Usable Responses Research Articles

AI-powered fraud and the erosion of online survey integrity: an analysis of 31 fraud detection strategies

The proliferation of AI-powered bots and sophisticated fraudsters poses a significant threat to the integrity of scientific studies reliant on online surveys across diverse disciplines, including health, social, environmental and political sciences. We found a substantial decline in usable responses from online surveys from 75 to 10% in recent years due to survey fraud. Monetary incentives attract sophisticated fraudsters capable of mimicking genuine open-ended responses and verifying information submitted months prior, showcasing the advanced capabilities of online survey fraud today. This study evaluates the efficacy of 31 fraud indicators and six ensembles using two agriculture surveys in California. To evaluate the performance of each indicator, we use predictive power and recall. Predictive power is a novel variation of precision introduced in this study, and both are simple metrics that allow for non-academic survey practitioners to replicate our methods. The best indicators included a novel email address score, MinFraud Risk Score, consecutive submissions, opting-out of incentives, improbable location.

LEARNING QIRA'AH AL-QUR'AN USING THE TILAWATI MOBILE APPLICATION IN THE DIGITAL ERA

The aim of this research is to describe learning Qira'ah Al-Qusr'an using the Tilawati Mobile application in the digital era. This application is designed to facilitate interactive learning of recitation of Al-Qur'an by using modern features such as voice recording, real-time evaluation, qori and mutual options, and visualization of recitation. The main aim of this application is to improve and assist the users’ Al-Qur'an reading skills with greater accuracy and fluency while increasing understanding of the rules of recitation and the context of the meaning contained in the Quran. This research employed library research as it is applicable with the aim of this research. The research procedures covered documents the implementation of technology in Islamic religious education, explores user responses to this digital innovation, and elaborates its impact on the understanding and development of qira'ah competencies. By integrating technology into religious learning, the Tilawati Mobile application acts as an effective tool in facilitating holistic learning of Al-Qur’an in the digital era.

The role of breed versus personality and other demographic factors in predicting chasing behaviour in dogs

Dogs chase for many reasons, in play, when hunting and potentially to remove a threat. However, assumptions are often made as to why dogs chase particular targets, for example breed or personality are often used as explanations. Little research has investigated chasing behaviour except in relation to predation, therefore we aimed to determine dog-related characteristics predictive for chasing in relation to specific targets, with a particular emphasis on the relative role of breed versus personality, two specific and measurable constructs. An online survey for dog owners about their dog’s chasing habits yielded 903 usable responses. Wildlife, cats and other dogs were the most frequently chased targets and the influence of personality and breed varied with each target. Trait level impulsivity significantly affected the likelihood of a dog chasing targets such as vehicles and cyclists, while components of positive activation (reward sensitivity) affected the likelihood of individuals chasing household appliances and objects in the wind. Considering breed, German Shepherds were more likely to chase cats and things blown in the wind while Border Collies were more likely to chase vehicles and household appliances. Labrador Retrievers were less likely to chase horses, vehicles and joggers. These results shed light on the motivational and emotional basis of chasing, and its heterogeneity in relation to different targets.

Measuring Users’ Trust in VIA Responses: The Age and Response Forms Perspective

Abstract When interacting with voice intelligent assistants (VIAs), users of different age groups usually react differently to the devices’ responses. This research focused on two influencing factors of users’ trust—user age and VIA response forms, and devised an experiment followed up with voluntary semi-structured interviews with 100 younger adult users (aged 22 to 59), 100 older adult users (aged 66 to 79) and 100 child users (aged 6 to11) to (i) quantify the varying degrees of trust across distinct age groups in the different presentation forms used to convey the same response content from VIAs, (ii) identify how the type of question posed influences on the levels of trust exhibited by users of different age groups in VIA response forms and (iii) explore the underlying rationales and motivations behind user perceptions and attitudes towards the diverse presentation forms of VIA responses, accounting for variations across different age demographics. In this paper, seven VIA response forms was studied, i.e. picture, text, hyperlink, ‘picture + text’, ‘picture + hyperlink’, ‘text + hyperlink’, and ‘picture + text + hyperlink’. Results indicate that users from different age groups demonstrate varying degrees of trust in the same responses when presented in different forms, expanding the research on users’ trust from the distinctive perspectives of user ages and response forms, while providing manufacturers with insights into consumer psychology.

