bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Career Transitions and Trajectories for a Diverse Workforce
Authors: Wittmer Jenell L. S. , Werth Paul M. , Rudolph Cort W.
Published: May 2017

Several aspects of diversity impact career transitions and trajectories. Whereas traditional conceptualizations of careers emphasize a clear path for the majority of people, modern careers are better characterized by a multitude and variety of potential mobility paths. Modern career trajectories have been linked to early developmental activities, which are similarly related to increased diversity and societal changes. This chapter discusses the impact of different forms of diversity on career transitions from lifespan and life course perspectives, as well from a dynamic perspective where one's career transitions are dictated by lesser-planned socio-contextual and personal circumstances. Special attention is given to contemporary research and unique issues related to women and older workers. Within this discussion is a review of work arrangements for adapting and capitalizing on the needs of this changing workforce. We conclude by outlining trends likely to influence career development in the future, including suggestions for future research.
Workforce Diversity Career Development
Authors: Scott Chaunda L. , Sims Jeanetta D.
Published: May 2017

As workforce diversity careers in organizations continue to increase in the United States, less emphasis has been placed on preparing undergraduate and graduate students with specific workforce diversity competencies to pursue these career options once they graduate. The aim of this chapter is to: 1) highlight the issues, problems, and controversies associated with this effort, 2) provide examples of workforce diversity career positions and competencies that workforce diversity professionals possess today in a variety of fields, and 3) offer recommendations regarding how institutions of higher education can begin preparing students with specific workforce diversity competencies to enter the career field of workforce diversity before they graduate.
Constructing and Deconstructing Gender in Second Life
Authors: Ferreira Cátia , Ganito Carla
Published: May 2017

Digital games are cultural representations that convey the gender system. The narratives of gender that have shaped the gaming industry since the 1980s were influenced by gender stereotypes. The representation of the female, although based on stereotypes, has evolved hand in hand with the representation of women in other media. But what happens when players are given the opportunity to develop their digital representatives? Virtual worlds are among the online games that allow a higher degree of personalization of the avatar and, in order to contribute to a better understanding of how gender identities are being performed within these environments, this paper will present a case study of Second Life. A qualitative methodology was used based on netnographic research. The data collection methods included participant observation and auto-netnography. The researchers would like to propose that to examine how gender is represented in games that enable the creation of the avatar allows to deepen the analysis on the relationship that has been established between gender and digital games.
Promoting Culturally Responsive Pedagogical Competence among Preservice Teachers
Authors: Adjei-Boateng Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

This chapter examines primary issues confronting preservice teacher preparation in the US public schools. There are several issues confronting teaching and teacher education programs. However, this chapter explores cultural and linguistic diversity issues given the critical need for inclusive education. The increasing nature of demographic changes in the schools and the U.S. society also has ramifications for students' learning and preservice teacher preparation. To that end, this chapter examines efforts by organizations and educational researchers to respond to the phenomenon of demographic changes in US public schools and the need to equip teachers with competencies needed to help students become successful in schools. The author examines how one teacher education program is preparing teachers to meet the demands of teaching culturally and linguistically diverse student population. Finally, the author provides suggestions on how to improve and enhance culturally responsive pedagogical competence among preservice teachers.
Migration Affecting Masculinities
Authors: Sowad Abu Saleh Mohammad
Published: May 2017

This chapter looks into the causes of behavioral changes among migrant Bangladeshi men after migration; especially changes in roles that they always considered are closely related to their gender identity. Masculinities inspire men to endure gender inequalities in the society. Therefore, one of the most significant causes of the chapter is to trace out the innate reasons of such changes, to plan some conscious actions that can be applied back in Bangladesh to challenge and change the prevailing constructs of masculinities to ensure a gender sensitive socio-cultural environment. The chapter reveals migrant Bangladeshi men's support to the perceived gender equality of British culture and their will to follow such practice. This chapter finally argues that migrant Bangladeshi men in the UK adopt a new kind of masculinities that doesn't have serious clash with the masculine ideologies that they had before migration and doesn't challenge their hegemonic position in the family.
Gender Inference for Arabic Language in Social Media
Authors: Al-Ghadir Abdul Rahman I. , Alabdullatif Abdullatif , Azmi Aqil M.
Published: May 2017

