Factorial Model Research Articles

A Statistical Model Regarding the Solving Problems Behavior in Formal Groups

Abstract Formal group behaviour is based on following specific norms and rules wherein the participants are expected to be well organised proving respect and accomplish orders, working to the requirements of the organization. When different tasks are essential to be solved, each member of the group must adopt proactive behaviour, so the communication process to be productive. The paper presents a practical approach about how the gender of students influences organisational group communication with the main objectives to evaluate the solving problems abilities on two groups (M/F) and create a psycho-metric model for solving problems inside formal groups. The authors used the questionnaire of Cândea R.M. and Cândea D. as an instrument that includes three types of behaviour that may appear during solving problem process - approaching a routine problem to solve it; approaching a problem that is not routine and measuring aspects regarding decision process encouraging the creativity and the spirit of innovation in a formal group. Furthermore, the authors used statistical methods - Shapiro-Will and Man-Whitney U tests- and statistical factorial modelling – PCA method to identify the most critical factors that influence solving problems in formal groups. The necessity of the research comes from the dynamic of changes affecting the group from external and internal environments during the decision process.

A Three-Level Factorial Model for Maximising Protein Extraction from Rice Bran with Choline Chloride: Glycerol

A Three-Level Factorial Model for Maximising Protein Extraction from Rice Bran with Choline Chloride: Glycerol

Multinational enterprises' R&D commitments in Chinese provinces: A configurational approach

Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are increasingly off-shoring some of their R&D to emerging markets, including China. Much of the extant literature on MNEs' investments in R&D facilities abroad analyses technological and institutional factors at the national level, typically using regressions to examine how host-country institutions influence foreign MNEs' outlays. It, therefore, tends to downplay the importance of sub-national and non-technology-related institutions, and how configurations of home- and host-country institutions interact to influence R&D commitments abroad. Drawing on the global factory model and the Varieties of Capitalism approach, we identify five causal conditions that may influence MNEs' R&D commitments abroad. Conducting an abductive fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, we find four combinations of causal conditions are sufficient to explain substantial R&D commitments in different Chinese provinces. The combination of local corruption and provincial R&D intensity is important, as are the MNE's home-country stock-market capitalization to GDP ratio and minority investor protection. We contribute to the literature on MNEs' investments abroad by extending the importance of sub-national institutions to include those not directly related to technology. We also reveal how combinations of institutions (rather than individual ones acting independently) from the MNE's home and host contexts explain MNEs' R&D commitments in Chinese provinces.

Biodegradation of endocrine disrupting compounds from the wastewater by the immobilized indigenous bacteria

Abstract4‐tert‐octyl phenol is one of the important endrocrine‐disrupting compounds and is considered a major health hazard. A total of six isolates degraded 4‐tert‐octylphenol, and the strains Bacillus velezensis LG16 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa AC20 exhibited maximum 4‐tert‐octylphenol degradation. Co‐culture of these two strains improved 4‐tert‐octylphenol degradation from the wastewater. One variable at a time approach showed that 40°C incubation temperature, pH 8.0, and an initial 4‐tert‐octylphenol (60 mg/L) influenced biodegradation. The bacterial strains were immobilized in sodium alginate beads, and improved biodegradation was achieved. The biocatalytic process mediated by the immobilized cells was optimized by a statistical approach (two‐level full factorial design and response surface methodology). In a two‐level factorial model, 4‐tert‐octylphenol degradation varied from 1.1% to 55.2%. The 4‐tert‐octylphenol degradation was maximum at pH 6, 0.01 mg/L 4‐tert‐octylphenol, and 10 mg/L glucose with 20 g beads/L. ANOVA revealed that the designed model was statistically significant (p = 0.0310). A central composite design was used to analyze the interactive effect of significant variables and to explore the optimum conditions for 4‐tert‐octylphenol degradation by immobilized bacteria. The maximum phenol degradation was observed (97.4%) at pH 7.0, 0.06 4‐tert‐octylphenol, and 13.75 g sodium alginate beads/L. ANOVA showed that the designed model was statistically significant (p = 0.0091). The designed CCD model, the correlation coefficient value, and the lack of fit value showed that the designed CCD model was significant. The immobilized bacterial cells could more effectively degrade 4‐tert‐octylphenol than free bacterial cells. The high degradation potential indicated its application in degrading 4‐tert‐octylphenol from wastewater under optimized conditions.

