bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How mode of delivery affects comprehension of an operations management simulation
Authors: Riley Jason M. , Ellegood William A. , Solomon Stanislaus , Baker Jerrine 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
This study aims to understand how mode of delivery, online versus face-to-face, affects comprehension when teaching operations management concepts via a simulation. Conceptually, the aim is to identify factors that influence the students’ ability to learn and retain new concepts.

Design/methodology/approach
Leveraging Littlefield Technologies’ simulation, the study investigates how team interaction, team leadership, instructor’s guidance, simulation’s ease of use and previous software experience affects comprehension for both online and face-to-face teaching environments. Survey data were gathered from 514 undergraduate students. The data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings
For the face-to-face population, this study found that team interaction, previous software experience, instructor’s guidance and simulation’s ease of use affected student comprehension. This differed from the online population who were only affected by the simulation’s ease of use and instructor’s guidance.

Originality/value
Understanding how the mode of delivery affects comprehension is important as educators develop new online teaching techniques and experiment with innovative technologies like simulation. As demand for online education grows, many instructors find they need to refine their methods to ensure students comprehend the concepts being taught regardless of modality.
Factors influencing students’ adoption of e-learning: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Tarhini Ali , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Al-Busaidi Kamla Ali , Mohammed Ashraf Bany , Maqableh Mahmoud 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThis research aims to examine the factors that may hinder or enable the adoption of e-learning systems by university students.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework was developed through extending the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, habit, social influence, price value and facilitating conditions) by incorporating two additional factors, namely, trust and self-efficacy. Data were collected from students at two universities in England using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey between January and March 2015.FindingsThe results showed that behavioral intention (BI) was significantly influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, habit, hedonic motivation, self-efficacy, effort expectancy and trust, in their order of influencing the strength and explained 70.6 per cent of the variance in behavioral intention. Contrary to expectations, facilitating conditions and price value did not have an influence on behavioral intention.Originality/valueThe aforementioned factors are considered critical in explaining technology adoption but, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has been no study in which all these factors were modeled together. Therefore, this study will contribute to the literature related to social networking adoption by integrating all these variables and the first to be tested in the UK universities.
Examining customers’ continuance intentions towards internet banking usage
Authors: Ofori Kwame Simpe , Boateng Henry , Okoe Abednego Feehi , Gvozdanovic Igor 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that affect continuance intention towards internet banking usage using the institutional trust theory.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 481 internet banking users from a bank in Ghana using a questionnaire. The respondents were internet banking users. Data were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling.

Findings
The results from the analysis revealed that information quality, service quality, privacy and security concerns were significant predictors of both trust and satisfaction. Structural assurance and situational normality were also found to significantly affect trust. Other factors that were found to be significant of continuance intention included satisfaction and trust.

Originality/value
Studies investigating customers’ continuance intention towards internet banking usage using the institutional trust theory in an emerging economy like Ghana is rare. Hence, this study provides a model for banks operating in Ghana to understand internet banking customers’ continuance intention towards internet banking usage.
Buenas Diaz – status quo or pivot!
Authors: Hudson Monika , Ohara Frank 
Published: September 2017

Synopsis
The family matriarch dies without a written succession plan, leaving her children to determine how to cope with the continuity of the family’s expanding food empire. This becomes increasingly difficult when one of the siblings wants to incur expensive, yet required, renovations to the family’s original restaurant. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the two older siblings are focused on corporate expansion efforts, while the youngest is trying to demonstrate her competence in running the family’s historical restaurant. A central focus of the case is to understand and identify effective strategies that should guide the firm-related choices each sibling makes.

Research methodology
This case, which was developed from field interviews and personal experience, highlights the array of competing financial and personal objectives and tensions involved in a family business. An interactive tool allows users to conduct multiple scenario analyses to determine if the company’s manufacturing expansion goals can be achieved while simultaneously honoring the family’s restaurant roots.

Relevant courses and levels
This case was designed specifically for the undergraduate junior or senior business or economics student who has already taken basic finance, economics, strategy, entrepreneurship, or psychology courses. Typically, by the third or fourth year of study in a traditional undergraduate program, virtually all of the core themes, concepts, theses, and theories associated with the case have been addressed in previous business or economics coursework.

