International Journal of Mobile Communications (57 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Pricing the shift towards 5G technology. Economic drivers of spectrum prices in Europe  
  by Aleksander Mercik, Tomasz Slonski 
  Abstract: Recent studies have found that the mobile industry increases its contribution into a development of the world’s economy. Setting a fair price for a frequency band reservation becomes an important task for national market regulators. This paper demonstrates that macroeconomic data are key determinants of prices paid for frequency band reservations in auctions organised in Europe. In an empirical analysis, we identified a positive link between log(price of 1 MHz) and log(GDP) and a negative link between log(price of 1 MHz) and log(unemployment rate). To ensure that our results are robust to the choice of the model type, we implemented two estimation methods and used two samples.
  Keywords: mobile communications; mobile industry; spectrum management; spectrum pricing; spectrum auction; mo-bile networks; 5G technology; frequency band reservation.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042976
   
  
• Systematics of Location Inquiries in Farsi Mobile Phone Calls: with Reference to Social Functions, Sequential Positions and Formulations  
  by Ali Kazemi 
  Abstract: This study seeks to particularise social functions of location inquiries and location-telling, their sequence organisation and locational formulations. Adopting conversational analytic and interactionist sociological approaches, it presents a close analysis of how location figures in mundane mobile phone calls in Farsi, based on 39 calls mainly involving familiars, friends and family members. The specification of practices associated with seeking and providing location information shows that location talk accomplishes a variety of social actions ranging from (co)localisation to checking availability for the incipient (mutual) action. The analysis also suggests that while location may become topicalised due to locally relevant contingencies, it is rarely taken as routine in talk-in-interaction. Social functions of location are performed by means of formulations phrased in proper location or non-location-related terms in specific sequential environments. These findings explicate how the social actions associated with location are carried out, necessitating reconceptualisation of location in mobile telephony.
  Keywords: location; Farsi; mobile phone calls; social function; sequence position.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10043519
   
  
• Usage intensity of mobile instant messengers for work and employees’ anxiety  
  by Muhammad Ashfaq, Shubin Yu, Yang Liu, Kang Luo 
  Abstract: Instant messenger technology has been adopted as a communication tool for work by many companies because it offers greater flexibility and lower cost than other methods. Although instant messaging can increase employees’ work performance, the usage intensity of instant messengers for work may influence employees’ mental health. This paper investigates the effect of usage intensity of instant messengers for work on employees’ anxiety level. We conducted a survey study and collected 261 valid responses from a panel of employees. The results showed that the usage intensity of instant messengers for work decreased psychological detachment, consequently increasing work-related uncertainty and eventually leading to a higher level of anxiety. However, the effect of work-related uncertainty on the anxiety level varied in employees’ job levels. The influence of uncertainty on anxiety was stronger for employees with lower-level jobs (e.g., junior employees, assistants) than for those with higher-level jobs (e.g., managers).
  Keywords: instant messaging; anxiety; employee; psychological detachment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10043608
   
  
• Understanding the formation mechanism of mobile social media usage intention during public health emergencies: A social media dependency perspective  
  by Houcai Wang, Li Xiong 
  Abstract: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread application of mobile social media have made mobile social media play a crucial role in crisis communication. How to understanding the formation mechanism of mobile social media acceptance during public health emergencies is a question that mobile social media platforms and emergency agencies are focusing. The current research intends to investigate the determinants of mobile social media usage behaviours during public health emergencies from the perspective of social media dependency. Driving data from 513 mobile social media users in China, the findings of structural equation modelling analysis reveal that social media dependency strongly affects information seeking and information sharing, which further significantly influence mobile social media usage intention during public health emergencies. However, the perceived internet censorship did not moderate the linkage between information seeking and information sharing and mobile social media usage intention. Our research results not only offer several theoretical implications for crisis communication research but also make some practical implications for mobile social media platforms and emergency agencies.
  Keywords: social media dependency; internet censorship; information seeking; information sharing; mobile social media; public health emergencies.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10043967
   
  
• Factors Determining the Users’ Intention to adopt Mobile Bus App  
  by Lee Yen Chaw, Chloe Thong, Mcxin Tee, Chit Su Mon, Chiw Yi Lee 
  Abstract: This study examines factors that influence campus riders’ intention to use the mobile bus app which can estimate bus arrival time and track bus location in real-time. Individual difference variables namely gender, age and experience were examined. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model served as the framework while PLS-SEM was used for data analysis. Results derived from a total of 426 questionnaires revealed that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence had positive and significant effects on campus bus riders’ intention to use the mobile bus app. The findings also showed that effort expectancy has large, positive, and significant influence on performance expectancy (with large effect size). This study also revealed that adequate resource support provided to campus bus riders has great impact on the users’ ease of using the mobile app. Nevertheless, gender, age and experience were insignificant in moderating all the relationships.
  Keywords: mobile apps; bus apps; transportation services; UTAUT model; behavioural intention; acceptance; gender; age; experience.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10044637
   
  
• Does self-management of learning matter? Exploring mobile learning continuance from a valence framework perspective  
  by Yuangao Chen, Shuiqing Yang, Shuai Zhang, Jianrong Yao 
  Abstract: Drawing on the valence framework, the present study intends to explore factors that influence college students’ mobile learning (m-learning) continuance behaviours by focusing students’ self-management of learning and learning utilities. The structural equation modelling (SEM) method was employed to analysis the proposed research model by utilising data collected from 379 m-learning users of a leading online education platform in China. The results indicated that negative learning utilities including mobile techno-exhausting and anxiety negatively affect m-learning continuance, while positive learning utilities including hedonic learning and fragmented learning positively affect m-learning continuance. More importantly, self-management of learning affects mobile learning continuance through a dual mechanism by decreasing the negative utilities (e.g., mobile techno-exhausting) and increasing the positive utilities (e.g., hedonic learning and fragmented learning). The theoretical and practical implications for m-learning instructors and platform service providers are discussed.
  Keywords: mobile learning; m-learning; self-management of learning; fragmented learning; valence framework; continuance; mobile techno-exhaustion.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10045296
   
  
• Adoption of Telemedicine Services during COVID-19: An Application of Extended Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).  
  by S. M. Sohel Rana, Dr. Mohammed Masum Iqbal, Sohel Islam, Anhar Sharif, Arifur Rahman Khan 
  Abstract: The present study aims at exploring the factors influencing patients to adopt telemedicine services during COVID-19 pandemic. The constructs of protection motivation theory (PMT) along with perceived patients’ empathy and perceived desirability (PD) have been used to investigate the telemedicine adoption behaviour. Data have been collected through a structured questionnaire survey from the people who took telemedicine services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Judgemental sampling is applied for selecting the respondents. Smart PLS software 2.0M3 has been used for analysing the data with partial least square structural equation modelling technique. The statistical findings reveal that perceived severity (PS) is the most important factor influencing the adoption of telemedicine services (ATS) during COVID-19 followed by perceived patients’ empathy (PPE), perceived vulnerability (PV) and self-efficacy (SE). The mediating effect test findings reveal that there exists partial mediation of PD in the relationship between PS and ATS; SE and ATS; and PPE and ATS. The implications of the findings are discussed in the last section of the paper.
  Keywords: protection motivation theory; PMT; perceived patients’ empathy; PPE; telemedicine; perceived desirability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10045411
   
