Adoption Of Model Research Articles

Data Security and Consumer Trust in Fintech Innovations using Technology Adoption Method

This study investigates the interplay between data security and consumer trust in the context of fintech innovation, employing the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) as the theoretical framework. Fintech, characterized by its rapid technological advancements, has revolutionized traditional financial services, offering convenience and efficiency. However, concerns about data security and privacy have emerged as significant barriers to consumer adoption and trust. The research methodology involves a comprehensive literature review to establish the theoretical foundation and empirical analysis of consumer perceptions through surveys and interviews. The TAM framework, which examines users' attitudes and behaviors towards technology adoption, serves as a lens to understand how data security measures influence consumer trust in fintech platforms. Results indicate that consumers prioritize data security and privacy when evaluating fintech services, with perceptions of security significantly impacting trust levels. Factors such as encryption protocols, authentication mechanisms, and regulatory compliance play crucial roles in shaping consumer perceptions of data security. Additionally, transparency and communication regarding data handling practices enhance trust and mitigate concerns. The study identifies the role of user experience design in fostering trust, as intuitive interfaces and clear privacy policies contribute to perceived security. The findings underscore the importance of proactive measures by fintech companies to address data security concerns, including robust cybersecurity protocols, regulatory compliance, and transparent communication strategies. The study highlights the intricate relationship between data security and consumer trust in fintech innovation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive approaches to mitigate risks and build consumer confidence. By understanding and addressing consumer perceptions and concerns, fintech companies can enhance trust and drive widespread adoption of innovative financial technologies. Keywords: fintech, adoption, security, trust, inclusion, investment, payment, insurance, technology, efficiency, innovation.

Design Of An Efficient Model For Enhancing Online Teaching Platform Adoption Among Teachers During Pandemics

Design Of An Efficient Model For Enhancing Online Teaching Platform Adoption Among Teachers During Pandemics

Antigen-Independent Activation of CD8 T Cells Promotes Salt Sensitive Hypertension

While CD8+ T cells (CD8Ts) have recently emerged as key players in hypertension, the precise mechanisms underlying their involvement remain incompletely understood. Our previous research uncovered the critical role of CD8T activation during the initial phase of blood pressure elevation, facilitating their direct interaction with the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) via the interferon-gamma (IFNγ)-PDL1 pathway. Importantly, we have now discovered that CD8T activation during this early phase occurs in an antigen-independent manner. In this study, we delve into the contribution of the P2X7 receptor to CD8T activation and its subsequent promotion of sodium retention in the kidney. We hypothesize that blocking this receptor on CD8Ts will disrupt CD8T-tubular interaction and lead to a reduction in blood pressure. To investigate whether CD8T activation in hypertension necessitates T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, we employed Rag2−/−/OT1mice, which exclusively harbor transgenic OT1 CD8Ts, recognizing only ovalbumin peptides but not other antigens. These mice, without any exposure to ovalbumin, were induced to develop hypertension through the DOCA + salt (DOCA) model. Blood pressure was monitored using radio-biotelemetry, and CD8T activation was confirmed using flow cytometry. In our in-vitro studies, CD8Ts were obtained from both WT and P2X7 KO mice and stimulated with BZATP or ATP. The endpoints include calcium influx (measured via the intracellular calcium indicator Fluo-4), IFNγ transcription, and glycolytic activity (assessed by Seahorse metabolic flux analyzer) as indicators of activation. To validate our findings in an in-vivo context, we measured the activation profiles of CD8Ts obtained from WT and P2X7 KO mice subjected to sham or DOCA treatment, employing RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Additionally, we conducted an adoptive transfer experiment, transferring naïve WT CD8Ts to P2X7 KO mice undergoing DOCA treatment. Blood pressure was consistently monitored via radio-biotelemetry. Our observations revealed that CD8Ts from Rag2−/−/OT1 mice become activated in response to the DOCA pressor, leading to increased IFNγ production and contributing to salt-sensitive hypertension, even in the absence of TCR-mediated antigen stimulation. Agonists of the P2X7 receptor, such as BZATP and ATP, elicited calcium influx in CD8Ts, upregulated IFNγ transcription, and enhanced glycolytic activity, all indicative of T cell activation. Furthermore, CD8Ts pre-stimulated with the P2X7 agonist BZATP displayed increased tubular PDL1 expression and sodium retention in our co-culture model when compared to naïve CD8Ts. Notably, DOCA-treated P2X7 KO CD8Ts were unable to induce an increase in blood pressure in our adoptive transfer model. However, transferring sham WT CD8Ts to DOCA-treated P2X7 KO mice successfully restored hypertension to WT levels. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism in which P2X7 receptor stimulation contributes to CD8T activation in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The deficiency of this receptor on CD8Ts prevents their activation by ATP, resulting in attenuated blood pressure elevation. As such, the CD8T P2X7 receptor presents itself as a promising target for the improvement of blood pressure management. Funding: NIH R01-HL146713, AHA 23TPA1076467. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Complement receptor 2 as a novel therapeutic target to suppress germinal center-derived autoantibody production in a SLE mouse model

