bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Comparison of Various Overhead Arrangements for Massive MIMO-OFDM Channel Estimation
Authors: Sure Pallaviram , Bhuma Chandra Mohan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Massive multi input multi output (MIMO) systems incorporate orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology to render high data rate services for future wireless communication applications. The channel estimator (CE) employed by a reliable massive MIMO-OFDM system requires huge amount of overhead in the form of known and null data transmissions, hence limiting the system spectral efficiency (SE). Often, CE design is a tradeoff between SE and system reliability. In this paper, CE with three different overhead arrangements, namely time domain synchronous (TDS), comb type with cyclic prefix (CTCP), 2D grid type with cyclic prefix (GTCP) are investigated and a GTCP based CE is proposed which offers both high SE and improved system reliability. The proposed CE uses autocorrelation based denoising threshold for channel impulse response (CIR) estimation and does not require any knowledge of channel statistics (KCS). A 4 x 16 MIMO-OFDM system is simulated in a rayleigh fading channel environment with U-shaped doppler spectrum. From the bit error rate (BER) performance results inWiMax SUI-4, Advanced Television Technology Center (ATTC) and Brazil A channel environments, it is verified that the proposed CE with GTCP overhead and proposed denoising scheme, indeed improves both SE and system reliability. Hence it is suitable for application in all massive MIMO-OFDM systems.
Transactional Distance among Open University Students: How Does it Affect the Learning Process?
Authors: Kassandrinou Amanda , Angelaki Christina , Mavroidis Ilias 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This study examines the presence of transactional distance among students, the factors affecting it, as well as the way it influences the learning process of students in a blended distance learning setting in Greece. The present study involved 12 postgraduate students of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). A qualitative research was conducted, using information collected via individual semi-structured interviews. Content analysis of the gathered information provided evidence regarding the existence of student-student transactional distance for several reasons, such as geographical and relatively limited face to face interaction. The role of the tutor as well as of the course provider were also examined in this respect. Finally the study indicated that the existence of perceived transactional distance among the students has a negative effect on their learning process.
An Exploratory Study of Emotional Affordance of a Massive Open Online Course
Authors: Cheng Jeremy C.Y. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This exploratory study examines emotional affordance of a massive open online course (MOOC). Postings in a discussion forum of a MOOC in computer science are analysed following a research design informed by virtual ethnography. Emotional affordance is investigated, focusing on nonachievement emotions which are not directly linked to achievement activities or outcomes. The study identifies two non-achievement emotions in the MOOC. First, altruistic emotion evolves with the collaborative learning community and possibly compensates for teachers’ minimal emotional intervention in a large, diverse class. Second, intergenerational emotional resonance is observed and this bears a key implication on managing age diversity for the future MOOCs.
Virtual Class – An Appropriate Environment for Distance Learning Mathematics at an Open University
Authors: Hadjinicolaou Maria 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Distance learning at an Open University usually engages technology mediated teaching tools and learning environments that have been designed and developed during the last decades. Unlike the apparently governing social learning pedagogical point of view and the benefits of asynchronous e-learning platforms, the cognitive perspectives of education and the need for synchronous interaction between the tutor and the students as well as the students themselves, is decisive for the quality of attained knowledge. Open universities, traditionally, used to organize consultative group meetings aiming at the better understanding of concepts, the development of skills, the gaining of positive attitudes and finally the enhancement of knowledge. Tutors in mathematics courses face significant difficulties due to the students’ heterogeneous mathematical background and thus problems arise that may impede a lot the acquisition of knowledge. These problems must be also addressed in the group meetings and therefore the reconstruction of the pre-existing mathematical knowledge under a common basis and the acquisition of cognitive flexibility in handling mathematical concepts in different fields are two fundamental objectives of such meetings. Virtual classes provide the appropriate environment for achieving these aims, since they allow a qualitative dynamical, on-line communication among the members of a group.
Nigerian Students’ Perceptions and Cultural Meaning Construction regarding Academic Integrity in the Online International Classroom
Authors: Szilagyi Annamaria 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
By presenting perceptions of Nigerian students enrolled in the online international postgraduate programmes of the University of Liverpool regarding academic integrity, this paper aims to explore Western ideas, such as originality and plagiarism that are extraneous in the students’ local cultures. Different historical and cultural circumstances may contribute to the construction of diverse meanings that online students attribute to these concepts. The multidisciplinary study follows phenomenological research design (van Manen, 1997; Creswell, 2007) and combines cultural anthropology (Hall, 1996, Hannerz, 2001; Coleman et al., 2010) as well as online education (Anderson, 2008) in the research. The paper promotes a non-judgmental and culturally aware approach when dealing with issues of academic integrity, intends to find ideological reasons in authentic cultural belief systems that may demonstrate that the common ‘nonunderstanding’ concerning academic integrity is due to a culture-dependent meaning construction process, which leads to the ideological misinterpretation of these Western concepts.
