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Antimicrobial use (AMU) data are essential to monitor the effect of AMU reduction strategies in animal health. The use of technology and herd recording software to record AMU will be vital to scale the collation of these data in the future. The aim of this study was to determine the barriers and facilitators to Irish dairy farmers recording their AMU using a herd recording software and sharing AMU data. Thirty-three Irish dairy farmers involved in a study on AMU monitoring were asked to record their AMU using a herd recording software over a 12-mo period. At the end of the 12-mo period, 10 of these farmers were selected to take part in semi-structured interviews exploring their opinions on recording AMU, the use of herd recording software, and sharing AMU data. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Several barriers and facilitators to farmers recording their AMU using a herd recording software and sharing AMU data were identified. Barriers included the age and generation of the farmer, farm infrastructure, a lack of training and education, a lack of knowledge around the benefits of digital data, a lack of incentive to digitize records, and a fear of repercussions. Facilitators identified by the farmers included the benefits of having instantly available data for making herd management decisions, reduced paperwork, increased organization for inspections, and a potential positive effect on the image of the dairy industry. To increase the uptake of new technology to record AMU at farm-level, farmers will need support in terms of education and training around the software available to them and reassurance around the perceived risks of repercussions with sharing data in a digital format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we aim to discuss the creation of unadoptability as a classification category that focuses on children and adolescents with disabilities available for adoption. This documentary research is situated in the perspective of the field theme, which produced narrative lines from the encounter with the processes of the search for applicants for the adoption of three children/adolescents diagnosed as people with intellectual disabilities, institutionally welcomed and deprived of family power. The results allowed us to glimpse that two forces operate in the trajectories of children and adolescents in these contexts, which retro-feed, justify and organize each other mutually: the medicalization/pathologization of their lives by the rights guarantee system and the production of the category unadoptable/not amenable to adoption. The first individualizes and biologizes issues of a collective and social nature, and the second annuls the existence of these people in the sense of not recognizing the dignity of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on survey data covering 309 family grain farms in China, a structural equation model was used to conduct an empirical study on the relationship between ecological cognition, digital agricultural technology adoption, and the sustainable development of family grain farms in China. The results are in the following: Ecological cognition has a significant positive effect on the sustainable development of family grain farms. And digital agricultural technology adoption has a partial mediating effect on the influence of ecological cognition on the sustainable development of family grain farms. The ecological cognition level of farmers should be continuously improved, and more support should be given to adopt digital agricultural technology to effectively promote the sustainable development of family grain farms in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision-making behavior of potential dog adopters remains a research gap that needs to be addressed to model the adoption decision-making process and understand how shelter and rescue strategies may increase adoption decisions. This study investigated decision considerations of potential adopters visiting eight Mid-Atlantic dog adoption sites. Surveys from potential adopters (N = 517) were examined for information about their search, adoption intent during visit, and the decision factor(s) under consideration. Findings showed dog behavior was the top decision factor that potential adopters considered (305; 58.9%), which was significantly greater than chance (χ2 = 16.729, p <.01). Behavior was followed by dog's age (χ2 = 17.456, p <.01), size (χ2 = 50.137, p <.01), and lifestyle fit (χ2 = 57.89, p <.01). Overall findings suggest potential adopters consider similar sets of decision factors when heading into adoption site visits, independent of age group, type of household, or prior experience having pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike adoption and donor-assisted reproduction, misattributed paternity occurring within the context of spontaneous conception and outside of formally recognised practices of having a child remains largely an understudied phenomenon. Despite being an age-old phenomenon affecting a substantial population, the psychosocial consequences of disclosing and discovering misattributed paternity continue to lack empirical understanding. The current paper delineates misattributed paternity from other paternal discrepancies and reviews the limited body of scholarly arguments regarding the potential psychosocial consequences of disclosure/non-disclosure for individuals with paternal discrepancy. Four major categories of pro- and anti-disclosure arguments have been identified and reviewed: arguments concerned with potential disclosure/non-disclosure consequences for the child; for the parents; for the child-parent relationship and for the family unit. The review highlights the dearth of empirical knowledge on the psychosocial consequences of misattributed paternity and advocates a more nuanced exploration of this phenomenon and the need for specialist support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to increase understanding of factors that influence adoptive mothers' psychological and emotional well‐being. The aims were to compare mothers' self‐reported emotional state 12 months after child placement to the time of the interview and to identify factors that challenge and support maternal mental health. Background: Mothers who adopt children face unique challenges that put them at a heightened risk of negative mental health. There is a need for better understanding of the influences on their psychological and emotional well‐being. Method: This qualitative study involved nine in‐depth semistructured interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The themes offered broad insights, including the consistency of negative mental health across time associated with demands of "extreme parenting," strains within and across relationships, and deprioritizing self‐care. Factors associated with positive mental health included development of love; attachment and sense of family identity; learning, competence, and "therapeutic parenting," and the ability to "offload." Conclusion: The emotional and psychological well‐being of mothers who adopt children should be validated and recognized as important to the overall adjustment of adoptive families. Implications: Adoption agencies should take a proactive approach to addressing the mental health needs of adoptive mothers, providing comprehensive information, ongoing support, and regular assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global mobile marketers are intensifying efforts to promote mobile applications, yet little literature addresses the effectiveness of these strategies on consumer adoption. This study investigates the impact of two mobile marketing strategies—in-app coupons and group-coupons—on mobile app adoption, considering the installed user base moderation. Utilizing data from a Chinese shopping mall, this study shows that both strategies can foster adoption, with opposite moderating effects from existing adopters. Two experiments validate social influence and scarcity perception as underlying mechanisms. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of mobile marketing, urging global mobile marketers to consider this in their strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusions\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONExisting measurements of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among practitioners in disability services often treat ICT adoption as a monolithic concept, overlooking its multifaceted nature within the disability field. This study introduces a stepped, inclusive approach to capturing this complexity, elucidating disparities in the utilization of various ICT dimensions, the present vs. anticipated use, and variations among different clinical-demographic groups.A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Hong Kong, gathering valid data from 324 practitioners spanning diverse disciplines and disability services.Data analysis produced a three-factor model categorizing ICT tools into (1) information and communication tools, (2) screening and monitoring tools, and (3) treatment and rehabilitation tools. The first category was identified as the predominant ICT utilized currently, with significant projected growth in the latter two categories’ usage. Variances in current ICT adoption were influenced by practitioners’ roles, clientele, positions, affiliating agencies, and educational attainments.This research provides a deeper understanding of the key dimensions of ICT adoption within disability services. It underscores the importance of devising