scholarly journals Factors that Impact Farmers’ Organic Conversion Decisions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4715
Author(s):  
Philippos Karipidis ◽  
Sotiria Karypidou
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Economic Incentives ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Product Demand

This article helps to answer the question of how the diffusion of organic farming could be accelerated by analyzing farmers’ decisions. Given the fragmentation of the research findings, the determinants of farmers’ organic conversion decisions were integrated into a framework that enables a holistic approach to be adopted in research and policy scheduling. The most important factors of the external farm environment are the organic product demand, product price, access to markets, available technologies, education, knowledge transfer, peer networks, society’s attitudes, and subsidy provision. The most important farm characteristics are the farm’s location, farm size, enterprise, expected costs, profits, knowledge, information and communication technology use, farmers’ age, education, gender, off-farm activities, attitudes, and beliefs regarding organic farming and willingness to preserve the environment. Of particular importance are farmers’ satisfaction with economic incentives, the perception of technical problems, and the certification process. Such comprehensive information enables public authorities to bring about changes in the most important factors that effectively accelerate organic conversion decisions and to assess policy implementation. The market participants are facilitated to implement eco-strategies by encouraging farmers to decide to convert. Future research should broaden the sets of factors that are explored, taking into consideration the interactions and time-dependent changes that exist.

Technology in the Classroom: Teachers’ Technology Choices in Relation to Content Creation and Distribution

10.28945/4201 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Private School ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Educational Experience ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Creation ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Prime Concern

[This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the 2019 issue of the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, Volume 16] Aim/Purpose: Teachers are being asked to integrate mobile technologies into their content creation and distribution tasks. This research aims to provide an understanding of teachers taking on this process and whether the use of technology has influenced their content creation and distribution in the classroom. Background: Many claim that the use of technology for content creation and distribution can only enhance and improve the educational experience. However, for teachers it is not simply the integration of technology that is of prime concern. As teachers are ultimately responsible for the success of technology integration, it is essential to understand teachers’ viewpoints and lived technology experiences. Methodology: The Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model was used to guide interpretive case study research. Six teachers were purposively sampled and interviewed from a private school where a digital strategy is already in place. Data was then analysed using directed content analysis in relation to TTF. Contribution: This paper provides an understanding of teachers’ mobile technology choices in relation to content creation and distribution tasks. Findings: Findings indicate that teachers fit technology into their tasks if they perceive the technology has a high level of benefit to the teaching task. In addition, the age of learners and the subject being taught are major influencers. Recommendations for Practitioners: Provides a more nuanced and in-depth understanding of teachers’ technology choices, which is necessary for the technology augmented educational experience of the future. Recommendations for Researchers: Provides an unbiased and theoretically guided view of mobile technology use with content creation and distribution tasks. Impact on Society: Teachers do not appear to use technology as a de facto standard, but specifically select technology which will save them time, reduce costs, and improve the educational experiences of their learners. Future Research: A mixed-method approach, including several diverse schools as well as learners would enrich the findings. Furthermore, consideration of hardware limitations and lack of software features are needed.

Access Control Mechanisms in Named Data Networks

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-35
Author(s):  
Boubakr Nour ◽  
Hakima Khelifi ◽  
Rasheed Hussain ◽  
Spyridon Mastorakis ◽  
Hassine Moungla
Keyword(s):  
Access Control ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Future Internet ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Communication Model ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Internet Communication ◽  
Future Internet Architecture ◽  
Comprehensive Survey

Information-Centric Networking (ICN) has recently emerged as a prominent candidate for the Future Internet Architecture (FIA) that addresses existing issues with the host-centric communication model of the current TCP/IP-based Internet. Named Data Networking (NDN) is one of the most recent and active ICN architectures that provides a clean-slate approach for Internet communication. NDN provides intrinsic content security where security is directly provided to the content instead of communication channel. Among other security aspects, Access Control (AC) rules specify the privileges for the entities that can access the content. In TCP/IP-based AC systems, due to the client-server communication model, the servers control which client can access a particular content. In contrast, ICN-based networks use content names to drive communication and decouple the content from its original location. This phenomenon leads to the loss of control over the content, causing different challenges for the realization of efficient AC mechanisms. To date, considerable efforts have been made to develop various AC mechanisms in NDN. In this article, we provide a detailed and comprehensive survey of the AC mechanisms in NDN. We follow a holistic approach towards AC in NDN where we first summarize the ICN paradigm, describe the changes from channel-based security to content-based security, and highlight different cryptographic algorithms and security protocols in NDN. We then classify the existing AC mechanisms into two main categories: Encryption-based AC and Encryption-independent AC . Each category has different classes based on the working principle of AC (e.g., Attribute-based AC, Name-based AC, Identity-based AC). Finally, we present the lessons learned from the existing AC mechanisms and identify the challenges of NDN-based AC at large, highlighting future research directions for the community.

