Re-examining post-acceptance model of information systems continuance: A revised theoretical model using MASEM approach

Globisporangium tabrizense sp. nov., Globisporangium mahabadense sp. nov., and Pythium bostanabadense sp. nov. (Oomycota), three new species from Iranian aquatic environments

During a survey on the biodiversity of oomycetes in aquatic environments in northwest Iran (East Azarbaijan and West Azarbaijan provinces), three Pythium and four Globisporangium isolates were recovered from agricultural water pools and irrigation canals, respectively. Through a polyphasic approach combining morphology and phylogenetic analysis using the nuclear rDNA ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2 (ITS) and partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and II (COX1 and COX2), three novel species were identified namely Globisporangium tabrizense sp. nov., G. mahabadense sp. nov., and Pythium bostanabadense sp. nov. Furthermore, experiments confirmed the pathogenicity of all identified species on cucumber seedlings, suggesting a pathogenic lifestyle also in aquatic systems. Our research contributes to a better understanding of the diversity, host range and distribution of oomycetes genera Globisporangium and Pythium in northwestern Iran. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided for all species.

Exploring the determinants of patients' continuance intentions in online health communities from the network effects perspective

Objectives: Online health communities (OHCs) facilitate patient-physician interaction and the adoption of online health services. However, few studies explored the impact of network effects on patients' continuance intentions in OHCs. This study aims to explore the determinants affecting OHC patients' continuance intentions based on the network effects theory and expectation confirmation model (ECM). Methods: An integrated research model and relative hypotheses are proposed. A total of 420 valid responses are collected through an online questionnaire survey to test the research framework using structural equation modeling. Results: The results reveal that direct network effect, cross network effect, and indirect network effect all positively affect perceived ease of use, and the latter two also positively affect perceived usefulness that further affect continuance intention. In addition, other results are consistent with the ECM-based hypotheses and the positive impact of perceived e-health literacy on continuance intention is also explained. Conclusion: Patients' continuance intention to use OHCs can be improved by network effects through direct, cross, and indirect formats. ECM-based determinants, including confirmation, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction, provide valuable insights for OHC patients' continuous use. Enhancing e-health literacy helps maintain patients' intention to continue using OHCs.

Continuous adoption of online healthcare platforms: an extension to the expectation confirmation model and network externalities

BACKGROUND

Online healthcare platforms (OHPs) promote the accessibility of health services while integrating online and offline service delivery. Continuous adoption of these platforms can reduce the information asymmetry between patients and healthcare providers. However, existing study has rarely focused on how the network externalities of these platforms influence patients' continuous adoption. Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) explains the continuous behavior after initial adoption and reveal the factors influencing satisfaction and continuous adoption intention. Few studies have integrated network externalities with the ECM to understand patients' continuous adoption of OHPs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore what factors affect the continuous adoption of OHPs based on an extension to the ECM and network externalities. We propose a comprehensive model for the continuous adoption of OHPs by patients with chronic diseases. We extend the conceptual framework by incorporating constructs related to perceived value, habits, and switching costs.

METHODS

This study utilized a web-based survey to collect data from participants in China. We selected a sample of individuals who had experience with OHPs using a random sampling method. This method ensured that participants was randomly chosen from a pool of patients without any regional bias. A total of 568 questionnaires were collected and 518 valid questionnaires were obtained. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess the relationships among the constructs. Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to examine the moderating effects, while the mediating effects were investigated using the bootstrapping approach.

RESULTS

Direct network externality had significant positive impacts on the confirmation (β = 0.232, p < 0.001) and perceived value (β = 0.167, p < 0.010). Cross network externality had significant positive impacts on confirmation (β = 0.307, p < 0.001) and perceived value (β = 0.120, p < 0.05). Indirect network externality had significant positive impacts on confirmation (β = 0.169, p < 0.010) and perceived value (β = 0.270, p < 0.001). Confirmation had a significant positive impact on perceived value (β = 0.205, p < 0.001) and satisfaction (β = 0.508, p < 0.001). In addition, satisfaction had a significant positive impact on continuous adoption intention (β = 0.579, p < 0.001). Continuous adoption intention had a significant positive impact on continuous adoption behavior (β = 0.547, p < 0.001). Confirmation and perceived value significantly mediate the relationship between network externalities and satisfaction. Moreover, both confirmation and perceived value enhance continuous adoption intention by positively influencing satisfaction, which serves as a mediator. Additionally, confirmation directly influences satisfaction through the mediating role of perceived value. Habits and switching costs positively moderate the relationship between continuous adoption intention and behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes by expanding the incorporation of network externalities into the ECM. Results enrich the existing literature on the continuous adoption of professional online platforms.

