm with KM to optimize the identification of both anomalies and backgrounds using factor analysis and sample catchment basin modeling techniques. This approach was utilized to detect anomalous multi-elemental geochemical patterns indicative of porphyry and skarn copper deposits in the Baft area, Kerman belt, Iran. Upon comparison of the geochemical models derived from KM and GWOKM clustering methods, the latter outperformed the former, as evidenced by its higher prediction rate. The outcomes affirm the efficacy of unsupervised KM clustering analysis (CA) as a means of breaking down geochemical anomaly-background populations. Moreover, the integration of clustering methods with optimization algorithms has proven to be successful for enhancing the credibility of mineralized areas, which could be advantageous in future exploration phases. Based on the results, the GWOKM approach generates more reliable and efficient geochemical anomaly targets.

Recovery after a suicidal episode: Developing and validating the Recovery Evaluation and Suicide Support Tool (RESST).

The personal recovery movement advocates for shifting emphasis from clinical symptom reduction toward reclaiming personal agency and creating meaning-filled lives despite the presence of distressing experiences. Corresponding personal recovery measures have been developed; however, there is no established psychometric assessment of personal recovery following a suicidal episode. This study addressed this gap by developing the Recovery Evaluation and Suicide Support Tool (RESST) and assessing its test score reliability, test score interpretations' validity, and psychometric properties. Throughout RESST's development, input from diverse stakeholders-including clinicians, researchers, and individuals with lived experience-was gathered to ensure a meaningful and useful scale. Exploratory factor analysis techniques were used with adults with a suicidal episode history (N = 502) to select and refine items, culminating in a 21-item scale with four distinct subscales: Self-Worth, Life Worth, Social Worth, and Self-Understanding. Confirmatory factor analysis techniques demonstrated model fit across three samples of adults with a suicidal episode history (combined N = 1,523), and test-retest reliability was obtained (N = 204). The results revealed that RESST scores exhibit an internally consistent and replicable factor structure, consistent with personal recovery theory. Additionally, the interpretation of test scores exhibited both convergent and discriminant validity. Mental health indices related to recovery, negative mood states, suicidality, and meaning in life had significant moderate-to-strong correlations with the RESST, supporting the validity of the test score interpretations and clinical relevance. This measure should aid research into recovery processes and understanding how recovery following a suicidal episode may be enhanced clinically and personally. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

IMPACT OF GREEN PACKAGING ON CONSUMERS BUYING BEHAVIOR: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ATTITUDE

Sustainable development stands as a global imperative, addressing the multifaceted challenges encompassing climate action, environmental preservation, resource efficiency, and the responsible use of raw materials. As global consciousness shifts toward environmental protection and the principles of sustainability, eco- friendliness has emerged as the prevailing zeitgeist. Within the manufacturing sector, particular attention has been directed towards green packaging. This study draws upon meticulously gathered data from 200 respondents through a thoughtfully designed survey to dissect the influential factors shaping consumer buying behavior. Employing the principal factor analysis technique, we unveil four primary factors underpinning consumers' buying behavior: eco-labeling, willingness to pay, environmental concern, and attitude. These findings underscore a growing scholarly and research interest in these dimensions, evident in the increasing volume of academic publications in recent years. Moreover, the insights derived from this research will empower manufacturers and businesses to formulate strategies aimed at securing competitive advantages, bolstering sales, and enhancing brand image. Key Words: Sustainability, Green Packaging, Eco-Labelling, Willingness to Pay, Environmental Concern, Attitude.

Role of E-marketing of mineral products in achieving sustainability

This paper seeks to assess the determinants that play a pivotal role in the effectiveness of e-marketing strategies promoting environmentally sustainable mineral products. The assessment draws upon insights from a survey encompassing 150 experts within China's solar, wind, and hydropower sectors. Through rigorous statistical analysis, several critical success factors (CSFs) were identified, notably encompassing “Sustainable Literacy,” “Digital Literacy,” “Government Incentives for Green Mineral Adoption,” “Demonstration of Energy Savings,” “Economic Stability,” and “Political Stability.” Interestingly, distinct sectors demonstrated nuanced priorities. Experts in the solar domain accentuated the significance of “Sustainable Literacy” and “Government Support,” while those in the wind sector placed higher importance on “Digital Literacy” and “Demonstration of Energy Savings.” Conversely, hydropower experts underscored “Government Support” and “Demonstration of Energy Savings.” Utilizing the Factor Analysis technique, these CSFs were consolidated into two primary categories: the “Social Sustainability Factor” and the “Economic Aspect.” Furthermore, strategic recommendations are put forth to bolster e-marketing initiatives. These include advocating for an Education for Sustainable Development program, implementing an ICT Inclusion Policy, mitigating mineral poverty, and nurturing ICT infrastructure through targeted incentives and support for device acquisition.

