Structural Equation Modeling Approach Research Articles

Linking demand conditions to competitive advantage: the role of government support programs in the halal cosmetic and personal care industry

Purpose This study aims to examine the mediating role of government support programs in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry between local demand conditions and competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 96 companies in the cosmetics and personal care industry in Malaysia, and the analysis was conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach. Findings The results indicate that demand conditions do not have a direct effect on competitive advantage in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. However, government support programs, specifically regulatory and innovation programs, play a crucial mediating role between demand conditions and competitive advantage. This highlights the importance of both regulatory and innovation programs in shaping the halal market ecosystem. Practical implications The halal industry policy should prioritize innovation and regulatory programs to ensure that nonfood halal products, including beauty products, are evaluated not only based on ingredient content but also on broader aspects such as product effectiveness, quality, safety and affordability. Originality/value This study offers a unique perspective by highlighting the often-overlooked role of government support programs as key drivers in shaping the halal market ecosystem and enhancing competition in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. While the government’s role is frequently neglected in market dynamics, this research emphasizes how government intervention, when implemented through effective policy, can significantly contribute to industry growth and competitiveness.

Understanding Parenting Stress in Adoptive Parents: A Longitudinal Multilevel Study of Parents' Self-Criticism, Child Negative Emotionality, and Child Age at Placement.

Research on parenting stress in adoptive parents during the early years post-placement reveals significant variability, yet few studies examine both parent- and child-related factors. This study investigates the role of the personality dimension of self-criticism and perceived negative child emotionality in relation to parenting stress during the first four years after transnational adoption. Additionally, it explores the moderating effect of child age at placement, a key factor associated with early adversity. Drawing upon a longitudinal five-wave dataset in the first 4 years after the child arrived in the adoptive family, this study used multi-informant data of 96 adoptive mothers and fathers of transnationally adopted children (mean child age at placement = 13.48 months). Data were analyzed using a multilevel structural equation modeling approach. Parents' self-criticism was positively associated with parenting stress at the between-parent level. At the within-parent level, year-to-year fluctuations in both parents' self-criticism and perceived child's negative emotionality were positively associated with corresponding fluctuations in parenting stress. Child age at placement did not moderate any of these associations. Overall, this study yielded convincing evidence for the dynamic nature of parenting stress in the first years after child placement, the role of parental self-criticism, and the child's perceived negative emotionality herein.

Hyperscanning: from inter-brain coupling to causality

In hyperscanning studies, participants perform a joint task while their brain activation is simultaneously recorded. Evidence of inter-brain coupling is examined, in these studies, as a predictor of behavioral change. While the field of hyperscanning has made significant strides in unraveling the associations between inter-brain coupling and changes in social interactions, drawing causal conclusions between brain and behavior remains challenging. This difficulty arises from factors like the inherently different timescales of behavioral responses and measured cerebral activity, as well as the predominant focus of existing methods on associations rather than causality. Specifically, a question remains as to whether inter-brain coupling between specific brain regions leads to changes in behavioral synchrony, or vice-versa. We propose two novel approaches to addressing this question. The first method involves using dyadic neurofeedback, wherein instances of inter-brain coupling are directly reinforced. Such a system could examine if continuous changes of inter-brain coupling are the result of deliberate mutual attempts to synchronize. The second method employs statistical approaches, including Granger causality and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Granger causality assesses the predictive influence of one time series on another, enabling the identification of directional neural interactions that drive behavior. SEM allows for detailed modeling of both direct and indirect effects of inter-brain coupling on behavior. We provide an example of data analysis with the SEM approach, discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach and posit that applying these approaches could provide significant insights into how inter-brain coupling supports crucial processes that occur in social interactions.

