Embedding Student Clickers in an Introductory Management Information Systems Course

The challenges associated with teaching a core introductory management information systems (MIS) course are well known (large class sizes serving a majority of non-MIS majors, sustaining student interests, encouraging class participation, etc.). This study offers a mechanism towards managing and (hopefully) overcoming these challenges through the use of a simple and effective teaching innovation referred to as classroom response systems (a.k.a., clickers). Although clickers are not necessarily new (they have been around for some time), recent enhancements, such as radio-frequency technology and integration with other presentation software, have made them easier to manage, with greater reliability and flexibility. This paper presents a case study of the implementation and integration of clickers into an introductory MIS course. The system benefits, lessons learned and effective practices of integrating the technology in a large lecture format are provided

Clicking to Learn: A Case Study of Embedding Radio-Frequency based Clickers in an Introductory Management Information Systems Course

The challenges associated with teaching a core introductory management information systems (MIS) course are well known (large class sizes serving a majority of non-MIS majors, sustaining student interests, encouraging class participation, etc.). This study offers a mechanism towards managing these challenges through the use of a simple and effective innovation referred to as classroom response systems (a.k.a. clickers). Although clickers are not necessarily new, recent enhancements in the technology (such as radio-frequency and integration with presentation software) have made them easier to manage, with greater reliability and flexibility. This paper presents a case study of the development, implementation and integration of clickers into an introductory MIS course. The benefits, lessons learned and effective practices of integrating the technology in a large lecture format are provided. The case study findings are supplemented with results from student surveys administered to three sections of the same course based on clicker use levels (high, low and no usage). The study found that the use of clickers significantly improved students\u27 perceived performance in the course and classes with clickers experienced greater attendance levels and higher correlations of student performance and attendance. Furthermore, the greater the volume of clicker usage, the more favorable student perceptions were in terms of active learning, motivation, and providing feedback

The importance of species identity and interactions on multifunctionality depends on how ecosystem functions are valued

Studies investigating how biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning increasingly focus on multiple functions measured simultaneously ("multifunctionality"). However, few such studies assess the role of species interactions, particularly under alternative environmental scenarios, despite interactions being key to ecosystem functioning. Here we address five questions of central importance to ecosystem multifunctionality using a terrestrial animal system. (1) Does the contribution of individual species differ for different ecosystem functions? (2) Do inter-species interactions affect the delivery of single functions and multiple functions? (3) Does the community composition that maximizes individual functions also maximize multifunctionality? (4) Is the functional role of individual species, and the effect of interspecific interactions, modified by changing environmental conditions? (5) How do these roles and interactions change under varying scenarios where ecosystem services are weighted to reflect different societal preferences? We manipulated species' relative abundance in dung beetle communities and measured 16 functions contributing to dung decomposition, plant productivity, nutrient recycling, reduction of greenhouse gases, and microbial activity. Using the multivariate diversity-interactions framework, we assessed how changes in species identity, composition, and interspecific interactions affected these functions in combination with an environmental driver (increased precipitation). This allowed us to identify key species and interactions across multiple functions. We then developed a desirability function approach to examine how individual species and species mixtures contribute to a desired state of overall ecosystem functioning. Species contributed unequally to individual functions, and to multifunctionality, and individual functions were maximized by different community compositions. Moreover, the species and interactions important for maintaining overall multifunctionality depended on the weight given to individual functions. Optimal multifunctionality was context-dependent, and sensitive to the valuation of services. This combination of methodological approaches allowed us to resolve the interactions and indirect effects among species that drive ecosystem functioning, revealing how multiple aspects of biodiversity can simultaneously drive ecosystem functioning. Our results highlight the importance of a multifunctionality perspective for a complete assessment of species' functional contributions

The Early Effects of Rapid Androgen Deprivation on Human Prostate Cancer.

The androgen receptor (AR) is the dominant growth factor in prostate cancer (PCa). Therefore, understanding how ARs regulate the human transcriptome is of paramount importance. The early effects of castration on human PCa have not previously been studied 27 patients medically castrated with degarelix 7 d before radical prostatectomy. We used mass spectrometry, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression array (validated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) to compare resected tumour with matched, controlled, untreated PCa tissue. All patients had levels of serum androgen, with reduced levels of intraprostatic androgen at prostatectomy. We observed differential expression of known androgen-regulated genes (TMPRSS2, KLK3, CAMKK2, FKBP5). We identified 749 genes downregulated and 908 genes upregulated following castration. AR regulation of α-methylacyl-CoA racemase expression and three other genes (FAM129A, RAB27A, and KIAA0101) was confirmed. Upregulation of oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) expression was observed in malignant epithelia and was associated with differential expression of ESR1-regulated genes and correlated with proliferation (Ki-67 expression).We thank CRUK, The NIHR, The Academy of Medical Sciences(RG:63397) and the National Cancer Research Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms of Progression and Treatment (ProMPT) collaborative (G0500966/75466), Hutchison Whampoa Limited, the Human Research Tissue Bank (Addenbrooke’s Hospital, supported by the NIHR Cambridge BRC), and Cancer Research UK

A Species Checklist of Wild Orchids in Selected Sites in Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah

A brief orchid diversity study was conducted from 14th to 19th October 2019 in Kadamaian, located northwest of Kinabalu area, through a scientific geographic expedition. A convenience sampling method was employed with only the flowering individuals collected and preserved as herbarium specimens. A total of 58 species and 32 genera were identified during the field visits to the Mount Nopungguk, Melangkap Noriou, Ulu Sungai Melawa, and basecamp site. The finding comprises of 43 epiphytes, 13 terrestrials, and two mycoheterotrophs. Appendicula congesta, Bulbophyllum disjunctum, Dendrobium kiauense, and Goodyera rostellata are species endemic to Borneo found during the expedition along with Crepidium multiflorum, a hyper-endemic species to Kinabalu area. Several rare species which narrowly distributed to primary forest habitat were discovered, including jewel orchids; Cystorchis variegata var. variegata and Anoectochilus geniculatus, and two mycoheterotrophs; Aphyllorchis pallida and Lecanorchis multiflora var. multiflora

A preliminary survey and chemical profiling of wild ginger species in Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah

A preliminary survey of the diversity of gingers (Zingiberaceae) was conducted in Kadamaian, Kota Belud from 14th to 19th October, 2019. Wild ginger species is utilized widely as one of the most important material in traditional medicine among indigenous people of Sabah. However, few of these plant species have been studied for their chemical constituents and beneficial properties. In order to investigate the compound composition, the essential oil from Etlingera brevilabrum, Alpinia nieuwenhuizii and Hornstedtia havilandii were screened. The essential oil was obtained from leaves, stems and rhizomes of the plant through hydro-distillation and analysed for their chemical composition through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The result of this study indicated that the chemical constituents of all three parts for all species are similar; all have terpenoids (monoterpene and sesquiterpene), aldehyde, hydrocarbon, ketone and alcohol in the essential oil extracts. GC-MS analyses of the oils led to the identification of 35 compound constituents from the leaves, stems and rhizomes of E. brevilabrum, which is the highest. Meanwhile, A. nieuwenhuizii displayed 34 chemical compositions from all parts (leaf, stem and rhizome) of the plant. H. havilandii showed the lowest number of volatiles from all plant parts (24 compounds). Monoterpene is dominant in all wild ginger studied, except for rhizome of E. brevilabrum. On the contrary, E. brevilabrum showed sesquiterpene as the most abundant compound in its composition. This shows that the volatile oil composition of wild ginger species is extremely variable. This study provides preliminary key chemical information for evaluating the quality of local wild gingers in Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah

Reduced body sizes in climate-impacted tropical insect assemblages are primarily explained by range shifts

Both community composition changes due to species redistribution and within-species size shifts may alter body size structures under climate warming. Here we assess the relative contribution of these processes in community-level body size changes in tropical moth assemblages that moved uphill during a period of warming. Based on resurvey data for seven assemblages (>8000 individuals) on Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo in 1965 and 2007, we show significant wing-length reduction (mean shrinkage of 1.3% per species). Range shifts explain most size re-structuring, due to uphill shifts of relatively small species, especially at high elevations. Overall, mean forewing length shrank by ca. 5%, much of which accounted for by species range boundary shifts (3.9%), followed by within-boundary distribution changes (0.5%), and within-species size shrinkage (0.6%). We conclude that the effects of range shifting predominate, but considering species physiological responses is also important for understanding community size reorganization under climate warming

The Impact of Innovation and Personal Control on MicroEntrepreneurs’ Performance in Sabah

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the innovation and personal control impact on microbusiness performance in Sabah, Malaysia. Research Methodology: The paper adopts non-probability known as a purposive sampling method in the selection of micro-businesses. The sample consists of micro business owners/entrepreneurs under the TEKUN financing scheme throughout Sabah. A survey using self-conducted questionnaires structured on a 7-point Likert scale is conducted through the distribution of 600 questionnaires, and subsequently, a total of 525 questionnaires are returned. The EAO dimensions assessed in the paper are innovation and personal control. Data collected are analysed using the SEM-PLS technique through the SmartPLS 3.3.2 software. Results: The results show that innovation and personal control are positively correlated with micro-business performance. Nevertheless, this study found that the level of performance among entrepreneurs is moderately low. Limitations: The theoretical implication of this paper is that it provides supports to some of the previous findings and arguments that EAO play an essential role in ensuring microentrepreneurs achieving better business performance. Contribution: From a practical perspective, the findings of this paper help entrepreneurs, owners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to understand the critical role of EAO in improving the business performance of micro-business in Malaysia

The impact of risk willingness and opportunity recognition on business owners’ performance in Sabah, Malaysia

This paper examines the impact of risk willingness and opportunity recognition on business owners’ performance in Sabah, Malaysia. The paper adopts non-probability sampling, known as a purposive sampling method, in selecting business owners. A total of 600 surveys using self-conducted questionnaires structured on a 7-point Likert scale is distributed, and subsequently, 525 questionnaires are returned. The EAO dimensions assessed in the paper are risk willingness and opportunity recognition. Data collected are analysed using the SEM-PLS technique through the SmartPLS 3.3.2 software. The study found a positive effect of risk willingness and opportunity recognition on the business owners’ performance. Accordingly, this paper’s theoretical and practical implication supports some of the previous findings and arguments that EAO plays an essential role in influencing micro-business owners’ performance