12 pages., via online journal., This descriptive survey research was undertaken to design appropriate programs
for the creation of a positive perception of nanotechnology among their
intended beneficiaries. In order to do that, the factors affecting positive
perceptions were defined. A stratified random sample of 278 science board
members was selected out of 984 researchers who were working in 22 National
Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIs). Data were collected by using a
mailed questionnaire. The descriptive results revealed that more than half
of the respondents had “low” or “very low” familiarity with nanotechnology.
Regression analysis indicated that the perceptions of Iranian NARI Science
Board Members towards nanotechnology were explained by three variables:
the level of their familiarity with emerging applications of nanotechnology in
agriculture, the level of their familiarity with nanotechnology and their work
experiences. The findings of this study can contribute to a better understanding
of the present situation of the development of nanotechnology and the planning
of appropriate programs for creating a positive perception of nanotechnology.
Hosseininia, Gholamhossein (author), Khachak, Parisa Rafiaani (author), Nooripoor, Mehdi (author), Van Passel, Steven (author), and Azadi, Hossein (author)
Format:
Online journal article
Publication Date:
2015
Published:
Taylor & Francis
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 32 Document Number: D10630
23 pages., via online journal., Understanding communicational behavior of rangelands’ stakeholders is fundamental for effective development of rangeland management plans. This study aimed to understand differences between stakeholders’ relations among various actors involved in rangeland management using social network analysis (SNA). A survey was conducted on 334 stakeholders (89 extension agents, 110 researchers and 135 executive agents) in the Tehran province, Iran. Results showed that all the three groups of stakeholders are interested in making contact mainly within their own group. Furthermore, while the executive agents have shared the strongest technical and friendship relations with the two other groups, the extension agents established the strongest administrative interactions. The researchers, however, made a poor link especially with the extension agents. The study concluded that SNA could be an efficient tool to assess communicational behavior in rangeland management.