What’s Your Experience With … ? C2C Communication Helps Sell Your Products
Authors: Adjei M. T. , Noble S. M. , Noble C. H. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Consumers increasingly use the internet for pre-purchase information gathering, and its online brand communities have become a valuable source of information. However, not only consumers benefit from the experience of other users; high-quality online conversation can also help companies. A study of two different online forums for high quality woodworking equipment showed that online brand communities were effective tools for influencing sales, regardless of whether these communities resided on company-owned or independently owned websites. Good consumer comments
– timely, relevant and detailed postings – reduced feelings of consumer uncertainty and, in turn, influenced customer purchase behavior in a positive way. The effect of communication quality on uncertainty reduction was stronger for complex products and when the respondents were perceived to be experts. These experts not only provided more valuable information to others but benefitted, in turn, more than novice users from the information provided. It seemed that people with higher expertise asked more specific questions about products and therefore received more specific and helpful replies. Results showed that the possible adverse effect of negative postings seems to be overestimated. Positive information shared by community members had a stronger influence on purchase behavior and was more influential than negative information – at least below a certain threshold. It is therefore advisable for companies to encourage online consumer communication.
To Zap or Not to Zap: How to Insert the Brand in TV Commercials to Minimize Avoidance
Authors: Teixeira Thales , Wedel Michel , Pieters Rik 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Vast sums of money are still spent on TV advertising. In an environment of rising perviewer rates for advertisers and increased skipping past ads by consumers it is necessary for advertising managers to understand the determinants of commercial avoidance. In order to optimize brand exposure they need information on how to best retain consumers’ attention from moment-to-moment during television advertising. This large-scale eye tracking study shows that the decision to zap or not to zap depends on how the brand is presented within the commercial. First, the ability of a commercial to concentrate consumers’ visual attention reduced avoidance significantly. Second, the likelihood that viewers will zap can be decreased with a “pulsing strategy” in which brand images are shown more frequently for a shorter period of time within the commercial instead of longer at the beginning or end.
A Closer Look at Emotional Intelligence in Marketing Exchange
Authors: Kidwell Blair , Hardesty David M. , Murtha Brian R. , Sheng Shibin 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Emotional intelligence (EI) is important in many business contexts. Knowing how sales professionals use emotions to facilitate positive outcomes for their firms, themselves and their customers is particularly important for managing marketing exchanges. To leverage EI it is necessary to accurately measure it. Existing scales are of limited value and therefore a new scale to measure EI in marketing exchange is presented here. It focuses on EI related abilities in the specific context of marketing exchange and effectively demonstrates how EI interacts with sales, customer orientation, the extent of influence of a sales rep in an encounter, customer retention and cognitive ability. The new tool helps to diagnose individual levels of marketing exchange EI. It can be very useful for employee selection and designing specific sales training in order to improve exchange relationships and interactions between buyers and sellers, in particular.
Do you Want to Be my “friend”? MONETARY VALUE OF WORD-OF-MOUTH MARKETING IN ONLINE COMMUNITIES
Authors: Trusov Michael , Bucklin Randolph E. , Pauwels Koen 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
How large and lasting are the effects of word-of-mouth (WOM) referrals versus paid marketing? What is the $ / € worth of a WOM-referral to an Internet social networking site? This study finds that word-of-mouth referrals have substantially longer carryover effects than traditional marketing actions. The long-run elasticity of WOM on site signups is 0.53; about 20 times higher than that of marketing events, and 30 times that of media appearances. Based on revenue from advertising impressions served to a new member of the site, the monetary value of a WOM referral is about $0.75 per year. By sending out 10 referrals, each network member thus brings in $7.50 to the firm; which represents the maximum reward the firm could consider to incentivize word-of-mouth referrals. Managers can use this approach and findings to benchmark metrics for both WOM and traditional marketing, to test changes in online WOM referral content, and to decide on the appropriate size of financial incentives to stimulate WOM.
