Drawing on the analysis of 4330 surveys on mobile reading in seven developing countries, this study found that the discrepancy between intentions to read on mobiles and actual reading can be attributed to barriers such as problematic mobile connectivity and inadequate relevant reading material. The policy implication of this research finding is clear -- reducing barriers specific to mobile reading (m-reading) will improve programme effectiveness. This study applied the technological acceptance model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to the growing adoption of mobile reading in developing countries and partially verified key constructs of the theories. Findings suggest that the two models provide viable theoretical frameworks for future m-reading programs. This study is one of two companion papers to the 2014 UNESCO report on Reading in the Mobile Era. The other focuses on gender differences in m-reading.

A new class of ball wheel mechanisms for omnidirectional vehicles is presented. This ball wheel mechanism can be designed to yield fully mobile vehicles that are not only free of any kinematic singularity but are configuration invariant in kinematic behavior. Invariant kinematics greatly simplifies the control of smooth and precise vehicle motion. Multiple displacement sensors are easily incorporated into each ball wheel mechanism. This unique feature enables the detection of slip between tires and the floor and also indicates at which tire the slip occurs. This allows traction control to be implemented to fully exploit the available floor friction while accurate dead reckoning navigation continues from two non slipping tires. A prototype vehicle with three ball wheel mechanisms is implemented. Smooth motion and precise dead reckoning are accomplished.

A novel design of a holonomic omnidirectional vehicle is introduced. The holonomic mechanism allows the vehicle to maneuver in an arbitrary direction from an arbitrary configuration on a plane. This significantly simplifies control problems and improves positioning accuracy. A fundamental method of obtaining omnidirectional motion with holonomic constraints with the floor, using a mechanism with spherical tires, is presented. Kinematic analysis of this mechanism gives the vehicle Jacobian relating actuator velocities to the vehicle velocity components. Analysis of lateral tire slip during vehicle rotation allows slip reduction methods. A prototype vehicle using this special mechanism and a computerized control system is designed and tested. In addition to rotation, the vehicle can perform very accurate translational motions, in two orthogonal directions, arbitrarily termed forward and sideways. Motions in these two degrees of freedom are decoupled from each other and are insensitive to variations in ground friction coefficient.>