Technological advancements are transforming agriculture, yet adoption rates among agricultural extension officers, especially in regions like West Java, remain modest due to several challenges. This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate factors influencing the adoption of agricultural technologies by agricultural extension officers in West Java. Specifically, we explore the role of socialization, training, access to technology, cost, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness in shaping behavioral intention and actual adoption. Data were collected from 295 agricultural extension officers via structured surveys and analyzed using SmartPLS 4 software. The findings indicate that socialization and training collectively enhance both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, while Technology Investment Worth specifically enhances perceived usefulness by emphasizing the value of the investment. Access to technology also plays a critical role in increasing ease of use perceptions. Both perceived ease of use and usefulness positively influence behavioral intention, which in turn is a strong predictor of actual adoption. The results provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to increase technology uptake among agricultural extension officers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices through improved access, support, and cost reduction initiatives.
Online community facilitates firm-consumer and consumer-consumer interactions for value co-creation. This study explores the relationship between social capital of online community users and community value co-creation in the context of the Xiaomi community. In the study, the forms of value co-creation are differentiated into two forms: initiated value co-creation and participatory value co-creation, and the effects of different types of online community users’ social capital on the forms of value co-creation in which they participate are empirically examined, and the results find that: structural capital has a significant positive effect on initiated value co-creation, while the effect on participatory value co-creation is insignificant; cognitive capital has a significant positive effect on both initiated value co-creation and participatory value co-creation; and cognitive capital has a significant positive effect on both initiated value co-creation and participatory value co-creation. In this context, the present study contributes to a deeper comprehension of the interplay between social capital and models of value co-creation.
Weather and climate services are essential tools that help farmers make informed choices, such as choosing appropriate crop varieties. These services depend considerably on the availability of adequate investments in infrastructure related to weather forecasting, which are often provided by the State in most countries. Zimbabwean farmers generally have limited access to modern weather and climate services. While extensive attempts have been made to investigate farmers’ socioeconomic factors that influence access to and use of weather and climate services, comparative political economy analysis of weather and climate service production and use is limited. To address this knowledge gap, this study examines the production, dissemination, and usage of modern seasonal weather services through a political economy analysis perspective. The findings of this study highlight considerable discrepancies in access and use of seasonal weather forecasts between male and female farmers, those who practise African Traditional Religions versus Christians, and the minority group (Ndau tribe) and the majority group (Manyika tribe). This result suggested the presence of social marginalization. For example, minority Ndau members living in remote areas with limited radio signals and a weak mobile network have limited access to modern seasonal weather forecasts, forcing them to rely much more on indigenous weather forecasts. Further, due to unequal power relations, a greater proportion of male farmers participated in agricultural policy formation processes than their female counterparts. To promote inclusive development and implementation, deliberate efforts need to be made by State authorities to incorporate adherents of African traditional religions, members of minority tribes and female farmers in agricultural policymaking processes, including seasonal weather forecast delivery policies. Further, the study suggests the relaxation or elimination of international sanctions on Zimbabwe by the European Union, United Kingdom and the United States of America, given that they are considerably affecting marginalized groups of farmers in their climate change adaptation practices, including the use of modern weather and climate services. The vast majority of these marginalized farmers never benefitted from the land reform programme and were also not responsible for the design and implementation of this programme which triggered these sanctions.
The process of digitalization within the realm of tourism is not merely a trend but rather a significant catalyst that is rapidly propelling the comprehensive transformation of the tourism industry into a new era of technological advancement. This intricate process fundamentally involves the seamless integration and application of cutting-edge digital technologies across various tourism-related activities and services. The advent of innovative solutions that harness the immense capabilities of artificial intelligence, the analytical power of big data, the security features of blockchain, and the interconnectedness provided by the Internet of Things primarily serves to enhance the overall quality of services offered, optimize pricing strategies to align with market demands, and improve risk management protocols within the industry. This paper methods uses 100 Scopus indexed papers about Smart Tourism Development in Kazakhstan. It is imperative to underscore the fact that the ongoing digitalization process, while offering numerous advantages, simultaneously imposes rigorous new requirements concerning the qualifications and competencies of staff members, as well as the paramount importance of data security measures and the protection of consumer rights in the digital environment. The effective management of this digital transformation necessitates a holistic and integrated approach that encompasses not only the development of robust infrastructure but also the enhancement of digital literacy among employees and the establishment of a dynamic and innovative ecosystem that encourages creativity and adaptability.
This study aims to investigate the impact of dance training on the mental health of college students. Utilizing experimental research methods, we established an experimental group and a control group to compare changes in mental health dimensions—including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and social skills—between the two groups before and after 12 weeks of dance training. The findings indicate that dance training significantly reduces levels of anxiety and depression, while also improving self-esteem and social skills, thereby enhancing social adaptability. These results provide empirical support for the use of dance as an intervention for mental health and offer new insights for mental health education in colleges and universities.
This paper explores the path to solving India’s economic problems from a Social Keynesian Economics perspective, analyzing the history, current status and prospects of India’s economic development. India should formulate targeted social policies according to the stage of economic development and needs. Improve the institutional mechanism to stimulate the internal dynamics and innovative vitality of the main business entities. India can improve its economic structure and enhance the balance and sustainability of economic growth by accelerating the implementation of the “Make in India” program, strengthening infrastructure construction, supporting agricultural and rural development, and implementing education and health care reforms. Developing consumer credit and increasing consumer demand were also effective means of enhancing economic growth, but further transformation and innovation in the manufacturing sector needed to be promoted.
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