Showing papers by "Georgia State University published in 2008"

Measuring information systems success: models, dimensions, measures, and interrelationships

Abstract: Since DeLone and McLean (D&M) developed their model of IS success, there has been much research on the topic of success as well as extensions and tests of their model. Using the technique of a qualitative literature review, this research reviews 180 papers found in the academic literature for the period 1992–2007 dealing with some aspect of IS success. Using the six dimensions of the D&M model – system quality, information quality, service quality, use, user satisfaction, and net benefits – 90 empirical studies were examined and the results summarized. Measures for the six success constructs are described and 15 pairwise associations between the success constructs are analyzed. This work builds on the prior research related to IS success by summarizing the measures applied to the evaluation of IS success and by examining the relationships that comprise the D&M IS success model in both individual and organizational contexts.

The inner jet of an active galactic nucleus as revealed by a radio-to-γ-ray outburst

Abstract: Blazars are the most extreme active galactic nuclei. They possess oppositely directed plasma jets emanating at near light speeds from accreting supermassive black holes. According to theoretical models, such jets are propelled by magnetic fields twisted by differential rotation of the black hole's accretion disk or inertial-frame-dragging ergosphere1, 2, 3. The flow velocity increases outward along the jet in an acceleration and collimation zone containing a coiled magnetic field4, 5. Detailed observations of outbursts of electromagnetic radiation, for which blazars are famous, can potentially probe the zone. It has hitherto not been possible to either specify the location of the outbursts or verify the general picture of jet formation. Here we report sequences of high-resolution radio images and optical polarization measurements of the blazar BL Lacertae. The data reveal a bright feature in the jet that causes a double flare of radiation from optical frequencies to TeV -ray energies, as well as a delayed outburst at radio wavelengths. We conclude that the event starts in a region with a helical magnetic field that we identify with the acceleration and collimation zone predicted by the theories. The feature brightens again when it crosses a standing shock wave corresponding to the bright 'core' seen on the images.

Amygdala and Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activation to Masked Angry Faces in Children and Adolescents with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract: Context: Vigilance for threat is a key feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The amygdala and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex constitute a neural circuit that is responsible for detection of threats. Disturbed interactions between these structures may underlie pediatric anxiety. To date, no study has selectively examined responses to briefly presented threats in GAD or in pediatric anxiety. Objective: To investigate amygdala and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex activation during processing of briefly presented threats in pediatric GAD.

On theory development in design science research: anatomy of a research project

Abstract: The common understanding of design science research in information systems (DSRIS) continues to evolve. Only in the broadest terms has there been consensus: that DSRIS involves, in some way, learning through the act of building. However, what is to be built – the definition of the DSRIS artifact – and how it is to be built – the methodology of DSRIS – has drawn increasing discussion in recent years. The relationship of DSRIS to theory continues to make up a significant part of the discussion: how theory should inform DSRIS and whether or not DSRIS can or should be instrumental in developing and refining theory. In this paper, we present the exegesis of a DSRIS research project in which creating a (prescriptive) design theory through the process of developing and testing an information systems artifact is inextricably bound to the testing and refinement of its kernel theory.

Ecosystem services and economic theory: integration for policy-relevant research.

Abstract: It has become essential in policy and decision-making circles to think about the economic benefits (in addition to moral and scientific motivations) humans derive from well-functioning ecosystems. The concept of ecosystem services has been developed to address this link between ecosystems and human welfare. Since policy decisions are often evaluated through cost–benefit assessments, an economic analysis can help make ecosystem service research operational. In this paper we provide some simple economic analyses to discuss key concepts involved in formalizing ecosystem service research. These include the distinction between services and benefits, understanding the importance of marginal ecosystem changes, formalizing the idea of a safe minimum standard for ecosystem service provision, and discussing how to capture the public benefits of ecosystem services. We discuss how the integration of economic concepts and ecosystem services can provide policy and decision makers with a fuller spectrum of information for making conservation–conversion trade-offs. We include the results from a survey of the literature and a questionnaire of researchers regarding how ecosystem service research can be integrated into the policy process. We feel this discussion of economic concepts will be a practical aid for ecosystem service research to become more immediately policy relevant.

