bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consumer perspectives about mobile banking adoption in India – a cluster analysis
Authors: Chawla Deepak , Joshi Himanshu 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify which factors influence mobile banking adoption and examine those factors for segmentation, using a sample of Indian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 59 statements were identified based on a literature review, focus group discussions and personal interviews. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the relevant factors. An online survey of 367 mobile phone users in India was conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. Appropriate statistical techniques (hierarchical cluster analysis, k-means cluster analysis) were used to segment the users. A profile of each segment was developed based on demographics, mobile banking services used, and attitude and intentions toward mobile banking. Further, a post hoc test was used to test the variation between the obtained clusters and user attitudes and intentions toward mobile banking. The demographic characteristics of users within each cluster were also examined.

Findings
Mobile users were segmented into three clusters based on their perceptions of various factors influencing mobile banking. These segments were labeled as technology adoption (TA) leaders, TA followers and TA laggards. The results show that both attitude and intentions toward mobile banking significantly differs across the three segments. In terms of relative positioning, TA leaders have the most favorable attitudes and intentions followed by TA followers, and TA laggards. Age was found to significantly influence TA and usage.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of the study are based on responses from young, educated and salaried Indian consumers from large metro cities. Therefore, it is important to include respondents from smaller cities and towns to be able to generalize the findings. The sample is skewed toward users having accounts with private banks and hence, a balanced representation of respondents from public and private sector banks would help in identifying gaps pertaining to each sector. In future research, attempting to compare the results with other developing and developed countries may be beneficial.

Practical implications
The results offer service providers better knowledge about typical mobile banking user segments, providing banks with ideas for customizing their services to meet customer expectations.

Originality/value
This paper provides insights into factors that influence mobile banking adoption in India, which has not been investigated. In contrast to earlier studies conducted on internet banking, this study attempts to examine the perceptions, attitudes and intentions of mobile users. Although traditional TA models and theories of technology diffusion have been used, this study attempts to tailor the model specifically for mobile banking.
The role of positioning in the retail banking industry of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Blankson Charles , Ketron Seth , Darmoe Joseph 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate employment of positioning strategies in the retail bank sector of Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically using Ghana as the study context. In addition, it explores the applicability of western-based typology of positioning strategies in the Sub-Saharan African environment.

Design/methodology/approach
Six retail banks – three national and three foreign – are studied, each through an in-depth case study method: covert and participant observation techniques; and face-to-face interviews of chief executive officers, marketing managers, and bank branch managers provided data for the study.

Findings
The results show that the “service” positioning strategy is the most popular strategy employed by retail banks. “Value for money,” “attractiveness,” “brand name,” and “country of origin” positioning strategies are also dominant. “Top of the range” and “selectivity” strategies are minimally pursued by the sample of banks studied. The results reveal that both foreign and national retail banks employ multiple positioning strategies in the face of competition. However, foreign retail banks consistently employ a; large number of strategies relative to national retail banks. This paper supports the applicability of a western-derived set of positioning strategies in the Sub-Saharan African marketplace.

Research limitations/implications
This study closes a gap in the understanding of positioning, as well as filling the empirical gap in the application of positioning. In addition, it helps resolve a contextual gap of knowledge in Sub-Saharan Africa’s retail banking sector.

Originality/value
This study responds to Porter (1996), Clancy and Trout (2002), and Knox (2004) for continued empirical research in positioning in service industries and specifically in Sub-Saharan African economies (Coffie, 2014, 2016; Coffie and Owusu-Frimpong, 2014). Moreover, this research adds value to the banking and marketing literatures through a qualitative case study method, which is an important yet overlooked research method (Yin, 2009).
Consumer adoption of m-banking: a behavioral reasoning theory perspective
Authors: Gupta Anil , Arora Neelika 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative influence of “reasons for” and “reasons against” adoption of mobile banking (m-banking) among Indian consumers.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the framework of behavioral reasoning theory (BRT), hypothesized relationships between values, reasoning constructs, attitude and intentions were developed. The hypotheses were tested using a representative sample of data obtained from Indian banking consumers (n=379). Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the data.

Findings
The findings indicate that both “reasons for” and “reasons against” have an influence on m-banking adoption. Among the “reasons for” m-banking adoption, ubiquitous is the major determinant, and among the “reasons against” m-banking adoption, tradition barrier is the major determinant. The findings also confirm that value of “openness to change” significantly influences reasons for adoption and has no impact on reasons against and attitude toward m-banking.

