Research Model Research Articles

A new extension of the Gumbel distribution with biomedical data analysis

In the field of biomedical research, data characteristics often exhibit significant variability, challenging the applicability of classical Gumbel distribution for biomedical data modeling. To address this, this paper introduces a novel extension of the Gumbel model known as the odd beta prime Gumbel (OBP-Gum) model. Derived from the odd beta prime family, the new distribution exhibits greater kurtosis compared to the traditional Gumbel distribution. Importantly, the proposed distribution is designed to capture right-skewed, left-skewed, and nearly symmetric density functions, as well as increasing, decreasing, constant, and upside-down bathtub shapes for its hazard rate function, providing excellent curvature features for creating flexible statistical models for biomedical research. We derive the fundamental features of the OBP-Gum model, such as the quantile function, linear representations, moment generating function, moments, skewness, kurtosis, incomplete moments, and Rényi and Tsallis entropies. Parameter estimation for this new model is conducted using the maximum likelihood estimation method. A simulation study demonstrates the performance of the model parameters. The empirical findings, based on applications to two biomedical datasets, suggest that the OBP-Gum distribution outperforms existing models, particularly in handling extreme observations. Instead of relying on conventional models for decision-making, this research provides relevant stakeholders with an improved statistical distribution for more accurate biomedical data modeling.

Effect of Atmospheric Response Induced by Preceding Typhoon on Movement of Subsequent Typhoon over Northwestern Pacific

Abstract This study investigates the atmospheric interactions between two closely located typhoons in 2019. Typhoons in the Western Pacific significantly impact Eastern and Southeastern Asian countries, leading to various damages. As global warming is expected to increase typhoon intensity, accurate track forecasting becomes crucial for coastal disaster management. Despite the existing knowledge about the influence of typhoon activities on the atmospheric background, limited research addresses the atmospheric response between two typhoons. The study focuses on the cases of LEKIMA and KROSA, occurring simultaneously in 2019, and utilizes the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for simulations. The experimental setup involves comparing two scenarios: one with both typhoons and one with LEKIMA removed. Results reveal LEKIMA-induced distinctive atmospheric responses, including the closure of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) boundary and the formulation of a wave train, influencing KROSA’s stagnation. The absence of LEKIMA allows KROSA to move more freely along the steering flow. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of atmospheric models for understanding typhoon effects at regional to mesoscale levels. A comprehensive analysis of similar cases could enhance typhoon predictions, contributing to better damage mitigation strategies.

A proof of concept participatory study on virtual sound immersion: developing an inclusive prototype to improve the experience of planning leisure activities outside the home

Individuals with atypical sensory and/or cognitive profiles have little access to out-of-home activities during their free time. A lack of information on activities and the characteristics of the outside environment often prevents them from investing in or obtaining new experiences. When they do participate, they often encounter difficulties and various obstacles that lead to failed attempts. This may lead to disengagement and a significant reduction in their social participation. The aim of this study was to co-construct a prototype based on the user’s needs and evaluate its feasibility and social validity from an exploratory perspective. A participatory research model using a mixed method based on an iterative design thinking methodology was used. The results show that describing the sensory attributes of environments increases people’s sense of familiarity and self-evaluation of accessibility. As a proof of concept, a virtual sound immersion prototype has been developed. It enables users to explore the sound environment and project themselves into new activities, including the emergence of the idea, the journey to get there and the performance of the activity itself. This study establishes the first step in the development of inclusive assistive technology and discusses issues related to the universal accessibility of the device.

