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Organisations are having difficulty in determining and integrating Industry 4.0 technologies (I4.0T) to improve social dimensions of sustainable performance. We address this issue by showing how to identify the impact degree and path of I4.0T using the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). First, we identify the SDGs associated with I4.0 and establish an evaluation framework. Second, we introduce an evaluation method that integrates hesitant fuzzy sets, rough sets, decision-making, trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretative structural modelling methods to identify the impact degree and path of I4.0T on SDGs. Third, we confirm the effectiveness of our framework and method using secondary case data from World Economic Forum reports. The case results show that I4.0T have varying direct and indirect influences on SDGs. Policy makers should consider that 'Big Data and Analytics' and 'Cloud Computing' are central I4.0T that link other technologies and SDGs. The prioritisation of I4.0T can lead to contributions to addressing 'Responsible consumption and production' and indirectly improve SDGs. The findings set an initial stage to help sequence investment in various technologies depending on SDGs. We identify sequential paths that can aid in planning for and investing in adopting I4.0T to better achieve SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity, quality, and flexibility are key production targets pursued by companies that adopt Industry 4.0. However, it is unclear how Industry 4.0 technologies can help achieve these different and sometimes competing targets. This study investigates this relationship through a survey of 92 manufacturers. The study employs Exploratory Factor Analysis to define four main technology arrangements based on 18 Industry 4.0 technologies: Vertical Integration, Virtual Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing Processing Technologies, and Online Traceability. Then, independent samples tests were conducted to compare the implementation status of these arrangements when manufacturing flexibility, process quality, and productivity are (or are not) pursued as the main production targets. The results show that Vertical Integration is a general-purpose technology arrangement because it supports all targets. On the other hand, Virtual Manufacturing and Online Traceability are specific-purpose arrangements, adopted especially for flexibility and productivity targets, respectively. Advanced Manufacturing Processing Technologies, in turn, is an integrative-purpose technology arrangement since it is adopted when two competing targets are pursued: productivity and manufacturing flexibility. The study ends with a decision model to implement Industry 4.0 based on the production targets a company may pursue. It shows the interconnection and trade-offs between these production targets and the Industry 4.0 technologies adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Identify factors affecting the use of a community resource referral platform among local community-based organizations (CBOs) and test strategies to increase platform use. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: Data sources included platform usage data and semi-structured interviews. The study took place in a small city in the Northeastern United States from 2020 to 2022. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed platform data and conducted interviews with local organizations and organizations in other communities to understand barriers to CBOs use of the referral platform and identify strategies that might increase use. We then tested 4 strategies and assessed impacts via time trend analysis of platform usage and qualitative interviews. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Platform usage data were obtained from the platform. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and leaders of 36 local CBOs and 9 external organizations. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Four years after launch, platform use remained relatively low. None of the tested strategies (data insight reports, a referral hub, tailored training, and a communication campaign) noticeably increased platform use. The main barrier to the use of the platform was the lack of perceived usefulness, mostly because existing processes for identifying resources and referring clients worked well enough and because many organizations were already required to use a client management or referral tool. Additional barriers included the lack of comfort with and, in some cases, active dislike of e-referrals, and lack of comfort with technology tools overall. Organizations that were most likely to find the platform useful and to use it were those that provided referrals for a wide range of needs and whose staff were not already familiar with local resources. CONCLUSIONS: Organizations seeking to implement referral platforms should not assume that local CBOs will automatically take up these platforms. For these platforms to succeed, much more attention needs to be paid to ensuring the platforms provide value to the CBOs they seek to engage.

Digital agriculture supports farmers’ decision making to improve productivity and profitability. However, adoption of digital technology is uneven. Through interviews with 21 medium acreage almond growers and crop consultants in California’s Central Valley, we examine barriers to adoption through the lens of technology acceptance models, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM-3) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT-2). Not surprisingly, farmers are willing to adopt technology when profitability and ease of use are shown, with economic returns (either anticipated or demonstrated) from the technology investment serving as the primary factor influencing adoption. Trust operates as a moderating factor to the desire for economic returns that influences adoption. There may be trust, or lack of trust, in technology performance or in the advisors who recommend it. Producer trust is affected by expectations of technology relevance and usefulness, and it is influenced by prior experience. Concerns about data management (e.g., governance, quality, privacy, security) take a back seat to more practical issues such as profitability, leaving producers in an imbalanced position with tech companies who have an interest in their agricultural data. We assert that producer acceptance of data management practices (despite their uncertainty in how to utilize the data being generated) implies that there is a basic level of trust in tech companies’ data management practices that is consistent with models of moralistic trust behaviors for precision ag adoption. Our findings contribute to the growing research on digital agriculture that debates the benefits and downsides of digital agriculture.

