Decision Factors Research Articles

Understanding Teacher Retention Challenges: A Quality Analysis of Human Resource Strategies

This research aimed to explore the factors influencing teacher retention at SMA Negeri 1 Tuntang, Kabupaten Semarang, focusing on the role of school leadership, job satisfaction, financial compensation, workload, and professional development. A qualitative case study approach was employed, utilizing interviews with teachers and school leaders to gather in-depth insights into the challenges and strategies related to teacher retention in a rural school setting. The findings revealed that school leadership plays a critical role in fostering a supportive environment for teachers, with leadership practices such as mentorship, professional development opportunities, and inclusive decision-making processes being key drivers of teacher retention. Additionally, job satisfaction, particularly in collegiality, administrative support, and work-life balance, was a significant factor in teachers' decisions to stay. While not the sole determinant, financial compensation was also identified as an important consideration, especially for teachers with long-term financial commitments. The research emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to teacher retention, highlighting the need for comprehensive human resource strategies that consider both professional and personal factors. This study contributes original insights into teacher retention in rural Indonesian schools, offering practical recommendations for improving retention rates through enhanced leadership practices and support systems. The value of this research lies in its potential to inform policies and practices that can improve teacher retention, thereby enhancing the quality of education in rural areas.

PENGARUH DAYA TARIK WISATA KAMPUNG KOPI CAMP TERHADAP EKONOMI MASYARAKAT BATUNGSEL, TABANAN

The Covid 19 pandemic has caused the tourism sector to experience a decline due to reduced tourist activity. One of the government regulations to avoid crowds makes most people prefer to stay at home longer. To continue to comply with government regulations to avoid crowds, some people can still carry out tourist activities by staying in accommodation that is close to where they live. This habit is known as a staycation. Canggu Tourism Village is one of the destinations that is popular with domestic tourists for staycation activities. This research aims to examine and analyze the determining factors in domestic tourists' decisions in choosing accommodation in the Canggu Tourism Village as a staycation location. This research used 100 respondents with purposive sampling. Data will be analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis and using factor analysis. Based on the results of calculations using factor analysis, there are 16 variables which are grouped into 4 factors, namely push and pull factors, recommendation factors and social media, self-motivation and the location and atmosphere of accommodation in the Canggu Tourism Village. Providing accommodation services with a staycation concept must be well organized and always innovated so that tourists will return to visit this village.

Ethical AI in HR: A Case Study of Tech Hiring

ABSTRACT The job applicant hiring process is inherently complex, encompassing various dimensions such as cultural fit, team dynamics, and individual qualifications. This paper explores the potential of machine learning techniques as analytical tools to examine the nuances of the hiring process rather than automating it. In this study, we use machine learning models to evaluate whether gender or age bias exists in hiring decisions by examining an extensive IT industry dataset comprising over 70,000 applicants. We provide practical guidelines for data preparation, bias evaluation, and assessment of AI-driven hiring outcomes, focusing on the influence of key factors on hiring probability. Our findings reveal that female applicants tend to receive lower hiring probabilities than male applicants, suggesting a gender-related bias. Additionally, we identify that proficiency in “Computer Skills,” the number of programming languages known, and familiarity with the language “TypeScript”—introduced in 2012—are among the top skills influencing hiring decisions. This study offers HR practitioners actionable insights into the AI decision-making process, highlighting how skills valued by AI models may differ from those prioritized in traditional recruitment. Through our empirical study, we demonstrate how multiple machine learning methods can be used for bias detection and the validation of critical decision factors in hiring decisions, equipping HR professionals with tools to enhance understanding and fairness in AI-driven hiring.

Is AI image generation a creative or optimize tool in product design process?—The usage of AI image generation tools for vehicle shape as an example

