Opinions Of Participants Research Articles

Exercise interventions and patient beliefs for people with chronic hip and knee pain: a mixed methods review

© 2013 The Cochrane Collaboration. This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: Overarching objective: To improve our understanding of the complex inter-relationship between pain, psychosocial effects, physical function and exercise. Specific aims and objectives:: To systematically review the evidence on the impact of physical exercise on patients' pain, physical and psychosocial functioning including: identifying the most effective formats for delivering exercise advice; explaining why some exercise interventions may be more effective than others; recommending exercise formats and content by constructing a toolbox which describes the most effective exercise interventions for healthcare providers and patients to use. These will be achieved by conducting: a synthesis of quantitative data on the benefits and harm of exercise interventions for improving pain, physical and psychosocial functioning; a synthesis of qualitative data on participant's experiences, opinions and preferences of physical exercise; a cross-studies synthesis of the quantitative and qualitative data to assess the extent to which existing evaluated interventions address the needs and concerns of people living with osteoarthritis

Outcome evaluations in group decision making using the majority rule: An electrophysiological study

Event-related brain potential (ERP) reflecting outcome evaluation is called feedback-related negativity (FRN). The present study examined the evaluative processes for two different types of outcomes by recording ERPs from three participants during a group decision task. First, we examined the evaluative processing of outcomes associated with group decisions using the majority rule. Second, we investigated whether the majority rule influenced the evaluation of conflicts related to individual opinions among group members. We found that FRN for monetary loss associated with the group decision was reduced when the participant's opinion was in the minority. In addition, conflict of opinions among group members elicited FRN-like negativity, and greater amplitudes were observed when the participant's opinion was in the minority. The present results suggested that the majority rule can modulate outcome evaluations in group decision making.

Interventions for nail psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin disease that can also involve the nails. All parts of the nail and surrounding structures can become affected. The incidence of nail involvement increases with duration of psoriasis. Although it is difficult to treat psoriatic nails, the condition may respond to therapy. To assess evidence for the efficacy and safety of the treatments for nail psoriasis. We searched the following databases up to March 2012: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1974), and LILACS (from 1982). We also searched trials databases and checked the reference lists of retrieved studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). All RCTs of any design concerning interventions for nail psoriasis. Two authors independently assessed trial risk of bias and extracted the data. We collected adverse effects from the included studies. We included 18 studies involving 1266 participants. We were not able to pool due to the heterogeneity of many of the studies.Our primary outcomes were 'Global improvement of nail psoriasis as rated by a clinician', 'Improvement of nail psoriasis scores (NAS, NAPSI)', 'Improvement of nail psoriasis in the participant's opinion'. Our secondary outcomes were 'Adverse effects (and serious adverse effects)'; 'Effects on quality of life'; and 'Improvement in nail features, pain score, nail thickness,thickness of subungual hyperkeratosis, number of affected nails, and nail growth'. We assessed short-term (3 to 6 months), medium-term (6 to 12 months), and long-term (> 12 months) treatments separately if possible.Two systemic biologic studies and three radiotherapy studies reported significant results for our first two primary outcomes. Infliximab 5 mg/kg showed 57.2% nail score improvement versus -4.1% for placebo (P < 0.001); golimumab 50 mg and 100 mg showed 33% and 54% improvement, respectively, versus 0% for placebo (P < 0.001), both after medium-term treatment. Infliximab and golimumab also showed significant results after short-term treatment. From the 3 radiotherapy studies, only the superficial radiotherapy (SRT) study showed 20% versus 0% nail score improvement (P = 0.03) after short-term treatment.Studies with ciclosporin, methotrexate, and ustekinumab were not significantly better than their respective comparators: etretinate, ciclosporin, and placebo. Nor were studies with topical interventions (5-fluorouracil 1% in Belanyx® lotion, tazarotene 0.1% cream, calcipotriol 50 ug/g, calcipotriol 0.005%) better than their respective comparators: Belanyx® lotion, clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate with salicylic acid, or betamethasone dipropionate.Of our secondary outcomes, not all included studies reported adverse events; those that did only reported mild adverse effects, and there were more in studies with systemic interventions. Only one study reported the effect on quality of life, and two studies reported nail improvement only per feature. Infliximab, golimumab, SRT, grenz rays, and electron beam caused significant nail improvement compared to the comparative treatment. Although the quality of trials was generally poor, this review may have some implications for clinical practice.Although powerful systemic treatments have been shown to be beneficial, they may have serious adverse effects. So they are not a realistic option for people troubled with nail psoriasis, unless the patient is prescribed these systemic treatments because of cutaneous psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis or the nail psoriasis is severe, refractory to other treatments, or has a major impact on the person's quality of life. Because of their design and timescale, RCTs generally do not pick up serious side-effects. This review reported only mild adverse effects, recorded mainly for systemic treatments. Radiotherapy for psoriasis is not used in common practice. The evidence for the use of topical treatments is inconclusive and of poor quality; however, this does not imply that they do not work.Future trials need to be rigorous in design, with adequate reporting. Trials should correctly describe the participants' characteristics and diagnostic features, use standard validated nail scores and participant-reported outcomes, be long enough to report efficacy and safety, and include details of effects on nail features.

