scholarly journals Understanding Continuance Usage of Natural Gas: A Theoretical Model and Empirical Evaluation

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Fernández-Guzmán ◽  
Edgardo Bravo
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Loyalty Programs ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Continuance Usage ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
High Level

The adoption of natural gas increased notably last years, and there is some recognition that it improves the quality of life of inhabitants. While initial acceptance is an essential first step, the continued use is relevant to the long-term success of any technology. However, the literature on energy has focused on adoption and has devoted less attention to models that explain continuance usage. Accordingly, this study developed a model to explain continuance usage, grounded in Expectation-Confirmation Model (ECM). Unlike adoption models, confirmation of previous expectations and satisfaction with the experience of use have a relevant role in this phenomenon. Data was gathered through a questionnaire to 435 users of the service in a Latin American metropolis, and structural equations model was used for analysis. The results show that constructs of the ECM (perceived usefulness, disconfirmation, and satisfaction) influences on continuance intention. While the price impacts as expected, it is surprising that environmental consciousness strongly impacts the intention. These results may be useful for public agents to foster more comprehensive policies (beyond traditional: price and access), which include environmental and safety issues to consolidate the use of this energy source. Energy companies should develop strategies to manage consumer expectations and loyalty programs based on a high level of satisfaction.

Hydrotesting and In-Line Inspection: Now and in the Future

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry Rau ◽  
Mike Kirkwood
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Inert Gases ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Operating Pressure ◽  
Inherent Safety ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
The Future ◽  
Integrity Assurance ◽  
High Level

Pressure testing of pipelines has been around in some form or another since the 1950s1–14. In its earliest form, operators used inert gases such as Nitrogen or even air to test for pipeline integrity. However, with the significant increases in pipeline pressures and inherent safety issues with a pressurized gas, the switch to using water happened in the late 1960’s15–17. Hydrostatic tests (referred to as hydrotests) have been used since then to set and reset the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP) for pipelines but as other technologies develop and gain acceptance will hydrotesting still play a key role in pipeline integrity in the years ahead? Currently, hydrotesting is a topic for the impending US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Proposed New Rule Making (PNRM)18. Under the NPRM, hydrotesting is required to verify MAOP on pre-1970s US “grandfathered” pipelines, as well as on pipelines of any age with incomplete or missing testing record and include a high level test with a “spike” in pressure. But hydrotesting may not be the only method. Alternative methods and new technologies — used alone or used in combination with hydrotesting — may help provide a more comprehensive way for operators to identify and address potential problems before they become a significant threat. This paper explores both sides of the argument. Before In-Line Inspection (ILI) technology was even available, hydrotesting was the absolute means of the proof of integrity. However, hydrotesting is under scrutiny for many reasons that this paper explores. ILI was introduced in the 1960’s with the first commercially available Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) tools that presented the industry with an alternative. Currently there are a huge array of available technologies on an ILI tool and so is the role of the hydrotest over? The paper looks at the benefits of the hydrotest and these are presented and balanced against available ILI technology. Furthermore, as pipelines are being developed in even more harsh environments such as deepwater developments, the actual logistics of performing a hydrotest become more challenging. The paper will also look at both applications onshore and offshore where regulators have accepted waivers to a hydrotest using alternative methods of proving integrity. The paper concludes with the current use and needs for hydrotesting, the regulatory viewpoint, the alternatives and also what the future developments need to focus on and how technology may be improved to provide at least a supplement if not a replacement to this means of integrity assurance.

scholarly journals Can the Subaltern Speak in Criminology? Analysing the Production of Knowledge on Crimes of the Powerful in the 21st Century through Latin American Postcolonial Lenses

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amalia Valdés-Riesco
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Latin American Studies ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Production Of Knowledge ◽  
Global North ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
High Level ◽  
Latin American Countries

Through postcolonial criminological lens, this article attempts to evidence the domination of knowledge in criminology of Crimes of the powerful in the Global North and Anglo-language countries, and whether this domination translates into an influence of knowledge in Latin America and the Caribbean in the 21st century. To address this, a scoping review search was developed to find research articles focused on Crimes of the powerful both globally and in Latin American countries, and a citation analysis performed on specific studies. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied as a search strategy. The results demonstrate that a high level of concentration exists in the production of knowledge of Crimes of the powerful studies in the Global North and Anglo-language countries compared to the Global South and non-Anglo-language countries, and also evidence the high level of influence of knowledge that Global North countries have on Latin American studies.

