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Blockchain technology has the promise of transforming security and trust in digital transactions. However, concerns about technical complexity and the benefits of deployment have blunted its adoption. We examine factors that influence managerial intention to adopt blockchain technology. We extend the fit-viability model (FVM) and develop a value-based technology adoption model through an empirical study of 242 managers mostly in medical and financial industries. Managers in such organizations are likely to consider fit and viability in adopting blockchain technology to store and protect data. Drawing upon Fit-Viability and Task-Technology Fit models, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), we test a model with Partial Least Squares (PLS) to assess managers' intention to adopt blockchain technology. Our findings indicate that functional and symbolic benefits have positive impact on managers' assessment of task-technology fit. Furthermore, viability is an important criterion in adopting blockchain technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain is an emerging technology that enables two or more entities to conduct secure transactions. As blockchain makes the transaction ledger open to public, could competitors learn from the dyads of transactions between suppliers and its competitors? After a blockchain transaction is executed, it cannot be altered because the transaction information is encrypted. [Extracted from the article]

As business-to-consumer online shopping grows, e-commerce channel providers will need to explore ways to anticipate consumers' needs to deliver an efficient shopping experience. Yet the consumers' decision-making process and its relationship to the selection of the online channel are not well understood. Utilizing Simon's decision-making model, we examined support for decision-making phases using 134 online consumers. We also extended the model to include consumers' cost savings and time savings, as well as their satisfaction with the e-commerce channel. Structural equation modeling results indicate that the online shopping channel supported the overall decision-making process. In particular, we found strong support for the design and choice phases of online consumers' decision-making process. Our results also indicate that support for the decision-making process was mediated by the cost savings and time savings gained by the online consumers and led to their greater channel satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the enormous investments in Information Technology (IT), the question of payoffs from IT has become increasingly important. Organizations continue to question the benefits from IT investments especially in conjunction with corporate initiatives such as business process reengineering (BPR). Furthermore, the impact of technology on nonfinancial outcomes such as customer satisfaction and quality is gaining interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of submicrometer and subnanometer size particles is essential to understanding their interactions and to developing micro- and nanostructures. Because of this importance, many advances and new developments have been made in characterization techniques for particles in this size range. Examples include neutron holography, in situ wet transmission electron microscopy, ultrafast microscopy, magnetic resonance force microscopy for imaging a single electron spin, and high-resolution X-ray crystallography of noncrystalline structures. It is now possible to completely characterize very small particles from 0.1 nm to 100 nm size. Selected recent developments are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the seroprevalence hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection, its impact, and its relationship with other hepatotropic viruses among chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. The study group consisted of 100 consecutive cases of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis and equal healthy controls matched for age and sex. The patients were included on the basis of detailed history, clinical examination, and liver function profile, HGV RNA was detected in serum samples of all patients as well as of healthy controls using nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The primers used were derived from the NS3 helicase region of the viral genome. Serological assay was used for screening the viral markers for hepatitis B and C (HbsAg and Anti HCV). A history of blood transfusion was recorded in 65% of the cases. HGV RNA was detected in only six out of 100 (6%) cases of chronic renal failure. The seroprevalence of HCV infection was detected in 27 (21%), while HBV infection was seen in 10 (10%) out of 100 cases. The mixed infection of HGV and HCV was seen in 33.3% (two out of six) of the chronic renal failure cases, while the coinfection between HGV and HBV was not observed. In the 100 cases of healthy controls, HGV RNA was detected in only three 0%) subjects. Serological markers for Anti HCV antibody and HbsAg were positive in only one (1%) and two (2%) of the subjects, respectively. The seroprevalence of HGV infection in chronic renal failure was found to be statistically nonsignificant when compared to that healthy controls. Also, there was no difference in clinical course and liver function profile of HGV-positive and HGV-negative cases. However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly out of range in HCV-positive patients compared with HCV-negative patients. The presence of HGV infection reflected a postparental exposure to blood and... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an introduction to the September 01, 2004, issue of the periodical "Working USA."

The article profiles Dr. K. L. Mittal. He was born in India in 1945 and received his Master of Science in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi. He was associated with International Business Machines Corp. and has been teaching courses and consulting in surface contamination in adhesion science and technology. A list of books edited by Mittal is presented.