Search Results (30)

This study builds on Davis’ TAM by integrating environmental and psychological variables relevant to AI medical diagnostics. This study developed a mathematical theoretical model called the “AI medical diagnosis-acceptance evaluation model” (AMD-AEM) to better understand acceptance behavior intention. Using mathematical modeling, we established reflective measurement model indicators and structural equation relationships, where linear structural equations illustrate the interactions among latent variables. In 2025, we collected empirical data from 2380 patients and medical staff who have experience with AI diagnostic systems in teaching hospitals in central Taiwan. Smart PLS 3 was employed to validate the AMD-AEM model. The results reveal that perceived usefulness (PU) and information quality (IQ) are the primary predictors of acceptance behavior intention (ABI). Additionally, perceived ease of use (PE) indirectly influences ABI through PU and attitude toward use (ATU). AI emotional perception (AEP) notably shows a significant positive relationship with ATU, highlighting that warm and positive human–AI interactions are crucial for user acceptance. IQ was identified as a mediating variable, with variance accounted for (VAF) coefficient analysis confirming its complete mediation effect on the path from ATU to ABI. This indicates that information quality enhances user attitudes and directly increases acceptance behavior intention. The AMD-AEM model demonstrates an excellent fit, providing valuable insights for academia and the healthcare industry. Full article

The main purpose of this study is to explore the impact of internal and external corporate social responsibility perception (CSRP) on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and the mediating effect of person–corporate social responsibility fit (P-CSR Fit) among staff members in Saudi Arabia’s banking industry. The existing literature offers limited exploration of mechanisms that enhance CSR effectiveness in influencing OCB. This study explores the mediating impact of P-CSR Fit on OCB, particularly within the developing country context of Saudi Arabia. A sample of 200 employees from banks in Saudi Arabia was surveyed to investigate these relationships, utilizing a structured questionnaire. Both SPSS and AMOS were utilized to assess the relationships and test the hypotheses within structural equation modeling. The study findings reveal that P-CSR Fit fully mediates the relationship between internal CSRP and OCB. However, external P-CSR Fit does not mediate the relationship between external CSRP and OCB. The discussion includes theoretical and practical implications, as well as study limitations. Full article

In the production process of cross-cutting boards, real-time measurement of dimensions online has been a long-standing technical problem in the production field. Currently, the detection of board dimensions in the production field relies on manual observation based on workers’ operational experience or stopping the machine for measurement. This paper proposes a machine vision-based real-time online measurement system for dimensional measurements of cross-cutting units. A certain angle measurement model is established by using a face-array industrial camera, and a more accurate edge contour extraction is realized by deep learning. A novel edge intersection extraction algorithm based on line fitting and least squares method was proposed to accurately measure the length, width, diagonal lines of cross-cutting boards using four intersection coordinates. The measurement of 100 cross-cutting boards in the industrial production site shows that the proposed online measurement system for cross-cut board dimensions in this article has high accuracy, with a length perception error of ±50 mm, width of ±2 mm, and diagonal difference of ±5 mm, meeting the production requirements in industrial settings. The on-site shutdown measurement work was reduced, thereby doubling the production efficiency and saving two staff members. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aquagym is a form of practicing aerobic gymnastics to stay fit, which is constantly progressing in line with the dynamics of market growth and the fitness industry, bringing benefits to physical and mental health. The purpose of the study was to identify the level of popularity of this sport among people aged 20–65 years and to highlight the benefits of practicing aquagym. Methods: This quantitative research study was designed to use a structured questionnaire to collect data from 150 participants. The sample was chosen to reflect various age groups and to ensure representativeness for the general population interested in physical activity. Participants were divided by gender into two age categories, under 45 and over 45, in order to examine differences in preferences and perceptions between these age segments. For the analysis of between-group differences, we used the Chi-Square and Cramer’s V tests, and for the profile of respondents, a Two-Step Cluster Analysis was applied. Results: Regarding knowledge of the aquagym concept, there is a notable discrepancy between females and males, with significantly more women (54%) than men (18%) stating that they are familiar with this concept. Among the perceived benefits of water gymnastics, most responses indicate maintaining muscle tone (25% women and 14% men) and a fun way to stay fit (20% women and 11% men). Young people under 45 years of age tend to attach more importance to the social and entertaining aspects of aquagym. As for the improvement in quality of life by practicing water gymnastics, a large number of respondents (82%) rated this contribution with a score of 4 or 5 on a 5-point scale, meaning that the positive impact of this activity was highly appreciated. Conclusions: Aquagym lessons are perceived as both an effective form of exercise for health improvement and a means of socialization. The outcomes of the study highlight the opportunity to continuously promote and develop gymnastics in the aquatic environment as an accessible and enjoyable form of physical activity for all ages. Full article

