Current Adoption Rate Research Articles

Assessment of Economic Viability of Direct Current Fast Charging Infrastructure Investments for Electric Vehicles in the United States

As the global transportation sector increasingly adopts electric vehicles, the demand for advanced and accessible charging infrastructure is rising. In addition to at-home electric vehicle (EV) charging, there is a growing need for the swift development of commercial direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations to meet on-the-go EV charging demands. While government funds are available to support the expansion of the EV charging network in the United States, the establishment of a robust nationwide EV charging infrastructure requires significant private sector investment. This study was conducted to assess the economic feasibility of various business models for fast charging stations in the U.S. using two case studies and exploring different operational strategies including sole ownership and collaborative ventures with public and private entities. The results indicate that based on the current adoption and utilization rates in the U.S., the business model involving an owner-operator collaborating with a public partner ensures profitability and protects the investment in DCFC stations from financial losses. The study also highlights that demand charges and electricity retail prices are the factors that affect the profitability of a DCFC station.

Circular consumption to reduce environmental pressure: Potential of behavioural change in the Netherlands

The European Union and various individual countries strive for a more circular economy to reduce environmental pressure. The transition towards a circular economy requires a change in what and how we consume. We argue that a realistic estimation of the environmental mitigation potential depends on 1) the environmental benefit that results from a certain circular behaviour, referred to as the ‘theoretical reduction potential’ (TRP), and 2) the behavioural plasticity, reflecting the share of consumers who are not yet engaging in the behaviour but would be willing to do so if circular goods and services are easily accessible and affordable.The aim of this study was to provide insight into the environmental mitigation potential of circular consumer behaviour by assessing both their TRP and behavioural plasticity. To do so, we conducted a large-scale survey in the Netherlands (n = 2542) in which we examined the current adoption rate and willingness of consumers to engage in 92 circular consumer behaviours. Furthermore, we made a rough estimate of the TRP of these behaviours in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and land use.Our results show that many behaviours with a large TRP (mainly related to consuming less and saving energy) have a rather low behavioural plasticity, either because most consumers are not willing to adopt such a behaviour or because they are already engaging in it. Behavioural plasticity is relatively high when it comes to prolonging product lifetimes and purchasing more sustainable product alternatives, but these behaviours tend to have a relatively small TRP. Our findings demonstrate that the TRP is a limited indicator of the actual environmental mitigation potential of circular consumer behaviour and suggest that behavioural plasticity is an important additional indicator to identify the types of behaviour relevant for research and policymaking.

Managing uphill cultivation under climate change – An assessment of adaptation decisions among tribal farmers in Nagaland state of India

Tribal farmers in the Himalayas are vulnerable to climatic changes, as their rain-fed cultivation systems, practiced on steep, sloping terrain, are susceptible to changes in rainfall while at the same time being the primary means of livelihood. Soil and water conservation practices (SWCP) can improve the resilience of these cultivation systems to adverse climatic conditions. However, little is known about adaptation within these tribal farming communities. This is the first empirical study on the adaptation decisions of tribal farmers in the Himalayan uplands of Northeast India. Starting from the analysis of future climate risks, we surveyed 372 tribal farmers in Nagaland state to analyze perceived climate and environmental changes in relation to socio-demographic factors. We estimate current adoption rates of SWCP together with farmers’ goals and values and employ a binary logit model (BLM) to quantify the influence of diverse factors on adaptation decisions. Our results show that increases in temperatures and crop diseases were the most perceived changes by tribal farmers. Climate projections indicate that precipitation amount and intensity, along with temperatures, will increase towards the end of the century, underlining the importance of SWCP. However, all considered SWCP were employed by less than half of the tribal farmers. Adoption probabilities for all practices were significantly increased when farmers participated in agricultural training. After that, participation in a civil society organization, livestock ownership, high-altitude locations, and perceived increases in droughts were found to increase adoption probabilities significantly, while socio-demographic factors were of only minor importance. If the most effective factor was employed to all farmers, average adoption rates of SWCP could at least double. Adoption decisions were mainly motivated by improving livelihoods, sustaining natural resources, reducing workload, and preserving cultural aspects of cultivation. This research contributes to understanding adaptation decisions of tribal farmers and quantifies the untapped potential for climate change adaptation of marginalized and climate-vulnerable farming communities in mountain regions.