A New Research Model for Artificial Intelligence-Based Well-Being Chatbot Engagement: Survey Study.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots have emerged as potential tools to assist individuals in reducing anxiety and supporting well-being. This study aimed to identify the factors that impact individuals' intention to engage and their engagement behavior with AI-based well-being chatbots by using a novel research model to enhance service levels, thereby improving user experience and mental health intervention effectiveness. We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey of adult users of well-being chatbots in China via social media. Our survey collected demographic data, as well as a range of measures to assess relevant theoretical factors. Finally, 256 valid responses were obtained. The newly applied model was validated through the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach. The model explained 62.8% (R2) of the variance in intention to engage and 74% (R2) of the variance in engagement behavior. Affect (β=.201; P=.002), social factors (β=.184; P=.007), and compatibility (β=.149; P=.03) were statistically significant for the intention to engage. Habit (β=.154; P=.01), trust (β=.253; P<.001), and intention to engage (β=.464; P<.001) were statistically significant for engagement behavior. The new extended model provides a theoretical basis for studying users' AI-based chatbot engagement behavior. This study highlights practical points for developers of AI-based well-being chatbots. It also highlights the importance of AI-based well-being chatbots to create an emotional connection with the users.

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Spirit of Business Actors on MSME Performance During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Palopo City with Digital Marketing as an Intervening Variable

The study examined the influence of the entrepreneurial spirit of business actors on performance. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprisesduring the covid-19 pandemic in Palopo City with digital marketing as an intervening variable. The type of research is quantitative research with a structural equation model approach. The results of the study showed that no direction of the relationship between the entrepreneurial spirit of MSME entrepreneurs (Ƹ) and the financial performance of MSME entrepreneurs (ῃ2) in Palopo City during the covid-19 pandemic, there was a real relationship or significant influence of the entrepreneurial spirit of MSME entrepreneurs (Ƹ) on digital marketing (ῃ1) during the covid-19 pandemic. there is a relationship and real or significant influence of digital marketing (ῃ1) on the performance of MSMEs (ῃ2), there is an indication, when the spirit or entrepreneurial spirit expressed in hard work activities, innovation expressed by the application of creative ideas, and creativity in the form of statements of the ability to apply something new in entrepreneurship, as well as the basis of belief in success during the Covid-19 pandemic which if quantified by 1 then marketing efforts with dropshipper or reseller activities, namely a statement of the entrepreneur's initial understanding to understand various factors in digital marketing through copywriting, namely a statement that states arousing curiosity and interest for prospective consumers and existing consumers and thematic pacebook pages and Instagram, namely statements about efforts to attract potential buyers and buyers quickly, then the performance of MSMEs in Palopo City has increased by 0.850 or 85%. Digital marketing is able to mediate the entrepreneurial spirit of MSME business actors towards the performance of MSMEs in Palopo City during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Disentangling direct and indirect effects of forest structure on biodiversity: Bottom‐up and top‐down effects between forestry, bats and their insect prey

Abstract Timber‐oriented forest management profoundly alters forest structure and composition, with complex effects on associated biodiversity. However, while species' responses to forest management and resulting structural characteristics have been the subject of numerous studies, direct and indirect effects that cascade through trophic levels are rarely disentangled. As insectivorous bats are particularly sensitive to changes in forest structure, that shape their available flight space, we investigated how forest structure, composition and management also indirectly modify their habitats, for example, by affecting important insect prey groups. We used structural equation models (SEMs) to test bat responses to forest composition, structure (forest heterogeneity, old‐growth attributes) and management intensity, quantifying direct and indirect prey‐mediated effects. For that, three bat guilds—short‐ (SRE), mid‐ (MRE) and long‐range echolocating (LRE) bats—and their prey insects (moths and ground beetles) were analysed from 64 sites in the Black Forest, Germany. We found guild‐specific effects on bats: While the structural heterogeneity of forests directly influenced the activity of bat guilds, the main influence of forest management, composition and structure was mediated through their prey‐groups. SRE activity responded to moths and LRE activity was associated with ground beetles, with positive effects of the insect groups' abundance, but negative effects of the same group's species richness. In addition, the SEM approach revealed a negative top‐down relationship between MRE activities and moths, suggesting predation or avoidance behaviour of moths. While forest management directly or indirectly increased prey insect abundance, it negatively affected the availability of roosting structures for bats. Synthesis and applications. The results highlight the indirect and positive effects of forest management on bats and support the important role of bats in insect regulation within continuous cover forests. Although forest management created small gaps that improved foraging habitats for most bats, it compromised the roosting functionality for bats. The ‘close‐to‐nature forestry’ currently prevalent in Europe mainly promotes continuous‐cover forests in mid‐successional stages. Expanding the forest management portfolio towards open and old‐growth forests would increase roosting opportunities and provide complementary foraging habitats for different bat species, while promoting high biodiversity in managed forest landscapes.

A Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modelling (MASEM) Approach Toward Scrutinizing the Influence of Brand Equity Antecedents on Brand Advocacy

Brand equity antecedents are essential in the creation and development of brand advocacy strategies and implementation tactics that transform conventional customers into active brand advocates. Yet, the association incorporating these two concepts is less studied. This research aims to bridge such a gap by combining these two approaches to explore the most influential antecedents of brand equity for incentivizing brand advocacy within technological platforms. The proposed model was assessed using Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling (MASEM). The study featured 68 empirical studies with 183 correlations derived from 15 hypothetical ‎relationships and a combined sample of 24,585 respondents. The findings authenticate the significance of all the relationships among BE antecedents proposed in this study. Moreover, the findings reveal that brand awareness can be linked with brand advocacy via the intervention and mediating role of brand image. Additionally, the outcomes of the study highlight that brand image has a greater overall influence than brand loyalty on brand advocacy.

Validating the foreign language enjoyment scale for young learners: An exploratory structural equation modeling approach

Foreign language enjoyment (FLE) has garnered scholarly attention within the framework of positive psychology. However, FLE-related studies have predominantly focused on adult learners, with little exploration into FLE among young language learners (YLLs). Consequently, little is known about the factorial structure of FLE and its sources for YLLs. This study aims to develop and validate the foreign language enjoyment scale (FLES) designed for YLLs by comparing four models: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), bifactor CFA, ESEM, and bifactor ESEM, based on Alamer's (2022) guidelines for ESEM. 510 Japanese elementary ESL learners in the 5th and 6th grades participated in this study. The analysis of the four models revealed that the bifactor ESEM outperformed the others in terms of model fit and comparative indices, identifying a three-factor model of FLE, which is consistent with prior studies on adult learners. The findings from this study not only contribute to further understanding of FLE within a less-studied population but also advance methodological approaches for scale validation in applied linguistics.

When do tourists prefer to continue using online travel agencies? An empirical study from Vietnam

Online travel agencies have profoundly influenced the travel industry by offering numerous essential advantages to both consumers and service providers. This paper aims to examine the factors that influence the intention to continue using online travel agencies in Vietnam, while also assessing the moderating effect of e-loyalty on the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance intention. An integrated research framework was constructed using the Technology Acceptance Model as its foundational basis. The study utilized the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling approach to analyze the data. The survey data were obtained through an online survey administered to a valid sample of 301 Facebook users with prior experience using online travel agencies. Compared to conventional approaches such as telephone or mail surveys, utilizing Facebook for data collection offers a more cost-efficient alternative. This platform also enables researchers to reach a broad and diverse population of potential respondents, representing a wide range of demographics, geographic locations, and backgrounds. The results reveal that perceived compatibility, perceived ease of use, innovativeness, electronic word-of-mouth, and subjective norms all positively influenced perceived usefulness. Additionally, perceived usefulness is found to have a significant impact on the intention to continue using online travel agencies, while e-loyalty positively moderates the relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance intention to use online travel agencies. These findings extend the Technology Acceptance Model within the context of online travel agencies and provide practical insights for enhancing strategies among online travel agencies in Vietnam. AcknowledgmentThe author would like to thank the International University, Vietnam National University (VNU), HCMC, for providing research assistance.