Theoretical bases
The case provides an intentional opportunity for students to demonstrate their emerging financial analysis competencies, while concurrently synthesizing the so-called “soft” skills associated with rational decision making, organizational behavior analysis, business strategy, entrepreneurship, and negotiations.
Jessica’s dilemma: competing loyalties
Authors: Rua Tuvana , Lawter Leanna , Andreassi Jeanine , York Christopher 
Published: September 2017

Synopsis
“Jessica’s dilemma: honesty or loyalty” is the true story of a Staff Accountant, Jessica, who discovered embezzlement by the controller, Michael. Jessica worked at a US subsidiary of a multinational organization. One of the company’s vendors contacted Jessica regarding unpaid invoices. Following up on the inquiry, Jessica found suspicious manual journal entries in the general ledger. When she questioned her boss, Michael, about her findings, he first denied the situation, then blamed another employee, and ultimately tried to intimidate Jessica so that she would not press the issue. Jessica’s investigation led to the discovery that Michael had been embezzling money from the company. To complicate matters, Jessica and her husband had a close relationship with Michael and his wife outside the office. Jessica had to make a choice between being loyal to a family friend and being honest and loyal toward her employer.

Research methodology
The authors obtained the information for this case from the staff accountant and her husband via a series of interviews. The information was verified via publicly available news articles on the presented case. Additionally, legal documents, which were publicly available, were also used for information. The name of the company and the names of the individuals in the case were changed to protect the identities and privacy of the involved parties.

Relevant courses and levels
An instructor can use this case in business ethics, introductory management, human resource law or accounting courses targeting undergraduate or introductory MBA students. This case is best used in the beginning of the suggested courses, as the instructor introduces ethical dilemmas, ethical frameworks, and stakeholder theory. The case is designed so that students do not need a background in business or business ethics to be able to successfully complete the case analysis. Additionally, the case provides a platform to discuss the differences in an ethical vs an unethical manager and how to respond to such a situation.

Theoretical bases
Many employees are afraid to report ethical wrongdoing to upper management, or to engage in ethical dissent. When upper management is receptive to reports of wrongdoing, ethical dissent within the organization to upper-level management has more organizational benefits than when the issue is shared with coworkers or external agencies. This is because upper management has the power to make a difference in the situation and may be able to keep the situation within the organization to eliminate possible reputation problems for the organization. The presented case can be utilized to discuss the importance of feeling safe in an organization as it pertains to reporting wrongdoing within the organization and how organizational culture and leadership can enhance or diminish that feeling.
Social entrepreneurship with vedic wisdom
Authors: Madan Pankaj 
Published: September 2017

Synopsis
The case illustrates the social entrepreneurial journey of Ramdev who developed Patanjali Yogpeeth as a successful enterprise that provides low-cost physical and mental treatment through the ancient science of yoga. The case provides a perspective on the reasons for the success of Patanjali as a social brand in such a small time scale and also addresses the controversies associated with it.

Research methodology
Using secondary sources, the study describes the philosophy, infrastructure, innovations, marketing and promotional practices of the organization. It also seeks answers to the challenges faced by the social entrepreneur to fulfill his social mission.

Relevant courses and levels
The case is best suited for courses on entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship and marketing of non-profit organization in both MBA and executive programs. Students who have an interest in starting their own venture or social enterprise will find it more relevant and interesting.
The role of visual saliency in the automation of seismic interpretation
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad Amir , Alshawi Tariq , Long Zhiling , AlRegib Ghassan 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we propose a workflow based on SalSi for the detection and delineation of geological structures such as salt domes. SalSi is a seismic attribute designed based on the modelling of human visual system that detects the salient features and captures the spatial correlation within seismic volumes for delineating seismic structures. Using this attribute we cannot only highlight the neighbouring regions of salt domes to assist a seismic interpreter but also delineate such structures using a region growing method and post‐processing. The proposed delineation workflow detects the salt‐dome boundary with very good precision and accuracy. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed workflow on a real seismic dataset acquired from the North Sea, F3 block. For the subjective evaluation of the results of different salt‐dome delineation algorithms, we have used a reference salt‐dome boundary interpreted by a geophysicist. For the objective evaluation of results, we have used five different metrics based on pixels, shape, and curvedness to establish the effectiveness of the proposed workflow. The proposed workflow is not only fast but also yields better results as compared with other salt‐dome delineation algorithms and shows a promising potential in seismic interpretation.
Specific leaf area predicts dryland litter decomposition via two mechanisms
Authors: Liu Guofang , Wang Lei , Jiang Li , Pan Xu , Huang Zhenying , Dong Ming , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Litter decomposition plays important roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. In dryland, both microbial decomposition and abiotic degradation (by UV light or other forces) drive variation in decomposition rates, but whether and how litter traits and position determine the balance between these processes is poorly understood.

