scholarly journals Driving Forces for the Spatial Reconstruction of Rural Settlements in Mountainous Areas based on Structural Equation Models: A Case Study in Western China

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 913
Author(s):  
Jia Zhong ◽  
Shaoquan Liu ◽  
Min Huang ◽  
Sha Cao ◽  
Hui Yu
Keyword(s):  
Driving Force ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Western China ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Rural Settlements ◽  
Mountainous Areas ◽  
Spatial Reconstruction ◽  
Panxi Area

Rural settlement development in mountainous areas is the key to eliminating global hunger and poverty. The spatial reconstruction of rural settlements in mountainous areas can promote rural development in mountainous areas. In this study, the Panxi area—a typical mountainous area in China—was chosen as the study area. The driving forces for the spatial reconstruction of rural settlements in mountainous areas were explored from the perspective of peasant households by combining participatory rural appraisal (PRA) with structural equation modeling (SEM). Results showed that: (1) 62.03% of the 266 peasant households included were willing to have spatial reconstruction, indicating that most peasant households in mountainous areas have a very strong intention towards the spatial reconstruction of rural settlements. (2) Infrastructure, medical conditions, living environment, farming culture, and dietary habits significantly influenced the reconstruction intention of peasant households. In contrast, development opportunities, place attachment, language, and living mode each had a slight influence. (3) Geological disasters were the main driving force for the spatial reconstruction of rural settlements in mountainous areas, whilst the driving force of living cohesion was the smallest. This study provides insights for future planning and construction of rural settlements in the Panxi area and spatial reconstruction practices. It has important practical significance for overcoming poverty and realizing rural revitalization in mountainous areas.

scholarly journals A Study on Supply–Demand Satisfaction of Community-Based Senior Care Combined with the Psychological Perception of the Elderly

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 643
Author(s):  
Jiangang Shi ◽  
Wenwen Hua ◽  
Daizhong Tang ◽  
Ke Xu ◽  
Quanwei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Latent Variables ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Elderly Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Government

Based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory and customer satisfaction theory, we constructed a satisfaction model for supply–demand satisfaction for community-based senior care (SSCSC) combined with the psychological perspective of the elderly, and four dimensions of basic living needs (BLNs), living environment (LE), personal traits (PTs), and livability for the aged (LA) were selected to construct the model. The data were obtained from 296 questionnaires from seniors over 50 years old (or completed by relatives on their behalf, according to their actual situation). Twenty-two observed variables were selected for the five latent variables, and their interactions were explored using structural equation modeling. The results showed that LA was the most significant factor influencing SSCSC, and it was followed by BLNs and LE. PTs did not show a direct effect on LA, but they could have an indirect effect on SSCSC through influencing BLNs and LE. Based on the current state of community aging satisfaction, we propose to establish a community elderly care service system based on the basic needs of the elderly population, providing differentiated and refined elderly care services and improving the level of aging-friendly communities. This study provides references for the government to formulate relevant policies and other supply entities to make strategic decisions and has important implications for further enhancing community elderly services to become an important part of the social security system for the elderly.

scholarly journals Implementation of Online Hospitals and Factors Influencing the Adoption of Mobile Medical Services in China: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanlin Wang ◽  
LanYu Liang ◽  
ChunLin Du ◽  
YongKang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Western China ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Resources ◽  
Hypothesis Model ◽  
Effort Expectancy ◽  
Willingness To Use

BACKGROUND Online hospitals are part of an innovative model that allows China to explore telemedicine services based on national conditions with large populations, uneven distribution of medical resources, and lack of quality medical resources, especially among residents needing to be protected from COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE In this study, we built a hypothesis model based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology in order to analyze the factors that may influence patients’ willingness to use mobile medical services. This research was designed to assist in the development of mobile medical services. Residents who do not live in urban areas and cannot access medical assistance would greatly benefit from this research, as they could immediately go to the online hospital when needed. METHODS A cross-sectional study based at the West China Hospital, Sichuan University, was conducted in July 2020. A total of 407 respondents, 18 to 59 years old, in Western China were recruited by convenience sampling. We also conducted an empirical test for the hypothesis model and applied structural equation modeling to estimate the significance of path coefficients so that we could better understand the influencing factors. RESULTS Out of 407 respondents, 95 (23.3%) were aware of online hospitals, while 312 (76.7%) indicated that they have never heard of online hospitals before. Gender (<i>P</i>=.048) and education level (<i>P</i>=.04) affected people’s willingness to use online hospitals, and both of these factors promoted the use of online hospitals (odds ratio [OR] 2.844, 95% CI 1.010-8.003, and OR 2.187, 95% CI 1.031-4.636, respectively). According to structural equation modeling, the results of the path coefficient analysis indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions have positive effects on patients’ willingness to use online hospitals. CONCLUSIONS The goal of our research was to determine the factors that influence patients’ awareness and willingness to use online hospitals. Currently, the public’s awareness and usage of online hospitals is low. In fact, effort expectancy was the most important factor that influenced the use of online hospitals; being female and having a high education also played positive roles toward the use of mobile medical services.