Total Quality Management, Market Orientation, and Performance: Empirical Insights from the Moroccan Hospitality Industry

The intensity of competition in the hospitality industry has long since highlighted the importance of addressing the intellectual aspect through management practices that focus on the environment, which have become essential in responding to changing market demands. Market Orientation (MO) is widely recognized as a critical growth strategy. It enables organizations to use real-time market intelligence to capitalize on business opportunities and make strategic and operational decisions that align with changing market dynamics. This study takes MO as the research object and investigates the factors influencing its implementation focusing on Total Quality Management (TQM) practices. The research also examines the impact of MO on hotel performance (HP) and assesses how interfunctional coordination (IC) moderates the MO/HP relationship. The study formulates a comprehensive theoretical model, presenting 3 hypotheses. Subsequently, the questionnaire was distributed to hotels based in Morocco, and a total of 93 usable responses were collected. PLS-SEM via Smart PLS 4.0 is used to test the model. Results showed that TQM practices are internal drivers of MO and that MO fosters HP. Moreover, IC moderates the MO/HP relationship, reducing the direct effect. This research offers an empirical contribution by examining how hotels embrace two managerial approaches to enhance performance. Furthermore, it provides a deeper explanation of the current challenges within the Moroccan hospitality industry that justify the focus of the study.

Integrated Reporting Assurance: Perceptions of Auditors in Sri Lanka

The purpose of this paper is to identify the perceptions and differences in the perceptions between the auditors on the assurance service of integrated reporting in Sri Lankan context. This research mainly focuses on the importance of assuring the IR, form and content of an audit report on IR, challenges of assuring IR and future of the IR assurance. The population of the research consists of auditors who provide assurance services on Integrated Reporting in Sri Lanka. Two hundred questionnaires were sent to assurance experts through the emails generating 115 usable responses. The analysis is done using non-parametric statistics which is the Kruskal-Wallis test. Empirical results prove that it is necessary to have an external assurance on an entity’s integrated report and it is important to audit the complete content of integrated reporting. When comparing the auditors' perceptions based on their respective rankings, the results indicate that there is a noticeable difference in how auditors view the necessity of Integrated Reporting (IR) assurance and their opinions on the appropriate level of assurance. Limiting the study to a single jurisdiction is an inherent limitation. In this paper differences and similarities are evaluated based on only the rank of the assurance providers. The findings of this research could be valuable for the International Integrated Reporting Council, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and other regulatory agencies and useful for academics and practitioners interested in providing assurance on IR.

Geomatics and metaverse for lost heritage sites documentation and dissemination: the case study of Palmyra Roman Theatre (Syria)

Cultural heritage encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects for each of us, and efforts must be made to safeguard this legacy for future generations. Unfortunately, in addition to natural and environmental degradation, human activities pose a significant threat to the integrity of historical sites. Monuments and architecture have frequently been intentionally destroyed in conflict zones all over the world. Three-dimensional (3D) and virtual technologies can serve as tools to digitally preserve these sites and raise awareness about the importance of historical properties to the general public, particularly when physical sites are at risk or no longer exist. This challenging field of lost heritage is the framework of this project, in which a procedure of geomatics-based techniques such as spherical photogrammetry, 3D modelling and virtual reality (VR) technologies was developed to reconstruct lost historical architecture. The Roman Theatre in Palmyra, Syria, partially destroyed during Syria’s war in 2017, serves as a case study. The methodology report starts with the description of the metrological foundation of the 3D model construction, i.e. spherical photogrammetry as developed by Prof. Fangi (Marche Polytechnic University). Then, the geometry optimisation phase carried out to accomplish the VR limitations in terms of polygon count is presented. Ultimately, the procedure for the virtual environment construction is explained, as well as the development of a metaverse scenario to be visited and shared on an online-based platform. This collective virtual experience aims to revive the destroyed architecture and communicate its significance to the public through a collective and interactive virtual exploration. This study also includes experiments to assess user response, providing insights into methodology effectiveness in conveying Palmyra’s Theatre historical relevance and shedding light on the users’ perceptions of virtual tools usage for lost heritage dissemination. The evaluation questionnaire’s results will guide the project’s future developments.