Comparative Study of Electrospinning Parameters for Production of Polylactic Acid and Polycaprolactone Nanofibers Based on Design of Experiment

In terms of applications, the diameter of nanofibers is one of their most important characteristics. This size is influenced by various process parameters, such as: the concentration, the distance between the needle and the collector, volume flow, etc. In this study, we compared the average diameter of nanofibers made from two different polymers, polycaprolactone and polylactic acid.We investigated the impact of various parameters on the production of nanofibers from polycaprolactone and polylactic acid using the electrospinning technique. We employed a factorial experiment design model to characterize this versatile and efficient fibre fabrication method. By considering the effects of voltage, concentration, distance between the pin and the collector, and flow rate, we established a mathematical model to describe the process. The diameters and morphologies of the resulting fibers were analyzed and compared to each other using SEM analysis. Our findings revealed that, among the studied parameters, concentration had the most significant impact on the diameter of the polymer fibers.

The Experience of Embodiment Scale: An examination of its psychometric properties in women from the Republic of Cyprus.

The Experience of Embodiment Scale (EES) is a recently developed instrument that assesses experiences of living in the body. Here, we prepared a novel Greek translation of the EES and examined its psychometric properties. We initially prepared a Greek translation of the EES using a 5-step procedure recommended for test adaptation studies. Next, in a cross-sectional study, we asked a sample of 933 women from Cyprus to complete the Greek EES, alongside additional, previously validated measures assessing body appreciation, psychological well-being (self-esteem, life satisfaction), eating restriction, perfectionism, and internalisation of appearance ideals. Our analyses showed that EES factorial models based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) roundly had poor fit. Conversely, models based on exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM)-which accounts for the fact that EES items cross-load across factors-had adequate fit to the data. Additionally, we found that both higher-order and bifactor-ESEM models that controlled for the uniqueness of negatively worded items had adequate fit. The bifactor-ESEM model had the best fit of all the models tested, and was invariant across ethnicity (Greeks and Greek-Cypriots) and was unaffected by differential item functioning based on age and body mass index. Additionally, construct validity of the final, optimal model was adequate, especially for its G-factor, as indicated by significant associations with additional constructs in expected directions. These results suggest that a bifactor-ESEM model of the Greek EES has adequate psychometric properties. Our work highlights important psychometric issues relating to the manner in which the EES should (or could) be conceptualised and modelled, which should be considered more fully in future work.

Development of Teaching Factory Model to Enhance Creativity of Students in the Home Economics Department of the Faculty of Engineering, UNM, Indonesia

The research aims to (1) develop an appropriate 6M teaching factory model for practical learning in the Department of Family Welfare Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Makassar with a concentration in Cosmetology, (2) produce a 6M teaching factory model that is valid, practical, and effective for practical learning in the Department of Family Welfare Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Makassar with a concentration in Cosmetology. This study is an R & D (Research and Development)-based development research. The subjects used were 20 students from the Cosmetology concentration. The development method adapted in this study is derived from the Borg and Gall Model, which includes three main stages, namely: preliminary study covering field surveys, document analysis, and theoretical considerations; the design phase involving the creation of a teaching factory model draft and the improvement of the model; and the experimental phase that includes initial inspection, large-scale testing, and final refinement of the product. The results of this research are the creation of a teaching factory learning model called the TEFA 6M, along with operational tools including the TEFA 6M model book, Syllabus, modules, jobsheet, and LPPO. This model is designed to strengthen the practical abilities of students. The TEFA 6M model is divided into seven phases in one round, starting from pre-order, pre-production, production, post-production, packaging, to order delivery. One TEFA 6M model cycle combines soft skill and hard skill activities. The implementation of this model uses a block and rotating system and is concluded with a competency assessment. The developed TEFA 6M model has been validated by experts, revised, and tested on both small and large scales. Based on the t-test results, it is known that the Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000 is smaller than the probability of 0.05, so it can be concluded that there is a difference in test results between the experimental class posttest and the control class posttest. Furthermore, for the average score of the experimental group, a score of 78.38 was obtained, and 42.36 in the control group; thus, the 6M Teaching Factory Learning Model can be said to be effective in the experimental class in improving student competencies in the Facial Makeup Techniques course. The research indicates that the TEFA-6M model has met the standard of validity. Based on the evaluations carried out, it is known that this teaching approach is practical, in terms of management abilities by the lecturer, and effective, as seen from the level of student activity, student reactions to the functionality and implementation of the model, and from test results that assess task completion.

