The moderator role of Gender in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT): A study on users of Electronic Document Management Systems

Venkatesh et al. [1] tried to integrate predictability capabilities from the different existing models of technology acceptance. This produced the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This comprehensive model resulted in the identification of common aspects. It proposed several constructs with a greater explanatory power and analyzed moderating drivers, such as age, Gender, experience and voluntariness of use. By doing so, UTAUT identifies three major drivers of behavioral intention: performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence. On the other hand, facilitating conditions and behavioral intention were identified as determinant factors of actual use [1]. In addition to previous considerations about UTAUT, empirical research has scarcely analyzed the moderating role of Gender [2]. This is why this paper particularly aims to fill this gap. Hofstede [3] describes strength, competitiveness and guidance for material success as social roles linked to male values, whilst modesty, tenderness, sensitivity and concern for the quality of life are values associated with women. With respect to UTAUT, existing studies have shown that performance expectancy positively influences behavioral intention more strongly for men (cf. [4], [5], [6] and [7]). Moreover, it has been observed that effort expectancy positively influences behavioral intention more strongly for women (cf. [4], [5] and [6]), while social influence positively affects behavioral intention more strongly for women (cf. [5], [7] and [8]). In our research, with the aim of testing the moderating effects of Gender, a sample of 2,175 users of Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) in Portuguese municipalities was used. Taking into account that Gender is a categorical variable, we have adopted a multi-group or multi-sample analysis [9] -dividing the sample into two groups (male = 748; female = 1,427) and estimating each group of observations separately. Before comparing the groups, an analysis of the measurement invariance was carried out to make sure that the construct measures were invariant between both groups [10]. Once the metric invariance had been assessed, we carried out a set of multi-group analyses –interpreting statistically-significant differences in path coefficients as moderating effects. On the one hand, the parametric approach considering both equal variances and different variances has been used [11, 12]. On the other hand, we have applied non-parametric approaches exemplified by the permutation test [13], and Henseler’s PLS multi-group analysis [10, 12, 14]. This study notes slight differences in the results of the aforementioned methods. As a result, the moderating effect of Gender on the relation between performance expectancy and behavioral intention showed that this relationship is stronger among men than women. Finally, a discussion on the implications of Gender as a moderator for the UTAUT model is included

Determinants of User Acceptance of a Local eGovernment Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)

On numerous occasions the significant value of the investments involved in the development of eGovernment and the expectations of governmental information systems use do not correspond to the rate of effective use. This scenario makes it difficult to justify the development of electronic government by governments and local authorities among its citizens. It is therefore important to understand the factors that influence the employees' intention of using governmental information systems. With the aim of understanding the determining factors of using an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) in the context of Portuguese municipalities, this study develops an empirical analysis using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, (Venkatesh et al., 2003). This model's application for information systems research in the governmental context has a weak expression and is unique in EDMS research. This empirical research follows a realist and positivist approach. Data was collected from a survey answered by 2,175 employees of Portuguese municipalities (EDMS users). Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to test the model proposed. The results showed that Intention to Use is positively affected by Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions. With respect to the EDMS Use, the results showed that it is positively influenced by Intention to Use and Facilitating Conditions. The main result indicates that EDMS users believe that the use of this information system will help them to obtain performance benefits in their work. However, the increasing use of EDMS is not very influenced by the system's perceived ease of use. In short, this study provides a contribution to the Information Systems Acceptance and Adoption literature in local eGovernmental contexts. In addition, our contribution empirically tests the model for implementation in governmental organizations and provides a better understanding of the adoption and use of an EDM

La prevención de drogodependencias mediante actividades cooperativas de riesgo y aventura

Dada la gran presencia social que tienen las drogas en la actualidad, se hace necesaria una intervención hacia la prevención de drogodependencias, especialmente en el medio escolar. Esta intervención debe hacerse desde la base de que es necesario acostumbrar a los jóvenes a vivir entre las drogas y encontrar otros medios para obtener la satisfacción y las sensaciones que éstas parecen prometer (y con considerable éxito) a toda la sociedad, y especialmente a los jóvenes. En este artículo se analizan en primer lugar, los posibles perfiles de personalidad de las personas que practican actividades de riesgo, comparándolos con algunos rasgos de la personalidad de drogodependientes, encontrando que la búsqueda de sensaciones aparece como algo distintivo en ambos colectivos, por lo que se plantea la posibilidad de sustituir las drogas por otras emociones similares aportadas por las actividades de riesgo. Se estudian además los beneficios que se pueden obtener con las actividades físicas cooperativas, y se hace un análisis de la posible contribución de las actividades de riesgo cooperativas a la consecución de los objetivos que se plantea el PIPES (Plan Integral de Prevención Escolar). Por último, se propone un plan de intervención en la prevención basado en las cualidades formativas de las actividades de riesgo cooperativas

