bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sources of High Variance between Probe Signals in Affymetrix Short Oligonucleotide Microarrays
Authors: Jaksik Roman , Marczyk Michal , Polanska Joanna , Rzeszowska-Wolny Joanna
Published: December 2013

High density oligonucleotide microarrays present a big challenge for statistical data processing methods which aim to separate changes induced by experimental factors from those caused by artifacts and measurement inaccuracies. Despite huge advances in the field of microarray probe design methods, the signal variation between probes that target a single transcript is substantially larger than their between-replicate array variability, suggesting a large influence of various probe-specific effects that introduce bias to the data. In this work we present the influence of probe-related design variations on the expression intensities of individual probes, focusing on five potential sources of high probe signal variance: the GC composition of the probe, the distance between individual probe target sites, G-quadruplex formation in the probe sequence, the occurrence of sequence motifs complementary to the oligo(dT) primer, and the specificity of unrecognized alternative splicing probeset assignment. By focusing on two high quality microarray datasets based on two distinct array designs we show the extent of variance between probes that target a specific transcript providing guidelines for the future design of microarrays and data processing methods.
Levels of Metals in Hair in Childhood: Preliminary Associations with Neuropsychological Behaviors
Authors: Torrente Margarita , Gascon Mireia , Vrijheid Martine , Sunyer Jordi , Forns Joan , Domingo José , Nadal Martí
Published: December 2013

For more than 100 years, an electrochemical plant has been operating in Flix (Catalonia, Spain) by the Ebro River. Its activities have originated a severe accumulation of environmental contaminants (metals, organochlorinated pesticides and radionuclides) in sediments of the Flix reservoir, while mercury (Hg) has been also frequently released to the air. Environmental exposure to industrial pollutants has been associated with decreased intelligence and behavioral problems. In the present study, we assessed, in 53 children living in the village of Flix and the surroundings, the relationships between the concentrations of a number of trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cs, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, U and V) in hair and the levels of testosterone in blood, with respect to potential neuropsychological alterations. Lead (Pb) and Hg showed the highest mean concentrations in hair samples. However, the current Hg levels were lower than those previously found in children living in the same zone, while the concentration of the remaining elements was similar to those reported in the scientific literature. The outcomes of certain neuropsychological indicators showed a significant correlation with metals, such as Pb and uranium (U). More specifically, these elements were negatively correlated with working memory and hit reaction time, suggesting impulsivity. In summary, although Pb and U concentrations in hair were within standard levels, both metals could be correlated with certain, but minor, neuropsychological alterations in the childhood population of Flix. These findings should be confirmed by future birth cohort studies, with bigger study populations and using more complex statistical analyses, focused on human exposure to these specific elements.
Fates of Microcystis aeruginosa Cells and Associated Microcystins in Sediment and the Effect of Coagulation Process on Them
Authors: Chen Xiaoguo , Xiang Huiyi , Hu Yue , Zhang Yang , Ouyang Liao , Gao Meiying
Published: December 2013

During toxic Microcystis aeruginosa blooms, large amounts of cells can enter sediment through natural settlement, and coagulation treatment used to control water blooms can enhance the accumulation of cells. However, the current understanding of the fates of these cells and associated microcystins (MCs), as well as the effect of coagulation treatment on these factors, is limited. The results of the present study show that Microcystis aeruginosa cells in sediment were steadily decomposed under experimental conditions, and that they completely disappeared within 28 days. The major MCs released from settled cells were immediately degraded in sediment, and microbial degradation may be the main mechanism involved in this process. Coagulation treatment with PAC (polyaluminium chloride) + sepiolite can efficiently remove Microcystis aeruginosa cells from the water column and prevent their re-invasion. Furthermore, coagulation treatment with PAC + sepiolite had no significant effect on the release and decomposition of MCs and, thus, will not enhance the MCs pollution. However, coagulation treatment can accelerate the nutrient cycle by enhancing the settlement of cells. More attention should be paid to the effect on nutrient cycle when coagulation treatment is used for restoration of aquatic ecosystems.
CCR5 as a Natural and Modulated Target for Inhibition of HIV
Authors: Burke Bryan , Boyd Maureen , Impey Helen , Breton Louis , Bartlett Jeffrey , Symonds Geoff , Hütter Gero
Published: December 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection of target cells requires CD4 and a co-receptor, predominantly the chemokine receptor CCR5. CCR5-delta32 homozygosity results in a truncated protein providing natural protection against HIV infection—this without detrimental effects to the host—and transplantation of CCR5-delta32 stem cells in a patient with HIV (“Berlin patient”) achieved viral eradication. As a more feasible approach gene-modification strategies are being developed to engineer cellular resistance to HIV using autologous cells. We have developed a dual therapeutic anti-HIV lentiviral vector (LVsh5/C46) that down-regulates CCR5 and inhibits HIV-1 fusion via cell surface expression of the gp41-derived peptide, C46. This construct, effective against multiple strains of both R5- and X4-tropic HIV-1, is being tested in Phase I/II trials by engineering HIV-resistant hematopoietic cells.
Resistance of Two Mediterranean Cold-Water Coral Species to Low-pH Conditions
Authors: Movilla Juancho , Gori Andrea , Calvo Eva , Orejas Covadonga , López-Sanz Àngel , Domínguez-Carrió Carlos , Grinyó Jordi , Pelejero Carles
Published: December 2013

