Main Constructs Research Articles

Advancing collaboration toward green supplier selection: perspective of green relational capital

Purpose Though there is literature on green collaboration to supplier selections, there are hardly any empirical studies that analyze collaborative networks toward green supplier selection (GSS) from the perspective of green relational capital (GRC). Therefore, this study aims to fill this research gap by analyzing the development of collaboration toward GSS through the lenses of GRC. Also, this study explores how collaboration between institutions and their relevant green stakeholders, framed through the lens of GRC influences the selection of green suppliers. Design/methodology/approach This study uses an exploratory case study approach involving public universities in Ghana. This study is based on interviews conducted with 27 key respondents across seven universities. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting respondents who were interviewed face-to-face with a semi-structured interview guide. Atlas ti software was used to generate themes for discussion. Findings This study’s findings suggest that the reason green criteria are not integrated into supplier selection is due to an insufficient collaboration among relevant green stakeholders. Through green training workshops, conferences, continuous professional development and affiliation with professional bodies, procurement practitioners can develop a collaborative network among themselves to promote the integration of green sustainability into supplier selection. Constructs that help to establish strong collaborative network identified in this study include trust and consistency, mutual benefits, obvious intentions and effective communication. Practical implications This study identified constructs promoting effective green collaboration toward the adoption of GSS. These constructs as identified in this study, provide a clear means of developing green collaboration among relevant stakeholders. By fostering and developing collaboration, the main construct of GRC, institutions can successfully integrate green sustainability into their supplier selection process, leading to long-term benefits for both the environment and the institution. Social implications Collaboration toward integration of green sustainability into supplier selection necessitates engagement with various relevant green stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, government bodies, colleagues in sister institutions and environmental advocacy groups. This fosters a sense of shared responsibility and collective action toward sustainability goals. Originality/value This study offers empirical evidence on the impact of collaboration on supplier selection and green sustainability performance, contributing to the existing body of literature. By analyzing collaboration, a perspective of GRC, toward the integration of green sustainability into supplier selection is considered as a novel study.

Child protagonism as social pedagogy tool in early childhood education: experience of a Brazilian educational centre

This article gives an account of a research experience in the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Centre, a Brazilian school located on the outskirts of Salvador de Bahia, run by the Fundação Betânia O.N.L.U.S. of the Franciscan Fraternity of Bethany. The Centre, which is free of charge, is responsible for the education of children aged 0 to 6 who come from highly disadvantaged social, economic and family backgrounds.The research aimed to investigate the applicability of the Reggio Emilia Approach in the context of the province of Salvador de Bahia and to investigate how the social value of this initiative is perceived by the protagonists of the Center. This article highlights a convergence between European and Brazilian education; the same pedagogical principles are valid and effective in different and distant contexts, in time and space. The child experiences a place where he or she can feel cared for, loved and appreciated; thanks to its protagonism, the simplicity of the educational contexts and the freedom to explore the environment, the child is able to enhance beauty and to be amazed. Child-centered pedagogy gives the school a social and human value, which identifiable in the recognition of the child’s dignity. The protagonism of the child, the main construct of the Emilian approach, reveals itself as the main tool of social emancipation, as Freire understood it, and therefore appears particularly reconcilable with a Brazilian pedagogical culture, that is the background to the social pedagogy projects of the educational Center analyzed.

Processing Fluency and Predictive Processing: How the Predictive Mind Becomes Aware of its Cognitive Limitations

AbstractPredictive processing is an influential theoretical framework for understanding human and animal cognition. In the context of predictive processing, learning is often reduced to optimizing the parameters of a generative model with a predefined structure. This is known as Bayesian parameter learning. However, to provide a comprehensive account of learning, one must also explain how the brain learns the structure of its generative model. This second kind of learning is known as structure learning. Structure learning would involve true structural changes in generative models. The purpose of the current paper is to describe the processes involved upstream of these structural changes. To do this, we first highlight the remarkable compatibility between predictive processing and the processing fluency theory. More precisely, we argue that predictive processing is able to account for all the main theoretical constructs associated with the notion of processing fluency (i.e., the fluency heuristic, naïve theory, the discrepancy‐attribution hypothesis, absolute fluency, expected fluency, and relative fluency). We then use this predictive processing account of processing fluency to show how the brain could infer whether it needs a structural change for learning the causal regularities at play in the environment. Finally, we speculate on how this inference might indirectly trigger structural changes when necessary.