Funding and Directing Research or Rewarding Scientific Achievements?

Nuncius ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrice Bret
Keyword(s):  
19Th Century ◽  
Royal Academy ◽  
The State ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Académie Des Sciences ◽  
Academy Of Sciences ◽  
The 19Th Century ◽  
Scientific Achievements

Abstract This study examines the science and technology prize system of the Académie des Sciences through a first survey of the prizes granted over the period extending from the 1720s to the end of the 19th century. No reward policy was envisaged by the Royal Academy of Sciences in the Réglement (statute) promulgated by King Louis XIV in 1699. Prizes were proposed later, first by private donors and then by the state, and awarded in international contests setting out specific scientific or technical problems for savants, inventors and artists to solve. Using cash prizes, under the Ancien Régime the Academy effectively directed and funded research for specific purposes set by donors. By providing it with significant extra funding, the donor-sponsored prizes progressively gave the Academy relative autonomy from the political power of the state. In the 19th century, with the growing awareness of the importance of scientific research, the main question became whether to use the prizes to reward past achievements or to incentivize future research, and the scale and nature of the prizes changed.

scholarly journals The Use of E-Tools to Engage Citizens in Urban Green Infrastructure Governance: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Steen Møller ◽  
Anton Stahl Olafsson
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Geographic Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Urban Green Infrastructure ◽  
Technical Solutions

In the unfolding reality of advanced internet-based communication tools, the possibilities and implications for citizens’ e-engagement is revealing. The paper introduces different examples of e-tools used in participatory urban green infrastructure governance. E-tools here includes various location-based service apps, and volunteered geographic information stemming from social media activities, as well as public participation geographic information system approaches. Through an analytical framework describing five categories, we discuss the different scopes and possibilities, as well as general barriers and problems to participatory e-tools. We suggest some basic premises for the application of e-tools in urban green infrastructure governance and discussed future development of this field. E-tools can allow interaction between citizens, public authorities, and other stakeholders; however, research on the implications of such location-based governance is needed to make full use of the rapid on-going development of such information and communication technologies, and to avoid possible pitfalls. We suggest that future research into this area of environmental–social–technical solutions should test, discuss, and develop frameworks and standards, for the use of different e-tools in combination with offline approaches.

scholarly journals U.S. adolescents’ mental health and COVID-19-related changes in technology use, Fall 2020

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor A. Burke ◽  
Emily R. Kutok ◽  
Shira Dunsiger ◽  
Nicole R. Nugent ◽  
John V. Patena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Media And Technology ◽  
School Status

Preliminary reports suggest that during COVID-19, adolescents’ mental health has worsened while technology and social media use has increased. Much data derives from early in the pandemic, when schools were uniformly remote and personal/family stressors related to the pandemic were limited. This cross-sectional study, conducted during Fall 2020, examines the correlation between mental wellbeing and COVID-19-related changes in technology use, along with influence of COVID-19-related stressors, school status (in-person versus remote), and social media use for coping purposes, among 978 U.S. adolescents. Results suggest self-reported daily social media and technology use increased significantly from prior to COVID-19 through Fall 2020. Increased social media use was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms regardless of other theoretical moderators or confounders of mental health (e.g., demographics, school status, importance of technology, COVID-19-related stress). Despite literature suggesting that remote learning may result in adverse mental health outcomes, we did not find local school reopening to be associated with current depressive/anxiety symptoms, nor with COVID-19-related increases in technology use. Self-reported use of social media for coping purposes moderated the association between increased social media use and mental health symptoms; in other words, some social media use may have positive effects. Although much prior research has focused on social media use as a marker of stress, we also found that increased video gaming and TV/movie watching were also associated with internalizing symptoms, in accordance with others' work. Future research should explore in more granular detail what, if any, social media and technology use is protective during a pandemic, and for whom, to help tailor prevention efforts.