  
• Exploring the impacts of mobile devices usage on individual’s creativity: A cross-cultural perspective  
  by Shangui HU, Fengle Ji, Hefu Liu, Maomao Chi 
  Abstract: The proliferation of mobile devices facilitates expatriates’ international mobility to meet up with success of individuals, organisations and industries. Notwithstanding, how mobile devices usage contributes to international expatriates’ creativity still lacks sufficient research. The current research explicates the underlying mechanism whereby mobile devices usage exerts effects on international expatriates’ creativity. The research findings indicate that two aspects of mobile devices usage both serve to positively influence expatriates’ creativity through the conduits of expatriates’ intention to share implicit and explicit knowledge respectively. Regarded as an influential boundary condition in foreign environments characterised with cultural complexity and novelty, cultural distance was found to attenuate the positive effects of mobile devices usage on expatriates’ intention to share knowledge. Implications and future research avenues are also discussed in the research.
  Keywords: mobile devices usage; expatriate’s creativity; intention to share knowledge; cultural distance; cross-cultural perspective.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10045698
   
  
• Technology-enabled subcultures among Chinese youths: smartphone addiction, virtual social capital, and ACGN addiction  
  by Xiaoxiao Meng, Yungeng Li 
  Abstract: The anime, comics, video games, and novels (ACGN) subculture is the most popular subculture among Chinese youths. Also known as Erciyuan culture in China, youths use technology to participate in this subculture, primarily consuming ACGN content via their smartphones. There is an increasing trend of addiction to smartphones and to the ACGN subculture among Chinese youths. Using social capital theory and drawing on survey data from Chinese ACGN fans, this paper examines the mechanisms underlying smartphone and ACGN subculture addiction using a moderated mediation model. The findings reveal that smartphone addiction is positively related to ACGN content addiction. Bridging and bonding social capital mediate this relationship, whereas perceived stigma of participation in the ACGN subculture moderates it. The implications of the findings regarding participation in technology-enabled Chinese subcultures are also discussed.
  Keywords: subculture; addiction; social capital; stigma; Chinese youths.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10046509
   
  
• Applying a persuasive framework for adopting a sustainable mobile travelling attitude  
  by Maria Eftychia Angelaki, Theodoros Karvounidis, Christos Douligeris 
  Abstract: This paper proposes EPMA, an innovative persuasive framework, for supporting and evaluating an individual’s travelling attitude towards sustainable mobility. EPMA emphasises the importance of engaging mobile application users to improve their travel habits and adopt a sustainable travelling attitude through appropriate motivation and feedback. This energy feedback is the new element of EPMA compared to existing frameworks for assessing this behavioural travel change. An application mockup named Epma_App, which embeds the functionality of EPMA, is presented and evaluated. The results indicate that the participants are willing to change their travelling habits towards more sustainable options and intend to use Epma_App for this change. Moreover, they are eager to provide evaluation feedback regularly to improve the travel services offered. Furthermore, the ease of use and effectiveness of Epma_App result in increasing the intention to use it not only for navigation purposes but also in fostering a long-life eco-friendly attitude.
  Keywords: energy feedback; mobile transit applications; persuasive strategies and technologies; sustainable urban mobility; travel behaviour.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10046510
   
  
• Need Factors and Preoccupation among Mobile Social Media Users  
  by Ming-Han Chiang, Li-Ling Liu 
  Abstract: Social networking sites provide mobile applications to induce users to rely on and use them. Social media apps (SMAs) create, amplify, strengthen, disseminate, and consume social signals from peers and the general public. These signals are prolonging deep engagement and participation. SMAs take advantage of user needs (for belonging, self-actualisation, enjoyment, self-identity, and self-esteem), which results in the excessive use of SMAs, which then causes cognitive preoccupation. 1,551 questionnaires indicated that belonging needs positively affect the excessive social use of SMAs. Self-actualisation and enjoyment needs positively affect the excessive hedonic use of SMAs. Self-identity and self-esteem needs positively affect the excessive cognitive use of SMAs. Excessive use (social, hedonic, and cognitive use) of SMAs positively affects cognitive preoccupation. SMAs must ensure the enjoyment and social needs of users. Regarding the balance between benefits and social responsibilities, SMA operators should provide healthy apps without causing conflicts in SMA users.
  Keywords: needs factors; excessive use of social media apps; preoccupation; linear predictive control model; social media apps; SMAs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10047039
   
  
• Why do Merchants Continue to Use Mobile Payment A Data-Information-Value Perspective  
  by Yongqing Yang, Thomas Chesney, Shuiqing Yang, Zhangang Hao 
  Abstract: As an information-intensive service, mobile payment provides merchants a possibility to obtain the real-time transaction data of customers, resulting in a new capability for merchants to get data-driven business intelligence for value creation. However, little is known about how the availability of this capability motivates merchants’ continuance of mobile payment technology. Based on the data-information-value framework and perceived value theory, this study examines the influence of merchants’ exploitation of the data on value creation and their continued usage of mobile payment. We departmentalise the new data-enabled capability into consumption data obtainment, customer relationship maintenance, analysis of consumption data. The results confirm their significant influence on perceived value creation for merchants and that perceived value creation significantly predicts merchants’ continuance usage of mobile payment.
  Keywords: mobile payment; continuance usage; perceived value creation; merchant; consumption data; customer relationship maintenance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10047176
   
  
• Multiple linear regression-based machine learning model for received signal strength prediction of multiband applications  
  by M. Benisha, V. Thulasi Bai 
  Abstract: In wireless communication, path loss prediction is of great impact to ensure service quality for users and performance optimisation. This requires less complex, more accurate path loss or received signal strength (RSS) prediction methods. To deliver compliance, machine learning (ML) techniques have been considered. In this contribution, the principle behind ML-based RSS prediction and the procedure to correlate the antenna parameters well with the RSS value is presented for the designed multiband sub 6 GHz patch antenna which can operate from 1 GHz to 6 GHz suitable for multiband applications. The regression-based ML method is used to train the model with simulated data and validated using Wi-Fi real-time RSS dataset. The same is extended for other frequency applications as well. From the predicted and measured values, it can be a best-suited model for the prediction of RSS thereby path loss for the future 5th generation wireless communications.
  Keywords: path loss prediction; multiband antenna; machine learning; wireless communication; fifth generation (5G) mobile communication.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2022.10047529
   
  
• Understanding Gratifications for Engaging with Short-Video: A Comparison of TikTok Use in the U.S. and China  
  by Jian Shi, Mohammad Ali, Fiona Chew 
  Abstract: As one of the first comparative TikTok studies, we examine TikTok mobile app users’ gratifications sought, gratifications obtained, and engagement in the USA and China to conceptualise a new comprehensive gratifications engagement model. This study comprises an original survey conducted in the USA (N = 148) and China (N = 150) in 2018. Our theoretical model predicted three TikTok engagement typologies among American and Chinese users, further providing evidence of the cross-cultural application of uses and gratifications theory. Overall, TikTok users tend to be more active in promoting themselves engaged in TikTok’s video content than traditional short-video app (e.g., Snapchat) users. Our findings show that gratifications sought play a more important role in the American engagement effects model than in the Chinese model. The outcomes of this study could be utilised by corporate brands to create better appeal strategies for customer engagement with the TikTok app.
  Keywords: TikTok mobile app; uses and gratifications theory; UGT; survey; short-video engagement; comparison; USA; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10048266
   
