Characterization and Expression Analysis of Sugar Transporters through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) Revealed Their Role in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important economic crops in the world. By controlling the transport and distribution of photosynthetic products between cells and organs, sugar transporters are widely involved in growth and development, environmental adaptation, and microbial interactions. The present study was carried out at the genome-wide level to systematically characterize sugar transporters. As a result, 50 MST, 3 SUT, and 29 SWEET genes were identified and classified. The expression pattern of sugar transporters in pepper was analyzed by transcriptomic data. The expression properties of sugar transporters were further explored in pepper varieties with significant differences in weight, shape, and pungency. It was shown that the pepper sugar transporter genes had obvious spatiotemporal specific expression characteristics and exhibited variety-specific expression preferences. We focus on analyzing candidate genes that may be involved in fruit development and expansion. We further explore the response of pepper sugar transporters to adversity stress using a structural equation model. Finally, we found that the MST, SUT, and SWEET families are collectively involved in balancing pepper resistance to abiotic stress by coordinating the expression strengths of different family members. Our study may contribute to the functional study of pepper sugar transporter genes and create the prospect of utilizing sugar transporter gene resources to improve pepper variety.

Effectiveness of public health spending: Investigating the moderating role of governance using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

BACKGROUND: The link between public health spending (PHS) and population health outcomes (PHO) has been extensively studied. However, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the moderating effects of governance in this relationship are little known. Furthermore, studies have focused on mortality as the main health outcome. This study contributes to this literature by investigating the moderating role of governance in the relationship by simultaneously assessing three dimensions of governance (corruption control, government effectiveness and voice accountability) using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) as a measure of outcomes. METHODS: The study applies the two-stage moderation approach using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to panel data from 43 SSA nations from 2013 to 2019. The study also uses domestic general government health expenditure (DGGHE) as an independent variable and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) as the dependent variable in this relationship. RESULTS: The analysis reveals that DGGHE affects DALY negatively and that governance improves the effect of DGGHE on DALY, with bigger improvements among countries with worse governance. CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence that good governance is crucial to the effectiveness of PHS in SSA nations. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries should improve governance to improve population health.

Actual uptake pursuance analysis of certification examination among industrial engineers in the Philippines: A TPB-PVT approach.

The demand for Industrial Engineers across the globe is significantly increasing and professional certifications give advantage in the job marketplace. The Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) - Industrial Engineering Certification Board facilitates the conferment of the Certified Industrial Engineer (CIE) in the Philippines. The goal of this study was to determine the factors affecting the intention IEs in the Philippines to take the CIE examination using an integration of the Perceived Value Theory and the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior. The research data were collected through an online distributed survey questionnaire to 690 graduating students and graduates from private and public universities across the Philippines. Employing a variance-based partial least squares structural equation modeling, the different significant variables and factors were assessed holistically. It was seen that attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and understanding of the CIE examination have significant positive effects to intent to take the CIE examination and becoming a CIE. The perceived benefits and positive emotions brought by becoming a CIE significantly affects the attitude and behavior. This study also confirmed that the higher the perceived return on investment, the more the IEs will take the CIE examination. Moreover, demographic characteristics were identified to correlate and are significant among different variables. As a reflection, the findings and the integrated framework can be utilized in future studies related to development, career pathing, lifelong learning, and other related professional education.

Participatory irrigation management, social capital, and efficiency in rice production. Understanding the linkage in the case of irrigated rice farms in Northern Thailand.

Enforcement of rules to increase farmers' involvement in participatory irrigation management (PIM) has been ineffective given the non-exclusivity nature of surface irrigation. In this study, we investigated the interrelationship of the social capital's role in higher participation in PIM and the effects towards farmers' efficiency using the case of rice farmers in Northern Thailand. We found that higher intention to participate in PIM collective activities is largely driven by the water user's social capital endowments. Farmers' efficiency level is positively associated with PIM participation and the condition of the collective irrigation management. Our findings suggest the importance of complementing current government efforts with policy interventions focusing on strengthening water user groups' social capital, such as improving group cohesion and their capacity for networking in compensating for various impediments faced by farmers.

Summarizing physical performance in professional soccer: development of a new composite index.

