Business Commons^™

The Culture Metaphor: A Simple Guide To Creating Healthier Organizations, Matthew I. Horner, T. Daniel White, Rylan M. Charlton, Daphne Ds Deporres

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

In this paper, culture is conceptualized as a living system where every organizational decision and interpersonal interaction is a source of nourishment. Employing this metaphor, a leader’s visible actions, such as policy and resource decisions, serve as macronutrients, while exchanges between organizational members, such as email correspondence and meeting behavior, act as micronutrients that feed culture. An organization’s cultural health, therefore, depends on a balanced diet in which behaviors align with stated values. Leaders, as chief dietitians, identify and resolve deficiencies to build trust, enhance well-being, and improve performance. Actionable strategies for diagnosing and feeding culture are provided to help …

Ethics: The Connective Tissue Of Human Life, Joseph P. Hester

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

America needs to take a deep breath and reconsider the purposes of democracy, but more, infuse some modicum of commonsense into political decision-making. How many unnecessary wars and homeland killings must we endure and how many lies must we listen to as Trump filibusters his way onto the world’s stage? Seeking lucidity in Trump’s actions may be a stretch and even many of his supporters are asking for explanations, values’ consistency, and Constitutional clarity. I could go on, but this comment sets the tone for this editorial comment.

The Quenched Beacon: A 250-Year Vigil And The Darkness Of American Democracy, Emilio F. Iodice

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

Summer/Fall 2026

The Journal of Values-Based Leadership

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Banks’ Influence On Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Eu Agriculture, Jan Koleśnik

Journal of Banking and Financial Economics

This article analyses the effectiveness of the banking sector in limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in European Union agriculture and the impact of EU banking groups‘ policies on their Polish subsidiaries. The study is based on data from 2019–2025 sourced from the Eurostat database, the European Banking Authority (EBA), and capital adequacy disclosures (CQ5 and CR1-B reports). The research sample included 14 EU countries with an agricultural share in GDP of between 1% and 3.6% and 62 EU banking groups at the highest level of consolidation. A linear regression model was employed, using the change in gas emissions as the …

Socio-Demographic Correlates Of Consumers’ Readiness To Use Ai In Financial Decision-Making, Michał Buszko, Tomasz Szopiński

Journal of Banking and Financial Economics

This study investigates the socio-demographic factors associated with readiness to use AI-driven tools in financial decision-making. It uses data from a representative survey of Poles and conceptualises an AI readiness index. It then estimates the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and this index using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model. Additionally, robustness checks are conducted with heteroskedasticityrobust standard errors and multiple imputation. The OLS results were supplemented by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc tests to identify groups’ differences. The results demonstrate that gender, age, education, and income are significantly associated with consumers’ …

Mental Health Self-Perceptions And Resource Utilization In Undergraduate Students At Binghamton University, Nicole J. Dreznin, Sarah Marcus

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Undergraduate students face increasing rates of mental health challenges, however discrepancies in mental health literacy and utilization of resources may exist across student populations. This study examined the perceptions of mental health in undergraduate students at Binghamton University and if they differed among STEM vs non-STEM, man vs. women, and first-generation vs. continuing generation undergraduate students. A 20-question survey, containing 5 demographic questions and 15 mental health related questions was distributed through Qualtrics to 9 undergraduate classes. The available response choices were based on the Likert scale. A total of 1266 students participated.  Chi square tests of independence were done …

The Institutional Production Of Ethical War Across Modern Conflict, Katerina Udov

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

This paper argues that modern warfare operates through an ethical infrastructure that enables, rather than restrains, the use of violence. Contrary to the common assumption that moral frameworks such as Just War Theory function as safeguards against harm, the historical record shows that ethical language, humanitarian rhetoric, and democratic narratives serve as mechanisms to legitimize intervention, manufacture consent, and naturalize civilian suffering. Through case studies including Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, U.S.-backed coups in Latin America, and French intervention in Mali, the paper traces how political leaders, media institutions, and corporate actors frame war as a moral necessity while pursuing strategic and …

Financial Analysis Tool (Ct-Ft) For Western North Carolina Christmas Tree Growers, Sam Blumenfeld, Solomon Ghezehei, Justin G.A. Whitehill, Elizabeth G. Nichols

Journal of Extension

Western North Carolina is a major national Christmas tree (CT) production region, yet the CT industry faces numerous challenges that threaten its financial sustainability. Little economic research has been done, and limited decision-making tools exist to assist producers, Extension agents, and associated industry stakeholders. We developed an Excel-based financial analysis tool (CT-FT) to assist small and midsize wholesale CT producers in operational planning and financial assessment. The publicly available financial tools will enable CT growers to better understand their finances and operations, interact with financial stakeholders, assess alternative management scenarios, and track yearly costs to improve operational financial sustainability.