  
• Examining the factors affecting users’ payment intention of video knowledge products  
  by Tao Zhou, Yuanjie Li 
  Abstract: Compared to traditional knowledge products, video knowledge products can present an interactive and immersive experience, which has promoted their wide adoption among users. However, users often lack the payment intention, which may hinder the sustainable development of video platforms. Integrating social cognitive theory and social capital theory, this research examined the factors affecting users’ payment intention of video knowledge products. 372 valid responses were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that knowledge anxiety, relational capital, cognitive capital, perceived social mobility and flow experience significantly affect users’ payment intention. Among them, knowledge anxiety has the largest effect. The results imply that platforms need to mitigate users’ knowledge anxiety and develop social capital in order to facilitate their payment intention.
  Keywords: video knowledge products; payment intention; knowledge anxiety; social capital; flow experience.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10048356
   
  
• Value elements among generations: A study of smartphone use between Generations Y and Z (the COVID-19 generation) in South Korea  
  by Muhammad Hussain, Jaehyun Park 
  Abstract: : User value is an important component of user experience, but value elements vary with generational and cultural differences. This study focused on the differences between user value elements of Generations Y and Z through serial case studies of smartphone use. Additionally, the effects of COVID-19 on value elements of Generation Z were also studied. Data were collected in two phases (42 members of Generation Y and 45 members of Generation Z) using the value sampling method, as well as 55 members of Generation Z during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that convenience and pleasure are important user value elements for both generations. Money, friendship, and beauty are more important for Generation Y, whereas Generation Z prefers relaxation. Generation Y uses smartphones extensively with social networks, whereas Generation Z focuses on online payments. This study helps to assess the values and perceptions of Generations Y and Z.
  Keywords: user value; Generation Y; Generation Z; COVID-19; smartphone; user experience; South Korea.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10050535
   
  
• Achieving a sustainable cashless society through mobile e-wallet: An extended technology acceptance model  
  by Mohd Khairul Fadhil-Ondoy, Ali Vafaei-Zadeh, Haniruzila Hanifah, Ramayah Thurasamy, Ai Ping Teoh 
  Abstract: This research explores the key factors influencing smartphone users’ behavioural intention to adopt mobile e-wallet in Malaysia using technology acceptance model (TAM) and additional extensions, including individual mobility, design, security and personal innovativeness. Data was gathered from 226 smartphone users who never had prior experience with mobile e-wallet and analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique. The obtained results verified that the TAM model along with the aforementioned extensions had a high exploratory power in explaining non-adopters’ behavioural intention to use mobile e-wallet. Perceived usefulness (PU) and attitude were found to impact behavioural intention to use mobile e-wallet substantially. The findings of this research would assist mobile e-wallet service providers in comprehending the consumers’ perceptions of technology and indirectly contribute to their system improvement. Besides, the government and policymakers would find this study helpful in developing a suitable strategic framework and policy to materialise a cashless society.
  Keywords: e-wallet; electronic wallet; mobile wallet; technology adoption; technology acceptance model; TAM; cashless society; sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10050552
   
  
• Have you spotted where I am? Exploring the impact of different forms of native advertising  
  by Pin Luarn, Ya-Cing Jhan, Hong-Wen Lin 
  Abstract: With the development of the mobile networks and the advent of portable mobile carriers, the number of mobile network users has continued to increase. Nevertheless, studies on whether or not mobile native advertising presented in native form affect advertising effects remain scarce. Therefore, this study adopted the experimental research method to design three different mobile network environments, whether or not the three forms of mobile native advertising, namely, in-feeds, paid search and recommendation widgets, produce different advertising effects. The results of the study found that different forms of mobile native advertising have a significant impact on advertising awareness and advertising attitudes. Among them, paid search advertising has the best effect, followed by information flow advertising. There is no significant difference in brand attitude and purchase intention among these three forms of advertising.
  Keywords: mobile native advertising; advertising effects; experimental design; form native; in-feeds; paid search; recommendation widgets.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10050553
   
  
• Social Presence and Experience Economy: The Effects of Augmented and Virtual Reality in Museums  
  by Mandy Claudia Tom Dieck, Timothy Jung, Hyunae Lee, Namho Chung 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) on visitors’ museum experience. To date, some studies have investigated the factors that enhance visitor experiences through AR and VR; however, research focusing on social presence and experience economy in mixed-reality environments, combining both VR and AR, is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of social presence in mixed environments on tourist experiences by applying social presence and experience economy theories. Questionnaires were conducted with 163 museum visitors and found that social presence is a strong predictor of the four realms of the experience economy. In addition, three realms, except esthetic experience, had an effect on the visitor experience, which consequently influenced tourists’ intention to revisit the museum. Implications are drawn and presented for the adoption of AR and VR technologies in museums.
  Keywords: Virtual Reality; Augmented Reality; Visitor Experience; Experience Economy; Social Presence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10050755
   
  
• Toward an Understanding of Individualism, Collectivism and Technostress on Social Network Sites: Evidence from China and Germany  
  by Nils Bernard Bienek, Christina Gross, Richard Lackes, Markus Siepermann 
  Abstract: Social network sites (SNSs) are popular worldwide, but despite the ongoing process of globalisation, usage varies widely from country to country. Reasons for this are manifold, and require further research. In addition to different platforms, cultural differences can also lead to different levels of usage. This paper aims to examine the different factors which influence SNS usage. For this, a survey of 281 Chinese and German users was conducted. While China is the archetype of a collectivist society, Germany is considered to be more individualistic. The results show that social reasons and technostress (TS) influence usage behaviour. In particular, the influence of social reasons on subjective norms and further on perceived usefulness towards SNSs is greater among Chinese users. Interestingly, TS seems to be non-culturally influenced.
  Keywords: Facebook; Qzone; Renren; Germany; China; technostress; social network sites; SNSs; individualism; collectivism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10050769
   
  
• The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Human Development: A Global Longitudinal Study  
  by Myungho Lee, Mincheol Kang 
  Abstract: Although countries are intensively using information and communication technology (ICT), ICTs effects on human development have not yet been fully elucidated. Some recent studies have addressed the effect of ICT use on human development, but have limited their investigations within a single country, within a limited region of the world, or in dozens of countries at most. The present study extends this literature by investigating whether ICT use positively impacts human development over time at the country level, worldwide. The study employed panel data analysis using data from 139 countries across the world from the years 2007 to 2016. The results showed that both fixed and mobile broadband subscriptions significantly improved the human development index (HDI). Interestingly, however, impacts differed depending on the countrys economic development level. Mobile broadband increased human development levels in low-income countries, while any broadband type increased human development levels in middle and high-income countries.
  Keywords: ICT use; fixed-broadband; active mobile-broadband; human development index; HDI; developed countries; developing countries; low-income countries; high-income countries.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10050865
   
  
• FACTORS INFLUENCING ATTITUDE TOWARD ADVERTISEMENTS IN LOCATION-BASED SERVICES AND THE MEDIATION EFFECT OF ADVERTISEMENT CONTEXT VALUE  
  by Seokho Lee, Hyungjin Kim, Kihyon Kim, Jinyoung Han, Hanjun Lee 
  Abstract: Recently, mobile environments and smart devices have become more popular, and thus, location-based advertising (LBA) is increasingly being used in various fields. It enables personalisation, localisation, and immediate service provision. However, existing studies have not considered the effect of location or context based on LBA-specific characteristics. It is not clear how positive these contextual factors are. This study suggests an integrated research model that includes advertising value and context value. This study investigates the factors influencing advertising value (entertainment, informativeness, and irritation) and the mediating effect of the context value between the advertising value and attitude toward the advertisements in LBA. The results show that irritation is not significantly related to advertising value in LBA, which is different from other advertisements. Context value affects attitude toward the advertisements as a mediator for the younger group. This study sheds more light on the LBA research area.
  Keywords: mobile advertising; attitude toward the advertisement; location-based advertising; LBA; advertising context value.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10051144
   
