Understanding the Perception of Information System Niche: Conceptualization, Measurement, and Validation

The number of niche technologies is growing, and they are getting noticed. However, the usage dynamics of such systems have not been explored. This study introduces the “niche” information systems (IS) construct to differentiate between mainstream and niche technologies and to illustrate how such differences potentially influence a person’s IS usage behavior. We posit that niche-ness is perceptual, and a measurement to gauge an individual’s niche perception in the domain of systems usage is desired. Resting on Optimal Distinctiveness theory, the study develops a novel conceptualization and operationalization of niche technology perceptions, focusing on social networking systems. Our main contribution includes the examination of the typology of the perceived niche, which results in the development and validation of an eight-item instrument for perceived technology niche through three studies. In addition, by placing the construct in a nomological network in a fourth study, we demonstrate that the perceived technology niche construct is related to IS continuance intention.

Charging Point Usage in Germany—Automated Retrieval, Analysis, and Usage Types Explained

This study presents an approach to collect and classify usage data of public charging infrastructure in order to predict usage based on socio-demographic data within a city. The approach comprises data acquisition and a two-step machine learning approach, classifying and predicting usage behavior. Data is acquired by gathering information on charging points from publicly available sources. The first machine learning step identifies four relevant usage patterns from the gathered data using an agglomerative clustering approach. The second step utilizes a Random Forest Classification to predict usage patterns from socio-demographic factors in a spatial context. This approach allows to predict usage behavior at locations for potential new charging points. Applying the presented approach to Munich, a large city in Germany, results confirm the adaptability in complex urban environments. Visualizing the spatial distribution of the predicted usage patterns shows the prevalence of different patterns throughout the city. The presented approach helps municipalities and charging infrastructure operators to identify areas with certain usage patterns and, hence different technical requirements, to optimize the charging infrastructure in order to help meeting the increasing demand of electric mobility.

A STUDY ON GREENISH PATTERN OF INDIAN CONSUMERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR PLASTIC BAG USAGE BEHAVIOR

The Population explosion has led to excessive consumption and exploitation of natural resources resulting in degradation of the biophysical environment. Many agitations have gained momentum in various parts of the world to protect it from environmental degradation. Many governments have banned the usage of plastics in their endeavor to protect the environment. This descriptive research has attempted to study the greenish pattern of 320 Indian consumers with special reference to their plastic bag usage behavior while carrying their purchases back home. The Results of the study have revealed that customers accord importance to the environmental impact of goods and services before purchasing such goods and they prefer to visit shops that are eco-friendly while they do not attach much importance to the environmental reputation of companies dealing with such goods and services. They prefer green products due to their good quality and reliability and are willing to pay a premium price for such products.

Medicine Usage Behavior among Common People of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Medication usage behavior of people is an important concern for health authorities worldwide. This study was aimed to find the prevalence of self-medication, perception about drug storage, dosage regimen, side effects and missing doses of prescribed medications among people of Bangladesh. The study also aimed at the different factors that regulate the above-mentioned behavior of people from different regions of the country. This cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire form that was distributed randomly among the people. A total of 1028 respondents took part in the survey. Different statistical operations were done on the responses and the results were presented were using tables and graphs. Among the participants, 31.52% often practiced self-medication and 26.94% did it rarely. There was a significant correlation between self-medication and educational qualification (p=0.023) and residence (p<0.001) variables. The tendency to not completing the dosage regimen is high in villages (44%) than urban (35%) and semi-urban (38%) areas. The rate of not recovering the missing doses is higher (40%) among the people with a low level of education than the educated people (27%). This study showed a significant correlation among medicines usage behavior and educational qualification and residential area of the participants. The policymakers should take steps to increase awareness about the safe use of medicines among common people of rural area.