Research limitations/implications
This study examines customers in only one context (i.e. India). Future research can examine samples in other countries so that the results can be generalized. Also the mediating role of demographic factors can be studied in future studies to predict m-banking adoption.

Practical implications
The findings of this study emphasize the importance of examining both the pro-adoption and anti-adoption factors while developing marketing strategy. This study confirms that m-banking adoption can be increased if managers attempt to minimize the effect of barriers of m-banking adoption.

Originality/value
This is the first study to examine m-banking adoption using BRT, which investigates the reasons for and reasons against m-banking adoption in a single framework.
Factors influencing undergraduate students’ acceptance of a haptic interface for learning gross anatomy
Authors: Yeom Soonja , Choi-Lundberg Derek L. , Fluck Andrew Edward , Sale Arthur 
Published: April 2017

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate factors influencing undergraduate students’ acceptance of a computer-aided learning resource using the Phantom Omni haptic stylus to enable rotation, touch and kinaesthetic feedback and display of names of three-dimensional (3D) human anatomical structures on a visual display.Design/methodology/approachThe software was developed using the software development life cycle, and was tested by students enrolled in various bachelor degrees at three stages of development within the technology acceptance model, action research and design research methodology frameworks, using mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis.FindingsThe learning system was generally well-accepted, with usefulness (72 ± 18, mean ± standard deviation, 0-100 visual analogue scale) rated higher (p< 0.001) than ease of use (57 ± 22). Ease of use ratings declined across the three versions as modules were added and complexity increased. Students with prior experience with 3D interfaces had higher intention to use the system, and scored higher on identification of anatomical structures. Students with greater kinaesthetic learning preferences tended to rate the system higher. Haptic feedback was considered the best aspect of the system, but students wanted higher spatial resolution and lower response times.Originality/valuePrevious research relating to haptic devices in medical and health sciences has largely focused on advanced trainees learning surgical or procedural skills. The present research suggests that incorporating haptic feedback into virtual anatomical models may provide useful multisensory information in learning anatomy at the undergraduate level.
Affect-based adaptation of an applied video game for educational purposes
Authors: Bontchev Boyan , Vassileva Dessislava 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to clarify how affect-based adaptation can improve implicit recognition of playing style of individuals during game sessions. This study presents the “Rush for Gold” game using dynamic difficulty adjustment of tasks based on both player performance and affectation inferred through electrodermal activity and facial expressions of the player. The game applies linear regression for calculating playing styles to be applied for achieving a style-based adaptation in other educational video games.

Design/methodology/approach
The experimental procedure included subject selection, demonstration, informed consent procedure, two game sessions in random order – one without and another with affective adaptation control – and post-game self-report. The experiment was conducted with participation of 30 master students and university lecturers in informatics.

Findings
This study presents experimental results concerning the impact of affective adaptation over playing style recognition, game session time, task’s effectiveness, efficiency and difficulty and, as well, player’s assessment of affectively adaptive gameplay obtained by an adaptation control panel embedded into the game and by post-game self-report.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed adaptive game limits recognised styles to such based on the Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory model. Another limitation of the study is the relatively small number of participants constrained by the extended experimental procedure and the desktop game version.

Originality/value
The paper presents an original research on the effect of affect-based adaptation on a novel approach for implicit recognition of playing styles.
Video lectures in e-learning
Authors: Costley Jamie , Lange Christopher Henry 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
Because student viewership of video lectures serves as an important aspect of e-learning environments, video lectures should be delivered in a way that enhances the learning experience. The delivery of video lectures through diverse forms of media is a useful approach, which may have an effect on student learning, satisfaction, engagement and interest (LSEI), as well as future behavioral intentions (FBI). Furthermore, research has shown the value that LSEI has on learner achievement within online courses, as well as its value in regards to student intention to continue learning in such courses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between media diversity, LSEI and FBI in hopes of enhancing the e-learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach
This study surveyed a group of students (n = 88) who participated in cyber university classes in South Korea to investigate the correlations between media diversity and lecture viewership, effects of lecture viewership on LSEI and FBI, effects of media diversity on LSEI and FBI as well as the correlation between LSEI and FBI.