Background: With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed an unprecedented surge in the adoption of digital platforms across various sectors, including mental health care. In countries such as Pakistan, where traditional face-to-face therapy practices hold social and cultural significance, transitioning to digital therapeutic methods presents a range of unique opportunities and challenges. Objectives: This research aimed to explore the dynamics, implications, and perceptions surrounding digital therapeutic care within the Pakistani sociocultural context. Given the paucity of literature on this subject in the Pakistani context, this study aims to bridge the evidence gap between trends in digital therapy and localized practices. The main goal was to understand the benefits, issues, and challenges therapists and clients face when adopting digital modes for therapeutic care. Method: For this study, primary data was gathered from counsellors and therapists using a qualitative in-depth interview guide. Using a thematic analysis approach, key themes were derived from the interviews that provided insights into the experiences and perceptions of the participants. Results: The study revealed that digital platforms have great potential in breaking down geographical barriers making therapeutic interventions more accessible to a wider demographic. This increased accessibility also brought about a level of comfort for clients as they could access therapy from their familiar surroundings. Among the challenges that needed attention, security and confidentiality stood out, requiring strict measures to safeguard client's data. The shift also brought to light the diverse range of feedback from clients, which was influenced by factors like age and technological proficiency. Moreover, the digital transition posed challenges for both therapists and clients, with many facing an adjustment period as they transitioned from face-to-face to online sessions. One significant challenge was the perceived difficulty in fostering a deep interpersonal connection in a virtual environment. This was further compounded by the need for therapists to modify traditional therapeutic techniques to fit the online mode. Conclusion and implications: The study underscores the evolving nature of digital therapy in Pakistan, setting a foundation for further exploration in aligning technology with therapeutic needs, ensuring optimal benefits for clients while preserving the sanctity and efficacy of the therapeutic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Metaverse holds immense potential for individuals, organizations, and society, providing immersive and innovative experiences. However, its adoption is a complex process influenced by various factors yet to be thoroughly understood. Therefore, this systematic review aims to identify and classify the drivers and barriers affecting Metaverse adoption. Of the 279 papers gathered from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, 29 studies fulfilled the eligibility requirements and underwent a detailed analysis. The identified factors in the selected studies were classified into distinct categories, including motivational and psychological factors, social factors, technological and Metaverse-related characteristics, learning experience-related factors, inhibitors, privacy and security factors, conditional factors, quality factors, economic-related factors, and personalization and immersion-related factors. We have then proposed a comprehensive Metaverse adoption framework based on this taxonomy to guide future empirical studies. We have also suggested several agendas as a road map for future research on Metaverse adoption. Based on these findings, the review presents several theoretical contributions and practical implications for Metaverse developers and marketers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn the era of digitalization, it is critical to improve older adults’ digital literacy and inclusion by enhancing their technology adoption to create a more accessible and inclusive social environment. However, older adults always exhibit lower levels of technology usage, and there is insufficient support available to meet their specific needs. Gamification, with its potential to motivate people, presents a great opportunity to address the issue of technology adoption among older adults. Despite gamification being predominantly applied to younger generations, this study offers a unique contribution by examining the impact of gamification on supporting older adults’ technology adoption. A case study of tailor-made gamification for Google Maps was constructed based on the game-based learning model and game mechanics. The effectiveness of the proposed gamification strategy has been assessed through interviews and observation. The results revealed a significant positive effect of gamification on enhancing older adults’ technology knowledge and adoption intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of smart learning environments and the transformative potential of the Metaverse are increasingly evident across various sectors, particularly in education. While substantial attention has been directed toward student engagement within the Metaverse, the evolution of teaching methodologies enabled by this technology remains under-examined. This study investigates the influence of teachers' prior experience with technology on their willingness to adopt the Metaverse in diverse educational contexts. Utilizing a sample of 311 educators from the Brazilian Amazon, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to validate the theoretical model. The findings emphasize the significant relationship between previous technological experiences, the mediating role of social influence in adoption, and performance expectations. Furthermore, the results underscore the pivotal role of technological engagement in shaping educators' perceptions and their readiness to adopt emerging innovations, such as the Metaverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies has sparked widespread discussions about their potential