Response Styles and how to Correct them
Authors: Weijters Bert , Geuens Maggie , Schillewaert Niels 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Cross-mode surveys are on the rise. Unfortunately, data obtained from different modes of data collection (e.g., telephone and online data) may not be comparable due to measurement bias, especially differences in acquiescence, disacquiescence, extreme and midpoint response styles. This article discusses a study that finds response style differences between data based on the same questionnaire, but obtained by different modes of data collection: paper-and-pencil questionnaires, telephone interviews, and online questionnaires. Similar problems may also occur in cross-national data. We propose a new method to measure response styles and correct for them: the representative indicators response style means and covariance structure (RIRSMACS) method
Creating Shopping Momentum
Authors: Dhar Ravi , Huber Joel , Khan Uzma 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
New research on consumer behavior throws light on what creates a mindset that leads customers to keep on shopping. What underlies shopping momentum is a shift from a deliberation mindset to one of implementation. In the deliberation mindset, the potential customer evaluates the pros and cons of a purchase, rather in the manner suggested by the theory of utility maximization.
However, once they have shifted to the implementation mindset, they are focused on purchasing - and this is just what they do. When they make the shift to an implementation mindset, they will carry on shopping without engaging their evaluative capacity until something intervenes to break the momentum.
Managing your Customer’s Tariff Choice: What to do when your Customers Pay too Much
Authors: Lambrecht Anja , Skiera Bernd 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Telecommunications companies traditionally offer several tariffs from which their customers can choose the tariff that best suits their preferences. Yet, customers sometimes make choices that are not optimal for them because they do not minimize their bill for a certain usage amount. We show in this paper that companies should be very concerned about choices in which customers pick tariffs that are too small for them because they lead to a significant increase in customers churn. In contrast, this is not the case if customers choose tariffs that are too big for them. The reason is that in particular flat-rates provide customers with the additional benefit that they guarantee a constant bill amount that consumption can be enjoyed more freely because all costs are already accounted for.
Parameter estimation of soil hydraulic and thermal property functions for unsaturated porous media using the HYDRUS-2D code
Authors: Nakhaei Mohammad , Šimůnek Jiří 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Knowledge of soil hydraulic and thermal properties is essential for studies involving the combined effects of soil temperature and water input on water flow and redistribution processes under field conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the parameters characterizing these properties from a transient water flow and heat transport field experiment. Real-time sensors built by the authors were used to monitor soil temperatures at depths of 40, 80, 120, and 160 cm during a 10-hour long ring infiltration experiment. Water temperatures and cumulative infiltration from a single infiltration ring were monitored simultaneously. The soil hydraulic parameters (the saturated water content θ s, empirical shape parameters α and n, and the saturated hydraulic conductivity Ks) and soil thermal conductivity parameters (coefficients b1, b2, and b3 in the thermal conductivity function) were estimated from cumulative infiltration and temperature measurements by inversely solving a two-dimensional water flow and heat transport using HYDRUS-2D. Three scenarios with a different, sequentially decreasing number of optimized parameters were considered. In scenario 1, seven parameters (θ s, Ks, α, n, b1, b2, and b3) were included in the inverse problem. The results indicated that this scenario does not provide a unique solution. In scenario 2, six parameters (Ks, α, n, b1, b2, and b3) were included in the inverse problem. The results showed that this scenario also results in a non-unique solution. Only scenario 3, in which five parameters (α, n, b1, b2, and b3) were included in the inverse problem, provided a unique solution. The simulated soil temperatures and cumulative infiltration during the ring infiltration experiment compared reasonably well with their corresponding observed values.
Key Problems of Creating the Airframe Durability / Kluczowe Problemy Kształtowania Trwałości Płatowca
Authors: Kustroń Kamila 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The paper proposes a selected key issues in the efficient formation of the airframe structure. The issues of concern design lifetime, manufacturing, command of the durability proposed in the accelerated tests and management of sustainability in the operation. A key importance is of the creating a durability of the airframe, which affects to choice materials and construction solutions. A key problem is modeling the system of exploitation and the inclusion of all the factors influencing the persistence in the aspect of aviation regulatory requirements. A key area influencing the prevention after air accidents, causes by loss of structural coherence of the airframe macroscopic structure. A key importance is the use of accelerated durability testing. A key issue is to determine if the concept of durability and viability are separate or similar in characteristics of durability. The key is to determine the diamonds of quality. A key importance is attributed to diagnostics, including integrated to airframe structure, defining a continuous condition of the aircraft through research pre-fault symptoms. These studies provide the knowledge which determines prevention activities.
Risk Management of Hazards for Route Between Ławica – Kobylnica – Bednary Airports / Ocena Ryzyka Zagrożeń Na Trasie Ławica-Kobylnica-Bednary
Authors: Merkisz Jerzy , Galant Marta 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The paper presents a risk management of hazards for route between Ławica - Kobylnica - Bednary airports. The evaluation was performed using a TRANS-RISK method. The authors introduced these airports, described the route and identified sources of hazards, risk and their consequences. To estimated the risk authors used risk assessment methodology - MICE SCORE. In summary, the identified risks are characterized by risk category defined as acceptable, tolerable or not acceptable.