Development of Flipbook-Based PAI Teaching Modules for Class 1 SDN Tlontoraja 1 Pasean District, Pamekasan Regency

This research aims to find out 1) the process of developing flipbook-based teaching modules on the sub-theme of the story of the Prophet Adam as the first human on earth in class 1 SD/MI; 2) Effectiveness in applying flipbook-based teaching modules to the sub-theme of the Prophet Adam's story as the first human on earth in class 1 SD/MI. This type of research is design and product development (Design and Development) research with reference to the ADDIE model used to develop flipbook-based teaching modules, namely Fliphtml.com, user validity is measured using expert tests which include media experts, material experts and linguists. The data that has been collected is then converted using a likert scale. User responses were obtained from respondents, namely 1 teacher and 20 grade 1 students. The research results show that 1) validity tests are media experts, material experts and linguists. The overall average of validation was 90.56% which was at the interval 81%-100% which shows that it is in the very valid category. 2) the average response of teachers and students to teaching modules was 85.15% at the interval 81%-100% with the category being very practical. Based on these results, it was concluded that this study produced valid and practical teaching materials.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and brand outcomes: a case of higher education

Purpose Diversity, equity and inclusion ideology is the latest appeal of individual compassion, institutional legitimacy and enlightened society. Specific to higher education, diversity, equity and inclusion is an honorable ideology, value and mission. This paper aims to (1) empirically recognize the differences in the level of importance between the university’s and faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, (2) identify the diversity, equity and inclusion outcomes, such as university brand image and student intention to engage postgraduation, (3) uncover the moderating role of university brand preference attainment and (4) validate the mediating role of student identification in diversity, equity and inclusion literature. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 1,027 usable responses was employed to perform two moderations, four mediations and two confidence interval analyses. Findings The university’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are significantly more rewarding than the faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for the university brand image and students’ intention to engage postgraduation. Findings uncover the mediating role of student identification and the moderating role of brand preference attainment. Practical implications Focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion at the institutional level is more impactful than at the faculty level. In industries where frontline employees have significant autonomy, such as higher education, the positive brand performance outcomes are related to the faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion awareness, not the faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion advocacy. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives should align with the student’s shared values. Originality/value The study relies on institutional theory to underscore the asymmetric importance of the university’s and faculty’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in achieving perceived brand image and engagement.

Towards a System Dynamics Framework for Human–Machine Learning Decisions: A Case Study of New York Citi Bike

The growing number of algorithmic decision-making environments, which blend machine and bounded human rationality, strengthen the need for a holistic performance assessment of such systems. Indeed, this combination amplifies the risk of local rationality, necessitating a robust evaluation framework. We propose a novel simulation-based model to quantify algorithmic interventions within organisational contexts, combining causal modelling and data science algorithms. To test our framework’s viability, we present a case study based on a bike-share system focusing on inventory balancing through crowdsourced user actions. Utilising New York’s Citi Bike service data, we highlight the frequent misalignment between incentives and their necessity. Our model examines the interaction dynamics between user and service provider rule-driven responses and algorithms predicting flow rates. This examination demonstrates why understanding these dynamics is essential for devising effective incentive policies. The study showcases how sophisticated machine learning models, with the ability to forecast underlying market demands unconstrained by historical supply issues, can cause imbalances that induce user behaviour, potentially spoiling plans without timely interventions. Our approach allows problems to surface during the design phase, potentially avoiding costly deployment errors in the joint performance of human and AI decision-makers.