Examining Trust in Information Technology Artifacts: The Effects of System Quality and Culture

Abstract: The topic of trust in information technology (IT) artifacts has piqued interest among researchers, but studies of this form of trust are not definitive regarding which factors contribute to it the most. Our study empirically tests a model of trust in IT artifacts that increases our understanding in two ways. First, it sets forth two previously unexamined system quality constructs-navigational structure and visual appeal. We found that both of these system quality constructs significantly predict the extent to which users place trust in mobile commerce technologies. Second, our study considers the effect of culture by comparing the trust of French and American potential users in m-commerce technologies. We found that not only does culture directly affect user trust in IT artifacts but it also moderates the extent to which navigational structure affects this form of trust. These findings show that system quality and culture significantly affect trust in the IT artifact and point to rich possibilities for future research in these areas.

Agile Requirements Engineering Practices: An Empirical Study

Abstract: An analysis of data from 16 software development organizations reveals seven agile RE practices, along with their benefits and challenges. The rapidly changing business environment in which most organizations operate is challenging traditional requirements-engineering (RE) approaches. Software development organizations often must deal with requirements that tend to evolve quickly and become obsolete even before project completion. Rapid changes in competitive threats, stakeholder preferences, development technology, and time-to-market pressures make prespecified requirements inappropriate.

Abusive supervision and subordinates' organization deviance.

Abstract: The authors developed an integrated model of the relationships among abusive supervision, affective organizational commitment, norms toward organization deviance, and organization deviance and tested the framework in 2 studies: a 2-wave investigation of 243 supervised employees and a cross-sectional study of 247 employees organized into 68 work groups. Path analytic tests of mediated moderation provide support for the prediction that the mediated effect of abusive supervision on organization deviance (through affective commitment) is stronger when employees perceive that their coworkers are more approving of organization deviance (Study 1) and when coworkers perform more acts of organization deviance (Study 2).

Autism treatment survey: services received by children with autism spectrum disorders in public school classrooms.

Abstract: The Autism Treatment Survey was developed to identify strategies used in education of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Georgia. Respondents of the web-based survey included a representative sample of 185 teachers across the state, reporting on 226 children with ASD in grades preschool-12th. The top five strategies being used in Georgia (Gentle Teaching, sensory integration, cognitive behavioral modification, assistive technology, and Social Stories) are recognized as lacking a scientific basis for implementation. Analysis revealed the choice of strategies varied by grade level and classroom type (e.g., general education, special education). Results highlight clear implications for preservice and inservice educator training, and the need for continued research to document evidence-based strategy use in public schools for students with ASD.

Strategies for Design Science Research Evaluation

Abstract: Seminal works in the application of design science research (DSR) in IS emphasize the importance of evaluation. However, discussion of evaluation activities and methods is limited and typically assumes an ex post perspective, in which evaluation occurs after the construction of an IS artifact. Such perspectives can assume that the evaluation is an empirical process and its methods can be selected in the same way as empirical research methods. In this paper, we analyze a broader range of evaluation strategies, which includes ex ante (prior to artifact construction) evaluation. This broader view is developed as a strategic DSR evaluation framework, which expands evaluation choices for IS DSR researchers, and also adds emphasis to strategies for evaluating design processes in addition to design products, using well-known quality criteria as an important asset. The framework encompasses both ex ante and ex post orientations as well as naturalistic settings (e.g., case studies) and artificial settings (e.g., lab experiments) for DSR evaluation. The framework proposed offers a strategic view of DSR evaluation that is useful in analyzing published studies, and also in surfacing the evaluation opportunities that present themselves to IS DSR researchers.

