This paper presents simple analytical approaches for evaluating progressive collapse potential of lowand mid-rise buildings that could be used in routine design by design professionals. Although nonlinear time history analysis would be more realistic in representing progressive collapse phenomenon, high fidelity structural models to represent nonlinear structural behavior are required to produc...

This study aims to explore the causal relationship between e-word-of-mouth (e-WOM) and its influence on purchase decisions through structural equation modeling (SEM). Five constructs were formulated through literature review: expertise, search extent, own experience, trustworthiness, and e-WOM effect. Results of this study show that four constructs all have positive influence on e-WOM effect, a...

The present study first aimed to construct a coactivation model that integrates cognitive and motivational variables that determine an individual’s conscious humor experience. It then aimed to test the model’s reliability, validity, and generalizability. As part of the study, 16 (out of 48) four-frame cartoons were randomly presented to 201 (42 male and 159 female) high school students and 302 ...

This chapter presents a review of applications of structural equation modeling (SEM) published in psychological research journals in recent years. We focus first on the variety of research designs and substantive issues to which SEM can be applied productively. We then discuss a number of methodological problems and issues of concern that characterize some of this literature. Although it is cle...

Because of the global warming and the rising sea level, residents living in southwestern coastland, Taiwan are faced with the submerged land and may move to higher elevation area. It is desirable to discuss the key consideration factor for selecting the migration location under five dimensions of security”, “health”, “convenience”, “comfort” and “socio-economic” based on the document reviews. T...

Despite a steady supply of equipment and continuous training, teachers’ use of computers for instruction seems to be limited. Whether the problem is due to teachers’ ability or usage of computers for instruction is not well understood. In order to better understand the role of ability and usage in technology integration, teachers’ proficiency of technology integration was evaluated by separate ...

In this contribution the principles behind Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) are presented. SEM is used for assessing the quality of models that are proposed on the basis of theory and experience. This contribution has an introductory level.

Brain-behavior associations in fMRI studies are typically restricted to a single level of analysis: either a circumscribed brain region-of-interest (ROI) or a larger network of brain regions. However, this common practice may not always account for the interdependencies among ROIs of the same network or potentially unique information at the ROI-level, respectively. To account for both sources o...

When applying structural equation modeling (SEM) technique for analytical procedures, various issues are involved. These issues may concern sample size, overall fit indices and approach. Initiates of SEM may find it somewhat daunting in resolving these technical issues. The purpose of this paper is to highlight key issues in adopting SEM technique and various approaches available. This paper pr...

This study examined pre-service teachers’ self-reported intention to use technology by employing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the research framework. One hundred and fifty-seven participants completed a survey questionnaire measuring their responses to four constructs in the TPB. These were administered at the beginning of the course in which technology was taught and used. Structura...