The Chronic Time Pressure Inventory: further assessment of factorial structure and validity.

Chronic time pressure represents a prevalent concern within modern society, and effective measurement is crucial for research advancement. The Chronic Time Pressure Inventory (CTPI) has thus far demonstrated adequate psychometric properties. However, only two studies have examined the measure and evidence of its validity is limited. Accordingly, the current investigation, via two independent studies, assessed the factorial composition and validity (convergent/discriminant) of the CTPI. Study 1 (N = 398) examined competing factorial models and validity in relation to the Big Five personality traits (Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Openness). Study 2 (N = 358) replicated the analysis of factor structure and assessed validity in comparison with five time perspectives (Past Negative, Present Fatalistic, Future, Past Positive, Present Hedonistic). Participants across both studies completed standardized self-report measures capturing the variables. Comparison of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modelling (ESEM) factor solutions indicated that an ESEM bifactor model provided the strongest data-model fit. This included a general chronic time pressure component alongside specific subfactors of Feeling Harried and Cognitive Awareness of Time Shortage. All scale items reflected the general factor; however, some items loaded weakly on the intended specific factor. The CTPI is thus a robust indicator of chronic time pressure but needs refinement as a measure of the specific factors. Convergent/discriminant validity analyses inferred that the CTPI captured chronic time pressure as a related, but distinct, construct to perceived stress, and evidenced a relationship with theoretically associated constructs (Big Five personality traits and time perspective). Overall, the CTPI is a sound measure of chronic time pressure and has the potential to further cohesive research efforts on the contribution of this construct to various life domains.

Exploring space manufacturing: designing a lunar factory for space-bound products in the new space economy

AbstractThis study proposes a Moon-based factory for space-bound products, aiming to revolutionize space exploration through In-Space Manufacturing (ISM). It defines key elements for lunar manufacturing by adapting Earth-based factory models to lunar conditions.

Development of the Multidimensional Workaholism Scale (MWS) Japanese Edition and Examination of its Convergent, Discriminant, and Incremental Validity

AbstractThis study aimed to translate and validate the Multidimensional Workaholism Scale (MWS) for the Japanese population in two divided studies. The MWS has four dimensions—motivational, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral—with a correlated four‐factor model. In Study 1, we translated the MWS into Japanese using the back‐translation method. Next, 200 participants recruited by a research company answered the Japanese version of the MWS. An exploratory factor analysis of the collected data indicated four factors that were in line with the original scale. In the second survey, 316 different participants were recruited using the same method as in Study 1, and they responded to the MWS, WorkBat, Dutch Work Addiction Scale, work engagement, perfectionism, work–family conflict, and negative affect measures. At first, we tested different factorial models of the MWS through the confirmatory factor analysis and correlated the four‐factor model that indicated the best model fit. Next, the discriminant, convergent, and incremental validity of the MWS were tested in Study 2. In general, the Japanese version of the MWS has good validity and reliability. Finally, some of the results, implications, and limitations of this study are discussed.