  
• Investigating factors influencing viewers’ continued participation in live streaming: From a socio-technical perspective  
  by Ting Zhu, Yaobin Lu, Sumeet Gupta 
  Abstract: Live streaming, as a new media, enables viewers to interact with broadcasters or other viewers during live video and co-create video with others. The ease of broadcasting increase competition and hence difficulty in viewer retention. Therefore, this study aims to investigate viewers’ continuous intention to actively participate in a live feed broadcast using a combination of socio-technical perspective and commitment-trust theory. Based on structural equation modelling and a sample of 439 participants, the results reveal that social and technical features influence affective commitment and identification trust, which in turn affects the viewer future co-creation behaviour. The results will be useful for broadcasters as well as platform providers. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
  Keywords: live streaming; co-creation; socio-technical perspective; commitment-trust theory; the honeycomb framework of social media.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10051363
   
  
• How do short video content characteristics influence short video app addiction An affective response perspective  
  by Xuebing Dong, Xin Wen, Yaping Chang, Hongbo Li 
  Abstract: With the rapid development of short video apps in recent years, people have become increasingly dependent on the services and applications they provide. However, excessive use of short video apps can cause short video app addiction. Combined the affective response model, this study explored the impact of short video content characteristics on short video app addiction and its psychological mechanism. Based on 916 valid questionnaires, SPSS 22 and Smart PLS were used to empirically verify the theoretical model. Results showed that the short video app content characteristics (novelty, personalisation) influence on affective responses (curiosity, affinity for short video), and affective responses have a significant positive impact on short video app addiction. In addition, individual mindfulness played an important role in the development of addictive behaviours, helping to alleviate individual short video app addiction.
  Keywords: short video app; content characteristics; addiction; mindfulness; affective response model; ARM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10051458
   
  
• Social motivation, Emotional motivation and Arousal among LINE Sticker App Users  
  by Li-Ling Liu 
  Abstract: LINE’s success can be attributed to the fact that it provides users with a wide variety of stickers to use. LINE stickers have become an important function in the chats allowing users to display affection and express emotions. LINE stickers have become an established trend in the messaging app which sets it apart from other platforms. This study mainly clarified the relationship within motivation (social and emotional), interaction, and arousal of LINE sticker users. An analysis of 1,104 questionnaires indicates that social motivation positively affects the interaction of LINE sticker users. Emotional motivation (leisure and passing time) positively affects the interaction of LINE sticker users. Interaction of LINE sticker users positively affects arousal. We recommend that developers of LINE sticker should focus their attention on the meaning and positioning of each sticker for effective and emotional communication. Customised LINE stickers will attract the users’ attention, thus attracting more consumers to download and use them.
  Keywords: mobile communications; LINE sticker app; LSA; social motivation; emotional motivation; arousal.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10052524
   
  
• An Empirical Study on the Impact of Blockchain on the Cost of Company Equity Financing  
  by Yan Yue, Hannah J. Ji, Jonah Ji 
  Abstract: Blockchain, big data and other advanced mobile technologies are now more than ever heavily adopted in the financial field. This paper analyses whether the cost of equity financing can be reduced by the implementation of blockchain and other mobile information technology. Using Python language to measure word frequency, this paper measures the number of occurrences of words referring to mobile information technology occur in regular reports and announcements of listed companies. Empirical results indicate that the implementation of blockchain and other mobile information technologies by listed companies causes a significant increase in the cost of financing in short-term. But the conclusion is opposite in long-term. Furthermore, results indicate that the degree of marketisation and level of urban Internet development amongst which any given listed company operates significantly impacts the degree of effect blockchain and other mobile information technology has on companies while significantly reducing the cost of equity financing.
  Keywords: blockchain; mobile information technology; equity finance; financing costs; information transparency; trust risk.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10053035
   
  
• Counting Your Mobile Customers One by One: Mobile Transaction Predictions Using Buy-`Til-You-Die Models  
  by Dongyeon Kim, Takhun Kim, Yongkil Ahn 
  Abstract: This study analyses the complete trading records of 217,614 mobile stock traders in Korea to test how the buy-’till-you-die (BTYD) class of probabilistic models work in predicting mobile transaction patterns. We find that BTYD models show satisfactory levels of churn prediction performance. To investigate the impact of irregular mobile trading patterns (e.g., binge trading behaviour), we cross-sectionally divide the data across clumpiness levels and check how a catalogue of BTYD models performs for each level of binge behaviour. The results show that BTYD models tend to operate better in a subsample consisting of those customers with less clumpy trading patterns. We confirm that customers with clumpy transaction patterns exacerbate prediction performance, especially when we try to anticipate a longer period. Thus, this study provides practical guidance for mobile app companies engaging in customer relationship management and sheds new light on the literature regarding binge behaviour and transaction pattern prediction in the context of mobile apps.
  Keywords: mobile trading app; mobile transaction; customer lifetime value; CLV; buy-’till-you-die; BTYD; binge behaviour; clumpiness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10053054
   
  
• Determinants of Intentions to Use Near Field Communication Mobile Payments in a Pandemic Context  
  by Suzanne Amaro, David Oliveira 
  Abstract: Given the advantages of near field communication (NFC) mobile payments, this study investigates determinants of its intentions to use in a country with low adoption rates and examines to what extent COVID-19 exerts an influence. The proposed model extends the technology acceptance model and the diffusion of innovations theory, including perceived security, previous experience and a new construct, perceived hygiene. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling with 210 valid responses obtained from an online questionnaire. The findings indicate that attitude, previous experience, perceived usefulness, compatibility and perceived ease of use affect intentions to use NFC mobile payments. However, despite respondents considering NFC mobile payments a more hygienic means of payment, perceived hygiene does not affect intentions to use, despite the pandemic. Based on the findings, this study provides insights on promoting the use of NFC mobile payments.
  Keywords: diffusion of innovations theory; perceived hygiene; technology acceptance model; TAM; near field communication; NFC; mobile payments.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10053199
   
  
• The Effect of Loneliness on Consumers’ Purchase Intention During Live Stream Shopping: An Empirical Study in China with Large-scale Samples  
  by R.U.I. CHEN, YANNING ZHANG, YANGHAN GUO 
  Abstract: Influenced by the pandemic in 2020, 'in-home restrictions' promoted live stream shopping. As a new type of social e-commerce, live stream shopping has an increasingly important role in social interaction. Another significant feature of live stream shopping is the availability of price discounts. Based on the basic social and commercial attributes of live stream shopping, this study aims to investigate the effects of loneliness on perceived interaction, perceived price discount, and customers' purchase intention. This study conducted an online large-sample survey (n = 9,072) for data collection. The results show that loneliness positively influences customer' purchase intention. And streamer-viewer interaction, interactions among live stream room viewer members, and price discount perception play a mediating role in loneliness and purchase intention. This study has implications for the live stream shopping industry. It helps business managers to focus on consumer psychology and social interaction factors better.
  Keywords: loneliness; live streaming shopping; attachment; network social interaction; materialism; purchase intention; perceived streamer interaction; perceived viewer interaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10053704
   