specific and customized strategies for the effective integration of ICTs, ensuring a more tailored approach to meeting the unique demands of the disability field.Future studies focusing on information and communication technologies (ICTs) adoption or relevant concepts, such as e-health and telerehabilitation may consider employing similar methodological approaches accustomed to one’s local context.Future attention and investment in ICT adoption in disability services should focus more on domains directly relevant to clinical and rehabilitation practice, tailoring strategies to the specific needs of the field.There exists an urgent imperative to enhance ICT training, especially for psychosocial and medical professionals, while also increasing investments in non-governmental organizations.Such support needs to be gender- and age-inclusive, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of practitioners at all organizational levels.Future studies focusing on information and communication technologies (ICTs) adoption or relevant concepts, such as e-health and telerehabilitation may consider employing similar methodological approaches accustomed to one’s local context.Future attention and investment in ICT adoption in disability services should focus more on domains directly relevant to clinical and rehabilitation practice, tailoring strategies to the specific needs of the field.There exists an urgent imperative to enhance ICT training, especially for psychosocial and medical professionals, while also increasing investments in non-governmental organizations.Such support needs to be gender- and age-inclusive, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of practitioners at all organizational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life-long nature of adoption and recognition of the often-fragile nature of post-reunion relationships, means adoption agencies have a duty of care and moral onus to facilitate comprehensive support services that can be readily accessed. The Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Post-Adoption Service was established in 1989, in response to the legislative changes brought about by The Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. This study employed retrospective file analysis and a purposive sample of 15 Case Files, drawn from a 10-year period (2009–2018), to explore reunifications between adopted adults and their birth relatives, from the time of initial involvement and over the longer term. The use of an Advisory Panel of professional experts, a Pilot Study and a specifically created Data Collection Form, enhanced overall rigour and robustness. Thematic analysis of the data identified common themes of curiosity; identity related; meeting the birth mother; and death of adoptive parents/loss; leading to meta-themes of identity and loss. Key findings include the diversity amongst service users accessing the service in terms of their gender, age and life stage; their motivations; the time-restricted nature of current involvement; protracted timescales from initial contact to search is not uncommon; that post-reunion social work involvement saw a marked drop from pre-contact levels, particularly for birth relatives. The study makes a compelling case for a well-resourced service that offers additional pre- and post-reunion support and argues for a more proactive professional approach, with further expansion of existing support provision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impacts of bias, and how to mitigate these impacts, on clinical care is critically important for all healthcare team members. However, the concerns and needs in our current system are likely even more fundamental, as we are continuing to hear about the experiences of patients who are struggling to seek care that contains even the most basic tenants of respect and decency. Creating inclusive and diverse environments requires constant proactive evaluation, commitment, and energy. This piece shares the experiences of a Black birth mom and a White adoptive dad (who is also an Ob/Gyn and anti‐racism researcher) and the experiences surrounding the birth of their daughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the exciting world of metaverse gig work, exploring how gig work self-efficacy influences their adoption of gig work itself, along with two key factors: work flexibility and career adaptability. We also examine how these factors act as mediators, mediating the relationship between gig work self-efficacy and gig work adoption. Furthermore, this study explores the moderating impact of professional isolation, a feeling of disconnect from virtual colleagues, on this relationship. This study collected data from gig workers from Pakistan, both from freelance settings and established gig work firms. The data were collected from 316 participants by using a convenience sampling approach, our study findings supported our proposed relationships by indicating gig workers with high gig work self-efficacy are more likely to enjoy both the freedom of schedule (gig work flexibility) and the ability to explore different career paths (career adoptability). These benefits act as significant mediators, helping gig workers embrace gig work in the metaverse more readily. However, professional isolation threw a wrench in the works, and gig workers with high self-confidence may encounter challenges in capitalizing on the full potential of flexibility and adoptability within the gig economy. Results show that professional isolation in the online world surprisingly made it harder for gig workers to connect their belief in themselves, and self-efficacy, with important skills like flexibility and adoptability. This study provides insights into gig workers who have significant effects on organizations and the gig economy in the complex world of the metaverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The escalating prevalence of diabetes, with its multifaceted complications, poses a pressing challenge for healthcare systems globally. In response, the advent of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, offering technological solutions for daily diabetes management, presents significant opportunities. However, the widespread adoption faces several barriers, linked both to the technological configuration of the devices and to the psychological dimension of patients. Therefore, this study aims to apply and test a theoretical model that investigates the antecedents of the intention to use Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems. Methods: The research model was built to unveil the impacts of psychological factors, functional components and rational constructs derived from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on CGM systems sustained adoption. To ensure the comparability of results, we have collected data from people who had used Dexcom ONE Dexcom (San Diego, CA) for the first time for at least one month. Employing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) techniques, the hypothesized relationships among constructs were assessed. Results: The analyses confirmed the positive correlation of rational factors to the Intention to Use. Subjective Norm, intended as the physicians' influence, is positively correlated with the Perceived Usefulness. Trend Arrows, albeit being negatively correlated with Perceived Usefulness, have a positive correlation on Perceived Ease Of Use, reinforcing its mediating effect towards Perceived Usefulness. Among psychological factors, Trust in the CGM technology positively correlates with Intention to Use. Health Literacy is negatively correlated to the Intention to Use. Conclusions: These findings contribute to theoretical and managerial understanding, providing recommendations to enhance the adoption of CGM systems like Dexcom ONE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cassava retting ability and the textural qualities of cooked fufu are important quality traits. Cassava retting is a complex process in which soaking causes tissue breakdown, starch release, and softening. The rate at which various traits linked to it evolve varies greatly during fufu processing. According to the literature, there is no standard approach for determining retting ability. The retting indices and textural properties of fufu were measured using both manual and instrumental approaches. RESULTS: Different protocols were developed to classify 64 and 11 cassava genotypes into various groups based on retting ability and textural qualities, respectively. The retting protocols revealed considerable genetic dissimilarities in genotype classification: foaming ability and water clarity should be measured at 24 h, while penetrometer, hardness, turbidity, pH, and total titratable acidity data are best collected after 36 h. The stepwise regression model revealed that pH, foaming ability, and dry matter content are the best multivariates (with the highest R2) for predicting cassava retting. These predictors were used to develop an index for assessing the retting ability of cassava genotypes. The retting index developed showed a significant relationship with dry matter content and fufu yield. The study also showed significant correlations between instrumental cohesiveness and sensory smoothness (r = −0.75), moldability (r = −0.62), and stretchability (r = 0.78). Instrumental cohesiveness can correctly estimate fufu smoothness (R2 = 0.56, P = 0.008) and stretchability (R2 = 0.60, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: pH, foaming ability, and dry matter content are the best traits for predicting cassava retting ability, while instrumental cohesiveness can effectively estimate fufu smoothness and stretchability. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Determinants of culinary qualities of East African highland cooking bananas (EAHCB) are not well known. This constrains the inclusion of user‐preferred traits in breeding. The present study aimed to quantify key indicators of user‐preferred characteristics to enable selection of acceptable hybrids. RESULTS: Qualitative characteristics that drive preference were big bunches (15–34 kg), long straight/slightly curved fingers (12–23 cm), yellowness and soft texture. Descriptive sensory analysis of the intensity of colour and texture the 23 genotypes revealed that landraces Kibuzi, Mbwazirume, Nakitembe and Mpologoma had higher intensity of yellowness and lower intensity of hardness (softer) and a low score (≤ 1.0) of astringency taste. A preference test showed that they had higher acceptability scores. Biochemical, instrumental and sensory data revealed correlations between sensory firmness and instrumental hardness (r = 0.5), sensory firmness and amylopectin (r = −0.54), suggesting that qualitative descriptions can be predicted by instrumental and biochemical indicators. Significant (P < 0.05) variations in amylose and total starch content were observed in different varieties. Moderate correlations between instrumental hardness and firmness in mouth (r = 0.55), cohesiveness and firmness in the mouth (r = 0.57), and adhesiveness and firmness in the mouth (r = 0.64) were observed. Surprisingly, carotenoids content was not correlated with yellowness in cooked matooke. However, positive correlations were observed between chroma (b*) parameters of raw matooke and sensorial assessed color on cooked samples. CONCLUSION: Qualitative characteristis; the bunch, pulp colour and texture; that drive users‐preference in the EAHCB were quantified, paving way for breeders to use them to select genotypes with these attributes early in the breeding process. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots, tubers and cooking bananas are bulky and highly perishable. In Africa, except for yams, their consumption is mainly after transport, peeling and cooking in the form of boiled pieces or dough, a few days after harvest. To stabilize and better preserve the products and, in the case of cassava, release toxic cyanogenic glucosides, a range of intermediate products have been developed, mainly for cassava, related to fermentation and drying after numerous processing operations. This review highlights, for the first time, the impact of genotypes on labour requirements, productivity and the associated drudgery in processing operations primarily carried out by women processors. Peeling, soaking/grinding/fermentation, dewatering, sieving and toasting steps were evaluated on a wide range of new hybrids and traditional landraces. The review highlights case studies of gari production from cassava. The results show that, depending on the genotypes used, women's required labour can be more than doubled and even the sum of the weights transported along the process can be up to four times higher for the same quantity of end product. Productivity and loads carried between each processing operation are highly influenced by root shape, ease of peeling, dry matter content and/or fiber content. Productivity and the often related experienced drudgery are key factors to be considered for a better acceptance of new genotypes by actors in the value‐addition chain, leading to enhanced adoption and ultimately to improved livelihoods for women processors. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Inadequate consideration of textural quality in conventional breeding pipelines of plantains (from breeders to end‐users) results in limited impact. Knowledge of the textural quality characteristics of boiled plantain, as preferred by end‐users, could help improve the adoption of new clones when these traits are selected for breeding. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between instrumental and sensory texture attributes of boiled plantain genotypes. Consumer testing (Just About Right and Check All That Apply tests), sensory quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), instrumental texture profile analysis (TPA) and penetrometry were conducted with nine accessions: three landraces and six plantain‐like bred hybrids. RESULTS: Landraces were considered just‐about‐right by more than 45% of people for all the sensory attributes (humidity, sweetness, color and firmness), described by characteristics such as smooth on sight, attractive, mealy, firm, plantain taste and yellow. Color and firmness were the most highly scored attributes by panelists for the landraces. Penetrometry discriminated among genotypes better than TPA. Hardness, gumminess, resilience and chewiness were the most discriminatory attributes for TPA, whereas hardness and area under the curve were the most discriminatory attributes for penetrometry. No correlation was found between penetrometry and sensory texture of boiled plantain. For TPA, negative correlations were found between sensory humidity and hardness, as well as between sensory firmness and resilience, whereas a positive correlation was found between resilience and sensory humidity. CONCLUSION: Combining QDA and texture measurements can make the selection of plantain hybrids more effective and improve the adoption of new varieties. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nigeria and Cameroon are multi‐ethnic countries with diverse preferences for food characteristics. The present study aimed to inform cassava breeders on consumer‐prioritized eba quality traits. Consumer testing was carried out using the triadic comparison of technologies (tricot). Diverse consumers in villages, towns and cities evaluated the overall acceptability of eba made from different cassava genotypes. Data from both countries were combined and linked to laboratory analyses of eba and the gari used to make it. RESULTS: There is a strong preference for eba with higher cohesiveness and eba from gari with higher brightness and especially in Cameroon, with lower redness and yellowness. Relatively higher eba hardness and springiness values are preferred in the Nigerian locations, whereas lower values are preferred in Cameroon. Trends for solubility and swelling power of the gari differ between the two countries. The study also reveals that the older improved cassava genotype TMS30572 is a benchmark genotype with superior eba characteristics across different regions in Nigeria, whereas the recently released variety Game changer performs very well in Cameroon. In both locations, the recently released genotypes Obansanjo‐2 and improved variety TM14F1278P0003 have good stability and overall acceptability for eba characteristics. CONCLUSION: The wide acceptance of a single genotype across diverse geographical and cultural conditions in Nigeria, as well as three acceptable new improved varieties in both locations, indicates that consumers' preferences are surprisingly homogeneous for eba. This would enhance breeding efforts to develop varieties with wider acceptability and expand potential target areas for released varieties. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Boiled yam key quality attributes typical for West African consumers are that it is crumbly, easy to break and has a sweet taste. New yam varieties are being developed but high‐ or medium‐throughput tools to assess the required quality traits and their range of acceptance are limited. This study assessed the acceptance thresholds of these quality attributes and established predictive models for screening yam varieties that meet the required consumer preferences. RESULTS: Overall liking was associated with sweet taste, crumbliness and easiness to break (r‐values 0.502, 0.291 and −0.087, respectively). These parameters and selected biophysical parameters highly discriminated the boiled yam varieties. Crumbly texture and easiness to break were well predicted by penetration force and dry matter, whereas sweet taste were well predicted by dry matter and sugar intensity. A high crumbliness and sweet taste are preferred (sensory scores above 6.19 and 6.22 for crumbly and sweet taste, respectively, on a 10 cm unstructured line scale), while a too high easiness to break is disliked (sensory scores ranging from 4.72 to 7.62). Desirable biophysical targets were between 5.1 and 7.1 N for penetration force, dry matter around 39% and sugar intensity below 3.62 g 100 g−1. Some improved varieties fulfilled the acceptable thresholds, and screening was improved through deviation from the optimum. CONCLUSION: Acceptance thresholds and deviation from optimum for boiled yam assessed through the instrumental measurements are promising tools for yam breeders. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this digital age, promoting economic development through technology innovation and adoption has become a pressing matter, contributing to increased productivity and, in turn, carbon emissions. Consequently, this study employs a novel technique (Newey–West Standard Error Method, Technology Adaptation Model) to quantify information and communication technology (ICT) adoption rates as a proxy indicator for evaluating the Persian Gulf economy's technology development. Moreover, this study investigates the evidence of the environmental Kuznets curve, with trade openness, technological adoption, and innovation as sustainable development controls. The findings reveal that two of three technological innovation instruments, fixed telephone, and internet subscriptions, increase carbon emissions. In contrast, mobile cellular subscriptions simultaneously reduce carbon emissions in the Persian Gulf. Furthermore, measures of technology adoption, high-technology exports, and electricity use contribute to the increase in carbon emissions. Trade openness also raises carbon emissions in the Persian Gulf. These findings suggest that policymakers must develop technological innovation and adoption strategies that effectively promote a greener environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of the ecosystem services (ES) concept in urban planning has potential for improving environmental and human health outcomes in cities. We aimed to narrow an identified ES implementation gap by identifying the criteria for the practical fit of the ES concept in urban planning. We found that local relevance and adaptability within current planning approaches were core criteria for practical fit. If not met immediately, these criteria may be met over time through policy entrepreneurship. Further research in different locations and planning systems would increase understanding of the enabling factors for applying ES in urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of its efforts to secure a 'net-zero society', the UK government will take a strategic decision on the role of hydrogen in decarbonising homes within the next years. While scholars have recently advanced the social science research agenda on hydrogen technology acceptance, studies are yet to engage with the prospective dynamics of adopting 'hydrogen homes'. In response, this study examines the perceived adoption potential of hydrogen heating and cooking technologies, as evaluated through the eyes of consumer. Engaging with behavioural and market acceptance, this research draws on data from a broadly nationally representative online survey to examine the influence of safety, technological, economic, environmental, and emotional factors on the domestic hydrogen transition in the UK context. The analysis follows a multi-stage empirical approach, integrating findings from partial least squares structural equation and necessary condition analysis to crystallise insights on this emergent subject. At this juncture, perceived adoption potential may hinge primarily on emotional, environmental, safety, and to a lesser extent, technological perspectives. However, consumers have an expressed preference for hydrogen heating over hydrogen cooking, with perceived boiler performance emerging as a necessary condition for enabling adoption potential. At the formative phase of the transition, risks associated with energy insecurity and fuel poverty exceed concerns over purchasing and running costs. Nevertheless, economic factors remain less critical during the pre-deployment phase of the innovation-decision process. Across the full sample, simple slope analysis highlights the moderating effects of gender, age, and housing tenure. Moreover, statistically significant differences from both a sufficiency- and necessity-based perspective are detected between male property owners aged 55+ and female mortgage owners 18–34 years old. By bridging the knowledge gap between social acceptance and adoption intention, this contribution reinforces the need for consumer engagement in the hydrogen economy, advocating for more fine-grained, mixed-methods analyses of technology acceptance dynamics to support decarbonisation strategies. [Display omitted] • Economic factors constrain the perceived adoption potential of hydrogen homes. • The emotional dimension of hydrogen acceptance is highly influential. • Perceived adoption potential is contingent on safety and environmental perspectives. • Gender, age, and housing tenure status are potentially powerful moderators. • The role of hydrogen cooking warrants justification ahead of policy decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are expected to “revolutionise” healthcare. However, despite their promises, their integration within healthcare organisations and systems remains limited. The objective of this study is to explore and understand the systemic challenges and implications of their integration in a leading Canadian academic hospital. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 stakeholders concerned by the integration of a large set of AI technologies within the organisation (e.g., managers, clinicians, researchers, patients, technology providers). Data were collected and analysed using the Non-Adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, Sustainability (NASSS) framework. Results: Among enabling factors and conditions, our findings highlight: a supportive organisational culture and leadership leading to a coherent organisational innovation narrative; mutual trust and transparent communication between senior management and frontline teams; the presence of champions, translators, and boundary spanners for AI able to build bridges and trust; and the capacity to attract technical and clinical talents and expertise. Constraints and barriers include: contrasting definitions of the value of AI technologies and ways to measure such value; lack of real-life and context-based evidence; varying patients’ digital and health literacy capacities; misalignments between organisational dynamics, clinical and administrative processes, infrastructures, and AI technologies; lack of funding mechanisms covering the implementation, adaptation, and expertise required; challenges arising from practice change, new expertise development, and professional identities; lack of official professional, reimbursement, and insurance guidelines; lack of pre- and post-market approval legal and governance frameworks; diversity of the business and financing models for AI technologies; and misalignments between investors’ priorities and the needs and expectations of healthcare organisations and systems. Conclusion: Thanks to the multidimensional NASSS framework, this study provides original insights and a detailed learning base for analysing AI technologies in healthcare from a thorough socio-technical perspective. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the complexity characterising healthcare organisations and systems in current efforts to introduce AI technologies within clinical routines. This study adds to the existing literature and can inform decision-making towards a judicious, responsible, and sustainable integration of these technologies in healthcare organisations and systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate factors that obstruct and facilitate the use of the foster parent and special adoption systems (i.e., foster systems) by cancer survivors, and examine how to effectively provide information. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that compared the results of a questionnaire survey of foster parents and adoptive parents (i.e., foster parents) who were and were not cancer survivors belonging to foster parent associations in 33 locations in Japan. This study was supported by a 2022 Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Grant No. 20EA1004). Results: "Lack of information," an obstructive factor and "Sympathetic understanding and cooperation from my partner and family," a facilitative factor were the highest score in both groups. Significant differences between the two groups were found in "Support from government agencies and others for foster parents," a facilitative factor, which was lower in the cancer survivors' group. There were no other significant differences between both the groups. Conclusion: This study found that when considering the use of the foster systems, a lack of information was the biggest obstructive factor and family understanding was the most helpful for both cancer survivors and noncancer groups. It was thought that stronger government support for cancer survivors might encourage cancer survivors to consider becoming foster parents. It would be effective for cancer treatment facilities, reproductive medical facilities, the government, and foster parent associations to work together to provide information carefully to cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public education institutions lie at the center of the education system. However, little is known about how ready students in public and private colleges are when it comes to technology adoption and usage. This study investigates this by analyzing 640 college students in Vietnam. Our findings show that overall technology readiness and technology-related traits are main predictors of technology adoption and usage. Public college students are less ready for technology but more likely to adopt technology than private college students. This study provides useful insights into the vital role of youths in contributing to economic development in the digital era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was carried out to describe contraceptive adoption following pregnancy terminations that resulted in outcomes other than live birth. Method: Retrospective calendar data on 31486 women who had experienced a pregnancy loss within the last 60 months prior to the survey date were drawn from a nationally representative dataset. Logistic regression was employed to model the associated factors with contraceptive uptake. Results: Overall, 57.8% reported not adopting any method following the end of the recent pregnancy. There was a significant association between the choice of contraceptive method and timing of adoption. Women with living children were significantly more likely to adopt contraception as