Does artificial intelligence promote provincial ecological resilience? Evidence from China

ABSTRACT How does artificial intelligence affect provincial ecological resilience? This study incorporates artificial intelligence, provincial ecological resilience, government environmental attention and public environmental concern into a framework to construct a research model, and selects the panel data of 30 provinces in the Chinese mainland from 2012 to 2021. The multiple regression analysis method is used to empirically analyse the impact of artificial intelligence on provincial ecological resilience, and the moderating roles played by government environmental attention and public environmental concern. The study finds that there is a positive impact of artificial intelligence on provincial ecological resilience, which is confirmed by various robustness tests. Meanwhile, there is a significant promotion role of artificial intelligence for provincial ecological resilience in eastern region, while the promotion role for provincial ecological resilience in non-eastern region is not significant. Government environmental attention and public environmental concern play moderating roles in the impact of artificial intelligence on provincial ecological resilience. Recognizing these findings, policymakers can design targeted support plans to promote the development of artificial intelligence as well as facilitate the roles of government environmental attention and public environmental concern to achieve the enhancement of provincial ecological resilience.

Factors affecting financial well-being: the mediating role of financial behavior towards religiosity and anti-consumption lifestyle – evidence from Indonesia

Research on financial well-being not only employs objective measures such as income, but also utilizes a psychological approach to measure subjective well-being, which is beneficial for alleviating stress stemming from financial conditions, enhancing overall mental health, and augmenting individuals’ quality of life. This study devises a metric for financial well-being, incorporating variables such as religiosity, anti-consumption lifestyle, and financial behavior through a quantitative approach using Structural Equation Model. The research model is examined using LISREL 8.0 for data analysis drawn from a questionnaire administered to 256 Muslim respondents. The research findings revealed that good financial behavior is the main key to achieving better financial well-being, with support from an anti-consumerist lifestyle towards such financial behavior. Meanwhile, religiosity does not significantly influence financial behavior. While religiosity can have a direct positive effect on financial well-being, it does not do so through the mediation of financial behavior. An anti-consumption lifestyle itself does not directly affect financial well-being without the help of mediating supportive financial behavior. The practical implications of these research findings suggest that financial education programs should not only focus on the aspect of religiosity alone, but also be practical and applicable to all individuals regardless of their level of religiosity.

Constant or inconstant? The time-varying effect of danmaku on user engagement in online video platforms

PurposeAs an emerging video comment feature, danmaku is gaining more traction and increasing user interaction, thereby altering user engagement. However, existing research seldom explores how the effectiveness of danmaku on user engagement varies over time. To address this research gap, this study proposes a comprehensive framework drawing on social presence theory and information overload theory. The framework aims to explain how the effectiveness of danmaku in increasing user engagement changes over shorter time intervals.Design/methodology/approachA research model was proposed and empirically tested using data collected from 1,019 movies via Bilibili.com, one of China’s most popular danmaku video platforms. A time-varying effect model (TVEM) was used to examine the proposed research model.FindingsThe study finds that the volume of danmaku and its valence exert a time-varying influence on user engagement. Notably, the study shows that danmaku volume plays a more substantial role in determining user engagement than danmaku valence.Originality/valueThis research offers theoretical insights into the dynamic impact of danmaku on user engagement. The innovative conceptualization and measurement of user engagement advance research on pseudo-synchronous communication engagement. Furthermore, this study offers practical guidelines for effectively managing danmaku comments on online video platforms.

Analysis The Influence Of CSR, Cash Flow, And GCG On Dividend Policy In Consumer Goods Sector

Investors need information that can support their decision to invest, including analyzing the factors that influence a company's decision to distribute dividends. This research aims to analyze and explain the influence of CSR, cash flow and GCG on dividend policy in consumer goods sector companies listed on the IDX. The independent variables are CSR, cash flow, GCG, leverage, liquidity and company size and the dependent variable is dividend policy. Dividend policy is chosen as the dependent variable because it is used to determine the value of earnings per share to be distributed to shareholders. The data used in this research is secondary data sourced from annual reports of consumer goods sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (BEI) during the 2013-2022. The research sample was selected using a purposive sampling method , which was chosen because it allows for a more in-depth analysis of research subjects with specific characteristics. As a result, 13 companies were obtained as samples. The data analysis used for hypothesis testing is multiple regression analysis using E-Views software. The results show that CSR, cash flow, GCG, and liquidity as control variables have a positive influence on dividend policy. The study also indicates that leverage and firm size as control variables do not affect dividend policy. These findings provide significant implications for management in conducting CSR activities and considering the conditions of cash flow, GCG, and liquidity when determining dividend policy . Based on the results, the Adjusted R-squared value indicates that Corporate Social Responsibility, Good Corporate Governance, Cash Flow, Leverage, Liquidity, and Company Size collectively influence Dividend Policy by 31.33%, while the remaining 68.67% is influenced by factors outside the research model.