  
• Impact of COVID-19 on Mobile Application Usage Intensity  
  by Hyeon Jo 
  Abstract: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, social aspects have changed around the world. University students experience a sense of isolation because of the restrictions on classroom education. They may use mobile applications more intensively to relieve solitude. In this vein, this study investigates the factors that influence the intensity of mobile application usage in the era of the pandemic. The theoretical framework identifies the roles of subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, regulatory environment, and cabin fever syndrome in the formation of mobile application usage intensity. Also, affective risk perception and cognitive risk perception are examined to elucidate subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. The research model was demonstrated by fitting data gathered from 395 university students through structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings show that subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, regulatory environment, and cabin fever syndrome significantly impact mobile application usage intensity. The study results indicate that affective risk perception has a significant positive association with both subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Moreover, cognitive risk perception is also positively related to both subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. The research results will be useful guidelines for the mobile application field.
  Keywords: mobile application usage; COVID-19; social measures; subjective norms; perceived behavioural control; regulatory environment; cabin fever syndrome; risk perception.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10053857
   
  
• Can mobile internet finance really have a positive impact on commercial banks?  
  by Jing Ge, Ao Chen, Xiangxiang Lang, Yang Gao, Hongxia Sun, Baoshan Ge 
  Abstract: Mobile internet finance as a financial innovation integrating network technology and traditional financial services, its rapid development has a direct impact on the commercial banking business. In developing countries with immature financial industries, commercial banks also face the risk of policy uncertainty. In this paper, we select representative commercial banks to explore the variation of the performance brought by mobile Internet finance. Empirical studies show that the performance of commercial banks has declined under the impact of mobile Internet finance. The market-oriented interest rate reform policy can alleviate the decline of commercial banks' performance under the impact and promote the improvement of banks' performance. This proves that the early national policy of interest rate marketization (IRM) has achieved results in promoting the liberalization of the financial industry. The policy of IRM adopted by the country can enhance the ability of large commercial banks to dispose of the challenges of mobile Internet finance.
  Keywords: mobile internet finance; commercial banks; interest rate marketization; bank performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10054475
   
  
• FPGA Design and Implementation of an Efficient FIR Adaptive Filter by adopting CSD based Approximate Distributed Arithmetic  
  by C.S. Vinitha 
  Abstract: An effective approximate distributed arithmetic (DA) architecture is proposed for adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The approximate DA architecture is combined with canonical signed digit (CSD) number representation, which is used for reducing the partial products. Additionally, the partial products are added using the Wallace tree adder, which further helps to increase the speed and reduce the filter complexity. The proposed design is encoded in VHDL that are simulated, synthesized and implemented in MATLAB and Xilinx field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) unit to evaluate the hardware complexity of the filter. The proposed adaptive filter’s hardware efficiency in terms of number of slices utilized is 40% less than booth algorithm, and 62% less than basic DA-based adaptive filter. Also, the total power consumption is 20%, 28% and 30% less than booth algorithm, NLMS and DA based filter respectively. This filter operates at higher frequency compared to its previous filter designs.
  Keywords: LMS adaptive filter; approximate computing; DA computation; CSD representation; Wallace tree accumulation; FIR filter.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10054843
   
  
• Optimal Power and Resource Allocation For 5G Oriented system using a Hybridized Whale and Hosted Cuckoo (Hyb-WHC) Optimization Algorithm  
  by Deepa Palani, Merline Arulraj 
  Abstract: The fifth generation (5G) systems have greater requirements for data speeds, minimum latency, and low connection density. In hybrid MC-NOMA system, the optimal resource allocation is more challenging to achieve the commitment of energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE) with minimal user rate requirement. Therefore, in this manuscript, the optimal power and resource allocation for 5G oriented system using a hybrid whale and hosted cuckoo (Hyb-WHC) optimisation algorithm is proposed for solving EE resource allocation problems under MC-NOMA system. Here, the hybridised whale and hosted cuckoo (Hyb-WHC) optimisation algorithm distributes power to every network. Then the distributed power of every channel is allocated to the multiplexed users depends on their individual channel gains. The proposed approach is activated in MATLAB and its performance is compared with existing approaches, such as optimal resource allocation using lion algorithm with probabilistic mating (MC-NOMA-LAPM) and traditional fractional power allocation method (MC-NOMA-FTPA).
  Keywords: Hyb-WHC optimisation; hybrid multi-carrier non-orthogonal multiple accesses; user grouping; power distribution; choice of multiple accesses; sum rate.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10055352
   
  
• Factors affecting the Online Social Shopping Intention of Adolescents in Taiwan - An Extension of Technology Acceptance Model  
  by Li Ming Chuang, Hsiu-Hao Liu, Ming-Shien Kuo 
  Abstract: Previous TAM studies regarding online shopping mainly focused on website quality, brand reputation or trust, and have not applied this model to social media. Therefore, this study is expected to add different constructs into the research model. As adolescents are one of the main groups using community websites and social media, this study explores adolescents’ online social shopping intention with an extension of the technology acceptance model. The 385 valid questionnaires was analysed and verified by structural equation modelling, and the results show that social presence, trust, and perceived enjoyment can have a positive impact on attitude through perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, and attitude can have a positive impact on intention. The results of this study extend the explanatory power of TAM regarding the online social shopping of adolescents.
  Keywords: online social shopping; technology acceptance model; TAM; social presence; trust; perceived enjoyment; Taiwan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10055353
   
  
• Research on the Influencing Factors of Mobile Learning Behavior: Taking the Accounting Learning App as an Example  
  by Dan Chen, Xiyuan Guo, Chang Liu 
  Abstract: In recent years, with the continuous development of mobile communication technology and network technology, mobile communication equipment has entered the intelligent development era. Intelligent mobile devices have the characteristics of interactivity, convenience, intelligence, and portability, and gradually enter into our daily life. Mobile learning is a new learning mode developed by mobile terminal equipment combined with wireless network communication technology. In this mode, learners can use various mobile terminals (such as smartphones, Pocket PCs, iPads, iPhones, etc.) to communicate, interact and learn with the help of a mobile communication network or WLAN. At present, there is no well-established conclusion on the factors affecting mobile learning behaviour. Therefore, based on the perspective of accounting learning app and using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model for reference, this paper present relevant research hypotheses from four aspects of performance expectation, effort expectation, social influence and facilitating condition, and designs and issues questionnaires to collect data. Based on the structural equation modelling method, this paper analyses 485 valid sample data, explores the factors affecting mobile learning behaviour, and gives suggestions for improving app mobile learning behaviour.
  Keywords: mobile learning; learning behaviour; influencing factors.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10055536
   
  
• CHANGES IN CONSUMERS' MOBILE PAYMENT BEHAVIOUR DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A STIMULUS-ORGANISM-RESPONSE MODEL PERSPECTIVE  
  by Umut Unal, Mertcan Tascioglu, Dursun Yener 
  Abstract: Mobile payment (m-payment) emerged as an alternative payment method, especially after smartphones’ rapid development and spread in the last decade. The convenience, efficiency, and ubiquity it provides made m-payment preferable over traditional payment methods. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of m-payment’s another feature: its contact-free nature. Due to the pandemic, people want to avoid contact with others as much as possible. Consequently, consumers associate m-payment with certain benefits because it provides a shopping experience with minimal or no contact. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how consumers’ m-payment intentions during the pandemic are affected by these perceived benefits. The factors affecting these benefits are also examined. The research reveals insightful results indicating that consumers’ perceived hedonic, utilitarian, and relative benefits are positively related to their intention to use m-payment while perceived novelty, perceived compatibility, performance expectancy, and social influence affect the perception of these benefits.
  Keywords: mobile payment; m-payment; stimulus-organism-response; S-O-R; COVID-19; hedonic benefit; utilitarian benefit; relative benefit.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10055717
   