On the selection of landfill sites in the conditions of the Jurassic and Paleozoic deposits of the West Siberian oil and gas province

Based on the Jurassic and Paleozoic deposits of the West Siberian oil and gas province grouping using factor analysis techniques, a number of algorithms are proposed to justify the choice of landfill sites for the introduction of new technologies for influencing the bottom-hole formation zone and reservoir to increase the degree of reserves development and the profitability of enterprises. The selection is proposed to be carried out separately within the oil and gas bearing areas, tectonic and stratigraphic elements using a set of parameters reflecting the geological and physical properties of formations and fluids that have a predominant effect on the process of oil recovery. The presented algorithms make it possible to reduce risks when replicating successful innovative technologies while simultaneously expanding the areas of effective application. Keywords: landfill sites; oil production technologies; identification; analogous deposits; degree of reserves development.

The Determinants Factor on Repurchase Intentions

Changes in consumer lifestyles must be a particular concern in identifying aspects of marketing in finding new target markets as one of the trends that have become the favourite of society in developing economies, i.e., shopping trends. This study focuses more on examining the effect of visual merchandising, store atmosphere, and impulse buying as a determinant and implication towards the consumer's repurchase intentions. The research uses causal-comparative type, which involves the consumer with 100 respondents from March until July 2020. The analysis method uses structural equation modelling with the confirmatory factor analysis technique. The results show that determining factor on Repurchase Intentions is empirical evidence that visual merchandising directly affects impulse buying and re-purchasing. On the other hand, store atmosphere fails to predict impulse buying and re-purchasing. Impulse buying directly impacts the repurchase intentions. Impulse buying is also a determining factor as a mediator between Visual Merchandising and Repurchase Intentions as an indirect, although Store Atmosphere is non-significant as a determining factor. The impulsive buying factor can be used as an alternative strategy to boost sales in the short term from the repurchase results.

Construct validity of the instrument of digital skill literacy

This research is descriptive research that is conducted by quantitative approach to find out the validity and reliability of an instrument. The population in this research is all active college students at the State University of Semarang in nine faculties, taking sample is conducted by probability-sampling that means all population has the same chance to be a research subject. The number of samples in this research is 300 of people. The technique of data analysis on the validity verification in this research used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) technique. Meanwhile, for the estimation of reliability, the researcher used the formula of Cronbach’s Alpha. The data analysis is supported by JAMOVI program. The result of research shows that a) the instrument of digital skill literacy has fulfilled the criteria of goodness of fit with the result; 1) x2 = 162 dan df = 143; 2) p-value = 0,133; 3) RMSEA 0,021; 4) SRMR = 0,026; 5) and CFI = 0,99; b) the result of CFA shows 20 items that is divided by the indicator such as functional skill beyond, creativity, collaboration, communication, the ability to find select information, critical thinking and evaluation, cultural and social understanding, E-Safety have fulfilled valid criteria with the average score of loading factor is 0.80. c) the reliability of literacy digital skill instrument shows the estimation value which is 0.943 or very reliable.

Phase recognition in SEM-EDX chemical maps using positive matrix factorization

Images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) are informative and useful to understand the chemical composition and mixing state of solid materials. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) is a multivariate factor analysis technique that has been used in many applications, and the method is here applied to identify factors that can describe common features between elemental SEM-EDX maps. The procedures of converting both graphics and digital images to PMF input files are introduced, and the PMF analysis is exemplified with an open-access PMF program. A case study of oxygen carrier materials from oxygen carrier aided combustion is presented, and the results show that PMF successfully groups elements into factors, and the maps of these factors are visualized. The produced images provide further information on ash interactions and composition of distinct chemical layers. The method can handle all types of chemical maps and the method is not limited solely to SEM-EDX although these images have been used as an example. The main characteristics of the method are:•Adapting graphics and digital images ready for PMF analysis.•Conversion between 1-D and 2-D datasets allows visualization of common chemical maps of elements grouped in factors.•Handles all types of chemical mappings and large data sets.

