• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.121-129
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• 2012

PURPOSES : Traffic accidents at intersections have been increased annually so that it is required to examine the causations to reduce the accidents. However, the current existing accident models were developed mainly with non-linear regression models such as Poisson methods. These non-linear regression methods lack to reveal complicated causations for traffic accidents, though they are right choices to study randomness and non-linearity of accidents. Therefore, to reveal the complicated causations of traffic accidents, this study used structural equation methods(SEM). METHODS : SEM used in this study is a statistical technique for estimating causal relations using a combination of statistical data and qualitative causal assumptions. SEM allow exploratory modeling, meaning they are suited to theory development. The method is tested against the obtained measurement data to determine how well the model fits the data. Among the strengths of SEM is the ability to construct latent variables: variables which are not measured directly, but are estimated in the model from several measured variables. This allows the modeler to explicitly capture the unreliability of measurement in the model, which allows the structural relations between latent variables to be accurately estimated. RESULTS : The study results showed that causal factors could be grouped into 3. Factor 1 includes traffic variables, and Factor 2 contains turning traffic variables. Factor 3 consists of other road element variables such as speed limits or signal cycles. CONCLUSIONS : Non-linear regression models can be used to develop accident predictions models. However, they lack to estimate causal factors, because they select only few significant variables to raise the accuracy of the model performance. Compared to the regressions, SEM has merits to estimate causal factors affecting accidents, because it allows the structural relations between latent variables. Therefore, this study used SEM to estimate causal factors affecting accident at urban signalized intersections.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.150-158
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• 2010

Genome-wise association studies (GWASs) have become popular approaches to identify genetic variants associated with human biological traits. In this study, we applied Structural Equation Models (SEMs) in order to model complex relationships between genetic networks and traits as risk factors. SEMs allow us to achieve a better understanding of biological mechanisms through identifying greater numbers of genes and pathways that are associated with a set of traits and the relationship among them. For efficient SEM analysis for GWASs, we developed a procedure, comprised of four stages. In the first stage, we conducted single-SNP analysis using regression models, where age, sex, and recruited area were included as adjusting covariates. In the second stage, Fisher's combination test was conducted for each gene to detect significant genes using p-values obtained from the single-SNP analysis. In the third stage, Fisher's exact test was adopted to determine which biological pathways were enriched with significant SNPs. Finally, based on a pathway that was associated with the four traits in common, a SEM was fit to model a causal relationship among the genetic factors and traits. We applied our SEM model to GWAS data with four central obesity related traits: suprailiac and subscapular measures for upper body fat, BMI, and hypertension. Study subjects were collected from two Korean cohort regions. After quality control, 327,872 SNPs for 8842 individuals were included in the analysis. After comparing two SEMs, we concluded that suprailiac and subscapular measures may indirectly affect hypertension susceptibility by influencing BMI. In conclusion, our analysis demonstrates that SEMs provide a better understanding of biological mechanisms by identifying greater numbers of genes and pathways.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.47-75
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• 2009