Ensuring Continued Usage of an E-Government Service in Malaysia

2015 ◽  
pp. 1546-1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santhanamery Thominathan ◽  
Thurasamy Ramayah
Keyword(s):  
Northern Region ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Quality Performance ◽  
Technology Innovations ◽  
Continuance Usage ◽  
Inland Revenue ◽  
Intention To Continue ◽  
Continuance Usage Intention

This chapter highlights the importance of continuance usage intention of a technology. Continuance intention is defined as one's intention to continue using or long-term usage intention of a technology. Although initial acceptance is important in identifying the success of an information system, continued usage is even more significant in ensuring the long-term viability of technology innovations and in enhancing the financial and quality performance of an organization. Therefore, this chapter aims to examine the continuance usage intention of e-filing system by taxpayers in Malaysia. The data were collected from 153 taxpayers in the northern region of Malaysia using survey method. The result shows a significant relationship between perceived usefulness and continuance usage intention. Surprisingly, perceived usefulness was found to be insignificantly related to satisfaction and satisfaction towards continuance usage intention. Implication of these findings to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia is also elaborated.

Techniques and Trends Towards Various Dimensions of Robust Security Testing in Global Software Engineering

2019 ◽  
pp. 219-251
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sulleman Memon ◽  
Mairaj Nabi Bhatti ◽  
Manzoor Ahmed Hashmani ◽  
Muhammad Shafique Malik ◽  
Naveed Murad Dahri
Keyword(s):  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Security Testing ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Software Vulnerabilities ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
Evaluation Strategies ◽  
Software Program ◽  
High Level ◽  
Technical Assessment ◽  
Global Software Engineering

With the growth of software vulnerabilities, the demand for security integration is increasingly necessary to more effectively achieve the goal of secure software development globally. Different practices are used to keep the software intact. These practices should also be examined to obtain better results depending on the level of security. The security of a software program device is a characteristic that permeates the whole system. To resolve safety issues in a software program security solutions have to be implemented continually throughout each web page. The motive of this study is to offer a complete analysis of safety, wherein protection testing strategies and equipment can be categorized into: technical evaluation strategies and non-technical assessment strategies. This study presents high-level ideas in an easy form that would help professionals and researchers solve software security testing problems around the world. One way to achieve these goals is to separate security issues from other enforcement issues so that they can be resolved independently and applied globally.

An Empirical Evaluation of the Effects of Gender Differences and Self-efficacy in the Adoption of E-banking in Nigeria

2012 ◽  
pp. 179-192
Author(s):  
Charles K. Ayo ◽  
Princely Ifinedo ◽  
Uyinomen O. Ekong ◽  
Aderonke Oni
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Gender Disparity ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Acceptance Model

The issues of gender disparity in the usage of information technology (IT), as well as self-efficacy, have received considerable interest and attention among researchers in recent times. Prior research has identified that gender differences and self-efficiency affect the attitude towards adoption and use of technology. In general, females are believed to be disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts with respect to IT usage and acceptance. The reasoning is that males are mostly more exposed to technology and tend to have more proficiency with such tools. Very little information exists in the extant literature regarding perceptions in developing parts of the world, including Africa. In this chapter, an empirical evaluation of the issues in the context of e-banking will be made in Lagos (Nigeria) and its environs. An extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) will be used as a conceptual framework to guide the discourse. Data analysis was done on SPSS 15.0. The study’s results showed that gender differences moderated the acceptance of e-banking of users in the research context. Namely, computer self efficacy and perceived ease of use were of concerns to females, but less so for their male counterparts. Also, perceived usefulness of e-banking is discovered to be the most influencing factor for male users. The study’s implications for research and practice are discussed in the chapter.

Continuance Usage of Mobile Banking Services Among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
pp. 619-636
Author(s):  
Herman E. Mandari ◽  
Daniel Ntabagi Koloseni ◽  
Julius Macha
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Banking Services ◽  
Perceived Trust ◽  
Continuance Usage ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Intention To Continue

The study examines the intention to continue using mobile banking services among SMEs in Tanzania. The study extended the ECS-IS model by adding three variables: ease-of-use, perceived trust, and attitude to address the existing challenges in continuance usage of mobile banking services. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from company's owners and managers. A total of 287 responses were used in data analysis. SEM technique was employed to evaluate the measurement and structural models. The study found that satisfaction and attitude have a direct influence on continuance usage of mobile banking among SMEs in Tanzania. Furthermore, confirmation, perceived trust, and perceived usefulness have an indirect effect on continuance usage of mobile banking services among SMEs. The study provides useful insights which could be used by mobile banking service providers to improve banking services delivered through mobile technology. Furthermore, the findings will assist scholars in understanding the antecedents which affect continuance usage of mobile banking services among SMEs.

scholarly journals A New Card-Linked Loyalty Program: Estimated and Anticipated Benefits for Payment Transaction Parties

Electronics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1956
Author(s):  
Albert Sitek ◽  
Zbigniew Kotulski
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Processing Time ◽  
Loyalty Programs ◽  
Security Level ◽  
Loyalty Program ◽  
Payment Card ◽  
Contextual Risk ◽  
High Level ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
The Impact