Abstract Presence of spontaneous germinal center (GCs) in SLE patients correlates with the production of pathogenic, isotype-switched antibodies (Abs) and epitope spreading. In lupus mice, spontaneous GCs are a major site for self-reactive B cells to undergo clonal selection to self-antigens. Limited efficacy of current B cell-based lupus therapies highlights the need to explore alternative targets for inhibiting auto-Ab secreting B cells (ASCs) generation. We propose that complement receptor 2 (CD21) is a novel therapeutic target to block expansion of autoimmunity and pathogenic Ab production. To test this, we set-up mix bone marrow chimeras and adoptive transfer models with 564Igi lupus mice and human CD21-transgenic mice, which allowed us to selectively block CD21 function of either B cells or FDC, or both. CD21 blockade on B cells not only restricted recently activated B cells but also memory B cells (MBC) to participate in GC-derived ASC generation. CD21 blockade on FDCs intriguingly biased MBC fate towards ASC generation, though impeded recently activated B cell capacity to participate in GC response. Dual blockade of CD21 on B cells and FDC exhibited strongest inhibitory effect on GC-derived ASC generation and auto-Ab production. As expected, blockade of ASC generation by donor B cells further correlated with reduced Ab deposition and ameliorated kidney pathology. In brief, CD21 presents itself as a promising therapeutic target to suppress pathogenic auto-Ab generation in SLE.

T cell-specific P2RX7 favors lung parenchymal CD4+ T cell accumulation in response to severe lung infections

Abstract In the lung there is a fine line between effective or harmful immune responses. A dysregulated lung inflammatory response can cause severe tissue damage and compromise respiratory physiology. CD4 T cells are key components of the immune response during lung infections and can mediate protection against tuberculosis (TB) or influenza. However, CD4 T cells can also promote lung pathology during these infections, making it unclear how these cells control such discrepant effects. Using mouse models of hypervirulent TB and influenza, we observe that exaggerated accumulation of parenchymal CD4 T cells promotes lung damage. Through adoptive transfer models for CD4-KO mice and antibody-mediated CD4 T cell depletion, we reported that low numbers of lung CD4+ T cells, in contrast, are sufficient to protect against hypervirulent TB. The lung damage caused by TB and influenza leads to increased levels of extracellular ATP (eATP). In both situations, lung CD4 T cell accumulation is mediated by CD4 T cell-specific expression of the eATP receptor P2RX7. P2RX7 upregulation in lung CD4 T cells promotes expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3, favoring parenchymal CD4 T cell accumulation. Our data were validated using CD4 T cells from mycobacterial-infected patients who have or not polymorphism that confers P2RX7 loss of function. Our findings suggest that direct sensing of lung eATP by CD4 T cells is critical to induce tissue CD4 T cell accumulation and pathology during lung infections.

Adoption of Electronic Medical Records in Healthcare Facilities in the Emirate of Dubai.

This paper aimed to assess the adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) in healthcare facilities in Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a location where extensive healthcare services are provided. It explored the challenges, milestones, and accomplishments associated with this process. A situation analysis was conducted by contacting 2,089 healthcare facilities in Dubai to determine whether they had implemented EMR in their medical practices and to identify the challenges they faced during this process. Additionally, the Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) was utilized to measure the maturity level of hospitals in terms of EMR adoption. The EMRAM stages were rated on a scale from 0 to 7, with 0 representing the least mature stage and 7 the most mature. By September 2023, all hospitals (100%, n = 54) and 75% of private clinics (n = 1,460) in Dubai had implemented EMRs. Several challenges were identified, including the absence of EMRs within the healthcare facility, having an EMR with a low EMRAM score, or the lack of a unified interoperability standard. Additionally, the absence of a clear licensing program for EMR vendors, whether standalone or cloud-based, was among the other challenges noted. EMR implementation in healthcare facilities in Dubai is at a mature stage. However, further efforts are required at both the decision-making and technical levels. We believe that our experience can benefit other countries in the region in implementing EMRs and using EMRAM to assess their health information systems.