What promote farmers to adopt green agricultural fertilizers? Evidence from 8 provinces in China

The utilization of green agricultural fertilizers is a crucial measure in promoting sustainable farming practices, facilitating the development of green agriculture and driving rural revitalization. However, the current adoption rate of green fertilizer in agricultural production remains low. Based on 960 questionnaires and combining individual, product and environment factors, this study used Logistic model to determine the influencing factors of farmers' decisions of green agricultural fertilizers, and used ISM model to analyze the hierarchical relationship among the influencing factors. The results revealed that out of 20 factors that included internal and external influences on farmers' choice of green agricultural fertilizers, 17 were found to significantly impact farmers' behavior. Notably, factors such as crop types, planting method, product price, get information from friends' recommendations and retailers' recommendations, and land fertility emerged as the surface factors affecting farmers' decisions. Furthermore, the deep factors were the farmer's gender and higher educational level, which were the farmer's own factor, and the others were the intermediate factor. The driving mechanism of each factor is different, and the effect is different. The study findings are expected to shed light on future research and policy-making efforts aimed at effectively promoting green agricultural fertilizers to accelerate the green transformation of agriculture and drive rural revitalization.

Load, Electrification Adoption, and Behind-the-Meter Solar Forecasts for Alaska’s Railbelt Transmission System

Load forecasting is an important component of power system and resource planning for electrical grids. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), behind-the-meter (BTM) solar, and heat pumps will significantly change the amount and variability of loads. Electrification adoption and load forecasting in arctic regions and Alaska is limited. This paper provides the first load and electrification adoption forecast for the Alaska Railbelt transmission system, including yearly adoption rates of EVs, BTM solar, and heat pumps and hourly load data for the forecasted year of 2050. The adoption rates were based on the available historical data and compared to other regional and national trends. Two forecasts were created: (1) a moderate adoption forecast based on projections from current adoption rates and comparisons to other regional and national projections and (2) an aggressive forecast, which provides an illustrative comparison of a high adoption rate of 90% for all technologies. The results of these forecasts demonstrate a significant increase in both energy, 80% and 116%, and peak load demand, 113% and 219%, for the moderate and aggressive electrification adoption scenarios, respectively. These findings highlight a need for resource planning and demand management in this region due to the adoption of EVs, BTM solar, and heat pumps.

Modeling Choice Behaviors for Ridesplitting under a Carbon Credit Scheme

Ridesplitting, a form of shared ridesourcing service, has the potential to significantly reduce emissions. However, its current adoption rate among users remains relatively low. Policies such as carbon credit schemes, which offer rewards for emission reduction, hold great promise in promoting ridesplitting. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the choice behaviors for ridesplitting under a carbon credit scheme. First, both the socio-demographic and psychological factors that may influence the ridesplitting behavioral intention were identified based on the theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance model, and perceived risk theory. Then, a hybrid choice model of ridesplitting was established to model choice behaviors for ridesplitting under a carbon credit scheme by integrating both structural equation modeling and discrete choice modeling. Meanwhile, a stated preference survey was conducted to collect the socio-demographic and psychological information and ridesplitting behavioral intentions of transportation network company (TNC) users in 12 hypothetical scenarios with different travel distances and carbon credit prices. Finally, the model was evaluated based on the survey data. The results show that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, low-carbon values, and carbon credit prices have significant positive effects on the choice behavior for ridesplitting. Specifically, increasing the carbon credit price could raise the probability of travelers choosing ridesplitting. In addition, travelers with higher low-carbon values are usually more willing to choose ridesplitting and are less sensitive to carbon credit prices. The findings of this study indicate that a carbon credit scheme is an effective means to incentivize TNC users to choose ridesplitting.

