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1 – 10 of over 1000Wen-Shan Lin, Hong-Ren Chen, Tony Szu-Hsieh Lee and Joyce Yen Feng
The purpose of this paper is to tackle the problem of technology addiction by investigating the differences between the antecedences of addictive (problematic technology usage…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to tackle the problem of technology addiction by investigating the differences between the antecedences of addictive (problematic technology usage) and high-engagement behavior (non-problematic technology usage). The case of social networking site usage (SNS, e.g. Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) is taken as the case out of the reason of prevalent user population.
Design/methodology/approach
It is revealed that people tend to use SNS not only for building a relationship, but also for communicating. In other words, there are inner needs of adopting the SNS technology. However, no clear definitions can be followed for determining the problematic SNS usage, addictive behavior and the high-engagement behavior. Therefore, this study adopts the notion of uses and gratification theory (U&G theory) for investigating the SNS usage behavior. Also, the social anxiety is also first introduced to integrate into the research for an empirical study.
Findings
Results reveal that gratification sought and relationship maintenance are associated with the addictive behavior, whereas the relationship maintenance is significantly related to high-engagement behavior.
Research limitations/implications
First, the selected data represents a sample of SNW users in the Asian Pacific region and mainly from the group of young college users. Therefore, caution must be taken when generalizing the findings to other SNW users or groups. Second, the time aspect related to social media dependence may need to be considered in future studies. Third, the authors found marginal support for the influence of intentions of high engagement¸ and future studies may consider applying other theories that could better explain these types of behavior.
Practical implications
The results of this study provide strong evidence that inner anxiety perceived by users should not be neglected while tackling the problematic internet use due to SNW addiction because it can strengthen the force for depending on SNW for seeking social support. Apart from the value of perceived enjoyment as asserted in previous studies, this study opens up a new opportunity to tackle SNW dependence.
Social implications
The key implication of this research is that the impact of the mental health of users on SNW problematic should not be overlooked . The higher the level of anxiety perceived, the more likely is the SNW dependence. Therefore, the online behavior depending on psychological health should be addressed because it may be a critical point for assisting users to adopt SNW wisely.
Originality/value
This study confirms that social anxiety people experience in real (offline) life has impacts on online behavior of SNS usage (online). It suggests that the difference between users as the perceived level of social anxiety can trigger different levels of SNS usage. Second, U&G theory is proven valid in understanding SNS addiction. Third, relationship maintenance through the use of SNS reveals its dissimilar effects on SNS addiction and high engagement.
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In the next few years, the cost of the distribution function is likely to rise from its 1979 figure of 16% of sales value to something like 17.5% in 1984. This sounds like a…
Abstract
In the next few years, the cost of the distribution function is likely to rise from its 1979 figure of 16% of sales value to something like 17.5% in 1984. This sounds like a relatively small increase but in fact it represents a gigantic sum; to give some indication, the writer of this article suggests that the achievement of a 10% saving in our national handling bill (about £2,500m) would equal the discovery and development of another Brent oil field. In this special feature, Tony Lee looks at how the technique of distribution planning can be applied, and especially at the important part played by PDM in controlling stock and relating it to purchasing policy, manufacturing, and to sales and service.
Growing awareness of the effects of pollution upon people and the environment, and legislation being brought into curb pollution have rapidly promoted environmental considerations…
Abstract
Growing awareness of the effects of pollution upon people and the environment, and legislation being brought into curb pollution have rapidly promoted environmental considerations up the list of factors to be considered when planning any industrial process. This is particularly true for many processes using volatile organic compounds (VOC's) exhausting to atmosphere which will be subject to new regulations. Because automobile paintshops exhaust significant quantities of VOC's into the atmosphere, there are important environmental considerations in the planning of a new paintshop. A new automobile paintshop is a huge capital investment with a probable lifespan in excess of 15–20 years. Unplanned modfications can be difficult to implement and costly. Therefore when planning for environmental protection it is important to think ahead and look for trends in legislation and new technology for combating pollution.
Michael McFadden and Toni‐Lee Porter
The purpose of this paper is to assess the social impact, i.e. the estimated return to the Australian community, of Australian Federal Police (AFP) drug law enforcement effort in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the social impact, i.e. the estimated return to the Australian community, of Australian Federal Police (AFP) drug law enforcement effort in general and the relative success of specific policy initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach
Benefit‐cost analysis (BCA) was employed in the assessment of 2,716 drug investigations that took place between 2000 and 2005. Costs associated with the Australian Customs Service, the legal process and prisons were included. Benefits related to the economic estimate of reduced harm in terms of death and injury, crime, reduced productivity, and pain and suffering associated with the use of illicit drugs.