The nexus between green human resource management on organizational citizenship behavior in the hotel industry: A structural equation modelling approach

In recent years, awareness of sustainability has increased significantly in the hospitality industry, particularly within the hotel sector, which is recognized as a major contributor to environmental degradation. In response to this challenge, hotel managers are increasingly implementing green human resource management (GHRM) practices to increase Organizational Citizenship Behavior. Considering job satisfaction, and organizational commitment as mediator. A survey was conducted with 383 employees from three- and four-star Egyptian hotels and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and Amos version 24. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that GHRM practices positively impacts Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (OCB), job satisfaction and organizational commitment in addition, the study found that job satisfaction and organizational mediates the relationship between Green Human Resource Management and Organizational Citizenship Behavior. The study found a positive link between GHRM and OCB, partially mediated by job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The recommend that implementation of GHRM practices in the hotel industry can have significant positive implications.

The contribution of vocabulary breadth and depth to narrative writing ability: A partial least squares structural equation modelling approach

Despite the well-established role of lexis in proficiency in the four skills, a great deal of research has focused on the importance of vocabulary breadth and depth in reading. Therefore, the neglect of productive skills has motivated recent calls to inspect the impact of lexical dimensions on writing ability. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM), this study examines the contributions of vocabulary breadth and depth aspects to EFL learners’ narrative writing ability. For this purpose, the researchers administered the Updated Vocabulary Levels Test (the UVLT), the Productive Vocabulary Levels Test (the PVLT), the Word Associates Test (the WAT), and a narrative writing task to 77 EFL undergraduate students. The participants’ scripts were scored, following IELTS analytical band descriptors. Results of the PLS SEM disclosed that vocabulary size and depth explained around 45% of the variance in the writing scores of the subjects. They also revealed that, among the variables examined, receptive vocabulary size was the only statistically significant factor that contributed the most to writing ability. The implications for writing assessment and instruction are discussed.

Faktor Determinan Tekanan Finansial Pada Generasi Z Di Kota Tasikmalaya

This research aims to measure the factors that cause financial pressure on Gen Z in Tasikmalaya City. The research used quantitative methods with structural equation modeling approach. The results show that financial literacy and financial behavior hurt financial stress. This means that the higher the financial literacy and behavior index, the lower the financial pressure. However, lifestyle has a direct effect on financial stress. The higher the lifestyle, the higher the financial pressure that Gen Z receives.

Exploring the paradoxical use of ChatGPT in education: Analyzing benefits, risks, and coping strategies through integrated UTAUT and PMT theories using a hybrid approach of SEM and fsQCA

ChatGPT's impact on education is both significant and inevitable, presenting a paradox of threats and benefits. While studies have explored ChatGPT's usage, intention, and motivation, few have addressed its paradoxical use from a benefit-risk-coping perspective, leaving gaps in practical and theoretical solutions. This study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to elucidate ChatGPT's paradoxical use in education. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and fuzzy sets Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), it aims to provide insights and solutions for managing the benefits, risks, and coping mechanisms associated with ChatGPT in education. Hypotheses and propositions were tested on Taiwanese higher education users (N = 351). Findings from SEM confirm that the perceived threat of ChatGPT's severity decreases the intention to use it, while coping strategies such as self-efficacy and response efficacy strongly predict the intention to use ChatGPT. Additionally, the benefits of performance expectancy and task efficiency significantly increase the intention to use ChatGPT, which in turn significantly increases actual usage behavior. Findings from fsQCA reveal three configurations for both the usage and disusage of ChatGPT in education. The study identifies three constructs with necessary conditions. This research makes a significant theoretical contribution by integrating UTAUT and PMT into a unified framework to elucidate the paradoxical aspects of benefit-risk-coping in the use of ChatGPT. Practical implications for higher educational institutions and their scholars (e.g., students, lecturers, researchers) are also provided through confirmed solutions from the QCA model. These solutions offer strategic insights to leverage the benefits, identify the risks, and cope with the threats associated with using ChatGPT in education.