  
• The Influence of Mobile App Design on Emotions Leads to Purchase Intention for Risk Avoidance Cultures  
  by Chaudhry Muhammad Nadeem Faisal, Simra Shahid, Javier De Andres-Suarez, Martin Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Daniel Fernandez-Lanvin 
  Abstract: In the current competitive environment, retailers should focus more on customers’ experiences and perceptions while designing interactive interfaces to evoke positive emotions. Improving user experiences by refining design strategies is considered a successful business strategy. This is because customers’ perceptions and related experiences influence the utilisation behaviour and purchase intention. Therefore, this study intends to explore the effect of design characteristics on emotions leading to purchase intention. An experimental prototype of an online ticket booking is developed to collect the data for validation of the intended objective. The collected data is analysed using partial-least-squares, a structural equation modelling technique. The results provide partial support for the proposed hypotheses. Accordingly, animation, colour, and transition are observed to be associated with positive emotions, while font and aesthetic graphics are determined as strong indicators of negative emotions. However, hierarchy and control were more crucial for positive (and negative) emotions. Lastly, positive and negative emotions contribute to changing the purchase intention.
  Keywords: e-commerce; emotions; navigation design; usability; visual design; purchase intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10055718
   
  
• Ambidexterity Capacity, Absorptive Capacity, and Business Performance of Taiwan’s Communication Information Companies  
  by Wei-Chuan Wang  
  Abstract: Based on the view of absorptive capacity, this study constructs a dynamic theoretical framework of resource investment, ambidexterity capacity, and business performance. The data of Taiwan's listed and OTC communication information companies are used to examine the correlation between the ambidexterity capacity and business performance, as well as its moderating effect. The results show that R&D expenses are negatively related to business performance. Moreover, the correlation between R&D capacities and business performance -influenced by the strong absorptive capacities of marketing investment and strong application capacities - turns from significantly negative to significantly positive adaptive. The theoretical contribution of this study is the discussion of the influence of resource investment on the constitution of ambidexterity capacity and the moderating role of ambidexterity capacity between resource investment and business performance; in the practical aspect, this study provides an operational analysis framework for the industry to test the effectiveness of resource allocation.
  Keywords: Ambidexterity capacity; absorptive capacity; business performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10055978
   
  
• EXAMINATION OF THE ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF CONSUMERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS MOBILE ADVERTISING  
  by Sinem Sarg?n, Leyla Leblebici Koçer 
  Abstract: Mobile advertising is a form of advertising that has evolved in parallel with advances in digital technology. This study aims to investigate the causes and effects of consumer attitudes regarding mobile advertising. An online survey method was applied on 431 people in Turkey, who were chosen by the convenience sampling method . Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The study's findings reveal that affinity for technology impacts both attitudinal and action digital readiness. Furthermore, whereas digital readiness affects perceived risk, it does not affect perceived utility. Additionally, the results show that action digital readiness affects perceived utility but not perceived risk. Both perceived utility and perceived risk, on the other hand, have a significant impact on attitudes towards mobile advertising. Attitude towards mobile advertisings strongly impacts entertainment and purchase intention for mobile advertisings; additionally, entertainment has a significant impact on the purchase intention towards mobile advertising.
  Keywords: Affinity for Technology; Digital Readiness; Perceived Utility; Perceived Risk; Attitude towards Mobile Advertising; Entertainment; Purchase Intention towards Mobile Advertising.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10056285
   
  
• Exploring users’ behavioral responses to social comparison on social media: the mediating roles of envy and fatigue  
  by Bao Dai, Lingling Yu, Ying Chen 
  Abstract: Social comparison on social media has become a pervasive phenomenon. Prior studies mainly examined the effects of social comparison on users’ cognitive and affective responses. The present study aims to uncover the influencing mechanism of social comparison on social media on users’ behavioural responses. Based on the stressor-strain-outcome (S-S-O) model, this study proposes a research model to investigate the effects of social media users’ social comparison on their behavioural responses (i.e., discontinuance and information avoidance) through the mediating roles of negative emotions (i.e., envy and fatigue). The model is tested using 353 valid data from WeChat users in China. Results show that social comparison on social media is a significant driver of envy and fatigue, and the impact of social comparison on envy is greater than that on fatigue. In addition, envy and fatigue have strong effects on social media users’ discontinuance and information avoidance. This study theoretically and empirically explains the negative consequences of social comparison, advancing our understanding of the dark side of social media use and expanding the relevant research.
  Keywords: social media; social comparison; envy; fatigue; information avoidance; discontinuance; stressor-strain-outcome model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10056288
   
  
• Learning the usage intention of robo-advisors in fin-tech services: Implications for customer education  
  by Chieh-Peng Lin, Hui-Ting Chan 
  Abstract: Drawing on MOA framework, this study establishes a research model that explains the usage intention of robo-advisors. In the model, three predictors that consist of technology relative advantage, technology herding, and technology familiarity influence usage intention of robo-advisors directly and indirectly via the partial mediation of trust. At the same time, the effects of the three predictors on trust are hypothetically moderated by learning goal orientation and perceived performance risk respectively. Statistical analyses are provided using the data of working professionals from insurance industry in Taiwan. Based on its empirical findings, this study discusses important theoretical and practical implications.
  Keywords: consumer education; technology relative advantage; technology herding; learning goal orientation; perceived performance risk.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2024.10056373
   
  
• Digital divide and socio-economic differences in smartphone information security behaviour among university students: empirical evidence from Pakistan  
  by Naurin Farooq Khan, Naveed Ikram, Sumera Saleem 
  Abstract: Protection of smartphone devices is a capital-enhancing activity that is rooted in the safe and secure use of these devices. However, the socio-economic and digital disparities affect such protective behaviour - specifically in developing nations where such differences are rife. This study explores the information security behaviour of smartphone users through digital and socio-economic disparities along with demographic characteristics. A survey questionnaire was administered to 306 students in universities of Pakistan employing a stratified multi-stage sampling technique. Analysis was carried out using frequencies and Pearson's Chi-square statistics. The findings suggest that students show lax smartphone information security behaviour. Digital divide and socio-economic differences reveal that students with greater Internet access and higher socio-economic status exhibited better behaviour in using smartphone settings and disaster recovery mechanisms. The study provides relevant institutes and government departments with insights to develop interventions, strategies, policies and specific training programs to better users' information security behaviour.
  Keywords: smartphone use; information security; digital divide; socio-economic status; developing countries; Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042359
   
  
• The influence of digital product attributes on the consumption demand for mobile money: the case of the MTN mobile money product in the Buea Municipality in Cameroon  
  by Serge Messomo Elle, Fubin Miriam Embi 
  Abstract: Digitalisation has led to many innovations and is also perceived as an instrument of customers' satisfaction. The objective of this study was to determine the digital attributes that increase consumer demand for the mobile money (MoMo) product in the Buea Municipality. To achieve this, a questionnaire was designed and administered to users of the mobile money product of mobile telecommunication network (MTN) in the Buea Municipality in Cameroon. The digital product attributes of the MoMo were analysed according to attributes of the diffusion innovation theory. The data collected were measured descriptively and inferentially employing bar and pie charts, mean, standard deviation, and ordinary least square (OLS) regressions. The findings showed that the tangible attribute of triability and the intangible attributes of confidence and compatibility non-significantly increase the consumption of the MTN MoMo product in the Buea Municipality. On the contrary, observability and complexity attributes significantly decreased the consumer demand for the MTN MoMo product in digital factors (observability and complexity) to increase the demand for the MoMo product in the Buea Municipality in Cameroon.
  Keywords: digital product attributes; mobile money; consumer demand; confidence; mobile phone; Buea Municipality; Cameroon.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10048436
   
