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This Research Topic focuses on both strengths and weaknesses of social innovation, technological innovation, and health innovation that are increasingly recognized as crucial concepts related to the formulation of responses to the social, health, and environmental challenges. Goals of this Research Topic: (1) to identify and share the best recent practices and innovations related to social, environmental and health policies; (2) to debate on relevant governance modes, management tools as well as evaluation and impact assessment techniques; (3) to discuss dilemmas in the fields of management, financing, designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining the sustainability of innovative models of delivering social, health and care services; and (4) to recognize and analyze social, technological and health innovation that has emerged or has been scaled-up to respond to crisis situations, for example, a pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease.

In this concluding chapter, the book’s editors stress the epochal status of the digital revolution and urge migration scholars to leverage innovative information and communication technology for enhancing their research designs. New technological options may contribute significantly to improving the viability and quality of researcher-defined data collections, yet their full potential comes to bear with regard to massive datasets generated by third parties, such as digital trace data. Since the center of gravity of social studies is predicted to shift increasingly towards the repurposing of such accrued data, migration researchers are advised to seek close cooperation with data scientists. In addition to methodological pluralism and interdisciplinary collaboration, the editors emphasize the need for ethical safeguards and accountability as major challenges this ongoing transformation entails.

In this paper, we present the Integrated Policy Package Assessment (IPPA) approach and relate IPPA to three substantial concepts of problem-oriented research concerned with societal transformations: technology assessment (TA), sustainability research (SR), and responsible research and innovation (RRI). The IPPA approach provides (political) decision-makers with transformation and orientation knowledge via a four-step process of (1) design, (2) analysis, (3) evaluation, and (4) discourse of a policy package assessment. It is illustrated with a case study of urban passenger transport. As an integrated approach, IPPA has substantial ties to TA, SR, and RRI. It connects with TA in fundamental ways, since it combines the field of TA with the field of regulatory assessment based on consequence analysis. Connectable to the field of SR, IPPA addresses deliberation processes and sustainable pathway identification based on multi-criteria assessment. In addition, akin to the area of RRI, IPPA shows cross-cutting axes with regards to social resonance assessment and stakeholder evaluation with a focus on multi-actor responsibilities. In this contribution, we link evidence-based impact assessment with transformation pathway mechanisms and corresponding policy packages, backed by stakeholder-based responsible innovation feedback loops. This enhances the ex-ante analysis of policy packages regarding their intended as well as unintended consequences.

This paper proposes a practice-theoretical journalism research approach for an alternate and innovative perspective of digital journalism’s current empirical challenges. The practice-theoretical approach is introduced by demonstrating its explanatory power in relation to demarcation problems, technological changes, economic challenges and challenges to journalism’s legitimacy. Its respective advantages in dealing with these problems are explained and then compared to established journalism theories. The particular relevance of the theoretical perspective is due to (1) its central decision to observe journalistic practices, (2) the transgression of conventional journalistic boundaries, (3) the denaturalization of journalistic norms and laws, (4) the explicit consideration of a material, socio-technical dimension of journalism, (5) a focus on the conflicting relationship between journalistic practices and media management practices, and (6) prioritizing order generation over stability.

To reduce the consumption of firewood for cooking and to realise recycling-driven soil fertility management, three projects in Northwest Tanzania aim to provide the local smallholder community with cooking and sanitation alternatives. The present study proposes an integrated approach to assess the sustainability of the small-scale cooking and sanitation technologies. Based on the multi-criteria decision support approach (MC(D)A), we developed a decision-specific, locally adapted, and participatory assessment tool: the Multi-Criteria Technology Assessment (MCTA). Pre-testing of the tailored tool was set up with representatives of Tanzanian and German partners of case study projects. From a methodological perspective, we conclude that the MCTA uses a set of relevant criteria to realise a transparent and replicable computational Excel-tool. The combination of MC(D)A for structuring the assessment with analytical methods, such as Material Flow Analysis, for describing the performance of alternatives is a promising path for designing integrated approaches to sustainability assessments of technologies. Pre-testing of the tool served as a proof-of-concept for the general design of the method. Future applications and adjustments of the MCTA require the inclusion of end-users, a reasonable and participatory reduction of criteria, and an increase of feedback loops and group discussions between participants and the facilitator to support a common learning about the technologies and thorough understanding of the perspectives of participants.