Deep-water ecosystems are characterized by relatively low carbonate concentration values and, due to ocean acidification (OA), these habitats might be among the first to be exposed to undersaturated conditions in the forthcoming years. However, until now, very few studies have been conducted to test how cold-water coral (CWC) species react to such changes in the seawater chemistry. The present work aims to investigate the mid-term effect of decreased pH on calcification of the two branching CWC species most widely distributed in the Mediterranean, Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata. No significant effects were observed in the skeletal growth rate, microdensity and porosity of both species after 6 months of exposure. However, while the calcification rate of M. oculata was similar for all colony fragments, a heterogeneous skeletal growth pattern was observed in L. pertusa, the younger nubbins showing higher growth rates than the older ones. A higher energy demand is expected in these young, fast-growing fragments and, therefore, a reduction in calcification might be noticed earlier during long-term exposure to acidified conditions.
Spatial Assessment of Groundwater Quality Monitoring Wells Using Indicator Kriging and Risk Mapping, Amol-Babol Plain, Iran
Authors: Sheikhy Narany Tahoora , Ramli Mohammad , Aris Ahmad , Sulaiman Wan , Fakharian Kazem
Published: December 2013

The main aim of monitoring wells is to assess the conditions of groundwater quality in the aquifer system. An inappropriate distribution of sampling wells could produce insufficient or redundant data concerning groundwater quality. An optimal selection of representative monitoring well locations can be obtained by considering the natural and anthropogenic potential of pollution sources; the hydrogeological setting; and assessment of any existing data regarding monitoring networks. The main objective of this paper was to develop a new approach to identifying areas with a high risk of nitrate pollution for the Amol-Babol Plain, Iran. The indicator kriging method was applied to identify regions with a high probability of nitrate contamination using data obtained from 147 monitoring wells. The US-EPA DRASTIC method was then used in a GIS environment to assess groundwater vulnerability to nitrate contamination, and combined with data concerning the distribution of sources to produce a risk map. In the study area, around 3% of the total area has a strong probability of exceeding the nitrate threshold and a high–moderate risk of pollution, but is not covered adequately by sampling wells. However, the number of monitoring wells could be reduced in most parts of the study area to minimize redundant data and the cost of monitoring.
Static analysis of rectangular nanoplates using trigonometric shear deformation theory based on nonlocal elasticity theory
Authors: Nami Mohammad Rahim , Janghorban Maziar
Published: December 2013

In this article, a new higher order shear deformation theory based on trigonometric shear deformation theory is developed. In order to consider the size effects, the nonlocal elasticity theory is used. An analytical method is adopted to solve the governing equations for static analysis of simply supported nanoplates. In the present theory, the transverse shear stresses satisfy the traction free boundary conditions of the rectangular plates and these stresses can be calculated from the constitutive equations. The effects of different parameters such as nonlocal parameter and aspect ratio are investigated on both nondimensional deflections and deflection ratios. It may be important to mention that the present formulations are general and can be used for isotropic, orthotropic and anisotropic nanoplates.
Dye-doped spheres with plasmonic semi-shells: Lasing modes and scattering at realistic gain levels
Authors: Arnold Nikita , Ding Boyang , Hrelescu Calin , Klar Thomas A
Published: December 2013