Characterizing dog cognitive aging using spontaneous problem-solving measures: development of a battery of tests from the Dog Aging Project.

Companion dogs are a valuable model for aging research, including studies of cognitive decline and dementia. With advanced age, some dogs spontaneously develop cognitive impairments and neuropathology resembling features of Alzheimer's disease. These processes have been studied extensively in laboratory beagles, but the cognitive assays used in that context-which rely on time-consuming operant procedures-are not easily scalable to large samples of community-dwelling companion dogs. We developed a battery of five short-form tasks targeting three aspects of cognition that are impaired in Alzheimer's disease: spatial memory, executive functions, and social cognition. In Experiment 1, we tested a cross-sectional sample of dogs (N = 123) and estimated associations between age and task performance. Older dogs scored lower on measures of spatial learning, memory, and response flexibility, and spent less time near, but more time gazing at, the experimenter. We found no differences in associations between age and performance across dogs of different body masses, a proxy for expected lifespan. In Experiment 2, we demonstrated the feasibility of these measures in clinical settings (N = 35). Dogs meeting clinical criteria for moderate or severe cognitive impairment scored lower, on average, than dogs characterized as mildly impaired and healthy agers, although these distributions overlapped. However, few dogs in our study cohort met the criteria for moderate or severe impairment. The measures presented here show promise for deployment in large-scale longitudinal studies of companion dogs, such as the Dog Aging Project.

Assessing a respiratory toxic infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strain: isolation, identification, pathogenicity, and immunological failure insights.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is caused by avian coronavirus and poses a global economic threat to the poultry industry. In 2023, a highly pathogenic IBV strain, IBV/CN/GD20230501, was isolated and identified from chickens vaccinated with IBV-M41 in Guangdong, China. This study comprehensively investigated the biological characteristics of the isolated IBV strain, including its genotype, whole genome sequence analysis of its S1 gene, pathogenicity, host immune response, and serum non-targeted metabolomics. Through the analysis of the S1 gene sequence, serum neutralization tests, and comparative genomics, it was proven that IBV/CN/GD20230501 belongs to the GI-I type of strain and is serotype II. One alanine residue in the S1 subunit of the isolated strain was mutated into serine, and some mutations were observed in the ORF1ab gene and the terminal region of the genome. Animal challenge experiments using the EID50 and TCID50 calculations showed that IBV/CN/GD20230501 possesses strong respiratory pathogenicity, with early and long-term shedding of viruses and rapid viral spread. Antibody detection indicated that chickens infected with IBV/CN/GD20230501 exhibited delayed expression of early innate immune genes, while those infected with M41 showed rapid gene induction and effective viral control. Metabolomics analysis demonstrated that this virus infection led to differential expression of 291 ions in chicken serum, mainly affecting the citric acid cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle).IMPORTANCEThis study identified an infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strain isolated from vaccinated chickens in an immunized population that had certain sequence differences compared to IBV-M41, resulting in significantly enhanced pathogenicity and host defense. This strain has the potential to replace M41 as a more suitable challenge model for drug research. The non-targeted metabolomics analysis highlighting the citric acid cycle provides a new avenue for studying this highly virulent strain.

