Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Microbial community succession patterns and metabolite profiles in cigar tobacco during different mildew stages

Mildew in cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs) degrades both quality and market value. This research systematically examines dynamic changes in key metabolic compounds and microbial community succession throughout the mildew process, categorized into three stages: un-mildew (d0), early-mildew (d4 and d8), and late-mildew (d12 and d16). As mildew progresses, carbohydrates decrease, nitrogen metabolism is hindered, the carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N) declines, and pH rises, making the tobacco weakly alkaline. The total amount of volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) increases, with the proportion of nitrogen-containing compounds such as nicotine rising, while neophytadiene, ketones, and alcohols decrease, leading to a disruption in the coordination of various aroma substances. Microbial diversity declines, with shifts in populations of Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, and Sampaiozyma. Six fungal and five bacterial genera are the characteristic dominate microorganisms at different stages. Co-occurrence network analysis shows that complexity decreases and stability declines, while microbial diversity peaks at the early-mold stage and is severely compromised at the late-mold stage in terms of stability and functional diversity. Two-way Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (O2PLS) identified 12 fungal and 3 bacterial genera as key drivers of metabolic changes. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) emphasized the role of fungi in CTL degradation and the impact of C/N ratio on fungal metabolism. This study, for the first time, elucidates the complex relationship between microbial succession and metabolite compounds during mildew process, providing a reference for dynamic monitoring of fermented tobacco quality.

Immersive Virtual Reality: A Novel Approach to Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition in K-12 Education.

Today, immersive virtual reality (IVR) is increasing in popularity in a broad range of fields, including science, pedagogy, engineering and so forth. Therefore, this study discusses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), which can be used to examine the factors that influence the adoption of immersive VR in the classroom, particularly in second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition. The sample for this study included 32 intermediate students and their teacher. For the purpose of evaluation, the researcher used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) techniques to analyze the results. The findings of the students' survey showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence were seen to have had a positive impact on the intention to use immersive VR. Likewise, the findings indicated that facilitating conditions were seen to have had a positive impact on the use behavior of actually using immersive VR, whereas behavioral intentions did not. In addition, the teacher's survey demonstrated a favorable view regarding the potential of immersive VR technology to support teaching L2 vocabulary acquisition. This particular study encouraged educators and educational technologists to utilize immersive VR games as a teaching-learning tool to reduce the challenge of L2 vocabulary acquisition.

Sustainable Livelihood Approach for Supporting Aquaculture Households Amid Structural Shifts in Sidoarjo Regency

This study examines the role of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) in supporting aquaculture households in Sidoarjo Regency as they adapt to structural shifts driven by industrialization and urbanization. The research analyzes how sustainable livelihood strategies enhance the economic stability of pond-based households impacted by land-use change. Using a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis, the study employs Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to evaluate the influence of key variables. Conducted in Kalisogo Pond Village, the study uses purposive sampling based on criteria such as economic reliance on aquaculture and sector experience. Data were gathered through questionnaires and analyzed for model validity and reliability. Findings indicate that the SLA significantly bolsters pond households’ adaptive capacity to structural shifts. Income diversification through non-aquaculture activities enhances economic stability and reduces dependence on pond farming. Social capital further supports households by strengthening local community networks. The study underscores the importance of institutional backing and microcredit access for aquaculture households. Policymakers and financial institutions are encouraged to support sustainable adaptation measures. These findings offer valuable insights into the SLA’s application amid structural changes in industrialized coastal regions.

Resilience for Sustainability: The Synergistic Role of Green Human Resources Management, Circular Economy, and Green Organizational Culture in the Hotel Industry

This research explores the extent to which Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices in the Egyptian hotel sector contribute to the adoption of Circular Economy (CE) practices and, eventually, organizational resilience. Using a sample of 402 employees from green-certified Egyptian hotels, the current study applied Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) on the data collected. The results show the positive effect of GHRM on the adoption of a circular economy that significantly enhances both internal and external organizational resilience. In addition, high Green Organizational Culture (GOC) strengthens the positive relationship of GHRM with the adoption of a circular economy. From this work, some empirical evidence is provided to show that circular economy practices can play a partial mediating role between GHRM and organizational resilience. These findings also present valuable insights for hotel managers and policymakers on how to achieve sustainability and resilience by means of integrated GHRM and circular economy strategies.