We investigated relationships between litter quality and their decomposition rates among diverse plant species in a desert ecosystem in vertically contrasting positions representing distinct decomposition environments driven by different relative contributions of abiotic and microbial degradation. Thereto, leaf litter samples from 17 desert species were sealed into litterbags and placed on the soil surface under strong solar exposure vs. shade conditions, or buried in the soil at 10 cm depth, for a whole year.

Litter decomposition rates were 21% and 17% higher in burial and light‐exposed treatments, respectively, than those in shade. Leaf traits, i.e. specific leaf area (SLA), litter C:N ratio and lignin concentration could predict litter decomposition to some degree, but their predictive power was dependent on litter position. However, multiple linear regressions showed that SLA, litter C and P significantly affected k values for leaf litter decomposition besides litter position, with SLA standing out as a strong determinant of litter decomposition rate as related either to solar radiation or the environment below the soil surface. Furthermore, the interspecific differences in litter decomposition rates decreased over time, implying that afterlife effects of leaf traits on decomposition were attenuated.

Synthesis. These findings suggest that abiotic photodegradation and soil burial mediated microbial decomposition could be responsible for higher than expected litter turnover in dryland. They point to a dual role of specific leaf area (SLA) as a promotor of decomposition rates: via relative exposure of the leaf surface to abiotic factors such as UV light vs. to soil moisture and microbes under soil burial.
Responses of microbial decomposers to drought in streams may depend on the environmental context
Authors: Duarte Sofia , Mora‐Gómez Juanita , Romaní Anna M. , Cássio Fernanda , Pascoal Cláudia 
Published: September 2017