The aims of this study were to create a composite index to measure the overall players' physical performance in professional soccer matches and analyze the effect of individual playing time and positional differences on this composite index. A total of 830 official matches from LaLiga men's first division and Spanish Copa del Rey were analyzed, which resulted in 24,980 match observations collected from 1138 male players (forwards, n = 286; midfielders, n = 441; defenders, n = 411). The physical performance variables, which represent the locomotor demands, were collected using electronic performance tracking systems. A Partial Least-Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used to measure performance. The PLS-SEM output had three significant latent components, which explained 95% of the initial variability, that were related to the acceleration-specific performance (component 1), high-intensity running-related variables (component 2), and medium intensity actions variables (component 3). Also, a linear regression analysis was used to explore relationships between playing activity time (hours-X axis) and the composite index (10-point scale-Y axis), in which a strong and positive correlation was observed between individual playing time and the composite index (r = 0.76; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.58). Also, significant positive correlations were observed in forwards (r = 0.85; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.74), midfielders (r = 0.80; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.64), and defenders (r = 0.67; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.45). However, significant differences between playing positions with a small effect size (p < 0.05; eta-squared = 0.01) were found. From a practical perspective, this study may serve as a reference for sports performance practitioners to create a composite index that measures the overall players' physical performance. The instructions to create this index are available in the manuscript.

Eating Macro-Algae (Seaweed): Understanding Factors Driving New Zealand Consumers' Willingness to Eat and Their Perceived Trust towards Country of Origin.

Macro-algae is an umbrella term for seaweed, which is an important ingredient in many novel food products in New Zealand and other Australasian countries. While attitudes, consumption motivation, knowledge, and socio-demographic consumer profiles have been investigated in specific countries in the region, consumer behavior such as willingness to eat and factors driving this behavior have not yet been explored. Therefore, the present study fills this research gap in a New Zealand context and explores predictors of New Zealand consumers' willingness to eat macro-algae and their perceived trust towards the countries of origin of these products. The symbolic value of food, health importance, food safety concerns, and food fussiness were the factors under investigation. The work builds on an online questionnaire and a sample of 437 consumers mirroring the New Zealand population in terms of gender, age, and annual household income. Data were collected through an opt-in panel provider in November 2023. The data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and partial least square structural equation modeling. Results show that health importance and food fussiness tendencies are the strongest predictors of willingness to eat and trustworthiness of the two countries of origin. Best practice recommendations for marketing managers in New Zealand food retail are provided.

Emotional analysis of multiplayer online battle arena games addiction.

Introduction: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games have garnered widespread popularity as a form of recreational activity. The launch of League of Legends (LoL), a prominent MOBA game, has captivated the enthusiastic pursuit of gamers in the MOBA community. The surge in MOBA game fervor, coupled with the influence of personal emotions, can result in excessive engagement, ultimately leading to addiction. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the moderating effects of visceral perception, behavior, and reflection on game players' addiction within the framework of Leisure Theory (LT), Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT), and Emotional Design Theory (EDT). Methods: A hypothesized theoretical model was developed and empirically evaluated based on 236 self-reported validated responses from MOBA gamers. SPSS (version 26) was employed for demographic analysis and game duration analysis. The measurement model and structural model analyses were conducted in two stages using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4.1.0 to validate the nine theoretical hypotheses. Results: It has been observed that personal emotions significantly contributes to MOBA game addiction during gamers' leisure time or moments of gratification. Specifically, a noteworthy connection exists between two dimensions, namely gamers' behavior and reflection, demonstrating a positive correlation with gaming addiction. Without taking entertainment as a motivating factor, there is no significant relationship between gamers' leisure-time and visceral perception. Conclusion: This study enhances the theoretical model of gamers' behavioral motives in engaging with MOBA gaming and contributes to the expansion of research on game addiction theory. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights for emotional design in games and the design of mechanisms for preventing game addiction.

Investigating industry 4.0 technologies in logistics 4.0 usage towards sustainable manufacturing supply chain.

In the era of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), automation and data analysis have undergone significant advancements, greatly impacting production management and operations management. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, cloud computing (CC), and big data, have played a crucial role in shaping Logistics 4.0 (L4.0) and improving the efficiency of the manufacturing supply chain (SC), ultimately contributing to sustainability goals. The present research investigates the role of I4.0 technologies within the framework of the extended theory of planned behavior (ETPB). The research explores various variables including subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavior control, leading to word-of-mouth, and purchase intention. By modeling these variables, the study aims to understand the influence of I4.0 technologies on L4.0 to establish a sustainable manufacturing SC. A questionnaire was administered to gather input from small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in the manufacturing industry. An empirical study along with partial least squares structural equation modeling (SEM), was conducted to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the use of I4.0 technology in L4.0 influences subjective norms, which subsequently influence attitudes and personal behavior control. This, in turn, leads to word-of-mouth and purchase intention. The results provide valuable insights for shippers and logistics service providers empowering them to enhance their performance and contribute to achieving sustainability objectives. Consequently, this study contributes to promoting sustainability in the manufacturing SC by stimulating the adoption of I4.0 technologies in L4.0.