The widespread usage of social media has attracted a new group of researchers seeking information on who, what and, where the users are. Some of the information retrieval researchers are interested in identifying the gender, age group, and the educational level of the users. The objective of this work is to identify the gender in the Arabic posts in the social media. Most of the works related to gender classification has been for English based content in the social media. Work for other languages, such as Arabic, is almost next to none. Typically people express themselves in the social media using colloquial, so this study is geared towards the identification of genders using the Saudi dialect of the Arabic language. To solve the gender identification problem the authors, a novel method called k-Top Vector (k-TV), which is based on the k-top words based on the words occurrences and the frequency of the stems, was introduced. Part of this work required compiling a dataset of Saudi dialect words. For this, a well-known widely used social site was relied on. To test the system, we compiled 1200 samples equally split between both genders. The authors trained Support Vector Machine (SVM) and k-NN classifiers using different number of samples for training and testing. SVM did a better job and achieved an accuracy of 95% for gender classification.
Creating Digital Safe Spaces for Gender Expression and Sexual Diversity
Authors: Justice Lenora Jean , Hooker Steven D.
Published: May 2017

A school is where individuals go to learn regardless of their ethnicity, physical appearance, physical and/or mental abilities, gender, or sexual orientation. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) population of students generally face discrimination and/or misunderstanding in diverse groups of students. This chapter is designed to help educators better recognize this group of individuals and to ensure their right to a safe learning environment. Additionally, this chapter includes advice for educators to help students better understand personal sharing in the digital world, in dealing with and preventing cyberbullying, and with creating digital safe spaces for everyone, including LGBTQ students. Advice for preventing and dealing with cyberbullying is also included for administrators, parents, and students.
Supporting Visibility and Resilience in Play
Authors: Richard Gabriela T.
Published: May 2017

Scholars have highlighted the learning opportunities afforded by online gaming communities of practice, which include providing authentic and meaningful contexts for engaging in and learning 21st century skills and digital literacies. However, lesser attention has been paid to how these environments can be inequitable in including and supporting members across gender. This chapter highlights the importance of gender supportive online gaming communities and their role in increasing the visibility of and resiliency necessary for equitable online play and learning. The history of a gender-supportive community and its structures are explored. The chapter further provides recommendations for educators, based on the social structures of this gender-supportive community and related research on educational climates and equitable learning.
Women Entrepreneurship Across Nations
Authors: Nair Suja R.
Published: May 2017

Since the past two decades the concept of women entrepreneurship has gained recognition as a significant contributor towards the economic growth of the country. This can be attributed to the many encouraging factors like family support, flexibility in work family schedule, encouraging policies etc. Nevertheless, there also exist certain barriers that hinder their path of progress. In the context of globalization today, women entrepreneurs across nations are also engaged in identifying opportunities for further growth. In this pursuit they face a number of challenges amidst the opportunities. The chapter intends to make a contribution to the topic of women entrepreneurship by examining what initiates entrepreneurship among individuals, comparison between male and female entrepreneurs, factors that encourage women entrepreneurs as well as those that inhibit their growth and on ways to overcome the challenges they face.
Social Media and Gender Issues
Authors: Webb Lynne M. , Temple Nicholas
Published: May 2017

Using Performance Theory as an explanatory basis, this essay explicates the performance of gender in social media beginning with the gendered history of digital technologies and an articulation of the social media venues' unique affordances for gender performance. Then, the chapter reviews the scientific research examining gendered online behavior in social media noting opportunities for enacting traditional sex role stereotypes and thus socializing others to do so as well as opportunities to enact equality and thus disseminating calls for liberation and increased equality between the sexes in all aspects of social life. Facebook, blogs, and online games are examined in detail as exemplars of specific social media cites of gender performance.
Different Experiences and Perceptions of Campus Climate Among Minority Students at a Predominantly White Institution
Authors: Rudge Lucila Telles
Published: May 2017

This study examines the differences in experiences and perceptions of campus climate of 38 minority students enrolled in a predominantly White institution (PWI). The study included six focus group sessions, each designated for a specific minority group – African American students, Native American students, gender and sexually diverse students, students with disabilities, Latino-Hispanic students, and International students. About half of the participants reported negative experiences with racism and discrimination on campus whereas the other half reported exactly the opposite. Attribution to discrimination theory was used as a lens to closely analyze participants' discourse.
Mobile Technologies and Gender Rituals
Authors: Soriano Cheryll Ruth R.
Published: May 2017