Emotional Status, Motor Dysfunction, and Cognitive Functioning as Predictors of Quality of Life in Physically Engaged Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The demographic transition has become a reality, and it demands public policies to promote physical and mental health in aging. Group exercise emerges as a cost-effective and accessible alternative to promote active aging on a large scale, but to optimize the effectiveness of these programs, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms that improve quality of life. This study aimed to explore the associations between emotional status, cognitive functioning, motor dysfunction, and their relationship with quality of life in community-dwelling older adults participating in a group physical exercise program. Structural equation modeling was used to explore these relationships in a sample of 190 older adults. Emotional state directly predicted all domains of quality of life. Motor dysfunction predicts the physical health domain of quality of life. Motor dysfunction and cognitive functioning are strongly correlated with emotional status. The fit indices of the final model are acceptable, and it demonstrates that within group-exercise dynamics, emotional status is the main component of quality-of-life promotion. Therefore, professionals designing group physical exercise programs to promote active aging should consider not only physical fitness, but also the integration of psychosocial elements, offering a holistic approach to enhancing overall well-being.

Determinants of students' learning motivation in Islamic boarding schools: A structural equation modeling approach

Motivation plays a key role in the learning process, as it serves as a driving force or positive influence for students. This study aims to explore factors affecting students' learning motivation by examining teacher professionalism, family environment, school environment, and academic stress using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. Data was collected through questionnaires distributed to students at Baitur Rohmah Muhammadiyah Islamic Boarding School, with responses from 201 students. The findings show that teacher professionalism (β: 0.345, P-value: 0.044), family environment (β: 0.088, P-value: 0.010), and academic stress (β: 0.415, P-value: 0.042) positively influence learning motivation. However, the school environment does not significantly affect learning motivation (β: 0.156, P-value: 0.224). Additionally, teacher professionalism does not have a significant impact on students' academic stress levels (β: 0.156, P-value: 0.224).

Predicting the intention to install solar photovoltaic panels in emerging market: The role of consumer innovativeness, knowledge, and support for government incentives

Promoting the installation of solar photovoltaic panels at the residential level in Vietnam may effectively mitigate the electricity overload on the national grid and support the country’s sustainable objectives. However, the installation rates of this system in urban areas in Vietnam remains low despite the favorable atmosphere and the provision of several incentives. Based on the Diffusion of Innovation and Theory of Planned Behavior, this study explores the role of consumer innovativeness, knowledge, and support for government incentives on the diffusion and social acceptance of solar photovoltaic panels. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data for analysis. With a sample of 339 citizens in Vietnam, the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was employed to evaluate the results. The findings revealed that consumer innovativeness was linked to social norms and knowledge. Furthermore, it was discovered that the knowledge of consumers can significantly enhance the support for government incentives and the intention to install solar photovoltaic panels. Additionally, social norms significantly influenced attitudes, ultimately resulting in an increase in the intention to install. The findings of this study could aid the nation's policymakers and institutions in formulating strategies to grow the solar energy sector, therefore facilitating the achievement of sustainable energy goals.

Developing a safety and health practices in building model of physical environment, facility management, and worker perception: Structural equation modeling approach

Developing a safety and health practices in building model of physical environment, facility management, and worker perception: Structural equation modeling approach

Competing Models of the Structure of Subjective Well-Being: Have All Won and Must All Have Prizes?

The tripartite model of subjective well-being (SWB) posits three components: positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction. The fundamental issue regarding the structure of SWB and the meaning of the general SWB factor remains unresolved. Across three studies and six samples (total N = 9304), we evaluated competing models of SWB and tested the criterion-related validity of SWB components operationalized within different models. In addition to a standard confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and bifactor-CFA, we used exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) and bifactor-ESEM approaches. Latent factor models were applied to examine the nomological network of SWB in relation to several external criteria (e.g., positive expectations, depression, and anxiety). We found evidence supporting the three-factor and bifactor-ESEM models of SWB. The meaning and interpretability of the general and specific factors of SWB were found to depend on the indicators used to assess affective well-being. Several issues concerning the bifactor-CFA model were identified. Both the general and specific factors of SWB exhibited meaningful and interpretable nomological networks. The structure of SWB, the value of incorporating a general factor, and the nature of general and specific SWB factors depend on the instruments used to measure SWB.