Navigating the Other Spaces: The Student Wiki Interdisciplinary Group Collaboration Project

This paper explores faculty and student reflections on their experiences navigating the different learning spaces while participating in the Student Wiki Interdisciplinary Group, a technology-based collaboration project at Queensborough Community College. A survey of the participant's opinions on their technology readiness and preparation, their comfort with different learning spaces, and their movement across the spaces was administered online to gather data. The analysis of the reflections reveals that while most participants felt sufficiently prepared and supported, streamlining and ensuring consistent access to technology platforms would facilitate movement across the different spaces.

Leukonychia on finger nails as a marker of calcium and/or zinc deficiency

Background: Popular lay media claim that the aetiology of leukonychia (white spots) on finger nails is due to calcium and/or zinc (McKeith, 2008; Holford, 1998) deficiency. No studies are available in scientific literature to support or refute these claims. Cited causes in dermatology journals include, trophic disturbances, gender, hand dominance, nail trauma and orange stick usage (Mitchell, 1953) although this is dated. This small scale study aimed to establish if there is a correlation between calcium and/or zinc intakes and the presence or absence of leukonychia on finger nails. Methods: A cross sectional survey was completed by 82 university undergraduate students. The study was approved by the University ethics panel. A convenience sample was taken from students enrolled on courses within the School of Health Science. A self administered questionnaire collected data on the number of leukonychia present on participant's finger nails, participant's opinions on leukonychia's aetiology, calcium and zinc intakes, age, gender, handedness, supplement usage, activities and orange stick usage. A food frequency questionnaire, adapted from the tool used in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) (Day et al., 2001), was developed to allot participants calcium and zinc intake scores. Data was coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Spearmans Correlation was used to assess the relationship between calcium and zinc intake scores and the number of leukonychia present. Results: The majority of participants thought that leukonychia was a result of a singular or multiple nutrient deficiency (51%), mainly either calcium or zinc. Leukonychia was present in 46% of the sample. It was not significantly associated with calcium intake (P = 0.681), zinc intake (P = 0.604), age (P = 0.715), gender (P = 0.089), hand dominance (P = 0.151), multivitamin/mineral usage (n = 62, P = 0.655) or orange stick usage (n = 12, P = 0.961). The majority (63%) of participants reported to take part in activities that knock their hands frequently. A correlation was found between activities that knock participants hands frequently and the number of leukonychia present on finger nails (P = 0.000, t = −4.902, df = 77). Discussion: The results showed there was no correlation between calcium or zinc intake scores and leukonychia. Participant's intakes scores followed similar patterns to the actual intakes observed in a survey of the UK general population (Henderson et al., 2003). For both nutrients male intake score where higher than females and intake scores for calcium increased with age. However a limitation of this study is that nutrient intake was estimated using a non-validated tool which provided an arbitrary intake score that could not be quantitatively compared to the National Diet and Nutrition Surveys (Henderson et al., 2003) data. Another limitation was that the number of leukonychia was also gathered using a non-validated tool and all results were self-reported. Conclusion: This study suggested that there is no correlation between the presences of leukonychia and calcium or zinc intake scores. Although it would be beneficial if this study was repeated using more robust measures of calcium and zinc intake and leukonychia, and within a larger population known to have low calcium and zinc intakes.