Master–Slave Game Optimization Scheduling of Multi-Microgrid Integrated Energy System Considering Comprehensive Demand Response and Wind and Storage Combination

This paper addresses the critical challenge of scheduling optimization in regional integrated energy systems, characterized by the coupling of multiple physical energy streams (electricity, heat, and cooling) and the participation of various stakeholders. To tackle this, a novel multi-load and multi-type integrated demand response model is proposed, which fully accounts for the heterogeneous characteristics of energy demands in different campus environments. A leader–follower two-layer game equilibrium model is introduced, where the system operator acts as the leader, and campus load aggregators, energy storage plants, and wind farm operators serve as followers. The layer employs an enhanced particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to iteratively adjust energy sales prices and response compensation unit prices, influencing the user response plan through the demand response model. In the lower layer, the charging and discharging schedules of energy storage plants, wind farm energy supply, and outputs of energy conversion devices are optimized to guide system operation. The novelty of this approach lies in the integration of a game-theoretic framework with advanced optimization techniques to balance the interests of all participants and enhance system coordination. A case study is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, demonstrating significant economic benefits. The results show that the model encourages stakeholders to invest in energy infrastructure and actively participate in coordinated dispatch, leading to improved overall system efficiency and comprehensive revenue enhancement for the multi-agent energy system.

Augmented reality based android application for introduction of pneumatic hydraulic components

This study focuses on the utilization of augmented reality (AR) to enable comprehensive visualization of objects. Its primary objective is to develop and evaluate an AR application as a medium for introducing pneumatic hydraulic components. The research method employs a development research approach, following the assessment, design, development, implementation, and evaluation steps proposed by Lee and Owens. The feasibility of the product is determined through various assessments, including black box testing, validation by media experts, validation by content experts, and evaluation of initial user response. The outcome of this study is application software incorporating AR technology for the purpose of introducing pneumatic hydraulic components, along with a corresponding workbook. Whereas the application is compatible with the Android operating system and utilizes QR codes as markers for augmented reality objects, which are conveniently included within the workbook. Performance testing reveals that all application functions perform exceptionally well according to black box testing. Furthermore, the content expert feasibility assessment yields results categorized as “Good,” while both the media expert feasibility and initial user response tests indicate “Very Good” outcomes.

Predictors of the continuous use of an infectious disease self-management app for epidemiological investigations: a survey of young and middle-aged adults in South Korean citizens

BackgroundIn the wake of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, research on the difficulties faced by epidemiologists conducting epidemiological investigations has been progressing steadily. However, few studies have developed applications (apps) that can directly support epidemiological investigations via information and communication (ICT) technology, and conducted usability evaluations on them via user responses. This has caused difficulties when developing such technologies. We introduced and evaluated two mobile apps that support epidemiological investigations. This study attempted to identify the predictors affecting the acceptance of infectious disease self-management apps.MethodsWe developed two infectious disease self-management smartphone apps for epidemiological investigations: KODARI (the Korean version) and MEDARI (in English version). We collected data from 248 users of KODARI by surveying Korean citizens. This study was conducted from November 15 to December 14, 2022. We used multiple regression analysis to identify the variables that affected continuous intention to use the KODARI app. We conducted two independent-samples t-tests to determine whether there were any differences in the perception of each variable in relation to demographic and COVID-19-related user characteristics.ResultsThe factors that affected continuous intention to use the KODARI app, in order of relative importance, were: price value, satisfaction, performance expectancy, and facilitating conditions. Overall, male participants were more satisfied with the KODARI app than female ones, and more willing to continue using it. The male participants also evaluated facilitating conditions more positively than the female ones did. Married participants rated the app higher than single ones in terms of price value, performance expectancy, and continued intention to use.ConclusionsThe study suggests factors that increase the use of health apps and suggests that use of these apps may increase further in the event of a future pandemics. These results are expected to help researchers study other infectious disease apps in the context of public health surveillance.