compared to women without any child. Conclusion: Contraceptive uptake following a non‐live birth is considerably low in India. Interventions in reproductive health should focus on provision of different contraceptive methods and counseling emphasizing on effectiveness and correct use of the methods at the end of any pregnancy. Synopsis: Contraceptive adoption following a non‐live birth is extremely low in India. The proportion of women opting for more effective methods was found to be considerably low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the diffusion of battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology in Japan. The diffusion process in this study refers to both the innovation and adoption of BEV technology. While previous studies on BEV technological diffusion focus on policy selection, especially domestic policy, little is known about the connectedness between international and domestic factors in the BEV technological diffusion process. This paper aims to enrich the discussion of technology diffusion by expanding the argument that technology diffusion is not only a domestic problem but also an international relations problem using a case study of BEV technology diffusion in Japan. The findings indicate that two international factors push Japan to diffuse BEV technology: Japanese commitment to the global environmental regime and global competition in BEV manufacturing. However, the domestic institution factor hinders the BEV technology diffusion. The production structures of automobile industries and political economy relations between the automobile industry and the government further complicate the diffusion process of BEV technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uses of artificial intelligence (AI) are growing around the world. What will influence AI adoption in the international security realm? Research on automation bias suggests that humans can often be overconfident in AI, whereas research on algorithm aversion shows that, as the stakes of a decision rise, humans become more cautious about trusting algorithms. We theorize about the relationship between background knowledge about AI, trust in AI, and how these interact with other factors to influence the probability of automation bias in the international security context. We test these in a preregistered task identification experiment across a representative sample of 9,000 adults in nine countries with varying levels of AI industries. The results strongly support the theory, especially concerning AI background knowledge. A version of the Dunning–Kruger effect appears to be at play, whereby those with the lowest level of experience with AI are slightly more likely to be algorithm-averse, then automation bias occurs at lower levels of knowledge before leveling off as a respondent's AI background reaches the highest levels. Additional results show effects from the task's difficulty, overall AI trust, and whether a human or AI decision aid is described as highly competent or less competent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid advancement of digitalization has significantly impacted various aspects of accounting professions, particularly in taxation. Tax digitization offers numerous advantages, including streamlining tax processes, reducing administrative burdens, increasing efficiency, and enhancing data security. While tax practitioners in advanced economies have embraced digitalization, their Malaysian counterparts are still in the early stages of transitioning to a modern digital system. This situation has prompted researchers to predict factors that could accelerate the adoption of tax digitalization among Malaysian tax practitioners. Emulating the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this study investigates the adoption of tax digitalization with performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. The researchers distributed 200 questionnaires to Malaysian tax practitioners. However, only 142 proceeded for further analysis. Results from multiple regression using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) 3 indicate that all variables: effort and performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions exhibit a significant relationship with tax digitalization adoption. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, tax authorities, and professional bodies in developing strategies and initiatives to promote the adoption of tax digitalization among practitioners. Embracing digitalization is crucial for transforming the profession and fostering efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the creation of a data resource for charting the adoption of fixed line telephony in Great Britain over the period 1880–1984, of which the period 1880–1951 is available for wide research use. We first evaluate the use of various open-source software and then develop the novel teldiR open-source package to capture digitally encoded scans of all available telephone directories at ten-yearly intervals throughout this period and document the quality control checks used to establish the provenance of the resulting digital records. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of digitally encoding scans of historical telephone directories, and suggests potential analytical extensions to this work, including georeferencing of subscriber records. This research is seen not only as facilitating geographical analysis of the adoption of fixed line telephony, but also as creating a bridge between historical analysis of residential mobility, migration, and changing geodemographic structure in the years between (now digitized) historical censuses and present day digital sources. The digital resource arising from this research is available for bona fide research use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on existing scholarship examining how audiences interpret reproductive experiences on film and television, we investigate how viewers make meaning of representations of motherhood, abortion, adoption, and surrogacy on the Hulu television miniseries Little Fires Everywhere. We recruited twenty-one participants to watch the series and conducted three virtual focus groups of seven women each. Based on the racial identities of the main characters in the series, we segmented these groups by race: one group each of white women, Black women, and Chinese American women. Focus groups were facilitated by moderators who matched the racial and ethnic backgrounds of each group. We asked participants about their overall reactions to the series, their impressions of various characters, and each reproductive health plotline. Participants expressed both tender and critical reactions to characters who endured motherhood, surrogacy and adoption, yet most participants were overtly critical of Lexie, the character who obtained an abortion. We argue that this is likely because the character of Lexie is written as largely unsympathetic, leaving audiences with little opportunity to form a parasocial relationship with her. We discuss the implications of this for cultural conversations and understandings of abortion more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrumented mouthguards (iMGs) are a novel technology being used within rugby to quantify head acceleration events. Understanding practitioners' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to their use is important to support implementation and adoption. This study assessed men's and women's rugby union and league iMG managers' perceptions of staff and player interest in the technology, data and barriers to use. Forty‐six iMG managers (men's rugby union and league n = 20 and n = 9 and women's rugby union and league n = 7 and n = 10) completed an 18‐question survey. Perceived interest in data varied across staff roles with medical staff being reported as having the most interest. The iMG devices were perceived as easy to use but uncomfortable. Several uses of data were identified, including medical applications, player monitoring and player welfare. The comfort, size and fit of the iMG were reported as the major barriers to player use. Time constraints and a lack of understanding of data were barriers to engagement with the data. Continued education on how iMG data can be used is required to increase player and staff buy‐in, alongside improving comfort of the devices. Studies undertaken with iMGs investigating player performance and welfare outcomes will make data more useful and increase engagement. Highlights: From the perspective of instrumented mouthguard (iMG) managers (appointed practitioners responsible for the collection and analysis of iMG data in sports teams), the iMG technology is easy to use and has important sport science, medical and player welfare applications, yet is rarely used for these purposes in applied practice.To overcome barriers to adoption, technology companies should work closely with athletes to optimise the comfort, size and fit of iMGs and look to address any technological shortcomings perceived by practitioners, such as robustness and data anomalies.Future research should focus on the use of iMGs for sport science, medical and welfare purposes to improve understanding of iMG data and guide practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, as with the rapid movement of scientific discoveries, the development of new technologies and innovations has picked up a similar pace. Some of these technologies have drawn public attention and rapidly prevailed in the societies, while some others have faded away after some time. The factor which must be considered