Research Model Research Articles

The mediation role of innovation in the relationship between total quality management and performance of small and medium scale enterprises

PurposeThis study examined the mediation-moderation role of innovation and market dynamism in the association between total quality management (TQM) practices and the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises' (SMEs') performance with empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire, the research model developed was tested with responses from 203 owners and managers of SMEs in Ghana. The analyses were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Smart Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe innovation initiatives partially and fully mediated the relationship between TQM practices and the performance of SMEs. Also, the indirect effect of TQM practices of SMEs on performance through innovation initiatives was negatively moderated by market dynamism.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to the TQM literature by validating the indirect and direct relationship between TQM practices and performance in the context of SMEs in a developing region.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel understanding of the relationship between TQM and SMEs in developing regions of the world. The paper serves as a guide for SME owners and managers to improve the performance of their organizations through TQM practices.

The power of perception: how persuasion knowledge and perceived deception in advertisement impact brand-related fake news adoption

Purpose This paper aims to explain how consumer persuasion knowledge and perceived deception in advertisements can influence consumers’ future evaluation of fake news about a brand. Design/methodology/approach This research develops a conceptual model using widely used persuasion knowledge theory and confirmation bias theory. A questionnaire-based online survey (n = 410) was conducted by displaying an advertisement stimulus followed by a fake news stimulus to test the model. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized research model. Findings The results demonstrate that consumers with high persuasion knowledge are more likely to trust and adopt fake news about an advertised brand through the mediation of perceived deception in the advertisement. Additionally, perceived deception indirectly affects information adoption through the mediation of news credibility. Practical implications Theoretically, this study contributes to the existing body of literature on advertising deception and fake news. This research also extends theory of persuasion knowledge in understanding adoption of fake news. Practically, this study has significant implications for various stakeholders, including brands, social media corporations and consumers. Originality/value This research adds novel insights in the relationship of consumers’ persuasion knowledge and credibility and adoption of fake news. Furthermore, the investigation of the relationship between the perceived deception in advertising and the adoption of fake news has not been explored, which is also novel.

Assessment of the Severity of COVID-19 on the Basis of Examination and Laboratory Diagnostics in Relation to Computed Tomography Imagery of Patients Hospitalised Due to COVID-19-Single-Centre Study.

From the moment the SARS-CoV-2 virus was identified in December 2019, the COVID-19 disease spread around the world, causing an increase in hospitalisations and deaths. From the beginning of the pandemic, scientists tried to determine the major cause that led to patient deaths. In this paper, the background to creating a research model was diagnostic problems related to early assessment of the degree of damage to the lungs in patients with COVID-19. The study group comprised patients hospitalised in one of the temporary COVID hospitals. Patients admitted to the hospital had confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2. At the moment of admittance, arterial blood was taken and the relevant parameters noted. The results of physical examinations, the use of oxygen therapy and later test results were compared with the condition of the patients in later computed tomography images and descriptions. The point of reference for determining the severity of the patient's condition in the computer imagery was set for a mild condition as consisting of a percentage of total lung parenchyma surface area affected no greater than 30%, an average condition of between 30% and 70%, and a severe condition as greater than 70% of the lung parenchyma surface area affected. Patients in a mild clinical condition most frequently had mild lung damage on the CT image, similarly to patients in an average clinical condition. Patients in a serious clinical condition most often had average levels of damage on the CT image. On the basis of the collected data, it can be said that at the moment of admittance, BNP, PE and HCO3- levels, selected due to the form of lung damage, on computed tomography differed from one another in a statistically significant manner (p < 0.05). Patients can qualify for an appropriate group according to the severity of COVID-19 on the basis of a physical examination and applied oxygen therapy. Patients can qualify for an appropriate group according to the severity of COVID-19 on the basis of BNP, HCO3 and BE parameters obtained from arterial blood.