Development of a support group for stroke survivors and their carers and/or families

Aims: To develop a focussed support group for stroke survivors, their carers and families using participant's opinions to design and develop the service. Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of stroke or at high risk of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and their carers were invited to attend a monthly meeting. A structured programme was created for each session. All participants recruited have been seen as either inpatients or outpatients at Imperial College healthcare NHS trust Results: 84 participants have to date attended the Stroke Support Group over 6 months. The participants were made up of ex-patients, carers, high-risk TIA patients and inpatients. Conclusions: Patients were not afraid to speak out as the groups were not too big. Illustration of information in Powerpoint pictures was useful for clarification and better understanding. Patients found the doctors' session most informative. Patients found it worthwhile to share similar experiences. Inpatients generally appreciated receiving information in a setting different from the ward. Recommendations: Too much statistical information on slides was not favourable in view of low concentration span. Future plans: Plans to provide a similar service at the other sites in the trust are underway. The provision of an evening session to benefit patients and carers that work is being reconsidered. A clinical nurse specialist-led surgery for ‘drop-in’ clinics in the evenings on the stroke wards is to be considered to provide support for inpatients and their carers planning discharge.

The effectiveness of an innovative model of community opiate detoxification provided on a supported one-to-one basis

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative model of community opiate detoxification provided on a supported one-to-one basis.Method: Analysis of data collected from participants who entered the detoxification programme during the pilot phase (March 2008–January 2009) is presented. Following an initial pre-detoxification interview each participant was subsequently interviewed at the end of detoxification and 1-month post-detoxification. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted at each stage, which included items relating to drug use, drug withdrawal, desires for drugs, anxiety, depression, and arousal; and qualitative questions relating to participant's opinions regarding the detoxification programme.Results: Seventeen participants were admitted (15 males, mean age 39.2). Eleven participants (64.7%) exited the detoxification unit drug free. Non-significant decreases in drug use were observed amongst participants who completed follow-up. There was a significant reduction in participant's severity of withdrawal symptoms, but no difference in desires for drugs, depression, anxiety, or arousal. Participants felt positive about their detoxification experience and that the one-to-one model had contributed to detoxification success.Conclusions: This paper highlights the potential of a one-to-one model of opiate detoxification as an alternative to either the well established, home-based detoxification or the inpatient model. This study demonstrates its viability, initial level of effectiveness and positive participant perceptions, highlighting the requirement for further exploration of novel approaches to drug treatment.

Validating the Willingness to Self-Censor Scale II: Inhibition of Opinion Expression in a Conversational Setting

Hayes, Glynn, and Shanahan (2005a) introduced the Willingness to Self-Censor Scale as a measure of the extent to which a person uses cues about the climate of opinion when deciding whether to publicly voice opinions. The study reported here provides new validation evidence, collected during actual rather than hypothetical discussions. Each participant interacted with two confederates about a controversial topic. The confederates were trained to produce a discussion climate that was either consistent or inconsistent with the participant's own opinion on the topic. The manipulation of the climate of opinion affected opinion expression only among dispositional self-censors (i.e., those scoring relatively higher on the scale), even after controlling for dispositional shyness. As expected, people who scored relatively low were unaffected by information about the climate of opinion. These results further attest to the construct validity of the Willingness to Self-Censor Scale.

Electronic logbook development for the KSTAR commissioning

During the commissioning of the KSTAR device, electronic logbook has been developed to record participant's opinions regarding experimental procedures and results. The experimental logbook, a kind of the electronic logbooks inserts principal experimental parameters by itself and gets the experimenter's comments. Since it usually takes long time to surf around raw experimental data, a summarized comment on the experimental logbook helps physicists to analyze the results. The operation logbook, the other part of electronic logbook records history about system's abnormality, including their management history. Records on the operation logbook for components provide the criteria to validate the device's stability and the basis to complement the device operation procedure. Since a large majority of readers is interested in the information on the electronic logbook, the data is manipulated to be searched and read on the web-site which is accessible by the authenticated users. The web-site also includes a formatting function to report the logbook data as a document using Java Document Object Model (DOM) and Java Simple API for XML (SAX) API. Because there were difficulties to make an action scenario on the events due to insufficient experience of tokamak operation, it was developed in parallel during the commissioning. By training operators to write comments on every detail of the experimental results and operation events, it could be more valuable data source for the next experiments.

Swiss national MD-PhD-program: an outcome analysis.