in alignment with the development of new technology is the precise recognition of the demands and the impacting factors for the acceptance of new technology. Hence, many scholars have investigated the topic and developed different frameworks for modelling the method through which users accept a technology. With that respect, in this article, the most important models or theories related to user acceptance and adoption since 1962 to this point are investigated and the evolution of different theories and models of technology acceptance during these years are evaluated in order to provide a comprehensive review of the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we examine whether there are significant gender differences in the adoption of climate‐smart agricultural (CSA) practices in sub‐Saharan Africa. Using individual‐level data from four sites in Kenya, Uganda and Senegal, our empirical analysis provides robust evidence that men have a higher likelihood of adopting high‐return CSA practices including modern chemical fertiliser, improved high‐yielding varieties and drought/pest tolerant livestock practices. In contrast, women tend to have a higher likelihood of adopting low‐risk and low‐return traditional CSA practices such as water harvesting, crop covering, rangeland management and pest management. Our subsample analysis shows significant heterogeneity in the gender gap across countries. The results of the decomposition of the observed gender gap show that personal values and norms, access to weather and production information and farm characteristics are important factors that explain the gender differential in the likelihood of CSA adoption. Our findings imply that equalising access to key resources such as plots of land, information and decision making power will be crucial to close the gender gap in the adoption of CSA practices. This is particularly important given the differential impacts of climate change between men and women in sub‐Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mental health vulnerability of children and young people in foster and adoptive families is well recognised, which has led to the development of dedicated posts and care pathways in mental health care provision. This article reports on learning resulting from local quality improvement work in a single child and adolescent mental health service team. This work was concerned with the 'front door' of access to care for these groups and specifically addresses initial consultations with adoptive parents and adoption professionals, reporting findings from an analysis of reports from consultations undertaken over a 13-month period between April 2021 and May 2022. The analysis highlights that support can be sought by these parents and professionals for diverse issues relating to mental health which is also indicative of a high level of need amongst children and young people involved with specialist mental health provision. The analysis also has wider implications for practice in demonstrating the benefits of attending to clinical data to contribute meaningfully to practice-based scholarship in this type of specialist setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of audit quality, board of directors' characteristics, and the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the financial performance of firms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research is motivated by recent governance and accounting reforms in Saudi Arabia, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to develop the financial sector and promote an advanced capital market. The study analyzes a sample of 135 companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange Tadawul over a four-year period, covering both pre- and post-2017. The period is significant as it coincides with the introduction of the Saudi Corporate Governance Regulations (SRCGs) and mandatory IFRS adoption in 2017. The study employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) system approach, along with ordinary least squares and fixed effects as robustness checks. The independent variables include market-based indicators (e.g., Tobin's Q) and accounting-based performance indicators (e.g., Return on Assets, Return on Equity). The results from the robust GMM estimator indicate that the characteristics of audit committees, including size, experience, and meetings, do not significantly impact firm performance indicators. This suggests that audit committees in Saudi Arabia may not effectively serve as governance mechanisms. Compliance with the SRCGs appears to prioritize meeting regulatory requirements rather than enhancing the effectiveness of audit committees. The influence of the Big 4 auditing firms is found to have a positive and significant effect on Tobin's Q. Regarding board of directors' characteristics, only independence and meetings show significant effects, but with conflicting impacts. Board meetings have a positive impact on Tobin's Q but a negative influence on ROE. Board independence has a negative impact exclusively on Tobin's Q. Additionally, the mandatory adoption of IFRS is found to have a substantial and negative relationship with all three firm performance measures (Tobin's Q, ROA, ROE). This can be attributed to factors such as transition costs, changes in accounting methods, unique national practices, and a shortage of skilled Saudi accountants. This research contributes valuable insights into the influence of corporate governance and mandatory IFRS adoption on firm performance in an emerging and Islamic economy context, specifically Saudi Arabia. The study addresses a gap in the literature by employing a robust methodology, GMM system, to address endogeneity concerns in the corporate governance-performance relationship. By considering both market-based and accounting-based performance measures, the study offers a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics involved. The study suggests that adequate resources are needed to support the long-term implementation of IFRS in Saudi Arabia, such as education and training programs, consultative groups, and stakeholder involvement. The research findings can inform policymakers in designing appropriate governance mechanisms in the emerging market context of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Corporation Council region, considering cultural and religious specificities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A teaching strategy known as an "e‐learning system" involves the use of electronic technology to encourage and assist learning in a classroom setting. According to the increasing rise in the number of pupils using modern communication technologies, alterations to the e‐learning system are now feasible. The study aims to explore the relationship between e‐learning adoption, attitude, and academic performance in the regulations of students' resistance to innovation from the perspective of Chinese students. Recognizing the mediating impact of e‐learning adoption (ELAD) as well as the regulating function of resistance to innovation (RTI) is crucial for completely comprehending how e‐learning attitude (ELAT) influences music student performance (SP). The objective of this study is to find an association between ELAT and students' performance and to find out the association between ELAD and students' performance. A random sampling technique was utilized quantitatively. Data were collected from 293 music education students in China using a questionnaire method. The study obtained data were analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS statistical software. The research was conducted in Chinese music educational institutions in Beijing. PLS‐SEM stands for Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. It's a statistical method used for analyzing relationships between variables. Partial Least Squares (PLS) software is chosen for its versatility in handling complex relationships with small sample sizes. PLS is known for its ability to handle multicollinearity, making it a robust choice for research requiring accurate and stable predictions with limited data. The study analyzes the connection between music student performance and e‐learning attitude. The findings of the study indicate the regulating role of objections to innovation and the mediation effect of e‐learning adoption. The study suggests that a positive attitude toward e‐learning adoption enhances students' work performance. The findings underline the significance of ELAT and ELAD and offer useful policies for improving students' performance. Practitioner Points: Importance of e‐learning attitude (ELAT): Recognize the crucial role ELAT plays in influencing music student performance.Mediating Impact of e‐learning adoption (ELAD): Understand how ELAD mediates the relationship between ELAT and student performance.PLS‐SEM for Robust Analysis: Utilize Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling for accurate analysis of complex relationships with small sample sizes in the context of music education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Making a living from a small farm is difficult in sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper, we quantify how difficult, using a simple, robust, relation between per capita daily income from farming (FPDI), land per capita and whole-farm net profitability per hectare. This relation allows the calculation of the land area required to generate various levels of household income as a function of farm performance. We use nationally representative household data for Tanzania to investigate the range