applications in higher education. However, little is known about how students from various disciplines engage with GenAI tools. This study explores undergraduate students' GenAI knowledge, usage intentions, and task-specific engagement across academic disciplines. Using a disciplinary categorization framework, we examine how the hard/soft and pure/applied dimensions relate to students' interactions with GenAI. We surveyed 193 undergraduates from diverse disciplines at a university in Singapore. The questionnaire assessed students' GenAI knowledge, usage intentions, and engagement with GenAI for cognitive and routine tasks against their disciplinary background. The results indicate substantial disciplinary disparities in the level of engagement of students with GenAI. Compared to pure fields, applied fields (both hard and soft) consistently exhibit higher levels of GenAI knowledge and utilization intentions. Furthermore, the engagement of GenAI in routine tasks is relatively consistent across disciplines; however, there are substantial disparities in cognitive tasks, with applied fields exhibiting higher engagement. These results suggest that the practical orientation of applied fields drives GenAI adoption and utilization in academic settings. The study emphasizes considering disciplinary differences to better integrate GenAI into higher education and calls for tailored approaches that align with each field's unique epistemological and methodological traditions to balance GenAI's practical benefits with the preservation of core disciplinary knowledge and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital agriculture supports farmers' decision making to improve productivity and profitability. However, adoption of digital technology is uneven. Through interviews with 21 medium acreage almond growers and crop consultants in California's Central Valley, we examine barriers to adoption through the lens of technology acceptance models, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM-3) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT-2). Not surprisingly, farmers are willing to adopt technology when profitability and ease of use are shown, with economic returns (either anticipated or demonstrated) from the technology investment serving as the primary factor influencing adoption. Trust operates as a moderating factor to the desire for economic returns that influences adoption. There may be trust, or lack of trust, in technology performance or in the advisors who recommend it. Producer trust is affected by expectations of technology relevance and usefulness, and it is influenced by prior experience. Concerns about data management (e.g., governance, quality, privacy, security) take a back seat to more practical issues such as profitability, leaving producers in an imbalanced position with tech companies who have an interest in their agricultural data. We assert that producer acceptance of data management practices (despite their uncertainty in how to utilize the data being generated) implies that there is a basic level of trust in tech companies' data management practices that is consistent with models of moralistic trust behaviors for precision ag adoption. Our findings contribute to the growing research on digital agriculture that debates the benefits and downsides of digital agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to understand the opportunities and challenges for the global marketing field due to emergence of generative artificial intelligence and the need to reassess the constructs related to technology adoption theories. Given that this technology is so recent, there is a need to investigate this aspect. This study explores the influence of generative AI on various constructs from ten technology adoption theories, models, and approaches as they relate to the global marketing domain. This research study excludes other psychological and cross-cultural theories and constructs related to the domain. This study is unique for its wide range of implications toward the adoption of technology in global marketing initiatives because GenAI can assess consumer sentiment, which helps global marketers make accurate decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationships between firm characteristics (region, firm size, firm age, and product category) and Industry 4.0 technology adoption in the Vietnamese apparel manufacturing industry. As the key Industry 4.0 technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Interactive Robotics, Smart Sensors, Big Data, 3D Printing, physical Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and human-robot interaction were included to examine technology adoption. The hypotheses were tested using a series of Chi-square analyses with data gathered from 210 Vietnamese apparel-manufacturing firms. The results indicate no clear pattern of associations between firm characteristics and technology adoption and provide empirical support for firms' strategic adoption of a certain set of Industry 4.0 technologies in line with their firm characteristics. On the other hand, the findings from scatter charts indicated that AI, Interactive Robotics, and 3D Printing are three key technologies that apparel firms applied the most and at a similar level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the impact of widespread adoption of work-from-home (WFH) technology using an equilibrium model where people choose where to live, how to allocate their time between working at home and at the office, and how much space to use in production. Motivated by cross-sectional evidence on WFH, we model WFH as a complement to work at the office. Simulations of the model indicate that the pandemic induced a large change to the relative productivity of WFH that substantially increased home prices and will permanently affect incomes, income inequality, and city structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy reliance on herbicides for weed control has led to an increase in resistant weeds in the United States. Robotic weed control is emerging as an alternative technology for removing weeds mechanically using artificial intelligence. We develop an integrated weed ecological and economic dynamic (I‐WEED) model to examine the biophysical and economic drivers of adopting robotic weed management and simulate the optimal timing and intensity of robotic adoption within and across growing seasons. We specify a cohort‐based weed growth model that relates yield damages to effective weed density and