This study aims at a first evaluation of the outcome of the Swiss national MD-PhD program during the last 16 years. One hundred and twenty six former and current students in the Swiss national MD-PhD program were surveyed via a Web-based questionnaire in September 2007. Twenty-four questions assessed information regarding participant demographics, information on the PhD thesis and publication activity, current positions and research activity, as well as participant's opinions, attitudes and career goals. Eighty questionnaires were received from 126 MD-PhD students and graduates (63.5% response rate). The responders consisted of present students (36%), former graduates (56%), and dropouts (8%). The percentage of women in the program was 23%, and the average duration of the program was 4.2 +/- 1.4 years. Research interests were predominantly in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology and cancer research. A considerable portion of the MD-PhD graduates had an excellent publication record stemming from their PhD research work, and 89% were planning to continue a research-orientated career. Over 50% of those MD-PhD graduates completing their thesis before 2002 had already reached an assistant or full professor position at the time of the survey. Nearly all participants considered the MD-PhD training helpful to their career and high quality standards were assigned to the acquired practical and intellectual skills. However, criticism was expressed concerning the general mentoring and the career related mentoring. Moreover, general mentoring and career related mentoring were significantly less well perceived in research groups employing more than seven PhD students at the same time. The MD-PhD students and graduates surveyed were satisfied with their education and most of them continued a research-orientated career. Regarding the overall positive evaluation, this study supports the view that MD-PhD graduates are well qualified for a successful career in academic medicine.

Swiss national MD-PhD-program: an outcome analysis.

This study aims at a first evaluation of the outcome of the Swiss national MD-PhD program during the last 16 years. One hundred and twenty six former and current students in the Swiss national MD-PhD program were surveyed via a Web-based questionnaire in September 2007. Twenty-four questions assessed information regarding participant demographics, information on the PhD thesis and publication activity, current positions and research activity, as well as participant's opinions, attitudes and career goals. Eighty questionnaires were received from 126 MD-PhD students and graduates (63.5% response rate). The responders consisted of present students (36%), former graduates (56%), and dropouts (8%). The percentage of women in the program was 23%, and the average duration of the program was 4.2 +/- 1.4 years. Research interests were predominantly in the fields of neuroscience, immunology, molecular biology and cancer research. A considerable portion of the MD-PhD graduates had an excellent publication record stemming from their PhD research work, and 89% were planning to continue a research-orientated career. Over 50% of those MD-PhD graduates completing their thesis before 2002 had already reached an assistant or full professor position at the time of the survey. Nearly all participants considered the MD-PhD training helpful to their career and high quality standards were assigned to the acquired practical and intellectual skills. However, criticism was expressed concerning the general mentoring and the career related mentoring. Moreover, general mentoring and career related mentoring were significantly less well perceived in research groups employing more than seven PhD students at the same time. The MD-PhD students and graduates surveyed were satisfied with their education and most of them continued a research-orientated career. Regarding the overall positive evaluation, this study supports the view that MD-PhD graduates are well qualified for a successful career in academic medicine.

Qualitative approach to the research into the parameters of human security in the community

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative methodological model applied in the human security research in local communities as a part of a wider community‐based participatory research (CBPR).Design/methodology/approachThis paper synthesizes methodological experience from four empirical researches where a qualitative model of studying the security indicators in the local communities of Serbia has been applied. The paper presents how to apply qualitative approach and indicates its potentials, and suggests how to implement the study, design the sample plan and analyse obtained data.FindingsThe research of complex phenomenon of social perception of security demands a complementary approach strategy. At the most general level, it means the application of quantitative and qualitative research methods in order to achieve an integral insight into the self‐reflection of citizens about their individual and collective security.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodological experience from four conducted investigations on which this paper is based, gives only an initial foundation for the creation of a successful model of security appraisal. Further elaboration of this model demands inclusion of the findings from other surveys.Practical implicationsThe suggested model may be further developed as well as in the sense of methodological subtilization, and as a practical model for the appraisal of security condition in a local community. This would be the starting point for creating strategies and their operationalization into specific action plans, in order to improve those indicators, which are established as expressing some form of security threat in the local communities studied.Originality/valueBy complementary application of qualitative and quantitative research perspective (using CBPR approach), we can get profound insights into the causes and character of security threats inside communities. Through application of this approach we get deeper understanding of comparable and representative (in)security survey findings, as well as significant participant's opinions about a potential model of action for improving their security and safety.