An Assessment of the Use of ICT Tools by students to the study of Business Education in Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education. The study adopted a descriptive survey design approach. To guide in the achievement of the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised. The target population of the study was eight hundred and eight (808) students. However, the researchers purposively sampled eighty (80) 300 level students of Business Education of the institution for the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire of a four point rating scale and experts in Department of Measurement and Evaluation of the institution validated the instrument. The reliability index of the questionnaire was calculated using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient statistics and it gave 0.68. The researchers administered the instrument to the respondents while data were analyzed using the frequency counts, percentages and mean statistical tools. Generally, the study revealed that few ICT Resources were available in the department of Business Education of the institution; students of the department of Business education have access to browser phone and e-mail services only, the students as a result, use the available tools i.e. browser phone and e-mail services for their study on daily basis and challenges like inadequate power supply, expensiveness of ICT facilities, lack of infrastructure etc confronts them. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended among others, lecturers and teachers should assist the College management and government in providing ICT Resources for their personal use in instructional delivery in tertiary institutions.

William Hertling's A.I. Apocalypse (2012) is a post-apocalyptic novel about vulnerability of modern technological life against superintelligence. The novel shows living in an A.I-controlled society behind a revolution or revolt by self-controlling machines. A personified computer virus infects all the world's computers. As a result, it leads to disruption in main factors of human life - billions of people are about to die. A novel in which, Hertling warns of dehumanization under the shadow of superintelligence to challenge our minds to ponder about such a future. This study attempts to demonstrate that Hertling criticizes singularity and intelligence explosion in which mankind are entrapped in A.I-controlled society. It also investigates probable bilateral relation between dehumanization and intelligence explosion.

This study was conducted to examine the resource-use efficiency and productivity of residual soil moisture tomato production Kaduna state, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and production function analysis were used to analyze the data. The result showed that the production function analysis showed that 54,55% of the residual soil moisture tomato yields among the sampled farmers were explained by the specified inputs. The coefficients of land and labour, and Seed/seedlings significantly influence the output of residual soil moisture of tomato production. Similarly, land and seed were under-utilized, while labour is the most was over used. To improve the efficiency of inputs used, the study recommends that farmer's access to modern technologies should be enhance, there should be effective and efficient extension service, easy access to formal credit facilities and also encourage them to form cooperative societies to enable them procure their inputs at reduce rate.

The present paper intends to explore Gibson's Neuromancer (1984) with a critical eye on the changes and influences technology has effected in contemporary societies, to elucidate how and in which ways these impacts have brought about changes in both individuals’ roles and attitudes, and to investigate the different realms influenced by technology. Hence, in the introduction section, some terms associated with Neuromncer will be first defined and expounded, and then in the discussion, the focus of the current research will be on the above-mentioned work in order to shed light on the main concerns of the book. At the end, a conclusion based upon the points discussed in the preceding sections will be drawn in order to help readers of Gibson's appreciate the significance of his work in portraying the ramifications of advanced technology in years to come.

The theory of spectacle is introduced by Guy Debord in his famous book The Society of Spectacle. Debord presents the society of Spectacle as a mere representation of seemingly real images which is used by the capital for its own good. Spectacle consists of images such as games, entertainments or television shows which are political tools in the hands of the Capitol to stabilize its power. In fact, by applying these images through different exciting entertainments and shows, the Capitol disperses people more and destroys their unity so that people cannot be united to rebel against the Capitol’s power. This paper tries to apply the theory of spectacle to Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games and as the title of the novel is very telling of itself, it revolves around the annual event of Hunger Games connoting the starvation of the poor people in the twelve districts and the Capitol. The setting of this novel is Panem which is shown as a dystopia because of its misusing of the modern technologies which are much more developed than our own so that people's mind will be entrapped within the images produced by these technologies. This research tries to prove that the city of Panem, with its governor President Snow, well represents the society of spectacle. This paper shows the influence of such a society on the poor people of these districts and the way they overcome President Snow.