Maintenance requirement and growth utilization efficiency of digestible methionine and cysteine determined for striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using ration level technique

Knowledge of the amino acid (AA) requirements for striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is very limited. The main objective of the study was to determine maintenance requirements and utilization of digestible methonine (Met) and other essential amino acids (EAA) for growth in juvenile striped catfish. To evaluate the objective, a series of three different trials were carried out. Initially, a 28-d feed deprivation study showed an allometric relationship between energy, protein, or AA losses (y) and geometric body weight (BW), where the relationship was expressed as a power function (y = aBWb) with the exponent values (b) being 0.84 for energy, 0.83 for protein, and 0.81–0.90 for various EAAs. Next, a digestibility trial was carried out to determine apparent digestibility coefficients of energy, protein and AA from the ingredients, including: fish meal, soybean meal, wheat bran, regular and defatted rice bran. These values were then used in the final trial to formulate two diets on a digestible AA basis with similar crude protein (31%), energy (17.1 kJ g−1) and AA composition - except for digestible Met and Met+Cys, which were 0.47% and 0.90% for Diet A, and 0.61% and 1.05% for Diet B. The diets were fed to quadruplicate groups of fish (∼10 g initial weight; 20 fish per tank) at increasing ration levels (∼ 35%, 55%, 77%, 93% and 100% apparent satiation) for 64 days. One group was deprived of feed for 28 days. The results showed that feeding catfish at increasing ration levels significantly improves the growth performance in both dietary treatments. Additionally, the group fed Diet B showed significantly better weight gain than the corresponding group fed Diet A at 93% and 100% satiation. The maintenance requirement was determined to be 21.77 mg digestible (dig) Met kg−0.83 d−1 and 35.3 mg dig Met+Cys kg−0.83 d−1 based on a linear model and to be 18.8 mg digestible (dig) Met kg−0.83 d−1 and 30.7 mg dig Met+Cys kg−0.83 d−1 based on an exponential fit to the data. The efficiency of digestible Met utilization (kDMetassessed based on Diet B) for growth above maintenance was found to be 63% (including data of all ration levels) or 71% (excluding data of 100% satiation), while that for the Met+Cys (kDM+C) was found to be 46% (including data of all ration levels) or 51% (excluding data of 100% satiation). The efficiency of digestible protein utilization for weight gain with Diet B was found to be higher (66%) than that with Diet A (57%), indicating the importance of balancing striped catfish diets for dietary Met. The study also determined maintenance requirements and utilization efficiency of other EAAs which need to be further improved. These data can be used to derive AA requirements for striped catfish based on a factorial modelling approach which relies on maintenance requirements, growth utilization of AA, and targeted growth or protein deposition.

South American Validation of a Survey to Assess Eco-Anxiety in Adults (ECO-ANS-LATAM).

Background: climate change is a reality, and more and more people are becoming aware of this global problem, which has generated anxiety in some populations. To validate a short survey to assess eco-anxiety in adults in South America. Methods: It is an instrumental study, and the validation was based on a previous survey, which had six questions and was generated by 217 respondents in the USA in 2021. These questions were subjected to a validation process with expert judgment, pilot and application, and then statistics were obtained. It was validated with 1907 people in six countries in South America, where the mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis were adequate. Results: The initial confirmatory factorial model obtained unsatisfactory goodness-of-fit indices, so the indices were modified through a re-specification, where two items were eliminated, after which adequate values were obtained (χ2 = 22.34, df = 2, p = 0.00; RMR = 0.020; GFI = 0.990; CFI = 0.990; TLI = 0.990; and RMSEA = 0.070). Finally, the overall Cronbach's α was calculated to be 0.88 (95% CI = 0.86-0.89). Conclusions: The test was validated in a large South American population and found that only four questions can efficiently measure anxiety about the effects of climate change. The instrument can be used with other tests to screen different age groups, ethnicities and realities.