This chapter explores the implications of mobile technologies on gender through the lens of gender rituals. While maintaining social order and social roles, rituals also legitimate key category differences, ideologies, and inequalities. The increasing convergence of media and content in mobile devices, and the blurring of the spaces for work, family, and leisure amidst the landscape of globalization and mobility have important implications for the enactment of rituals, and in the performance of gender. The chapter discusses this mutual shaping of gender rituals and mobile technologies through a case study of the Philippines, with some broad implications for other contexts. The study finds that the personalization, mobility, and multitude of applications afforded by mobile devices offer many opportunities for the exploration of new possibilities for subjectivity that challenge particular gender stereotypes and restrictions while simultaneously affirming particular gender rituals. While exploring the implications of the mobile device on gender in a developing society, the chapter in turn highlights the importance of culturally embedded rituals in shaping and understanding the mobile device's place in society.
Gendered Social-Networking Organizations
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: May 2017

Research has consistently documented that women are disproportionately represented in upper management and in positions of power and still continue to dominate traditionally female occupations. Hence, recognizing that effective efforts needs to be made to assist women in their career development, many organizations have adopted mentoring programs to address gender differences in advancement without having a grounded plan. Organizations often do so out of competing for and achieving organizational longevity, organizational competitive advantage, or for legal accommodations for marketing purposes. Organizations often implement mentoring program(s) with the goal of having mentors provide mentees with psychosocial support, career development support, sponsorship and coaching, setting up challenging assignments, fostering positive visibility, and protecting the mentee from adverse forces. Hence, the purpose of this article will be on mentorship (brief historical coverage and definition), stereotypes of gendered advancement based on gender, and cross-gender mentorship in the U.S.
Women in Transition
Authors: Zachorowska-Mazurkiewicz Anna
Published: May 2017

The chapter describes institutional and gender relations in the society and the economy, the influence of institutions and the state that may lead to the institutional change, which is understood as an adaptation of habits of thought to changing circumstances. The situation of women in Poland has been chosen to illustrate this phenomenon. Poland, as a country, has gone through major social, political and economic transformations in the last 25 years, and they have had important impacts on people's lives. The analysis of the impact of major transformations in Poland's post-war political economy enables the distinguishing factors (policies, institutions) that guarantee certain continuity in a society, and the ones that lead to institutional changes. Knowledge about the mechanisms of institutional change in the context of gender relations is helpful in designing policies aiming at promoting gender equality in societies as well as economies.
Motivations and Challenges of Female Entrepreneurship in Developed and Developing Economies
Authors: Chandan Harish C.
Published: May 2017

Globally, women entrepreneurs manage micro enterprises, social enterprises, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and knowledge-based businesses. The entrepreneurship rates for women vary globally and, in general, are smaller than those for men. Both the Individual-centric approach and country-specific approach is necessary since women in different countries operate in a specific socioeconomic context (Singh, 2012; Pathak et al., 2013). For increasing the entrepreneurial rates of women businesses in a country, one has to consider the individual, psychological, socioeconomic and political context including education, mentoring, financial support, networking, and social, cultural and religious norms (GEM, 2014). An egalitarian social paradigm is proposed which removes social, cultural and religious constraints for women and counts on men to share equally in the household and family care activities. The motivations and challenges, of women entrepreneurs have to be understood in the context of the gender role and the duality of modernization vs. tradition (Belwal, 2014).
Does Institutional Diversity Affect Firms' Innovative Activities in Asian Economies?
Authors: Tohyama Hironori , Harada Yuji
Published: May 2017

This chapter looks to contribute to the recent literature on institutional comparative analyses of Asian economies; it makes three distinct contributions. First, we investigate the institutional diversity of Asian economies by using multivariate methods, and show five different groups within Asian economies that can be distinguished from advanced economies. Second, based on firm-level data, we determine whether institutional environments have a favorable effect on the innovation activities of firms; concurrently, we discuss whether or not joining a global supply chain induces firms to engage in innovation activities. Our analytical results show that institutional characteristics have a positive effect on firms' decisions to engage in those activities, and that institutional configurations provide the foundation for a global supply chain built in East Asian economies. Third, we emphasize that the current institutional diversity can persist, given the positive interaction between the institutional diversity of Asian economies and the innovation activities of Asian firms.
Social Responses to Conversational TV VUI
Authors: Park Eun Kyung , Lee Kwan Min , Shin Dong Hee
Published: May 2017

The study investigated whether apologetic synthetic gendered voices affect users' perception of an error-prone VUI. In a TV viewing task, participants interacted with the conversational TV, and executed eight menus in a 2 (apologetic error message: yes vs. no) by 2 (voice gender) by 2 (subject gender) gender balanced, between participants experiment. When participants encountered errors, the TV provided verbal error messages, with or without an apology. The results revealed significant two-way interaction effects of apology (yes) and voice gender (male) on perception of the TV, and the voice. Irrespective of gender, participants responded to a male voice more, when it offered apologies for errors. It is interpreted that the context in which genuineness of apology was regarded as important made participants perceive a male voice as being more trustworthy than a female voice. The participants seem to have applied gender stereotypical perceptions to gendered VUI, as they do to other humans.
Challenging or Reinforcing the Gender Divide?
Authors: Gustafsson Jessica , Nielsen Poul Erik
Published: May 2017