Effective utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has been identified as a sure route for agriculturists and rural inhabitants of developing countries to take advantage of modern technology and survive at the least if not actively participate in global trend of events. However, pervasive complexities in developing countries such as unreliable grid electricity, limited availability of resources, and climate change pose serious challenges to the use of ICTs; these create an urgent need to find sustainable alternatives, especially in rural areas that sharply depend on agriculture for livelihoods. This research involved a comprehensive assessment of the potential of sustainable computing as a solution to the aforementioned challenges for agricultural and rural applications in developing countries. Primary data was obtained from 77 respondents in nine developing countries using questionnaires. Respondents came from varying,largely rural occupations such as animal rearing, agricultural marketing, crop farming and agricultural research and extension. Solar-powered computers were identified as one of the most strategic and relevant solutions to the current limits to access of rural people -especially from agricultural backgrounds- who have much to gain from improved access to information and computing technology (ICT). To strike a balance between affordability of mainstream respondents and their need for greater ICT access, we identified integrated netbook-scalesolar powered laptop as the most relevant, which can satisfy the identified ICT needs, plus -besides powering the computer- will power mobile phones and other portable ICT devices. We determined that solar powered computers cangreatly increase access to ICTs benefits to rural, off grid societies and yield carbon savings of up to 22kg of CO2, per year. The results of our research are intended to be helpful in promoting off-grid access to ICT in rural societies so as to improve agriculture and

The study was carried out to determine Web-based tools for instructional delivery in selected secondary schools in Owerri education zone 1 of Imo State. Three research questions were posed that guided the study. The study adopted expost facto design. The study comprised of 250 teachers selected from 65 secondary schools in Owerri education zone I, of Imo state. The researchers developed instrument named "Web-Based Tools for Instructional Delivery Questionnaire (WDTIDQ)" to gather information for the study. The result revealed that teacher's awareness on facebook and e-mail is high; also teacher's usage of facebook and e-mail in teaching and learning in the selected secondary school is high. Furthermore, there exist challenges to the use of web-based tools for instructional delivery in the selected secondary schools in Owerri educational zone 1 of Imo State, such as, lack of power supply, lack of awareness, lack of basic computing skills on the part of the teachers, lack of Internet connectivity in most of the secondary schools investigated and high cost of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in these selected schools etc. Following from the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that Web-based tools should be provided for teachers use in teaching and learning process. Also, effective and accessible electricity services should be in place in schools for ICT to thrive. It is believed that if these measures are put in place teaching and learning in the secondary schools will be at a par with the developed countries of the world.

E-banking through mutual benefits for customers and banks has become a necessity in the banking industry nowadays. In spite of this, e-banking has not spread in Iran as it is appropriate.In a general categorization it can be said that E-readiness of banks and environmental e-readiness are two effective factors on development of e-banking which have been referred in different studies some models have been proposed in this regard in macro industries and others. However, no specific model has been proposed for the banks. This paper focuses on the first factor of "organizational e-readiness". Therefore, the main question of this study is that according to which model and toolthe state banks' readiness are evaluated in the field of development of e-banking in the state banks and how much is the current state of e-readiness of banks in this area? Accordingly, a model is presented as an organizational e-readiness web in this research, reviewing the organizational e-readiness evaluation models, and carried out research to identify organizational barriers and motivators of business/ e-banking development. According to the introduced dimensions, the banks enjoy relative readiness for the development of e-banking.

This paper examines the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by institutional administrators for effective administration. The paper states the need for effective use of ICT by institutional administrators in maintaining and controlling according to policies laid down by the governing bodies of the institution. He has to plan in his capacity as an administrator in ensuring effective institutional services. The paper highlights various ICT resources that can be used for effective and efficient institutional administration. It also states some of the benefits and challenges of the use of ICT institutional administration. It is the contention of this paper that though using ICT in Nigerian institutional administration may seem difficult, it is imperative to take advantage and invest in these ICTs to deal with the huge pressure faced in the institutional administration. The remarks highlights the need for infrastructure and how political will push ICT ahead.