Preventing Contract Termination Pitfalls in Construction Projects: Insights from the Ghanaian Construction Industry

<i>Purpose</i>: Premature termination of construction contracts is a recurring problem that causes financial losses, delays, and strained stakeholder relationships. However, there is limited research on the specific causes of contract termination, particularly in Ghana, and practical solutions to prevent it are often overlooked. This study aims to investigate the pitfalls of contract termination in the construction industry and to propose effective prevention strategies based on empirical data. <i>Design/Methodology/Approach</i>: A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques to gather data from 315 participants representing diverse roles within the construction sector. A structured questionnaire based on contract termination pitfalls was used, and data analysis involved descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. <i>Findings</i>: The study identified several critical factors influencing contract termination, including prompt payment by clients, adherence to contractual terms, competent supervision, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Through factor analysis and SEM, two main constructs emerged: Proactive Contract Management Strategies (PCMS) and Contract Termination Risk Mitigation Measures (CTRMM), each comprising specific indicators crucial for preventing terminations. <i>Originality/value</i>: This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of contract termination pitfalls and effective prevention strategies within the construction industry. The study’s multidimensional analysis approach, integrating quantitative techniques with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), enhances the understanding of complex contractual dynamics and risk management in construction projects. <i>Implications</i>: The findings have practical implications for construction stakeholders, project managers, and policymakers. Implementing proactive contract management strategies such as clear payment protocols, rigorous quality control, and effective communication channels can significantly reduce contract termination risks. The study underscores the importance of integrating legal frameworks, innovative techniques, and managerial approaches in contract portfolios to enhance contract performance and project success in the construction sector.

Unravelling the complexity of suicidality: a network analysis of theory-driven and culturally relevant suicide risk factors in a country with high suicide rates

Purpose This study aimed to explore whether individual theory-based constructs are sufficient in explaining suicidality in a culture marked by high suicide rates and whether, if any, culturally relevant factors need to be considered additionally. Methods The study used a community sample of 1873 Lithuanian adults (age M = 43.61 SD = 16.96, 69.1% female). A survey using online and pen-and-paper formats was conducted, measuring suicidality, the main constructs from two predominant theories of suicide (thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability for suicide, and defeat and entrapment), and culturally relevant factors (gender role expectations, attitudes towards help-seeking, perfectionism, negative social comparisons, alcohol use, child-parent relationships and childhood experiences). Network analysis method was used in the analysis. Results From the key factors identified in the two theories perceived burdensomeness had stronger links with self-perceived risk for suicide compared to thwarted belongingness and entrapment. Acquired capability to suicide had no direct links with other factors in the network apart from a weak link with history of suicidal behavior. In the network some of the culturally relevant variables (reasons for alcohol use, experience of sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and cultural norms representing restricted emotionality and attitudes towards psychological help) had direct relationships with suicidality, not only via key theory based factors. Conclusions The results suggest the need to consider cultural context when applying universal suicide theories.

Development and validation of a measurement tool to assess student perceptions of using real patients in physical therapy education at the Rocky Mountain University, the United States: a methodological study.

This study aimed to develop and validate the Student Perceptions of Real Patient Use in Physical Therapy Education (SPRP-PTE) survey to assess physical therapy student (SPT) perceptions regarding real patient use in didactic education. This cross-sectional observational study developed a 48-item survey and tested the survey on 130 SPTs. Face and content validity were determined by an expert review and Content Validity Index (CVI). Construct validity and internal consistency reliability were determined via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's Alpha. Three main constructs were identified (Value, Satisfaction, and Confidence), each having 4 subconstruct components (Overall, Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective Learning). Expert review demonstrated adequate face and content validity (CVI = 96%). The initial EFA of the 48-item survey revealed items with inconsistent loadings and low correlations, leading to the removal of 18 items. An EFA of the 30-item survey demonstrated 1-factor loadings of all survey constructs except Satisfaction and the entire survey. All constructs had adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha > 0.85). The SPRP-PTE survey provides a reliable and valid way to assess student perceptions of real patient use. Future studies are encouraged to validate the SPRP-PTE survey further.