The Effects of Gorilla Marketing in Social Media on Consumer Behavior

The research aims to identify the means and principles of guerilla marketing, what distinguishes it from traditional marketing, and the definition of consumer behavior. The purpose of the research is to investigate the impact of guerilla marketing on social media on consumer behavior. The research therefore used the descriptive-analytical approach by describing and analyzing the relationship that can arise between social media and consumer behavior and guerilla marketing. The research concluded that there was a possibility of applying guerilla marketing, and its effectiveness in spreading awareness and influencing the target audience in the field of social change. The research model was validated by modeling structural equations based on surveys of 310 customers. The statistical program SPSS was used to support the results of the proposed model, as the results confirm that the marketing of gorillas on social media has a positive impact on consumer behavior. The above sample was considered appropriate because the research had to be conducted with people using social media. Most guerilla marketing studies focus on consumers and neglect potential impacts on brands. And in order to fill this gap in the literature, By scaling this research, it contributes to testing the determinants of consumer behavior. On the managerial side, this research provides marketers with a frame of reference for understanding the adoption of guerilla marketing information on social media

The regulatory effect of self-control in the relationship between life satisfaction and lifelong learning motivation in adults

ABSTRACT In this study, a research model was created to explain whether the relationship between life satisfaction and motivation levels of adults depends on self-control. The dependent variable of this study is adults’ life satisfaction (Y), the moderating variable is self-control (W), and the independent variable is adults’ lifelong learning motivation (X) level. The research was conducted using the relational survey method. The convenience sampling method was applied in the research. 276 people in total. The bootstrapping method was used to test the significance of the moderating effect. The measurement tools used were the “Adult Life Satisfaction Scale,” “Lifelong Learning Motivation Scale,” and “Brief Self-Control Scale.” According to the study results, the moderating effect of adults’ motivation and self-control levels on life satisfaction was found to be significant. As a result, if individuals’ self-control is high, the effect of lifelong learning motivation on life satisfaction will be higher. This suggests that the relationship between lifelong motivation and life satisfaction is regulated by self-control.

Establishment of advanced tumor organoids with emerging innovative technologies

Tumor organoids have emerged as a crucial preclinical model for multiple cancer research. Their high establishment rates, stability, and ability to replicate key biological features of original tumor cells in vivo render them invaluable for exploring tumor molecular mechanisms, discovering potential anti-tumor drugs, and predicting clinical drug efficacy. Here, we review the establishment of tumor organoid models and provide an extensive overview of organoid culturing strategies. We also emphasize the significance of integrating cellular components of the tumor microenvironment and physicochemical factors in the organoid culturing system, highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence technology in advancing organoid construction. Moreover, we summarize recent advancements in utilizing organoid systems for novel anti-cancer drug screening and discuss promising trends for enhancing advanced organoids in next-generation disease modeling.

Improving Typhoon Muifa (2022) Forecasts with FY-3D and FY-3E MWHS-2 Satellite Data Assimilation under Clear Sky Conditions

This study investigates the impacts of assimilating the Microwave Humidity Sounder II (MWHS-2) radiance data carried on the FY-3D and FY-3E satellites on the analyses and forecasts of Typhoon Muifa in 2022 under clear-sky conditions. Data assimilation experiments are conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Three-Dimensional Variational (3D-Var) Data Assimilation method to compare the different behaviors of FY-3D and FY-3E radiances. Additionally, the data assimilation strategies are assessed in terms of the sequence of applying the conventional and MWHS-2 radiance data. The results show that assimilating MWHS-2 data is able to enhance the dynamic and thermal structures of the typhoon system. The experiment with FY-3E MWHS-2 assimilated demonstrated superior performance in terms of simulating the typhoon’s structure and providing a prediction of the typhoon’s intensity and track than the experiment with FY-3D MWHS-2 did. The two-step assimilation strategy that assimilates conventional observations before the radiance data has improved the track and intensity forecasts at certain times, particularly with the FY-3E MWHS-2 radiance. It appears that large-scale atmospheric conditions are more refined by initially assimilating the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) data, with subsequent satellite data assimilation further adjusting the model state. This strategy has also confirmed improvements in precipitation prediction as it enhances the dynamic and thermal structures of the typhoon system.