We numerically simulate the compensation of absorption, the near-field enhancement as well as the differential far-field scattering cross section for dye-doped polystyrene spheres (radius 195 nm), which are half-covered by a silver layer of 10–40 nm thickness. Such silver capped spheres are interesting candidates for nanoplasmonic lasers, so-called spasers. We find that spasing requires gain levels less than 3.7 times higher than those in commercially available dye-doped spheres. However, commercially available concentrations are already apt to achieve negative absorption, and to narrow and enhance scattering by higher order modes. Narrowing of the plasmonic modes by gain also makes visible higher order modes, which are normally obscured by the broad spectral features of the lower order modes. We further show that the angular distribution of the far-field scattering of the spasing modes is by no means dipole-like and is very sensitive to the geometry of the structure.
Plakilactones G and H from a marine sponge. Stereochemical determination of highly flexible systems by quantitative NMR-derived interproton distances combined with quantum mechanical calculations of 13C chemical shifts
Authors: Di Micco Simone , Zampella Angela , D’Auria Maria Valeria , Festa Carmen , De Marino Simona , Riccio Raffaele , Butts Craig P , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: December 2013

In this paper the stereostructural investigation of two new oxygenated polyketides, plakilactones G and H, isolated from the marine sponge Plakinastrella mamillaris collected at Fiji Islands, is reported. The stereostructural studies began on plakilactone H by applying an integrated approach of the NOE-based protocol and quantum mechanical calculations of 13C chemical shifts. In particular, plakilactone H was used as a template to extend the application of NMR-derived interproton distances to a highly flexible molecular system with simultaneous assignment of four non-contiguous stereocenters. Chemical derivatization and quantum mechanical calculations of 13C on plakilactone G along with a plausible biogenetic interconversion between plakilactone G and plakilactone H allowed us to determine the absolute configuration in this two new oxygenated polyketides.
The enabling environment: Global guidelines and national policies for indoor air quality
Authors: Elledge Myles
Published: December 2013

Indoor air pollution from biomass cooking is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. To date there is a lack of global guidance on household energy use and health, and there are few national-scale cookstove programs. Where large-scale programming has existed, national cookstove programs have placed emphasis on energy and environment as the most common rationale for these national initiatives. The health dimension of the cookstoves issue has been underrepresented even though indoor air pollution concentrations in developing countries are known to be far above existing World Health Organization air quality guidelines. New global guidelines linking health risks and household energy use are important to drive national indoor air quality policies and cookstoves interventions to place a higher priority on addressing health dimensions and to deliver broader co-benefits.
Teachers' Experience as Foreign Language Online Learners
Authors: Wang Congcong
Published: December 2013

Due to the continuing linguistic and cultural diversity among K-12 students in the US and across the English-speaking world and the increasing influence of digital technologies on learning, this qualitative study was conducted to explore pre-service teachers’ perceptions of learning a foreign language online, and how such experience influences teaching linguistically, culturally, and technologically diverse students. Participants comprised 35 teacher education students, all of whom took a 9-week online Chinese language/culture course. A variety of surveys with closed and open-ended questions were conducted before, during, and after the course. Data were collected online and then coded and analyzed. The participants’ responses suggested that: 1) new forms of online learning were engaging to teacher-learners with diverse learning styles, prior technological experience, needs, and goals; 2) the pre-service teachers perceived that online foreign language learning during their teacher education program enhanced their linguistic, cultural, and technological awareness; and 3) the participants felt that they benefited from being prepared to work with linguistic, cultural, and technological diversity in classrooms. This study has implications for similar contexts around the world.
Building a Model for Online Distance Courses through Social Media and Networks
Authors: Dixon Ed
Published: December 2013

This chapter describes the affordances of social media and networks for online Elementary German courses that have been taught at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) since 2010. These online courses were created to provide students the opportunity to take Elementary German as part of the language requirement or Penn credit during the summer months when students are away from campus. Like their face-to-face counterparts, the online courses are grounded on the principles of communicative language teaching and learning but clearly reveal the potential of these principles to maximize participation, promote learner autonomy, and influence learning outcomes when applied to collaborative online learning spaces. This chapter illustrates the pedagogical principles behind the online courses, outlines their relationship to the face-to-face language classroom, and describes how student interactions are key to the learning process in the online class. It considers the importance of electronic and digital literacy (Warschauer, 2006) to the growth of new approaches, materials development, assessment, articulation, intercultural pragmatic competence, and linguistic progress. This chapter also compares the instructor’s experiences of teaching in the online environment with those of the face-to-face classroom and discusses how these distinct and separate learning spaces are in many ways related and can inform each other. Finally, the author discusses potential implications for future language teaching and learning through emerging technologies.
Writing and Culture in CALL
Authors: Llopis-García Reyes
Published: December 2013