Identify Obstacles in Implementing Total Quality Management Framework in the Ghanaian Construction Sector using Exploring Factors Analysis Technique

The concept of total quality management improves an organization’s performance, but there are several obstacles to its practical application. This study therefore identifies the obstacles to implementing the Total Quality Management (TQM) framework in the Ghanaian construction sector. A survey questionnaire was employed for the study, and the results were based on responses from 536 of 641 questionnaires sent out to the top management in the Ghanaian construction sector. The sample frame for the study was determined from the population made up of one thousand two hundred and eighty-two (1282) small to large-sized (D4K4 to D1K1) good-standing construction firms registered with the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG). The data was analysed using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) technique. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the reliability of the study instrument. While the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett's tests of sphericity were employed to assess sampling adequacy and significance. The study identified sixteen obstacles in implementing TQM framework in the Ghanaian construction sector. The five most significant potential obstacles among the sixteen identified obstacles in the ranking were: lack of understanding of TQM; lack of enforcement by the agencies responsible for regulating the application of TQM; inadequate TQM systems; lack of enthusiasm for TQM implementation; and lack of a TQM policy. All sixteen items (obstacles) identified were found to have a high impact on TQM implementation in the Ghanaian construction sector. Hence, understanding these identified obstacles to TQM implementation will enable construction managers to develop more effective strategies for improving TQM implementation in the Ghanaian construction sector. The study contributes to existing literature by using exploratory factor analysis techniques to identify obstacles to total quality management implementation in the Ghanaian construction sector.

Islamic Entrepreneurial Marketing Orientation Among Islamic University Students

Indonesia plans to be the number one global halal hub that need support of massive Islamic entrepreneurial marketing capabilities. This study aims to assess Islamic entrepreneurial marketing orientation among university students. The sample used was students of the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Business UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri Purwokerto who had participated in a business internship program (PMBM). Data were collected using questionnaire instruments and analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis technique. The results revealed that Islamic entrepreneurial marketing orientation proved to be a multidimensional construct consisting of factors such as: Activeness, Opportunity orientation, Risk orientation, Innovation orientation, Customer orientation, Value orientation, Committed and Shari'ah conformance. The results showed that the dimensions of Islamic entrepreneurial marketing orientation of respondents were generally quite good. This can be seen from the percentages that are above the 70% criterion). As for the dimensions that are still low are proactiveness (64%) and risk orientation (59%). This study provides novelty by finding that the implementation of sharia conformance is proven to be important in building Islamic entrepreneurial marketing orientation among Islamic students in Islamic university. However, other factors need to be emphasized more in the development of the programme since the results show that other factors are stronger in forming the students orientation in Islamic entrepreneurial marketing. Future research can be conducted by developing similar research on Islamic students in other region and in privat university.

Air nanobubble water improves plant uptake and tolerance toward cadmium in phytoremediation

Heavy metal contamination continues to be a persistent environmental problem. To address this issue, this study evaluated the impact of air nanobubbles (NBs) in water on the uptake of heavy metals by Alternanthera philoxeroides (A. philoxeroides), a common aquatic plant in China known for its rapid growth, strong vitality, and high capacity for heavy metal remediation. This study found that diluted air NBs (25% concentration) boosted cadmium uptake of A. philoxeroides by 17.39%. They also enhanced plant growth (25–50%) and photosynthetic pigments (10–20%) even at low cadmium levels (0.1 mM). Furthermore, the incorporation of 25% air NBs has been demonstrated to significantly amplify the performance of key antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, alongside heightened levels of crucial antioxidants such as malondialdehyde. This heightened activity of antioxidant defenses offers a compelling explanation for the potential amelioration of cadmium toxicity and concurrent enhancements in overall plant growth rates. Notably, a comprehensive analysis utilizing the excitation emission matrix–parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) technique has revealed alterations in the composition of rhizosphere dissolved organic matter due to the presence of NBs. This ncomposition change of the rhizosphere dissolved organic mattermposition has subsequently exerted an influence on plant complexation processes and the subsequent uptake of cadmium. This study demonstrates that the strategic implementation of air NBs in water systems holds the potential to significantly enhance the plant's ability to detoxify cadmium and improve the uptake of heavy metals during phytoremediation processes.

Urban Living With Style: An Exploratory Survey of Bangkok Generation Y’s Lifestyle

This study is a preliminary exploration of the lifestyle typologies of Generation Y in Bangkok, Thailand. Drawing upon an AIOs (Activities, Interests, Opinions) approach, 126 statements were developed to segment them into groups. A field survey was employed through questionnaires to collect data from this cohort. A total of 455 responses were analyzed through an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique. Eight distinct lifestyle segments were identified: the On-trend Netizens, Adrenaline-addicts, Self-care Traditionalists, Concerned Pragmatists, Safe-centered Family Person, Materialists, Emotional Facebookers, and Soap Haters. Each segment has unique characteristics. The findings show the nuances of the lifestyles of Generation Y in Bangkok, laying the foundations for a better understanding of this group. It is beneficial for marketing practitioners to develop appropriate communication strategies, products, and services accordingly.