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers: A Follow-up Study Investigating the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often go undetected in toddlers. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) was used to screen 3,793 children aged 16–30 months from low- and high-risk sources; screen positive cases were diagnostically evaluated. Re-screening was performed on 1,416 children aged 42–54 months. Time1 Positive Predictive Value (PPV) was .36 for the initial screening and .74 for the screening plus follow-up telephone interview; values were similar for Time2 PPV. When separating referral sources, PPV was low for the low-risk sample but acceptable with the follow-up telephone interview. Children with ASD from the low-risk and high-risk samples were highly similar. Results indicate that the M-CHAT continues to be a promising instrument for the early detection of ASD.

The Education of Dyslexic Children from Childhood to Young Adulthood

Abstract: The past two decades have witnessed an explosion in our understanding of dyslexia (or specific reading disability), the most common and most carefully studied of the learning disabilities. We first review the core concepts of dyslexia: its definition, prevalence, and developmental course. Next we examine the cognitive model of dyslexia, especially the phonological theory, and review empiric data suggesting genetic and neurobiological influences on the development of dyslexia. With the scientific underpinnings of dyslexia serving as a foundation, we turn our attention to evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment, including interventions and accommodations. Teaching reading represents a major focus. We first review those reading interventions effective in early grades, and then review interventions for older students. To date the preponderance of intervention studies have focused on word-level reading; newer studies are beginning to examine reading interventions that have gone beyond word reading to affect reading fluency and reading comprehension. The article concludes with a discussion of the critical role of accommodations for dyslexic students and the recent neurobiological evidence supporting the need for such accommodations.

Evidence-based Assessment of Pediatric Pain

Abstract: Objective To conduct an evidence-based review of pediatric pain measures. Methods Seventeen measures were examined, spanning pain intensity self-report, questionnaires and diaries, and behavioral observations. Measures were classified as “Well-established,” “Approaching well-established,” or “Promising” according to established criteria. Information was highlighted to help professionals evaluate the instruments for particular purposes (e.g., research, clinical work). Results Eleven measures met criteria for “Well-established,” six “Approaching well-established,” and zero were classified as “Promising.” Conclusions There are a number of strong measures for assessing children's pain, which allows professionals options to meet their particular needs. Future directions in pain assessment are identified, such as highlighting culture and the impact of pain on functioning. This review examines the research and characteristics of some of the commonly used pain tools in hopes that the reader will be able to use this evidence-based approach and the information in future selection of assessment devices for pediatric pain.

Amygdala and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex function during anticipated peer evaluation in pediatric social anxiety

Abstract: Context Amygdala and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) dysfunction manifests in adolescents with anxiety disorders when they view negatively valenced stimuli in threatening contexts. Such fear-circuitry dysfunction may also manifest when anticipated social evaluation leads socially anxious adolescents to misperceive peers as threatening. Objective To determine whether photographs of negatively evaluated smiling peers viewed during anticipated social evaluation engage the amygdala and vlPFC differentially in adolescents with and without social anxiety. Design Case-control study. Setting Government clinical research institute. Participants Fourteen adolescents with anxiety disorders associated with marked concerns of social evaluation and 14 adolescents without a psychiatric diagnosis matched on sex, age, intelligence quotient, and socioeconomic status. Main Outcome Measures Blood oxygenation level–dependent signal measured with event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. Before and during neuroimaging scans, participants anticipating social evaluation completed peer- and self-appraisals. Event-related analyses were tailored to participants' ratings of specific peers. Results Participants classified 40 pictures of same-age peers as ones with whom they did or did not want to engage in a social interaction. Anxious adolescents showed greater amygdala activation than healthy adolescents when anticipating evaluation from peers previously rated as undesired for an interaction. Psychophysiological interaction connectivity analyses also revealed a significant positive association between amygdala and vlPFC activation in anxious vs healthy adolescents in response to these stimuli. Conclusions Anticipating social evaluation from negatively perceived peers modulates amygdala and vlPFC engagement differentially in anxious and healthy adolescents. Amygdala and vlPFC dysfunction manifests in adolescent anxiety disorders in specific contexts of anticipated peer evaluation.