The Impact of Digital Marketing and Product Quality on Purchase Decisions Mediated by Brand Awareness on Vaccine Products at PT "K" Farma Group

This research aims to determine the impact of digital marketing and product quality on purchasing decisions of vaccine products in the PT “K” Farma Group, with brand awareness serving as a mediating factor. Especially after we have gone through the era of the Covid-19 pandemic where now we are increasingly aware of the importance of vaccines for the people. Primary data was collected using questionnaire and total sample were 82. This study used a descriptive quantitative research design. The data analysis technique uses SEM-PLS (structural equation modeling-partial least squares). This research employs data analysis technique by structural equation modeling-partial least square. Results indicated that Product and brand awareness had a significant direct positive effect on purchasing decisions, while digital marketing had a direct positive but not significant effect on purchasing decisions. Mediating Effect of Brand Awareness on Digital Marketing, Product Quality and Relationship with Purchase Decision. The study results suggest that brand awareness and perceived product quality of vaccine products to enhance purchase decisions can be proven in company "K" Pharma. Digital marketing is important but without brand awareness, the results will not be significant.

Spatial Characteristics and Driving Factors of Net Primary Productivity of Vegetation in the Upper and Middle Yellow River Basin

The Net Primary Productivity （NPP） of vegetation plays a crucial role in terrestrial ecosystems, and a detailed investigation into the annual average NPP and its driving factors is of significant importance for promoting regional ecological construction and sustainable development. This research utilized MOD17A3 annual average NPP data from 2000 to 2020 and employed methods such as trend analysis, Hurst index, random forest model, partial dependence model, geographic weighted regression, and partial least squares-structural equation model （PLS-SEM） to analyze the annual variation characteristics of NPP and its relationship with driving factors in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River. The results showed： ① During the period from 2000 to 2020, the annual average NPP in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River generally exhibited a year-on-year increasing trend, with 79.25% of the region showing a significant improvement in annual average NPP, while 0.25% of the region exhibited a severe degradation trend. ② The dominant influencing factors of the annual average NPP in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River included precipitation, NDVI, drought, and relative humidity. The suitable range for increasing annual average NPP was 400 mm to 650 mm for precipitation and 40% to 70% for relative humidity, and NDVI showed a significantly linear positive correlation with annual average NPP. Drought index was negatively correlated with annual average NPP. The annual average NPP tended to stabilize and did not decline further when the drought index exceeded the threshold of 8. ③ Extreme rainfall indirectly affected the variation in annual average NPP in the basin by influencing the vegetation growth condition. The impact degree of extreme rainfall indices on the annual average NPP in the basin was in the following order： R10>R95P>PRCPTOT>SDII>Rx5day>R99P. ④ The next steps in ecological construction in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River should focus on the arid and severely arid regions in the northern part of the Yellow River, adapting measures to local conditions and enhancing the regional ecological environment.

How stress influences short video addiction in China: an extended compensatory internet use model.