Intention to adherence to social distancing for prevention of Covid-19 in the urban areas of southern Iran: a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of theory of planned behavior

BackgroundSocial distancing is a key behavior to minimize and controlling COVID-19 infections. The current study applied an integrated Theory of Planned Behavior to identify the determinants of social distancing behavior, and the processes involved, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methodsa cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Iran among 1000 people from Shiraz by employing a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire based on the main constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 22 and Amos version 24. Level of statistical significance was declared at a P-value of less than 0.05.Resultsaccording to the results, the subjective norms (F = 2.696, effect size = 0.139) and attitude (F = 3.582, effect size = 0.155) play an important role in the samples’ PBC (P ≤ 0.05). Final adjusted structural equation model of the effects of independent variables (Gender, subjective norms, attitude) on samples’ intention to adherence social distancing for prevention of Covid-19 with the mediating role of one main variable of PBC. The PBC alone can be an important factor in creating intensive behavior in the samples (F = 3.560, effect size = 0.18).Conclusioncurrent findings highlight the importance of “attitude, subjective norms and PBC” as determinants of social distancing intention. Future research on long-range predictors of social distancing behavior and reciprocal effects in the integrated model is warranted. This evidence is relevant to public and private organizations in the process of developing strategies to promote and engage the population in adopting the behavior of “Adherence to Social Distancing” in Iran.

Critical Success Factors and Acceptance of the Casemix System Implementation Within the Total Hospital Information System: Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Pilot Study.

The health care landscape is evolving rapidly due to rising costs, an aging population, and the increasing prevalence of diseases. To address these challenges, the Ministry of Health of Malaysia implemented transformation strategies such as the Casemix system and hospital information system to enhance health care quality, resource allocation, and cost-effectiveness. However, successful implementation relies not just on the technology itself but on the acceptance and engagement of the users involved. This study aims to develop and refine items of a quantitative instrument measuring the critical success factors influencing acceptance of Casemix system implementation within the Ministry of Health's Total Hospital Information System (THIS). A cross-sectional pilot study collected data from medical doctors at a hospital equipped with the THIS in the federal territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia. This pilot study's minimum sample size was 125, achieved through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire adapted from the human, organization, and technology-fit evaluation framework and the technology acceptance model. The pilot data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the Cronbach α assessed internal reliability. Both analyses were conducted in SPSS (version 25.0; IBM Corp). This study obtained 106 valid responses, equivalent to an 84.8% (106/125) response rate. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.859, and the Bartlett test of sphericity yielded statistically significant results (P<.001). Principal component analysis identified 9 components explaining 84.07% of the total variance, surpassing the minimum requirement of 60%. In total, 9 unique slopes indicated the identification of 9 components through EFA. While no new components emerged from the other 7 constructs, only the organizational factors construct was divided into 2 components, later named organizational structure and organizational environment. In total, 98% (41/42) of the items had factor loadings of >0.6, leading to the removal of 1 item for the final instrument for the field study. EFA ultimately identified 8 main constructs influencing Casemix implementation within the THIS: system quality, information quality, service quality, organizational characteristics, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, intention to use, and acceptance. Internal reliability measured using the Cronbach α ranged from 0.914 to 0.969, demonstrating high reliability. This study provides insights into the complexities of EFA and the distinct dimensions underlying the constructs that influence Casemix system acceptance in the THIS. While the findings align with extensive technology acceptance literature, the results accentuate the necessity for further research to develop a consensus regarding the most critical factors for successful Casemix adoption. The developed instrument is a substantial step toward better understanding the multidimensional challenges of health care system transformations in Malaysia, postulating an underpinning for future fieldwork and broader application across other hospitals.

Siblings of Persons with Disabilities: A Systematic Integrative Review of the Empirical Literature.