Examining the Factors Influencing Teleconsultation Adoption During the Pandemic Using the TAM Model

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand patients' behavior in adopting teleconsultation services during the pandemic which has accelerated technology adoption in various sectors and regions in unnatural ways through experimentation in the wide-spread adoption of telemedicine specifically in teleconsultation. Design/methodology/approach: The study is cross-sectional quantitative research with purposive sampling that was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) with data gathered from 100 patients who used tele-consultation services during the pandemic. The technology adoption model (TAM) was used to frame the phenomenon as previous study revealed that TAM is most suitable to understand technology adoption in the healthcare industry. Findings: The analysis revealed that trust, ease of use, and privacy are significant latent variables that influence the intention and actual use of the tele-consultation services, while the usefulness of the services insignificantly influences the intention to use. The study revealed that trust is the dominant factor despite the emergency and experimentation state of patients to get healthcare services during the pandemic. Self-preservation, and the patients accumulated experience they had with the healthcare services provider are the determinants of this behavior based on theory and confirmative interview. Research limitations/implications: The implication of this research opens interdisciplinary future research and practical action on the relationship between healthcare provider, patient experience, self-preservation, and technology adoption during the emergency and pandemic era. Research Limitation: Early system usage and adopter focused, limited system quality and reliability, and generalization are the limitation of this research. Originality/value: The study provides insight into factors that influence the adoption and usage of tele-consultation experimentation health services during a pandemic.

The 4S Model for AI Adoption

Overview Organizations often face challenges in exploiting the opportunities of digital technologies due to a technology-­centric focus that overlooks user value. This study explores how organizations can develop artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions from a human-centered perspective. An in-depth case study of two projects that use both design thinking and technology development to adopt AI solutions, yielded a new hybrid approach, which we call the 4S Model. The 4S Model, which combines design thinking and technology development approaches for adopting AI-based solutions, draws on the theoretical lens of microfoundations, defining (1) the process phases (storming, solving, scoping, scaling); (2) the individuals involved (designers, technology experts, users); and (3) the structure and tools required (blueprint, pilot AI solutions, façade prototyping). The 4S Model provides guidelines for organizations seeking to apply design thinking to the deployment of AI.

Extension of an adoption model to evaluate autonomous vehicles acceptance

Extension of an adoption model to evaluate autonomous vehicles acceptance

Communities organizing to promote equity: engaging local communities in public health responses to health inequities exacerbated by COVID-19-protocol paper.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted rural and under-resourced urban communities in Kansas. The state's response to COVID-19 has relied on a highly decentralized and underfunded public health system, with 100 local health departments in the state, few of which had prior experience engaging local community coalitions in a coordinated response to a public health crisis. To improve the capacity for local community-driven responses to COVID-19 and other public health needs, the University of Kansas Medical Center, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will launch Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) in 20 counties across Kansas. COPE will establish Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs), coalitions comprised of community members and service providers, who work with COPE-hired community health workers (CHWs) recruited to represent the diversity of the communities they serve. CHWs in each county are tasked with addressing unmet social needs of residents and supporting their county's LHEAT. LHEATs are charged with implementing strategies to improve social determinants of health in their county. Monthly, LHEATs and CHWs from all 20 counties will come together as part of a learning collaborative to share strategies, foster innovation, and engage in peer problem-solving. These efforts will be supported by a multilevel communications strategy that will increase awareness of COPE activities and resources at the local level and successes across the state. Our mixed methods evaluation design will assess the processes and impact of COPE activities as well as barriers and facilitators to implementation using aspects of both the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) models. This protocol is designed to expand community capacity to strategically partner with local public health and social service partners to prioritize and implement health equity efforts. COPE intentionally engages historically resilient communities and those living in underserved rural areas to inform pragmatic strategies to improve health equity.

