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Spaces Of Progress And The Challenge Of “Mindfulness” In A Postcolonial World, M. Satish Kumar

Midwest Social Sciences Journal

Progress implied both change and improvement in the colonial and postcolonial world. Such a concept of progress came to be enshrined in specific geographical places. The notions of development and underdevelopment in the postcolonial context thereafter supplanted this idea. Over time, while the structures of colonial domination dissolved, those of embedded regional inequalities came to be deeply entrenched, thereby urging for Thich Nhat Hanh’s approach to “mindfulness” in a “postcapitalist,” postcolonial world. The key question is whether postcolonialism has reached an impasse in its delivery and deployment of ideas across the widening gulf between the spaces of progress and stagnancy. …

Corporate Crisis Management: A Contemporary Best Practices Template, Vivek Narayan

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper seeks to re-envision the crisis management framework used by organizations in their day-to-day activities. In the modern world, with exponential technological advancements, the social media age, and the 24/7 news cycle, crises have worsened in severity. Despite this, most literature on the subject is more than a decade old.

Incorporating past literature, this thesis demonstrates that society is in an “era of crises,” then defines and discusses the types and origins of these crises. It compares the topics of issues and crisis management before commentating on corporate and academic literature and ultimately previous 3-stage models for crisis management. …

Challenges The Sporting Industry Faced During Covid-19 On Fan Attendance: The National Football League, Tinika Hughes

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

When COVID-19 struck, the world was in disarray for any sporting event. The Culminating Experience Project investigated the impact of COVID-19 on the National Football League (NFL). The research questions were: Q1: How were the NFL stadium attendances impacted before the COVID-19 closures (2016 – 2019)? Q2: How were the NFL stadium attendances impacted due to closures during the COVID-19 stadium closures (2019 – 2021)? Q3: How were the NFL stadiums impacted post-COVID-19 (2021 – 2023)? The data collected covers all 32 NFL teams from 2019 to 2023, including attendance rates on and off the field influencing factors.

The findings …

Exploring The Motivations And Determinants Of Farmer’S Market Consumers And Organic Specialty Crop Producers, Jane Arnold

All Theses

This two-chapter thesis evaluates the motivations and determinants of the central figures in farmers’ markets and organic markets. The first chapter explores the rise of farmers’ markets popularity through an in-person survey that was designed and distributed to 274 farmers' market consumers. Logit and ordered logit regressions were used to identify the motivations and characteristics that affect the likelihood of being a frequent farmers’ market customer (visiting 5 times or more per season) and spending over $50. The second chapter investigates the organic markets for cucumber and kale, which are dominant specialty crops on today’s grocery shelves. To identify the …

Integrated Crop Recommendation System: Harnessing Machine Learning, Arun Kumar Reddy Saddikuti

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

To meet the increasing demand, for food while also reducing impact this study introduces an innovative "Integrated Crop Recommendation System" that combines advanced machine learning with sustainable farming methods. The goal of this system is to transform how crops are chosen by considering factors like soil quality, local climate and habitats for pollinators thereby enhancing the precision and effectiveness of crop suggestions. In contrast to agricultural decision support systems that often neglect the interconnectedness of soil health, weather conditions and biodiversity, this new approach aims to improve food security and sustainability. The primary research focus is on optimizing practices that …

N Y State Dent J August-September 2024

The New York State Dental Journal

In the August-September 2024 issue, the reader will find the following feature articles:

• Success of Implant Placement in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Effects of Mandatory COVID-19 Testing Policy on No-Show Rates for Aerosol-Generating Procedures
• Heterotopic Bone Formation after TMJ Surgery
• Rural Oral Health Access Disparities in New York State

This issue includes regular columns with regional news impacting the New York membership including editorial and perspectives columns, legal, association activities, component news, continuing education opportunities, and classifieds.

