Evaluation of a safety-engineered peripherally inserted intravenous catheter with multiple access blood control: clinician acceptability and ease of use.

AIM: Acceptability of a new safety-engineered peripherally inserted intravenous catheter (PIVC) with multiple access blood control (MBC) was evaluated in this observational study by experienced volunteer clinicians on healthy volunteers. METHODS: Clinicians and healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. Observers documented study procedures, including if there was any blood leakage from the catheter hub at various times during hub connections and disconnections and how many attempts it took a clinician to get a successful stick. Clinicians responded to yes-or-no and Likert-scale questionnaires describing their experiences with PIVC with MBC after each procedure. Questionnaire data were summarized by frequency and percent of responses; analyses were conducted using binomial statistics. RESULTS: Overall, clinicians considered PIVC with MBC to be acceptable (93.6% agreement). Clinicians were able to easily remove the catheter protective cap, insert the catheter, visualize primary and secondary flashbacks, easily remove the needle from the catheter hub and determine if the safety clip was activated after withdrawing the needle. In addition, they were able to connect or disconnect and flush extension sets. Clinicians did not have to change their insertion technique, found the catheter easy to insert, and believed the catheter would protect them from blood exposure during insertion of the catheter and subsequent hub accesses (agreement ranged from 82.3% to 98.9%). CONCLUSIONS: No blood leakage was observed from the catheter hub at any time during the procedures. Overall, clinicians found the new PIVC with MBC to be acceptable, easy to use, and functioned properly. HIGHLIGHTS: Acceptability, usability, and ease of use of a new safety-engineered PIVC with MBC was evaluated. PIVC with MBC was >93% acceptable: prevented blood exposure after multiple insertions/removals. Most clinicians (96%) achieved first stick success when using their product. PIVC with MBC was easy to use, worked properly and allowed clinicians to keep their PIVC technique.

Links between ease of use, perceived usefulness and attitudes towards technology in older people in university: A structural equation modelling approach.

Technological resources have the potential to improve the quality of life in a context in which social pressure for the use of these tools is increasing. In this sense, the adoption of technological resources by the elderly is a highly complex issue because numerous and varied factors are involved. Precisely for this reason, this study aims to analyze the effects that exist between a series of dimensions related to the perception of older people regarding the ease of use, the perceived usefulness of technological tools, attitudes towards technology and their intention to use them in everyday life. To do this, 415 adults (M = 66.27 years) enrolled in a program at the University of Experience in the Spanish context completed an online questionnaire. The application of a Structural Equations Model for data analysis highlights that the perceived ease of use of the technology has a positive effect on the perceived usefulness of these resources. Similarly, an indirect effect of the perceived usefulness of technology on the intention to use these resources is observed through the manifestation of positive attitudes towards the use of digital tools.

Exploring non-linear relationships between perceived interactivity or interface design and acceptance of collaborative web-based learning.

The novelty of this study is in developing a conceptual model for predicting the non-linear relationships between human-computer interaction factors and ease of use and usefulness of collaborative web-based learning or e-learning. Ten models (logarithmic, inverse, quadratic, cubic, compound, power, s-curve, growth, exponential, and logistic) were examined as functions of effects compared to linear relationships to see which was the most appropriate, based on R2, adjusted R2 and SEE values. To answer the addressed questions, the researcher surveyed 103 students from Kadir Has University about the perceived interface and interactivity of e-learning. The results show that most of the hypotheses formulated for this purpose have been proven. Our analysis shows that cubic models (the relationship between ease of use and usefulness, visual design, course environment, learner-interface interactivity, and course evaluation system and ease of use), quadratic models (the relationship between visual design, and system quality and usefulness, course structure and content, course environment, and system quality and ease of use), logarithmic model (the relationship between course evaluation system and usefulness), and s-curve models (learner-interface interactivity, navigation, and course structure and content and usefulness) performed better in the description for the correlations. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10639-023-11635-6.

Impact of teacher-student interaction on students' classroom well-being under online education environment.

The students' classroom well-being of college students has been widely concerned in online education researches. In order to implement effectively online education in colleges and universities, based on person-context interaction theory, this study investigates a theoretical model of the impact of teacher-student interaction, sound richness, sound pleasure, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on students' classroom well-being. By surveying 349 college students receiving online education, the research hypotheses are tested by the structural equation model approach. Research results show that: teacher-student interaction, sound richness, sound pleasure, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness appreciably improve students' classroom well-being, the sound richness and the students' perceived ease of use can moderate the effect of teacher-student interaction on students' classroom well-being. Finally some pedagogical implications are discussed.