scholarly journals PLUMMETING CONSUMERS' BRAND SWITCHING BEHAVIOUR USING A HOLISTIC PRODUCT STRATEGY IN THE ZIMBABWEAN COLA INDUSTRY

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Forbes Makudza ◽  
Gratitude Tasara ◽  
Gibson Muridzi
Keyword(s):  
Product Quality ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Theoretical Modelling ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Product Strategy ◽  
Product Price ◽  
Marketing Orientation ◽  
Brand Switching ◽  
Switching Behaviour ◽  
Effective Product

The study was driven by the need to elevate consumers’ switching costs so as to minimise consumer churning behaviour. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the product strategy on consumers’ brand switching intention behaviour. A marketing orientation of managing a product from a holistic approach was adopted and that was informed by previous theoretical modelling. The study followed a quantitative approach in the cola industry in Zimbabwe. Data was collected using questionnaires from a sample size of 432 respondents. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) - Amos Graphics was used to analyse data. The study confirmed that a holistic approach to product strategy is statistically significant in minimising churning behaviour of customers. Product availability and product quality were inversely influencing behavioural intention to switch brands whilst product price recorded a significant positive impact. Product range had an insignificant association with consumer attrition. The study concluded that consumers’ switching behaviour can be managed through a well implemented product strategy. To plummet brand switching behaviour, the study recommends effective product pricing, effective product distribution and improvements in product quality.

scholarly journals Online Teaching With M-Learning Tools in the Midst of Covid-19: A Reflection Through Action Research

10.28945/4761 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minh Q. Huynh ◽  
Eraj Khatiwada
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Online Instructors ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Frame Work

Aim/Purpose: In the midst of COVID-19, classes are transitioned online. Instructors and students scramble for ways to adapt to this change. This paper shares an experience of one instructor in how he has gone through the adaptation. Background: This section provides a contextual background of online teaching. The instructor made use of M-learning to support his online teaching and adopted the UTAUT model to guide his interpretation of the phenomenon. Methodology: The methodology used in this study is action research through participant-observation. The instructor was able to look at his own practice in teaching and reflect on it through the lens of the UTAUT conceptual frame-work. Contribution: The results helped the instructor improve his practice and better under-stand his educational situations. From the narrative, others can adapt and use various apps and platforms as well as follow the processes to teach online. Findings: This study shares an experience of how one instructor had figured out ways to use M-learning tools to make the online teaching and learning more feasible and engaging. It points out ways that the instructor could connect meaningfully with his students through the various apps and plat-forms. Recommendations for Practitioners: The social aspects of learning are indispensable whether it takes place in person or online. Students need opportunities to connect socially; there-fore, instructors should try to optimize technology use to create such opportunities for conducive learning. Recommendations for Researchers: Quantitative studies using surveys or quasi-experiment methods should be the next step. Validated inventories with measures can be adopted and used in these studies. Statistical analysis can be applied to derive more objective findings. Impact on Society: Online teaching emerges as a solution for the delivery of education in the midst of COVID-19, but more studies are needed to overcome obstacles and barriers to both instructors and students. Future Research: Future studies should look at the obstacles that instructors encounter and the barriers with technology access and inequalities that students face in online classes. NOTE: This Proceedings paper was revised and published in the journal Issues in Informing Science and Information Technology, 18, 173-193. Click DOWNLOAD PDF to download the published paper.

scholarly journals Exploring legitimization strategies for contested uses of citizen-generated data for policy

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 74-102
Author(s):  
Anna Berti Suman ◽  
◽  
Sven Schade ◽  
Yasuhito Abe ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Social Protest ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Environmental Decisions ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Scant Attention ◽  
Institutional Actors