treats the susceptibility of weeds to herbicides as a renewable resource that can be regenerated by using mechanical weeding robots, due to a fitness cost that makes resistant weeds less prolific. Compared to myopic weed management which ignores resistance development, forward‐looking management leads to earlier adoption of robots and treating robots as complements instead of substitutes to herbicides. This weed management results in adopting fewer robots, deploying robots on a smaller portion of the land, higher profitability, and lower yield loss in the long run, relative to myopic management. Counterintuitively, myopic management leads to a lower resistance level through its higher robot adoption intensity. We also find that a lower level of initial weed seed resistance and/or a higher fitness cost result in a higher level of resistance because they create incentives for farmers to delay the adoption of robotic weed control. Our analysis shows the importance of jointly considering the interactions between weed ecology and economics in analyzing the incentives and effects of robotic weed management on weed resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine technology adoption and consumer welfare disparities across demographic groups using data from an online solar photovoltaic (PV) marketplace. Low-income households are 25% less likely to purchase solar through the platform and obtain 53% lower expected consumer surplus than high-income households. Moreover, Black and Hispanic households are relatively less likely to purchase solar through the platform and obtain lower consumer surplus than White and Asian households. We develop a method to decompose the drivers of consumer welfare disparities between demographic groups. Differences in demand fully account for the consumer surplus disparities between high- and low-income households and between White and Hispanic households. However, supply-side factors explain 37% of the consumer surplus gap between White and Black households. Black households get relatively fewer bids and face higher prices, and installers have higher implied costs to serve them. Finally, we assess counterfactuals that offer targeted price discounts to certain demographic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicles are subsidized at the federal, state, and local level. The design of these subsidies affects which consumers benefit most and where less-polluting vehicles are driven. We study these effects using a panel of new vehicle purchases at the zip-code level for seven US metro areas. We first describe patterns of neighborhood-level electric vehicle adoption and subsidy receipt. Adoption has been spatially uneven and concentrated in more advantaged and less polluted neighborhoods. We then pair a structural model of vehicle demand with a model of on-road emissions to study the effects of electric vehicle subsidy targeting for the Chicago metro area. A neighborhood income-targeted policy achieves lower overall reductions in carbon emissions but higher reductions in criteria pollution (NOx and PM2.5) in lower-income neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, European governments submitted a proposal to comprehensively ban per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), prompting a shift toward PFAS‐free alternatives. However, recent research has emphasized the need for an integrated approach to chemical assessment and environmental management rather than abrupt PFAS substitution, as alternatives may pose similar or greater risks. The PFAS Guide was developed to aid corporations in this critical transition. Its goal is to simplify PFAS identification, safe substitution, and gradual elimination. This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess how perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use of the PFAS Guide impact corporate intentions to adopt it. Our analysis, based on responses from 104 European companies, demonstrates a positive link between PU, ease of use, and a company's intent to adopt the PFAS Guide. This underscores the importance of corporations perceiving the PFAS Guide as a valuable and user‐friendly resource, given its substantial impact on PFAS phase‐out. Descriptive statistics revealed an interesting finding: 51.9% of the participants fell into the "other" group, as outlined in the PFAS Guide. This raises questions regarding the grouping of companies into various sectors. Based on our results, we propose improvements to the PFAS Guide by broadening sector representation to encompass a more diverse range of industries with sector‐specific guidance, ensuring content relevance, and accentuating user experience using interactive resources. Future research should focus on the actual adoption and use of the guide to gain deeper insights into adoption rates and long‐term PFAS Guide utilization. Furthermore, additional investigations should incorporate subgroup analyses, data triangulation, and a longitudinal approach to enhance our understanding of the factors that support and hinder integrated chemical assessment and environmental management. These research efforts are pivotal in guiding chemical policy and management practices, contributing to a PFAS‐free future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2175–2188. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Key Points: The study reveals a strong correlation between perceived usefulness and ease of use of the PFAS Guide with a company's intention to adopt it, emphasizing its crucial role in supporting effective PFAS phase‐out strategies.In the PFAS Guide, 51.9% of participants fell into the "other" group, indicating challenges with sector‐based categorization and underscoring the need for more nuanced classification methods.Recommendations include broadening sector representation, ensuring content relevance, and enhancing user experience to facilitate PFAS Guide adoption among corporations transitioning to PFAS‐free alternatives.Focus on actual adoption rates, subgroup analyses, and longitudinal approaches is essential to inform policy decisions and advance sustainable chemical management practices toward a PFAS‐free future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of energy-efficient appliances by consumers remains sluggish, despite their recognized benefits, and there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors. This study intends to examine the determinants of consumer purchasing behavior for these appliances through technology adoption and