An extended hedonic motivation adoption model of TikTok in higher education.

As information technologies develop, social networking services have gradually gained attention from both researchers and practitioners. However, little is known about the technology adoption of social networking from the perspective of hedonic motivation. For this purpose, this study applied the hedonic motivation system adoption model (HMSAM) to TikTok and incorporated two innovative factors, i.e., perceived boredom and personal innovativeness. Via structural equation modeling (SEM), this study used SmartPLS 4.0.8 to analyze 246 valid responses from Chinese university students via an online survey. The results showed that the research model was adequate for the adoption of TikTok. Curiosity and perceived boredom significantly mediated the positive relationships between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention. Additionally, the educational level moderated the relationship between joy and focused immersion. The results of this study provided insights for future researchers and innovative teaching. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10639-023-11749-x.

The roles of individual differences in time perspective, promotion focus, and innovativeness: Testing technology acceptance model.

The goal of this study is to examine the roles of Zimbardo's time perspective along with other individual differences such as promotion focus and innovativeness in perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude toward SNSs (social networking sites) in the technology acceptance model (TAM). A total of 234 participants joined this online study in South Korea. As predicted, past positive time perspective (TP) positively affected promotion focus and innovativeness, whereas past negative TP negatively affected them. Present hedonic TP positively affected innovativeness, and present fatalistic TP negatively affected promotion focus each. Future TP also positively related to promotion focus and innovativeness. In addition, simple and serial mediation effects of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness independently and sequentially mediated the impact of TP on attitude toward SNSs. By considering TP along with promotion focus and innovativeness in conjunction with beliefs in the TAM, this study identifies psychological underpinnings of how individual differences affect technology adoption attitude and behavior. Research implications and future research suggestions will be discussed in detail.

Defining and characterizing task-shifting medical devices.

BACKGROUND: Task shifting could help address limited human resources available for the delivery of quality health care services in low-resource settings. However, the role of medical devices in supporting task shifting is not fully understood. This study aimed to 1) define "task-shifting medical devices" and 2) identify product characteristics to guide the design and development of task-shifting medical devices. A three-part survey questionnaire comprising open-ended, rank-ordering, and multiple-choice questions was disseminated to healthcare professionals worldwide. The survey included questions to capture stakeholders' general understanding of and preferences for task shifting in medicine and public health, and questions to define task-shifting medical devices and identify desirable product characteristics of task-shifting medical devices. RESULTS: Task-shifting medical devices were defined by respondents as "devices that can be used by a less specialized health worker". Aside from safe and effective, both essential characteristics for medical devices, easy to use was the most cited product characteristic for a task-shifting medical device. Responses also emphasized the importance of task-shifting medical devices to enable local agency, such as peer-to-peer training and local maintenance. Several additional frequently mentioned attributes included low cost, contextually appropriate, maintainable, capable of using an alternative power source, easy to understand, easy to learn, reusable, and easy to manage throughout its use cycle. CONCLUSION: This study defines and characterizes task-shifting medical devices based on healthcare professionals' responses. Ease of use was identified as the most important characteristic that defines a task-shifting medical device, alongside safe and effective, and was strongly associated with enabling peer-to-peer training and maintainability. The findings from this study can be used to inform technology product profiles for medical devices used by lower-level cadres of healthcare workers in low-resource settings.

Performance and ease of use of a molecular point-of-care test for influenza A/B and RSV in patients presenting to primary care.

Annual influenza epidemics cause substantial morbidity and mortality, and the majority of patients with influenza-like illness present to primary care. Point-of-care influenza tests could support treatment decisions. It is critical to establish analytic performance of these platforms in real-life patient samples before uptake can be considered. We aimed to assess the analytical performance and ease of use of the cobas® Liat® PCR POCT in detecting influenza A/B and RSV in samples collected from patients with influenza-like illness in primary care. Sensitivity and specificity of the cobas® Liat® POCT are calculated in comparison with a commercial laboratory-based PCR test (Fast-Track Respiratory Pathogens 21 Plus kit (Fast-Track Diagnostics)). Samples with discordant results were analysed additionally by the RespiFinder 2Smart (PathoFinder) using an Extended Gold Standard (EGS). Acceptability was scored on a five-point Likert scale as well as a failure mode analysis of the cobas® Liat® POCT was performed. Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs were obtained from 140 children and nasopharyngeal swabs from 604 adults (744 patients). The cobas® Liat® POCT had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI 99-100%) and 98.1% (95%CI 96.3-99%) for influenza A, 100% (95% CI 97.7-100%) and 99.7% (95%CI 98.7-99.9%) for influenza B and 100% (95% CI 87.1-100%) and 99.4% (95%CI 98.6-99.8%) for RSV, respectively. According to trained lab technicians, the cobas® Liat® POCT was considered easy-to-use, with a fast turn-around-time. Cobas® Liat® POCT is a promising decentralised test platform for influenza A/B and RSV in primary care as it provides fairly rapid results with excellent analytic performance. Point-of-care influenza tests could support treatment decisions in primary care. Cobas® Liat® POCT is a promising decentralised test platform for influenza A/B and RSV in primary care as it provides fairly rapid results with excellent analytic performance.