The systematic review aimed to systematize the empirical literature on the psychological impact of disability on the siblings of persons with disabilities, to inform research and provide clinical recommendations. Two research questions addressed the review: (1) What are the main psychological constructs investigated in siblings of persons with disability? (2) What is the main role of each psychological construct in siblings of persons with disability experience? The electronic search was conducted in 7 databases and the PRISMA diagram was used. The inclusion criteria were: Papers published in English and in peer-reviewed journals; papers published between January 2014 and June 2024; qualitative, quantitative, and mixed studies; and papers on the psychological impact of disabilities and/or chronic illnesses on the experience of siblings of persons with disabilities. The standardized Mixed Method Appraisal Tool protocol was used to appraise the methodological quality of the studies. To summarize the findings, a narrative approach was adopted. A total of 60 studies have been reviewed. According to the methodological quality appraisal of studies, most of them reported a high (n = 45) and medium (n = 15) quality. They involved 10,146 participants. Findings revealed that sibling relationships, sibling-focused parentification, and emotional/behavioral adjustment are the main psychological constructs investigated by existing literature. Few studies focused on siblings' well-being. Studies exploring more than a psychological construct were included as a hybrid. Only one study examined the siblings' psychological experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The quality of the sibling relationship ranged from good to poor; the caregiver is the main role played by siblings of persons with disabilities; anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors are the main emotional/behavioral symptoms revealed. Most studies (n = 39) recruited participants with brothers or sisters with mental disorders. The findings of this systematic review may play a role in the clinical field, as they might help to design gender- and age-specific intervention programs.

Self-identity explains better breastfeeding intention of ethnic pregnant mothers of Western Nepal: Extending the theory of planned behavior.

Breastfeeding intention is one of the strongest predictors of breastfeeding behavior and practice. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), with its main construct, behavioral intention, is useful to predict actual behavior. While the literature has examined the implications of other theoretical notions such as self-identity, moral norm, descriptive norm, and socio-demographic variables, their roles remain unclear. Similarly, research on ethnic and low-income mothers is even insufficient. Therefore, given the original TPB constructs, our goal was to examine the role of extra theoretical constructs and specific demographic variables, and observe whether the original model would alter. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 325 pregnant mothers in six purposively selected health care facilities of Kaski and Tanahu districts, using structured pro forma, from December 2018 to November 2019. We developed stepwise multivariate logistic regression from the entered and cleaned data, observed the effects on breastfeeding intention (BFI), and checked against multiple parameters. We interpreted the model with adjusted odds ratios and β coefficients, along with the variance explained. Out of 325 pregnant women, more than half (54.8%) were primiparous, and the mean age was 25.1±5 years. All three theoretical constructs of TPB regressed the BFI significantly, with 10.7%, the breastfeeding attitude dominating (β = 0.734, p = .003), and the other two constructs-perceived breastfeeding control (β = 0.659, p = .011) and breastfeeding subjective norm (β = 0.504, p = .045). Interestingly, breastfeeding self-identity added further variance of 5.2% (β = 0.955, p < .001), followed by income, with 3.2% (β = 0.856, p = .001), both of which also tallied large effect sizes. The model parameters showed consistency and robustness. We discuss the variables of the theoretical and extended model for BFI as well as the arguments for the explained variance. Self-identity is a strong and independent predictor of breastfeeding intention and, therefore, should be considered to better prepare for breastfeeding, especially among ethnic pregnant mothers. The direct and intermediate effects of self-concept and income need further study with more robust designs.

Reliability and Construct Validity of Three Self-report Questionnaires Assessing Dual-Task Difficulties in People With Multiple Sclerosis: An International Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the reliability and validity of the dual-tasking questionnaire (DTQ), dual-task screening list (DTSL), and dual-task impact on daily life activities questionnaire (DIDA-Q). DesignMulticenter, cross-sectional study SettingPersons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) were recruited from 7 multiple sclerosis centers across 6 countries (Belgium, Chile, Italy, Israel, Spain, and Turkey). ParticipantsA total of 356 pwMS (mean age 47.5±11.5y, expanded disability status scale, 3.79±1.83) were enrolled. InterventionsNot applicable Main Outcome MeasuresThe reliability (internal consistency, test-retest, and measurement error) and construct validity (structural and convergent) were assessed. ResultsThe DTQ, DTSL, and DIDA-Q demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [95% CI], 0.84 [0.80-0.87] to 0.90 [0.87-0.92]) and internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.86-0.96). As hypothesized, the 3 questionnaires showed a strong correlation with each other, moderate-to-strong correlations with other self-report questionnaires (perceived walking difficulties, fatigue, and fear of falling), and low-to-moderate correlations with cognitive information processing speed, manual dexterity, and dual-task walking performance (walking with word list generation task), showing convergent validity. The DIDA-Q exhibited systematically superior properties. These results were also verified in subsets from 6 different countries. In the structural validity analysis, all questionnaires displayed 2 main factors, allocated as “motor-driven” and “cognitive-driven” subscales. ConclusionsThe DTQ, DTSL, and DIDA-Q have good-to-excellent measurement properties, with the highest properties observed in DIDA-Q. The use of these self-reported questionnaires can be used in research and clinical practice to assess the effect of dual-task difficulties on the daily life of ambulatory pwMS.