A Frame Work for Development of Hybrid-teaching Factory (H-TEFA) Model on Virtual Lab application

The core of Industry 4.0 is the extensive use of Information System in organizational business processes. The competency of System Analysis and Design is required by companies as an expert in Information System development. UNITAMA, a higher education institution, is developing a program of study in Information Systems that produces competent professionals with a discipline in Analysis and Information System Design. The university will strengthen student competencies through a collaborative approach between the learning process and IDUKA. The type of research is Research & Development (R&D) research so that the process of developing virtual learning media technology media for the Hybrid Teaching Factory (H-TEFA) model is directed and systematic, so in this research and development using the ADDIE development model which consists of five development stages (analysis, design, product manufacturing, implementation and evaluation). The Virtual Lab is a modern learning method based on the Learning Management System (LMS) that provides students with more dynamic and customized educational materials for practical learning. The Virtual Lab UNITAMA is the development of a practical learning method designed and adapted to the needs of the Analysis and Information System Design course based on the IDUKA Information System, utilizing web-based IT technology that allows learning to take place remotely, not limited to the classroom and specific hours. The model of collaboration between teachers, students, and IDUKA in the Analysis and Information System Design course is enabled by the rapid development of technology and information systems in the era of Industry 4.0, using e-learning/LMS systems that are integrated with Virtual Lab. The Link & Match policy between the education sector and IDUKA is expected to improve the competencies of graduates and align them with IDUKA's specific needs.

Removal of malachite green from aqueous solution by kerolite/stevensite mixed-layer clay: full factorial design analysis

ABSTRACT In this study, we have tested a mixed-layer clay to remove malachite green (MG) as a pollutant in water. The adsorbent was characterised by various techniques such as BET, DRX, and FTIR. The effects of several physico-chemical parameters (contact time, adsorbent mass, MG concentration, temperature, pH, and stirring speed) on the adsorption capacity of the clay were investigated by batch adsorption experiments. Experimental results were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with the highest correlation (R2 = 0.999). Of the three isothermal models used, the Langmuir model best describes the MG adsorption process with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.995, and a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 100 mg/g. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption is endothermic (ΔH° = 44.35 kJ/mol), disordered (ΔS0 = 170 J/mol.K), and spontaneous (ΔG° < 0). Full factorial design modelling resulted in a first-degree mathematical function; the suggested regression model demonstrated excellent agreement with the experimental data. Analysis of main and interaction effects revealed that three factors, namely contact time, MG concentration, and temperature, had a positive effect on response; conversely, adsorbent mass had a negative effect on response. In addition, the model analysis revealed the existence of significant interactions among these factors. This study showed that this clay has good adsorption properties towards MG and can be applied to the decolourisation of water.

Data-driven quasi-convex method for hit rate optimization of process product quality in digital twin

Hit rate is an important quantitative criterion for the process product quality prediction of the integrated industrial processes. The hit rate indicates the percentage of product quantities accepted by the downstream process within the controlled range of the product quality. The optimization model of the hit rate criterion is a non-convex intractable problem. In order to improve the hit rate of the predicted product quality, we define a hit rate optimization problem, and propose a data-driven quasi-convex approach, which converts the original problem into a set of convex feasible problems and achieves the optimal hit rate. The proposed approach combines factorial hidden Markov models, multitask elastic net and quasi-convex optimization. In order to illustrate the advantages of the proposed approach, a Monte Carlo simulation experiment is designed to verify the convex optimization property. Another experiment is carried out on two actual steel production datasets for the temperature prediction in molten iron dispatch. The results confirm that the proposed approach not only exhibits superior performance with the controlled hit rate, but also improves the hit rate by at least 41.11 % and 31.01 %, respectively, compared with the classical models on two real datasets.

Development of a hybrid teaching factory model based on school governance in improving employability skills of vocational students

This research aims to develop a framework for a hybrid teaching factory model that combines face-to-face and online learning with information and communication technology to improve employability skills in the new normal era. The research method uses the ADDIE Research and Development model, which consists of five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The research was conducted in several vocational high schools in DKI Jakarta Region, Indonesia. The findings in the research prove that the implementation of hybrid learning has an impact on students and teachers. Hybrid learning teaching factory is proven to be able to overcome frustrations and limitations between teachers and students in the learning process through online facilities, making teaching factory learning more innovative because there are variations of learning to interact and discuss, and making the classroom atmosphere conducive because students become happy and active in learning and skilled in working. The success of a hybrid teaching factory is considered mutually beneficial for both students and teachers who complete one of the teaching factory learning curriculums while industry instructors develop and work on collaborative platforms that provide useful services such as augmented reality and virtual reality-based applications.