Assessment of the Intention to Use Mobile Health Applications Using a Technology Acceptance Model in an Israeli Adult Population.

Background: Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have now gained global popularity. However, evaluating the level of their use over time still remains a pertinent challenge. According to the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), perceived ease of use and usefulness predict attitudes toward technology utilization. Together, these factors serve as determinants of behavioral intention to use the technology, which in turn predicts actual use. Purpose: We sought to elucidate factors affecting behavioral intention to use mHealth apps in an Israeli adult population sample. Methods: A modified TAM Likert Scale questionnaire-based survey was offered to 200 participants, with 168 respondents. Results: Sixty one percent of participants reported using mHealth apps on their smartphones, 81% of whom used mHealth apps from health maintenance organization providers. Generation Y participants displayed more confidence with the use of mHealth apps, and were less concerned about compromising the confidentiality of their health records. Furthermore, answers to TAM-related questions among mHealth apps users were significantly more positive, compared with nonuser TAM components that accounted for 51% of the total variance in the intention to use mHealth apps. Discussion: TAM constructs were related to the behavioral intention to continue to use mHealth apps. Health organizations as providers of mHealth apps were strong determinants of their acceptance and utilization. Generational differences in user competence were observed; however, whether user experience or interface design represents the underlying differentials remains to be elucidated, and developers of health care-related mobile technologies will need to address this question.

Comparison of closed system transfer devices for turnaround time and ease of use.

OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to compare three closed-system transfer devices with differing mechanical interfaces for their suitability for adoption into our daily practice. The secondary purpose was to use the results of this study to support the selection of one of the closed-system transfer devices, which would suit both the pharmacy and nursing staff at our institution, furthermore promoting the enculturation of international recommendations into our clinical practice. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: The hazardous drug preparation process was observed and timed continuously from the moment the technician started compounding until the finished product was handed to the designated checker by raising hands. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used for data collection looking at ease of use of each of the devices from the perspective of pharmacy technicians and nurses. The questionnaire contained an open-ended 10-point Likert-type scale of eight domains. RESULTS/KEY FINDINGS: An improvement in the compounding efficiency of hazardous drugs using PhaSeal™ ( n = 46), ChemoLock™ ( n = 45), and EquaShield® II ( n = 45), when compared respectively against the historical control ( n = 86), was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference among the different closed-system transfer devices for preparation of hazardous drugs was observed in our study ( p = 0.1). In terms of ease of use, there was no difference in preference for ChemoLock™ and Equashield®II among the pharmacy technicians with both scoring a mean score of 10 with regard to implementation. While PhaSeal™ scored a mean score of 7.2. Among the nursing staff there was a slight preference for ChemoLock™ over Equashield®II with a mean score of 9.2 and 9, respectively with regard to the recommended product, while PhaSeal™ scored a mean score of 7.4. Both nursing staff and pharmacy technicians had a preference ChemoLock™, with a mean score of 10 and 9.6, respectively in terms of on how easy was each device/system to use and overall impression for pharmacy technicians. This was followed by Equashield®II with a mean score of 9.8 and 8.6, respectively and then PhaSeal™ with a mean score of 7.2 and 6.6, respectively. Pharmacy technicians felt there were more steps, packaging and clutter when using PhaSeal® in comparison to the other devices. With Equashield® II, the estimation of clutter was higher than that of ChemoLock™ despite the number of packages being within a similar range. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS: Our study found that with experienced staff, compounding of hazardous drugs with closed-system transfer devices can be as efficient as or even more so than with the traditional needle and syringe method. With the lack of statistically significant difference among the different closed-system transfer devices studied, in addition to the cost, ease of use was one of the factors that decided the products applicability in our institution.