Investigating key latent factors influencing alcohol consumption among the tribal male adolescents in Dooars region, West Bengal.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption among tribal male adolescents in India is a significant social concern. Tribal adolescents are particularly vulnerable and tend to lean toward alcohol addiction. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce some necessary footsteps to reduce alcohol consumption. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the association of various latent factors with the alcohol-drinking behavior of tribal adolescents. METHODS: The study collected data from 600 tribal adolescents from the Dooars region, with 241 of them reported consuming alcohol. The study aimed to confirm the theoretical development of hypotheses regarding peer pressure, parental discord, stress, attitude toward alcohol, and food insecurity as exogenous latent factors influencing the alcohol-drinking behavior of tribal adolescents. In this context, the study adopted both measurement and structural models using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant path relationship between alcohol drinking behavior and various exogenous factors like peer pressure (ß = 0.214, p = .000), parental discord (ß = 0.121, p = .009), stress (ß = 0.170, p = .000), attitude toward alcohol (ß = 0.110, p = .004), and food insecurity (ß = 0.510, p = .000). This study developed a reflective measurement model, and the evaluation of reflective measurement models was conducted, assessing internal consistency, convergent validity, and discriminant validity, yielding satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: To tackle alcohol issues among tribal adolescents in the Dooars region, effective strategies should be employed. These include educating in schools, highlighting tribal role models, aiding peers with alcohol dependence, providing life skills training, and addressing parental discord and food insecurity through awareness campaigns, workshops, and better infrastructure.

Microbial mechanisms for improved soil phosphorus mobilization in monoculture conifer plantations by mixing with broadleaved trees.

Replanting broadleaved trees in monoculture conifer plantations has been shown to improve the ecological environment. However, not much is known about the distribution properties of soil phosphate-mobilizing bacteria (PMB) under different mixed plantings or how PMB affects biometabolism-driven phosphorus (P) bioavailability. The phoD and pqqC genes serve as molecular markers of PMB because they regulate the mobilization of organic (Po) and inorganic (Pi) P. Differences in soil bioavailable P concentration, phoD- and pqqC-harboring PMB communities, and their main regulators were analyzed using biologically-based P (BBP) and high-throughput sequencing approaches after combining coniferous trees (Pinus massoniana) and five individual broadleaved trees (Bretschneidera sinensis, Michelia maudiae, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Manglietia conifera, and Camellia oleifera). The findings revealed that the contents of litter P, soil organic carbon (SOC), available Pi (CaCl2-P), and labile Po (Enzyme-P) were significantly higher in conifer-broadleaf mixed plantations than those in the monospecific Pinus massoniana plantations (PM), especially in the mixed stands with the introduction of Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Michelia maudiae, and Camellia oleifera. Conifer-broadleaf mixing had little effect on the abundance of phoD and pqqC genes but significantly altered species composition within the communities. Conifer-broadleaf mixing improved soil microbial habitat mainly by increasing the pH, increasing carbon source availability and nutrient content, decreasing exchangeable Fe3+ and Al3+ content, and decreasing the activation degrees of Fe and Al oxides in acidic soils. A small group of taxa (phoD: Bradyrhizobium, Tardiphaga, Nitratireductor, Mesorhizobium, Herbaspirillum, and Ralstonia; pqqC: Burkholderia, Variovorax, Bradyrhizobium, and Leptothrix) played a key role in the synthesis of P-related enzymes (e.g., alkaline phosphomonoesterase, ALP) and in lowering the levels of mineral-occluded (HCl-P) and chelated (Citrate-P) Pi. Overall, our findings highlight that mixing conifers and broadleaves could change the PMB communities that produce ALP and dissolve Pi to make P more bioavailable.

The Multiple Promoting Effects of Suaeda glauca Root Exudates on the Growth of Alfalfa under NaCl Stress.