This chapter aims to deepen the understanding of how the appropriations of new communication technologies in dramatic changing communication ecologies interrelate with social and cultural changes in contemporary rural and urban Kenya, focusing on gender and space. The study, which is set in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, is based on a 799 household's survey concerning gendered access and usage of media and ICT and 80 life-world interviews with men and women on their appropriations of new media. The chapter concludes that the interrelation between new media and gender is complex. To a large extent the media usage reflects the patriarchal structure in Kenya and reinforces gendered spaces but new media also offer new spaces that challenge prevailing norms. Suggesting that new technologies can simultaneously function as vehicles of transformation and reproduce power relations and cultural patterns.
Diversity Management
Authors: Riccò Rossella
Published: May 2017

Despite twenty-five years of debates and researches on how to devise efficient, effective and equitable ways to manage people's diversities in organizations, professionals and academics have produced neither a shared definition of diversity management nor a general accepted assessment on the outcomes that diversity management can deliver for organizations and persons. Very often the concept of diversity management remains unexpressed and unexplained leaving people unsure on its meaning. The aim of this chapter is to expand the understanding of diversity management by systematizing it on the basis of McGregor's new human relations framework. The proposed definition implies to bring equality of opportunities, equity and inclusion in the workplace and allows to revise three causes of criticism ascribed to diversity management, namely, the lack of theoretical foundation, the vagueness of the concept, the reduced anti-discrimination force compared to equal employment opportunities.
Developing Diversity Neutral Organizational Culture
Authors: Bhattacharyya Dipak Kumar
Published: May 2017

Workplace diversity issues have now generated enormous activities in organizations. Diversity management practices are positively seen by the stakeholders, and also contribute to organizational value-stream. Worldwide through various government actions, discriminatory employment practices based on race, colour, religion, age, disability, gender, culture, and ethnicity have now been prohibited. With diverse workforces, culture of organization becomes complex. Hence organizations need to change to accommodate the principles of valuing diversity. Among others, this requires focus on changing employees' attitudes and eliminating discriminatory behaviours. Based on literature survey on organizational practices and diversity management practices of two public sector organizations, this book chapter discusses two core diversity issues, i.e., gender neutrality and cross-cultural diversity and then outlines the diversity management principles, which can benefit Indian organizations in long-term sustainability and growth.
The Case for Group Heterogeneity
Authors: Margetts Teigan , Holland Elise
Published: May 2017

In this chapter, the case for group heterogeneity in organisations, from a gender perspective, will be put forward. The chapter will argue that diversity within top management teams (TMTs) and boards is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the group decision-making process, and also to increase innovation across the firm. Whilst gender is not a dichotomous variable, females do bring a level of difference to any given group. For decision-making, this level of difference is critical to prevent groupthink, cascades and polarisation. The chapter will also argue that ‘diversity' cannot mean the ‘token' introduction of one female, rather, diversity is most valuable when equality is achieved. Given that incremental increases are associated with diversity for innovation, the chapter will also argue that equality leads to better innovation. Overall, the chapter will aim to demonstrate that group heterogeneity and gender diversity results in better decisions, better innovations, and better overall performance for organisations.
Engaging the Diversified Workforce Sustaining Productivity
Authors: Mupepi Mambo , Motwani Jaideep , Ross-Davis Yolanda M. , Allen Monica
Published: May 2017

The argument presented in this article is that highly productive workplaces can be inclusive, and purposefully built to produce the goods and services demanded by customers. A socio-technical system approach can be inclusive in terms of talent and technology and is subject to deconstruction. The characterization of diversity can be made in at least two ways: based on the attributes possessed by the employees; and racial composition of the workforce. A co-constructed competency model can be applied to understand the nature and description of prevailing cultural conditions to effectively engage people to be more productive. An inclusive circle of deeply involved people can design and support the necessary change and generate the synergy, techniques, and the heuristics, to increase productivity.
International Conceptualizations of Diversity in Multi-Cultural Teacher Preparation
Authors: Baker Lottie L. , Liu Laura B. , Milman Natalie B.
Published: May 2017