Fitness instructors play an essential role in fitness services, as they require both technical and interpersonal skills. A good image of a fitness instructor can be defined as having a pleasant appearance and good presentation in terms of hygiene and/or clothing used, which is appropriate for the context and characteristics of the participants. Their image significantly influences participants’ perceptions and satisfaction. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between Romania and Portugal regarding the quality of services offered within group fitness classes, focusing on instructors. It involved 133 group fitness instructors and 210 participants from Romania and Portugal. An adaptation of the Szumilewicz questionnaire was used to assess the importance of the different attributes of the fitness instructor’s image. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and effect size to compare perceptions between countries and groups. Romanian instructors and participants generally attributed more importance to the fitness instructor’s image compared to their Portuguese counterparts. Significant differences were found in attributes like physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. Instructors tended to overestimate the importance of their image compared to participants. The fitness instructor’s image is crucial in determining participant satisfaction and the perceptions of service quality. The innovative aspect of this study lies in its intercultural comparison, which highlights how cultural context influences the perception of a fitness instructor’s attributes, such as physical fitness, technical execution, and communication. The practical application of these findings lies in the suggestion that fitness professionals should tailor their approach, balancing technical skills and interpersonal communication to align with the cultural expectations of their participants. This culturally sensitive approach is essential for enhancing participant satisfaction and improving the overall quality of fitness services. Full article

Despite the rapid expansion of China’s RV (recreational vehicle) tourism industry, research on RV tourist behavior remains limited. This study develops an extended model of goal-directed behavior (EMGB) that more comprehensively explains the formation of tourists’ intentions to engage in RV tourism. The EMGB incorporates critical factors, including the perception of infection (PI), social media influence (SM), infrastructure perception (IP), and perceived advantages of drive tourism (PAD), into the original goal-directed behavior model (MGB). Results from a survey involving 545 RV tourists reveal that the EMGB achieves a satisfactory fit with the data and explains a larger proportion of variance in behavioral intentions. Notably, all variables within the original MGB remain significant predictors of both desire and intention. Furthermore, this study identifies factors such as Time and Economy capability, age, and region as significant moderators of the decision-making process for RV tourists. These findings offer valuable insights to marketers and governmental bodies, empowering them to make more reasonable decisions and devise strategies that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of RV tourists in the future. Full article

This field study explores construction workers’ perceptions of using a passive shoulder exoskeleton to better understand how to improve its adoption in construction. We provided forty-one construction workers with an exoskeleton to perform their regular work activities for two days. Workers’ feedback of the tool was collected at the end of each day. Two-thirds indicated they would likely or very likely use an exoskeleton if their employer provided it. Participants felt exoskeletons were helpful for specific overhead tasks, such as installing upper tracks, framing and drywalling bulkheads, taping and mudding ceilings, and installing light fixtures. To improve their adoption within the construction industry, exoskeletons should be designed to be compatible with harnesses and toolbelts, be close-fitting to allow working in tight spaces, be easily adjustable (for fit and level of support), be rugged and easy to clean, and should not encumber workers in performing their tasks. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between the motives behind CSR and consumer extra-role behavior, as well as green purchase intention, specifically within the hospitality industry of an emerging market. This study uses two scenario-based experiments with high and low CSR fit contexts to examine how ethical corporate identity moderates the relationship. Both studies examine the impact of customers’ perceptions of a company’s CSR motivation (public-serving or firm-serving), on their extra-role behavior towards the company and intention to make green purchases. This influence is particularly relevant when the company actively communicates its ethical identity. The first study is conducted within a high-fit setting where the company’s locus aligns with its CSR program. In contrast, the second study replicates the research in a low-fit situation. The results indicate that CSR activities have a favorable effect on customer extra-role behavior and green purchasing intention, regardless of the CSR fit contexts. This effect is shown when the company’s ethical stance is known before engaging in CSR activities and when the goal is to serve the firm. Nevertheless, these endeavors demonstrate limited efficacy in prompting such conduct when the organization’s ethical identity remains implicit, even within a context driven by a desire to serve the public. Full article