Findings
Results show no relationship between media diversity and viewership. Both lecture viewership and media diversity were positively correlated with LSEI. However, neither media diversity nor viewership was positively correlated with FBI. Finally, LSEI was positively correlated with FBI.

Originality/value
This paper looks at how video lectures affect LSEI. Past research has generally looked at learning, satisfaction, engagement and interest as separate entities that are affected by instructional aspects of online learning. Because of their interrelationships with each other, this study combines them as one construct, making a stronger case for their combined association.
Investigation on influence of speed on rolling resistance of belt conveyor based on viscoelastic property of rubber
Authors: Yan Lu , Fu-Yan Lin 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
As indentation rolling resistance accounts for the major part of the total resistance of belt conveyors, the purpose of this paper is to compute it using a proper method.

Design/methodology/approach
First, an approximate formula for computing indentation rolling resistance is offered. In this formula, a one-dimensional Winkler foundation and a three-parameter viscoelastic Maxwell solid model of the belt backing material are used to determine the resistance to the motion of a conveyor belt over idlers. The velocity of the belt is an important operating parameter in the working conditions of the belt conveyor. What is more, a set of experimental apparatus which can measure the value of indentation rolling resistance is designed.

Findings
With the help of the experimental apparatus, the authors obtained a series of measured data under different belt speeds. Finally, a computation example that is provided for a typical rubber compound backing material shows the comparison between measured results and theoretical results which offers the influence of speed on rolling resistance.

Originality/value
This study provides the design of an apparatus, and finds the relationship between belt speed and indentation rolling resistance.
Environmental performance assessment (EPA): a case study in a graphic company
Authors: Rebelato Marcelo Girotto , Saran Luciana Maria , Paulino Thiago Pereira , Rodrigues Andréia Marize 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a case report involving environmental performance analysis of a big Brazilian graphic company.

Design/methodology/approach
An “environmental performance indicator” (Iepa) was developed, which is calculated taking into consideration the weighting of potential environmental impact of each residue/sub-product generated, the relative spatial dispersion which each residue/sub-product can reach and adequacy evaluation of final allocation accomplished by the company for each residue/sub-product.

Findings
Despite the evidence that the corporations emit gases generated by the burning of volatile organic compounds to the atmosphere, the result obtained is favorable to enterprise, largely, due to the adequate allocation given to industrial effluent, which is the waste with the largest share on Iepa (50.2 percent). Industrial effluent is collected by a company licensed by Environmental Sanitation Company of the state of São Paulo, which is an environmentally adequate practice. The result of Iepa=90.8 percent is explained by the large amount of CO2 emitted by the operations into the atmosphere throughout the year.

Practical implications
The method used can be applied to measure the environmental impact generated by any business of a graphic service sector.

Originality/value
The authors observed, in the specialized literature, a small number of works dealing with the environmental management of graphic sector companies, as well as methodologies for assessing the environmental performance of companies through environmental performance indicators. The originality of the work is in the developed method, which takes into account: the potential impact of each residue/sub-product generated; the amount of each residue/sub-product generated in a given time period; the dispersion that each residue/sub-product can attain; and the evaluation of eventual allocation of each residue/sub-product.
The relationship between financial attributes, environmental performance and environmental disclosure
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Bouri Abdelfettah 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
An increasing number of business organizations around the world are engaged in the accounting reporting on non-financial performance aspects, mainly within the field of environmental responsibility. The purpose of this paper is to assess the association between environmental disclosure and environmental performance and examine the financial attributes of companies using a composite disclosure index to investigate the status of the environmental disclosure practices of the top 40 companies operating in France.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample used in this study consists of the 40 largest companies operating in France (index CAC 40).

Findings
The findings of the study show that environmental disclosure is positively associated to environmental performance. Financial attributes, such as firm size, the need for capital, profitability and capital spending, are positively associated with environmental disclosure quality. Equally, a high quality of environmental disclosure will reflect the effectiveness of corporate governance and would tend to face fewer difficulties in accessing capital markets. The authors found that firms revealed on healthcare and gas oil business sector disclose more environmental information than other industries.

