BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE WITH EXAMPLES FROM ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY

Early informatics focused primarily on the application of technology and computer science to a specific domain; modern informatics has broadened to encompass human and knowledge dimensions. Application of technology is but one aspect of informatics. Understanding domain members’ issues, priorities, knowledge, abilities, interactions, tasks and work environments is another aspect, and one that directly impacts application success. Involving domain members in the design and development of technology in their domain is a key factor in bridging the gap between technology and science. This user-centered design (UCD) approach in informatics is presented via an ecoinformatics case study in three areas: collaboration, usability, and education and training

Well-being and Technology: Exploring Technology-Supported Meditation

In keeping with the “Blue Ocean Research” theme, this research explores the emerging area of well-being technologies from an interdisciplinary context. The combination of well-being and technology is a nascent research area known as positive technology, or positive computing. The study explores combining meditation (a well-being activity) with a three-dimensional virtual world. The goal of this exploratory formative study is to gain a richer understanding of user engagement and the human experience of technology-supported meditation as an integral element of how best to leverage technology for well-being purposes. The research is theoretically grounded in the positive technology framework. Third wave human-computer interaction (HCI) informs the blended evaluation methodology which includes both quantitative and qualitative measures. Third wave HCI progresses beyond cognition to include engagement, culture, values, and experience. An experiential approach advances beyond the instrumental value of technology to how technology can add value to human activities and experience. AMCIS TV LINK: https://youtu.be/oxFwgbrYKb

Responses to the Law Commission’s 14th Programme of Law Reform Consultation

Responses submitted to the Law Commission’s 14th Programme of Law Reform Consultation in July 2021

Organizational Capacity Survey: Capturing an Extension System\u27s Current State and Pinpointing Areas for Improvement

An organizational capacity survey (OCS) can reveal gaps in what an organization is doing and what an organization\u27s employees feel the organization should be doing. Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension conducted an OCS to assess perceptions of MSU Extension\u27s vision and commitment, plan of work, working relationships, diversity and pluralism, public value, personnel knowledge and expertise, and training needs. Questions were designed to measure perceptions of how MSU Extension is currently and how it should be ideally. This design allowed discrepancy scores to be calculated to identify areas in which capacity development was needed or desired that could then be addressed through state-based professional development

Responses to the Law Commission’s 14th Programme of Law Reform Consultation

Responses submitted to the Law Commission’s 14th Programme of Law Reform Consultation in July 2021

Well-being Technologies: Meditation Using Virtual Worlds

In a technologically overloaded world, is it possible to use technology to support well-being activities and enhance human flourishing? Proponents of positive technology and positive computing are striving to answer yes to that question. However, the impact of technology on well-being remains unresolved. Positive technology combines technology and positive psychology. Positive psychology focuses on well-being and the science of human flourishing. Positive computing includes an emphasis on designing with well-being in mind as a way to support human potential. User experience (UX) is critical to positive technology and positive computing. UX researchers and practitioners are advocating for experience-driven design and third wave human-computer interaction (HCI) that focuses on multi-dimensional, interpretive, situated, and phenomenological aspects. Third-wave HCI goes beyond cognition to include emotions, values, culture, and experience. This research investigated technology-supported meditation in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual world from a positive technology perspective to examine how technology can support engagement, self-empowerment, and well-being. Designing and evaluating technology for well-being support is complex and challenging. Further, although virtual worlds have been used in positive technology applications, little research exists that illuminates the experience of user engagement in virtual worlds. In this formative exploratory study, experienced meditators (N = 12) interacted with a virtual meditation world titled Sanctuarium that was developed for this research. Using a third wave HCI approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to understand the nature of engagement with a virtual world and the experiential aspects of technology-supported meditation. Results supported using virtual worlds to produce restorative natural environments. Participants overwhelmingly reacted positively to the islandscape including both visual and sound elements. Findings indicated that Sanctuarium facilitated the meditation experience, similar to guided meditation – although participants remarked on the uniqueness of the experience. Aspects of facilitation centered on the concepts of non-distraction, focus, and simplicity of design and instructions. Participants also identified Sanctuarium as a good tool for helping those new to meditation. Meditators described positive effects of their meditation experience during interviews and also rated their experience as positive using the scale titled Effects of Meditation During Meditation. Phenomenological analysis provided a rich description of the nature of engagement while meditating with Sanctuarium. Meditators also rated engagement as high via an adapted User Engagement Scale. This interdisciplinary work drew from multiple fields and contributes to the HCI domain, virtual worlds’ literature, information systems research, and the nascent areas of positive technology and positive computing

Formative Research to Inform the Development of a Healthy Eating Social Marketing Campaign in Mississippi

Mississippi leads the nation in child obesity, chronic diseases, poverty, and food insecurity. Stemming the long-term consequences of high obesity rates will require a cultural attitude and behavioral shift towards healthy eating. This study explored the perceptions, beliefs, practices, and self-efficacy towards healthy eating among limited resource Mississippi parents to inform a SNAP-Ed social marketing campaign. A statewide telephone survey was conducted with income-eligible or current SNAP recipients who provided or prepared food for children in their household. Likert-type scale questions measured intrapersonal factors, self-efficacy, and practices regarding healthy eating, such as shopping and meal planning. A total of 206 surveys were analyzed. Seventy-nine percent (n=163) of participants were currently receiving SNAP benefits. Healthy eating was perceived as balanced meals and fruits and vegetables. Though 60% agreed that cost was a barrier to eating more fruits and vegetables, 90% of participants had positive attitudes and beliefs towards healthy eating. In summary, Mississippi parents with limited resources were interested in providing healthy balanced meals but faced cost as the major barrier. A social marketing message with this population can be effective in emphasizing affordable healthy meals

Estimating the Size and Structure of the Underground Commercial Sex Economy in Eight Major U.S. Cities

The underground commercial sex economy (UCSE) generates millions of dollars annually, yet investigation and data collection remain under resourced. Our study aimed to unveil the scale of the UCSE in eight major US cities. Across cities, the UCSE's worth was estimated between $39.9 and$290 million in 2007, but decreased since 2003 in all but two cities. Interviews with pimps, traffickers, sex workers, child pornographers, and law enforcement revealed the dynamics central to the underground commercial sex trade -- and shaped the policy suggestions to combat it

A Process Evaluation of the HappyHealthy SocIal Marketing Campaign

Social marketing campaigns are effective in promoting health behavior changes in individuals and communities. Mississippi State University Extension Service’s (MSU Extension) Office of Nutrition Education launched a statewide social marketing campaign branded HappyHealthy to target nutrition and healthy lifestyle-related behaviors of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible individuals and families. In this study, a process evaluation was conducted with MSU Extension staff to assess perceptions of the campaign’s relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. In the early stages of the campaign, external evaluators conducted in-depth interviews with MSU Extension staff members (n = 17). After the campaign had been active for several months, the same external evaluators developed a web-based survey instrument for administration with MSU Extension staff (n = 54). Interview and survey responses were interpreted in accordance with Roger’s diffusion of innovation theory. Staff responses indicated it is important that campaign messages and materials align with and enhance staff members’ job responsibilities and that campaign messages are consistent with other education being delivered. Allowing staff to get familiar with some campaign materials before they are responsible for using them may also be advantageous for successful adoption and implementation