Chosen Problems of Risk Management in Vicinity of Bridges in Respect to Ships Collisions / Problematyka Zarządzania Bezpieczeństwem W Rejonach Lokalizacji Mostowych W Aspekcie Zderzeń Jednostek Pływających
Authors: Gucma Lucjan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The paper presents several issues of risk management in respect to ship collisions with bridges. Accident statistics in Poland and around the world, risk acceptance problems and two case studies for probability assessment are presented
Numerical Modelling and Simulation of Road Crash Tests with the use of Advanced CAD/CAE Systems / Modelowanie Numeryczne I Symulacja Drogowych Testów Zderzeniowych Z Wykorzystaniem Zaawansowanych Systemów CAD/CAE
Authors: Niezgoda Tadeusz , Barnat Wiesław , Dziewulski Paweł , Kiczko Andrzej 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The paper presents the methodology of numerical modelling of road crash tests based on the selected vehicle-road barrier system using the possibilities of modern CAD /CAE computing systems for a numerical simulation process of the collision. Owing to these systems, thorough analysis of the process of collision, including the analysis of the stress and strain fields and energy consumption in the tested systems, is possible. It is possible to design and redesign virtually the barriers at a relatively low cost.
Apoptosis, Annexin A5 and Anti-Annexin A5 Antibodies in The Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Bećarević Mirjana , Ignjatović Svetlana , Majkić-Singh Nada 
Published: May 2018

Summary
It has been proposed that apoptosis is one of the mechanisms involved in the generation of antiphospholipid antibodies. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is the main laboratory criterion for a definite diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome. Annexinopathies are disorders characterized by deregulation of annexins expression levels and function. Annexin A5 has been used as an agent for molecular imaging techniques (visualization of phosphatidylserineexpressing apoptotic cells) in vitro and in vivo in animal models and in patients (injection of human recombinant anxA5 into the patient‘s circulation). Although the determination of titers of anti-annexin A5 antibodies is not mandatory for the diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome, it was reported that patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome with a history of recurrent abortions had elevated titers of antiannexin A5 antibodies, while the presence of thromboses was not associated with elevated levels of these antibodies
The learning teacher: role of ambiguity in education
Authors: Suzawa Gilbert S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Life is full of ambiguities, but as teachers we generally try to teach our students in a manner that sanitizes knowledge of all of its ambiguities. In doing so, we create an educational environment which forces students to learn in a rather meaningless fashion and this in turn leads to a lack of vitality and relevance within the academy. This need not be the case. As teachers, we should reflect on the epistemological foundations of our theories of learning and teaching and to closely examine how our teaching devices and techniques adhere to our theories. Furthermore, we need to be receptive to making any changes in our theories and teaching practice that may be warranted by the critical and creative thinking process that we apply to our professional activities. This paper attempts to guide readers through such a reflexive thinking process by trying to loosely establish a relationship between the deep concept of ambiguity (uncertainty) and some of our theories of learning via the acceptance of the view that the ultimate foundation of all human knowledge is ambiguity. We create and establish the meaning of all of our knowledge via a process of self-referencing logos. An implication of the application of self-referencing logic is the notion that a teacher can simultaneously learn and teach (“the learning teacher”). Thus, this can serve as the basis for developing the model of the “reflexive practitioner” in the teaching profession.
Value Engineering Applications For Managing Sustainable Intermodal Transportation Infrastructure Assets
Authors: Uddin Waheed 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Frequent gridlocks and traffic jams during the periods of rush hours can result in long user delays and more vehicle emissions causing continuous degradation of air quality. The builtinfrastructure of densely populated cities and intercity travel by passenger and freight traffic lead to significant adverse impacts of traffic congestion on air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and global warming. Transportation contributes 28% of energy related greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. This paper shows that traffic related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are higher per capita for several rural and smaller cities compared to large urban areas in the United States. Inadequate use of mass transit, urban sprawl, construction of more roads and traditional stop-controlled intersections, and addition of more lanes to increase traffic capacity and ease congestion, are primary causes of significant vehicle emission inventory of CO2 and air quality degradation. It is shown that sustainable traffic management policies, such as reduction of work-related travel by cars and more use of mass transit modes, can decrease CO2 emissions. Case studies of value engineering applications are presented to select cost-effective less polluting mass transport strategies based on economic evaluation of life cycle costs and benefits.