of whole-farm profitability and to estimate an upper limit for it. For 6818 cases where households with land reported figures for gross crop and livestock revenues and for costs in any of the three years 2009, 2011 or 2013, actual median whole-farm net profitability was only $454/ha/y even without including the opportunity cost of family labour. When those were considered, median net profitability was negative $238/ha/y, i.e. a net loss. The maximum whole-farm profitability achieved was $4485/ha/y without family labour costs and $2742/ha/y with it. We evaluated actual and potential farm performance for their ability to generate a range of values of FPDI up to $10 per person per day. Most farms are not very profitable, particularly when household labour costs are considered, and few would be considered economically prosperous. Our analysis underscores the fact that improving their operations or adopting new technologies alone is unlikely to lift many smallholder farmers out of poverty in developing countries, given typical farm size distributions and reasonable assumptions about the realized economic returns to adoption of currently available agricultural technologies. While continued agricultural R&D investments are certainly worthwhile, such efforts alone will be insufficient to meaningfully address welfare needs of the world's rural poor. This suggests that agricultural development programs should expand their attention to incorporate off-farm and non-farm components of the rural economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholders of dryland ecosystems continue to live below the poverty line while facing significant economic and social deprivation with decreasing landholding. Most dryland farmers perform conventional disintegrated farming practices due to a lack of knowledge and resource inefficiency. This study investigates the possibility of an Integrated Farming System (IFS) to address the current dryland farming issues and explore various factors affecting its adoption among the farming community. This study aims to apply and compare supervised learning techniques to assess the primary drivers affecting the adoption of the IFS in rural southern India. The study shows that organic fertilizer production, farmers' age, and involvement in the extension activity are the major factors affecting the adoption of IFS among dryland farmers. The study supports that small and marginal farmers have a high possibility of realizing the higher benefit from IFS. The study recommends that these components be given proper policy consideration in designing and implementing an effective farming system in dryland areas to improve farmers' income levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green concepts and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are increasingly adopted in construction processes, including new and heritage buildings, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create accurate digital models for observation, analysis, and optimization. However, BIM adoption faces challenges including a lack of regulations, refusal, insufficient staff, high costs, and enormous data. This paper contributes to the evaluation of BIM adoption in heritage green retrofitting processes, focusing on its advantages and challenges. This can be achieved through an evaluation methodology based on a couple of analyses: bibliometric analysis and case study-based SWOT analysis. The bibliometric analysis identifies essential factors influencing BIM adoption through co-occurrence terms that frequently appear together in related or transdisciplinary research. The second involves an analytical study of those factors individually through case study-based SWOT analysis, then developing a holistic SWOT analysis by discussing the advantages through strengths and opportunities and the challenges through weaknesses and threats. Finally, this paper proposes a holistic SWOT-based matrix, which offers four types of strategies: strengths and opportunities (S + O), weaknesses and opportunities (W + O), strengths and threats (S + T), and weaknesses and threats (W + T), considering priorities, organizations, and success metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitization of agriculture is widely discussed today. But despite proven benefits, its acceptance in agricultural practice remains low. In small-structured areas, this trend is even more pronounced. There are even known cases where farmers initially purchased and used technology, but then stopped using it due to lack of profitability or other reasons. Interestingly, despite extensive research on precision agriculture technologies (PATs), the processes of adoption and phase-out with their associated economic impacts have never been studied. This paper provides a methodological framework for evaluating the economics of PAT deployment, taking into account changes during the period of use; the framework provides decision rules for determining the appropriate time to phase out technology. Using a selected PAT, a farm model, and defined entry and exit scenarios, it was shown that farms with outdated technology and farms with retrofittable technology are at a significant economic disadvantage during implementation compared to farms already using technology suitable for site-specific fertilization or farms relying on the use of a contractor. And even in the event of a phase-out, the two disadvantaged starting conditions face significantly greater uncertainties and costs. Moreover, the decision to phase out in time is difficult, as making an informed and fact-based decision is not possible after the first year of use. Therefore, it is advisable that farmers are not only accompanied before and during phase-in, but also receive professional support during use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we explored racial microaggressions (RMAs) and adoption microaggressions (AMAs) experienced and committed by white adoptive parents of transracial adoptees. Two research questions guided this inquiry: (a) What types of RMAs and AMAs do white adoptive parents of children adopted from China experience and commit? and (b) how is white adoptive parental awareness of race and adoption related to their committing of microaggressions? Based on qualitative coding of interviews conducted with 39 white adoptive parents of Chinese adoptees, the most frequently coded AMA was Biology is Best for experienced AMAs and Phantom Birth Parents for committed AMAs. Alien in Own Land was the most experienced RMA, and Color Evasiveness was the most committed RMA. Parents tended to have high awareness of the AMAs (87%) and RMAs (89%) they experienced from others, yet this awareness did not preclude them from committing RMAs and AMAs within their transracially adoptive family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban expansion often takes place on the most productive agricultural lands, affecting how the remaining agricultural land is used. Evidence on the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in urbanizing areas is scarce and mostly based on cross‐sectional data. Cross‐sectional studies, however, cannot reflect the dynamics of urbanization and adoption. We use household panel data from 2017 and 2020 to analyze the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices among peri‐urban farmers in Bangalore, India, a rapidly urbanizing region. We focus on practices for water and erosion management, integrated pest management and soil fertility management, and an integrated package of sustainable practices. Using random effects probit models with the Mundlak approach, we consider various factors besides urbanization, including exposure to weather variability, awareness of climate change, connection with institutional actors, and household and farm characteristics. Results show that urbanization, measured as changes in the percentage of built‐up area, reduces the probability that farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Like prior studies, we find that wealth indicators, market access, knowledge of climate change, and rainfall variability facilitate adoption. However, contact with institutional actors largely reduces farmers' probability of adoption. Policies should promote the integration of sustainable farming technologies at the institutional level and in information and training programs to achieve sustainable intensification of peri‐urban agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic payments are the cornerstone of web-based commerce. A steady decrease in cash usage has been observed, while various digital payment technologies are taking over. They process sensitive personal information raising concerns about its potentially illicit usage. Several payment models that confront this challenge have been proposed. They offer varying levels of anonymity and readiness for adoption. The aim of this study was to broaden the portfolio with a solution that assures the highest level of anonymity and is well applicable. An empirical design research study with prototyping and conceptual research with a proposed construct were employed for this purpose. As a result, the Activity-Based Payment (ABP) model was proposed. It introduces a different mode of completing a payment transaction based on performing specific activities on a web location indicated by the payee. The anonymity properties of the solution, as well as its performance and applicability have been evaluated showing its particular suitability to micropayment and small payment scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today there is broad consensus