This literature review updates and expands the authors' previous synthesis of empirical research on pre-service multicultural teacher preparation (MTP) conducted from 2006-2011 in settings outside the U.S. (Liu, Baker, & Milman, 2014). In this review, the authors synthesized research conducted from 2006-2015 about (a) how diversity is conceptualized in teacher education, and (b) how MTP is practiced across international settings. Their analysis demonstrates that researchers in non-U.S. settings conceptualized diversity as: (a) unspecified or undefined; (b) connected to self; and (c) a social justice issue. MTP practices similar to their prior review included: critical reflections on self and other, culturally relevant pedagogies, and theory-to-practice transfer. The authors' updated analysis additionally revealed a new approach that they termed interdisciplinary MTP. Implications call for initiating innovative collaborations in teacher preparation to explore complex, evolving definitions of diversity shaped by global and local discourses, and learning from each other about meaningful, effective MTP across international settings.
Diversity and the Need for Cross-Cultural Leadership and Collaboration
Authors: Roth Kenneth R. , Ritter Zachary S.
Published: May 2017

This chapter identifies current issues and methods for enhancing organizational climate by and through practices that embrace, promote and accommodate diversity and cross-cultural collaboration. We identify ongoing areas of insensitivity and focus on practices that individuals and organizations need to develop in order to accommodate diversity, and to cultivate cross-cultural collaboration and leadership development. Future leaders must possess skills that are just and respectful of increasing difference in organizations. We believe higher education is the logical site for developing these skills and practices but before we can fully enjoy the benefits of diverse organizations and communities, we must develop and practice these skills at colleges and universities – organizations whose ongoing social relevance may very well depend on their efforts and abilities to prepare culturally-competent graduates for work in the globalizing workplace.
Understanding Gender Differences in Media Perceptions of Hedonic Systems
Authors: Nah Fiona Fui-Hoon , Eschenbrenner Brenda
Published: May 2017

As technology improves in hedonic and affective dimensions, women's interests in technology may increase. In this research, the authors are interested in understanding gender differences in media perceptions of hedonic systems. They draw upon Hunter-Gatherer Theory of Spatial Gender Differences and Jung's Theory of Psychological Types on Gender Differences to hypothesize differences in men's and women's perceptions of skill, challenge, telepresence, and satisfaction with online experiences in 2D versus 3D hedonic environments. The results of their experiment indicate that even though women perceive lower skill levels and greater challenge in using 2D and 3D hedonic systems than men, women's perceived sense of telepresence is higher than men in both 2D and 3D hedonic environments. In addition, women are more satisfied with 2D and 3D hedonic experiences than men. The authors' findings suggest that consistent with Jung's Theory of Psychological Types on Gender Differences, women's perceptions of hedonic systems are more positive than men and, hence, making technology intuitive, enjoyable, and fun to use can potentially increase women's participation in the information and communication technology workforce. Additionally, given that women perceive more challenge and skill issues in using technology but are more favorable toward hedonic systems than men, the authors suggest that the use of hedonic systems to support K-12 education systems, such as computer or serious gaming for education, can generate females' interests in technology at an early age.
Emerging Digital Technologies and Women's Leadership in Global Business
Authors: Pereira Carlos Eduardo Nogueira Couto
Published: May 2017

Despite progress, women in global business are still widely underrepresented in leadership positions. In their path to become leaders, women have to deal with gender stereotypes and discriminatory practices on a daily basis while they interact and perform their work. As emerging digital technologies become instrumental for interaction and performance of global business, women are required to increasingly contest gender inequalities and enact their leadership roles while using these technologies. This chapter explores to what extent the use of emerging digital technologies can contribute to contest gender inequalities and enact women's leadership in business. It does it by revising the literature on emerging technologies and organisational practices and implications for gender and leadership and presenting the findings of an ethnographic study conducted among women's leaders in a global business. The conclusion brings actionable insights and recommendations for professionals, policy makers, and future research.
Real Life and Second Life, Osmotic Membranes
Authors: Borsani Maddalena
Published: May 2017

The project has as field of study Second Life: a three-dimensional world, online, persistent multi-user, interactive, participatory; where the individual's self-presence is guaranteed with an avatar. It has been proved that Second Life is perceived by individuals as an actual experience and full of meaning, so as to allow the dynamics of identity and social relationships. This process of incorporation into the avatar would ensure the online presence of the individual and the recognition of other avatars, as individuals. This would facilitate effective social dynamics among avatar: the new social-actors, that would be perceived as strongly emotional and interactive, allowing individuals to recognize the other avatars as subjectivity, experimenting with new identities and mediating new meanings with them. The analysis of these dynamics has shown the potential of experience to be an avatar and sociality inworld, and is not in opposition to the real world, but come across as an extension, a empowerment and can be integrated into real life.
Dante Project
Authors: Farmeschi Nicoletta
Published: May 2017