Which behaviours matter? Prioritising food waste reduction behaviours for targeted policy and program approaches

More than half of the waste in the global food system's consumption stage comes from households, which therefore represent a critical entry point to tackle this challenge with its combined social, economic, and environmental impacts. Yet there is a tension for policy makers between promoting food waste reduction behaviours to householders and overloading them with too many options that make them less likely to engage. This study utilises an Impact-Likelihood methodology to identify the range of behaviours associated with household food waste reduction and to group them according to their impact and likelihood of adoption, as well as their current adoption rates. Scores for these measures were generated using data from an expert elicitation survey of food waste policy makers and practitioners, as well as a large-scale householder survey. The Impact-Likelihood matrix for household food waste reduction behaviours generated in this study identifies potential priority behaviours that are both impactful in tackling the substantive challenge of food waste and have a high likelihood of uptake by householders. As such, the matrix provides strategic research and decision support for policy makers in prioritising specific behaviours for more targeted engagement with householders in different geographical or jurisdictional contexts.

The changing landscape of digital transformation in supply chains: impacts of industry 4.0 in Vietnam

PurposeThe purpose of the article is to contribute to the body of research on digital transformation among members of the supply chain operating in an emerging economy. This paper researches the digital transformation trends happening across Vietnamese supply chains, by investigating the current adoption rates, predicted impact levels and financial investments being made in key Industry 4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approachBy using a semi-structured online survey, the experiences of 281 supply chain professionals in Vietnam were captured. Subsequently, statistical techniques examining variances in means, regression analysis and Monte Carlo simulation were applied.FindingsThe findings of this study offer a comprehensive understanding of Industry 4.0 technology in Vietnam, highlighting the prevalent technologies being prioritized. Big data analytics and the Internet of things are expected to have the most substantial impact on businesses over the next 5–10 years and have received the most financial investment. Conversely, Blockchain is perceived as having less potential for future investment. The study further identifies several technological synergies, such as combining advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and the Internet of things to build effective and flexible factories, that can lead to more comprehensive solutions. It also extends diffusion of innovation theory, encompassing investment and impact considerations.Originality/valueThis study offers valuable insights into the impact and financial investment in Industry 4.0 technologies by Vietnamese supply chain firms. It provides a theoretical contribution via an extension of the diffusion of innovation theory and contributes toward a better understanding of the current Industry 4.0 landscape in developing economies. The findings have significant implications for future managerial decision-making, on the impact, viability and resourcing needs when undertaking digital transformation.

The Impact of Technical Training on Farmers Adopting Water-Saving Irrigation Technology: An Empirical Evidence from China

Farmers’ adoption of water-saving irrigation technology (WSIT) is essential for achieving high-quality agricultural development. An in-depth analysis of the impact of risk aversion, technical training and their interaction on farmers’ adoption of WSIT will help the government to promote WSIT to facilitate agricultural resource conservation and sustainable development. The study takes 707 farmers who grow watermelons and muskmelon in Yuncheng and Xian City of Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces as the research object to analyse the influence of risk aversion and technical training and their interaction terms on farmers’ WSIT adoption behaviour. The study uses the Probit and moderating effect models to outline the findings. The empirical analysis reveals the following outcomes: (i) 27.44% of the sample farmers adopt water-saving irrigation technology, indicating that the current adoption rate and the enthusiasm for adoption are relatively low; (ii) risk aversion has a significant negative impact on farmers’ adoption of WSIT; (iii) both online and offline technical training have a significant positive impact on farmers’ adoption of WSIT; (iv) significant group differences exist in the effects of risk aversion, online technical training, offline technical training and interaction items on farmers’ WSIT adoption behaviour. Therefore, the study proposes to strengthen the role of technical training in the diffusion of WSIT and implement differentiated technical training for different types of farmers to reduce the degree of risk aversion of farmers.