Impact of electronic word of mouth (e-WOM) on purchasing decisions: an empirical study

PurposeIn today’s fast-paced and interconnected market, companies must adapt to the evolving demands of their customers. Therefore, it is essential to examine the impact of online reviews on potential customers' intent to purchase. This study seeks to identify the characteristics of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) that influence a buyer’s intention to purchase goods and services.Design/methodology/approachWe used the snowball sampling method to collect data using a pre-tested survey instrument with a five-point Likert scale. We received 696 usable responses. We conducted assumption tests to ensure that we could use covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) for data analysis. The collected data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to compute the latent variables. We then tested our research hypotheses using CB-SEM.FindingsEight latent constructs – perceived persuasion, perceived information, image aesthetics, ease_of_experience, eWOM_credibility, eWOM_usefulness and eWOM_adoption – have been identified, which determine the influence of eWOM on purchase intent (PI) for both tangible and experiential products. Though the structural model emerged relatively similar, the constructs had differential impacts on PI for commodities and services. The perceived information quality and source trustworthiness had a greater impact on eWOM credibility in the case of services than in the case of commodities, while image aesthetics played a more crucial role in determining the eWOM credibility for commodities than services. In both cases, credible eWOM was found useful, but a persuasive eWOM influenced its perceived usefulness more in the case of commodities. The likelihood of adopting a useful eWOM and converting it to positive PI is present in the case of both services and commodities, but the impact is much higher in the case of services.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has examined the interplay of three theoretical consumer behaviour models: elaboration likelihood model (ELM), stimulus-organism-response model (SOR), and information adoption model (IAM). Thus, it adds to the existing literature on the characteristics of eWOM that influence the PI of online buyers.Practical implicationsThis study’s findings demonstrate how eWOM influences consumers' perceptions of the utility of goods and services, impacting their intention to purchase. It also provides valuable insights into marketing and consumer behaviour in the Indian market. Thus, this study assists marketers in adjusting their digital marketing strategies to ensure the effective use of eWOM characteristics to positively influence the PI of the target audience in the Indian market.Originality/valueThis research study examines the relationship between eWOM characteristics and PI for both goods and services sectors. Most existing literature is skewed towards specific service sectors, such as hospitality and health care. A generalised comparative study is what makes this research work unique.

National survey reveals elastic price sensitivity for select equine veterinary services.

The objective of this study was to estimate the price elasticity of demand for 3 common equine veterinary services: vaccinations (a routine service), lameness examinations (an elective service), and emergency colic surgery (an urgent service). Data were collected via a nationwide online survey of horse owners from August 15 to September 11, 2023, eliciting their willingness to pay for each service. The link to the online survey was distributed through participating organizations' social media and email lists to the target audience of US residents aged ≥ 18 years who were financially responsible for at least 1 horse, pony, mule, or donkey. Statistical software was used to estimate the demand models. The survey received a total of 4,915 usable responses, with at least one response from every state in the US. Results revealed elastic demand for all 3 services and subsample analyses provided reassurance as to the robustness of the results, suggesting that quantity demanded of these services would decrease more in a relative sense as compared to the increase in price. Understanding the current and future trends of equine veterinary service demand is vital in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of equine veterinary practices. Moreover, due to vast differences in the pricing structure of small animal and equine practice procedures, business models for these types of practices should be treated separately. Although it may seem counterintuitive for practice growth, the estimated price elasticity of demand suggests that strategic price increases could enhance profitability. While higher prices may reduce service volume, they could also lead to lower costs, potentially offsetting any revenue reduction. Moreover, the findings on elastic demand can also inform decisions regarding discounts, service bundles, and the development of tiered service offerings.