Ginseng-Epimedii formula ameliorated experimental Sjögren’s syndrome via reducing IL-6 production

Medicinal herbs have been recently investigated to explore their therapeutic potential on autoimmune disorders, as an alternative treatment to relieve disease symptoms. Here, we sought to determine the immunomodulatory function of a Chinese medicine formula Ginseng-Epimedii (GE), constituted by Lycium barbarum, Ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Epimedium brevicornum, on mice with experimental Sjögren’s syndrome (ESS). We found that GE-treated ESS mice exhibited improved salivary gland function and decreased serum levels of autoantibodies. In line with the network pharmacology analysis, GE treatment suppressed IL-6 production by B cells and conventional dendritic cells, associated with decreased effector T cell subsets. Using co-culture assay and adoptive transfer model, we demonstrated that splenoctyes from ESS mice receiving GE treatment showed impaired capacity to drive pathogenic Th17 and T follicular helper cell differentiation. Thus, this study suggested the therapeutic potential of GE formula in treating SS, by skewing the microenvironment that unfavored effector T cell responses.

Understanding continuous use intention of technology among higher education teachers in emerging economy: evidence from integrated TAM, TPACK, and UTAUT model

ABSTRACT This paper presents a new model of integrated technology continuance model (ITCM) to explain teachers’ Continuous Use Intention (CUI) of technology in the higher education institutions (HEIs). Drawing constructs from prominent technology adoption models like TAM, UTAUT, and incorporating the theory of TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge), the new research model is developed and tested. An online survey was carried out to gather data from 573 teachers teaching in the HEIs of an emerging economy using purposive sampling method. Data collected was evaluated utilizing the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Analysis establishes applicability of ITCM model in predicting CUI of technology among teachers, with an explanatory power of 60.4%. The study also highlights the positive influence of facilitating conditions and management support on TPACK which has a favorable impact on self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. Additionally, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, self-efficacy, and social influence has a major influence on the CUI of technology among teachers in HEIs. The study provides insights into factors influencing the integration of technological innovations in a teachers’ pedagogy and the classroom settings to achieve some key tasks of sustainable development goal 4 (SDG4). Future research directions and study implications have been proposed considering the research findings.

Investigating Chinese In-service Teachers’ Concerns About Teaching Thinking Using the Concern-Based Adoption Model (CBAM)

Teaching thinking has been the focus of the new round of key competencies-oriented K-12 education reform in China. Based on the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM), this study investigated Chinese in-service teachers’ concerns about teaching thinking and how demographic variables affected their concerns. A questionnaire modified from the Stages of Concerns (SoC-TT) was used to collect the data. Altogether, 382 in-service teachers from 28 cities in China participated in this study by filling out the online questionnaire voluntarily and anonymously. The results showed that: (1) The modified seven-stage SoC-TT instrument showed satisfactory reliability and validity in the context of teaching thinking in China. (2) Teachers showed higher self-concerns (Informational and Personal) and impact concerns (Consequence, Collaboration, and Refocusing) while their task concerns (Management) about teaching thinking were relatively low. (3) Except for the Consequence stage, their demographic variables significantly influenced teachers’ concerns at other stages. Implications for professional development for teaching thinking were discussed.

The Enchantment of Social Media Influencers: Analysing Consumer Attitudes Through the Lens of the Information Adoption Model

The Enchantment of Social Media Influencers: Analysing Consumer Attitudes Through the Lens of the Information Adoption Model

Impact of electric vehicle charging demand on power distribution grid congestion

California, a pioneer in EV adoption, has enacted ambitious electric vehicle (EV) policies that will generate a large burden on the state's electric distribution system. We investigate the statewide impact of uncontrolled EV charging on the electric distribution networks at a large scale and high granularity, by employing an EV charging profile projection that combines travel demand model, EV adoption model, and real-world EV charging data. We find a substantial need for infrastructure upgrades in 50% of feeders by 2035, and 67% of feeders by 2045. The distribution system across California must upgrade its capacity by 25 GW by 2045, corresponding to a cost between $6 and $20 billion. While the additional infrastructure cost drives the electricity price up, it is offset by the downward pressure from the growth of total electricity consumption and leads to a reduction in electricity rate between $0.01 and $0.06/kWh by 2045. We also find that overloading conditions are highly diverse spatially, with feeders in residential areas requiring twice as much upgrade compared to commercial areas. Our study provides a framework for evaluating EVs' impact on the distribution grid and indicates the potential to reduce infrastructure upgrade costs by shifting home-charging demand. The imminent challenges confronting California serve as a microcosm of the forthcoming obstacles anticipated worldwide due to the prevailing global trend of EV adoption.