What teachers can do to enhance students’ well-being: Discussion

BackgroundThis special issue sheds light on how students’ well-being can be enhanced through teaching practices, emphasizing the significance of well-being in the educational context. My discussion was rooted in extensive well-being literature, which allowed me to outline key findings about the importance, effects, and conceptualizations of well-being, and factors that may influence well-being. MethodThe issue comprises seven empirical studies, each exploring the relationship between teacher-related variables (e.g., emotions, growth mindset) or teaching-related variables (e.g., intercultural education, need-supportive teaching) and student well-being. It utilizes studies with methodologies ranging from large-scale assessments like the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) to detailed longitudinal designs across various educational levels and contexts. ResultsFindings underscore the pivotal role of teaching in influencing student well-being. That is, specific teacher behaviors and pedagogical approaches were identified that correlate with student well-being. Key aspects included intercultural education, need-supportive teaching, and positive teacher–student relationships. The methodological strengths of the included studies were their use of large datasets, longitudinal designs, and multi-informant data. Based on these findings, I presented some suggestions for possible methodological improvements. ConclusionThis SI contained impressive articles that can be used as excellent models for research in this area. The findings can also expand our current knowledge by providing a multifaceted, multinational, and multi-informant understanding of the topic. Practical applications are suggested how teachers can support their students’ well-being and highlighted the importance of integrating well-being into educational discourse to provide a foundation for future investigations of teaching and learning processes.

Digital Transformation Driving SME Business Model Innovation

The purpose of this paper is to propose a research model to investigate the relationships between dynamic capabilities, business model innovation, and business performance. The moderating role of digital transformation in the research model is also examined. A total of 262 managers in Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were enrolled via an online questionnaire. Data is scrutinized by partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 3.0. The findings of this study reveal that dynamic capabilities can positively affect business model innovation and business performance. Furthermore, business model innovation partially mediates the relationship between dynamic capabilities and business performance. Meanwhile, digital transformation has a positive moderating role in the aforementioned relationships. These findings bridge the research gaps in extant literature and contribute to theoretical and practical implications for SMEs.

An Adaptive Distributed Consumer Trust Model for Social Commerce

ABSTRACT Consumer trust is a crucial issue in social commerce, i.e. how to help consumers find trustworthy products. However, the current evaluation system in the market has significant shortcomings. This can be improved by trust and reputation modeling, but the existing models have flaws. This paper proposes an adaptive distributed trust model. The main features of its algorithm include (1) When calculating product trustworthiness, evaluations from consumers themselves, social networks, and e-commerce platforms are integrated, and the importance of these three sources of trust can change adaptively as consumers learn. (2) When selecting product providers and advisers, the Softmax algorithm is used to deal with the “exploration or exploitation” dilemma in reinforcement learning. (3) Consider the emotional attachment between consumers and advisers. (4) Design a blacklist mechanism to determine alternative product providers. The main contribution of this study lies in this model. Comparison with existing typical models shows that in various market scenarios, or when different market features change, this model can provide consumers with higher utility. This is because it better fits the characteristics of social commerce and has stronger adaptability. The results of this paper can not only provide a foundational model for related research but also can be used to develop a novel distributed product evaluation system for social commerce.

Towards an optimized model of food allergy in zebrafish

BackgroundThe prevalence of food allergies is on the rise, posing a significant challenge to public health. Rodents serve as the predominant animal model in food allergy research; yet, the application of rodent models proves to be a laborious and time-consuming endeavor. It is imperative to develop novel in vivo models. MethodsOvalbumin (OVA) was administered as the allergen, following the recommended dosage used in other species. During the sensitization phase, a dosage of 0.25 mg per 10 tails per 1 L was administered twice daily, and during the challenge phase, the dosage was increased to 3 times the initial level. The study explored two dimensions of sensitization: the mode of exposure, which can be either continuous or intermittent, and the duration of exposure, which includes 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days. We examined midgut pathological changes, immunoglobulins contents, and mRNA expressions associated to T helper cells (Th) 2 cytokines following exposure. ResultsA significant 109.3 % increase in the number of eosinophils was observed in the midgut histopathology following intermittent 5-day OVA exposure, which emerged as the most effective model. OVA exposure increased concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) (105.2 %), IgZ (312.1 %), and IgD (304.3 %) in this model. The mRNA expressions of Th2-related interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 were also elevated by 132.8 % and 421.0 %, respectively. ConclusionThe intermittent 5-day OVA exposure was suggested to be the best constructed zebrafish food allergy model, which may be a potential tool for research into food allergies.