Experiencing virtual world teaching had always the purpose to understand its role and possible uses in education. It is easy to see a direct use of 3D worlds in teaching: give the possibility to the students to work and practice different things in a free and flexible environments. This was always the dream of teachers in our era, that tries to put at the centre of the education their students. Giving a sense to 3D world teaching is not only to define what, when and why it can be used. Other requirements to understand better this process are a positive response from past experimentations, to have a feedback to evaluate; and a basic “training” of professors with the aim to put them in the condition to efficiently use (before the students) those virtual environments. These can also be described as “augmented environments”, not always linked to 3D world because the intrinsic value of this definition.
Virtual Worlds
Authors: Tricarico Michelangelo
Published: May 2017

This chapter discusses the author's experience in virtual environments, with particular reference to virtual reconstruction. The events are narrated from the perspective of a student who at first developed his skills in this specific field at school, and then became competent and passionate enough to teach what he had learned in the course of time. He describes his experience from early school projects to the personal ones; from his award as a “Master Builder” to his early teaching lessons. Other learning activities that can be carried out in a virtual world are also illustrated, with particular reference to “coding”, which appears to be of great interest to the author. The main objective of this paper is to highlight the potential of a 3D virtual environment for the reconstruction of monuments, i.e., the author's area of expertise. It also provides a description of other activities that can be performed in a virtual environment, while illustrating the most common issues that can be experienced and suggesting how to solve them.
Are We Ready to App?
Authors: Abu Seman Sharidatul Akma , Ramayah T.
Published: May 2017

In Malaysia, adoption of the mobile application for smartphones and tablet computers are growing in number and are actively applied in healthcare. However, limited studies were found looking at mHealth app that is focusing on Malaysia context. This study aims to examine the current mHealth app that is available in Malaysia. This study also seeks to rank the pricing of top paid apps from two major platforms, Apple iOS, and Android PlayStore. In mid-2016, the authors overviewed the Medical app and Health and Fitness category from two dominant platforms; Apple iOS and Android Play Store. The only app that was related to human healthcare, described in Bahasa Malaysia or English, was examined. Most app that is designed specifically for Malaysia is informational apps, which provide information on healthcare and medical information. The study also reveals that most consumers in Malaysia are ready and are willing to pay for mHealth app. Majority of app price is between RM10.01 to RM25.
The SMAC Opportunity Contracts
Authors: Shalan Mohammad Ali , Anaim Nebal Abdulrazzak
Published: May 2017

The concept of Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) is increasingly asserted as the phenomena with the potential to change technology and business relationships. In this SMAC era plenty of Middle Circle Contractors (MCCs) are being introduced as principal suppliers, integrators or outsourced contractors. This is reducing the Client Enterprise (CE) controls over their technology assets. Because it is not mature yet, SMAC nature is very disruptive and agile, thus rapidly changing the landscape of contracting, and ultimately turning the long-held promise of utility based computing into a reality. Such changes necessitate contracting transformation with innovated approaches to get targeted benefits, reduce risks and enhance operational controls. The main objective of this chapter is to provide guidelines to generate SMAC Opportunity Contracts (OCs) that are responsive and agile to provide the maximum business value, enhance risk governance and re-invent the roles and obligations in an ever-changing environment.
Irritating Factors While Navigating on Websites and Facebook and Its Reactions Using Different Devices
Authors: El Mouldi Sana , Mouelhi Norchene Ben Dahmane
Published: May 2017

The research presented in this chapter identifies sources of the irritation felt by internet users while browsing websites and Facebook. A qualitative approach was taken, including 40 individual interviews, enabled the authors to determine the irritating factors and user reactions when using different devices such as smartphones, computers and tablets to navigate websites and Facebook. The implications of this research will help marketers and web developers to reduce internet user irritation and better understand their behavior to better meet their expectations.
mMarketing Opportunities for User Collaborative Environments in Smart Cities
Authors: Avgerou Artemis D. , Karayanni Despina A. , Stamatiou Yannis C.
Published: May 2017

Smart City infrastructures connect people with their devices through wireless communications networks while they offer sensor-based information about the city's status and needs. Connecting people carrying mobile devices equipped with sensors through such an infrastructure leads to the “collective intelligence” or “crowdsourcing” paradigm. This paradigm has been deployed in numerous contexts such as performing large-scale experiments (e.g., monitoring the pollution levels or analyzing mobility patterns of people to derive useful information about rush hours in cities) or gathering and sharing user collected experiences in efforts to increase privacy awareness and personal information protection levels. In this chapter, we will focus on employing this paradigm in the mMarketing/mCommerce domain and discuss how crowdsourcing can create new opportunities for commercial activities as well as expansion of existing ones.
“I Have Never Met a Student With a Disability in My 15 Years of Teaching”
Authors: Sinecka Jitka Nelb
Published: May 2017