Under abiotic stress, plant root exudates can improve plant growth performance. However, studies on the effect of root exudates on the stress resistance of another plant are insufficient. In this study, root exudates (REs) were extracted from Suaeda glauca to explore their effect on alfalfa seedlings under salt stress. The results showed that the plant height and fresh weight of alfalfa significantly increased by 47.72% and 53.39% after 7 days of RE treatment at a 0.4% NaCl concentration. Under 1.2% salt stress, REs reduced the Malondialdehyde content in alfalfa by 30.14% and increased the activity of its antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and catalase) and the content of its osmotic regulators (soluble sugar and proline) by 60.68%, 52%, 45.67%, and 38.67%, respectively. Soil enzyme activity and the abundance of soil-beneficial bacteria were increased by REs. Spearman analysis showed that urease and neutral phosphatase were related to the richness of beneficial bacteria. Redundancy analysis confirmed that urease affected the composition of the soil bacterial community. The partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) revealed that REs had a direct positive effect on alfalfa growth under salt stress by regulating the plant's injury and antioxidant systems, and the soil bacterial community had an indirect positive effect on alfalfa growth through soil enzyme activity.

From Stress to Screen: Understanding Cyberloafing through Cognitive and Affective Pathways.

This investigation delves into the pervasive yet insufficiently examined phenomenon of "cyberloafing", characterized by employees engaging in non-work-related internet activities during office hours. Despite its frequent occurrence in contemporary work environments, the fundamental mechanisms underpinning cyberloafing remain largely uncharted. This study uses the conservation of resources theory and the cognitive-affective personality system framework to demystify the relationship between role stress and cyberloafing. We developed a dual-path model to assess the mediating roles of perceived insider status and emotional exhaustion. Employing SPSS and Smart PLS for data analysis, our research sampled 210 corporate employees. The findings reveal that role stress predicts perceived insider status and emotional exhaustion significantly. Notably, while perceived insider status negatively correlates with cyberloafing, emotional exhaustion shows a positive correlation. These factors mediate the relationship between role stress and cyberloafing, underscoring a multifaceted dynamic. Our results provide new theoretical insights into the mechanisms of employee counterproductive behavior, specifically in the context of cyberloafing, and broaden our understanding of its determinants. This study illuminates theoretical nuances and offers practical implications for managerial strategies and future scholarly inquiries into organizational behavior.

Investigating important and necessary conditions to analyse traffic noise levels at intersections in mid-sized cities.

Traffic noise is a major problem for urban residents, especially near intersections. In order to effectively manage and control traffic noise, there is a need for a better understanding of noise-influencing variables at intersections. In this way, the study aims to identify and distinguish the important and necessary conditions corresponding to the particular traffic noise level. Using 342 h of field data from 19 intersections in Kanpur, the current research has used the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). The study determines that traffic volume, honking, speed, and median width are important factors. Traffic volume and honking are positively affecting traffic noise level, while speed and median width have a negative effect. Further investigation reveals that only traffic volume and honking are necessary to achieve a particular traffic noise level. Policymakers can use these findings to manage and control traffic noise at intersections.

Determinants of the transition towards circular economy in SMEs: a sustainable supply chain management perspective.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) increasingly know the benefits of improving resource efficiency and closing loops. These benefits include lowering material costs, establishing competitive advantages, and gaining access to new markets. As a consequence of implementing new regulations, manufacturing companies, particularly those in the automobile industry, are compelled to modify and change their business practices related to the circular economy (CE). More stringent the implementation of environmentally responsible policies and strengthening environmental regulations. CE is the most important factor in improving environmental conditions since it reduces waste and boosts output. This facet calls for the attention of fresh academics and policymakers with years of relevant expertise. Recent studies have investigated how green logistics management might improve a company's overall performance in terms of environmental responsibility. However, we believe that the connection between environmentally responsible companies is not a direct one but rather one that is mediated by the practices of circular economies. We investigate the direct and indirect effects of the environmentally responsible impact of proper logistics management on organizations' overall environmental performance via the application of circular economy practices. Our theoretical underpinnings are the resource-based viewpoint and the resource dependence theory. This research also investigates whether or not the traceability of the supply chain has a mitigating influence on the connections. We evaluated the hypotheses using the PLS-SEM method, drawing on the empirical data provided by 245 Chinese factories considered modest or medium size. The results demonstrate that the management of green logistics has a constructive effect on circular economy practices and businesses' sustainability performance. In addition, although it greatly impacts circular economy practice among SMEs, supply chain traceability does not attenuate the connection between eco-friendly supply chain management and environmental impact. Green logistics management in SMEs is linked to improved sustainability performance via the circular economy practice. To further verify the efficacy of the mediation, we also ran the sober test. Our results strengthen knowledge of circular economy, environmentally friendly logistics management practices, and sustainability performance while advancing natural resource-based planning and the resource dependence theory, which are the two approaches. Given the scarcity of information research analyzing the interplay between these factors, our results are very significant.