In this article, we investigate how citizens use data they gather as a rhetorical resource for demanding environmental policy interventions and advancing environmental justice claims. While producing citizen-generated data (CGD) can be regarded as a form of ‘social protest’, citizens and interested institutional actors still have to ‘justify’ the role of lay people in producing data on environmental issues. Such actors adopt a variety of arguments to persuade public authorities to recognize CGD as a legitimate resource for policy making and regulation. So far, scant attention has been devoted to inspecting the different legitimization strategies adopted to push for institutional use of CGD. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we examine which distinctive strategies are adopted by interested actors: existing legitimization arguments are clustered, and strategies are outlined, based on a literature review and exemplary cases. We explore the conceivable effects of these strategies on targeted policy uses. Two threads emerge from the research, entailing two complementary arguments: namely that listening to CGD is a governmental obligation and that including CGD is ultimately beneficial for making environmental decisions. We conclude that the most used strategies include showing the scientific strength and contributory potential of CGD, whereas environmental rights and democracy-based strategies are still rare. We discuss why we consider this result to be problematic and outline a future research agenda.

A bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed literature on smartphone addiction and future research agenda

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazar Fatima Khan ◽  
Mohammed Naved Khan
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Smartphone Addiction ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Agenda

PurposeWith the rise in adverse impact of excessive technology use, such as smartphone; the issue of smartphone addiction has gained the attention of researchers in recent years. Therefore, this study undertakes to review the literature on smartphone addiction research by identifying the current state of research in this domain and the future avenues that need to be addressed.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted on 652 articles extracted from SCOPUS database. Publications were extracted from Scopus by performing a keyword search of “Smartphone Addiction” OR “Problematic smartphone use”. Bibliometric methods such as performance analysis and science mapping were used to perform the overview of smartphone addiction research. In addition, VOSviewer software was used to organise, analyse and present the data. This study identifies the most prolific authors, journals, documents, collaborative work, major research themes, potential research avenues in this field of research.FindingsThe result shows that the research on smartphone addiction has increased recently, the dominance of research is found in few countries only. There is preponderance of research in this domain in Asian countries, particularly South Korea and still there is a significant scope for future research in this area, which is presented in detail in this study. The research on smartphone addiction has been mainly conducted in the field of medicine and psychology; the other subjects lack behind by a significant margin in terms of research publications in this domain. The findings suggest Elhai (US) is the most influential researcher in this field, and US has shown high collaboration in smartphone addiction research with other countries as well as with authors within its domestic territory. Thematic map obtained from R software presents the evolution of themes. It shows that quality of life, social support, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression are major variables studied over the period. Respondents in most of the studies were university students, as the young generation is technology-savvy and is more attracted to gadgets such as smartphones.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides an overview of research on smartphone addiction through an exhaustive bibliometric analysis to organise the fragmented literature on smartphone addiction and provide structure for future research in the domain. This is the first study of its kind on the subject. This study has found important future research avenues in the domain, which need to be addressed. Also, it will provide guidance to stakeholders from different backgrounds like, manufacturers, marketers, regulators, policymakers, consumers and academicians to contribute in controlling this problem as a part of their social responsibility.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in the sense that it, for the first time, attempts to provides valuable insights on the current status of research on smartphone addiction and also provides guidance for potential future agenda through bibliometric and content analysis techniques.

An Exploration of Bank Confirmation Process Automation: A Longitudinal Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Caster ◽  
Randal J. Elder ◽  
Diane J. Janvrin
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Error Rates ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Process Automation ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Big 4 ◽  
Bank Employees ◽  
The U.S

This exploratory study examines automation of the bank confirmation process using longitudinal data set from the largest third-party U.S. confirmation service provider supplemented with informal interviews with practitioners. We find a significant increase in electronic confirmation use in the U.S. and internationally. Errors requiring reconfirmation were less than two percent of all electronic confirmations. Errors made by auditors were almost five times more likely than errors by bank employees. Most auditor errors involved use of an invalid account number, although invalid client contact, invalid request, and invalid company name errors increased recently. Big 4 auditors made significantly more confirmation errors than did auditors at non-Big 4 national firms. Error rates and error types do not vary between confirmations initiated in the U.S. and those initiated internationally. Three themes emerged for future research: authentication of evidence, global differences in technology use, and technology adoption across firms of different sizes.

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