This study explores the shape thinking processes and decision-making factors of designers when using AI image generation tools for conceptualizing the shapes of two-wheeled vehicles through four design tasks. Eight designers were invited to create hand-drawn sketches based on a specific aesthetic direction (technological geometry), followed by a shape divergence exercise using two AI graphics tools, Stable Diffusion and Vizcom, to generate images from text prompts. After selecting the designs closest to their original concepts and their favorite designs, the designers used an iPad to explore different shape directions (technological biology) for partial shape modifications. Finally, retrospective interviews were conducted to understand whether there were differences in designers’ thinking process regarding the use of various AI tools for shape conceptualization, as well as their focal points regarding design modification and shape thinking at different stages of the process. The research findings indicate that current AI tools are more suitable for shape divergence. If designers wish to achieve shape convergence, they need to be more familiar with the various settings of AI image generation tools and understand which prompts significantly influence specific shape characteristics. Designers’ perceptions of shape modification primarily revolve around: 1. Outline contours, 2. Parting lines, 3. Variations in surface curvature, and 4. The resulting features (light and shadow effects). Furthermore, it is recommended that future AI image generation tools, if developed as professional assistive tools for product design, should provide two modes—shape divergence and convergence—focusing on both the main shape and details. Additionally, it is suggested that developing AI-3D technologies should address the four key aspects of shape manipulation presented in this study, offering adjustments for overall appearance and detailing the contour lines of parts, including the manipulation of surface curvature and shape positioning.

Opioid prescribing patterns following surgical interventions for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze opioid prescribing behavior following surgical interventions for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), focusing on differences in postoperative opioid prescribing practices between patients who undergo surgical procedures in operative room (OR) settings vs. non-operative room (non-OR) settings. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a 10% random sample of the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics database, including men who underwent surgical interventions for BPH from 2015–2020. Propensity score analysis and inverse probability treatment weighting were employed to adjust for potential confounders. Primary outcomes included opioid receipt, cumulative days of opioid use, and morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD). Results: Among the included men (n=6022), those undergoing procedures in OR settings were more likely to receive opioid prescriptions postoperatively compared to those in non-OR settings (42.78% vs. 28.00%, p<0.001). While cumulative days and MEDD of opioid prescriptions did not significantly differ between groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of opioid receipt duration (p=0.0128). The adjusted model showed significantly higher odds of opioid prescription for men undergoing OR procedures (odds ratio 1.922, 95% confidence interval 1.690–2.185). Conclusions: Men undergoing BPH surgeries in OR settings were more likely to receive opioid prescriptions postoperatively, suggesting potential overprescription. Despite similar cumulative opioid use, differences in prescription rates indicate a need for improved postoperative pain management strategies, possibly using non-opioid alternatives. Future research should focus on optimizing pain control, characterizing actual opioid consumption, and considering patient-specific factors in surgical decision-making.

The experience of "at-risk" status for familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) and its impact on reproductive decision-making: A qualitative study.

Familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) is an autosomal dominant heritable form of FTD, onsetting in mid-life, characterized by behavioral and personality changes. Children of an affected parent are at 50% risk of inheriting the relevant fFTD gene variant and developing FTD. Genetic testing means a growing group of people are aware of or considering learning their risk status. This knowledge, combined with witnessing parents' symptoms, has implications for reproduction. This study explores attitudes and approaches to reproductive decision-making among those at risk for fFTD. Thirteen qualitative interviews were conducted with at-risk individuals, including parents and non-parents, and analyzed using Thematic Analysis to explore experiences of at-risk relatives of people with symptomatic FTD, attitudes toward reproductive decision-making, and, among parents, influences of genetic risk status on parenting. The themes identified were: (1) Fear of repetition of own experience with symptomatic relatives; (2) Approaches to mitigating repetition; (3) Responses to genetic risk in reproductive decision-making; (4) Accounting for timing in reproductive decision-making; (5) Challenges of disclosing genetic risk to children; (6) Other mitigating factors in reproductive decision-making. Findings highlight the key role of previous experiences with symptomatic relatives in shaping attitudes toward genetic risk status and approaches to managing it in reproductive decision-making. Findings highlight a need for responsive genetic counseling focused on exploring options alongside providing information and signposting to practical legal and financial support. Future research should specifically compare experiences in fFTD with experiences in other heritable neurodegenerative disorders and explore reproductive decision-making for couples where one partner is at risk of fFTD.

From Classroom to Boardroom: How College Education Shapes Career Decision Making in Gen Z