Differences in tolerance for health risk to the living donor among potential donors, recipients, and transplant professionals

In organ donation, the donor, recipient, and transplant team must all accept potential health risks to the donor and any uncertainties. To gauge these risks, we surveyed general altruism and risk-taking behaviors in 112 potential donors, 111 potential recipients, and 51 transplant professionals. Next, participants indicated their risk thresholds for long-term donor hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure that would stop them from pursuing living donation and their willingness to proceed when risks were uncertain. The three groups had similar general altruism and risk-taking behaviors. Potential donors were significantly more willing to accept greater long-term donor risks than potential recipients and transplant professionals. Moreover, these potential donors were significantly more likely to agree that living donation was acceptable when long-term donor risks were uncertain. Potential kidney donors readily accept high long-term risks, whereas potential recipients were the most averse to donor risk. Our study shows that transplant professionals facilitate the best decisions by appreciating the willingness of their patients to accept donor health risks along with their own risk tolerance.

Por que encaminhar ao acompanhante terapêutico? uma discussão considerando a perspectiva de psicólogos e psiquiatras

This study has investigated the issues influencing psychiatrists and psychologists to lead patients to be assisted by a psychotherapist and its role on the treatment of patients, according to the perceptions of those professionals. Three psychiatrists and three psychologists of multi-professional clinics from Porto Alegre (RGS) were interviewed. A semi- structured interview with seven open questions regarding this research subject was applied. The data obtained from the interviews were subjected to a qualitative analysis, resulting in the following categories subdivision: 1) Elements for psychotherapist indication; 2) The role of the psychotherapist during the treatment; 3) The necessary abilities and skills in relation to that profession; 4) Bibliographical reference and appropriate knowledge area for therapist practice. The Therapist work is recognized as co-adjuvant during treatment, exerting an active role and, sometimes, having a crucial role for the success of the treatment by acting within the patient's environment. Based on the participant's opinion, it was concluded that the most appropriate approach, regarding psychotherapy, was the cognitive-behavioral approach.

PRIORITY DECISION OF KEY TECHNOLOGY ELEMENT IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT: AN EMPIRICAL COMPARISON BETWEEN QFD AND TAGUCHI METHOD

Technology innovation or new product development (NPD) is composed of various process elements that require specialized knowledge/know-how needed for the application of fundamental technologies on actual product development. With the widespread use of techniques such as PERT/CPM, a major part of project management efforts focuses on resource allocation and time scheduling. In a multi-project environment of high-technology product development, prioritizing technology elements within a full spectrum of required developments is relatively more important than resource allocation or cost-reduction. Furthermore, disagreements between project managers and researchers in setting the priorities of project elements should be resolved and managed systematically to leverage a successful execution of the whole project. In this study, modified QFD and modified Taguchi method are suggested for setting priorities among elemental technologies. As a first step, the authors interviewed project managers from two companies in order to identify elemental technologies and competitiveness factors of the project in scope. Then, the priorities of elemental technologies for both projects are measured using two different methods. In the modified QFD method, the relationship matrix (HOQ, house of quality) is used to determine the priorities. In the modified Taguchi method, the priorities are determined by evaluating contributions of each elemental technology on competitiveness factors with participant's opinions as noise variables. The results of the two methods are compared. A post-hoc survey showed that project managers and researchers slightly prefer the QFD method.

Agricultural Extensnon Techniques in the Sultanate of Oman, Present Prospect and Perspective

A study conducted during September 2003 included 80 participants grouped into 3 categories, who occupied different posts in the Agricultural (and Fisheries) Development Centers (ADC). A questionnaire covering various elements of extension methods and techniques was used. Result showed that participant's opinions were identical in 90.6% of the aspects put forward in the questionnaire. There were, however, significant differences in opinions between the three groups involved in the study regarding representation of ministry extension personnel at village levels, availability of media equipment and facilities in the ADC and level of training of extension staff. The study also showed the need for a complementary extension structure at ABC level, development of an appropriate relationship between extension and agricultural research and more technical and practical training for extension staff. The participants also emphasized the relative importance of providing extension means and outputs for demonstration of plots to target groups, the availability of media equipment and the necessity for developing techniques for better execution and evaluation of extension programs. Research priorities should also be linked with problems related to agricultural production at farm level in Oman.