Analysis of Flood Disaster Resilience in Kroya District Indonesia Year 2024

This research was conducted to analyze the level of flood disaster resilience in Kroya District, Cilacap Regency in 2024 at the household level. This writing was designed as a qualitative and quantitative research model with case studies to determine how adaptation efforts function to reduce the level of vulnerability. So it is expected that there will be a difference between current vulnerabilities and future vulnerabilities. This difference is called resilience, which in this study will be explained at the household level. This research used a survey approach to obtain data from the people of Bunju Village and Mujur Village in Kroya District, Cilacap Regency. The results of the research show that the average resilience level results of Buntu Village and Mujur Village are categorized as high resilience, Buntu Village with a resilience level value of 0.695 (research value conversion) and Mujur Village with a resilience level value of 0.721 (research value conversion). So it can be concluded that the people of these two areas are ready to face the danger of a flood disaster if it occurs.

Intelligent Monitoring System for Highway Roadbed Based on Combination Neural Network Algorithm

To solve the problem of the frequent occurrence of roadbed faults, we studied the highway roadbed intelligent monitoring system based on a combined neural network algorithm. Based on the embedded system, with a variety of sensors, we completed the construction of the roadbed monitoring system. In the selection of the data processing algorithm model, the combined neural network algorithm based on an artificial immune algorithm and probabilistic neural network (PNN) is selected. The accurate acquisition of data characteristics is realized by data preprocessing, data smoothing and data fitting. Through experimental verification, the accuracy of the research model in identifying roadbed settlements has been improved by about 5% compared to traditional models. Furthermore, the processing time of the model has been shortened by about 19.5%, proving the effectiveness of the model. In terms of fault identification, compared with other classic models, the final recognition accuracy of this model reached 96.7%, far exceeding the comparison model. This provides new ideas for the monitoring and protection of roadbed faults.

Exploring the Factors Affecting College Students' Intention to Use Online Teaching Platforms Through an Extended Technology Acceptance Model

Online teaching platforms (OTPs) are becoming important mediums for supporting college students in course learning activities. Their intention to use is critical for promoting learning effectiveness, efficiency, and continuous development of OTPs. Drawing upon the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study builds the research model of students' intention to use the OTPs with consideration of platform characteristics and social influence. The PLS-SEM method is employed to analyze 194 responses from students at a university. The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence positively influence students' intention to use. Perceived ease of use positively affects perceived usefulness. In addition, social influence is positively related to perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, respectively. The study extends the TAM model by incorporating social influence to promote it relevant to the context of OTPs. The findings offer insights that universities and OTP providers could adopt to promote the use of OTPs by students.

Sharia Perspective Analysis of Fried Chicken Production with Kakilima Flour in Pekanbaru City, 2023

This research aims to analyze the influence of production factors (land, capital, raw materials, labor) and understanding of sharia for each explanatory (independent) variable studied on the production of fried chicken with flour in the city of Pekanbaru. The research sample consisted of 52 street food flour fried chicken businesses in Pekanbaru City. The data used for the analysis is primary data obtained directly from business actors of fried chicken with flour in the city of Pekanbaru. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression with the Cobb-Douglas production function model in drawing conclusions. The results of the research show that land, capital, raw materials, labor and understanding of sharia from each explanatory variable studied simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on the production of street food flour fried chicken businesses in Pekanbaru City. Partially, land, capital, raw materials, labor and understanding of sharia from the explanatory variables have a positive and significant effect on the production of fried chicken with street food flour in Pekanbaru City. Thus, it can be concluded that the explanatory variables influence the dependent variable by 96.26%, the remaining 3.74% is influenced by other variables which are not included in the research model.

