Usability and acceptance of crowd-based early warning of harmful algal blooms.

Crowdsensing has become an alternative solution to physical sensors and apparatuses. Utilizing citizen science communities is undoubtedly a much cheaper solution. However, similar to other participatory-based applications, the willingness of community members to be actively involved is paramount to the success of implementation. This research investigated factors that affect the continual use intention of a crowd-based early warning system (CBEWS) to mitigate harmful algal blooms (HABs). This study applied the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using an augmented technology acceptance model (TAM). In addition to the native TAM variables, such as perceived ease of use and usefulness as well as attitude, other factors, including awareness, social influence, and reward, were also studied. Furthermore, the usability factor was examined, specifically using the System Usability Scale (SUS) score as a determinant. Results showed that usability positively affected the perceived ease of use. Moreover, perceived usefulness and awareness influenced users' attitudes toward using CBEWS. Meanwhile, the reward had no significant effects on continual use intention.

Spatio-temporal variation and seasonal dynamics of stranded beach anthropogenic debris on Indonesian beach from the results of nationwide monitoring.

The first stranded macrodebris study on a national scale in Indonesia was conducted on 18 beaches from February 2018 to December 2019. The average weight and abundance of beach debris were higher between October and February (rainy season). The highest stranded macrodebris was located in Ambon, Manado, Takalar, and Padang. Plastic (46.38 %) was the most prevalent type of debris across all macrodebris categories, with single-use plastics such as plastic sachets, plastic bags, and plastic bottles being the dominant macroplastic debris (64.64 %). Based on CCI, HII, and BGI, 18 beaches are "moderately clean," with few hazardous items observed, and "Good." This anthropogenic macrodebris is thought to be more localized (55 %) than transboundary macrodebris. Litter control and environmental quality of this Indonesian coastal region should be improved through a proactive and flexible approach. Finally, extensive stranded beach debris monitoring is recommended to better understand the distribution of macrodebris in the region.

Spatiotemporal macro debris and microplastic variations linked to domestic waste and textile industry in the supercritical Citarum River, Indonesia.

Rivers are the key conduits for land-to-sea debris transport. We present in situ monitoring data of macro debris and microplastic along the supercritical Citarum River in Indonesia We identified the dams as concentrated areas of microplastic. Plastics accounted for 85% of the riverine debris (5369 ± 2320 items or 0.92 ± 0.40 tons daily). We estimated macrodebris releases of 6043 ± 567 items or 1.01 ± 0.19 tons daily with a microplastic concentration of 3.35 ± 0.54 particles per m3 from Citarum River to sea. It has been suggested that population density and urbanization rate are major factors determining the spatiotemporal variability of macrodebris and microplastic abundances in the Citarum River. Our research highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to estimate debris and microplastics inflows along the Indonesian river to the world ocean as a benchmark for the reduction of macro and microdebris into the environment.

Assessing Muslim travellers' preferences regarding food in Japan using conjoint analysis: An exploratory study on the importance of prayer room availability and halalness.

This study investigates the priorities of food preference attributes of Muslim travellers in Japan to identify Muslim consumers' willingness to pay for food at establishments that offer religion-related services and to divide Muslim travellers in Japan into consumer segments. A mixed methods approach combining a questionnaire survey (386 respondents) and semi-structured, in-depth interviews (12 respondents) was employed. Food preference priority attributes were examined using discrete-choice conjoint analysis, while willingness to pay was investigated via the incentive-compatible elicitation of a consumer's reservation price range, commonly known as ICERANGE, procedure. Muslim travellers were segmented via hierarchical clustering. The results indicate that Muslim travellers in Japan prioritise prayer room availability first and halalness second when dining out. Other attributes, which figure less strongly, include access, word of mouth, and price. Muslim travellers in Japan are willing to pay 1.4 to 1.7 times more than the average price of a meal when the establishment also offers a religion-related service such as a prayer room. Moreover, the study identifies four segments of Muslim travellers in Japan: prayer-room oriented, halal-label oriented, low-budget oriented, and high-end oriented. The study's findings offer valuable insights for business owners and managers who seek to target Muslim travellers in Japan.