Gamification In Erp Systems: A Study On Intrinsic Motivation And User Behavioral Intentions, Esi Adeborna, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah, Luvai Motiwalla

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

In the evolving landscape of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, integrating gamification shows promise for enhancing user training and education. However, empirical research on gamification's effect on intrinsic motivation in using ERP is limited. Hence, we examined the intrinsic motivational effects of a gamified ERP environment in this research. We created a Gamified Web Application linked to SAP ERP to investigate how gamification affects users' behavioral intention. Leveraging self-determination theory, we examined the influence of perceived competence, autonomy, and relatedness on usage intent. In a controlled experiment with 63 participants, data collected via survey revealed that gamification enhances perceived competence, …

The Effect Of Employee-Oriented Hrm On Employee Downsizing Following Mergers & Acquisitions, Pingshu Li, Mengwei Li, Hyesook Chung, Clint Chadwick

Management Faculty Publications

Firms have increasingly engaged in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) activities in recent years. A common strategy following M&A is employee downsizing that aims at achieving strategic goals and enhancing performance. This approach, however, raises concerns from a strategic human resource management (HRM) perspective. Research suggests that downsizing may breach employees' psychological contracts and hinder the development of firm-specific human capital. While this viewpoint has an intuitive appeal, we reconsider it by suggesting that, in the M&A context wherein employees expect significant organizational changes, downsizing does not necessarily lead employees to negative reactions. Instead, if acquiring firms have strong employee-oriented HRM …

Corn Leaf Disease Prediction Using Deep Learning, Meghana Varayuri

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Corn is a widely cultivated agricultural product, serving as a cornerstone in food production and industrial applications such as biofuels, playing a crucial role in the global economy. This study explores the application of deep transfer learning to accurately classify major corn diseases from leaf images, aiming to enhance disease management strategies for improved agricultural productivity and sustainability. The customized Dense net 201 model achieved 95% prediction accuracy on an untrained dataset. Data augmentation improved the model’s accuracy from 91% to 95%. This supervised learning approach enhances the model’s performance by increasing the diversity, leading to better generalization and accuracy. …

Understanding The Dynamics Of Chatbot Design, Transparency, And Ethical Implications In Customer–Brand Relationship In Hospitality And Tourism Industry, Shakera Parveen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This culminating experience project investigated the impact of chatbot interactions on customer perceptions, ethical considerations, and transparency within the hospitality and tourism industry. The research questions are: Q1: how do the specific visual and verbal aspects contribute to shaping customer perceptions within the context of chatbot marketing efforts? Q2: what steps can companies take to address and mitigate ethical concerns surrounding interactions with chatbots? Q3: To what extent does the level of transparency and explainability in chatbot interactions influence customer trust and satisfaction? The findings are: Q1: the study revealed that visual and verbal aspects of chatbot design significantly shape …

Unveiling Key Features: A Comparative Study Of Machine Learning Models For Alzheimer's Detection, Cailean Bushnell

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis rigorously evaluates the application of an array of natural language processing (NLP) techniques and machine learning models to identify linguistic signatures indicative of dementia, as sourced from the DementiaBank Pitt corpus. Utilizing a binary classification paradigm, this study meticulously integrates sophisticated embedding methods—including Doc2Vec, Word2Vec, GloVe, and BERT—with traditional machine learning algorithms such as Random Forest, Multinomial Naïve Bayes, ADA boost, KNN classifier, and Logistic Regression, alongside deep learning architectures like LSTM, Bi-LSTM, and CNN-LSTM. The efficacy of these methodologies is evaluated based on their capacity to differentiate between transcribed speech impacted by dementia and that from control …

Balancing The Scales: Evaluating Variables Of Greatest Impact To Profit Margins When Finishing Cattle, Ryan Bake

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This study examines the risk associated with finishing cattle in a feedlot, specifically in the context of historically high cattle prices and quality grade grid marketing systems that have not adjusted to these elevated prices. The analysis also looks at performance factors that drive profitability differences in pens of cattle in a commercial feedlot, and how market factors also impact profitability. Regression analysis determines the significance of performance variables such as days on feed, average daily gain, feed conversion rates, and carcass characteristics on pen profitability. The impact of cattle breeding and pre-feedlot management of the cattle are also considered …

Evaluating The Cost Of Gain And Financial Returns Of Cattle Fed Hydroponically Produced Barley Fodder, Lex Peterson

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Hydroponically produced fodder continues to garner attention as a feed source within livestock production. This attention in part is due to a belief that hydroponically produced fodder is more efficient in its use of inputs such as water when compared to conventional feeds. Water efficiency is especially appealing in areas like the Intermountain West region of the U.S where water availability is often constrained. This analysis looks to understand how using hydroponically produced barley fodder to finish steers compares economically to finishing steers on a nutritionally equivalent conventional finishing ration. To do so, a stochastic simulation model is constructed to …