Análisis forense de los cárteles descubiertos en España

El presente trabajo realiza un análisis forense de los cárteles sancionados por las distintas autoridades españolas de la competencia durante los últimos 25 años. Los resultados muestran cómo se ha producido un cambio sustancial tanto en el número como en las características de cárteles detectados por la autoridad de competencia en España desde la aprobación de la última Ley de Defensa de la Competencia de 2007. En los últimos ocho años (2007-2015) se han descubierto no solo más cárteles, sino también cárteles más estables y persistentes. Esto ha sido posible gracias a la entrada en vigor del programa de clemencia y de otros efectivos instrumentos de inspección, análisis, vigilancia y sanción. En los próximos años, la autoridad de competencia se enfrenta al reto de mantener el impulso de la política anticárteles tras las recientes sentencias judiciales que modifican algunos de los instrumentos a disposición de la autoridad de la competencia en la persecución efectiva de los cárteles

The leniency programme: obstacles on the way to collude

There is no honour among thieves. This aphorism concisely expresses why the leniency programmes in competition policy have become one of the most effective instruments in the fight against the cartels. In this work we describe the dissemination, evolution, and effects of the aforementioned programmes in the two decades since its implementation around the world, paying special attention to what is being done at the European Union level and in Spain. The empirical regularities obtained from the descriptive analysis of leniency decisions adopted by the European Commission and by the Spanish Competition Authority provide relevant information about the effectiveness of their corresponding programmes, as well as information about the underlying reasons why companies, in this context, submit applications for sanction exemption or reductions in the penalty amount. We conclude that still there is scope to increase substantially the dissemination and implementation of the leniency programme in Spain, and if the reforms are handled correctly, the programme is set to catch up and to be the main source of detecting and sanctioning of Spanish cartels in the next decad

Redefiniendo los incentivos a la colusión: el programa de clemencia

Los programas de clemencia se han convertido en uno de los instrumentos más efectivos en la lucha contra los cárteles. En este trabajo describimos la difusión, evolución y efectos de tales programas en las dos décadas de su aplicación alrededor del mundo. De las regularidades empíricas extraídas del análisis de todas las decisiones de clemencia adoptadas en la Unión Europea y en España, concluimos que hay margen para ampliar la difusión y aplicación del programa de clemencia en España, y que si se acierta en las reformas, será la fuente principal de detección y sanción de cárteles en la próxima década

Broadband electronically tunable reflectionbased phase shifter for active-steering microwave reflectarray systems in Ku-band

This document provides the design of an electronically reconfigurable microwave phase shifter for reflectarray systems. The phase shifter is based on a hybrid coupler with reflective circuits in three ports. Each reflective circuit introduces a phase variation that can be modified due to the variable capacity value of a varactor inserted in it. The phase shifting process includes three different stages of phase shifting for the incoming signal in its way through the phase shifter: the signal is conducted through the device towards the reflective circuits in four different ways. The input port of the device is also the output one, providing the desired reflective phase shifting effect. This device is of great interest in reflectarray applications in order to provide more than 360° of controllable phase shifting at each array element. The document includes the complete design of the phase shifter along with its design parameters and circuital behaviour

Atazanavir-Based Therapy Is Associated with Higher Hepatitis C Viral Load in HIV Type 1-Infected Subjects with Untreated Hepatitis C

Comunicación cortaWe assessed the relationship between atazanavir (ATV)-based antiretroviral treatment (ART) and plasma hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load in a population of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who received ART based on a protease inhibitor (PI) or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) were included. Patients were stratified by ART drug [ATV/rtv, lopinavir (LPV/rtv), efavirenz (EFV), nevirapine (NVP), and other PIs], HCV genotype (1/4 and 2/3), and IL28B genotype (CC and non-CC). The Kruskal-Wallis test and chi-squared test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Multivariate analysis consisted of a stepwise linear regression analysis. Six hundred and forty-nine HIV/HCV-coinfected patients were included. HCV genotype 1/4 patients who received ATV had higher HCV RNA levels [6.57 (5.9-6.8) log IU/ml] than those who received LPV [6.1 (5.5-6.5) log IU/ml], EFV [6.1 (5.6-6.4) log IU/ml], NVP [5.8 (5.5-5.9) log IU/ml], or other PIs [6.1 (5.7-6.4) log IU/ml] (p=0.014). This association held for the IL28B genotype (CC versus non-CC). The association was not found in patients carrying HCV genotypes 2/3. The linear regression model identified the IL28B genotype and ATV use as independent factors associated with HCV RNA levels. ATV-based therapy may be associated with a higher HCV RNA viral load in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients

Electronically reconfigurable reflective phase shifter for circularly polarized reflectarray systems

This letter presents the design of a two-port electronically reconfigurable phase shifter for circularly polarized reflectarray systems at microwave frequencies. The phase shifter is based on 3 dB/90? couplers combined with reflective circuits that introduce sequentially the phase variation. Each reflective circuit, formed by printed elements (L) and tunable varactors, produces the phase variation due to the variable capacity value of the varactor. The phase shifting process includes three different stages of phase shifting for the signal in its way from the input port towards the output port through the phase shifter. Both ports are interchangeable, acting either as input or output ports. This fulfils the reflection requirements of circularly polarized reflectarrays, being especially suitable for this purpose. The complete design, together with its circuital behavior and performance results, are depicted in this document

Morfología de las actuaciones públicas de remodelación en Madrid

López de Lucio, Ramón: “Morfología de las actuaciones públicas de remodelación en Madrid”. ALFOZ, núm. 39, Madrid, 1987