This chapter discusses the importance of writing as a key ability to address in the foreign/second language classroom. The need to design and implement projects and tasks that foster authentic cultural learning through the meaningful use of written production is addressed, and a project that meets these criteria is presented. This email tandem exchange project was conducted between 94 intermediate-level students (47 pairs) from Columbia University/Barnard College in New York and the Universidad Autonóma de Madrid in Spain during the Fall Semester 2010 (and subsequently in 2011 and 2012). There were several goals to this project: to help improve students’ writing skills; to encourage them to learn about culture through authentic and real exposure to the target language (TL onwards, understood as “direct contact with a native speaker”); to foster progress in their use of the TLs through peer-to-peer corrections; and to take an active part in their own learning through self-assessment. Based on students’ opinions, this project had a very positive impact on the way they viewed the foreign/target culture on both sides of the Atlantic. It also helped them enhance their written proficiency and acquire a new lexical mastery that would have been impossible through the limited and less-real scope of the classroom.
E-Learning Readiness and the Effects of Organizational Culture
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Yaghoub , Salimifard Khodakaram , Yadollahi Shahrbanoo
Published: December 2013

Electronic readiness is an important issue in developing organizational e-learning. It focuses on organizational capabilities and capacities to use electronic resources in the learning process. Organizational culture is an important factor in successful e-learning readiness. This research is aimed to evaluate the impacts of organizational culture on e-learning readiness. A sample of 68 questionnaires consisting of both culture and readiness questions was analyzed. To test the research hypothesis, a Beta coefficient test was used. Research results indicate a significant positive impact of clan and adhocracy cultures on e-learning readiness. It also found that market culture has a negative impact on e-learning readiness, while findings cannot justify a relationship between hierarchy culture and e-learning readiness.
Indicating Fields of Inequalities Regarding the Access to Health Benefits
Authors: Landa Krzysztof , Skora Karolina , Zaczyk Iwona
Published: December 2013

Restrictions to health services in Poland inspired the establishment of the Watch Health Care Foundation (WHC). The fundamental disease of the system is the disproportion between the amount of the funds and the contents of the package. It causes the same “symptoms” and leads to the same pathological phenomena everywhere: queues and other forms of rationing (“guaranteed”) health benefits, corruption, and making use of privileges. The foundation uses the potential of the information society and available infrastructure (Web portal, www.watchealthcare.eu), and all activities are presented on the Website with the aim of influencing the health care system. On the basis of reports of limited access to health services, a registry of patient problems was created in the WHC Web portal, which aims to show what the biggest gaps in access to health services are – this is a way of showing the patient and health care system the needs and also one possible approach to continuous education of the health care service consumers targeted at health care system improvement.
Doing the Right Things Right or the Wrong Things Well
Authors: Kazandjian Vahé A.
Published: December 2013

The measurement and evaluation of healthcare services’ quality is faced with the challenge of describing its appropriateness. Is the right service rendered for the specific disease? Or do our measures quantify the efficiency of producing these services without first assessing if they were needed? Eventually, it is a question of accountability about the processes and outcomes of the care, which are expected to both demonstrate the social responsibilities of health care professionals and gauge the expectations of patients, families, and communities. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the determinants of what and why patients expect from healthcare and caring. Within the concept of accountability, the role of physicians as educators rather than exclusively healers of disease is explored.
Virtual Marketing
Authors: Mazurek Grzegorz
Published: December 2013

For the last two decades, virtuality and virtualization processes have been considered as developing phenomena in management studies, particularly within the context of the creation of inter- and intra-organizational networks, establishing strong relationships with customers and the appreciation of intangible assets in marketing. The purpose of this chapter is to identify the main directions of virtualized marketing and present the detailed changes that occur in marketing due to extensive and intensive Internet usage and the directions of network technology development and its impact on prospective marketing activities. The proposed analyses help to understand the multifaceted impact of the Internet on marketing—its concept, activities, and organization—going much beyond simple “e-marketing” perspective. The presented conclusions can be of significant value for both researchers and marketers. It can particularly influence further research on the relationship between the marketing virtualization and the company’s performance, showing the real impact of such processes on the effectiveness and efficiency of a company. The final conclusions will be interesting to marketing managers, who in the cybermarketing era have to deal with new challenges of collaboration, customers’ engagement, and value network creation.
SMS Marketing
Authors: Takhar Amandeep , Chitakunye Pepukayi , Fields Ziska
Published: December 2013

This chapter seeks to extend current knowledge relating to innovative methods in marketing. The authors consider the significance of SMS marketing amongst Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within South Africa and aim to emphasise the various advantages of SMS marketing to SMEs within emerging economies. They look at how SMS marketing has emerged within the Western world and how it could be just as successful in emerging economies. Different factors are considered such as the background to SMS marketing, what SMS marketing entails, the trends of SMS marketing globally and more specifically within South Africa. The authors then discuss the emergent key themes of SMS marketing relating to its most beneficial characteristics such as cost efficiency, reach, and consumer perceptions. The findings offer significant insight into how SMEs can better understand consumer perceptions about SMS and in turn employ SMS marketing as a source of sustainable competitive advantage.
Social Network Marketing
Authors: Doligalski Tymoteusz
Published: December 2013