The study presents results of a survey concerning students with disabilities, their chances to study at universities, and accessibility of higher education in the Czech Republic. We conducted interviews of academic employees at Jan Evangelista Purkyne University in Ústínad Labem in the Czech Republic when I worked there. The chapter reveals the current state of accessible higher education. Further, it shares results from research conducted among existing faculty and administration about their attitudes towards students with disabilities as well as about their preparedness to accommodate candidates and to modify their own courses. We revealed intensive attitudinal barriers that existed among faculty. Some of the respondents even expressed an opinion that disabled students should be excluded from higher education. Professors and instructors were not aware of the needs of students with disabilities or how to include them in the learning process. They never thought about how inaccessible their courses were regarding representation, expression, engagement, or assessment.
Comparative Review of Education Doctorates in Three Countries
Authors: East Marlene , Hajdukova Eva Brown , Carr Monica E. , Evans William H. , Hornby Garry
Published: May 2017

Researchers affiliated with education PhD programs in Australia and New Zealand, and an education EdD program in the United States aimed to enhance understanding of contemporary education doctorate approaches and challenges. The central research question was: What knowledge will emerge regarding education doctoral programs through the lens of globalization? Using a descriptive interpretive research paradigm, collaborators determined that although education doctorate approaches vary, skills developed are similar. As researchers are increasingly viewed as strategic assets, access to quality education is essential. Doctoral program planners must attend to the paradigm shift away from traditional apprenticeship supervision pedagogy to structured and standardized approaches. For sustainability, online education must be integrated into doctoral programs, while ensuring faculty are trained in distance education theory and best practices. As growth in doctoral enrollments drives the need for more faculty, program planners must also aim to solve related problems of contingent academic labor.
The Model of Technology-Supported Learning for Special Educational Needs Learners
Authors: Alias Roslinda , Alias Nor Aziah , Luaran Johan Eddy , Sueb Rosilawati , Kamaludin Mahadi
Published: May 2017

The Model of Technology-Supported Learning can be considered among the comprehensive model in creating the inclusive environment for SWDs. It is based on the two needs assessments conducted among the public and 66 SWDs from eight Malaysian HEIs. It was then validated by a heterogeneous group of 11 subject matter experts (SMEs) from overseas and locals via the Delphi Technique. The consensus among the SMEs was achieved at the Round Two of Delphi. This indicates that the Model of Technology Supported Learning for SEN Learners is feasible and accepted to be implemented in the Malaysian HEIs. The Model comprised of one main component with six sub-components namely: 1) Academic Affairs, 2) Student Affairs, 3) Library, 4) University Administration, 5) Community, Industrial Networking, and Alumni, and 6) Special Department/Unit for SEN learners. In this chapter, the focus will be given on the special unit for SEN learners' component. The exemplification of the component will be discussed further to demonstrate how the Model is feasible to be implemented in higher education.
Impact of climate variability on the occurrence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran
Authors: Azimi Farideh , Shirian Sadegh , Jangjoo Saranaz , Ai Arman , Abbasi Tahereh
Published: May 2017

Leishmaniasis, one of the most important parasitic diseases worldwide, is frequently cited with respect to health risks related to climate change. The current variability of the climate may have different impacts on the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) depending on the various Leishmania species. The number and distribution of CL cases in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran was analysed over the 2010-2014 period with regard to temperature, humidity, rainfall, sunshine hours, evaporation and wind-related climate issues. During the study period, there were 4672 recorded clinical cases of CL, the incidence of which was found to fall into three types of areas, such as high, intermediate and low-level endemic areas. Compared to the intermediate and low-endemic areas, the hyper-endemic areas showed significantly variable meteorological data with regard to rainy days, maximum/minimum temperature and humidity. Decreased temperatures in the eastern part of this province were found to promote the disease towards its centre. We conclude that the meteorological variables and incidence data of CL indicate that the number of rainy days, maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity are significant variables that can predict CL incidence. Indeed, the substantial climatic variability occurring during the recent 5-year period (2010-2014) in Khuzestan Province could be the main reason for the change in epidemiology and transmission of CL.
Haemodialysis services in the northeastern region of Iran
Authors: Kiani Behzad , Bagheri Nasser , Tara Ahmad , Hoseini Benyamin , Tara Mahmoud
Published: May 2017