planned behavior theories, along with additional variables discussed in the literature. This investigation was carried out in two stages. First, drivers are discovered through rigorous literature research, and then they are analysed using interpretative structural modelling. The study's findings show that consumer understanding of eco-labels, government policy, and environmental concerns are all key drivers of the desire to use energy-efficient appliances. The study's originality stems from the findings' relevance to practitioners and decision-makers in policymaking domains to better assess the fundamental motivations that support sustainable energy consumption behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topic of human-centric design of smart production and logistics processes is increasingly debated in both academic and industrial communities. However, there is still little existing research on the integration of this concept with companies' daily operations. The research presented in this paper aims to expand this area of research by proposing a framework designed for the logistics sector that includes human factors among the criteria for choosing the best technology to adopt based on the company's requirements. The framework, which is, therefore, a decision support tool for technology adoption, is subsequently validated through a multiple case study. The results of the validation highlight the framework's potential as a tool to better understand the human factors involved in tasks and technologies to be adopted in order to avoid possible critical issues related to technological changes (e.g. acceptability, need for additional investment in training, identification of required skills). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is rapidly transforming education holds immense potential for enhancing learning experiences and fostering innovation skills crucial for success in today's rapidly changing job market. However, successful integration depends on student adoption. This study investigates factors influencing business students' intention to use Gen AI in Innovation courses, focusing on the role of Perceived Enjoyment. Method: A cross-sectional predictive analysis was conducted using data from 92 business undergraduate students in a Peruvian higher education institution. A survey questionnaire, adapted from Teo and Noyes, was used to measure perceived enjoyment, usefulness, ease of use, attitude toward, and intention to use Gen AI tools. Results: The study found a strong positive relationship between Perceived Enjoyment and the intention to use Gen AI in Innovation courses. Furthermore, Perceived Enjoyment was positively associated with perceived ease of use. Interestingly, perceived usefulness did not show a significant effect on the intention to use Gen AI. Conclusion: Our finding challenges the traditional emphasis on perceived usefulness as the primary driver of technology acceptance. Instead, our results suggest that prioritizing user enjoyment and ease of use in the design and implementation of Gen AI tools may be a more effective strategy for promoting their adoption in educational settings. This shift in focus from utility to experience could be crucial in unlocking the full potential of Gen AI to transform education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodservice apps are gaining popularity and have garnered significant scholarly and industry interest, yet there is a limited understanding of the critical factors driving their continuous usage. Insights about critical success factors can help organizations anticipate this industry’s future. To address this gap, the study has developed a hierarchical model to evaluate the relationships among critical success factors affecting the continuous usage intention of foodservice apps. A five-level hierarchical structure is established using modified Total Interpretive Structural Modeling and Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement analysis. The analysis identifies and categorizes eight critical success factors through an extensive literature review verified by consulting experts. The findings have shown varying levels of influence and dependence among the critical success factors. Information quality, food quality, app design, and perceived healthiness were the most significant factors driving the intention for continuous usage. The study’s practical implications are significant for foodservice managers and app developers, suggesting that prioritizing factors like information quality, app design, and perceived healthiness can enhance user engagement and long-term app usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Appealing to individuals' social identity is a powerful form of social influence, capable of changing the way people process information, the information they think about, and how they evaluate other individuals. The purpose of this study is to explore the idea that Democrat and Republican environmental norms may impact the attributes and strategies partisans use when choosing whether to have solar panels on a house. Methods: An online study with N = 363 participants was conducted to examine these possible effects through multi-attribute decision making, applying predefined decision process models to participant behavior to test which attribute-based models best describe participants' decision making. A choice task was combined with an experimental manipulation of political affiliation salience to examine whether the norms of political groups would have influence on decision behavior. Results: Results of the study show remarkable similarities between political parties in their strategies for choosing solar panels. Members of both political parties appeared to use similar strategies and similar attributes for the formation of their decisions. Discussion: Recommendations are made that science communicators and policy makers avoid polarizing language so as not to create unnecessary polarization where ideological gaps may not currently exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the adoption of indoor air quality (IAQ) management technologies in Germany and Portugal, focusing on the common and differentiating factors influencing individuals' motivations and the perceived health impacts of these technologies. Utilizing a model based on the protection motivation theory, we surveyed 800 participants (400 from each country) to understand how their perceptions of the risks associated with poor IAQ and their evaluations of