This chapter reviews the specific character of marketing in Internet social networks from three different perspectives. The first concentrates on creating customer value in social networks. The focus of the second part is on a conceptual model of customer relationship management, which consists of five stages: defining, generating, communicating and delivering values for customer, as well as creating value for a company. The competitive actions taken by social networks are the subject of the third part of the chapter.
FRIENDVERTISING
Authors: Ozturk R. Gulay
Published: December 2013

In today's world, a shift from conventional to digitalized marketing is increasing in the investment made in the commercial sector. This particular study analyses the growing influence of a new online advertising strategy called “FRIENDVERTISING” pertaining to social media marketing. Thereby, this chapter conducts a content analysis to investigate how social networks are interacting with each other and how consumers are oriented to certain brands advertised in a specific way. According to the results, the brands that motivate the youth to share their own advertisements in the social media more frequently receive more positive comments about their advertisements. One should decide on the following crucial criteria while applying friendvertising practices: cultural background of audience, frequency of social media use, referring to other friends in social media (being knowledgeable and reliable about the brand), expectations of users and their previous experiences about the brand, creativity of advertisements, originality and entertaining content of advertisements, genre, as well as difficulties and opportunities of the field.
Open, Flexible and Participatory Pedagogy in the Era of Globalisation
Authors: McLoughlin Catherine
Published: December 2013

The socio-political and economic conditions of the world signal that the global society is moving towards an era of international, cross-border collaboration in education. International higher education by its very nature sits at an intersection of socio-cultural, economic, and geopolitical variables. Over the years, we have seen the complex interaction of the factors that influence patterns of student mobility, institutional strategies and economic forces. Worldwide, institutions of higher education (IHEs) are including global and international themes in their mission statements, courses, and strategic plans. Internationalization is seen as the integration of an international/intercultural dimension into teaching, research, and service of an institution. Internationalizing educational delivery can require significant change and is systematically complex, requiring faculty, staff, students, administrators, and community members who aspire to communicate with, understand, and connect with the diverse 21st-century global community. In this globally connected millennium, as institutions are moving towards Open Access and the use of OER (Open Education Resources) to widen participation and access to higher education, there is a consequent need to redesign pedagogy, teacher roles, and the use of technology to support learning.
Globalization and International Labor Standards, Codes of Conduct, and Ethics
Authors: Briscoe Dennis R.
Published: December 2013

The scope of globalization continues to expand. More and more firms, large and small, from large countries and small countries, from developed countries and emerging economies, private and public, independent, multinational, and transnational, participate in global commerce. Yet the conduct of business across international borders continues to be difficult, complicated, and complex. Every country has its unique history, language(s), legal and business system, and culture that require learning and adaptations to facilitate cross-border business activity. And every function of every business that conducts cross-border business has to learn about their foreign partners enough to achieve this necessary adaptation. This chapter provides an overview of concerns about international business ethics, particularly as they relate to International HRM (IHRM). International ethics looks at what is right and wrong in business conduct across borders and the impact of cultural (country and company) variances on ethical conduct of MNEs. Because MNE ethics, particularly issues which relate directly to employee relations, are often relegated to the responsibility of IHR, the primary focus in this chapter is on the impact of ethics on global HR practices.
An Exploratory Study of Cross-Cultural Engagement in the Community of Inquiry
Authors: Vladimirschi Viviane
Published: December 2013

This chapter examines instructor multicultural efficacy in global online learning communities. To explore this phenomenon in the CoI framework, a two-phase study was conducted with 10 instructors from two Alberta higher education institutions. Phase one comprised creating intercultural competency indicators to test how they developed and expanded existing teaching and social presence indicators. Qualitative data revealed that in the lack of any cross-cultural design, instructors utilize facilitation and open communication strategies to foster learning and prevent conflict. Phase two involved augmenting the 34-item CoI survey instrument. Additional roles that relate to instructor cross-cultural efficacy were incorporated into both teaching and social presence elements based on qualitative findings. Quantitative data revealed that the incorporated cultural indicators correlated highly with the teaching and social indicators, indicating their usefulness to measure multicultural efficacy in the CoI framework.
Cross-Border Inter-Firm Networks in Contemporary Europe
Authors: Turkina Ekaterina
Published: December 2013