Simulation methods realized by virtual reality modeling language for 3D animation considering fuzzy model recognition

The creation of 3D animation increasingly prioritizes the enhancement of character effects, narrative depth, and audience engagement to address the growing demands for visual stimulation, cultural enrichment, and interactive experiences. The advancement of virtual reality (VR) animation is anticipated to require sustained collaboration among researchers, animation experts, and hardware developers over an extended period to achieve full maturity. This article explores the use of Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) in generating 3D stereoscopic forms and environments, applying texture mapping, optimizing lighting effects, and establishing interactive user responses, thereby enriching the 3D animation experience. VRML’s functionality is further expanded through the integration of script programs in languages such as Java, JavaScript, and VRML Script via the Script node. The implementation of fuzzy model recognition within 3D animation simulations enhances the identification of textual, musical, and linguistic elements, resulting in improved frame rates. This study also analyzes the real-time correlation between the number of polygons and frame rates in a virtual museum animation scene. The findings demonstrate that the frame rate of the 3D animation within this virtual setting consistently exceeds 40 frames per second, thereby ensuring robust real-time performance, preserving the quality of 3D models, and optimizing rendering speed and visual effects without affecting the system’s responsiveness to additional functions.

SDN-controlled multi-user NOMA-OFDM VLC system based on a resource allocation algorithm.

We propose a novel, to our knowledge, resource allocation algorithm (RAA) for a multi-user non-orthogonal multiple access orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (NOMA-OFDM) visible light communication (VLC) system. The proposed algorithm considers both the interference between users and their channel diversity. Bit allocation to users in each iteration is based on the ratio between the already allocated number of bits and the demanded number of bits of users, rather than their channel gains. In this way, the inherent issue of prioritizing strong users in a conventional RAA is avoided. We implement a software-defined-network (SDN)-controlled VLC system with real-time signal generation to validate the proposed RAA. The allocation results in the SDN platform are used to configure a FPGA-based transmitter. Experiments of a two-user NOMA-OFDM system with 115-191 Mbit/s throughput show that the system can dynamically react to the change of data demand and channel responses of users. We further demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms conventional RAAs regardless of the data demand, receiving angles, and distances of users.

The Professional Development Practices of Community College Presidents: A National Study

The length of a college president’s tenure is under six years, meaning that boards and institutions are increasingly grappling with the turnover associated with senior leaders. This turnover is seen in all sectors of higher education, especially in community colleges where the changing roles of these institutions are particularly pronounced. The purpose for conducting the study was to describe the professional development practices of community college presidents in hope of identifying efforts that might help to lengthen presidential tenures. Drawing on a national survey of 500 community college presidents, 159 usable responses were received and point toward the reliance on national conferences and self-direction as the primary methods that presidents use to remain current in their roles.

Is YouTube an informational source for Indian educational resources? Analysis of YouTube videos with particular reference to e-GyanKosh and e-Pgpathshala

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic created the opportunity for various educational resources to be more widely used by learners studying remotely, including in India. This study examines the availability and type of content offered by two of the most prominent Indian educational sites on YouTube. This study included content analysis, sentiment analysis, and text mining to determine the sentiment of viewers, the trend of videos, the growth of videos, and the regions where the majority of videos were generated and uploaded, among other things. This study made use of two well-known general domain educational resources, namely eGyanKosh and E-PGpathshala. Using the channel ID of each channel, Webometric Analyst software was used to collect raw data, and R-Studio was used to analyse audience sentiments on the accessible videos. Compared to subject-specific videos, the channel e-GyanKosh uploads more generic videos, such as memorials, lectures, and professors’ talks. On the other hand, more subject-specific videos are being added to e-PGpathshala. The majority of user responses were positive, indicating that viewers are satisfied with the YouTube videos made available by these two educational resources.

Beyond Automation: A Rigorous Testing Framework for Reliable AI Chatbots in Life Insurance

AI-driven chatbots are transforming customer service in Life Insurance, offering policyholders instant support, streamlined inquiries, and personalized recommendations. However, deploying these chatbots effectively requires addressing unique challenges, including interpreting complex insurance terminology, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining data security and user privacy. This research introduces a detailed testing framework specifically tailored to Life Insurance chatbots, covering functional, non-functional, AI-specific, and compliance testing to guarantee accuracy, reliability, and adherence to legal standards. The framework emphasizes essential practices for verifying natural language understanding, sensitive data handling, and empathetic responses for users navigating critical life events. This research highlights the critical role of targeted testing to deliver robust, user-centered chatbot solutions in the Life Insurance sector.