the effectiveness and costs of technologies like air purifiers and sensors drive the adoption intention of these technologies and well‐being of individuals. To estimate the complex relationships in our model, we employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM). Our model explains nearly 50% of the variance in well‐being for both countries. The results revealed significant differences in the factors driving technology adoption: Germans are primarily motivated by individual efficacy and personal responsibility with the people close to them. Regarding the similarities, participants from both countries value the technology's effectiveness in improving IAQ and do not see being vulnerable to health issues derived from poor IAQ as a motivator. These insights highlight the need for strategies that are tailored to specific cultural and national contexts to promote the adoption of IAQ management technologies, aiming to enhance IAQ and public health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts a meta‐regression analysis to synthesize the marginal effects of 12 factors that frequently appear in empirical studies examining farmer's technology adoption behavior. The analysis includes 187 observational studies on technology adoption in agriculture, which are published in 32 peer‐reviewed journals in the broader field of agricultural economics, covering farmer's adoption in 47 countries for a diverse range of agricultural technologies. Using this broad meta‐dataset, we investigate whether each of the 12 determinants has a true effect on technology adoption rates and examine whether Type I and Type II publication bias are present in the adoption literature. Our results reveal that while most determinant factors significantly affect adoption rates, their marginal effects are generally of small magnitude and vary considerably by technology type and country group. Additionally, our results provide evidence of the presence of Type I publication bias in half of the factors considered and Type II publication bias in nearly all, underscoring the need for caution when interpreting results in the adoption literature by researchers and policymakers. Overall, the findings highlight the critical need for proactive measures to address publication bias and promote more transparent and credible research practices in agricultural economics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the pervasive integration of technology into everyday life and its importance in mitigating the negative consequences of global crises, an understanding of human adaptation and preceding cognitive abilities remains highly relevant. A systematic review synthesising empirical findings on the association of executive functions (EFs) and the adaptation to new technologies is currently lacking in the literature. The presented pre-registered, systematic review adheres to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and aims to extract the current state of research on this topic [Registration DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/MKA82]. Empirical studies investigating the influence of EFs on human adaptation were eligible for inclusion, resulting in 11 studies and 3,733 participants among PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Results suggest an enhancing influence of EFs on the adaptation to new technologies, although findings were partially mixed. Inconsistent findings and the performed risk of bias assessment point toward a need for further high-quality research, e.g. on the influence of technological context. A model of possible covariates was proposed that provides guidance for a structured investigation of the process of human adaptation to technology. This review contributes to a better understanding of the association between EFs and human adaptation to new technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizens face online privacy threats from social media, online service providers and governments. Privacy-enhancing tools (PETs) can prevent privacy invasion, but the uptake of these is limited. We developed a novel conceptual framework for privacy self-protection, consisting of a classification framework of four distinct privacy threats and our own novel staged model of PET adoption requisites. Through an expert survey (N = 12) and a lay user survey (N = 500), we identified suitable PETs for non-expert users and identified potential barriers to PET adoption. Based on the studies and our theoretical framework, we then developed and implemented a PET decision support tool called PEDRO, and conducted expert evaluations (N = 10) to confirm the validity of its recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of prehistoric geographic isolation on technology adoption in both the historical period and contemporary period. The regression results show that geographic isolation tends to have a persistent positive effect on technology adoption, therefore, providing empirical support for the theory that geographic isolation is beneficial for economic development by stimulating innovations and improving technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) are adopting technology to improve their quality of services, scale up, or reduce operation costs. However, due to the heterogeneity of systems they use, NPOs face system-integration challenges when collaborating with other organizations. Middleware is an intermediary software that assists dissimilar systems in working together. This paper explores middleware applications, opportunities, and challenges within the sector. It extensively reviewed the current state of research on middleware usage in the nonprofit sector for all papers published in Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) until 2023. Out of 127 papers returned, only 31 remained after removing duplicates, invalid entries, and out-of-scope publications. Then, we synthesized insights from a thorough survey of these selected papers. In light of the survey results, we observed that NPOs primarily use middleware in a few of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely, health (SDG 3), NPO operations (SDG 8 and 9), NPO collaborations (SDG 17), development of sustainable cities (SDG 11), security and disaster management (SDG 16), and education (SDG 4). We also identified several challenges related to using middleware in the nonprofit sector, which include privacy, security, system development and performance, data processing and transfer, and volunteer attrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global