Globalization and regionalization in the contemporary world transform inter-state relationships and intensify economic, social, and political exchanges across borders, thereby creating favorable conditions for cross-border inter-firm networking. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to the emerging literature on cross-border inter-firm networks by providing both theoretical insights on the causal mechanisms of network-related effects on firm performance and empirical analysis of existing cross-border partnerships in the domain of European integration, as well as their effects on firm performance. The chapter also examines the differences in the structure of European cross-border networks and explores factors that determine network structure such as regional integration and cultural variations.
Impact of Economic Culture on the Development of Enterprises
Authors: Potocan Vojko , Nedelko Zlatko
Published: December 2013

Values of individuals, culture of groups, ethics of communities, and the resulting influential norms (i.e. VCEN) are interdependent. VCEN tend to crucially influence development and application of knowledge, skills, talents, and other resources. In the current very competitive and increasingly global economy, organizations and countries become more successful if their economic culture is innovation friendly. Economic culture reflects itself in the economic part of VCEN of nations as well, because organizations, such as enterprises, play a crucial role in a nation’s life. National resources are no longer enough, neither is investment, if it is not innovation enhancing. Thus, a new concept of economic VCEN is going to become necessary for people to find a new positive direction beyond the worrisome blind alley of the current economic crisis. The innovation of VCEN is, again, becoming more important than the technological innovation for development of countries and, indeed, for humankind. The contribution discusses two theses: (1) VCEN in organizations is importantly interdependent with the economic culture, and (2) the change of the economic culture in an organization is connected with the changes of the organizing methods and their management.
Due Diligence in Cyberspace
Authors: Kulesza Joanna
Published: December 2013

Within the chapter, the author discusses the possibility of introducing an international due diligence standard for Internet Service Providers (ISPs). She analyzes the due diligence standard in public international law as the common element of two accountability regimes binding upon states: the regime of state responsibility for the breach of an international obligation and international risk-liability for transboundary harm. They are both aimed at preventing transboundary harm originating from state territory. Such harm may presently be inflicted also with the use of cross-border electronic networks. Since the Internet is considered a global resource, the analysis provided is based upon international environmental law doctrine with its detailed due diligence standard and principle of prevention. The author goes on to propose their application to cyber-security. The idea argued within the chapter is for the development of an international cyberspace-specific due diligence standard and possibly a liability mechanism, as based on the multistakeholder principle recognized within Internet governance. The author aims to answer the question of whether a due diligence standard for cyberspace may and if so ought to be introduced through particular obligations laid upon Internet Service Providers, in particular Critical Internet Resources operators and introduction of an international ISP liability fund.
Global Status Elevation in Today’s Classroom
Authors: Martin Susan Ferguson
Published: December 2013

This chapter details how technology may be implemented and utilized in K-12 and post-secondary classrooms as a resource for inviting two-way communication between American students and educators and students and educators from other countries, as well as potential expectations and outcomes from such a teaching tool. This model demonstrates going beyond infrequent, rare communication to regular two-way communication as part of the typical curriculum, in an effort to elevate the status of people from other countries through promotion of cultural, linguistic, and interpersonal communication.
Cultural Considerations of Online Pedagogy
Authors: Martin Judith N. , Cheong Pauline Hope
Published: December 2013

This chapter provides readers with foundational knowledge of how cultural factors mediate online learning and instruction in global education-based on a review of contemporary scholarship. The authors first describe three approaches--social scientific, interpretive, and critical-- to theorizing the role of culture in online pedagogy. Then, for each approach, the authors review the existing literature and discuss how that theory applies to online pedagogy, specifically identifying the assumptions, the contributions, and the limitations of each theory. The objective of such a review is to highlight pressing issues and theoretical gaps related to cultural factors in the context of online learning. Finally, the authors present practical suggestions that provide readers with the knowledge needed to create effective online materials for students from other countries and cultures.
Cross-Cultural Competences in the New Economy
Authors: Martin-Rubio Irene , Rodgers Drew , Døving Erik
Published: December 2013

Cross-cultural knowledge management in the e-environment results from interactions with others from different cultures that require new understanding and interpretations. The authors find that few studies have been conducted to address the objective of identifying the competences that are needed to promote learning and information processing in the 21st century. The authors’ primary goal is to identify competences that will promote learning and information processing in global organizations. The chapter outlines a taxonomy of competences necessary for cross-cultural learning in the global e-environment based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory.
Computer Mediated Cross-Cultural Communication
Authors: Klein William , La Berge Bernard E.
Published: December 2013