Readiness of Malaysian on Sustainable Development in Solar Energy Application

Solar energy is a non-vanishing renewable source of energy that is eco-friendly. However, the solar energy adoption rate in Malaysia remains low due to the low readiness level among the Malaysian. This phenomenon should be emphasized where solutions need to be figured out to encourage the adoption of solar energy in buildings. Thus, this research was conducted to explore the readiness and challenges of the Malaysians in adopting solar energy. A mixed research method was adopted where a totalof 200 sets of online questionnaire surveys were distributed to the public, and a semi-structured interview was carried out to obtain the opinions from the expert in the industry. Based on the findings of the questionnaires, the top 3 challenges in solar energy adoption are (1) high setting up cost of solar panels, (2) limited public awareness of solar energy and (3) efficiency of the solar panel depends on the weather. Next, the qualitative study found that 48.9% of 139 respondents were willing to adopt solar energy in the future. The findings show that that breaking down the barriers of high investment cost and long return investment would further enhance the solar energy adoption rates at the residential scale. Since this study had explored the challenges and solution to these barriers, the outcomes of this study can be used by the policy maker as the fundamental to encourage the adoption of solar energy in the existing buildings where the current adoption rate is low.

New South Wales sheep producers’ perceptions regarding lamb mortality and the adoption of pregnancy scanning

Context Proven strategies to address lamb mortality include pregnancy scanning and the differential management of single- and twin-bearing ewes. However, current adoption rates of this best-practice management by Australian producers remain low at ~20%. Aims We explored producer perceptions about lamb mortality and the adoption of pregnancy scanning, and analysed whether producer characteristics, demographics, beliefs or management practices have an influence on perceptions towards pregnancy scanning or lamb survival. Methods Data were collected through an on-line self-administered survey of lamb producers in New South Wales, Australia. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarise the data and test for interdependence of variables. Key results The survey results revealed that New South Wales sheep producers have low participation rates in extension programs and low engagement in record-keeping practices. Only 4% of respondents considered current lamb mortality rates acceptable and the majority agreed that lamb mortality poses a threat to Australia’s sheep industry. Findings identified numerous significant relationships between producer characteristics, demographics, beliefs, management practices, non-participation in extension programs, and perceptions towards pregnancy scanning, lamb mortality and sheep welfare. Survey participants were more likely to have adopted pregnancy scanning if they had participated in extension programs. Conclusions Further extension efforts should be focused on producers who have not adopted any record-keeping practices or previously participated in extension programs. Extension should be tailored to different enterprises, owing to the influence of enterprise focus on beliefs, while also considering producer demographics. Implications A strong case exists for continued investment in future marketing, education, and research, development and extension to increase the capacity of Australia’s sheep industry and, in particular, to increase the adoption of pregnancy scanning.

Effect of reflective coating on thermal and electrical performances of solar roof tiles

Compared to solar panels, the current adoption rate of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in Australia is relatively low owing to their complex design, fluctuation in efficiency during operation and high cost. The efficiency of the BIPV system drops significantly with the increase of module temperature beyond 25°C. To stabilise the system temperature during operation and reduce the complexity of integration of a cooling system, reflective coating (RC) has been introduced in the present work. The effect of reflective coating on the electrical and thermal performances of a BIPV system, specifically solar roof tiles (SRTs), has been investigated. Several types of RCs and their application methods have been tested to optimise their performance. In the laboratory test, it was found that the RC could reduce the surface temperature by 11 °C, leading to an electrical efficiency improvement of 6.61%; while in the natural environment test, the observed temperature reduction was 10 °C, providing an electrical efficiency improvement of 6%. The internal temperature of an enclosed polystyrene test chamber placed under the SRTs during testing was also monitored. It was found that a reduction in the internal test chamber temperature of 18.7% could be achieved with RC, indicating a positive influence in lowering the interference between indoor and outdoor environments. However, RC beneath the monocrystalline silicon solar cells did not make an obvious contribution to the temperature reduction.

Risk aversion, marketing outlets, and biological control practice adoption: insight from pear farmers in China.