Background: The transition from college to the professional world is a critical phase in an individual's life, particularly for Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012), who navigate a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As the first generation to grow up immersed in digital technology, their career decision-making processes are influenced by globalization, technological advancements, and evolving societal norms. While college education plays a vital role in preparing them for the workforce, factors such as economic uncertainty, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and evolving job markets significantly impact their career trajectories. Objective: This study aimed to explore how college education shapes the career decision-making process for Generation Z. Specifically, it examined the role of academic experiences, experiential learning opportunities, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and challenges in preparing Gen Z for non-linear, purpose-driven career paths. Methodology: A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative surveys of 315 Generation Z college students and qualitative interviews with 20-30 participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify patterns and insights. Results: The findings revealed that academic programs (78% influence), mentorship (82%), internships (79%), and technological skills (68%) were critical factors in shaping career decisions. Intrinsic motivations, such as passion for meaningful work (71%), outweighed extrinsic factors, though economic stability (59%) and familial expectations (55%) also played significant roles. Challenges, including economic uncertainty (62%) and the evolving job market (64%), emerged as barriers to informed decision-making. Findings: The study emphasized the pivotal role of college education in preparing Generation Z for the modern workforce. Academic institutions were found to influence career readiness through practical curricula, mentorship, and skill-building programs. However, the findings highlighted the need for tailored career guidance to address Gen Z's unique aspirations and challenges. The integration of digital tools and personalized support systems was identified as critical to enhancing their career preparedness.

Economic Evaluations of Music Therapy and Other Music-Based Interventions: A Scoping Review.

The cost-effectiveness of an intervention is an important factor in health care decisions about which health care services should be publicly funded and/or approved as an eligible intervention for private insurance coverage. Music therapy as a health profession lacks substantial research on the cost-effectiveness of its services and there is no overview of existing data. We therefore conducted a scoping review. To contextualize and focus the scope, we describe different types of economic evaluations (EEs) and characterize four types of music interventions. Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, we systematically searched six databases (EBSCOHost, ProQuest, Web of Science, APA PsycNet, Scopus, and Prospero) in January 2023, and, after screening the initial 1,041 hits, 26 references were included in the review. The results consist of 19 completed and 7 planned EEs published between 1999 and 2022, mainly in the United States. The results show a heterogeneous picture with regard to: (a) the health economic methods used, ranging from cost analyses to cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), and one social return on investment analysis; (b) the service users involved, ranging from neonatal intensive care patients to persons with dementia and care staff; (c) the outcomes and cost components examined in the respective studies; and (d) the type of study and the conclusions drawn from the results. Accordingly, this scoping review provides an up-to-date overview of health economic studies and identifies research gaps in the field of music interventions for health-related goals and aims to contribute to the discussion on this topic.

Green Marketing in Tourism Village Development; Marketing Mix

The application of the green marketing mix in tourism, especially in tourism villages, involves marketing strategies that consider aspects of environmental sustainability in the development, promotion, pricing, and distribution of tourism products in tourism villages. Tourism villages are tourism products that are developed based on the potential of the village, both in the form of community, nature, and culture as an identity that has tourist attractions. Previous research related to green marketing mix has not specifically examined the influence of green marketing mix on tourist interest in tourist villages. Therefore, research on the influence of green marketing mix on tourist interest in tourist villages still has a research gap that needs to be filled. This study aims to determine the influence of green marketing mix on visitor interest in tourist villages. The type of research used is survey research with a quantitative approach. The population in this study is all tourists who have visited tourist villages in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The tourists who will be used as samples are tourists who visit the 5 best tourist villages in 2022 and 3 tourist villages that are among the top 75 of the 2023 Indonesian Tourism Village Award from the Special Region of Yogyakarta, with a total of 200 tourist respondents. The sampling technique used in this study is accidental sampling, which determines the sample based on chance, that is, anyone who happens to be willing to fill out the questionnaire can be used as a respondent. The data analysis used was Descriptive Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis and assisted by SPSS. The results show that not all elements of green marketing have a significant effect on Tourist Interest. Green Place and Green Promotion have proven to have a significant influence, showing that the aspect of environmentally friendly location and effective promotion is an important factor in attracting tourists. In contrast, Green Product and Green Price did not show significant influence, indicating that environmentally friendly products and price have not been the main factors in tourists' decisions to visit tourist villages.

Factors influencing women's and men's place of birth decisions in rural Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea: A qualitative descriptive study.

Evidence shows that birthing with a skilled birth provider improves maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, whilst most women in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea seek skilled health care during pregnancy in a health facility, more than half give birth at home or in the village without a skilled birth provider. To explore the factors influencing women's and men's decisions about place of birth in rural Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. A qualitative-descriptive study was conducted. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants (16 women who were pregnant or recently given birth and four men whose partners were pregnant or recently gave birth). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was thematically analysed. Three key themes associated with the place of birth decision factors were identified from the study findings: (1) health service accessibility and availability, (2) socio-cultural influences, and (3) previous maternity care experiences. Participant experiences influenced their choice of place of birth, resulting in many giving birth at home in their village without a skilled birth provider. Maternal and child health services need to be appropriately tailored to improve accessibility and meet the unmet needs of pregnant women in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, health education programs should address socio-cultural factors influencing the uptake of healthcare services, especially in rural areas where health disparities are more evident. Further research is required to explore health worker perspectives, patriarchal control, and respectful care regarding health service utilisation in this study context.