This chapter describes a case of Internet-mediated collaboration between writing classes in the U.S. and in Oman. In the chapter, the authors examine the challenges they experiences including differences in time, culture, academic preparation, language skills, and technological capabilities and literacies. The authors also discuss how such challenges let do their rethinking pedagogical practices and uses of technology and through the structure of institutional affiliation agreements.
Immersion and Interaction via Avatars within Google Street View
Authors: Shih Ya-Chun , Leonard Molly
Published: December 2013

The optimal approach to learning a target culture is to experience it in its real-life context through interaction. The new 3D virtual world platform under consideration, Blue Mars Lite, enables users to be immersed in existing Google Maps Street View panorama, globally. Google Maps with Street View contains a massive collection of 360-degree street-level images of the most popular places worldwide. The authors explore the possibility of integrating these global panoramas, in which multiple users can explore, discuss, and role-play, into the classroom. The goal of this chapter is to shed new light on merging Google Street View with the 3D virtual world for cultural learning purposes. This approach shows itself to be a promising teaching method that can help EFL learners to develop positive attitudes toward the target culture and cultural learning in this new cultural setting.
The Children’s Virtual Museum of Small Animals
Authors: Beneventi Paolo
Published: December 2013

As referenced in the chapter title, the Children’s Virtual Museum of Small Animals is a website where multimedia documents are collected, based on the real experience of groups of children from many parts of the world. There, people can find photos and videos of insects and spiders, with scientific names and classification, place and date of discovery, and age of the class, group, or single kid who found it. There are also drawings, texts, and other things related to the real, possible, or fantastic meeting between children and small animals: voices from actual experiences, slide shows about “watching details,” pictures of creations by artists close to kids’ imagination, suggestions on how to use technical tools. Children there can act as protagonists in producing and sharing information, just like usually scientists, journalists, photographers, and video makers do, through the global information society. It is also the “extension” of a method, a way to address scientific issues with children, which has given regular, excellent results with hundreds of groups during many years. The author presents it as a work in progress, calling others to meet and exchange, suggest, and propose additions, also from different experiences and points of view. Digital means are proposed to show the “objects” of the study as well as the “process of studying” by children, with all their enthusiasm and surprise, as is evidenced particularly from their voices. Other children visiting the virtual Museum should be called to come and take part in it from their usual real life environment, making new discoveries and sending documents, sharing experiences and ideas, worldwide.
A Collaborative Inquiry
Authors: Divas Diversity
Published: December 2013

This chapter describes a Collaborative Inquiry (CI) process as experienced by six diverse female participants in a doctoral program. The focus of the inquiry was to deepen individual and group cross-cultural understanding, and to show how holistic learning can be promoted through integrating multiple ways of knowing and spirituality within a multicultural context. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the readers with sufficient information to apply CI in their practice and build on the research presented here. To meet this goal, the authors describe how CI has the potential to foster transformational learning and discuss the relationship between transformational learning, informational learning, global competencies, developmental capacity, and the paradoxical nature of diversity work. Lastly, the chapter ends with recommendations for creating a CI process that supports deep learning and change, and potential topics for future research.
Linguistic and Cultural Skills for Communication in Global Workplaces of the 21st Century
Authors: Briguglio Carmela
Published: December 2013

This chapter examines issues in intercultural communication in regard to the use of English as a global language in the workplace of the 21st century. The findings that emerged from data gathered in two multinational companies inform discussion about the sort of communication skills that workers will require in the global workplace. A case study with an Australian undergraduate class served to examine whether the skills identified in multinational workplaces are, in fact, being developed in graduates. Based on all the above, the author has developed a four dimensional model comprising the intercultural communication skills that future graduates, including engineers and IT professionals, will require for global workplaces. Some strategies that will facilitate the development of such skills are also discussed.
Playing “Nice”
Authors: Jacobs Melinda
Published: December 2013

Within the Internet, a range of international and multicultural communities abound, especially within the context of interactive online games known as Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). The clashing of cultures in one particular MMORPG, Omerta, has caused many problems within the related online community. These conflicts have led to online instances of culturalism – discrimination based upon cultural-mindset – within this international online community (Jacobs, 2009). This chapter examines the following questions: Do players in international online gaming environments have the right to discriminate based on cultural attitudes and perceptions, or should a player’s right to not be discriminated against dominate in such international contexts? And how can multiculturalism be successfully managed in international online spaces?
Cultural Property and Identity Issues in International Law
Authors: Yupsanis Athanasios
Published: December 2013