Recently, researches on Management Information Systems (MIS) have laid out theoretical foundation and academic paradigms by introducing diverse theories, themes, and methodologies. Especially, academic paradigms of MIS encourage a user-friendly approach by developing the technologies from the users' perspectives, which reflects the existence of strong causal relationships between information systems and user's behavior. As in other areas in social science the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) has rapidly increased in recent years especially in the MIS area. The SEM technique is important because it provides powerful ways to address key IS research problems. It also has a unique ability to simultaneously examine a series of casual relationships while analyzing multiple independent and dependent variables all at the same time. In spite of providing many benefits to the MIS researchers, there are some potential pitfalls with the analytical technique. The research objective of this study is to provide some guidelines for an appropriate use of SEM based on the assessment of current practice of using SEM in the MIS research. This study focuses on several statistical issues related to the use of SEM in the MIS research. Selected articles are assessed in three parts through the meta analysis. The first part is related to the initial specification of theoretical model of interest. The second is about data screening prior to model estimation and testing. And the last part concerns estimation and testing of theoretical models based on empirical data. This study reviewed the use of SEM in 164 empirical research articles published in four major MIS journals in Korea (APJIS, ISR, JIS and JITAM) from 1991 to 2007. APJIS, ISR, JIS and JITAM accounted for 73, 17, 58, and 16 of the total number of applications, respectively. The number of published applications has been increased over time. LISREL was the most frequently used SEM software among MIS researchers (97 studies (59.15%)), followed by AMOS (45 studies (27.44%)). In the first part, regarding issues related to the initial specification of theoretical model of interest, all of the studies have used cross-sectional data. The studies that use cross-sectional data may be able to better explain their structural model as a set of relationships. Most of SEM studies, meanwhile, have employed. confirmatory-type analysis (146 articles (89%)). For the model specification issue about model formulation, 159 (96.9%) of the studies were the full structural equation model. For only 5 researches, SEM was used for the measurement model with a set of observed variables. The average sample size for all models was 365.41, with some models retaining a sample as small as 50 and as large as 500. The second part of the issue is related to data screening prior to model estimation and testing. Data screening is important for researchers particularly in defining how they deal with missing values. Overall, discussion of data screening was reported in 118 (71.95%) of the studies while there was no study discussing evidence of multivariate normality for the models. On the third part, issues related to the estimation and testing of theoretical models on empirical data, assessing model fit is one of most important issues because it provides adequate statistical power for research models. There were multiple fit indices used in the SEM applications. The test was reported in the most of studies (146 (89%)), whereas normed-test was reported less frequently (65 studies (39.64%)). It is important that normed- of 3 or lower is required for adequate model fit. The most popular model fit indices were GFI (109 (66.46%)), AGFI (84 (51.22%)), NFI (44 (47.56%)), RMR (42 (25.61%)), CFI (59 (35.98%)), RMSEA (62 (37.80)), and NNFI (48 (29.27%)). Regarding the test of construct validity, convergent validity has been examined in 109 studies (66.46%) and discriminant validity in 98 (59.76%). 81 studies (49.39%) have reported the average variance extracted (AVE). However, there was little discussion of direct (47 (28.66%)), indirect, and total effect in the SEM models. Based on these findings, we suggest general guidelines for the use of SEM and propose some recommendations on concerning issues of latent variables models, raw data, sample size, data screening, reporting parameter estimated, model fit statistics, multivariate normality, confirmatory factor analysis, reliabilities and the decomposition of effects.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.111-121
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• 2016

This study provides an approach to perform the double mediation analysis in structural equation models using the R. For this purpose, the study reviews a variety of techniques for mediation analysis, selects the bootstrapping technique as the most suitable way for performing the double mediation analysis and develops an approach for the double mediation analysis in structural equating models with the bootstrapping using the plspm which is the R package for the performing PLS path analysis. This study will be useful for the studies including the double mediation analysis in structural equation modeling, which is not supported by most of SEM packages, also will provide the knowledge base for in-depth analysis through suggesting the new mediation analysis technique using R for the researchers.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.7-20
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• 2019

Purpose - This study provides appropriate procedures for EFA to help researchers conduct empirical studies by using PLS-SEM. Research design, data, and methodology - This study addresses the absolute and relative sample size criteria, sampling adequacy, factor extraction models, factor rotation methods, the criterion for the number of factors to retain, interpretation of results, and reporting information. Results - The factor analysis procedure for PLS-SEM consists of the following five stages. First, it is important to look at whether both the Bartlett test of sphericity and the KMO MSA meet the qualitative criteria. Second, PAF is a better choice of methodology. Third, an oblique technique is a suitable method for PLS-SEM. Fourth, a combined approach is strongly recommended to factor retention. PA should be used at the onset. Next, it is recommended using the K1 criterion. In addition, it is necessary to extract factors that increase the total variance explanatory power through the PVA-FS. Finally, it is appropriate to select an item with a factor loading into 0.5 or higher and a communality of 0.5. Conclusions - It is expected that the accurate factor analysis processed for PLS-SEM as previously presented will help us extract more precise factors of the structural model.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.85-97
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• 2003

There are various methods to assess to company's outcome. Among them, the customers satisfaction, which is assessed by customers, is the most important. If the customers satisfaction is measured by the CSI based on the proper reliability and validity, you can apply the result for various marketing methods. Therefore, this study develops a model to assess CSI for an industry, specifically, local automotive industry based on the SEM that is already proven valid through assessing models such as ACSI, KCSI and NCSI. Moreover, this research can be utilized for marketing strategy helping customers to decide as an AHP model, one of the decision making method.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.301-311
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• 1997