climate change and energy and resource scarcity, understanding the factors that influence the adoption of green production technology by rice farmers and promoting a transformation in agricultural practices towards low-carbon and environmentally friendly methods represent a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development. This study employs an ordered logit model to comprehensively explore the influence mechanism of social capital and risk preference within the adoption of green production technology by rice farmers. Research indicates that social capital can significantly and positively affect rice farmers' uptake of green production technology. Among various dimensions, it can be seen that the role of social participation emerges as a particularly salient factor. The analysis of risk preference demonstrates that it exerts a negative moderating influence. The heterogeneity analysis results indicate that new-generation and part-time rice farmers prefer adopting new technologies if they possess higher social capital. In light of the findings above, it is recommended that the organizational support of cooperatives and collective action be reinforced; the use of digital technologies in agriculture should be increased; the livelihood changes of rice farmers be considered to meet their heterogeneous needs accurately; and the integration of carbon emission reduction policies and green production technologies be strengthened to promote the widespread adoption of green technologies among rice farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of switching costs and how they affect agricultural technology adoption has received little attention in the literature. We employ a dynamic switching model to show that switching costs generally discourage the adoption of new technologies by farmers, but the extent of the effect depends on the level of switching costs, as well as farmer perceptions and foresight. We provide an empirical strategy to identify switching costs and estimate their effects on adoption under different farmers’ perceptions about adoption uncertainty. An application to hybrid seed adoption in Kenya confirms the existence of switching costs. The correlated‐random‐effects probit results suggest there is heterogeneity in dominant farmer types across agro‐ecological zones in Kenya. Area‐specific policies are suggested to promote technology adoption in different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractRecent advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) have paved the way for developing sophisticated language models such as ChatGPT, which are widely employed across various areas, including marketing. However, despite its benefits in marketing, little attention has been paid to understanding the factors influencing ChatGPT adoption among marketing professionals. Also, existing literature tends to focus more on the advantages of ChatGPT, while there is a paucity of studies focusing on potential barriers to its adoption. To fill these gaps, a framework was developed using Behavioral Reasoning Theory and validated through a survey of 390 marketing experts. The study finds that marketers’ reasons for (against) positively (negatively) influence their attitude and adoption intention toward ChatGPT, and uncertainty avoidance as a cultural value significantly affects marketers’ attitudes and reasoning. Furthermore, this study highlights digital literacy’s moderating role, intensifying the negative relationship between “reasons against” and the intention to adopt ChatGPT, though it does not significantly affect the association between “reasons against” and attitude. Additionally, the findings offer managerial guidance for facilitating the adoption of GAI tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proptech applications are experiencing growth and popularity as technological advancements transform how people search for and pay for rental accommodations. Despite the increasing adoption of these apps, a gap exists between users who used these apps for searches and those who make rental payments through them. This study investigates the reasons behind resistance to using the payment functionalities of proptech apps among users who have adopted the search features but not the payment feature. To explore this, the study employs Innovation Resistance Theory (IRT), mixed with variables from UTAUT2. Previous research showed that various barriers can influence user resistance to app payments. A mixed-methods approach is used in this research, combining qualitative preliminary testing and quantitative main testing. The study adopts convenience sampling to gather data. Data were collected through questionnaire and analyzed using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis in SPSS 27.0. The findings reveal that three main barriers—Risk, Tradition, and Image—significantly influence users from making payments through proptech apps. The Risk Barrier pertains to concerns over security and privacy. The Tradition Barrier involves users' preference for conventional method ways over alternatives. The Image Barrier relates to the perception of the app's reputation and trustworthiness. Future research recommendation include conducting discriminant analysis to compare nonadopters of proptech app payments distinct groups, incorporate demographic elements such as age, income, and gender as moderating variables and including additional independent variables that can expand the research scope. This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing user resistance to increase the adoption of digital payment functionalities in proptech applications. The findings can help app developers and marketers design better strategies to overcome these barriers and promote wider acceptance of proptech app payments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the challenges faced by PT Hutama Karya (Persero) in achieving a score of 4.0 on the Indonesia Industry 4.0 Readiness Index (INDI 4.0), highlighting the gap between current industrial practices and the optimal outcomes set by the INDI 4.0 framework. Through qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, this study conducts an in-depth gap analysis across various domains such as management and organization, human resources and culture, products and services, technology, and company operations to evaluate the current state of digital transformation within the company. The findings indicate significant gaps in strategic