Airway clearance techniques for people with acute exacerbation of COPD: a scoping review.

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) often involve mucus hypersecretion. Thus, management of sputum retention is critical. However, the use of airway clearance techniques (ACTs) in people with AECOPD across different healthcare settings and factors influencing their selection remain unclear. To identify and map ACTs used for AECOPD in different healthcare settings and the factors influencing clinical decision-making worldwide. Four electronic databases and grey literature were searched from 1995 to December 2023, with hand-searching of eligible records. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews was followed. 25 articles were included: 14 clinical studies, five guidelines/statements and six surveys/audits. Clinical studies reported the use of a wide range of single or combined ACTs, with no clear pattern in using particular ACTs in different parts of the world. Recent guidelines advise using ACTs for certain patients with AECOPD, particularly those with hypersecretion, with most guidelines recommending positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy. According to surveys, the most used ACTs in Australia and Europe are active cycle of breathing techniques, PEP or forced expiratory technique, while vibrations are most frequently used in Canada. Factors influencing the selection of specific ACTs include the presence of contraindications, level of dyspnoea, access to resources/equipment and ease of learning/performing the technique. All information was derived from hospital settings. This scoping review identified and mapped ACTs used for people with AECOPD worldwide and their decision-making factors. Future work should focus on community settings.

Spinal metastases at the thoracolumbar junction – influencing factors for surgical decision-making according to a multicentric registry.

Spinal metastases at the thoracolumbar junction – influencing factors for surgical decision-making according to a multicentric registry.

Artificial intelligence and its impact on corporate social responsibility

Artificial intelligence has been a technology that is constantly innovating interaction, consumption and expression in society itself. It is essential to examine the interaction and link between corporate social responsibility and artificial intelligence. To analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on corporate social responsibility commitments and evaluate how these impacts are perceived by organizations, identifying possible benefits and threats. An exhaustive literature review was conducted on artificial intelligence and its influence on corporate social responsibility. This review allowed identifying the possible positive and negative aspects that organizations present when adapting to different social changes. It is necessary to evaluate the link between corporate social responsibility and human capital, since both areas are crucial and complement each other in an organization. It highlights an innovative approach to strategies that identifies the contributions of CSR to different aspects of human talent, both internal and external, and analyzes its influence on personnel performance, a critical factor in organizational decision-making

The Impact of Brand Experience, Communication, and Attachment in Enhancing Brand Consciousness: A Conceptual Study of Airline Industry

This conceptual study investigates the relationships between brand experience, brand communication, brand attachment, brand knowledge, and brand consciousness within the airline industry. Drawing from recent literature, the study proposed a framework wherein brand knowledge mediates the effects of brand experience, communication, and attachment on brand consciousness. The theoretical model posits that positive brand experiences, effective communication strategies, and strong brand attachments significantly enhance consumers’ brand knowledge, which subsequently increases brand consciousness—a critical factor in consumer decision-making and brand loyalty. The proposed relationships were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach, which demonstrated strong reliability, validity, and model fit indices, confirming the robustness of the conceptual framework. Findings suggest that brand knowledge serves as a vital mediator, channelling the influence of brand experiences and attachments into heightened consumer awareness and preference. The study contributes to brand management literature by offering insights on fostering brand consciousness through strategic experience, communication, and attachment initiatives, especially relevant for competitive and consumer-oriented sectors like aviation. Limitations are acknowledged, and future empirical studies are recommended to further validate and extend the framework in diverse industries.

Prediction of acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients based on interpretable machine learning.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) poses a lethal risk in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, where early detection is challenging. This study was to establish a prediction model for AKI 24 hours in advance for ICU patients and to help clinicians monitor patients at an early stage by key features. In this study, the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) databases were used to construct a dataset of critically ill patients. Predictive models were constructed using five machine learning algorithms based on MIMIC-IV data, and the best predictive model was selected by multiple model evaluation metrics. MIMIC-III data were used for external validation. We conducted an interpretability analysis of the model using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to clarify key features and decision-making mechanisms. A total of 18,186 patient data were included in this study. The analysis combining calibration and decision curves demonstrated that the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) exhibited superior performance among the five algorithms, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88. Interpretability analysis based on the XGBoost model showed diuretic use, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, age, and antibiotic use as the most important decision factors of the model. The SHAP summary plot was used to illustrate the effects of the top 19 features attributed to the XGBoost. The XGBoost algorithm can predict the occurrence of AKI more accurately. Interpretative analysis of the model reveals the mechanisms of key features, and reflects the individual differences between patients, providing an important clinical reference.