Providers’ perspectives of barriers and facilitators to scale-up of mental health care in the public health delivery system of Mozambique: a qualitative inquiry

BackgroundA central challenge to closing the mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is determining the most effective pathway for delivering evidence-based mental health services. We are conducting a cluster-randomized, Type 2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial across 20 districts of Mozambique called the Partnerships in Research to Implement and Disseminate Sustainable and Scalable EBPs (PRIDE) program. Following training of nonspecialized providers in facilitation of evidence-based treatments for mental health and informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we identified how PRIDE compares to care as usual and the perceived barriers and facilitators of implementation and modifications needed for widescale service delivery and scale-up.MethodsWe conducted rapid ethnographic assessment using freelisting among 34 providers, followed by four focus group discussions (n = 29 participants) with a subsample of psychiatric technicians and primary care providers from 14 districts in Nampula Province. We used Thematic Analysis to inductively apply open codes to transcripts and then deductively applied the CFIR domains and constructs to organize open codes.ResultsThe main Outer Setting constructs relevant to implementation were recognition that patient mental health needs were significant. Additionally, numerous community-level characteristics were identified as barriers, including distance between clinics; shortage of providers; and low awareness of mental health problems, stigma, and discrimination among community members towards those with mental health struggles. The PRIDE program was perceived to offer a relative advantage over usual care because of its use of task-sharing and treating mental illness in the community. PRIDE addressed Inner Setting barriers of having available resources and training and provider low self-efficacy and limited knowledge of mental illness. Providers recommended leadership engagement to give support for supervision of other task-shared professionals delivering mental healthcare.ConclusionsPrimary care providers and psychiatric technicians in Mozambique perceived the relative advantage of the PRIDE program to address mental health treatment access barriers and offered recommendations for successful sustainment and scale up of integrated mental health care.

FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN FUTURE ENVIRONMENTALS AS A SUBJECT OF COMMUNICATIVE INTERACTION WITH BUSINESS SUBJECTS

The article reveals the problem of the formation of professional environmental responsibility in future ecologists as a subject of communicative interaction with business entities. The categories “social environmental responsibility”, “professional environmental responsibility”, “positive individual professional environmental responsibility” were considered. It has been established that positive individual professional environmental responsibility differs from the above-mentioned qualities by a higher level of generalization, as it contains, in addition to legal and social aspects, an ethical aspect, which is the main motivated and natural regulator of individual behavior, striving for an ecologically appropriate, ecologically safe and healthy lifestyle for themselves, other members of society and nature. The structural and functional characterization of professional and environmental responsibility as a unity of three components: value, information-cognitive and behavioral. The definition of the concept of “professional and environmental responsibility of future ecologists” is presented as an integral, interactive, ethical and professionally significant quality of the individual, which manifests itself in the free choice of positive (useful for man, society and nature), ecologically appropriate, safe and competent activities in the system of “man-society-nature”, aimed both at its self-preservation and self-realization, as well as at achieving the strategic setting of the transition of humanity and the Earthʼs biosphere to sustainable co-evolution. It is inserted that the problem of formation of professional and environmental responsibility among future ecologists is fundamentally different from the problem of the functioning of the model of formation of professional and environmental responsibility in them as an expectation of the desired future. The structural and functional characteristics of the main construct of the developed model of the formation of professional environmental responsibility of future ecologists as a unity of three components are presented.

Assessing the psychometric properties of Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 25 (CD-RISC 25) in pharmacy students and academics in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