Impact of Transit Quality on Anchor-Mediated Knowledge Economies Across Large U.S. Cities

2022 ◽  
pp. 036119812110654
Author(s):  
Ahoura Zandiatashbar ◽  
Shima Hamidi
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Urban Revitalization ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Transit Systems ◽  
Anchor Institutions ◽  
Knowledge Economies ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Indirect Impacts

Universities, medical centers, and headquarters are the driving forces behind cities’ innovation productivity and anchor-based urban revitalization efforts, such as innovation districts. As a result, there is increasing competition for corporate anchors, as well as emerging partnerships and conflicts. In each case, transit has a major role to play. Yet we know little about precisely how transit fits into the dynamics of anchor-based revitalization. To address this empirical gap, this study employed structural equation modeling to grasp both the direct and indirect impacts of transit on the knowledge-intensive firm location in 500 large U.S. cities. We conceptualized the indirect impact of transit as mediated by anchors with a composite value that we developed to quantitatively represent the presence and size of major innovation anchors in each city. According to our findings, the positive impact of transit on a city’s overall knowledge economy occurred through its role in supporting anchor institutions, a role that, in turn, significantly increased the likelihood of knowledge-based firms locating in the city. In short, transit quality was positively associated with larger and more established anchors, as well as the availability of more employees, which expands the city’s talent pool, a critical driver of knowledge-intensive employers’ location decisions. These findings call for greater attention to be paid to transit in cities’ anchor-based urban revitalization plans and to partnerships between cities, metropolitan organizations, and anchors in planning future transit systems.

The Driving Forces of Customer Loyalty

2009 ◽  
pp. 1540-1557
Author(s):  
T. C.E. Cheng ◽  
L. C.F. Lai ◽  
A. C.L. Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Internet Service ◽  
Broadband Market

In this study we examine the driving forces of customer loyalty in the broadband market in Hong Kong. We developed and empirically tested a model to examine the antecedents of customer loyalty towards Internet service providers (ISPs) in Hong Kong. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the proposed model. A total of 737 valid returns were obtained through a questionnaire survey. The results show that customer satisfaction, switching cost, and price perception are antecedents that lead directly to customer loyalty, with customer satisfaction exerting the greatest influence. Although we found that service quality significantly influences customer satisfaction, which in turn leads to customer loyalty, we did not find a direct relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. Our results also reveal that corporate image is not related to customer loyalty. Our empirical investigation suggests that investing huge resources in building corporate image can indeed be a risky strategy for ISPs.

Examining the factors influencing information poverty in western China

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 1115-1134
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Mou ◽  
Fang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Western China ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Poverty ◽  
Social Prejudice

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the factors impacting information poverty in western China and investigate to what extent these determinants contribute to information poverty in these areas. Design/methodology/approach Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was used to analyze 232 valid responses collected from a survey to examine the research model and hypotheses in this study. Findings The results indicate that information literacy, information supply and information and communication technologies (ICTs) positively and significantly affect information poverty, while social prejudice and information orientation had no significant effects on information poverty. Practical implications Public libraries, government departments and other institutions should pay attention to the significant impact of information literacy, information supply and ICTs on information poverty and formulate corresponding systems and policies to alleviate or reduce information poverty. Originality/values In the past, few studies have focused on information poverty in western China and most of the existing research on information poverty adopts qualitative research methods, such as interview, systematic literature review and so on, while quantitative research is rare. In addition, the focus of these research studies was on one or two aspects, and a few of them can systematically study the influencing factors of information poverty. Inspired by the theories of information literacy, social prejudice and information poverty, this study comprehensively used a questionnaire survey and SEM to investigate the influences of information literacy, social prejudice, information supply, information orientation and ICTs on information poverty.

scholarly journals Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) of Cysticercosis in School-Aged Children in Tibetan Rural Farming Areas of Western China: Implications for Intervention Planning

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan Zhou ◽  
Qingzhi Wang ◽  
Junmin Zhou ◽  
Tiaoying Li ◽  
Alexis Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Structural Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Western China ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Behavioral Variables ◽  
Intervention Planning ◽  
Pig Husbandry