Electronic card payments are getting more and more popular, mainly because of their simplicity, convenience, processing time and high level of security. The fact that a single payment card is issued for a particular cardholder makes it possible to link a card to various services. In this paper, we investigated a usage of a payment card in the loyalty program that incorporates our Contextual Risk Management System (CRMS) to assure a novel intangible reward: Shorter transaction processing time. In the beginning, we emphasize the importance of soft benefits in modern loyalty programs and recall the risk management algorithms and the reputation system that has been used in the CRMS. Then, using an extensive dataset of 2.5 million payment transaction traces (collected within a year from 68 terminals) we estimate potential benefits for merchants and cardholders and try to predict an effect of this system for the future. We also discuss the impact of this system on the real and user-perceived security level.

Mechanism of Continuance Usage of a Mobile Terminal

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Aoshuang Li ◽  
Xiaodong Yang ◽  
Feng Guo
Keyword(s):  
Social Factors ◽  
Reasoned Action ◽  
Mobile Terminal ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Continuance Usage ◽  
Practical Implications

The goal of this study is to integrate individual behavior related to both reasoned action and unconscious behavior with social influence to form a theoretical model to explore continuance usage of a mobile terminal (CUMT). This study advances a model of CUMT which considers individual factors and social factors based on TRA. Perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU) and habit are introduced as independent variables and social network relationships (SNR) are introduced as a moderator into the research model. 221 respondents collected in China are used to examine the hypotheses with PLS-SEM method. The results indicate that PU, PEU and habit are the determinants of CUMT, and both PU and PEU are the antecedents of habit. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that SNR has a negative moderating effect on the PEU-CUMT relationship. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of CUMT. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are also discussed.

scholarly journals Drivers and outcomes of branded mobile app usage intention

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Stocchi ◽  
Nina Michaelidou ◽  
Milena Micevski
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equations ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Brand Identity ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Consumer Privacy ◽  
Willingness To Recommend ◽  
Practical Recommendations

PurposeThis study aims to examine the drivers and outcomes of the usage intention of branded mobile applications (apps), revealing findings of theoretical and practical relevance. First, it uncovers the specific technological features that underpin the perceived usefulness and ease of use of branded apps driving (directly and indirectly) usage intention. Second, it outlines two key outcomes that are relevant to the strategic management of branded apps: willingness to recommend the app and willingness to pay to continue using the app.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses data randomly derived from a panel of one million UK consumers, analyzed via structural equations modeling. The unit of analysis was individual apps prominently displaying a brand identity. The study tested indirect relationships between the key drivers considered and usage intention via perceived usefulness and ease of use.FindingsConsumers who view branded apps as protecting their privacy, customizable and compatible with what they do, will have stronger perceptions of usefulness and ease of use and greater intention to use the app. These effects also occur indirectly. Furthermore, usage intention drives the willingness to recommend the app and to pay to continue using it.Practical implicationsTo influence usage intention, managers can improve the perception of usefulness of branded apps by protecting consumer privacy and improving the app’s design and its compatibility with people’s needs and lifestyle. Managers can also enhance the perception of ease of use of the branded app by heightening its security and ubiquity. Combined, these factors can enhance (directly and indirectly) the intention to use the app, which will lead to the willingness to recommend the app and pay for it.Originality/valueThis study extends previous research by examining factors driving the intention to use branded apps and the resulting outcomes. It also offers a model that yields predictions for individual branded apps (not the brand powering the app), thus providing practical recommendations on how to manage, in general, apps with a brand identity.

scholarly journals Factors that Influence the Adoption of Postgraduate Online Courses

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domingos Santos Martinho ◽  
Eulália Maria Santos ◽  
Maria Isabel Miguel ◽  
Dina Sousa Cordeiro
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Structural Equations ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use

A research about factors that lead students to choose online courses, as well as the acceptance of these courses, can provide very relevant information for higher education institutions’ decision makers to amend these offers to students’ interests and needs. An investigation through questionnaire was developed involving students who attended online post-graduate courses. It was intended to know which factors affect students' decision to opt for postgraduate online courses. A model, based on the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model), was tested to find out what factors determine the intention to use online learning. The results shows that most respondents favour online courses and that their decision, when choosing this type of course, is mainly influenced by time management flexibility, avoiding going to school and the course curriculum interest. The test of the model, with structural equations, shows that attitude regarding online courses and perceived usefulness are factors that predict the intention to use. It was also concluded that the perceived ease of use induces a direct and indirect effect on the intention to use. The most significant results are consistent with published studies and can help the higher education institutions to define offer and communication strategies to reach a greater number of candidates for online learning.

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