Assessing Public Opinion on Water Conservation and Water Conserving Landscapes in the Semiarid Southwestern United States

A survey instrument was designed to determine public opinion on water conservation, water conserving landscapes, the use of native plants in landscapes, home irrigation systems, and the performance of five Texas native plant species [pink evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa); prairie verbena (Verbena bipinnatifida); red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora); ceniza (Leucophyllum frutescens); and ruellia (Ruellia nudiflora)] grown in low water use landscapes in the semiarid Southwestern United States. On six occasions during the 1999 growing season, participants viewed landscapes and participated in a survey. Survey data indicate that over 90% of respondents thought water conservation was important to the state of Texas. A majority of participants however, believed water conserving landscapes to be expensive to maintain and not aesthetically pleasing. The survey revealed 79% of participants would use native plants if native plants conserved water, and 86% of participants would use native plants if native plants were attractive. Chi-square approximations revealed participant's opinions regarding water conservation and home irrigation systems were influenced by education level and amount of time they participated in weekly horticulture activities. In an open-ended question, participants indicated flowers and healthy leaves were characteristics indicating a plant was performing well. Throughout the year, species in flower received higher ratings than nonflowering species.

Management of terminal cancer patients: attitudes and training needs of primary health care doctors and nurses.

The objective of the study was to ascertain the attitudes and training needs of primary health care (PHC) professionals regarding the management of terminal cancer patients. A cross-sectional study involving 30 PHC teams (15 urban and 15 rural) in the health district of Majorca (Spain) was carried out. Out of the 224 doctors and 186 nurses initially included, 157 and 156, respectively, completed a questionnaire designed to elicit the participant's opinions on the role of PHC in palliative care, their needs in terms of training and their management of clinical and psychological symptoms. Forty percent of professionals considered that terminal care should be the responsibility of PHC, whereas 59.5% thought it preferable for such care to be given either in Palliative Care Units or by oncologists. All kinds of relationships between PHC professionals and specialists were highly valued. Seventy-five percent of general practitioners referred to pain control, and 83% of doctors and nurses provided emotional support. Most health professionals felt training in emotional aspects would be the most desirable. One group of professionals considered palliative care to be an asset in PHC, whereas another group thought that patient care should be provided by specialists. The majority of doctors and nurses pinpointed the need for improving co-ordination with specialists. A need for tuition in palliative care was clearly stated. In conclusion, the planning of palliative care should take into account the attitudes and opinions of PHC doctors and nurses.

A Game-theoretic Analysis on the Formed Agreement Cost Allocation Model for the Connecting Bridge Project

Recently, from the view point of financial readjustment, both the Central and the Local Government want to reexamine the construction system of Infrastructure. Now, many of the businessman want to make a new allocation system that is recognized by the society that is equity and fair. So, we proposed the Formed Agreement cost-allocation Model for the project composed several sections. This allocation system has a special function that can accommodate the participation's opinion. In this paper, we analysis the elemental factor and try to Game-theoretic analysis to understand the quality of the solution on this proposed cost-allocation model. To illustrate the property of this model, We picked up the case study, the access to the Hibiki New Port in Kitakyushu City, that is recognized as an international leading port by the Ministry of Transport. And we want to construct the Connecting Bridge by use of this model on the point of P. F. I.(Private Finance Infrastructure).

Evaluating internet for extension in agriculture

Summary Effective adoption of Internet for extension in agriculture is elusive despite substantial investments in human capital and other resources. To better understand the process EUNITA (a concerted EU project www.eclipse.it/EUNITA/main.html), INEA (the Italian National Institute of Agricultural Economics - www.inea.it) and the Toscana Extension service sponsored a workshop in Alberese, Italy, to evaluate its adoption's critical success factors and failures. A summary of participant's opinions indicated general agreement on benefits such as: Updated and comprehensive information; availability of new types, “Just in time”, more and competing information sources; “One stop information shopping”; ease of exchange of information and/or ideas and facilities to discuss them; easier collaboration and/or access to peers, other farmers and experts; a ranked list of useful information such as updated market lists, weather information, plant protection regulations, recommendations and products, news, bulletins, and more. There was general agreement relating to critical success factors such as: Internet accessibility on individual farms or at farmer-gathering locations; inputting of information that farmers/extension want and/or need; identifying a tangible benefit to information users; defining and serving target audiences; packaging information in a way that it can be understood and applied; a simple, user-friendly search engine and interface design; responsibility for the information quality and reliability; revealed preference as a guiding factor for Internet development. The going deeper into the summary of detailed participant's opinions provided a practical, baseline, reference for Internet adoption planning, program implementation and goal achievement evaluation.