The rise of short video applications has become a defining feature of modern digital media consumption, drawing increasing attention from researchers due to issues related to short video addiction. While earlier studies have examined the perceived stress as a cause of short video addiction, there is limited understanding of the potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between these two variables. Building on compensatory Internet use (CIU) theory, this study introduces an extended model (E-CIU) to explore how stress, compensatory motivations (i.e., social interaction and relaxing entertainment), and affective responses (i.e., immersion and attitude) relate to short video addiction. This study also examines differences between the age groups. Data from 319 Chinese short video users were tested applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and PLS-SEM multigroup analysis. Findings indicate that stress, immersion, and attitude each contribute positively to short video addiction. Stress is linked to both social interaction and relaxing entertainment. While both factors positively affect attitude toward short videos, only relaxing entertainment enhances immersion. Results confirmed the perceived stress indirectly influences short video addiction through a serial mediating pathway comprising motivations and affective responses. Moreover, the study shows that perceived stress influences social interaction, relaxing entertainment influences attitude and immersion, and social interaction influences immersion across all age groups. The study further identified variations in how different groups experience the relationship between stress and addiction, stress and relaxation, attitude and addiction, and immersion and addiction. Consequently, this study enriches the understanding of the E-CIU as a new theoretical model of short video addiction. These insights offer practical recommendations for short video applications to address user engagement and addiction more effectively.

Influences of behavioral beliefs, perceived justice, attitudes toward past experiences, and issue complexity on complaint intention

This study aimed to analyze the influence of behavioral beliefs, perceived justice, attitude toward past experiences, and the complexity of the issue on the intention to report through a complaint approach. A survey was conducted with 218 Accounting students, whose relationships and explanatory capacity were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), multi-group analysis (MGA), and further complemented with a qualitative comparative analysis through Fuzzy set logic (fsQCA) to identify solutions for highly complex scenarios. Perceived behavioral control beliefs, subjective norms, and attitude influence the intention to complain. Perceived justice directly influenced attitude and indirectly influenced the intention to complain, mediated by attitude beliefs. Regarding attitudes toward past experiences, a positive attitude toward success positively influenced attitude and perceived justice, while an attitude toward failure showed significant negative relationships. In highly complex scenarios, the relationships between behavioral beliefs and the intention to complain remained positive and significant; however, in low-complexity scenarios, attitude and perceived justice did not show significant relationships with the intention to complain. This study contributes to behavioral theories by providing empirical evidence on the assessment of perceived justice and attitude toward past experiences, as well as demonstrating the impact of issue complexity on the relationships between complaint intention and its determinants.

Vegetation Greening Promoted the Precipitation Recycling Process in Xinjiang

Under the combined influences of climate and vegetation change, land–atmosphere interactions have enhanced, and precipitation recycling is an important part of this. Previous studies of the precipitation recycling process have focused on calculating the precipitation recycling rate (PRR) and analyzing the influencing factors. However, the climate-driven and vegetation-induced precipitation recycling process variations were not quantified. This study has systematically examined the precipitation recycling process in a typical arid region using the Eltahir and Bras model, random forest algorithm, and partial least-squares structural equation modeling. During 1982–2018, the leaf area index (LAI) and evapotranspiration (ET) rate both increased significantly, with growth rates of 0.06 m2m−2/decade and 13.99 mm/decade, respectively. At the same time, the average PRR in Xinjiang was 13.92% and experienced significant growth at a rate of 1.28%/decade. The climate-driven and vegetation-induced PRR variations were quantified, which contributed 79.12% and 20.88%, respectively. In addition, the positive effects of both of these on PRR variations through ET did not increase with the increase in ET, but rather decreased sharply and then stabilized. This study can provide favorable theoretical support for mitigating the contradiction in water use and balancing economic development and ecological security by quantifying the regulation of precipitation by vegetation.

The Role of Brand Image in Bridging Service Quality to Patient Expectations

Patient expectations in the context of modern health services are defined as patient expectations regarding the availability of information, participation in decision-making, and overall service quality. The research aim is to analyze the influence of tangibility, empathy, reliability, responsiveness, and assurance on patient expectations intervened by hospital brand image. The selection used the accidental sampling technique of 200 respondents at emergency room patients using accidental sampling technique. This study employed quantitative methodology, focusing on associative causality through a cross-sectional framework. Data were gathered via questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling—partial least squares (SEM-PLS). The findings suggested that patient expectations were shaped by tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness yet were unaffected by reliability and assurance, with brand image served only to mediate the impact of responsiveness on patient expectations. These outcomes offer insights for hospital administration on the importance of enhancing systems for facility upgrades, technological advancements, and the improvement of human resources through targeted training.