Correct use and ease of use of a placebo dry powder inhaler in subjects with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Correct use and ease of use of a placebo dry powder inhaler was evaluated in two single-arm, United States-multicenter, phase-IV studies in adults with asthma ( n = 259) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n = 278) who were receiving maintenance inhaler therapy. Subjects demonstrating correct placebo inhaler use within three attempts at screening were instructed to take once-daily inhalations from the inhaler for 28 ± 2 days (continuing usual maintenance), followed by randomization to complete one of two versions of an ease-of-use questionnaire and reassessment for correct inhaler use. At study end, 96% asthma/93% COPD subjects rated the placebo inhaler as "easy" or "very easy" to use while demonstrating correct use. Furthermore, 99% asthma/99% COPD subjects indicated it was "easy" or "very easy" to determine number of doses remaining, and 81%/84%, respectively, indicated they would be "likely" or "very likely" to request their current medication in the inhaler, if available. Adverse event (AE) rates were 12% asthma/15% COPD, most frequently headache (3%/3%). Treatment-related AEs were reported in one subject with asthma (cough) and four subjects with COPD (cough, n = 3; back pain, n = 1). At study end, most subjects with asthma or COPD operated the placebo inhaler correctly and found it easy to use.

The inverted cup device for blood transfer on malaria RDTs: ease of use, acceptability and safety in routine use by health workers in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are becoming widely adopted for case management at community level. However, reports and anecdotal observations indicate that the blood transfer step poses a significant challenge to many users. This study sought to evaluate the inverted cup device in the hands of health workers in everyday clinical practice, in comparison with the plastic pipette, and to determine the volume accuracy of the device made of a lower-cost plastic. METHODS: The volume accuracy of inverted cup devices made of two plastics, PMMA and SBC, was compared by transferring blood 150 times onto filter paper and comparing the blood spot areas with those produced by 20 reference transfers with a calibrated micropipette. The ease of use, safety and acceptability of the inverted cup device and the pipette were evaluated by 50 health workers in Nigeria. Observations were recorded on pre-designed questionnaires, by the health workers themselves and by trained observers. Focus group discussions were also conducted. RESULTS: The volume accuracy assessment showed that the device made from the low-cost material (SBC) delivered a more accurate volume (mean 5.4 µL, SD 0.48 µL, range 4.5-7.0 µL) than the PMMA device (mean 5.9 µL, SD 0.48 µL, range 4.9-7.2 µL). The observational evaluation demonstrated that the inverted cup device performed better than the pipette in all aspects, e.g. higher proportions of health workers achieved successful blood collection (96%, vs. 66%), transfer of the required blood volume (90%, vs. 58%), and blood deposit without any loss (95%, vs. 50%). Majority of health workers also considered it' very easy' to use (81%),'very appropriate' for everyday use (78%), and 50% of them reported that it was their preferred BTD. CONCLUSIONS: The good volume accuracy and high acceptability of the inverted cup device shown in this study, along with observed ease of use and safety in hands of health workers, further strengthens prior findings which demonstrated its higher accuracy as compared with other BTDs in a laboratory setting. Altogether, these studies suggest that the inverted cup device should replace other types of devices for use in day-to-day malaria diagnosis with RDTs.

Using EEG Frontal Asymmetry to Predict IT User's Perceptions Regarding Usefulness, Ease of Use and Playfulness.

Information systems (IS) community is increasingly interested in employing neuroscience tools and methods in order to develop new theories concerning Human-computer interaction (HCI) and further understand IS acceptance models. The new field of NeuroIS has been introduced to address these issues. NeuroIS researchers have proposed encephalography (EEG), among other neuroscience instruments, as a valuable usability metric, when used effectively in appropriately designed experiments. Moreover, numerous researchers have suggested that EEG frontal asymmetry may serve as an important metric of user experience. Based on the aforementioned evidence, this study aims to integrate frontal asymmetry with Technology acceptance model (TAM). Particularly, we assumed that frontal asymmetry might predict users' perceptions regarding Usefulness and Ease of Use. Furthermore, we hypothesized that frontal asymmetry might also affect (influence) users' Perceived Playfulness. Specifically, 82 (43 females and 39 males) undergraduate students were chosen to use a Computer-Based Assessment (while being connected to the EEG) in the context of an introductory informatics course. Results confirmed our hypothesis as well as points of theory about Information technology (IT) acceptance variables. This is one of the first studies to suggest that frontal asymmetry could serve as a valuable tool for examining IT acceptance constructs and better understanding HCI.