Influencing factors of kinesiophobia in knee arthroplasty patients under the social cognitive theory: A structural equation model

ObjectiveTo analyze the path relationships among influencing factors for kinesiophobia in knee arthroplasty patients through a structural equation model. BackgroundThe occurrence of kinesiophobia significantly impacts the rehabilitation process of knee arthroplasty patients. However, there is still a need to determine factors that contribute to reducing kinesiophobia. DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted and reported following the STROBE guideline. MethodsBetween February 2022 to October 2022, 162 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients and 81 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) patients completed a survey. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was utilized to analyze the relationships between kinesiophobia and influencing factors (social support, pain resilience, and rehabilitation self-efficacy). Furthermore, multi-group SEM analysis was conducted to examine whether the model equally fitted patients in different types of knee arthroplasty. ResultsThe direct negative effects of rehabilitation self-efficacy (β = −0.535) and pain resilience (β = −0.293) on kinesiophobia were observed. The mediating effect (β = −0.183) of pain resilience and rehabilitation self-efficacy between social support and kinesiophobia was also significant. The SEM model achieved an acceptable model fit (χ2 = 35.656, RMSEA = 0.031, χ2/df = 1.230, GFI = 0.972, NFI = 0.982, IFI = 0.997, CFI = 0.996). In multicohort analysis, no significant differences were observed among knee arthroplasties (TKA, UKA) (Δχ2 = 4.213, p = 0.648). ConclusionsSatisfactory social support enhances pain resilience and rehabilitation self-efficacy, so as to reduce kinesiophobia. Future interventions that directly target the assessment and management of kinesiophobia, available social support may help reduce kinesiophobia, and pain resilience and rehabilitation self-efficacy may be critical factors in managing kinesiophobia. Relevance to Clinical PracticeReducing kinesiophobia in knee arthroplasty patients requires satisfactory social support, pain resilience, and rehabilitation self-efficacy. Therefore, healthcare organizations may implement initiatives to reduce kinesiophobia by taking these factors into account.

Functional traits mediate the elevational patterns of functional diversity and community structure of mosses in a tropical mountain area

Functional diversity refers to the value, range, and distribution of functional traits within a community, such as the morphological, physiological and behavioral characteristics of species that determine the role a species plays in an ecosystem. Assessing the drivers of elevational pattern of functional diversity is crucial to predict the effects of global change on functional diversity and community structure. In our research, we collected mosses species data from 65 sampling sites and measured 11 functional traits that are related to their ecological functions. We applied double canonical correspondence analysis (DCCA) to analyze species responses to environmental conditions based on their traits. We applied generalized additive models with a Gaussian function of variance to determine the elevational patterns of functional trait composition, diversity and community structure. We applied and compared boosted regression trees (BRT) without considering functional traits and piecewise structural equation modelling (SEM) mediated with functional traits to relate environmental variables with functional diversity and functional community structure, respectively. We found the first DCCA axis accounted for the largest dissimilarities between the two groups of species and correlated mainly with the water-utilization traits. Although both functional diversity and community structure displayed negatively skewed pattern along the elevational gradient, habitat complexity and climatic variables contributed differently to their respective patterns. The SEM approach consistently outperformed the BRT approach in explaining the variations in both functional diversity and community structure. Our findings highlight the important role of functional traits in mediating the relationship between the environment and functional diversity metrics. Both biotic and abiotic processes play a significant role in shaping the community assemblages, with environmental variables having distinct impacts. Traits related to structure maintenance, water absorption, cell hydration, and nutrient acquisition were found to be key drivers of functional diversity, while water-utilization traits were mainly responsible for regulating functional community structure.