CONSUMER IDENTITY AND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE BRAND

In a consumer culture people no longer consume for merely functional satisfaction,but consumption becomes meaning-based, and brands are often used as symbolic resources for theconstruction and maintenance of identity. All human behavior is a symbolic action. People are notjust choosing the best, the fanciest, or the cheapest brands. They’re choosing brands that have theright meaning. Brands are now creating value not just by the products or services they represent,but by the meanings they generate. This meaning is being adopted by consumers to express whothey are and what they stand for. Meaning, in fact, may be the most important product a brandcreates today.identity, consumer divergence, reference groups, brand image, brand culture

The Power of Stories: Inspiration to Ethical Behaviour

If we want to honour Obiora’s work and the inspiration he has offered and continues to provide we cannot get past his stories. He often uses stories to exemplify ethical behaviour and the impact of unethical behaviour. Reading and retelling stories are effective teaching tools for ethical behaviour. At the same time stories can foster intercultural communication as they promote dialogue and reflection on one’s own culture. They inspire understanding and embracing diversity. This article is an invitation to rediscover the power of stories in teaching ethical behaviour

Privacy Invasion Experiences and Perceptions: a Comparison Between Germany and the Arab World

Similar to research in behavioral psychology, research in privacy and usable security has focused mainly on Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies. This excludes a large portion of the population affected by privacy implications of technology. In this work, we report on a survey (N=117) in which we studied technology-related privacy concerns of users from different countries, including developing countries such as Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, and developed countries such as Germany. By comparing results from those countries, and relating our findings to previous work, we brought forth multiple novel insights that are specific to privacy of users from under-investigated countries. We discuss the implications of our findings on the design of privacy protection mechanisms

Communications for Development Outcomes

Communication is the process through which relationships are instituted, sustained, altered, or ended by increases or reductions in meaning. Belatedly, as the field of development englobes ever-wider realms, it is finally recognized as a driver of change. Sped by the internet, strategic communications can explain activity and connect to purpose in more instrumental ways than have been considered so fa

What Makes a Good Ted Talk?

Have you ever listened to a speech, seriously attempted to discern the speaker’s message, then realize you have forgotten most of, if not, the entire message moments after the speech is finished? Far too often audiences sit through a presentation focusing as best as they can, only to have the speaker craft a message in a way that is nearly impossible for the audience to remember. The best speakers not only deliver a memorable message, but also one that inspires their audience to action or change of mindset. Speakers at Ted Conferences are faced with a difficult challenge: they are given roughly 20 minutes to deliver a speech that is both unforgettable and inspiring. This thesis will examine how to craft speeches that are both memorable and inspiring

The OpenPicoAmp : an open-source planar lipid bilayer amplifier for hands-on learning of neuroscience

Neuroscience education can be promoted by the availability of low cost and engaging teaching materials. To address this issue, we developed an open-source lipid bilayer amplifier, the OpenPicoAmp, which is appropriate for use in introductory courses in biophysics or neurosciences dealing with the electrical properties of the cell membrane. The amplifier is designed using the common lithographic printed circuit board fabrication process and off-the-shelf electronic components. In addition, we propose a specific design for experimental chambers allowing the insertion of a commercially available polytetrafluoroethylene film. This experimental setup can be used in simple experiments in which students monitor the bilayer formation by capacitance measurement and record unitary currents produced by ionic channels like gramicidin A. Used in combination with a low-cost data acquisition board this system provides a complete solution for hands-on lessons, therefore improving the effectiveness in teaching basic neurosciences or biophysics.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures and supplementary information (9 files including one movie). Added references, added figure, corrected typos, corrected board components list, more detailled implementation documen