A developmental examination of amygdala response to facial expressions

Abstract: Several lines of evidence implicate the amygdala in face-emotion processing, particularly for fearful facial expressions. Related findings suggest that face-emotion processing engages the amygdala within an interconnected circuitry that can be studied using a functional-connectivity approach. Past work also underscores important functional changes in the amygdala during development. Taken together, prior research on amygdala function and development reveals a need for more work examining developmental changes in the amygdala's response to fearful faces and in amygdala functional connectivity during face processing. The present study used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare 31 adolescents (9--17 years old) and 30 adults (21--40 years old) on activation to fearful faces in the amygdala and other regions implicated in face processing. Moreover, these data were used to compare patterns of amygdala functional connectivity in adolescents and adults. During passive viewing, adolescents demonstrated greater amygdala and fusiform activation to fearful faces than did adults. Functional connectivity analysis revealed stronger connectivity between the amygdala and the hippocampus in adults than in adolescents. Within each group, variability in age did not correlate with amygdala response, and sex-related developmental differences in amygdala response were not found. Eye movement data collected outside of the magnetic resonance imaging scanner using the same task suggested that developmental differences in amygdala activation were not attributable to differences in eye-gaze patterns. Amygdala hyperactivation in response to fearful faces may explain increased vulnerability to affective disorders in adolescence; stronger amygdala-hippocampus connectivity in adults than adolescents may reflect maturation in learning or habituation to facial expressions.

A Universal Pricing Framework for Guaranteed Minimum Benefits in Variable Annuities

Abstract: Variable Annuities with embedded guarantees are very popular in the US market. There exists a great variety of products with both, guaranteed minimum death benefits (GMDB) and guaranteed minimum living benefits (GMLB). Although several approaches for pricing some of the corresponding guarantees have been proposed in the academic literature, there is no general framework in which the existing variety of such guarantees can be priced consistently. The present paper fills this gap by introducing a model, which permits a consistent and extensive analysis of all types of guarantees currently offered within Variable Annuity contracts. Besides a valuation assuming that the policyholder follows a given strategy with respect to surrender and withdrawals, we are able to price the contract under optimal policyholder behavior. Using both, MonteCarlo methods and a generalization of a finite mesh discretization approach, we find that some guarantees are overpriced, whereas others, e.g. guaranteed annuities within guaranteed minimum income benefits (GMIB), are offered significantly below their risk-neutral value.

Managerial Incentives and Corporate Fraud: The Sources of Incentives Matter

Abstract: Operating and stock return results imply that managers that commit fraud likely anticipate large stock price declines if they do not misreport earnings. Stock price declines cause greater losses for managerial stockholdings than for option holdings because of differences in payoff convexity. Fraud firms have significantly greater incentives from unrestricted stockholdings than control firms do, and unrestricted stockholdings are the largest source of incentives at fraud firms. Collectively, these results emphasize the importance of the shape and vesting status of managerial incentive payoffs in providing incentives to commit fraud. Fraud firms also have characteristics that suggest a lower likelihood of fraud detection, which implies lower expected costs of fraud. Overall, the results are consistent with the economic theory of crime.

Effects of task performance, helping, voice, and organizational loyalty on performance appraisal ratings.

Abstract: Despite the fact that several studies have investigated the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior and performance appraisal ratings, the vast majority of these studies have been cross-sectional, correlational investigations conducted in organizational settings that do not allow researchers to establish the causal nature of this relationship. To address this lack of knowledge regarding causality, the authors conducted 2 studies designed to investigate the effects of task performance, helping behavior, voice, and organizational loyalty on performance appraisal evaluations. Findings demonstrated that each of these forms of behavior has significant effects on performance evaluation decisions and suggest that additional attention should be directed at both voice and organizational loyalty as important forms of citizenship behavior aimed at the organization.