Biological control (BC) is an important component of green control techniques, and its adoption in the production of fresh produce holds economic and ecological importance as an alternative to chemical pesticides, yet its current adoption rate is not high. To clarify the issue, this study analyzes the factors that influence growers' adoption of BC practices in China's orchard systems. We focus on how marketing outlets and risk attitudes affect farmers' adoption of BC practices. A field survey of 327 pear growers was conducted in three main pear-producing areas of Hebei, Shandong, and Hubei provinces of China between October and December 2020. Results show that farmers' risk aversion has a significant and negative impact on their adoption of BC practices. The market environment is another dramatic factor affecting farmers' adoption. Both green certification and cooperative marketing have a significant role in promoting farmers' adoption of BC practices. Our findings highlight the importance of risk reduction and market environment to BC adoption. Furthermore, it can provide critical information for policymakers in formulating strategies to promote the application and extension of BC practices among farmers in developing countries, such as China.

Digital technologies as enablers of supply chain sustainability in an emerging economy

Vietnam is a country with significant potential for growth as a global centre for manufacturing, as supply chains look to reduce their over-reliance on China in the aftermath of COVID-19. The objective of this study is to better understand the current adoption rates and growth potential of emerging Industry 4.0 (I4.0) digital technologies and ascertain their potential to drive successful future sustainability initiatives amongst Vietnamese supply chain firms. These technologies offer a wide range of sustainability benefits, from a potential to reduce waste production and lower energy consumption to increased opportunities for recycling and industrial symbiosis. This empirical study surveys 223 Vietnamese supply chain experts to learn how digital technologies are being utilized in that region, what levels of future investment are expected, what preparatory measures are being taken to leverage new technologies, and what scope for improved supply chain sustainability exists. The findings indicate a low level of I4.0 digital technology adoption amongst Vietnamese supply chain firms, with the Internet of Things (IoT) currently being the most prevalent (48 percent adoption rate). Drones, Big Data Analytics and IoT are the I4.0 digital technologies expected to have the greatest future impact on Vietnamese supply chains. Whilst I4.0 digital technology adoption is still at this early stage, that may present a greater opportunity for driving future sustainability outcomes, than interrupting and retrofitting solutions to already-established networks and infrastructure.

The effect of adding real-world evidence to regulatory submissions on the breadth of population indicated for rare disease medicine treatment by the European Medicines Agency

BackgroundDespite calls for the use of additional real-world evidence (RWE) during drug development, rates of inclusion at the regulatory stage remain low. The medicine adoption model suggests that providing additional RWE to regulators would result in a wider indicated population than providing randomised-controlled trial evidence (RCTE) alone. Here, we tested this hypothesis.MethodsAll engagements concerning the 88 orphan drugs approved between 2009 and 2019 on the European Medicines Agency Orphan Register were reviewed between September and December 2019. Engagements were grouped as containing either randomised-controlled trial evidence (RCTE) or RCTE with real-world evidence (RWE). The data on indicatable population (the therapeutic indication requested by an engagement) and indicated population (the therapeutic indication ultimately granted) as well as the median number of criteria limiting the indicated population in each study type (RCTE/RWE) was extracted. A chi-square test assessed the association between the indicated population (as a proportion of the indicatable population) and type of evidence (RCTE with or without RWE) and a Wilcoxon rank sum test assessed the difference between the median number of limiting criteria between RCTE and RWE studies. Prediction modelling extrapolated the results of a power analysis to a level expected to deliver significance and the time this would take.ResultsThe review identified 103 engagements, of which three were excluded (one contained only RWE; two contained only systematic literature reviews), leaving 100 engagements for 87 orphan medicines in the final analysis. Only 13% of engagements contained RWE. Although the difference was statistically insignificant, 76.92% of engagements containing RCTE and RWE resulted in a broader indicated population as compared to only 56.32% of those that contained RCTE alone. The median number of limiting criteria from RCTE (37 (28, 43)) and RWE (5 (2, 9)) studies varied significantly (p = 0.005). Modelling suggested that the analysis would achieve sufficient power by 2033–37 at the current RWE adoption rate.ConclusionThe proportion of the disease population studied in RWE was greater than that in RCTE. The analysis testing the relationship between additional RWE and broader indicated population would achieve adequate power between 2032 and 2037 at the current RWE adoption rate.