Findings
The results suggest that the Australian community receives $5.80 of benefit in terms of potential harm avoided for every dollar invested in drug law enforcement. Specific policy initiatives were found to result in higher than average returns: investigations involving domestic and international partners ($6.00 and $9.20 respectively), an emphasis on serious and complex crime ($9.20), and intelligence‐led policing ($7.90).
Research limitation/implications
The estimation of economic benefits is the most contentious area of the study. The AFP is undertaking a review of its estimation of benefits.
Originality/value
The results suggest that AFP drug law enforcement provides a positive contribution to the wellbeing of the Australian community. Furthermore, the findings indicate that specific drug law enforcement initiatives enhance the relative effectiveness of drug law enforcement in Australia. The study also provides an example to other public sector agencies of the use of BCA to determine the social impact of their policies.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a novel localization scheme using infrared identification (IRID) fused with encoder information.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel localization scheme using infrared identification (IRID) fused with encoder information.
Design/methodology/approach
IRID emitters are mounted on the ceiling in order to divide the floor workspace into sectors. Encoding the IRID signal then allows the mobile robot to identify which sector it is in. The sector information is fused with the dead‐reckoning results for estimation of the robot configuration based on the fact that IRID has highly deterministic characteristics.
Findings
Fusing the dead‐reckoning result and the IRID information bounds and in some cases reduces the size of the uncertainty. This enables one to more accurately estimate the robot's configuration.
Originality/value
A new artificial landmark, IRID is developed for mobile robot localization. This paper also demonstrates a framework that fuses the IRID information (deterministic) and dead‐reckoning result (stochastic).
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R.K. Jain and S. Chandra
During recent years, various hydantoin based heterocyclic glycidyl amine resins have been developed. In these resins the presence of nitrogen containing heterocycle provides…
Abstract
During recent years, various hydantoin based heterocyclic glycidyl amine resins have been developed. In these resins the presence of nitrogen containing heterocycle provides extensive variation in polarity, viscosity and hydrophobicity by the choice of alkyl groups. Most of these resins have low viscosity, high polarity and long pot life ensuring easy wetting and good adhesion. These resins can provide useful properties for casting, fibrous reinforcement, adhesives and coatings. In the present work, two resins, 1‐glycidyl‐ 3‐glycidyloxymethyl‐5, 5‐dimethylhydantoin and 1‐glycidyl‐3‐(2‐glycidyloxybutyl)‐5, 5‐dimethylhydantoin have been prepared using 5, 5‐dimethylhydantoin as the starting raw material. The resins have also been characterised for their various physical and chemical properties.
Rebecca Stobaugh and S. Kay Gandy
A significant number of inventions and innovations appeared during the time known as the Industrial Revolution. Changes in technology quickly transformed American life in the past…
Abstract
A significant number of inventions and innovations appeared during the time known as the Industrial Revolution. Changes in technology quickly transformed American life in the past and continue to impact businesses, communities, and schools today. Technologies like Skype™, Prezi®, and Poll Everywhere™ provide new methods for engaging students in learning and assess their understanding of content. Each of these technologies is free and can be used in one-computer classrooms or computer labs. These technologies can enhance the learning experience by engaging students in critical thinking and collaboration, allowing real-world applications of the content, and profiling various perspectives while utilizing digital tools that captivate students’ interests. We showcase a myriad of ways that these technologies can be seamlessly integrated into a social studies unit on Industrialization.
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Teerapong Teangsompong, Pichaporn Yamapewan and Weerachon Sawangproh
This study aims to investigate the impact of service quality (SQ), perceived value (PV) and consumer satisfaction on Thai street food, with customer satisfaction (CS) as a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the impact of service quality (SQ), perceived value (PV) and consumer satisfaction on Thai street food, with customer satisfaction (CS) as a mediator for customer loyalty and repurchase intention (RI). It also explores how consumer trust (CT) in Thai street food safety moderates these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilised to analyse the complex interrelationships between various constructs. Multi-group analyses were conducted to investigate the moderating effects of CT on the structural model, considering two distinct groups based on trust levels: low and high.
Findings
The findings revealed that SQ and PV significantly influenced CS and behavioural intention, while the perceived quality of Thai street food had no significant impact on post-COVID-19 consumer satisfaction. The study highlighted the critical role of CT in moderating the relationships between SQ, PV and CS, with distinct effects observed in groups with varying trust levels.
Social implications
The research emphasises the importance of enhancing SQ and delivering value to customers in the context of Thai street food, which can contribute to increased CS, RI and positive word-of-mouth. Furthermore, the study underscores the critical role of building CT in fostering enduring customer relationships and promoting consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
Originality/value
This research offers valuable insights into consumer behaviour and decision-making processes, particularly within the realm of Thai street food. It underscores the significance of understanding and nurturing CT, especially in the post-COVID-19 landscape, emphasising the need for effective business strategies and consumer engagement.
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