BackgroundResilience is a complex concept that is defined and influenced by the context of individuals, organisations, societies and cultures. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) is a widely used validated tool to evaluate psychological resilience. CD-RISC is a self-administered scale of twenty-five items, each rated by a 5-point Likert scale. The scale evaluates overall personal resilience through assessing five main resilience-related constructs; personal competence, trust in one's instincts, positive acceptance of change, control and spiritual influences. As per the scale's developers, higher scores reflecting greater level of resilience. This particular tool has not previously been tested with a pharmacy student or academic population sample. ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the factor structure, validity, and reliability of the CD-RISC-25 in a sample of pharmacy students and academics from faculties drawn across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out between October 2020 and January 2021 sampling pharmacy students and academics across the EMR who were invited to complete the self-administered CD-RISC 25 questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis using principal components analysis with oblique rotation was conducted on sample responses (n = 616). The internal consistency and reliability for each identified factor and from the CD-RISC scale was evaluated by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. ResultsFive factors were isolated accounting for 51.5 % total cumulative model variance. Identification of factors showed high convergence with previous work on the CD-RISC resilience tool. The current study in our sample found a five–factor structure which differed from the original scale reliabilities. This study did identify a five-factor solution with differing item factor loadings. The reliability analysis on the CD-RISC-25 items in our study sample revealed an overall Cronbach Alpha value of 0.89; however, three items showed corrected Item-total correlations of <0.3. Our analysis, in this respondent sample, suggested a re-adjustment of the scale inclusions to improve overall scale stability and performance. ConclusionsThe current research findings propose a modified five-factor structure to resilience, with a 22-item unidimensional model of CD-RISC scale.

The validity and reliability of research needs analysis instrument (RISK model) in administering needs items and research

This study aims to design a Research Needs Analysis Instrument (RISK Model) to guide researchers in obtaining expert confirmation of research needs or problem statements before implementation. Library research was conducted, applying Kolb’s theory (1984) and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow, 1943) to inform the instrument’s constructs. The instrument consists of four main constructs: Relevance, Importance, Strategy, and Knowledge, which serve as pillars in administering items for problem statements or research issues. The Content Validity Index (CVI) values for the instrument constructs, as assessed by six expert panels, were found to be 0.90 for Relevance, 0.90 for Importance, 0.88 for Strategy, and 0.90 for Knowledge, with an average mean of 0.90, indicating high adoptability. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability values (α) based on pilot study results (n:30) ranged from 0.87 to 0.90, including 0.92 for content, 0.87 for understanding, 0.90 for clarity, 0.88 for relevance, and 0.90 for ease of use. These findings demonstrate that the Research Needs Analysis Instrument (RISK Model) achieves a high level of reliability. Overall, the instrument is a standard guide for researchers to obtain expert confirmation of research needs or problems before conducting a study.

Revolutionizing construction: A cutting-edge decision-making model for artificial intelligence implementation in sustainable building projects

This study examines how certain artificial intelligence (AI) drivers affect the industry's adoption of this technology in the construction industry. The research methods comprised a comprehensive analysis of previous studies to pinpoint the primary factors influencing AI adoption in the construction industry. Data collection was carried out through a well-structured survey involving relevant stakeholders in the building construction sector. The three main constructs of technological devices, advancement, and knowledge were found from the set of drivers with the technique of exploratory factor analysis. The deployment of AI in construction has the potential to improve health and safety and expedite project completion, as this research has evaluated. To figure out how these factors relate to the adoption of AI in the construction industry, partial least squares structural equation modeling was used. The study's conclusions showed that the influence of AI installation in the construction industry is reasonably significant thanks to the technology, advancement, and knowledge, contributing around 15 % of the effects that have been directly witnessed. The practical implications of AI for policy makers, engineers, and construction stakeholders are extensive and provide valuable insights for customized strategies aimed at using AI's potential to improve projects, promote sustainability, and elevate health and safety standards.

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES OF SOCIALEMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) AMONG SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

This study aimed to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of socialemotional learning (SEL) among school administrators. This study involved 265 primary school administrators in Negeri Sembilan who were selected through a systematic random sampling from the districts of Seremban, Rembau, and Tampin. Data were collected through a questionnaire measuring three main constructs: knowledge of SEL, attitudes towards SEL, and SEL practices. Descriptive analysis and mean with standard deviation analysis were employed to analyze the data.The findings revealed that school administrators demonstrated high levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and consistent implementation of SEL practices. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitudes, knowledge and practices, and attitudes and practices regarding SEL. These results suggest that a thorough understanding of SEL fosters positive attitudes towards it, which in turn motivates administrators to implement various practices that support SEL in schools. This study offers valuable implications for educational policymakers, school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders in their efforts to enhance the effectiveness of SEL in schools. These implications include establishing clear SEL competency standards, integrating SEL into educational leadership curricula, providing ongoing professional development for administrators and teachers, and actively involving parents and the community in supporting SEL initiatives. Further research is recommended to include teachers in school management to understand the most effective administrative practices. This recommendation is based on the study's findings, which indicate that teacher involvement in school management and administration plays a crucial role in achieving teacher job satisfaction.