Use of dermal gel pads in preventing and managing pressure ulcers in ICU: an audit.

Most of the pressure ulcers (PUs) that developed in the intensive care unit (ICU) of an acute trust were medical-device related. While use of a dermal pad was recommended as part of its pressure ulcer prevention strategy, staff were concerned that it tended to tear or split while in use. An alternative gel pad (Dermisplus® Prevent, Frontier Medical), that was cost-effective and appeared to be more robust, was identified. A 4-week non-comparative audit involving 37 patients was therefore undertaken to investigate the effect of this alternative gel pad on PU incidence in the ICU. With the exception of the change in the gel pad used, there was no difference to the overall PU prevention strategy. No new PUs developed during the audit period with the new gel pad, although there was also no reduction in incidence compared with the previous 3 months. None of the four patients (11%) with blanching erythema developed category 1 PUs. There were also no reports of tearing or splitting with the new gel pad. The ICU staff commented that they found the new gel pad simpler to use, easier to clean and more robust than the previous product used. Following the audit, the ICU incorporated the new gel pad into its PU prevention strategy.

HaemoPREF: Further evaluation of patient perception and preference for treatment in a real world setting.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to haemophilia A (HA) treatment may be influenced by patients' beliefs about their condition and treatment. Furthermore, difficulties administering treatment may lead to poor adherence. New treatment strategies aim to reduce the burden associated with administration and to improve patient perception of treatment, which, in turn, increase adherence levels. AIMS: This study aimed to examine patient perception of HA treatment and related factors using patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires and to confirm the psychometric properties of a recently developed questionnaire, the HaemoPREF. METHODS: A non-interventional, cross-sectional, questionnaire study was conducted with adult HA patients in Spain (n=31), Germany (n=10) and Italy (n=48), who were using ReFacto AF with the FuseNGo administration device. Patients completed the HaemoPREF and other questionnaires measuring related constructs: treatment adherence, satisfaction and well-being, online at two time points. Correlational, regression and psychometric analyses were conducted. RESULTS: PRO scores indicated that patients are satisfied with and adherent to their treatment. Multivariate regression of the HaemoPREF global score identified a number of significant predictors (P≤.05). The HaemoPREF Global Score had a moderate relationship with subscales on the related questionnaires (mean correlation=0.43; range=0.39-0.48). The HaemoPREF demonstrated good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.82), internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha range=0.69-0.82) and convergent validity with measures of treatment satisfaction (Spearman correlation coefficient, r=.48) and well-being (r=.41). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that patients using ReFacto AF with FuseNGo were satisfied with and adherent to their treatment. The HaemoPREF can identify important concepts relating to patient treatment experience in HA.

Maintaining Control of Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease: Adherence to Inhaled Therapy and Risks and Benefits of Switching Devices.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are major obstructive airway diseases that involve underlying airway inflammation. The most widely used pharmacotherapies for asthma and COPD are inhaled agents that have been shown to be effective and safe in these patients. However, despite the availability of effective pharmacologic treatment and comprehensive treatment guidelines, the prevalence of inadequately controlled asthma and COPD is high. A main reason for this is poor adherence. Adherence is a big problem for all chronic diseases, but in asthma and COPD patients there are some additional difficulties because of poor inhalation technique and inhaler choice. Easier-to-use devices and educational strategies on proper inhaler use from health caregivers can improve inhaler technique. The type of device used and the concordance between patient and physician in the choice of inhaler can also improve adherence and are as important as the drug. Adherence to inhaled therapy is absolutely necessary for optimizing patient control. If disease control is not adequate despite good adherence, switching to a more appropriate inhaled therapy is recommended. By contrast, uninformed switching or switching to less user-friendly inhaler may impact disease control negatively. This critical review of the available literature is aimed to provide a guidance protocol on when a switch may be recommended in individual patients.

Predicting Older Adults' Perceptions about a Computer System Designed for Seniors.