Older Adults' Continuance Intentions for Online Physical Exercise Classes

During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and social distancing measures drove the shift from in-person to online physical exercise classes, leading individuals to explore these digital alternatives. Guided by the Expectation-Confirmation Model, this article examines older adults' intentions to continue using online physical exercise classes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 adults aged 65 and older who had participated in online physical exercise classes during the pandemic. Transcripts were subject to thematic analysis using the NVivo software program. The results indicate that older adults recognize the usefulness of online physical exercise classes because of their ability to enhance their health and well-being. Their initial expectations were surpassed, and they were generally satisfied with the experience. However, in-person classes remained preferred due to their enhanced benefits. They also felt that the adoption of online classes was involuntary; instead of an autonomous decision guided by their needs and preferences, this was a viable solution imposed by the lockdown. Therefore, their continuance intentions are limited to specific conditions, namely a new lockdown or other physical impediments. Still, considering the flexibility that online physical exercise classes offer, accommodating time and physical constraints, participants highlighted the advantages of a hybrid approach for those who may face challenges attending in-person classes. Based on the findings, this article proposes that ECM provides a relevant, yet insufficient, framework for explaining older adults' continuance intentions for online physical exercise classes, suggesting the inclusion of additional explaining factors: perceived usefulness of non-technological alternatives, necessary conditions, and self-determination.

Understanding online assessment continuance intention and individual performance by integrating task technology fit and expectancy confirmation theory

This study delves into online assessments, focusing on their numerous advantages, including reducing paper usage and alleviating concerns surrounding the security of traditional examinations. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a model delineating the interplay between factors influencing the continuance intention to use online assessments and the influence on individual performance. A quantitative approach using an online survey was used to collect data from 222 graduate students from three major Palestinian universities. The research instrument was developed based on the finding of previous studies. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to construct and validate the proposed model. The findings of this study revealed that perceived usefulness has a significant influence on the intention to continue using online assessment. The proposed model indicated that there is no direct or indirect relationship between perceived ease of use and the continuance intention to use online assessment. The main limitation of this study was its reliance on a purely quantitative approach. Therefore, a sequentional mixed methods approach van be a suggestion for future research and include all the higher education institutions in the Palestinian context.

Predicting students' continued intention to use E-learning platform for college English study: the mediating effect of E-satisfaction and habit

Using technology in education facilitates knowledge dissemination expediently while broadening and deepening learning modes and content diversity. As an information technological innovation, E-learning platform is widely used to learn college English. However, few studies have explored the motivations for students' e-satisfaction and continued intention towards using it for college English study. Based on the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), this study identifies the influencing factors for the continued usage intention and tests the mediating role of e-satisfaction and habit. Six hundred and twenty-six usable responses from Guangxi were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modelling. Results show that performance expectancy, learning value, hedonic motivation and habit positively affects students' continued usage intention, e-satisfaction positively mediates the relationship between the antecedents and continued usage intention, and habit positively mediates the relationship between e-satisfaction and continued usage intention. The research provides guidelines for the successful implementation of e-learning platform for college English study and key references for improvement of students' engagement and satisfaction experience with using e-learning platform for college English study.

Antecedents of trust and customer loyalty in online shopping: The moderating effects of online shopping experience and e-shopping spending

This paper determines the antecedents of trust (i.e., perceived ease of use [PEoU], privacy concerns [PC], perceived security [PS], product variety [PV], and on-time delivery [OD]) and customer loyalty (CL) in online retailing. A questionnaire was developed using scales validated in prior e-commerce studies to measure these factors in the conceptual model. Data were collected in an online survey from a non-probability judgement sample of online shoppers between the ages of 18 and 65 years old, who provided informed consent for participation in the survey. Data were analysed via structural equation modeling (SEM) on AMOS version 28. The ethical approval certificate was issued by the College of Business and Economics Research Ethics Committee (CBEREC). The results indicate that customer trust (CT) in online shopping relies on OD, PS, PV, and PEoU, but not PC. CT, followed by OD and PV, significantly impacts CL. The results show that trust mediates the relationship between OD, PS, and PV, and CL. Online shopping experience and e-shopping spending significantly moderate the impact of PV on trust. The impact of OD on CL is significantly moderated by the online shopping experience. This paper validates a scientific approach to coexisting effects of these key forces that e-retailer practitioners can use to gain trust and build CL. Research that validates this valuable knowledge is absent in the literature, as the factors were measured disjointedly in prior studies. This study offers originality by validating these forces in online retailing in South Africa.