Decoding Generation Z's habits: the augmented reality shift from gimmick to utility in omni-digital shopping

Purpose Building on technology acceptance and learning transfer theories, this study aims to evaluate the integration of mobile augmented reality (MAR) in omnichannel retailing touchpoints for Generation Z (or Gen Z)'s apparel shopping, assessing how habitual augmented reality (AR) use in nonretailing contexts impacts Gen Z's motivations, acceptance and use of MAR shopping apps. Design/methodology/approach A total of 562 participants downloaded a footwear MAR app and completed a survey. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and multivariate regression to explore moderated mediation effects. Findings The study reveals a paradigm shift: Gen Z's habitual use of AR in social media (e.g. Snapchat and TikTok face filters) significantly influences their intent to use MAR in shopping, overshadowing hedonic motivations. This marks a transition from AR as a gimmick to a practical utility in omnichannel touchpoints, with performance expectancy emerging as a critical mediator in adopting MAR for utilitarian purposes. Research limitations/implications This study highlights how Gen Z consumers’ tech habits influence their pragmatic view of MAR, urging re-exploration of the main constructs of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model. Practical implications Findings suggest Gen Z values practicality over fun in MAR shopping apps, guiding marketers to emphasize tangible benefits for this demographic. Originality/value This research underscores the evolving perception of AR in retail among mobile natives, highlighting the shift from novelty to habitual utility. It offers strategic insights for integrating AR into omnichannel strategies, catering to the utilitarian expectations of Gen Z in the digital retail landscape.

Adoption of smart watches as wearable technology in TESOL education among university students

This research explores the key motivating factors that influence student engagement with wearable technology (WT) in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) education. The study employs a novel, integrated framework that merges elements from the established technology acceptance model (TAM), Flow Theory, and additional factors pivotal to WT's efficacy, namely content richness and personal innovativeness. TAM and Flow Theory are utilized to identify the variables that drive WT adoption. Data for the research was gathered through an online survey comprising 23 questions, distributed among students in the KSA, with a total of 468 participants. Analysis of the data was conducted using Smart PLS Software to evaluate the research model, constructs, and hypotheses. The findings reveal varying contributions of the model's main constructs to WT acceptance. Specifically, content richness and innovativeness significantly enhance the perceived usefulness of WT. Additionally, perceived ease of use is a strong predictor of perceived usefulness and behavioral intention. The results underscore a growing demand for WT in TESOL Education, highlighting its role in streamlining information exchange among students. The study underscores the significance of certain external factors in technology acceptance, offering a fresh perspective by incorporating a framework that links TAM's perceived usefulness and ease of use with user satisfaction, content richness, and innovativeness. Moreover, the inclusion of Flow Theory adds a unique dimension by assessing engagement and control over WT. The research contributes to understanding the underlying motivations for employing WT in TESOL Education, primarily aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of both instructors and students. A limitation of this study is its focused application of TAM and Flow Theory within a specific educational context, which may not fully capture the complex societal, psychological, and gender-specific factors influencing WT adoption across diverse settings.

Depression anxiety stress and fear of COVID-19 among adolescent students and its relationship with possible predictors.

During the COVID-19 pandemic prolonged lockdowns, school closures requiring online education support, and uncertainty about examinations caused stress in students. To estimate the levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19 in adolescent students of Jamnagar and its relationship with possible predictors. This is a cross-sectional study using a proportionate probability sampling method during the third wave of COVID-19 of 4423 adolescent students of Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) measured the main construct. T-tests for two independent samples and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the relationship. Among the adolescent students, 14.81% had moderate fear, while severe fear was found in 3.37%. Moderate or severe depression was observed in 1.31% and 0.16% of students, respectively; severe and extremely severe anxiety was present in 0.65% and 0.11% of students; and stress was found to be moderate in 0.23%. Depression was associated with education, anxiety with education, gender, and a history of COVID-19 in the family and stress with a history of COVID-19 infection in the family and fear of COVID-19 with gender, standard of class, geographical area, socioeconomic class, and father's education. In our study, the students having a higher fear of COVID-19 were found to have higher depression, anxiety, and stress. The factors associated with a lower level of psychological impact can be used to formulate the interventions needed for the betterment of adolescent mental health.