COVID-19 home remedy consumption and perceived effectiveness among adult population in Brunei Darussalam: a PLS-SEM approach.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 affects the respiratory system and causes severe acute respiratory infections. Several cultures have influenced the use of home remedies to ease mild symptoms of COVID-19 sometimes alongside conventional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the usage of COVID-19 home remedies among the adult population in Brunei. METHODS: The study design was a cross-sectional study using an online survey and distributed nationwide. The statistical analysis of the data included descriptive statistics describing the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents, their experience with COVID-19 infection, consumption of general home remedies and COVID-19 home remedy, their practice of COVID-19 home remedy use, and their attitude towards the general use of home remedy. Sub-group analysis including Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test was computed for the variables in relation to the COVID-19 home remedy use and the perceived effectiveness of the types of home remedy. Multivariate analysis including Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to determine the correlations between the factors and outcomes measured. P-value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a total of 864 eligible responses included in the study. The primary findings showed COVID-19 home remedy was used by 72.2% of the study participants. Most frequently used types of COVID-19 home remedy were cloves (37%), lemon (37%), and honey (23%). There was an infrequent usage of coconut (4.6%), eucalyptus oil (3.7%), habbatussauda (3.5%), traditional/ herbal cough syrup (2.4%), and turmeric (2.2%). The PLS-SEM demonstrated that 'Experience' appears to be a central endogenous variable that affects the decision on the use of COVID-19 home remedy. This relationship is mediated by 'Safety', 'Source', and 'Opinion' which have significant contributions to the outcome, accounting for 98.2% of the variance explained (R-square = 0.982). CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of this study establishes the baseline prevalence of COVID-19 home remedy consumption among Bruneian residents and compared the previous study on Brunei's general use of traditional medicine. The present findings could help nurses and other healthcare professionals in Brunei understand the practice of Bruneian adults on the consumption of home remedies for COVID-19.

Instagram influencers attributes and parasocial relationship: A dataset from Qatar.

The dataset investigates how social media influencers' attributes affect followers' parasocial relationship. It also examines the mediating role of the parasocial relationship between the social media influencers' attributes and behavioral intentions. A snowballing sampling technique was used to target Instagram users in Qatar. 574 valid responses were analyzed using Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The data provides descriptive information about the essential Instagram influencers among users in Qatar. It also gives new insight into the influencers' characteristics that will impact consumer behavior the most. The dataset could be very helpful for brands and marketers in Qatar in choosing the most effective influencers. The dataset presents a real value for researchers examining social media consumers behavior specifically in GCC countries context or conducting cross-national comparative studies.

Reimagining Medication Adherence: A Novel Holistic Model for Hypertension Therapy.

Purpose: Patients' adherence to the prescribed therapy is influenced by several personal and social factors. However, existing studies have mostly focused on individual aspects. We took a holistic approach to develop a higher-level impact factor model. Patients and Methods: In this independent, non-interventional, cross-sectional and anonymous study design the pharmacist recruited patients who entered the pharmacy and handed in a prescription for a blood pressure medication. The patients received a paper questionnaire with a stamped return envelope to volunteer participation. A total of 476 patients in Germany who reported having at least high normal blood pressure according to the Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines were surveyed. In this study, each patient received an average of 2.49 antihypertensive prescriptions and 7.9% of all patients received a fixed-dose combination. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed for model analytics since it enables robust analysis of complex relationships. Results: Emotional attitude, behavioral control, and therapy satisfaction directly explained 65% of therapy adherence. The predictive power of the out-of-sample model for the Q2-statistic was significant. The patient's overall therapy satisfaction determined medication adherence. The medication scheme's complexity also influenced the adherence levels. Therapy satisfaction was significantly shaped by the complexity of the medication scheme, behavioral control, and emotional attitude. The results demonstrated the superior performance of fixed-dose combinations against combinations of mono-agents according to the adherence level. Additionally, patient-physician and patient-pharmacist relationships influenced behavioral control of medication therapy execution. According to the A14-scale to measure the level of adherence, 49.6% of patients were classified as adherent and the remainder as non-adherent. Conclusion: The results enable healthcare stakeholders to target attractive variables for intervention to achieve maximum effectiveness. Moreover, the proven predictive power of the model framework enables clinicians to make predictions about the adherence levels of their hypertensive patients.