The purpose of this study is to construct a structural equation model and to analyze causal relationships among variables related to attitudes to science using structural equation modeling(SEM) with LISREL VII. The sample consisted of 483 10th grade boys from a general high school in Pusan, Korea. The questionnaires (ABC-attitude scale: affection, behavioral intention, cognition scale of attitude towards science) were developed by the researcher through a pilot study. And other instruments have modified previous ones. Five instruments were used in this study: GALT(group assessment of logical thinking), MTSlS(modified test of science inquiry skill), ABC-attitude scale, MSAS(modified scientific attitude scale), CSAT(common science achievement test). Structural equation modeling with LISREL VII($J\ddot{o}reskog$ & $S\ddot{o}rbom,$ 1993) was employed to estimate the causal inferences about hypothesized relationships among observed data sets. Three competing models consisted of five latent variable(scientific thinking ability, science inquiry skill, attitude towards science, scientific attitude, science achievement) - lP(inquiry preceding) model, AP(attitude preceding) model and AM(attitude mediating) model - were developed. Among these competing models, IP model satisfied the observed data sets. The causal relationships among "attitudes to science" and other latent variables were reliably identified. According to the results of the present study, science inquiry skill was the most significant variable that can predict science achievement. But scientific thinking ability has not directly influenced science achievement. This study suggests that inquiry based teaching-learning processes should be offered to students for improvement of science achievement. At the same time, it seems to be important to develop positive attitude towards science. Understanding of relationships among variables related to attitudes to science will be helpful to the development of science curriculum and to the design of science teaching and learning process. LISREL has been recognized as a useful approach in testing a SEM. However, in this study, LISREL approach was estimated as much more useful method for research design.

• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.133-151
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• 2007

The purpose of this article is to examine the effects of item parceling on the consistency of significance testing of the causal parameters with regard to the relationship between the relevant constructs, as well as the effects of the item parceling on the goodness-of-fit indices of LISREL's general models. Most of the researchers' major purpose of using structural equation modeling (SEM) is to test their research hypotheses associated with the causal parameters. Therefore, we investigated three general models of LISREL, rather than the frequently used confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) models by many other researchers. The results of the study showed that there was a high level of consistency in the calculated test statics of causal parameters between the item-parceled solutions and the item-level solutions, and that the item-parceled solutions had better goodness-of-fit indices, such as GFI, AGFI, CFI, and NFI, than the solutions at the item level. However, in terms of RMSEA, there was no such tendency.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.405-416
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• 2011

An efficient two-level domain decomposition parallel algorithm is suggested to solve large-DOF structural problems with nonlinear material models generating unsymmetric tangent matrices, such as a group of plastic-damage material models. The parallel version of the stabilized bi-conjugate gradient method is developed to solve unsymmetric coarse problems iteratively. In the present approach the coarse DOF system is solved parallelly on each processor rather than the whole system equation to minimize the data communication between processors, which is appropriate to maintain the computing performance on a non-supercomputer level cluster system. The performance test results show that the suggested algorithm provides scalability on computing performance and an efficient approach to solve large-DOF nonlinear structural problems on a cluster system.

• Asian Journal of Business Environment
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.5-12
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• 2016

Purpose - Not all firms are able to completely eliminate the risk arising out of the crisis. Success hides in the ability to perceive the market expectations accurately and take correct decisions. This study aims to analyze the firms' decisions at gross-root level. Research Design, Data, and Methodology - Primary data is obtained with the help of specially designed questionnaires from the agriproducts export firms that are members of export union of Turkey. The study is based on four theoretical structures: general planned behavior theory model, perception-leading behavior control and subjective norm model, perceived-behavioral-control leading perception and subjective norm models, and perceptions and subjective norms leading behavior control model. Structural Equation Models (SEM) is used to conduct the empirical analysis. Results - The findings show perceptions and subjective norms leading behavior control model as the best one, concluding that the environmental pressures and positive perceptions have significant effect on the strategic decisions of the agriproducts export firms. Conclusion - Policy tools like creating positive perception in the markets, providing sufficient information and financial support to the firms and increasing market competition can be used effectively to achieve the said objective.