The influence of visual and auditory environments in parks on visitors’ landscape preference, emotional state, and perceived restorativeness

Various auditory and visual factors influence people’s perception and restoration experiences in the spatial environments. However, few studies have treated these factors as a comprehensive system phenomenon to reveal their integrated effects. Therefore, a specific explanation of the primary pathways and factors that contribute to the main effects of park soundscapes and visual features and the resulting perceived restorativeness remains unclear. The study surveyed 861 visitors in five urban parks in China and collected audiovisual information. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the research explored the direct, indirect, and moderating effects of common audiovisual environments in parks on perceived restorativeness, emotional states, and preferences. The results indicate that most natural-related visual and auditory factors provide direct benefits for people’s perceived restorativeness, emotional state, and preference. Additionally, certain landscape features and types of sound sources, such as trees and water sounds, have indirect effects on activating restoration through preference and emotion mediation. The study also reveals the moderating effects of landscape features and sound source types on emotional and perceived restorativeness. Another noteworthy finding is the significant relationship between bird songs and the positive impact on perceived restorativeness, emotional state, and preference, which is closely related to acoustic quality indicators. These findings offer new insights for creating urban park spaces through visual and auditory interactions.

Fostering sustainable leisure activities: a behavioural insight into eco-friendly intentions in Mount Damavand

ABSTRACT Mount Damavand, the highest point in the Middle East and one of the most popular peaks in the region, is experiencing environmental degradation due to hikers’ activities, exacerbated by inadequate regulations and infrastructure to manage visitor volume and behaviour. This study delved into the pro-environmental behavioural intentions of hikers within the Mount Damavand National Park. Employing partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we examined a proposed framework extending the theory of planned behaviour by including the value-belief-norm theory and a formative approach to study constraints to pro-environmental behaviours of hikers. We analyzed a sample of 393 hikers. The findings underscored the effectiveness of amalgamating these theoretical frameworks and elucidated 46% of the variance in pro-environmental behavioural intention.

Enhancing User Experience and Sustainability in Open Banking Using PLS-SEM

A framework empowering third-party providers to access individual financial data has revolutionized the financial services landscape. Despite the user-centric nature of FinTech solutions, research on post-adoption behavior remains relatively scarce. Given the pivotal role of FinTech in the modern financial industry, understanding the factors driving sustained adoption and continued usage is crucial. This study aims to explore the key determinants influencing users’ decisions to remain engaged with Open Banking solutions. We propose a model examining the impacts of various factors on user satisfaction and their intention to continue using Open Banking. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to validate this model. Our findings reveal that user satisfaction with the usage experience is the sole predictor of continued use intention, explaining 62% of the variance in continuance use intention (R2 = 0.62). Additionally, user satisfaction is influenced by perceived usefulness (β = 0.33, p < 0.001), trust (β = 0.24, p = 0.003), and convenience (β = 0.25, p = 0.006), accounting for 70.5% of the variance in satisfaction (R2 = 0.705). The practical implications of this study suggest that Open Banking providers should prioritize enhancing user satisfaction by improving the perceived usefulness and convenience of their applications while fostering trust to maintain user engagement. Furthermore, our findings emphasize that convenience and trust are critical levers that Open Banking providers can utilize to ensure long-term customer loyalty and adoption, particularly in developing economies.