Developing a success model of a social student relationship management system.

Social media's significance in higher education has increased due to its capacity to enhance participation, communication, teamwork, and information sharing. Important notifications, updates, and reminders can be promptly received by all members of the university community, assuring that information is shared with everyone. The objective of this study is to develop a model for a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in higher education that is based on social media and intends to increase student satisfaction, loyalty, and profitability. It blends the idea of trust with Delone Mclean success model. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to evaluate the data that was gathered from 606 Jordanian private university students via an online survey. The findings demonstrated that user satisfaction affects social media usage and that system quality, information quality, service quality, and trust must all be considered to attain user satisfaction. This study examines how to create a CRM system based on social media in Jordanian universities. The study makes significant contribution to the development criteria for evaluating social media-based CRM systems in higher education institutions, and its broad conceptual model cloud be expanded and tested in future studies. This study is the first to investigate the use of social media to develop a CRM system for Jordanian universities. This is a novel study, and the work significantly create a set of criteria for evaluating social media-driven CRM systems in higher education. The study's expansive the model may serve as the base for more research in this field.

Strategy development to increase consumer intention of purchasing prescription drugs through e-pharmacy in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to obtain health products and services from home. Similar to other e-commerce, medicines are bought online and delivered using a courier service. OBJECTIVE: By being fully concerned to patient safety, this study aims to determine development strategies to increase intention in purchasing prescription drugs through e-pharmacy. METHODS: Two stages of measurement are employed in this study, namely confirmatory factor analyis using PLS-SEM and pairwise comparison using AHP method. To discover consumer perception in using e-pharmacy, the basic model of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is employed with several extensions. RESULTS: The results of PLS-SEM express that Trust has a major role as an intervening variable to enhance the indirect effect of Subjective Norms and Perceived Values on Purchase Intention. In general, PLS-SEM structural model is declared "fit" (GFI = 0.93 ≥ 0.90; RMSEA = 0.045 ≤ 0.08; SRMR = 0.033 ≤ 0.05). Measurement model test proves that all selected indicators are valid to represent their related constructs (Loading Factor ≥ 0.50), and all selected constructs are reliable to build the whole path model (CR ≥ 0.7; AVE ≥ 05). Meanwhile, the results of AHP indicate that strengthening government policies and regulations is prioritized to increase consumer intention of purchasing prescription drugs through e-pharmacy, followed by protection of user confidential data in the second place. Those two eigenvectors are 0.236 and 0.185 respectively. CONCLUSION: Future research is suggested to add perceived risk as latent variable in the study of consumer behavior for any high-risk products.

Bookkeeping practices and SME performance: The intervening role of owners' accounting skills.

Aside from statutory requirements, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) hardly take into consideration reliable accounting systems. Therefore, poor and ineffective bookkeeping has contributed to the collapse of some SMEs. This paper examines the intervening role of owners' accounting skills in the relationship between bookkeeping practices and the performance of SMEs in the Ho Municipal Assembly of Ghana using a sample of 296 SMEs. In a structural equation modelling (SEM) framework, the Smart Partial Least Squares (Smart-PLS) software is employed to analyse the relationships between owners' accounting skills, bookkeeping practices, and the performance of SMEs. We find that bookkeeping practices and owners' accounting skills have significant positive effects on the performance of SMEs. Most importantly, we show the existence of a significant indirect relationship between bookkeeping practices and SME performance such that owners' accounting skills positively intervenes the relationship between bookkeeping practices and SME performance. Thus, in the presence of higher owners' accounting skills, the relationship between bookkeeping and the performance of SMEs is strengthened further. In a typical emerging economy context, while appropriate regulatory bodies, such as the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), in the Ghanaian context, and local revenue collection authorities could put forth measures like periodic compliance audits to ensure that registered SMEs are managed by skilled personnel, fostering them to meet basic requirements for keeping records and managing their accounts to improve their performance, it is worth acknowledging that the onus lies on SME managers to recognise the relevance of good recordkeeping and account management practices to ensure sustained business performance.