Putting One-to-One Marketing to Work: Personalization, Customization and Choice

Abstract: One-to-one marketing advocates tailoring of one or more aspects of the firm's marketing mix to the individual customer (Peppers and Rogers 1997; Peppers, Rogers and Dorf 1999; Shaffer and Zhang 2002). One-to-one marketing represents an extreme form of segmentation, with a target segment of size one. There are two forms of one-to-one marketing: personalization and customization. Personalization is when the firm decides, usually based on previously collected customer data, what marketing mix is suitable for the individual. A good example is Amazon.com's personalized book and music recommendations (Nunes and Kambil 2001). The e-commerce arena is replete with other instances of personalization. Nytimes.com allows readers to get personalized news articles of interest, MLS.ca in Canada screens houses for buyers depending on their preferences for location, size and features. Customization is when the customer proactively specifies one or more elements of his or her marketing mix. Dell computer allows customers to customize the computer they order. The MyYahoo feature at Yahoo.com allows users to specify elements of their home page such as the weather forecast, reports on their favorite stocks, or priorities given to local sports news. The purpose of this paper is to summarize key challenges and knowledge gaps in understanding the choices that both firms and customers make in a personalization/customization environment. We start with a summary of personalization and customization in practice, and then draw on research in economics, statistical, and consumer behavior to identify what we know and do not know. We conclude with a summary of key research opportunities.

Retention of upper limb function in stroke survivors who have received constraint-induced movement therapy: the EXCITE randomised trial

Abstract: Summary Background The aim of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is to promote use of a limb that is functionally impaired after a stroke. In one form of CIMT to treat upper limb impairment, use of the less severely affected arm is restricted for many hours each weekday over 2 consecutive weeks. The EXCITE trial has previously shown the efficacy of this intervention for patients 3–9 months poststroke who were followed-up for the next 12 months. We assessed the retention of improvements 24 months after the intervention. Methods In the EXCITE trial, 106 of 222 participants who had mild to moderate poststroke impairments were randomly assigned to receive CIMT rather than usual and customary care. We assessed this group of patients every 4 months for the primary outcome measure of impaired upper limb function, as measured with the Wolf motor function test (WMFT) and the motor activity log (MAL). Health-related quality of life, measured with the stroke impact scale (SIS), was a secondary outcome measure. Analysis was per protocol. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00057018. Findings The effects at 24 months after treatment did not decline from those at 12 months for time taken to complete the WMFT (−0·32 s, 95% CI −3·70 to 3·06), for weight lifted in the WMFT (−1·39 kg, −2·74 to −0·04), for WMFT grip strength (−4·39 kg, −6·91 to −1·86), for amount of use in the MAL (−0·17, −0·38 to 0·04), or for how well the limb was used in the MAL (−0·14, −0·34 to 0·06). The additional changes were in the direction of increased therapeutic effect. For the strength components of the WMFT, p Interpretation Patients who have mild to moderate impairments 3–9 months poststroke have substantial improvement in functional use of the paretic upper limb and quality of life 2 years after a 2-week CIMT intervention. Thus, this intervention has persistent benefits.

Suppression Pattern of Neutral Pions at High Transverse Momentum in Au plus Au Collisions at root S-NN=200 GeV and Constraints on Medium Transport Coefficients

Abstract: For Au + Au collisions at 200 GeV, we measure neutral pion production with good statistics for transverse momentum, p(T), up to 20 GeV/c. A fivefold suppression is found, which is essentially constant for 5 in the parton quenching model. The spectral shape is similar for all collision classes, and the suppression does not saturate in Au + Au collisions.