Decoding Consumer Behavior in the Used Car Market: A Machine Learning Approach to Key Decision Factors

Decoding Consumer Behavior in the Used Car Market: A Machine Learning Approach to Key Decision Factors

Estimating decision-making factors for locally produced and imported rice using consumer models

Estimating decision-making factors for locally produced and imported rice using consumer models

MEDIATING EFFECT OF BEHAVIORAL INTENTION ON THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED VALUE, ATTITUDE, AND SUBJECTIVE NORM ON VISIT DECISION

Theory of planned behavior is believed to be a theory that can influence visit decisions. Similarly, the dimension of perceived value becomes a determining factor in tourists' decisions to visit. Aims to study analyze the effect of the Theory of Planned Behavior and perceived value on tourists' visit decisions to Alamendah Tourism Village. Data collection using a purposive sample technique, 100 respondents who had visited Alamendah Tourism Village were given questionnaires to complete in order to collect data.. The research method in this study is a quantitative approach, employing descriptive and verificative data analysis techniques with PLS SEM techniques. The data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS version 4.0. The results of this study are: 1) perceived value, attitude, and perceived behavioral control affect behavioral intention; 2) subjective norm does not affect behavioral intention; and 3) behavioral intention influences actual behavior.

DOPAMINE, SEROTONIN, AND THE PURSUIT OF BALANCE: NEUROBIOLOGICAL AND ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON MOTIVATION – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

In recent decades, research has emphasised the vital roles of serotonin and dopamine in regulating human motivation, cognition, and behaviour. This narrative review synthesises studies on how these neurotransmitters affect reward-based learning, decision-making, physical activity, and physiological factors, including sleep and appetite. Dopamine facilitates reward prediction, reinforcement, and task engagement, while serotonin contributes to mood regulation, impulse control, and stress management. When functioning harmoniously, they drive goal-directed behaviours; however, imbalances can lead to conditions such as binge eating, impulsive aggression, and fatigue. Additionally, Islamic perspectives on moderation, self-discipline, and spiritual well-being offer integrative frameworks that align with neurobiological insights, highlighting balanced sleep-wake cycles, regular physical activity, and mindful dietary habits. The review underscores the importance of further investigation into how dopamine and serotonin regulate motivational drive, particularly through multi-modal imaging, longitudinal studies, and objective behavioural metrics. Findings could inform preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions, especially for neuropsychiatric conditions, obesity, and age-related disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. By incorporating religious, cultural, and scientific dimensions, an integrated approach to motivation-based activities may be realised, enhancing both individual health and societal well-being. Ultimately, the synergy between dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways emphasises the centrality of neurobiological mechanisms in human motivation and behavioural adaptation, paving the way for innovative research and clinical applications. The present work therefore calls for collaboration across neuroscience, psychology, public health, and theology to foster effective preventative and interventional strategies that enhance motivation, optimise behaviour, and support holistic human development. Such efforts will advance our understanding of how these systems cooperate.

Literature Review on Children Outside Educational Opportunities: A Study of Children with Foreign Origin in Japan

Children of foreign origin in Japan face various hurdles in accessing educational opportunities, potentially limiting their strengths and abilities throughout their life course. With the aim of increasing the inclusion of children of foreign origin in Japanese formal education, this paper reviews the literature, focusing on early childhood education and care (ECEC) to identify what has been clarified in previous studies and what has not been sufficiently analyzed, to suggest future directions. Compared with the extensive studies conducted in the U.S., research on ECEC opportunities for children of foreign origin living in Japan is still in its nascent stage. To ensure access to ECEC for children of foreign origin in Japan, it is critical to examine the impact of ECEC on children of foreign origin in Japan and determine which types of ECEC are most effective. Also, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the specific nationalities, family environments, living conditions, cultural backgrounds, and attitudes of parents who do not utilize ECEC opportunities, and detailed research involving parents of children not enrolled in ECEC is necessary to understand the barriers and decision-making factors related to ECEC enrollment.