Food Safety Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior of Employees in Star Grade Hotels: Reference to Western Province of Sri Lanka

Food safety is a critical aspect of public health that significantly impacts various sectors, particularly the hospitality industry. Despite the high importance of food safety in the tourism sector, instances of foodborne illnesses continue to occur, posing health risks and threatening the industry's economic contributions. In a quantitative approach, this study investigates the relationships between food safety knowledge, attitude, and behavior among employees in the above three-star hotels in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the measurement and struc-tural models. The study was conducted using the convenient sampling method and data was collected from 51 respondence working in the kitchen departments of above 3-star hotels in Western province, Sri Lanka. The findings reveal a strong positive correlation between attitude and behavior, emphasizing that fos-tering a positive attitude through training and awareness campaigns can signifi-cantly enhance food safety behaviors. Conversely, the relationship between knowledge and behavior is found to be slightly negative and statistically insig-nificant, suggesting that knowledge alone does not directly influence behavior. However, a moderate positive relationship between attitude and knowledge indi-cates that a positive attitude can facilitate the acquisition and retention of food safety knowledge. This study contributes to the broader understanding of food safety in the hospitality sector and offers practical recommendations for policy and training interventions to mitigate foodborne illnesses and enhance the repu-tation and sustainability of hotels.

Assimilating IFRS into Yemen’s accounting curriculum: a diffusion of innovations approach to understanding adoption challenges

PurposeThis study examines the factors influencing the integration of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) into accounting curricula in Yemen, a developing economy in a post-conflict setting. It applies Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory to understand adoption challenges.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey collected data from 133 accounting faculty members across Yemeni universities. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test a multilevel model incorporating faculty characteristics, institutional factors and practical barriers as predictors of perceived IFRS coverage.FindingsThe results demonstrate that faculty characteristics positively affect perceived IFRS coverage, while practical barriers negatively impact both institutional factors and perceived coverage. Contrary to expectations, institutional factors did not significantly influence perceived IFRS coverage. A multigroup analysis revealed differences between professional certificate holders and non-certificate holders in their perceptions of IFRS adoption factors.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to IFRS integration in accounting education. Policymakers and universities should focus on faculty development initiatives, address practical obstacles and create a supportive institutional environment to enable successful IFRS assimilation. The study also suggests a potential role for audit firms and regulatory bodies in supporting IFRS integration.Originality/valueThis study provides a contextualized application of the diffusion of innovation theory to understand IFRS integration dynamics in a post-conflict developing economy. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of individual, institutional and contextual factors shaping IFRS adoption in accounting curricula, particularly in challenging environments.

Pegaruh Kepercayaan Konsumen Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian di Tokopedia Melalui Electronic Word of Mouth Sebagai Variabel Intervening

With rapid growth, researchers are intrigued to investigate the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions on this platform. Through data collection and analysis, this research aims to provide deeper insights into how electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) influences purchasing decisions on Tokopedia. As a popular e-commerce platform, further understanding of these factors is expected to contribute to the development of marketing strategies and enhancement of consumer experiences on Tokopedia. This study utilizes purposive sampling and non-probability sampling techniques, involving 200 respondents from the community of Tangerang City who use Tokopedia for daily shopping. Data collection is carried out through G-form tools and manual methods with a questionnaire of statements using a 5-point Likert scale. The research employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques for hypothesis testing and data validity. From the discussion of each hypothesis, some hypotheses are rejected as they surpass the theoretical significance value. The variable rejected is the consumer trust variable in purchasing decisions. This rejection aligns with prior research on Scarlett products, finding that consumer trust has a positive and significant impact on purchasing decisions, while brand image and brand ambassadors do not significantly influence purchasing decisions (Putri & Harti, 2022). The results of this study indicate that the role of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) mediates the influence of consumer trust on purchasing decisions among Tokopedia users in Tangerang City.