Developments in broadcast and multimedia technology have generated a readily available and vast supply of videos for use in second and foreign language learning contexts. However, without pedagogical direction learners are unlikely to be able to deal with the complexities of this authentic listening resource, and strategy instruction may be one route to augmenting comprehension (Cross, J, 2009). The essence of this experimental study was to investigate the impact of teaching listening strategy on comprehension of documentary videos. For the purpose of this study, 54 advanced EFL students, 27 in experimental group and 27 in control group, participated in this study procedure. In 10-week-period, the experimental group went through a well-scheduled instruction in listening strategy. On the other hand, the control group wasn’t received any instruction in listening strategy. The finding of this study has revealed that teaching listening comprehension strategies has significant influence on comprehension of authentic documentary videos

Contents: 1. Point of departure and problem definition; 2. On the growing complexity and unpredictability of the change in occupational skills; 3. The reduced causal impact of technology; 4. Organizational and qualificational change: the implications of "functional flexibilization" for skill requirements at staff and management level; 4.1 "Numerical" and "functional" flexibilization; 4.2 Consequences of the flattening of hierarchies and the delegation of responsibilities; 4.3 Total quality thinking and active problem-solving; 4.4 Job enlargement; 4. 5 Team empowerment; 4.6 The increasing "extravertedness" and "client orientation" of modern organizations; 4.7 Concentration on "core competences" and "outsourcing"; Appendix: Empirical frequency of flexibilization measures in Swiss companies; Literature.

"Der Text präsentiert einige der grundlegenden Begriffe einer Theorie der Weltgesellschaft. Er beginnt mit einer kurzen Übersicht der historischen Semantik, die er als die Geschichte der Selbstbeschreibungen versteht, mittels derer die Weltgesellschaft sich ihrer selbst vergewissert (I). In einer strukturellen Perspektive kann man diese Anfänge als das Zusammenspiel von Globalisierungen und den universalistischen Perspektiven, die sich in einigen Sinnzusammenhängen herausbilden, verstehen (II). Von einem systematischen soziologischen Gesichtspunkt aus muss man im nächsten Schritt den Begriff der Kommunikation einführen, der die vermutlich wichtigste operative Basis eines globalen Gesellschaftssystems beschreibt (III). Das Papier untersucht dann weiterhin Muster der Strukturbildung, die in der Geschichte der Weltgesellschaft schrittweise an Bedeutung gewinnen: die Entstehung der Pluralität von Funktionssystemen; Organisationen; Netzwerke; epistemische Communities; Weltereignisse als eine Form der Strukturbildung (IV, V). Hinsichtlich aller dieser Formen der Strukturbildung existieren Voraussetzungen, die in den der Geschichte der Kommunikationsmedien und der Transportsysteme verankert sind (Transport von Personen, Gütern und Kommunikationen) (VI). Der Aufsatz wechselt auf eine noch einmal allgemeinere Ebene und studiert Weisen der Interrelation elementarer kommunikativer Akte. Daraus leitet er eine Hypothese hinsichtlich dreier Mechanismen der Globalisierung ab (VII). Eine abschließende Überlegung führt aus, dass eine jede Theorie der Weltgesellschaft eine plausible Vorstellung davon benötigt, wie in einer Weltgesellschaft die Produktion von Diversität und die Tendenzen der (kulturellen, sozialen) Homogenisierung miteinander zusammenhängen (VIII). Für diese Fragen postuliert der Text eine evolutionäre Perspektive." (Autorenreferat), "The paper presents some basic concepts for a theory of world society. It starts with a brief look at historical semantics which is understood as the history of self-descriptions in which world society realizes its own existence (I). In a structural perspective one can study these beginnings as the interplay of globalizations and the universalistic perspectives early arising in some domains of culture and meaning (II). From a systematical sociological point of view one has to introduce the concept of communication which probable formulates the most important operative premise of a global system of society (III). The paper then looks at patterns of structure formation which become ever more prominent in the history of world society: the rise of a plurality of function systems; organizations; networks; epistemic communities; world events (IV-V). For all these patterns of structure formation there are historical preconditions to be seen which are based in communication media and in systems of transport (for people, goods, and communications) (VI). The paper then takes one more generalizing step in studying ways of interrelating elementary communicative acts. From this is derived a hypothesis on three mechanisms of globalization (VII). In a concluding remark it is pointed out that each theory of world society needs a plausible idea on how the production of diversity and forces of homogenization are interrelated in world society (VIII). For this the author proposes an evolutionary perspective." (author's abstract)