Phylogenomic analyses of all species of swordtail fishes (genus Xiphophorus) show that hybridization preceded speciation

Hybridization has been recognized to play important roles in evolution, however studies of the genetic consequence are still lagging behind in vertebrates due to the lack of appropriate experimental systems. Fish of the genus Xiphophorus are proposed to have evolved with multiple ancient and ongoing hybridization events. They have served as an informative research model in evolutionary biology and in biomedical research on human disease for more than a century. Here, we provide the complete genomic resource including annotations for all described 26 Xiphophorus species and three undescribed taxa and resolve all uncertain phylogenetic relationships. We investigate the molecular evolution of genes related to cancers such as melanoma and for the genetic control of puberty timing, focusing on genes that are predicted to be involved in pre-and postzygotic isolation and thus affect hybridization. We discovered dramatic size-variation of some gene families. These persisted despite reticulate evolution, rapid speciation and short divergence time. Finally, we clarify the hybridization history in the entire genus settling disputed hybridization history of two Southern swordtails. Our comparative genomic analyses revealed hybridization ancestries that are manifested in the mosaic fused genomes and show that hybridization often preceded speciation.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Korean minipig (Sus scrofa)

Recent advancements in sequencing and genome assembly technologies have led to rapid generation of high-quality genome assemblies for various species and breeds. Despite the importance as minipigs an animal model in biomedical research, the construction of high-quality genome assemblies of minipigs still lags behind other pig breeds. To address this problem, we constructed a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the Korean minipig (KMP) utilizing multiple different types of sequencing reads and reference genomes. The KMP assembly included 19 chromosome-level sequences with a total length of 2.52 Gb and N50 of 137 Mb. Comparative analyses with the pig reference genome (Sscrofa11.1) demonstrated comparable contiguity and completeness of the KMP assembly. Additionally, genome annotation analyses identified 22,666 protein-coding genes and repetitive elements occupying 40.10% of the genome. The KMP assembly and genome annotation provide valuable resources that can contribute to various future research on minipig and other pig breeds.

Using a participatory action research approach to explore, understand and evaluate well-being among children living in socially deprived areas in Southern Sweden: a study protocol

IntroductionResearch suggests that participating in after-school leisure activities has been related to promoting health, well-being and safety among children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The United Nations Child Rights Convention emphasises...

Based on the S–O–R theory adoption intention of blockchain technology in libraries: a two-stage analysis SEM–PLS and ANN

PurposeBlockchain, a groundbreaking technology that recently surfaced, is under thorough scrutiny due to its prospective utility across different sectors. This research aims to delve into and assess the cognitive elements that impact the integration of blockchain technology (BT) within library environments.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) theory, this research aims to facilitate the implementation of BT within academic institution libraries and provide valuable insights for managerial decision-making. A two-staged deep learning structural equation modelling artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was conducted on 583 computer experts affiliated with academic institutions across various countries to gather relevant information.FindingsThe research model can correspondingly expound 71% and 60% of the variance in trust and adoption intention of BT in libraries, where ANN results indicate that perceived possession is the primary predictor, with a technical capability factor that has a normalized significance of 84%. The study successfully identified the relationship of each variable of our conceptual model.Originality/valueUnlike the SOR theory framework that uses a linear model and theoretically assumes that all relationships are significant, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study to validate ANN and SEM in a library context successfully. The results of the two-step PLS–SEM and ANN technique demonstrate that the usage of ANN validates the PLS–SEM analysis. ANN can represent complicated linear and nonlinear connections with higher prediction accuracy than SEM approaches. Also, an importance-performance Map analysis of the PLS–SEM data offers a more detailed insight into each factor's significance and performance.