SummaryA consequence of drought in streams is the emersion of decomposing leaf litter, which may alter organic matter recycling. We assessed the effects of emersion on decomposition of black poplar leaves and associated microbes (microbial biomass, extracellular enzyme activities and microbial diversity) in two streams with distinct characteristics, in particular nutrients, temperature and oxygen levels. Leaf decomposition rates, fungal biomass and extracellular enzyme activities were lower in the most impacted stream (high nutrients and temperature, low oxygen). Also, the structure of fungal and bacterial communities differed between streams. Emersion strongly affected all microbial functional measures. Leaf decomposition, fungal biomass and extracellular enzyme activities were more sensitive at the most pristine site, while fungal reproduction and bacterial biomass production were more affected by emersion at the most impacted stream. Microbial community structure was strongly altered after emersion. Although similar effects on leaf‐associated microbes were found in both streams, functional responses to emersion differed probably as a consequence of different initial microbial communities with different sensitivity to the drying stress. Our study highlights the need of understanding the effects of drought in streams suffering from different environmental perturbations, since responses to emersion appear to depend on the environmental context.
Rapid response team patients triaged to remain on ward despite deranged vital signs: missed opportunities?
Authors: Tirkkonen J. , Kontula T. , Hoppu S. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundRapid response teams (RRTs) triage most patients to stay on ward, even though some of them have deranged vital signs according to RRTs themselves. We investigated the prevalence and outcome of this RRT patient cohort.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in a Finnish tertiary referral centre, Tampere University Hospital. Data on RRT activations were collected between 1 May 2012 and 30 April 2015. Vital signs of patients triaged to stay on ward without treatment limitations were classified according to objective RRT trigger criteria observed during the reviews.ResultsDuring the study period, 860 patients had their first RRT review and were triaged to stay on ward. Of these, 564 (66%) had deranged vital signs, while 296 (34%) did not. RRT patients with deranged vital signs were of comparable age and comorbidity index as stable patients. Even though the patients with deranged vital signs had received RRT interventions, such as fluids and medications, more often than the stable patients, they required new RRT reviews more often and had higher in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality. Moreover, the former group had substantially higher 1‐year mortality than the latter (37% vs. 29%, P = 0.014). In a multivariate regression analysis, deranged vital signs during RRT review was found to be independently associated with 30‐day mortality (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.12–2.70).ConclusionPatients triaged to stay on ward despite deranged vital signs are high‐risk patients who could benefit from routine follow‐up by RRT nurses before they deteriorate beyond salvation.
Real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressure at the needle tip for peripheral nerve blocks: description of a new method
Authors: Quadri C. , Saporito A. , Capdevila X. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe measurement of injection pressure during the performance of peripheral nerve blocks can be pivotal to detect intraneural placement of the needle tip and thus avoid intrafascicular injection. However, injection pressure can only be measured along the injection line (tubing), which is influenced by several factors. The primary aim of this feasibility study was to describe and validate the principle of a novel nerve‐block needle conceived for real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressures at the needle tip. Our secondary aim was to provide measurements and compare injection pressure values at the needle tip and in the injection line. Four porcine lower limb anatomic models were prepared and extraneural injections were performed with fractioned boluses of 2 ml saline at a controlled infusion rate of 10 ml.min−1 (0.16 ml.s−1). Injection pressure at the needle tip was monitored and compared with the pressure in the injection line. The system proved to be reliable. Thirty injections were successfully performed without technical failures. The mean (95%CI) difference between pressures at the needle tip and the injection line varied substantially from 14.33 (12.58–16.08) kPa at 0.5 ml injected volume to 41.56 (39.66–43.45) kPa at the end of the injection. This study demonstrates that the described system allows for real‐time continuous monitoring of injection pressure at the needle tip. Moreover, this study shows that injection pressure values measured in the injection line cannot be assumed to be a reliable indicator of the injection pressure at the needle tip.
Comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma
Authors: Yang C. , Guo W.‐b. , Zhang W.‐s. , Bian J. , Yang J.‐k. , Zhou Q.‐z. , Chen M.‐k. , Peng W. , Qi T. , Wang C.‐y. , Liu C.‐d. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryExosomes are membranous nanovesicles of endocytic origin that carry and transfer regulatory bioactive molecules and mediate intercellular communication between cells and tissues. Although seminal exosomes have been identified in human seminal plasma, their exact composition and possible physiologic function remain unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive proteomics analysis of exosomes derived from human seminal plasma. Seminal exosomes were isolated and purified from 12 healthy donors using a 30% sucrose cushion‐based exosome‐isolation protocol, followed by characterization by western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis before performing extensive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. The identified proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, and seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were selectively validated by western blot. A total of 1474 proteins were identified in all seminal exosomes samples, with Gene Ontology analysis demonstrating that these identified seminal exosomes‐associated proteins were mostly linked to ‘exosomes,’ ‘cytoplasm,’ and ‘cytosol.’ Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these proteins were mainly involved in biologic processes, including metabolism, energy pathways, protein metabolism, cell growth and maintenance, and transport. Of these identified proteins, PHGDH, LGALS3BP, SEMG1, ACTB, GAPDH, and the exosomal‐marker protein ALIX were validated by western blot. This study provided a more comprehensive description of the seminal exosomes proteome and could also be a resource for further screening of biomarkers and comparative proteomics studies, including those associated with male infertility and prostate cancer.
Autism, theory of mind, and the reactive attitudes
Authors: Richman Kenneth A. , Bidshahri Raya 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWhether to treat autism as exculpatory in any given circumstance appears to be influenced both by models of autism and by theories of moral responsibility. This article looks at one particular combination of theories: autism as theory of mind challenges and moral responsibility as requiring appropriate experience of the reactive attitudes. In pursuing this particular combination of ideas, we do not intend to endorse them. Our goal is, instead, to explore the implications of this combination of especially prominent ideas about autism and about moral responsibility. These implications can be quite serious and practical for autists and those who interact directly with autists, as well as for broader communities as they attend to the fair, compassionate, and respectful treatment of increasing numbers of autistic adults. We find that these theories point to a limited range of situations in which autists should not be blamed for transgressive actions for which neurotypical individuals should be blamed. We build on what others have written on these issues by bringing in a recent cognitive model of the role theory of mind plays in empathy, by discussing the social implications of the theoretical findings, and by raising questions about the compatibility of reactive attitude theories of moral responsibility with the neurodiversity approach to autism.