Switching to green vehicles for last-mile delivery: why perceived green product knowledge, consumption values and environmental concern matter

PurposeThis study investigated the intention of carriers to switch to green vehicles in last-mile delivery (GVLDs) in an emerging market.Design/methodology/approachA research model was developed based on the association between consumption value theory (CVT), perceived GVLD knowledge and environmental concern. An online survey was administered to carriers who use conventional vehicles for last-mile delivery. This study examined the model using structural equation modeling.FindingsResults indicate that environmental concern and attitudes toward adopting GVLDs are significantly cultivated through consumption value. Specifically, epistemic value was the most significant in promoting environmental awareness, while social value was paramount in fostering attitudes toward GVLDs. Furthermore, perceived GVLD knowledge motivated consumption value. Similarly, environmental concern positively impacted attitudes toward adopting GVLDs. Finally, environmental concerns and attitudes induced carriers’ intention to switch to GVLDs.Practical implicationsThe findings can help policymakers, manufacturers and logistics providers understand carriers’ decisions of shifting to GVLDs from a perspective of perceived consumption value, green product knowledge and environmental preservation while discussing practical recommendations for promoting the switch to GVLDs.Originality/valueThis study is an early endeavor that elucidates the switching behavior toward adopting GVLDs. It emphasizes incorporating perceived GVLD knowledge and environmental concern into CVT in the context of a developing country. This study enriches the understanding of how to promote environmental awareness and attitudes toward adopting GVLDs.

Establishment and characterization of the PDAC-X3 cell line: a novel Chinese-origin pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line.

In this study, a novel pancreatic cancer cell line, termed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-X3 cell line, was successfully derived from the primary tumor. Comprehensive analyses of its malignant phenotype, molecular properties, specific biomarkers, and histological features confirmed that PDAC-X3 cells serve as a valuable model for investigating the underlying mechanisms driving pancreatic carcinogenesis and advancing potential therapeutic strategies. The newly established cell line was continuously cultured for over 12months and was stably passaged through more than 50 generations. Morphologically, PDAC-X3 cells displayed characteristics typical of epithelial tumors. The population doubling time for PDAC-X3 cells was determined to be 50h. Karyotype analysis revealed that 75% of PDAC-X3 cells presented as hypotriploid, while 25% were sub-tetraploid, with representative karyotypes being 53 and XY der (1) inv (9) der (22). In suspension culture, PDAC-X3 cells efficiently formed organoids. Upon inoculation into BALB/C nude mice, these cells initiated the development of xenograft tumors, achieving a tumor formation rate of 33%. Morphologically, these xenografted tumors closely resembled the primary tumor. Drug sensitivity assays indicated that PDAC-X3 cells exhibited resistance to oxaliplatin but demonstrated sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine, and paclitaxel. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CK7, CK19, E-cadherin, Vimentin, CA19-9 were positively expressed in PDAC-X3 cells. Meanwhile, the expression rate for Ki-67 was 30%, and that for CEA was not detected. Our findings underscore that PDAC-X3 represents a novel pancreatic cancer cell line, positioning it as a valuable model for basic research and the advancement of therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.

The effect of social media marketing activities dimensions on value co-creation behavior: An application of the commitment-trust theory

Previous studies have not paid much attention to the effect of social media marketing activities on value co-creation behavior. Especially, up to now, no one has studied the effects of social media marketing activities dimensions on value co-creation behavior. This study applies the commitment-trust theory to develop and estimate this relationship through brand trust and brand commitment on social media in Vietnam. The snowball sampling technique was applied to gather 504 social media users through social media platforms in Vietnam. The proposed research model was tested through PLS-SEM using SmartPLS 4. The results highlighted that most social media marketing activities dimensions (including trendiness, electronic word of mouth, interaction, and customization) affect brand trust (pc are 0.42, 0.152, 0.112, 0.097, respectively, and p-values are all less than 0.05). Simultaneously, brand trust was found to have a positive effect on brand commitment (pc =0.405, p = 0.000). Furthermore, calculation results revealed that brand commitment contributed significantly and strongly to their co-value behavior towards brands (pc = 0.531, p = 0.000). On the contrary, the data do not support a direct impact of entertainment on brand trust (pc = 0.001, p = 0.990) and brand trust on co-value behavior (pc = 0.025, p = 0.466) at a significance level of less than 5%. Ultimately, the findings also suggest a guide to social media marketers to drive customer value co-creation behavior for brands. AcknowledgmentThis work was supported by the National Foundation for Science &amp;amp;amp; Technology Development of Vietnam under Decision No. 131/QD-HDQL-NAFOSTED dated September 21, 2020.

