Loyalty among online food delivery customers: Extended scale of e-service quality

Considering the contradictory finding regarding e-service quality influence toward customer loyalty in the context of online food delivery (OFD) service, we evaluate e-service quality measurement by adding an extended indicator. Our study aims to validate payment flexibility as an extended indicator and examine e-service quality influence on customer loyalty. Data were collected through an online questionnaire involving 100 OFD customers in West Java (Indonesia). The Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM) technique was used to analyze data from that answered questionnaire. Interestingly, our findings showed that payment flexibility is valid and reliable as an e-service quality indicator. Moreover, the influence of e-service quality on OFD customer loyalty is found to be statistically significant. Finally, this study provides new insight into the existing knowledge of e-service quality and generates valuable implications. OFD service providers are suggested to ensure order suitability in retaining their customer loyalty.

Synthesis and Experimental Characterization of a MWCNT-Filled Bio-Based Adhesive

In the present paper, a novel epichlorohydrin/cardanol adhesive was reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and characterized experimentally. The adhesive was reinforced by MWCNTs in weight ratios (wt %) of 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%. The bulk properties of the reinforced adhesive were characterized through dynamic mechanical analysis tests, tension tests, and fracture toughness tests, while its shear behavior was characterized through single-lap shear tests on aluminum and composite bonded specimens. The morphology of the reinforced adhesive was characterized using scanning electron microscopy tests. Due to the high viscosity of the bio-based adhesive, special efforts were placed on the dispersion of the MWCNTs into the adhesive, which was achieved through mechanical mixing. The results from the tests show that the presence of the MWCNTs increases the glass transition temperature, the Young’s modulus and the fracture toughness of the reinforced bio-based adhesive, while it decreases its tensile strength. This contradictory finding is attributed to the formation of MWCNT agglomerates into the adhesive. For the content of 2.0 wt %, the shear strength of the reinforced adhesive is increased by 57% for the aluminum joints and by 10.4% for the composite joints. The findings of the study reveal that the reinforcement of the bio-based adhesive by MWCNTs is feasible from a manufacturing viewpoint and may increase the efficiency of the adhesive in structural applications.

Momentum Effect in Developed and Emerging Stock Markets

The study aims to reaffirms the existence of short-term momentum effect in 13 developed and emerging stock markets where previous literature has lack of consensus. Although many studies emphasis on the existence of momentum effect, but still, there are substantial number of researchers that deny the its presence. The contradictory finding of many researchers over the existence of momentum effect, raises a serious question, to what extend our stock markets are informationally efficient and whether investor can make abnormal profits by using momentum investment strategies. This study applies momentum investment strategy, J6K6, to calculate momentum returns. Our study finds negative significant momentum effect in all 13 stock markets. Although momentum effect is present in 13 countries but Investors are not able to attain abnormal profit through momentum investing. These findings have an utmost importance for practitioners that they should not adopt momentum investment strategies in these countries as these strategies are generating lose. Moreover, stock market regulators should formulate these markets on the notion of efficient market hypothesis.

Evaluation of Skin Response After Erbium:Yttrium– Aluminum–Garnet Laser Irradiation: A Network Analysis Approach

Introduction: Application of laser in medicine and cosmetic purposes has raised grossly in recent years. There are contradictory finding about its side effects. In this research critical differentially expressed proteins after irradiation erbium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Er:YAG) laser on skin are investigated. Methods: Proteome data including 31 proteins were obtained from a proteomics investigation of laser irradiation, Er:YAG on female mouse skin that are published by Pan et al. The query proteins and 100 related ones were included in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The central nodes were determined and all of nodes were included in action maps. Expression, activation, inhibition, binding, and reaction were considered in action plan. Results: Numbers of 16 proteins were recognized by STRING database and were included in the network. Except PHRF1, the other 15 query proteins were included in the main connected component of the constructed network. Ten central nodes of the network and ten numbers of top query proteins based on degree value were identified as central proteins of the network. All nodes of the network analyzed via action maps and the important acted nodes were determined as RPSA, GAPDH, TPT1, DCTN2, HSPB1, and PDIA3. Conclusion; Two balanced processes including cancer promotion and cancer prevention were after irradiation were identified.

The Effect of Periodization and Training Intensity Distribution on Middle- and Long-Distance Running Performance: A Systematic Review

This review aimed to examine the current evidence for 3 primary training intensity distribution types: (1) pyramidal training, (2) polarized training, and (3) threshold training. Where possible, the training intensity zones relative to the goal race pace, rather than physiological or subjective variables, were calculated. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched in May 2017 for original research articles. After analysis of 493 resultant original articles, studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) Their participants were middle- or long-distance runners; (2) they analyzed training intensity distribution in the form of observational reports, case studies, or interventions; (3) they were published in peer-reviewed journals; and (4) they analyzed training programs with a duration of 4 wk or longer. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, which included 6 observational reports, 3 case studies, 6 interventions, and 1 review. According to the results of this analysis, pyramidal and polarized training are more effective than threshold training, although the latest is used by some of the best marathon runners in the world. Despite this apparent contradictory finding, this review presents evidence for the organization of training into zones based on a percentage of goal race pace, which allows for different periodization types to be compatible. This approach requires further development to assess whether specific percentages above and below race pace are key to inducing optimal changes.

A systematic review of the comparative pragmatic differences in conversational skills of individuals with autism

Background and aims: Given that problems with social interaction and communication are defining features of autism spectrum disorder, it stands to reason that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have difficulties in conversation. There is a growing body of research on the conversation skills of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, including research conducted to compare these skills to those of typically developing individuals and those with other disabilities. Such comparisons may offer insight into the extent to which conversational skills may be deficient and whether deficits are unique to a particular diagnostic group. Main contribution: This review provides an examination of comparative studies of pragmatic aspects of conversation that included individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Only a small number of consistent findings emerged from the analysis. Groups with autism spectrum disorder find it difficult to stay on topic and provide novel, relevant information. They also tend to perseverate more and initiate and respond less during conversation but, contrary to expectation, similar numbers of turns were offered to partners, and there was little difference in the way communication breakdowns were repaired or clarified. There was a contradictory finding on the use of eye gaze. Conclusions and implications: Some consistent findings were reported but overall, fewer than expected between group differences were found. The fragmented nature of the research and inconsistent operational definitions of variables measured made analysis problematic. Further research and replication of studies is recommended before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Marihuana, Alcohol and Tobacco: Reassessment of a Presumed Relationship

Current marihuana literature posits a strong relationship between alcohol, tobacco, and marihuana. The evidence for this relationship, however, is drawn largely from studies which have used youthful samples. Using a random survey of the general Texas population (age seventeen and over), the present study found little relationship between the three substances. Multiple regression analysis supported this finding by indicating that less than 8 per cent of explained variation in marihuana use was due to both alcohol and tobacco. In a further effort to explain this contradictory finding an age variable was introduced. Results indicated that youthful samples tend to overestimate the relationships between the three substances and cannot be generalized to other populations. A likely explanation of association found in youthful samples would focus on simultaneous experimentation rather than causal interrelationships among the substances themselves.