In the context of the Fashion Apparel Industry 4.0, a transformative evolution is directed towards the Online Apparel Mass Customization (OAMC) strategy, which provides efficient and personalized apparel product solutions to consumers. A critical challenge within this customization process is the determination of sizes. While existing research addresses comfort evaluation in relation to wearer and garment fit, little attention has been given to how garment fit influences the wearer’s body image, which is also an important purchase consideration. This study investigates the impact of garment fit on the wearer’s body scale perception using quantitative research design. A digital dataset of avatars, clothed in varying sizes of T-shirts, were created for the body scale perception experiment, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model was developed to predict the effect of T-shirt fit on body image. With only a small number of garments and body measurements as inputs, the ANN model can accurately predict the body scales of the clothed persons. It was found that the effect of apparel fit on body image varies depending on the wearer’s gender, body size, and shape. This model can be applied to enhance the online garment shopping experience with respect to personalized body image enhancement. Full article

In the evolving landscape of the building sector, the digital sphere is reshaping consumer engagement and purchase behaviors, especially in the sustainability-focused niche of fitness facilities. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and elaboration likelihood model (ELM), this study examines the impact of social media influence (SMI) on purchasing intentions for sustainable fitness services (PISFS) through the mediating role of green building consumption perceptions (GBCPs) and the moderating effect of environmental awareness (EA). To examine the proposed relationships and achieve the objectives of the study, 672 valid responses were collected from professionals and customers in fitness services in Turkey and analyzed using Smart PLS 4. The results of the data analysis revealed that SMI positively impacts PISFS, SMI positively impacts GBCP, GBCP positively impacts PISFS, GBCP plays an effective mediation role between SMI and PISFS, the influence of social media on purchasing intentions for sustainable fitness services is further enhanced at high levels of environmental awareness, and the impact of social media on green building consumption perceptions is further strengthened at higher levels of environmental awareness. This study’s insights call for the building sector, particularly in sustainable fitness facilities, to actively integrate social media strategies and environmental awareness into their marketing and design. Emphasizing green building attributes on digital platforms can significantly influence consumer choices, steering the industry toward a more environmentally conscious and digitally engaged future. Full article

This study seeks to shed light on the changes currently occurring in Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria on the energy transition process by examining the relevant consequences for power plant workers in the green energy market. The main aim of this paper is to explore the impacts of the implemented policies on the labour force of electricity generation stations and to identify learning needs for new skills and competences. Thus, it explores the possibility to achieve a just transition by employing workers from the high-carbon energy sector to the renewable energy sector. Qualitative research was carried out to explore the views and expectancies of the above-mentioned people as well as to trace the perceptions of the stakeholders of the green energy industry. A total of 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the previously mentioned three countries, which also investigated relevant training and upskilling programmes. The findings revealed various types of educational needs and techniques that can be applied by training providers in accordance to the power plant worker’s views as well as the disciplines and specialities of the workforce that are suitable to receive the further fit for attending such programmes. Workers in Greece and Cyprus appeared more optimistic for this possibility compared to Bulgarian workers. Green entrepreneurs were also optimistic but worried for the rate of investments in the green sector. The current findings describe the backdrop that challenges future retraining programmes with regard to achieving just transition policies for this workforce. Full article