PURPOSE: Although computer technology may be particularly useful for older adults (e.g., for communication, information access), they have been slower adopters than their younger counterparts. Perceptions about computers such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use can pose barriers to acceptance and universal access [1]. Therefore, understanding the precursors to these perceptions for older adult non-computer users may provide insight into the reasons for their non-adoption. METHODS: We examined the relationship between perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of a computer interface designed for older users and demographic, technology experience, cognitive abilities, personality, and attitudinal variables in a sample of 300 non-computer using adults between the ages of 64 and 98, selected for being at high risk for social isolation. RESULTS: The strongest correlates of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were: technology experience, personality dimensions of agreeableness and openness to experience, and attitudes. The emotional stability personality dimension was significantly correlated with perceived ease of use but not perceived usefulness. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that attitudes (i.e., self-efficacy, comfort, interest) remained predictive of perceptions of usefulness and ease of use when technology experience and personality variables were accounted for. CONCLUSION: Given that attitudes are more malleable than other variables, such as demographic and cognitive abilities, these findings highlight the potential to increase technology acceptance through positive experiences, appropriate training, and educational campaigns about the benefits of computers and other technologies.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a novel tool for assessing patient perception and preference for haemophilia treatment (HaemoPREF).

Prophylactic use of treatment is important for good outcomes in haemophilia, yet adherence can be suboptimal. To better understand the relationship between treatment adherence and patients' beliefs about treatment there is a need to quantify patients' treatment attitudes. The aim of this study was to develop a brief, clinically relevant, patient-reported outcome (PRO) to measure ease of use and patients' preference for haemophilia treatment. A 40-item questionnaire was completed by male adults with haemophilia A from Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Robust statistical methods for item evaluation including item-level statistics, dimensionality analyses and input from clinical and outcomes experts were used to inform item reduction. Retained items were subjected to psychometric evaluation including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), known-groups validity and internal consistency reliability. 273 patients completed the questionnaire. Of the 40 items, 28 items were flagged for possible deletion based on item-level statistics, three of which were retained due to clinical relevance. Two items had acceptable statistical performance but were deleted based on low clinical relevance. A total of 13 items were retained. EFA produced a conceptually defined 5-factor solution. The survey had acceptable known-groups validity and internal consistency. Refinements were made to wording and scoring, and one new item was added to assess general ease of use, resulting in a 14-item questionnaire - the HaemoPREF. Preliminary measurement properties of the HaemoPREF support the instrument to evaluate patient perception and preference for haemophilia treatment. Further psychometric evaluation is required to examine and confirm the measurement properties of the scale.

Investigating the factors affecting farmers' intention to adopt contract farming.

Agricultural endeavors, especially in developing nations, entail inherent risks. Amidst challenges related to capital and agricultural marketing, contract farming emerges as a highly effective strategy. It not only facilitates capital accumulation but also ensures consistent product sales, establishes fair pricing, and contributes to the overall balanced development of the agricultural sector. This concern has been a longstanding global consideration, with Iran now addressing it. Recognizing the paramount importance of implementing contemporary agricultural methodologies, including contract farming, this research systematically investigates factors influencing farmers' intentions in Iran. A survey methodology is employed for systematic information collection from a statistical population of 98,777 farmers in rural Markazi Province, Iran. Using the Karjesi and Morgan table for sample size determination, a representative subset of 383 farmers is selected through stratified random sampling, ensuring proportional assignment within strata. A researcher-made questionnaire, validated by expert panels and confirmed for reliability through Cronbach's alpha coefficient, serves as the research instrument. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 27, and structural equation modeling was performed with SmartPLS4. The findings reveal that trust (0.528), awareness (0.332), and attitude (0.168), exert the most substantial causal influence on farmers' intention to embrace contract farming. Consequently, the research findings offer practical recommendations for the adoption of contract farming, providing valuable insights to policymakers and stakeholders for implementing targeted interventions aimed at boosting farmers' willingness to participate in contractual agreements.

The application of Moore's online learning interactions model in learning outcomes: The SOR (stimulus-organism-response) paradigm perspective.

This study presents an in-depth exploration of the impact of online learning interactions on student learning outcomes. Drawing from the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) paradigm, our study focuses on the effects of online learning interactions on learners' perception usefulness and ease of use, subsequently impacting their learning outcomes. The study employs a quantitative research methodology, gathering data from a sample of 397 students enrolled in various higher education institutions across China. Data collection involved administering structured questionnaires that were designed to quantitatively assess the three components of the SOR model: stimulus (online learning interactions), organism (students' perceptions), and response (learning outcomes). The measurement model assessment and structural model assessment were conducted. Our findings reveal that online learning interactions can effectively enhance learners' perception of online learning (usefulness and ease of use), thereby influencing their learning outcomes. Notably, perceived usefulness negatively mediates the relationship between online learning interactions and learning outcomes, while perceived ease of use positively mediates this relationship. These findings offer both theoretical and practical implications.