A Nationwide Study to Evaluate Accessibility to Specialized Pediatric Palliative Care in Italy-Patients, Needs, and Critical Issues: The PalliPed Study.

Background: PalliPed is the first Italian nationwide project aimed at describing the characteristics of patients accessing specialized pediatric palliative care (PPC) and their families, in the main care settings (hospice, home care, and hospital). The project's secondary aim is to assess the extent and quality of regional PPC networks/facilities and the number of dedicated resources. In this article, we present the results of the first part of the project. Methods: All Italian PPC centers/facilities were invited to participate in the project. Children and young adults in the care of the specialized PPC networks/structures as of 24 October, 2022, including prenatal care, were involved. Children's eligibility for specialized PPC was assessed according to the Assessment Form for Complex Clinical Needs in Pediatrics (ACCAPED Scale) and after a multidisciplinary assessment by the healthcare team. Data were collected through an online survey. Results: A total of 867 patients were described. The lack of adequate specialized PPC service emerged, according to the available estimate of specialized PPC needs, as well as the need for improved referral to PPC by pediatricians or territorial services, particularly for infants and oncological patients. More family support measures also seem necessary, particularly for the mothers. Healthcare providers' communication skills should be improved to ensure greater involvement of patients and families in care decisions. Conclusions: This analysis represents the first step toward defining a constantly updated database for the census and monitoring of specialized PPC activities at the national level. This research model can be extended to other realities in different countries, allowing comparison of different care models.

Self-Service Hotel Check-In: Is There Still a Role for the In-Person Experience?

ABSTRACT This study investigated the short service encounters of hotel guests’ in-person versus self-service technology (SST) check-in experiences based on their perceptions of the check-in significance and impact on service and relationship outcomes. Guests (n = 378) completed an intercept survey at four mega-resorts immediately after check-in. Based on social cognitive theory, a research model was developed and tested using PLS-SEM. Check-in significance was an important personal psychological factor in customer perceptions, influencing their service quality evaluation, satisfaction, intention to engage, and trust the service provider. Emotional engagement intention served as a partial mediator. Multi-group analysis showed a significantly higher effect of in-person check-in on customer satisfaction and intention to emotionally engage with employees compared to SST check-in. Theoretical and practical contributions to customer relationship management are presented.

Olfactory sampling volume for pheromone capture by wing fanning of silkworm moth: a simulation-based study

Odours used by insects for foraging and mating are carried by the air. Insects induce airflows around them by flapping their wings, and the distribution of these airflows may strongly influence odour source localisation. The flightless silkworm moth, Bombyx mori, has been a prominent insect model for olfactory research. However, although there have been numerous studies on antenna morphology and its fluid dynamics, neurophysiology, and localisation algorithms, the airflow manipulation of the B. mori by fanning has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of flapping B. mori to analyse this mechanism in depth. A three-dimensional simulation using reconstructed wing kinematics was used to investigate the effects of B. mori fanning on locomotion and pheromone capture. The fanning of the B. mori was found to generate an aerodynamic force on the scale of its weight through an aerodynamic mechanism similar to that of flying insects. Our simulations further indicate that the B. mori guides particles from its anterior direction within the ~ 60° horizontally by wing fanning. Hence, if it detects pheromones during fanning, the pheromone can be concluded to originate from the direction the head is pointing. The anisotropy in the sampling volume enables the B. mori to orient to the pheromone plume direction. These results provide new insights into insect behaviour and offer design guidelines for robots for odour source localisation.