Indigenous peoples have historically experienced countless losses of cultural relics and material and spiritual treasures as well as destruction of their sacred cultural sites, a situation that continues to prevail. This desecration of ancestral sites and pillaging of sacred objects results in the cultural debasement of indigenous peoples, causing a serious threat to their continuing collective existence as distinct societies. Unfortunately, the present international law regime for the protection, repatriation, and return of stolen and illegally exported cultural property presents serious deficiencies as regards its ability to reverse this state of affairs and effectively safeguard indigenous peoples’ heritage.
“Are you Married?”
Authors: Curran Greg
Published: December 2013

Within the adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom, heterosexuality is presumed perhaps more so than in other formal education settings. Curricula and everyday classroom exchanges reinforce its normative status with teachers wary of offending “cultural sensibilities” and putting themselves in the spotlight. In this chapter however, the author argues that taboo topics can attract student interest. Further, the positioning of ESL students as able to discuss and work through “sensitive” issues, within a classroom community that values positive, respectful interactions, may lead to more productive engagement around sexual diversity issues.
Challenge and Complexity of Virtual Team Management
Authors: Chen Edward T.
Published: December 2013

To thrive in our global economy, businesses must continually seek ways to maintain a competitive advantage by supplying the market with innovative and effective products and services. To do this, barriers of space and time must be overcome, conventional business processes must be enhanced, and customer demand must be promptly answered by high-quality, low-cost, or value-based products and services. One way for companies to meet these fast-paced market demands is by utilizing virtual teams. With virtual teams, companies can expand their talent pool beyond geographical barriers. Furthermore, they can incorporate a follow-the-sun process in their business strategy. Combined, this leveraged approach can better position companies to meet market demands in a more timely and cost-effective manner. However, to achieve this competitive advantage, business leaders must thoroughly understand the challenges associated with developing and managing virtual teams. This research chapter examines the reasons for utilizing virtual teams, challenges that stem from diversity, structural and behavioral characteristics, and managerial considerations for effective leadership, supporting technologies, best practices, and future implications.
Leadership in Globally Distributed Virtual Teams
Authors: Flammia Madelyn , St.Amant Kirk
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce readers to various factors that can affect the management of international virtual teams. In examining this topic, the authors provide an overview of what each factor is, note how each factor can create problems in international virtual teams, and explain how effective management—or informed approaches to managing such teams—can help mitigate such challenges. The authors also provide readers/managers with foundational strategies that can facilitate the sharing of information and the creation of trust in international virtual teams.
Leveraging Intergenerational Diversity to Meet Business Goals
Authors: Jackson Sherita L.
Published: December 2013

In recent years, the concept of generational diversity has gained increasing recognition in the United States. Each generation is shaped by historical, social, and cultural events that are unique to that particular age cohort. The purpose of this chapter is to help scholars, researchers, organizational leaders, practitioners, and graduate students understand diversity among generational cohorts and employ practices to utilize the wealth of knowledge that exists within today’s multigenerational workforce. This chapter will describe the four generations in today’s workplace and discuss gaps that can cause conflict. This chapter also provides tips and best practices for leveraging intergenerational diversity as well as scenarios and examples that demonstrate best practices. The result is a cohesive and productive workplace that respects multigenerational perspectives.
Bicultural Managers and their Role in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Kiesel Kathrin , Haghirian Parissa
Published: December 2013

Exposure to other cultures is common through extensive travel, living in ethnically diverse environments, attending universities abroad, or having work assignments in other countries. In places like the US, more and more people cannot fit themselves into certain ethnic categories, thinking of themselves as being “mixed” (Goldstein & Morning, 2000) or bicultural. This phenomenon has been recognized and researched increasingly in recent years. One aspect is the question on how different societies deal with bicultural people. In this chapter, the authors investigate individuals with a bicultural family background and investigate how this biculturality reflects on their role in business. The survey presented in this paper investigates the relevance of bicultural skills and consequently the roles that bicultural managers play in multinational corporations. To investigate this issue the survey was conducted among managers who had one Japanese and a Non-Japanese parent and worked in a multinational corporation in Japan. Japan was chosen, because it is a more controversial issue in Japan than in other industrialized countries.
Managing Intercultural Service Encounters
Authors: Sophonsiri Suvenus , O’Mahony G. Barry
Published: December 2013

Global service sector growth and the contracting out of services have produced a complex business environment that has major challenges for corporate success. Nowhere is this more evident than in intercultural service encounters where the delivery of service standards has become integral to developing a competitive advantage and inducing customer loyalty. This chapter identifies the various aspects of service delivery that are significantly influenced by culture. The chapter explains the dimensions of culture that have been found by cross-cultural researchers to be essential to service delivery success and describes how cross cultural training can be used effectively in the international service sector.