Research on Environmental Performance and Measurement of Smart City Power Supply Based on Non Radial Network DEA

The continuous development of smart cities has put forward higher requirements for the supply of power systems. In response to the constraints in the environmental performance and measurement of smart city power supply, this paper proposes a research model for smart city power supply environmental performance and measurement based on non-radial network DEA based on the characteristics of DEA model and distance function. This model can combine different stages of power supply to conduct more reasonable statistics and analysis of efficiency in different regions. In addition, correlation coefficients were analyzed for the impact of efficiency factors on the phase ratio in the production and sales stages of the power supply system. The research results indicate that there is a positive correlation between the output value and power generation of electricity sales and the efficiency of the electricity sales stage, with correlation coefficients of 0.57 and 0.092, respectively; The length of newly added lines, capacity of new equipment, and line loss rate are all negatively correlated with their efficiency, with correlation coefficients of −0.42, −0.12, and −0.46, respectively. Based on the above analysis, this study provides more theoretical support for the study of environmental performance and measurement of smart city power supply.

Effects of Different Salinity Stress on the Transcriptomic Responses of Freshwater Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii, Girard, 1852).

Salinization of freshwater ecosystems is a pressing global issue. Changes in salinity can exert severe pressure on aquatic animals and jeopardize their survival. Procambarus clarkii is a valuable freshwater aquaculture species that exhibits some degree of salinity tolerance, making it an excellent research model for freshwater aquaculture species facing salinity stress. In the present study, crayfish were exposed to acute low salt (6 ppt) and high salt (18 ppt) conditions. The organisms were continuously monitored at 6, 24, and 72 h using RNA-Seq to investigate the mechanisms of salt stress resistance. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the crayfish responded to salinity stress with numerous differentially expressed genes, and most of different expression genes was observed in high salinity group for 24h. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that metabolic pathways were the primary response pathways in crayfish under salinity stress. This suggests that crayfish may use metabolic pathways to compensate for energy loss caused by osmotic stress. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed the differential expression of immune and antioxidant-related pathway genes under salinity stress, implying that salinity stress induces immune disorders in crayfish. More genes related to cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, such as the Foxo, Wnt, Hippo, and Notch signaling pathways, responded to high-salinity stress. This suggests that regulating the cellular replication cycle and accelerating apoptosis may be necessary for crayfish to cope with high-salinity stress. Additionally, we identified 36 solute carrier family (SLC) genes related to ion transport, depicting possible ion exchange mechanisms in crayfish under salinity stress. These findings aimed to establish a foundation for understanding crustacean responses to salinity stress and their osmoregulatory mechanisms.

Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap in Organic Food Consumption: Empirical Evidence from China.

The transition to a low-carbon economy emphasizes the importance of green and low-carbon consumption; yet, there is often a discrepancy between consumers' intentions and their actual behavior regarding organic foods. This study aims to identify strategies to bridge this gap. The research model of organic food consumption intention and behavior is constructed, and a structural equation model is used to test the research hypotheses based on a valid sample of 480 residents of Guangdong Province through an online questionnaire survey. Further, the intention‒behavior gap is defined and its determinants are investigated through multiclass logistic regression. Finally, we categorize and forecast the alignment between consumption intentions and behaviors using machine learning algorithms. The results reveal that attitudes, social interactions, and cognitive information play crucial roles in aligning intentions with behaviors. By enhancing social information exchange or improving cognitive understanding, consumers can reduce their intention‒behavior discrepancy. This research offers valuable policy recommendations for fostering green consumption among residents from various perspectives.