Originality/value
A web-based search was performed during the fourth quarter of 2014, locating the corporate websites of the sample firms. The sample period is 2011-2013 (108 firm-year observations).
Modeling and prediction of octanol/water partition coefficient of pesticides using QSPR methods
Authors: Bouakkadia Amel , Lourici Leila , Messadi Djelloul 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to predict the octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) of 43 organophosphorous compounds.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative structure-property relationship analysis was performed on a series of 43 pesticides using multiple linear regression and support vector machines methods, which correlate the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) values of these chemicals to their structural descriptors. At first, the data set was randomly separated into a training set (34 chemicals) and a test set (nine chemicals) for statistical external validation.

Findings
Models with three descriptors were developed using theoretical descriptors as independent variables derived from Dragon software while applying genetic algorithm-variable subset selection procedure.

Originality/value
The robustness and the predictive performance of the proposed linear model were verified using both internal and external statistical validation. One influential point which reinforces the model and an outlier were highlighted.
A ‘striking’ relationship: scorpion defensive behaviour and its relation to morphology and performance
Authors: Coelho Pedro , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni , Rasko Mykola , van der Meijden Arie 
Published: April 2017

SummaryLike many other venomous organisms, scorpions use their venom in defence against predators. Scorpions apply their venomous stinger by extending the caudal part of the body, the metasoma, forward towards the attacker. There are considerable differences in metasoma morphology among scorpion species, and these may afford differences in defensive strike performance.We investigated the movement trajectory and kinematics of the defensive strike in seven species of scorpions, and how these variables are related to each other, and to morphology.We recorded defensive strikes using high‐speed video, and reconstructed the trajectory of the telson. From these trajectories, we calculated velocity, acceleration and other kinematic variables. To compare strike trajectory shapes, we used geometric morphometrics.We have shown that the defensive strike differs in trajectory shape, speed, path length and duration between scorpion species. Body size is also an important factor affecting strike characteristics. Relative metasoma length and girth may also influence strike performance, as well as strike trajectory shape. Strikes with different trajectories have different kinematic properties: those with open trajectory shapes attain higher speeds.Our results show that performance differences in defensive behaviour between different scorpion species may be partly mediated by morphology, binding together phenotypic, functional and behavioural diversity.Alay summaryis available for this article.
Multi‐modal defences in aphids offer redundant protection and increased costs likely impeding a protective mutualism
Authors: Martinez Adam J. , Doremus Matthew R. , Kraft Laura J. , Kim Kyungsun L. , Oliver Kerry M. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, maintains extreme variation in resistance to its most common parasitoid wasp enemy, Aphidius ervi, which is sourced from two known mechanisms: protective bacterial symbionts, most commonly Hamiltonella defensa, or endogenously encoded defences. We have recently found that individual aphids may employ each defence individually, occasionally both defences together, or neither.

In field populations, Hamiltonella‐infected aphids are found at low to moderate frequencies and while less is known about the frequency of resistant genotypes, they show up less often than susceptible genotypes in field collections. To better understand these patterns, we sought to compare the strengths and costs of both types of defence, individually and together, in order to elucidate the selective pressures that maintain multi‐modal defence mechanisms or that may favour one over the other.

We experimentally infected five aphid genotypes (two lowly and three highly resistant), each with two symbiont strains, Hamiltonella‐APSE8 (moderate protection) and Hamiltonella‐APSE3 (high protection). This resulted in three sublines per genotype: uninfected, +APSE8 and +APSE3. Each of the 15 total sublines was first subjected to a parasitism assay to determine its resistance phenotype and in a second experiment, a subset was chosen to compare fitness (fecundity and survivorship) in the presence and absence of parasitism.

In susceptible aphid genotypes, parasitized sublines infected with Hamiltonella generally showed increased protection with direct fitness benefits, but clear infection costs to fitness in the absence of parasitism. In resistant genotypes, Hamiltonella infection rarely conferred additional protection, often further reduced fecundity and survivorship when enemy challenged, and resulted in constitutive fitness costs in the absence of parasitism. We also identified strong aphid genotype × symbiont–strain interactions, such that the best defensive strategy against parasitoids varied for each aphid genotype; one performed best with no protective symbionts, the others with particular strains of Hamiltonella.

This surprising variability in outcomes helps explain why Hamiltonella infection frequencies are often intermediate and do not strongly track parasitism frequencies in field populations. We also find that variation in endogenous traits, such as resistance, among host genotypes may offer redundancy and generally limit the invasion potential of mutualistic microbes in insects.