Mental Health Challenges Associated With Social Media Use And Effective Management Strategies: A Systematic Literature Review, Ebrahim Timol, Kebashnee Moodley

The African Journal of Information Systems

This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to investigate the mental health challenges associated with increasing social media (SM) usage. The review compares these effects across youth and adult age groups and explores how mental health issues related to SM use have evolved before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a comprehensive search of databases including ProQuest, Scopus, JSTOR, and Google Scholar, 43 relevant articles were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that social media usage exacerbates mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, fear of missing out (FOMO), social and financial comparisons. The COVID-19 pandemic notably …

The Use Of Public Relations Departments In Palestinian Private Companies In The Northern Governorates On Social Media And Its Impact On Achieving Competitive Advantage, Ahmed Ammar

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to examine the use of public relations departments in private Palestinian companies in the northern governorates for social media and their impact on achieving competitive advantage. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach, with data collected via a questionnaire distributed to a sample of 49 employees in public relations and related administrative roles. Descriptive analysis indicated that digital content management, media communication, audience engagement, relationship building, and performance monitoring and strategic analysis are all key factors in enhancing competitive advantage, with varying levels of impact. Multiple regression analysis showed that digital content management and media communication and audience …

Agricultural Cooperatives And Crop Marketing In Tanzania, Benson Otiene Ndiege Dr

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Agricultural cooperatives have become essential tools in rural areas, fostering agricultural development. This study examines the marketing of farmers' produce by cooperatives in Tanzania. It specifically investigates the collection processes of agricultural produce through cooperatives and the importance of cooperative marketing during the 2023/24 to 2024/25 seasons. The study used a descriptive mixed-methods design that mixed both qualitative secondary data analysis and qualitative documentary review. As such, the study utilised secondary data from the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission (TCDC) statistical database and the report on the performance of non-financial cooperatives in Tanzania in 2025. The data included variables such as …

Building Resilient And Sustainable Built Environments Through Climate Adaptation, Digital Innovation, And Infrastructure Governance, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Mustika Sari, Perdana Miraj

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The built environment has become one of the most important arenas for responding to climate change, resource pressure, and rapid urban transformation. Cities, infrastructure networks, buildings, and construction projects are no longer expected only to provide physical services. They are also expected to reduce environmental impact, protect communities from disruption, support economic activity, and remain useful under uncertain future conditions. This expectation places resilience and sustainability at the center of infrastructure development.

Resilience refers to the capacity of built systems to anticipate shocks, absorb pressure, recover from damage, and continue functioning. Sustainability asks whether those systems can do so while …

Experimental Studies Of Compressive Strength Of Sustainable Concrete With Partial Cement Substitution Using Palm Oil Boiler Ash, Daral Suraedi, Jessica Sjah, Nuraziz Handika, Saffanah Fasya Aulia, Karmenita Olivia Edwardo

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This study investigates the mechanical performance of sustainable concrete incorporating Palm Oil Boiler Ash (POBA) as a partial cement replacement. As the construction sector seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions and manage agro-industrial waste, POBA emerges as a promising supplementary cementitious material due to its pozzolanic potential and abundance in palm oil–producing regions such as Indonesia.Concrete specimens were prepared with POBA substitution levels ranging from approximately 10% to 30% by weight of cement, in combination with nanosilica and a polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer to enhance performance. The mix design was developed in accordance with ACI 211 guidelines to maintain comparable workability …

Analysis Of Venture Capital Investment For Financing The Development Of The Palm Oil Industry In Indonesia For Private Companies, Salvatore Yitro, Mustika Sari, Gunawan Saroji

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Indonesia is the world's largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer, accounting for 58.04% of global output from 2018 to 2022 and generating between USD 18.2 billion and USD 28.95 billion in annual foreign exchange earnings from 2016 to 2021. The downstream sector, however, remains largely controlled by foreign markets, and private companies face restricted access to conventional bank financing due to negative campaigns against Indonesian palm oil in European markets. No prior study has examined the financial feasibility of venture capital as a financing mechanism for integrated downstream palm oil development by private companies in Indonesia. This study analysed that …

Analysis Of Factors Influencing The Implementation Of Sustainable Project Management (Spm) In The Construction Industry In Indonesia, Ariq Farhan, Titi Sari Nurul Rachmawati

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction industry contributes significantly to economic growth but also carries substantial environmental and social costs. Construction activities generate carbon emissions, consume natural resources, and produce large volumes of waste. Despite growing theoretical development of Sustainable Project Management (SPM) frameworks, empirical evidence on the actual level of SPM implementation in Indonesia's construction sector remains limited. This study aims to identify the factors that influence SPM implementation and measure the level of implementation as perceived by construction professionals. A quantitative survey was administered to 99 professionals across infrastructure, building, and industrial construction sectors in Indonesia. Data were collected through a Likert-scale …