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) significantly contributes to morbidity in developing countries. We recently published a study of prevalence and risk factors in school-aged children in three mountainous areas in Sichuan province of western China. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) on data from that study to guide intervention planning, here we examine risk factors grouped into three broad interventional categories: sociodemographics, human behavior, and sources of pork and pig husbandry. Because neuroimaging is not easily available, using SEM allows for the use of multiple observed variables (serological tests and symptoms) to represent probable NCC cases. Data collected from 2608 students was included in this analysis. Within this group, seroprevalence of cysticercosis IgG antibodies was 5.4%. SEM results showed that sociodemographic factors (β = 0.33, p < 0.05), sources of pork and pig husbandry (β = 0.26, p < 0.001), and behavioral factors (β = 0.33, p < 0.05) were all directly related to probable NCC in school-aged children. Sociodemographic factors affected probable NCC indirectly via sources of pork and pig husbandry factors (β = 0.07, p < 0.001) and behavioral variables (β = 0.07, p < 0.001). Both sociodemographic factors (β = 0.07, p < 0.05) and sources of pork and pig husbandry factors (β = 0.10, p < 0.01) affected probable NCC indirectly via behavioral variables. Because behavioral variables not only had a large direct effect but also served as a critical bridge to strengthen the effect of sociodemographics and sources of pork and pig husbandry on probable NCC, our findings suggest that interventions targeting behavioral factors may be the most effective in reducing disease.

From value-based human resource practices to i-deals: software companies in Vietnam

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuan Trong Luu ◽  
Chris Rowley
Keyword(s):  
Human Resource ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Upward Influence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
Software Companies ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose – Idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) are employees’ proactive individualized negotiations with their employer for higher job autonomy corresponding to their competencies and values. The path to i-deals in the organization can commence with value-based human resource (HR) practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this path from value-based HR practices to i-deals through the mediating roles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), emotional intelligence (EI) and upward influence behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – The hypothesized model was verified through the structural equation modeling-based analysis of cross-sectional data from 362 respondents from Vietnam-based software companies. Findings – Research findings found value-based HR practices as the starting point of the path to i-deals, in which consecutive crucial milestones are ethical CSR, EI and organizationally beneficial upward influence behaviors. Originality/value – I-deals literature, through this empirical inquiry, is further extended by discovering the socialized driving forces, such as CSR and EI, behind individualized i-deals.

Embracing CSR in pro-social relationship marketing program: understanding driving forces of positive consumer responses

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 344-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiyoung Hwang ◽  
Jay Kandampully
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Loyalty Programs ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Responses ◽  
Value Perception ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – This purpose of this article is to identify important factors that influence consumers’ responses to pro-social loyalty programs (pro-social LPs). These positive marketing programs reflect represent an emerging phenomenon in relationship marketing associated with companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR). Design/methodology/approach – The test of the proposed model relied on data from 350 US consumers, obtained through web-based experiments. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. Findings – The results showed that consumers’ CSR-driven cognition (CSR beliefs) and reciprocal emotion (feeling of gratitude) enhance their attitudes toward pro-social LPs and increased participation intentions. The perceived value of pro-social LPs also improved consumer attitudes and participation intentions. Practical implications – Pro-social LPs offer a noteworthy approach to relationship marketing that benefits both service providers that engage in CSR and society overall. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature on LP and CSR by investigating the roles of CSR-driven cognition, reciprocal emotion and value perception in explaining consumers’ responses to an innovative approach of LPs and pro-social LPs.

scholarly journals Impact of ethical practices on small and medium enterprises’ performance in Saudi Arabia: An Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Turki S. Abalala ◽  
Mazharul M. Islam ◽  
Mohammad M. Alam
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Ethical Practice ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
Ethical Policy ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose: The real challenge of establishing and maintaining business ethics in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has become a global issue. We investigated the driving forces of ethical practices (EP) and its contribution to the overall performance in businesses.Design/methodology/approach: This study collected primary data from 117 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia by using a well-designed questionnaire survey amongst SMEs and draw inferences using the structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis.Findings/results: Findings suggested that top management’s characters and ethical commitment, ethical policy and culture of the organisation and external pressure positively influence the ethical practice in the organisation, which leads to a significant positive impact on both financial and non-financial performances of SMEs. But the level of fraud and corruption and the level of monitoring show a mixed moderating effect on the relationships between ethical practice in the organisation and business performance.Practical implications: The findings of this research will help SMEs’ administrators and managers, as well as the companies to instil workplace ethics, which manages the level of business performance. The policymakers and other relevant authorities can also utilise the outcomes of this study to develop ethical policy guidelines and frameworks to improve SMEs’ competitiveness and sustain their companies in the long run.Originality/value: The unique feature of this research is that both the causes and effects of EP are considered in one integrated model. This gives a more vivid picture of the ethical issue in a business organisation.

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