Utilization of Biomethane to Support Energy Security in Indonesia, Riau Province: A Case Study

As the largest global palm oil producer, Indonesia contributes 59% to the world’s palm oil supply, producing 46.9 million tons of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) in 2021. However, this extensive production poses an environmental challenge through Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), estimated at 156 million m3 annually. POME treatment facilities release Biogas, predominantly Methane (CH4) at 50%–75%, a potent Greenhouse Gas (GHG) with 21 times the global warming potential of CO2. Conversely, Methane is a key component of widely used Natural Gas. Properly treated, POME-derived biogas can be upgraded to Biomethane, a clean and carbon-negative alternative for the Natural Gas Grid or fossil fuel substitution, estimated at 1,280 MWe, equivalent to 288 MMSCFD CH4. Despite Biomethane’s potential, its utilization remains limited to self-use in Palm Oil Mills or power plants, even in Riau Province, home to Indonesia’s largest oil palm plantation. PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk survey identified potential customers in Riau willing to adopt natural gas, hindered by infrastructure and economic scale challenges. This research analyzes obstacles to biomethane business development in Indonesia, focusing on Riau Province, aiming to formulate an optimal distribution scheme and sustainable strategies. Methodologically, a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, including literature studies, interviews, and questionnaires, informed a comprehensive analysis employing geographical, transportation cost, financial modeling, SWOT, and risk analyses. Findings suggest trucking as the optimal distribution mode for biomethane to scattered customers. Economic viability hinges on biomethane volume, necessitating stability and increased sales volume strategies. For Riau, four potential customers with a total daily demand of 11,248.93 m3 can be served affordably by selecting palm oil mills within a 76 km radius. Price and security supply considerations are crucial. This research provides insights into overcoming challenges and optimizing the biomethane business in Riau, offering a sustainable model for broader adoption in Indonesia.

A moderated model of artificial intelligence adoption in firms and its effects on their performance

A moderated model of artificial intelligence adoption in firms and its effects on their performance

What facilitates users’ compliance willingness to health information in online health communities: a subjective norms perspective

PurposeThe environment in which users acquire medical and health information has changed dramatically, with online health communities (OHCs) emerging as an essential means for accessing health information. It is imperative to comprehend the factors that shape the users' compliance willingness (UCW) to health information in OHCs.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted the information adoption model (IAM) and theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate the influence of argument quality (AQ), source credibility (SC) and subjective norms (SN) on UCW while considering the two types of online health information – mature and emerging treatments. The authors conducted an explanatory-predictive study based on a 2 (treatment types: mature vs. emerging) * 2 (AQ: high vs. low) * 2 (SC: high vs. low) scenario-based experiment, using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsSC positively influences AQ. AQ, SC and SN contribute to information usefulness (IU). These factors positively affect UCW through the mediation of IU. SN were found to improve UCW directly. Moreover, the moderating effect of SC on AQ and IU was more substantial for emerging treatments.Originality/valueThe research model integrates IAM and TPB, considering information types as an additional variable. The approach and findings provide a valuable explanation for UCW to health information in OHCs.

Big Data in organizations: Exploring the adoption of Big Data applications and their impact on organizations in China and the Netherlands

Digital technology has rapidly been transforming how organizations operate. However, the literature in management studies has only just started to problematize the fundamental inter-relation of digital technology and organizing and we lack sound data about the actual breadth and depth of these changes. This study therefore explores the state of the implementation of Big Data applications in a wide range of organizations in China and the Netherlands and the impact on organizational structures and processes. Our findings show that most organizations are still in an experimental phase at best. We can therefore observe an evolutionary model of technology adoption

Farmers’ intentions to adopt Triple S for sweetpotato seed conservation

ABSTRACT In Uganda, farmers in arid and semi-arid areas lack sweetpotato seed after dry spells. This constrains the crop’s potential to contribute to food security. Triple S (sand, storage, sprouting) is a root-based technology addressing seed scarcity. Despite the technology’s efficacy, a systematic assessment of its demand has not been done. A study was undertaken to assess how Knowledge, Attitudes, Norms and Perceptions influence farmers uptake of the Triple S, using a structured questionnaire with 255 farmers stratified into users (n = 132) and non-users (n = 123). Sex-disaggregated focus groups were conducted with 40 farmers. The Theory of Planned Behavior and Technology Adoption Model were used to test hypotheses on Triple S adoption. Perceived Behavior Control, Perceived Usefulness and Knowledge positively predicted Behavior Intention (BI) only for non-users, while Attitude, Subjective Norms and Agency predicted BI for users. Gender Norms negatively influenced Agency for both groups. Gender-responsive adoption strategies may enhance technology uptake.