Unraveling the dynamics of password manager adoption: a deeper dive into critical factors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to comprehensively explore the password manager adoption landscape, delving into crucial factors such as performance, trust, social influence, self-efficacy, risk perception, security concerns, enjoyment and facilitating conditions. It also aims to contribute meaningful insights to security product research and practice. Design/methodology/approach A survey was used to investigate the characteristics of adoption intention for password managers. In total, 156 participants from a public university located in the Midwest region of the USA voluntarily completed the survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to estimate and validate causal relationships and the proposed research model. Findings Through empirical validation, this study demonstrates that constructs such as social influence, web-specific self-efficacy and perceived risk directly impact trust in password managers. Facilitating conditions and perceived security controls are identified as direct influencers on performance expectancy, deviating from the pathways of the traditional framework. Moreover, the model introduces novel elements crucial for comprehending password manager adoption, including “web-specific self-efficacy” and “perceived security control.” Originality/value The paper systematically reviews existing research on password managers, shedding light on crucial factors significantly influencing adoption behavior. By introducing deviations from conventional frameworks and theories, the study emphasizes the innovative nature of its model. It also formulates strategies to catalyze wider adoption and promote effective design of password managers, increasing user engagement rates.

The Impact Of Technology Mastery On Employee Turnover With Technostress As Moderator

Employee turnover in Indonesia has a fairly high rate and some of this is due to technology. On the other hand, 66% of companies are switching to digital transformation. This causes the employee turnover rate to increase. Most companies will experience an increase in employee turnover if there is technostress in their workforce. This research aims to examine the moderating effect of technostress on the relationship between technology mastery and employee turnover. The research model was built based on the employee perspective. Primary data was collected through questionnaires given to 151 workers or employees in Semarang City. Hypothesis testing is carried out using linear regression and moderated regression analysis (MRA). The research results show that there is a negative relationship between technology mastery and employee turnover, as well as the moderating role of technostress which influences the influence of technology mastery on employee turnover. This research helps company owners and human resource management to reduce employee turnover rates and can be used as a consideration for company evaluation to reduce technostress. To the best of the researchers' knowledge, this study has never been explored before. This research shows how these three variables act synergistically in a model.

Pengaruh Media Audio Visual Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA Eksperimen Kelas VII MTs Qotrun Nada Depok

The aim of the research is to determine the effect of implementing Audio Visual Learning Media on science learning outcomes by conducting experiments on class VIII students at MTs Qotrun Nada Depok. The research model used is an experimental method with analysis of the mean difference between two samples. The sample used was 40 students from classes VII.1 and VII.2 as the experimental class and 40 students from classes VII.3 and VII.4 as the control class. Research data to test the hypothesis comes from test scores on Measurement Materials and quantities. The instruments used are validity and reliability. The results of the research are the results of learning science using Audio Visual Learning Media (experimental class), with an average score of 72.30 with a median of 70.59; mode 68.42; variance 177.07; and standard deviation 13.31. It can be concluded that students' science learning outcomes provide good results. The science learning outcomes of students who did not use Audio Visual Learning Media (control class) obtained an average score of 50.85 with a median of 43.75; mode 47.17; variant 190.85; and standard deviation 13.81. This shows that students' science learning outcomes provide quite good results. So it can be concluded that there is an influence of Audio Visual Learning Media on science learning outcomes. From the research results, it was found that tcount = 7.13 was higher than ttable = 1.996 at a significance level of 5%, so H0 was rejected and H1 was accepted. This means that there is a significant difference between students' science learning outcomes taught with Audio Visual Learning Media. Keywords: ,