Determinants for Smallholder Farmers’ Adoption of Improved Forages in Dairy Production Systems: The Case of Tanga Region, Tanzania

Dairy productivity in sub-Saharan Africa remains below its potential, while there is an increasing demand for milk from its growing population. This study focuses on the adoption potential of improved, more nutritive and productive forages by smallholder farmers in the Tanga region of Tanzania. By applying a qualitative mixed-method approach, including farm visits, interviews and a multi-stakeholder workshop guided by the Qualitative Assessment Tool for Forage Technologies (QATo-FT), we systematically identify and analyse the roles of the (i) institutional and political, (ii) socio-economic and (iii) cultural factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of improved forage technologies. The findings reveal the unsuitable cool climate and unfavourable socioeconomic conditions, including low labour opportunity costs in the dry season as critical reasons for the low current adoption rate. However, a positive community attitude, the recognised ecological benefits and the supporting role of promoting institutions are the main influencing factors of a high adoption potential. Yet, the political and institutional framework at the regional level, as well as the market conditions, negatively influence the adoption potential. We suggest an integrated approach for rural development that goes beyond the improvement of yields, but provides more efficient use of land and labour in the region.

Trends in Use and Perceptions About Triplet Chemotherapy Plus Bevacizumab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Triplet chemotherapy with fluorouracil, folinic acid, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan plus bevacizumab (FOLFOXIRI-B) is an effective first-line treatment option for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the degree of implementation of FOLFOXIRI-B in daily practice is unknown. To evaluate the current adoption rate of FOLFOXIRI-B in patients with mCRC and investigate the perspectives of medical oncologists toward this treatment option. This 1-week, multicenter, cross-sectional study in the Netherlands used a flash mob design, which facilitates ultrafast data generation (flash) through the engagement of numerous researchers (mob). During the study week (March 1-5, 2021), patient data were retrieved from electronic health records of 47 hospitals on patients with mCRC who were referred to a medical oncologist between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Interviews were simultaneously conducted with 101 medical oncologists from 52 hospitals who regularly treat patients with mCRC. First-line systemic treatment as determined by the treating physician. The FOLFOXIRI-B prescription rate was the main outcome. Current practice was compared with prescription rates in 2015 to 2018. Eligibility for treatment with FOLFOXIRI-B was estimated. An exploratory outcome was medical oncologists' reported perspectives on FOLFOXIRI-B. A total of 5948 patients in the Netherlands (median age [interquartile range], 66 [57-73] years; 3503 [59%] male; and 3712 [62%] with left-sided or rectal tumor) were treated with first-line systemic therapy for synchronous mCRC. A total of 282 patients with mCRC underwent systemic therapy during the study period (2021). Of these 282 patients, 199 (71%) were treated with intensive first-line therapy other than FOLFOXIRI-B, of whom 184 (65%) were treated with oxaliplatin doublets with or without bevacizumab; 14 (5%) with irinotecan doublets with or without bevacizumab, panitumumab, or cetuximab; and 1 (0.4%) with irinotecan with bevacizumab. Fifty-four patients (19%) were treated with fluoropyrimidine monotherapy with or without bevacizumab, 1 patient (0.4%) with panitumumab monotherapy, and 3 (1%) with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In total, 25 patients (9%; 95% CI, 6%-12%) were treated with first-line FOLFOXIRI-B compared with 142 (2%; 95% CI, 2%-3%) in 2015 to 2018. During the study period, 21 of 157 eligible patients (13.4%) in the Netherlands were treated with FOLFOXIRI-B. A total of 87 medical oncologists (86%) reported discussing FOLFOXIRI-B as a treatment option with eligible patients. A total of 47 of 85 (55%) generally communicated a preference for a chemotherapy doublet to patients. These oncologists reported a significantly lower awareness of guidelines and trial results. Toxic effects were the most reported reason to prefer an alternative regimen. The findings of this study suggest that FOLFOXIRI-B prescription rates have marginally increased in the last 5 years. Considering that most medical oncologists discuss this treatment option, the prescription rate found in this study was below expectations. Awareness of guidelines and trial data seems to contribute to the discussion of available treatment options by medical oncologists, and the findings of this study suggest a need for repeated and continuing medical education.