Essays On Esg, Trang Pham

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The dissertation consists of two essays. The first essay examines the effect of local corruption on a firmâ??s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance by taking into account the role of liberalism in each state. I propose that since liberals are generally more environmentally and socially concerned than conservatives, ESG performance of firms located in states with liberal views will be less negatively impacted by the local corruption than conservative-leaning states. The results provide some support for my projection. I find that for a particular level of corruption, firms located in states with liberal leaning views exhibit better ESG performance …

Do Investors Value Firm's Application Of Cryptocurrency And Blockchain Technology?, Shensi Wang

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This paper examines how investors view a firm's involvement with cryptocurrency or blockchain technology, measured by 10-K disclosures containing the related keywords. I find that investors negatively react to the information related to cryptocurrency or blockchain in the three-day window, but the negative trend is reversed after day four. Surprisingly, the topic analysis indicates that the market reacts positively to all topics related to cryptocurrency and blockchain, except for the "competition environment," suggesting that factors outside adopting cryptocurrency or blockchain affect the negative correlations observed before.

Hold Tightly To The Human Touch, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this editorial, Dr. Dziurgot reflects on the diminishing human interaction in various services, from ordering food to medical appointments. The editorial emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal communication in dentistry, arguing that patient care should remain personalized and compassionate. The author reminisces about the personalized service of the past, stressing the need for dentists to engage directly with patients, understand their unique needs, and provide a welcoming environment. The piece calls for a return to human touch in professional practices, despite the convenience of modern technology.

Mda At Your Service: My License Expired, And I’M Overwhelmed, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Public Health Code allows a 60-day grace period for license renewal with late fees and CE requirements. For health insurance options, MDA Insurance provides assistance and quotes. Attend the MDA Health Insurance Seminar on Oct. 25 for more insights. Engage in organized dentistry via local society meetings, the MDA Leadership Forum, and the LEAD Program. MDA Insurance offers Medicare support, including educational events on Sept. 13 and 27. For more details, contact relevant MDA representatives.

The New Professional: Mastering Those Awkward Moments With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Navigating awkward moments in a dental office is essential for positive patient experiences. Establish rapport with patients, use active listening, and avoid jargon. Prepare for common scenarios, communicate clearly, and address fears. Stay calm with difficult questions and provide honest answers. Train staff through role-play and feedback, and cultivate a positive, empathetic environment. Regularly solicit patient feedback to improve. These strategies ensure patients feel valued and supported.

Mda Insurance: At Last – A Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance Policy That Can Help Pay For Catastrophic Care, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Families face tough caregiving decisions due to high custodial care costs, often resulting in financial and emotional strain. MDA Insurance offers an affordable whole life insurance policy with a catastrophic loss rider, providing $2,000 monthly for up to 12 months for those unable to perform daily living activities. This policy, issued by Boston Mutual Life Insurance, is available on a guaranteed-issue basis and accumulates cash value. Apply by Aug. 30 for an Oct. 1 effective date. Contact MDA Insurance for more information.

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

In the August 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the 2024 Mission of Mercy event held in Flint Original content includes:

• A cover story on the MOM

• A feature article on Locum Tenens Dentists

• A New Professional Column

• News You Need, an editorial, and regular department articles covering MDA Foundation activities, MDA Services, Dentistry and the Law, and Staff Matters.

Additional feature article …

Mda Foundation Mission Of Mercy: Transforming Lives, Relieving Pain, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation's Mission of Mercy (MOM) dental clinic in Flint provided free dental care to 659 patients over June 14-15, delivering 6,678 procedures valued at $1,156,285. The 120-chair clinic, set up by volunteers, saw patients from 35 Michigan counties and neighboring states. Patients, many of whom queued overnight, received an average of ten procedures each. Volunteers, including retired dentists, performed a wide range of services, from cleanings to complex surgeries. Translators were available to assist non-English speakers, and patients were informed about ongoing free or reduced-cost care options. The event, supported by local donations and community services, will continue …

Staff Matters: Assessing Health Benefits For Lgbtq+ Employees, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

To support LGBTQ+ employees, understand your health benefits by asking key questions about domestic partner coverage, mental health benefits, transgender healthcare, IVF, and surrogacy coverage, and identifying LGBTQ+-friendly providers. Regularly check in with staff to ensure benefits meet their needs and consider making changes if necessary. Proactively share benefit information throughout the year to enhance employee recruitment, retention, and engagement.