  
• Factors influencing utilitarian and hedonic mobile shopping experiences: Taobao as an example  
  by Ge Gao, Shihyu Chou, Chi-Wen Chen, Harris Wu., Tianyong Wang 
  Abstract: The past decade has witnessed the rapid growth of mobile shopping application usage. However, utilitarian and hedonic shopping experiences in the context of mobile shopping applications have seldom been studied. Drawing on the user experience (UX) design, this study establishes a research model to examine how the UX design factors, including visual design, interaction design, content design, and security design, influence utilitarian and hedonic shopping experiences on mobile shoppers. The results contribute to the existing limited knowledge of shopping experiences in the context of mobile shopping applications, elucidate the important implications for practice, and provide a fundamental framework for future research to conduct more comprehensive studies.
  Keywords: user experience; hedonic shopping experience; utilitarian shopping experience; mobile shopping applications.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10041883
   
  
• HyDroid: android malware detection using network flow combined with permissions and intent filter  
  by Akram Zine Eddine Boukhamla, Abhishek Verma 
  Abstract: Android has become one of the most widely used operating systems for mobile platforms in the recent years. With its widespread adoption, it has also became the target of malicious applications' developers and cyber threats. This in turn has stimulated research on android malware analysis and detection. Several android malware detection techniques have been proposed in the literature. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid android malware detection method which is named as HydDroid. A hybrid dataset based on the existing CICInvesAndMal2019 dataset by selecting most relevant static features is created. HydDroid is represented by the form of a combination of binary vectors and numerical vectors. The proposed approach is evaluated using three well-known machine learning classification algorithms. The experiment results indicate that HydDroid achieves the accuracy of up to 96.3%. To show the effectiveness of our proposed approach, the performance results are compared with existing solutions.
  Keywords: Android malware detection; static analysis; network flow; hybrid analysis; machine learning.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10040480
   
  
• Predicting eBook purchases of heterogeneous social groups in a social network site using network metrics  
  by Jongtae Yu, Dong-Yop Oh, Triss Ashton, Yang Wang 
  Abstract: This study examines users' social influence on e-book purchases within a social network drawing on the structural equivalence model. Structural equivalence holds that higher social influence levels exist among socially equivalent people (Burt, 1987). Using structural equivalence, network users were classified as either equivalent or inequivalent. Given that measurement data on social relationships among people within a network are often limited, to assign users to groups, link estimation utilised product choices to calculate network measures. With that framework, purchasing behaviours were predicted using various algorithms. Consistent with structural equivalence, the findings demonstrate that the average accuracy under the various algorithms is significantly higher in equivalent than inequivalent networks. Finally, comparing results with and without the network measurement variables suggests that failing to consider social equivalence may mislead prediction results by overestimating the social influence effect in low equivalent groups or underestimating the effect of high social equivalent groups.
  Keywords: social influence; social network analytics; structural equivalence; classification; sales prediction; algorithm testing; biased predictions; network prediction performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042449
   
  
• Effects of aspect ratio and the key position of the smartphone on thumb speed, muscle activities and discomfort in one-handed interaction  
  by Bingyu Xu, Gang Guo, Qiuyang Tang 
  Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the effects of aspect ratio and key location on touch behaviours with one-handed interaction. Two aspect ratio devices (i.e., 16:9 and 18:9) and 15 key locations were examined. Thumb speed, electromyography, and subjective discomfort rating data were collected to examine the touch behaviour. The discomfort rating and electromyography deteriorated with high aspect ratio devices while tapping keys on the lower left of the screen. Higher thumb speeds were associated with adduction-abduction movement such as tapping keys on the lower left and top right. Key tapping with flexion-extension movements such as tapping keys on the lower right and top left tended to have more unsatisfactory subjective ratings and lower thumb speed. These results show that the keyboard design of high aspect ratio smart phones should avoid the common functions and buttons close to the lower left corner.
  Keywords: smartphone aspect ratio; touch behaviour performances; one-handed interaction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10044646
   
  
• Tourism experience and quality of life: the roles of autobiographical memory and social networking service posting behaviour  
  by Hee Chung Chung, Sung-Byung Yang, Namho Chung 
  Abstract: With an increasing number of people who enjoy leisure time to improve their present quality of life (QOL), this study attempts to investigate the relationship between tourism experience and QOL. As tourists leave their destinations, on-site experiences are recorded as memories, which are constantly recalled in daily life and can affect the QOL of tourists. Thus, this study is to understand the mechanism of the relationship among tourism experience, autobiographical memory, and QOL. Our findings show all dimensions of the tourism-experience economy positively affect autobiographical memory, except for entertaining experience. Moreover, our interesting results show that, at the moment when tourists can be actively immersed, the behaviour (i.e., SNS posting) to record the tourism experience becomes a factor that obstructs the memory.
  Keywords: tourism experience; experience economy; autobiographical memory; social networking service; SNS; SNS posting; tourist satisfaction; quality of life.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042634
   
  
• Knowledge hiding and sharing with mobile social networking applications: an integrated model of antecedents and outcomes  
  by Yu-Hui Fang, Chia-Ying Li 
  Abstract: Mobile social networking applications (MSNAs) can support but also frustrate knowledge sharing by strategically hiding knowledge. This study investigates why people share and hide knowledge using MSNAs and subsequent influences (sense of well-being; SWB). Integrating institutional logics with notions of self-affirmation and social face, this study proposes a model to link both the corporate logic (guanxi maintenance and knowledge sharing) and professional logic (territorial protection and knowledge hiding) to SWB, where self-affirmation mediates the relationship between hiding and SWB, and social face moderates both logics. Results from a survey of 593 LINE group users support all proposed hypotheses, except for the direct link between knowledge hiding and SWB. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
  Keywords: guanxi; territoriality; self-affirmation; knowledge hiding; mobile social networking applications; social face; knowledge sharing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10043143
   
  
• Network market orientation, entrepreneurial capability and new venture's performance: evidence from China's mobile communication industry  
  by Hongjia Ma, Qing Sun, Juan Wu 
  Abstract: In the VUCA era, the turbulent external market environment has brought more uncertainty and shocks to new ventures. To improve the survival rate of new ventures, it is necessary to identify the key factors that enable new ventures to overcome the challenges of environmental change, enter the market quickly and sustain operation, and analyse how the factors play a role. This study focused on the influence of network market orientation on the performance of a new venture in the mobile communications industry and explored the moderating role of entrepreneurial capability, including opportunity recognition and exploitation capabilities on the relationship between network market orientation and performance. The findings may help expand the research on the impact of network market orientation and provide theoretical support for the survival and development of new ventures in mobile communications or other knowledge-intensive industries in emerging economies in a dynamic environment.
  Keywords: network market orientation; entrepreneurial capability; new venture performance; entrepreneurship; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10043609
   