alignment, technology adoption, and employee engagement with digital initiatives. These gaps contribute to the current INDI 4.0 score of 3.56, limiting the company's progress toward the desired level of industrial readiness. Additionally, survey results show a score of 3.25, indicating that PT Hutama Karya is still in the early stages of implementation with uneven technology adoption. Strategic recommendations are proposed to bridge these gaps, including enhanced strategic coordination, strengthened technology integration, and the development of a digital-supportive culture. These strategies are designed to facilitate a smoother transition to Industry 4.0 for PT Hutama Karya and provide a framework applicable to similar companies in the infrastructure sector. This research contributes to a broader understanding of the digital transformation challenges within the construction and infrastructure industry, offering a detailed roadmap for effective Industry 4.0 implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the dynamics of competition and the prospects of the electric car industry in Indonesia using a qualitative method with a literature review approach. The study analyzes the development trends of the electric car industry, identifies the key players in the Indonesia market, and explores the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The results of the study show that although the electric car industry in Indonesia is still in its infancy, there is significant growth potential driven by government support, increased environmental awareness, and technological developments. However, challenges such as limited charging infrastructure, relatively high prices, and consumer perception still need to be addressed. The competition map shows a combination of local and international players, with diverse strategies in dealing with the market. The industry's future prospects are predicted to be positive, but it depends on collaboration between the government, industry, and society in overcoming various challenges in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers and academics have recognized and reported the need for entrepreneurship education in the past two decades. However, limited attention has been paid to developing entrepreneurial leadership mind-sets in construction education. This study proposes and makes a case for a pedagogical framework to prepare students to be leaders driven to create successful businesses within the construction sectors. The framework considers the characteristic attributes of entrepreneurial vision, which could be reflected by various efforts that foster curiosity, make connections, and create value for others. Under the guide of this vision and considering the role of technology adoption in entrepreneurship, the pedagogical framework is building on the experiential learning theory, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. The pedagogical framework was incorporated and examined as a term project in a construction course. After completing the project, an established instrument was applied to assess students' entrepreneurial leadership mind-sets, and the overall positive results showed the effectiveness of the proposed pedagogical framework. This study aims to provide a framework for construction educators as a meta-curriculum to enhance the students' entrepreneurial leadership mind-sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent rapid and unexpected cost reductions in decarbonization technologies have accelerated the cost-effective decarbonization of the US economy, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions falling by 20% from 2005 to 2020. The literature on US economy-wide decarbonization focuses on maximizing long-term GHG emissions reduction strategies that rely mostly on renewable energy expansion, electrification, and efficiency improvements to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. While these studies provide a valuable foundation, further research is needed to properly support decarbonization policy development and implementation. In this review, we identify key decarbonization analysis gaps and opportunities, including issues related to cross-sectoral linkages, spatial and temporal granularity, consumer behavior, emerging technologies, equity and environmental justice, and political economy. We conclude by discussing the implications of these analysis gaps for US decarbonization pathways and how they relate to challenges facing major global emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the determinants of blockchain technology adoption in small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. This study also investigates the moderating effect of technology optimism. Results from a sample of 550 enterprises indicate that technological factors (i.e., relative advantage and compatibility), organizational factors (i.e., top management support, organizational readiness, and employee blockchain technology knowledge), and environmental factors (i.e., competitive pressure, customer pressure, and government support) positively affect intention to adopt blockchain technology. These relationships are moderated by technology optimism. Interestingly, perceived complexity and adoption cost are insignificant determinants of blockchain technology adoption. This study contributes to the literature by explaining the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions (i.e., managers' technology optimism) under which technological, organizational, and environmental factors predict the adoption of blockchain technology among small and medium hospitality and tourism enterprises. Moreover, the findings provide implications for hospitality and tourism managers in adopting and implementing blockchain technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of adopting emerging Industry 4.0 technologies on firm growth by analysing a panel dataset of Korean manufacturing firms. It finds that the impact differs depending on the types of technology implementation (including purpose and applications) and corporate entrepreneurship. In general, adopting front-end technologies for advanced manufacturing increases firm growth and adopting base technologies for advanced digitalisation reduces firm growth in the existing business. However, when firms develop a new business, adopting base technologies positively influences their growth and adopting front-end technologies negatively affects firm growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]