Chronic kidney disease is growing and the current estimated global prevalence exceeds 13%. As the use of haemodialysis machines for patients with end stage renal disease increases survival considerably, it is critical to plan correctly for the allocation of these machines. This study aimed to develop a geographical information systems (GIS)-based approach to predict the need for this service in the northeastern region of Iran taking into account where patients live and where haemodialysis is the most needed and identifying areas with poor access to haemodialysis centres. Patients were interviewed to obtain self-reported actual travel time and the inverse distance-weighting algorithm was used to determine access in each area. The prediction is based on the domestic growth rate for haemodialysis services and the estimated active hours of machine use for the next five years. We estimate that six new haemodialysis machines are required in northeastern Iran at the present time with 50 machines required over the next five years. Ashkhane City was identified to have the least access to haemodialysis centres in the study area. Our GIS-based model can be used to investigate not only the need for new haemodialysis machines but also to examine geographic disparities in the allocation of haemodialysis centres and to identify areas most in need of this service. It is important that policymakers consider both spatial and non-spatial dimensions of access to enable better allocation of haemodialysis services ensuring they are targeted to reach those in need.
The relationship between childhood psychosocial stressor level and telomere length: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hanssen Louise M. , Schutte Nicola S. , Malouff John M. , Epel Elissa S.
Published: May 2017

This meta-analysis examined the association between the level of childhood psychosocial stressors and telomere length, an important health biomarker. The meta-analysis, including 27 samples and 16,238 participants, found a significant association of −0.08 between a higher level of childhood stressors and shorter telomere length at a mean age of 42 across studies. Moderator analyses showed a trend in the direction of effect sizes being significantly larger with shorter times between the stressors and telomere measurement. Moderator analyses showed significantly higher effect sizes for studies that used a categorical method for assessing child stressor level and for assays completed with qPCR rather than with the Southern blot method. There was no significant moderation of effect size by whether study assayed leukocytes or buccal cells, whether the study assessed child stressor level by memory-based recall versus archival records, and whether the study controlled for age, sex, or additional variables. The results, focused on childhood events, add to prior findings that perceived stress and negative emotions are associated with telomere length.
A modified version of the Greek Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire for hemodialysis patients
Authors: Alikari Victoria , Matziou Vasiliki , Tsironi Maria , Kollia Natasa , Theofilou Paraskevi , Aroni Adamantia , Fradelos Evangelos , Zyga Sofia
Published: May 2017

Non-adherence to the therapeutic regimen is an increasingly growing problem especially among patients undergoing hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to modify the Greek version of Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (GR-SMAQ) for patients undergoing hemodialysis (GR-SMAQ-HD) and explore its validity and reliability. Between June 2016 and November 2016 a group of patients undergoing hemodialysis (N=107) completed the Greek version of SMAQ. The study was carried out in three Dialysis Units of Hospitals of Athens and Peloponnese region, Greece. The form of GR-SMAQ was modified specifically for renal patients while four additional items were added so as the tool study all aspects of adherence to hemodialysis regimen. Construct validity was checked through exploratory factor analysis with principal Component Analysis with the Equamax method. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were tested. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. The significance level was set up at 5%. The Greek version of SMAQ for patients undergoing hemodialysis includes eight questions. Three factors emerged from factor analysis. Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.742 for the whole scale and for each subscale was for Medication Adherence 0.75, for Attendance at hemodialysis session 0.856 and for Diet/Fluid restriction was 0.717. The total mean score was 6.29 (±1.82). GR-SMAQ-HD is a reliable and valuable tool that can be used by hemodialysis nurses and students of nursing for detection of adherence levels in clinical practice.
Bone metastases: an overview
Authors: Macedo Filipa , Ladeira Katia , Pinho Filipa , Saraiva Nadine , Bonito Nuno , Pinto Luísa , Gonçalves Francisco
Published: May 2017

Bone is a frequent site of metastases and typically indicates a short-term prognosis in cancer patients. Once cancer has spread to the bones it can rarely be cured, but often it can still be treated to slow its growth. The majority of skeletal metastases are due to breast and prostate cancer. Bone metastasis is actually much more common than primary bone cancers, especially in adults. The diagnosis is based on signs, symptoms and imaging. New classes of drugs and new interventions are given a better quality of life to these patients and improved the expectancy of life. It is necessary a multidisciplinary approach to treat patients with bone metastasis. In this paper we review the types, clinical approach and treatment of bone metastases.