Smartphone and Digital Home Assistant Use Among Older Adults: Understanding Adoption and Learning Preferences

Smart technologies have increased dramatically within the last decade. Their availability has improved opportunities for productivity, health, and entertainment, and this is especially true for technologies that act as central hubs to link other devices and applications that expand their capabilities (e.g., smartphones and digital home assistants). Older adults may significantly benefit from integrating these devices into their lives to mitigate the various challenges they face with increasing age (e.g., cognitive, mobility changes). To understand the potential of these technologies for this population, we investigated use patterns, learning preferences, and other perceptions related to the adoption of these devices. Seventy older adult participants responded to an online survey regarding their use and preferences with smartphones and digital home assistants. The results informed our understanding of current adoption rates as well as provided key perspectives to inform their design for older adults.

Effect of winter cover crops on water soil storage, total forage production, and quality of silage corn

Cover crops provide a wide range of benefits to farms and the environment, but this is not reflected in current adoption rates of cover cropping. If cover crops are grown for forage they may raise more interest among farmers whether as feed or as income. The objective of this study was to evaluate if introducing annual winter cover crops will contribute to the yield and quality of annual forage production and will affect soil water content. The experiment included common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), triticale (x Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) and their mixture as winter forage cover crops, fallow with nitrogen fertilization, and control plot (fallow without fertilization). The main crop was silage corn. A 2-year study was performed at three locations in northern Serbia. The following indices were calculated: forage productivity index (FP) as a ratio between cover crop and silage corn dry matter yield, forage cover crop yield advantage index (FCCYa) as a ratio between total forage yield on cover crop or fertilization treatment and control plot, and forage cover crop protein advantage index (FCCPa) as a ratio between total protein yield on cover crop or fertilization treatment and control plot. The total forage yield in 2012/2013 was higher due to more favorable weather conditions. FP was the highest on treatment with triticale in the first year and on the mixture in the second year. FCCYa was above 1, and higher on cover crop treatments in two locations. Introducing forage cover crops in crop rotation with silage corn showed an advantage in protein yield with all cover crop species, resulting in FCCPa above 1. Forage production at a location with lower FCCYa should be more focused on yield-quality balance. In contrast, in a temperate region in some years annual winter cover crops have a potential negative impact on available soil water storage for cash crop production compared to fallow-corn systems. Results indicate that cover crops impact the annual total forage yield and soil water content, but this alternation is not a species-specific effect. In the region with recurrent drought, forage yield uncertainty may be lessened by winter cover crops which enable reduced dependence on the main forage crop production.

A Typology-Based Approach to Tracing-App Adoption During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the SwissCovid App

Contact tracing technology has been introduced in many countries as part of the COVID-19 containment strategy. However, research indicates that current adoption rates are too low for tracing apps to be effective. To address the complexity of app adoption, a typology-based approach is presented that differentiates between refusers who generally reject app adoption, ditherers who hesitate to adopt the app, adopters who have downloaded and activated the app, and de-adopters who had installed the app but later uninstalled it. A national online survey of N = 1,535 participants in Switzerland revealed significant differences among these groups of people regarding their perceptions about app-related benefits and costs, knowledge about data handling in technology, and app-related opinion leadership. The results indicate that communication strategies that aim to enhance the rate of app adoption should focus on ditherers and adopters; the former are the most promising target group for behavioral change efforts, and the latter seem to be the best means to reach out to this promising group.