Exploring visitor’s satisfaction and recommendation intention at mega sporting events using the S-O-R model with host country hospitability as moderator

ABSTRACT Research question This study aims to study visitor satisfaction and recommendation intention at mega sporting events using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, with host country hospitability as a moderator. Research method Data collected from 321 respondents were analyzed through partial least squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), and the findings of this study revealed that visitor satisfaction is affected by the ambient conditions, amenities, and convenience of the venue. Results and Findings The findings also revealed that perceptions of price value have a modest effect on visitor satisfaction. Visitor satisfaction, in turn, significantly drives recommendation intention. The moderating role of host country hospitability presents mixed results. It enhances the positive impact of ambient conditions and convenience on visitor satisfaction but does not significantly affect the relationships between price value or amenities and satisfaction. This implies that organizers of mega sporting events should focus on creating a pleasant environment and facilitating good amenities and easy access. In addition, a host country's hospitability can enhance visitor satisfaction, particularly through a welcoming atmosphere and convenient arrangements. Implication This study contributes to the existing body of event and tourism management, specifically in the context of mega sporting event. The study's findings will help service providers and policymakers to develop more robust strategies for the future mega sporting events by enhancing the visitor satisfaction, particularly through a welcoming atmosphere and convenient arrangements.

Ocean-Based Gastronomic Experience as a Factor of Tourists’ Motivation and Travel Behaviour

ABSTRACT This study empirically examines the impact of local-ocean-based gastronomic experiences on travel motivation and behavior. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Functional Attitude Theory, the study constructs an integrated research model to evaluate ocean-based gastronomic experiences as drivers of tourist motivation and behavior. Survey data from 338 tourists were analyzed using Partial-Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate the hypothesized research model and hypotheses. The findings highlight the positive effect of travel motivation on tourists’ engagement with gastronomic experiences. Additionally, the study confirms that these gastronomic experiences significantly enhance visitor satisfaction and loyalty. These results offer practical insights for island tourism destinations on strategically designing, marketing, and delivering exceptional local-ocean-based gastronomic experiences. The research contributes to advancing the understanding of local-ocean-based gastronomy and its impact on island tourism, marking a significant step forward in this niche field of tourism study.

Influence of Classroom Management on Intermediate Level Students’ Academic Achievements in Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh in India

This study investigates the impact of classroom management on student academic achievement at the intermediate level in Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India, using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). A sample of 383 intermediate-level teachers was randomly selected, and student achievement data were obtained from final-year graduates. The study aims to assess the relationships between key classroom management factors—such as classroom rules, discipline methods, reward systems, and the teaching-learning process—and their influence on academic performance. SEM-PLS was employed to analyze the hypothesized model, evaluate the structural relationships between the variables, and validate measurement indicators. The results show a strong positive relationship between effective classroom management and student achievement. Key factors such as well-defined classroom rules, effective discipline, and reward systems were found to significantly influence student engagement and academic success. The model fit indices confirm the robustness of the proposed relationships. This research highlights the importance of structured classroom management in fostering student achievement and provides a comprehensive understanding of how classroom directives, rewards, and disciplinary methods contribute to learning outcomes. The findings suggest potential pathways for educational improvements and recommend further research to explore these dynamics across different educational settings using SEM-PLS.

Circular Design Strategies and Economic Sustainability of Construction Projects in Nigeria: The Mediating Role of Organizational Culture

The need to incorporate circularity into construction is a global concern. The current linear consumption of construction materials is economically unsustainable in the midst of growing financial fears. The goal of this study is to probe the effects of circular design strategies (CDS) on the economic sustainability of construction projects (ESCP) based on the mediating role of two dimensions of organizational culture (OC). The paper observed the mediating effects of OC in the association between CDS and ESCP under the premise of the circular economy (CE) theory. The Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was deployed to analyze 359 survey feedbacks obtained from Nigerian construction firms. This paper's key contribution is the confirmation of CDS's significant influence on ESCP and the partial effects of OC on ESCP in the Nigerian construction sector. Additionally, Hierarchical Culture (HC) diminishes the relationship between CDS and ESCP. This demonstrates the necessity for construction companies to create and embrace a more inventive culture—like the Development Culture (DC)—in order to promote circular practices and ultimately support the financial viability of building projects in Nigeria.