The recommended moderate-intensity physical activity per week is 150–300 min for adults and 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for adolescents. However, 81% of adolescents and 23% of adults globally do not meet the recommendations for physical activity. With the increasing business in the fitness industry on the rise, sedentary activities were also seen to be prevalent—especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This study aimed to identify and evaluate factors affecting the perceived behavior of Filipinos to boost physical fitness and lifestyle wellness by incorporating the Theory of Effort Minimization (TEMPA) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). About 565 Filipinos answered a self-administered questionnaire with 54 adapted questions (45 indicators and 9 latent variables). With the use of a convenience sampling approach, valid responses were evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed that self-efficacy, response efficacy, automatic precursors, and controlled precursors significantly and indirectly affect perceived behavior. It was explained how self-efficacy, or one’s ability to perform a specific behavior, connects with response-efficacy, which covers an individual’s perception of the effectiveness of a task, in this case, health-promoting practices. The influence of others on the individual was presented as conscientiousness, neuroticism, and agreeableness. The effect on other people influences an individual’s positive relationship with adaptable behavior for physical activities. Similarly, the effects of other people may influence individuals to perform healthier lifestyles. These precursors had a direct significance with the intention to adapt, which subsequently led to the perceived behavior of Filipinos in boosting physical fitness and lifestyle wellness. The results of this study could be utilized by the fitness industry, government, local government units (LGUs), and private and public institutions. Further implications were discussed both from a theoretical and practical standpoint, which can help to create successful fitness and wellness programs. Finally, the SEM constructs can be modified and extended to evaluate factors affecting perceived behavior to boost physical fitness and lifestyle wellness among other nationalities. Full article

The digital economy has revolutionized industries worldwide, prompting companies to invest in digital technologies to enhance productivity and profitability. However, the successful implementation of these technologies hinges on employees’ perceptions and satisfaction with the digital infrastructure. This paper aims to explore the impact of digital technology satisfaction on overall job satisfaction within the fintech domain. Drawing from the User-Task-Technology fit framework, it investigates the interplay between digital technology satisfaction, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. By aligning technology with task requirements and individual user needs, organizations can foster a positive work environment and improve firm performance. The study employs Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify key requirements for the digital economy in a digital environment. Furthermore, it addresses two research questions related to the selection of variables representing sustainability dimensions and evaluating dependency in digital economy projects under a fintech scope. The findings highlight the importance of digital technology satisfaction in driving employee job satisfaction and overall work experience. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the digital economy and offers insights for managers and organizations seeking to optimize their digital transformation strategies. The study concludes by exploring the digital economy in the context of healthcare services in Africa, specifically focusing on the initiatives led by the World Bank. Full article

The fit between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and luxury is a debated topic and there is limited understanding regarding how the CSR initiatives of a luxury hotel are differently perceived and responded to by customers. The present study analysed the fit between CSR and luxury in China’s luxury hospitality industry by investigating customers’ CSR perceptions as well as their brand attitudes. According to the attribution of CSR motives, this study classified consumers’ four CSR perceptions, including CSR washing, corporate hypocrisy, corporate citizenship, and shared value creation. An experimental study was implemented with 400 luxury customers. It was found that when the CSR information of a hotel was disclosed by advertisements, participants reported stronger perceptions of CSR washing and corporate hypocrisy as well as weaker perceptions of corporate citizenship and shared value creation than when the CSR information was disclosed by media reports. Different CSR perceptions were found to differently influence customers’ brand attitudes. Their brand attitudes were positively influenced by the perceptions of corporate citizenship and shared value creation and were negatively influenced by the perceptions of CSR washing and corporate hypocrisy. In view of this, the present study argued that the fit between CSR and luxury in the hospitality industry is associated with whether consumers perceive CSR initiatives positively or negatively. Full article

The Wearable Internet of Medical Things (WIoMT) is a collective term for all wearable medical devices connected to the internet to facilitate the collection and sharing of health data such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and more. Standard wearable devices include smartwatches and fitness bands. This evolving phenomenon due to the IoT has become prevalent in managing health and poses severe security and privacy risks to personal information. For better implementation, performance, adoption, and secured wearable medical devices, observing users’ perception is crucial. This study examined users’ perspectives of trust in the WIoMT while also exploring the associated security risks. Data analysed from 189 participants indicated a significant variance (R² = 0.553) on intention to use WIoMT devices, which was determined by the significant predictors (95% Confidence Interval; p < 0.05) perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived security and privacy. These were found to have important consequences, with WIoMT users intending to use the devices based on the trust factors of usefulness, easy to use, and security and privacy features. Further outcomes of the study identified how users’ security matters while adopting the WIoMT and provided implications for the healthcare industry to ensure regulated devices that secure confidential data. Full article