that adoptive parents should initiate open communication early and continue talking about adoption throughout their children's lives. However, a significant group of adopted adults do not know their adoptive origin and learn about it late in their lives, especially in Latin American countries where closed adoption systems dominate. Within a broader narrative study carried out in Chile, in this article we analyse a subset of 14 narrative interviews of people adopted domestically who underwent processes of late adoption disclosure. We draw from a small stories approach (Georgakopoulou, 2015) and identify a narrative structure for accidental and late disclosure experiences. We focus on three dimensions of the communicative experience narrated by participants: (1) the spatio-temporal situatedness of disclosure, (2) the construction of family emotions, and (3) the issue of the 'right age for disclosure'. Focusing on these dimensions is particularly relevant because the narratives of adult Chilean adoptees seem to depart significantly from current master narratives on how families should talk about adoption. Finally, we discuss our findings in relation to adoptive identity construction processes, current debates regarding communication in adoptive families and origin search processes, and the implications for specialized professional interventions in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malawi has the potential to explore the utilization of biogas technology. The technology has existed in the country for decades. However, the uptake has been lower than expected. Further, there has been a high rate of dis-adoption of the installed systems. To deal with the problem, this study explored the opportunities and barriers to biogas technology to enhance biogas adoption and utilization in Malawi. Qualitative research methods using key informant interviews were employed to collect the data from biogas adopters, dis-adopters, potential adopters, and experts. A total of 22 households and 6 experts were interviewed. The findings of the study show that the country has opportunities for biogas adoption and utilization. The most mentioned opportunities were livestock farming practices, constraints to access to reliable energy sources, associated benefits of biogas technology, and land holding. However, the adoption of the technology has faced several challenges. Commonly cited barriers were the high installation and maintenance costs, inadequate feedstock, inappropriate dissemination approaches, lack of training after installation services and expertise, lack of reliable water sources, absence of ownership, lack of cooperation amongst institutions involved in biogas promotion, lack of a coordinating body for institutions involved in biogas dissemination, lack of standards, and socio-cultural factors. To overcome the challenges, strategies were identified, and these include the provision of incentives, loans and subsidies, provision of technical support services, having demonstration sites, employing suitable dissemination approaches, co-digestion or diversification of raw materials, awareness campaigns, and collaboration amongst sectors involved in biogas dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the significant agrarian transformations in India's Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is witnessing a rapid transition into commercial farming and, simultaneously, an increasing trend of deagrarianisation. The study uses a mixed-method approach to investigate why farmers adopt commercial farming in this region and how the processes of deagrarianisation, reconfiguration of land use, and deepening commodification have become inevitable for many small and medium-scale farmers as a result of this process. In the analysis, our empirically tested theoretical model confirms that institutional factors in terms of state support work as a significant driver toward commercialisation. We then argue that combined with the stimulus of the state, a vigorous process of neo-extractivism is being promoted, which renders the substantive changes in agrarian transitions by displacing the subsistence sector. The study highlights that this contemporary commercialisation is altering the social and physical landscape and driving broader forms of dispossession and consolidation of farmlands at micro-levels. Furthermore, it raises questions about the fundamental role of the Indian state's neo-extractivist policies in a politically contested region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An online survey was conducted from June 2018 to March 2021 to elicit information from commercial farmers and growers on the economic impact of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys (Stål)) on agriculture and their attitudes towards adopting various alternative management practices, including use of Trissolcus japonicus as a biocontrol agent. Most respondents reported that BMSB reduced the profitability of their operation, with the largest impacts coming from reduced quality and increased spray cost. Improved monitoring techniques and natural enemies have the greatest probability to be used to manage BMSB, while tactics like attract and kill, border sprays, repellents, trap crops and netting were less likely to be adopted. Further analysis using ordered logistic and tobit regression models shows that the factors that influence potential adoption vary significantly for each management practice. This suggests that adoption efforts for alternate management practices should focus on the attributes of specific commodity groups and targeted educational programmes may be required to overcome the resistance of growers using conventional growing practices. Several variables have a consistent impact on the respondent's willingness to pay for a T. japonicus‐based biocontrol including being a commercial producer (positive impact), use of conventional growing practices (negative) and increased concern about the impact of BMSB (positive). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) was recommended to improve HIV testing services. China initiated some of the first HIVST pilots in the world, providing a unique opportunity for implementation research. We aim to investigate HIVST adoption and its following linkage to care among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed on major social media platforms in 2018, one year after HIVST was officially endorsed and allowed for sale. MSM who were at least 16 years old, assigned as male at birth, and ever tested for HIV were eligible. Primary outcome, adoption was defined as ever use of HIVST. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to explore the association between HIVST adoption and sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Linkage to care was also described via the following sequential events as indicators: (1) receiving result after recent test (2), seeking care from healthcare facility if test result was positive or indeterminate, and (3) delayed time before seeking care. Results: A total of 540 participants were included with an average age of 27.4 ± 6.6. Most were never married (87.4%) and half completed college (52.2%). Overall, 75.2% had adopted HIVST. Self-test kits were commonly obtained from community-based organizations (54.4%) and from online (46.6%). HIVST adoption was positively associated with having college or higher education (OR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.07–2.57), and negatively associated with age older than 30 (AOR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.32–0.84). Adoption was not associated with other socio-demographic or behavioral factors. After receiving HIV-positive or indeterminate results, 25/25 of HIVST adopters sought care while 3 out of 7 (42.9%) non-adopters sought care (p < 0.001). Delays before seeking care were not significantly different between HIVST adopters compared to non-adopters (P = 0.366). Conclusion: Many MSM adopted HIVST shortly after its launch. Our findings suggested that HIVST linkage to care is promising among MSM in China. Integration of HIVST with other essential sexual health services is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Being a foster, relative or adoptive parent (herein referred to as ‘resource parent’) is a crucial but highly challenging role. Resource parent trainings are designed to build knowledge, skills, preparation and confidence in resource parents prior to beginning their support of children and youth. However, often resource parents go into these roles feeling unconfident and unprepared to fulfil their responsibilities. The National Training and Development Curriculum for Foster and Adoptive Parents (NTDC) is a new curriculum developed with support from the United States Children's Bureau. This study compares the perceived preparation, confidence and willingness to care for a variety of subgroups of children at baseline and 6 months after training of caregivers who participated in NTDC training curriculum versus training as usual to assess whether the NTDC curriculum led to improved caregiver preparation to foster or adopt. NTDC caregivers were found to have more positive differences than control group caregivers from baseline (pretraining) to follow‐up on confidence to care for children considered challenging, confidence to care for children across multiple age ranges and perceived preparation to care for children aged 13 years and older. NTDC is a promising new resource that can help overcome some traditional resource parent training and preparation‐related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]