Analysis Of The Implemetation Of Enterprise Resource Planning (Erp) Sap S/4 Hana In Cost Control Of Light Rail Transit (Lrt) Construction Projects, Rizki Zulkarnaini, Bernadette Detty Kussumardianadewi

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Construction projects are expensive, complex, and difficult to keep on budget. Cost overruns are common. The consequences, including delays, disputes, and financial losses, appear repeatedly across the sector. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been widely adopted to address this challenge, but evidence on how SAP S/4HANA performs in Light Rail Transit (LRT) construction is limited. This study analyzed the critical success factors of SAP S/4HANA implementation and evaluated its effect on cost control performance in an LRT project in Jakarta. Data were collected from two sources: a questionnaire distributed to 50 respondents involved in the project, and cost records …

The Roles Of Shame In Ex-Christians' Personal Experiences And Deconversion Journeys, Anaya Bruno

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Although the benefits of religion on individuals’ mental wellbeing have been well-studied, research exploring aspects of religion that may prove harmful to mental wellbeing is limited. This study explores the roles of shame in the experiences of ex-Christians that led to their deconversion. The study’s results have implications for understanding the experiences of religious trauma, considering that chronic shame has been linked to the development of trauma. Respondents, recruited via Reddit, answered survey questions about the ways in which they perceived shame to influence their religious experiences, personal experiences, and religious deconversion. Inductive thematic analysis was utilized to derive themes …

Learning About Gujarati: Cultural Identity And Family Language, Vritti Sodha

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Language loss is a prevalent problem that is occurring in immigrant families in the United States. Since regional languages such as Gujarati are not used outside of households and community gatherings, it is not given much importance to learn. In order to combat this problem, community centers hold Gujarati classes for students of all ages to help preserve the language, but the lack of motivation to learn the language still remains. This is because a student needs to have a connection to the language to be motivated to learn it, which can be made through active learning. This study examines …

Unwilling Consent Or Ravishment? Sexual Violence In Late Seventeenth-Century London, Susan Hernandez

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Common Cybersecurity Attack Types And Zeek-Based Detection Strategies In Iot Networks, Christofer Piedra, Alain Edwards

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

As cybersecurity threats increase in scale and complexity, the ability to distinguish hostile traffic from benign network activity is essential. This research examines five prevalent cyberattack categories that impact IoT environments and outlines detection strategies utilizing the open-source Intrusion Detection System (IDS) Zeek. This study provides practical detection methods designed for scalable, real-time environments by classifying five commonly encountered attacks, namely: Reconnaissance, Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), Brute Force, Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) and Spoofing, and Botnet and Malware Behavior. For each attack, we analyze the prevalence, operational impact, and associated indicators. We also present Zeekbased pseudocode …

Gender Differences In Streaming Service Adoption And Cancellation During Covid-19, Dylan Lewis

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

For over a decade, the rise of subscription-based entertainment models has appeared inevitable. This trend became even more apparent when the world went into lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. During this time, many people began reevaluating how they allocated their discretionary income for day-to-day purchases as the future looked bleak. The purpose of this study was to examine people’s preferences between subscription-based models and one-time purchases. To do this, a 12-question survey was conducted, and data were collected through Amazon Mechanical Turk, yielding over 195 responses. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between age and the use …

Acknowledgements, Editorial Team

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

An In-Silico Investigation Of Induced Target Neural Activity Through Simulation-Based Inference Informed Deep Brain Stimulation, James Lee, Ty Roachford

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is clinically effective for various neurological disorders, yet its underlying neuronal mechanisms remain unknown. Building on previous studies, we used an in-silico Hodgkin-Huxley biophysical model to investigate hippocampal CA1 responses to DBS. Our simulations replicate key experimental findings, confirming robust somatic depolarization at 140 Hz and a more gradual ramp at 40 Hz, alongside distinct transient and sustained voltage profiles. Both frequencies modulated firing rates, supporting the notion that DBS disrupts pathological network activity. Beyond frequency-specific effects, we employed Simulation-Based Inference (SBI) to identify the DBS features needed to suppress spiking and match a quiescent target …

Copyright, Editorial Team

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Biographies, Editorial Team

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents, Editorial Team

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Man, Cut The Crop: Effects Of Cropectomies On Survival And Behavior In Drosophila Melanogaster, Emily Peraza

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

The gut-brain axis mediates communication between the digestive and nervous systems to regulate physiology and behavior. Its dysfunction profoundly impacts human health and causes disease. Region-specific hormones and neurotransmitters in the digestive system respond to several processes to signal the brain, but the mechanisms of gut-brain signaling are not fully defined. Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful model for studying gut biology by showing remarkable similarity to mammalian digestive systems, as both regulate energy by distributing nutrients. We refined a minimally invasive surgical protocol to remove the crop from adult flies. We then utilized the Activity Recording CAFE (ARC) and Drosophila …

Artist Statement, Zarina Mason

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Editor, Ana Tyulmenkova

Florida Atlantic Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.