Putting one-to-one marketing to work: Personalization, customization, and choice

Abstract: The tailoring of a firm’s marketing mix to the individual customer is the essence of one-to-one marketing. In this paper, we distinguish between two forms of one-to-one marketing: personalization and customization. Personalization occurs when the firm decides what marketing mix is suitable for the individual. It is usually based on previously collected customer data. Customization occurs when the customer proactively specifies one or more elements of his or her marketing mix. We summarize key challenges and knowledge gaps in understanding both firm and customer choices in one-to-one markets. We conclude with a summary of research opportunities.

Predictors of Depression and Anxiety Among International Students

Abstract: One of the most important goals of U.S. higher education is to encourage the enrollment of international students for academic, economic, and cultural purposes. The successful recruitment of these students comes with the responsibility to welcome, serve, and maintain the well-being of international students, and also to create an environment for multicultural interaction with students in the United States (hereinafter referred to as American students; Peterson, Briggs, Dreasher, Homer, & Nelson, 1999). Marion (1986) suggested that international students may act as great resources for increasing global understanding and the perspectives of American students. Peterson et al. found that American students learned about different cultures, their histories, and international issues from foreign students. In addition, they learned to acknowledge and respect cultural and individual differences and broaden their perspectives, thereby preventing stereotypical thinking. Marion also suggested that international students play an important role in providing technological knowledge to less developed countries. In the United States, enrollment of international students has been encouraged for the economic contribution of nearly $13.5 billion every year that they spend on tuition, living expenses, and related costs (Institute of International Education, 2007). The United States has the largest number of international students who represent many countries. During the academic year of 2005-2006, there were approximately 600,000 international students from several nations, with Asian students representing 58% of all international students, followed by students from Europe (15%), Latin America (11%), Africa (6%), the Middle East (4%), and 6% from North America and Oceania (Institute of International Education, 2007). Adjustment to a new educational and social environment can be a stressful process. Most college students experience stress throughout this process. However, many international students experience even more serious stress because of the additional culture shock factor (Church, 1982) and various sociocultural factors that are involved in the adjustment process of international students (Luzio-Lockett, 1998). It is not surprising that international students often face language barriers, immigration difficulties, culture shock, social adjustment, and homesickness. During this period of adjustment, international students may experience isolation and loneliness. Mori (2000) reported that these negative experiences can cause the students to feel hopeless, and an intensive sense of hopelessness may be the manifestation of depression. Considering the cultural differences and misunderstandings of the new and diverse experiences, it is likely that international students will experience feelings of estrangement, anxiety, and depression as a part of their adjustment process (Adler, 1975). Spielberger (1966) reported that anxiety is related to stress, and Furukawa (1997) reported that people who are exposed to foreign cultures may become depressed or anxious and display maladaptive behaviors as a result of this acculturative stress. Understanding the experiences of international students has important implications for creating and implementing programs that provide academic and personal support. Therefore, it is crucial to increase awareness about international students' problems and to recognize the students' individual perspectives regarding the factors that are involved in the adjustment and adaptation process (Luzio-Lockett, 1998). Because of these concerns, a number of studies have focused on the academic, psychological and social effects on international students of studying and living in the United States (Marion, 1986). In one of these studies, Kilinc and Granello (2003) found that students who were less acculturated experienced significantly more difficulty in their academic life, with language, and with medical/physical health than did the students with higher levels of acculturation. …

Long-Term Effects of the Death of a Child on Parents’ Adjustment in Midlife

Abstract: The death of a child is a traumatic event that can have long-term effects on the lives of parents. This study examined bereaved parents of deceased children (infancy to age 34) and comparison parents with similar backgrounds (n = 428 per group) identified in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. An average of 18.05 years following the death, when parents were age 53, bereaved parents reported more depressive symptoms, poorer well-being, and more health problems and were more likely to have experienced a depressive episode and marital disruption than were comparison parents. Recovery from grief was associated with having a sense of life purpose and having additional children but was unrelated to the cause of death or the amount of time since the death. The results point to the need for detection and intervention to help those parents who are experiencing lasting grief.