  
• Comparative relation mining of online reviews: a hierarchical multi-attention network model  
  by Song Gao, Hongwei Wang, Jiaqi Liu, Yuanjun Zhu, Ou Tang 
  Abstract: Comparative relations behind online reviews contain rich information concerning customers' assessments of different products or services, thereby supporting upcoming consumers' purchase decisions, as well as helping to identify enterprises' market competitiveness. Instead of using the pattern recognition method, this paper proposes a hierarchical multi-attention network (HMAN) model to extract the comparative relations, in order to greatly reduce the requirements of artificial features and the manual annotation in the relation mining process. Such model outperforms both traditional classification models and text classification models in terms of accuracy, with its F1-score up to 81%. Besides, the proposed model has a good performance on extracting comparative relations from long texts where comparison information is relatively scattered. In this study, we visualise results of different experiments in order to demonstrate the interpretability of this model, and furthermore explore the mechanism of multi-attention method in comparative relations mining. This study applies the deep learning method instead of pattern recognition to automatically capture deep features of comparative relations, and therefore it redefines the identification process of comparative relations.
  Keywords: comparative relation; text classification; deep learning; attention mechanism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10043142
   
  
• Effects of rapport on gaming disorder in social network games mediated by social presence  
  by Chang Won Jung 
  Abstract: This study aims to identify the factors that trigger gaming disorder in social network games (SNG) through a conceptual framework. To achieve this, the study proposes a model using the social-relational constructs of rapport and social presence by analysing data from an online survey of Korean gamers (N = 453). The results revealed that likability and self-disclosure were significantly and positively predictive of rapport, which influenced social presence. Gaming disorder in SNG was found to be significantly and positively influenced by social presence but not by rapport. The results indicate that social presence fully mediated the effect of rapport on gaming disorder in SNG. In an SNG environment, gaming players' personal tendencies are essential to building rapport independently from the individual's gaming-oriented knowledge, skill, experience, or behavioural action. The closer gaming players perceive the social distance between their fellow players, the more likely they are to develop a gaming disorder.
  Keywords: social network games; SNG; gaming disorder; rapport; social presence.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042951
   
  
• How channel integration and customer experience touchpoints affect omnichannel shopping behaviours  
  by Jung-Yu Lai, Yu-Xin Chen, Yen-Ching He 
  Abstract: To increase attractiveness, retailers have integrated physical shops, online stores, and social media channels to improve communication and contacts with consumers, gradually evolving into an omnichannel. Such a channel can provide customers with a more complete and seamless shopping experience. However, facing intensive competition in the retail market, integrating various channels and touchpoints for customers is an urgent issue for omnichannel practitioners. This study thus explores how channel integration (CI) affects perceived value (PV) and touchpoint positivity (TP), thereby influencing channel selection intention (CSI). Results show that CI has a positive and significant impact on both TP and PV. PV and TP have a significant positive relationship with CSI. These results can serve as a guide for strategy development for retailers and can be used as the theoretical basis for omnichannel-related research.
  Keywords: channel integration; CI; omnichannel; touchpoint.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2022.10041874
   
  
• Comparing the accuracy of estimated time of arrival in mobile navigation applications  
  by Chee Ling Thong, Wing Ging Too, Abdurrahman Jalil, Chit Su Mon, Chiw Yi Lee, Lee Yen Chaw 
  Abstract: Accuracy of estimated time of arrival (ETA) for mobile vehicle tracking applications (apps) remains as a key issue to be discussed. Most of the mobile vehicle tracking apps such as WAZE is using GPS to track the current location of the vehicles. However, the accuracy of data provided by the mobile apps and factors affecting the accuracy remain as an unexplored area. This study examines the ETA accuracy by comparing ETA of a self-developed vehicle tracking app namely UCSITravel and a popular navigation app namely WAZE. The comparison test is performed by using t-test to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between the means of the datasets. Factors affecting ETA accuracy are determined in this study. The comparison results show that UCSITravel, which uses mean-value calculation (MAP), produces as accurate ETA as WAZE, which calculates ETA based on historic and real-time crowdsourced traffic data. The results shed light to mobile application developers to explore and understand more options of prediction models in developing mobile vehicle tracking app. In addition, this study has demonstrated several factors that were found to affect the accuracy of ETA in both apps as in line with literature. The results yield theoretical and practical implications.
  Keywords: estimated time of arrival; ETA; global positioning system; GPS; mobile navigation applications; apps; accuracy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042168
   
  
• Factors determining behavioural intention of nursing students to use mobile learning: an application and extension of the UTAUT model  
  by Cheng-Min Chao, Wei-Ru Chen 
  Abstract: Mobile learning (m-learning) promotes not only the quality of learning process but also learning performance. Therefore, this study proposed a theoretical framework model to predict the factors affecting behavioural intentions of nursing students to use m-learning. We evaluated the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model and extended it to include attitude, mobile self-efficacy, and motivation, with mobile literacy as the moderating factor. For this purpose, the structural equation model was used to analyse data from an online survey of 792 nursing students from six universities in Taiwan. The results confirm that: 1) attitude was an important determinant of the behavioural intention of nursing students to use m-learning; 2) amongst the four major constructs of UTAUT, performance expectancy had the most significant impact on behavioural intention; 3) M-SE and motivation were important external factors of PE and effort expectancy; 4) mobile literacy had a significant moderating effect on the relationship among PE, facilitating conditions, and behavioural intention. The results of this study provide support for an extended UTAUT model and significant practical recommendations for researchers, nursing students, and coherent education units, in order to improve the feasibility of m-learning.
  Keywords: mobile learning; nursing students; mobile literacy; mobile self-efficacy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10041673
   
  
• Performance of cooperative relay protocol in 5G mobile communication network over Rayleigh fading channel  
  by Akinyinka Olukunle Akande, Cosmas Kemdirim Agubor, Wasiu Akande Ahmed, Olalekan Ogunbiyi, Olusola Kunle Akinde 
  Abstract: This paper presents the performance of a new cooperative relay protocol in mobile network over Raleigh environment. Characteristically, the 5G network at 28 GHz covers short distances due to its shorter wavelength. Extending network coverage area and improvement of signal quality is a necessity. In this work, high performance hybrid relay nodes were proposed to improve quality of the signal and increase the signal coverage distance. Mathematical expression was successfully derived for new hybrid decode amplify forward (HDAF) protocol. The destination node combines received symbols from hybrid relay nodes and source node using maximal ratio combiner (MRC) for optimal performance. The performance of the developed model was evaluated using bit error rate (BER), outage probability (P_out) and processing time (P_time) at different signal to noise ratio (SNR). Comparatively the developed HDAF protocol performed better than DF and AF by having a lower BER, P_out and P_time values. The result also shows that HDAF relay protocol has the potential to mitigate signal interference and extend the coverage area in 5G network.
  Keywords: 5G network; amplify-forward; bit error rate; BER; mobile network; maximal ratio combiner; MRC; outage probability; processing time; Raleigh; relay nodes; signal to noise ratio; SNR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042868
   
  
• Artificial intelligence-based pre-implementation interventions in users' continuance intention to use mobile banking  
  by Rong-Rong Lin, Yong Zheng, Jung-Chieh Lee 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been applied in mobile banking (M-banking); however, the way that AI features influence users' continuance intention (CI) to adopt mobile banking remains unknown. To address this research gap, two AI-based constructs, namely, perceived intelligence (PInt) and perceived anthropomorphism (PAnt), are added to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as pre-implementation intervention variables to explore users' M-banking CI. A survey research design via a convenience sampling method is utilised, and 318 valid samples are collected for analysis. The primary results show that PInt can increase PAnt and both PInt and PAnt foster users' CI by increasing their performance expectancy (PE) and facilitating conditions (FC). This study contributes to the literature by showing that intelligence and anthropomorphism are critical AI features for users' M-banking CI. Banks should design and offer AI-based intelligent and anthropomorphic applications to promote users' CI in M-banking.
  Keywords: mobile banking; perceived intelligence; UTAUT; perceived anthropomorphism; continuance intention.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJMC.2023.10042841