Validation and Application of a Factorial Model of Attention in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Validation and Application of a Factorial Model of Attention in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Choline supplementation: Impact on broiler chicken performance, steatosis, and economic viability from from 1 to 42 days.

This study was carried out to compare the impact of choline supplementation (available from two sources synthetic and natural) on various dosages in broilers. The mode of choline supplementation, via diet and additional sources, synthetic and natural, and the data of performance, carcass quality, blood parameters, and hepatic steatosis were compared. A total of 1050 day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 10 treatments, using a completely randomized design model in a factorial scheme, with 6 replicates per treatment and 25 birds per replicate. Choline was supplemented using three sources: synthetic choline chloride 60% (CC), and two sources of natural choline A (NCA), and B (NCB). The Control treatment did not receive any choline supplementation. The diets were supplemented with low, intermediate and high doses of choline sources (400g/t, 800g/t, and 1200g/t of CC; 100g/t, 200g/t, and 300g/t of both NCA and NCB). Data analysis was performed using a factorial model to investigate the effects of choline supplementation (CC, NCA, NCB) and doses on the measured variables. Overall, the results indicated that the the performance of NCA was better than CC & NCB, specifically the dose of 100g/t of NCA outperformed MAR at 100g/t & CC at 400g/t, leading to a significant increase in body weight gain (85.66g & 168.84g respectively), and a noteworthy (9- & 12-point respectively) improvement in feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, NCA contributed to a reduction in steatosis when contrasted with various NCB & CC doses, likely due to the presence of curcumins and catechins in the natural choline source. These findings demonstrated that NCA supplementation yielded superior results compared to CC and NCB across both performance and liver health aspects in broilers aged 1 to 42 days. In conclusion, NCA can be used to replace the CC 60% without compromise on the zootechnical performance in broilers.

Reinventing Systems for Equity

Highlights Around the world, nations are grappling with the longstanding inequalities in education and society that were made more visible during the pandemic—along with the increasing educational demands of our fast-changing, knowledge-based world. This article outlines the anatomy of educational inequality and the demands for students to develop “learning ability.” It argues that to address these issues, we must reinvent education systems—often designed around a now antiquated factory model—so that schools can become more student-centered and supportive of whole child development; focused on deeper learning that meets the demands of today's society; culturally and linguistically connected and sustaining; grounded in collaboration among students, staff, families, and communities; and equitable in the opportunities provided and outcomes achieved. It describes policy strategies to accomplish these aims, with a strong emphasis on the changes in educator preparation and in-school supports needed for developing powerful teaching.

Parental Attitudes towards Child Oral Health and Their Structural Analysis.

The relationship between parental attitudes towards health and child development has been a topic of interest for many years; however, research results in this field are still inconsistent. This study aimed to develop a structural equation model of the Parental Attitudes toward Child Oral Health (PACOH) scale, using this model to analyse the relationship between parental attitudes with demographic variables and the oral health-related behaviour of parents and children. A total of 302 parents (87% mothers) answered questions regarding their own and their children's, aged 4-7 years, oral health-related actions and completed the 38-item PACOH scale. The structural equation model indicated that parental attitudes captured by the PACOH scale can be fitted to a second-order factorial model, even with the scale shortened to 21 items. The model demonstrated good fit characteristics (CFI = 0.925; IFI = 0.927; GFI = 0.915; RMSEA = 0.049), making it a reliable tool for examining the structure of parental attitudes. This model was employed in the multi-group analysis, revealing the close relationship between positive parents' attitudes towards their child's oral health and oral health-promoting behaviour both in parents and children, such as regular tooth brushing (p < 0.001), visiting the dentist (p = 0.027), and parents helping their child brush his/her teeth (p < 0.001). In light of these findings, it was concluded that Parental Attitudes towards Child Oral Health should be considered an essential factor influencing the development of oral health-promoting behaviour in children.