The Impact Of Algorithmic Control And Algorithmic Management In Online Labor Platforms, Yaping Zhu

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Online labor platforms (OLPs) are transforming the way organizations operate and how people work. Platform work has been characterized as promoting autonomy and flexibility. Workers interact with a platform rather than human managers to accomplish tasks and they have the freedom to decide when, where, and how much to work. Yet, platform workers increasingly bemoan working conditions, revealing that the expected autonomy and flexibility benefits of platform work have not materialized. Current IS research sheds light on this phenomenon by explaining that platform organizations use algorithms to manage and control workers (i.e., algorithmic control). Yet, our understanding of how algorithmic …

Diversity Equity And Inclusion Education: An Evaluation Of The Safe Zone Allies Program, Shannon E. Hart

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion gained unprecedented popularity from 2019 to 2022. The tide turned in 2023, and Anti-DEI legislation continues to gain momentum nationwide. This backlash may be warranted, as research demonstrates that DEI can backfire. DEI programs remain unregulated, understudied, and often paradoxically under-supported despite their potential to catalyze positive social change. Two studies were conducted to begin creating standardized, accessible, and evidence-based DEI best practices. Safe Zone Allies, a LGBTQIA+ specific DEI program was selected for program review because; (a) it was not developed hastily, (b) it was not siloed, and (c) the curriculum is evidence-based. The first …

My Manager Endorsed My Coworkers’ Voice: Understanding Observers’ Positive And Negative Reactions To Managerial Endorsement Of Coworker Voice., Emily Poulton, Szu-Han Joanna Lin, Shereen Fatimah, Cony Ho, Lance Ferris, Russell Johnson

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

Research on managerial voice endorsement has primarily focused on the processes and conditions through which voicers receive their managers’ endorsement. We shift this focus away from the voicers, focusing instead on the dual reactions that endorsement generates for observing employees. Drawing from an approach-avoidance framework, we propose that managerial endorsement of coworker voice could be perceived as a positive and negative stimulus for observers, prompting them to approach opportunities and avoid threats, respectively. Results from a pre-registered experiment and a multi-wave, multi-source field study revealed that managerial endorsement of coworker voice was positively related to observers’ voice instrumentality, thus prompting …

2024-08-00 Newsletter, Morehead State University. Staff Congress.

Staff Congress Records

Staff Congress newsletter from August of 2024.

Building Resilience To Contagious Diseases In High Contact Services: An Investigation Of Customers’ Willingness To Dine-In At Restaurants In The Era Of Covid, Hongli Ye

All Dissertations

High customer contact services play a crucial role in our economy, providing essential interactions and experiences that drive numerous industries. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to these sectors due to their inherent characteristics, requiring close and frequent interactions. To rebound from the disruptions caused by such a contagious disease, service providers must adopt innovative strategies. Thus, this dissertation addresses the dynamic nature of building resilience strategies in high-contact services, which are affected by contagious diseases. In doing so, we propose an integrative framework that outlines essential new service resilience components, based on the CDC guidelines, to conventional …

Dentistry And The Law: Don’T Overlook Corporate Transparency Act Compliance, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), entities existing as of January 1, 2024, must report beneficial ownership to FinCEN by December 31, 2024. Beneficial owners include those with 25% ownership or substantial control. Required information includes legal name, birthdate, address, and ID details. Non-compliance can result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Exceptions may apply for tax-exempt entities and large companies. Legal challenges to the CTA are ongoing, but compliance is advised.

Locum Tenens Dentists: You May Need One, Or You May Be One, Angie Kanazeh

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Locum tenens dentists temporarily fulfill the duties of an absent or short-staffed dentist. This practice is beneficial for both hiring dentists and those serving as locum tenens. For hiring dentists, considerations include ensuring the locum tenens dentist is properly licensed, credentialed with insurance networks, and adequately insured. For locum tenens dentists, benefits include flexible schedules, diverse experiences, networking opportunities, and potential higher earnings. Both parties should have clear agreements and consult with healthcare attorneys. The demand for locum tenens dentists is growing, offering valuable support in the dental community.

The Lived Experiences Of Women Working In The Construction Industry As They Transition To Motherhood, Stacy Kolegraff

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research aimed to understand women’s transition to motherhood in the North American construction industry. This study sought to understand what it means to be a woman working in the construction industry while making the transition to motherhood, experiences of re-entry into the workplace, emergent essential themes, and the way women interpret their career decisions and opportunities leading up to, during, and following their transition to motherhood. A qualitative research design was employed to analyze the complexities and dimensions of complex career decisions, and the phenomenological research method was used to understand the full extent of the problem. A total …