Improving intercultural competency in global IT projects through recognition of culture-based behaviors

The success of global IT projects is highly influenced by culture-based behaviors. Issues between individuals arise when behaviors are (mis-)perceived, (mis-)interpreted, and (mis-)judged by using the perceiver’s expectations, beliefs, and values. Misperception results when the behavior is not anticipated because it would not occur in ones own culture. As a result, behavior should be the starting point for cross-cultural research. But, studies have primarily focused on belief and value systems which are more abstract and less specific than behaviors. This paper presents a study that analyzed cultural behavioral differences between Indian project managers and their counterparts in other countries. The conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews revealed insights into cross-cultural challenges and shed light on the complex ways that culture-based behaviors impact IT projects. The study identified 127 behaviors that significantly affected project success and cross-cultural cooperation between Indian managers and managers from all over the world. These behaviors were grouped into 19 behavior clusters. Understanding these behavior clusters, and correlating these behaviors to values and beliefs, will improve project collaboration, and inform cross-cultural training strategies. In addition, existing cultural dimensions were reduced in scope, additional dimensions were defined for clarity, and new business-related dimensions were identified. Finally, based on the study’s results, the paper suggests four important components that should be added to cross-cultural training programs for international project managers

Improving intercultural competency in global IT projects through recognition of culture-based behaviors

The success of global IT projects is highly influenced by culture-based behaviors. Issues between individuals arise when behaviors are (mis-)perceived, (mis-)interpreted, and (mis-)judged by using the perceiver’s expectations, beliefs, and values. Misperception results when the behavior is not anticipated because it would not occur in ones own culture. As a result, behavior should be the starting point for cross-cultural research. But, studies have primarily focused on belief and value systems which are more abstract and less specific than behaviors. This paper presents a study that analyzed cultural behavioral differences between Indian project managers and their counterparts in other countries. The conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews revealed insights into cross-cultural challenges and shed light on the complex ways that culture-based behaviors impact IT projects. The study identified 127 behaviors that significantly affected project success and cross-cultural cooperation between Indian managers and managers from all over the world. These behaviors were grouped into 19 behavior clusters. Understanding these behavior clusters, and correlating these behaviors to values and beliefs, will improve project collaboration, and inform cross-cultural training strategies. In addition, existing cultural dimensions were reduced in scope, additional dimensions were defined for clarity, and new business-related dimensions were identified. Finally, based on the study’s results, the paper suggests four important components that should be added to cross-cultural training programs for international project managers

Entwicklung einer immunanalytischen Methode für die Probenvorbereitung von Deoxynivalenol und Zearalenon in Lebens- und Futtermitteln

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Entwicklung einer Immunultrafiltrationsmethode (IUF) für die Probenvorbereitung der Mykotoxine Deoxynivalenol (DON) und Zearalenon (ZON) in diversen Matrizes beschrieben. Das entwickelte Verfahren vereint die spezifischen Antigen-Antikörper-Wechselwirkungen mit der Methode der Ultrafiltration. Im Gegensatz zu konventionellen Probenvorbereitungsmethoden für Mykotoxine werden bei der IUF die Antikörper nicht immobilisiert, sondern direkt dem Probenextrakt zugesetzt. Der erste Teil der Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Produktion polyklonaler Antikörper gegen DON und ZON in Kaninchen. Die Tiere wurden in bestimmten Zeitabständen immunisiert. Nach ein paar Tagen wurde den Tieren Blut entnommen, um den Fortschritt der Immunisierung zu beobachten. Trotz wiederholter Immunisierung zeigte das Blut der Tiere nur einen geringen Anstieg der Konzentration der DON- bzw. ZON-Antikörper. Deshalb wurden zusätzlich Hühner gegen DON und ZON immunisiert. Im Gegensatz zu den Kaninchen wurde hier nicht das Blut der Tiere für die Bestimmung des Antikörpertiters herangezogen, sonder das Eigelb. Auch hier konnte nach wiederholter Immunisierung der Tiere mit den Antigenen kein erhöhter Antikörperspiegel erzeugt werden. Da die Antikörperproduktion sowohl in den Kaninchen als auch in den Hühnern nicht funktioniert hat, wurde für die Entwicklung der IUF ein monoklonaler Antikörper herangezogen. Der zweite Teil der Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Entwicklung und anschließenden Optimierung einer IUF-Methode für den Nachweis von DON und ZON. Zuerst wurden alle Parameter hinsichtlich größtmöglicher Sensitivität im Standardversuch optimiert. Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss der Standardversuche wurden Untersuchungen mit realen Proben unternommen. Die abschließenden Validierungen der IUF wurden für DON mit einem zertifizierten Referenzmaterial (Maismehl), und für ZON durch Zusatz des Analyten zu ZON-freiem Weizenmehl durchgeführt. Die Wiederfindungen für DON lagen bei 93% für eine Konzentration von 474 ± 30 μg/kg. Für ZON lagen die Wiederfindungen zwischen 86 und 100 % für einen Arbeitsbereich von 25 bis 400 μg/kg. Die Ergebnisse der Validierung zeigten, dass die IUF den Anforderungen an eine Analysenmethode in der EU entspricht [EG Nr. 2005/38]

Transient increase of ATP as a response to temperature up-shift in Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli induces the heat shock response to a temperature up-shift which is connected to the synthesis of a characteristic set of proteins, including ATP dependent chaperones and proteases. Therefore the balance of the nucleotide pool is important for the adaptation and continuous function of the cell. Whereas it has been observed in eukaryotic cells, that the ATP level immediately decreased after the temperature shift, no data are available for E. coli about the adenosine nucleotide levels during the narrow time range of minutes after a temperature up-shift. RESULTS: The current study shows that a temperature up-shift is followed by a very fast significant transient increase of the cellular ATP concentration within the first minutes. This increase is connected to a longer lasting elevation of the cellular respiration and glucose uptake. Also the mRNA level of typical heat shock genes increases within only one minute after the heat-shock. CONCLUSION: The presented data prove the very fast response of E. coli to a heat-shock and that the initial response includes the increase of the ATP pool which is important to fulfil the need of the cell for new syntheses, as well as for the function of chaperones and proteases

Orientations of Adolescents to Sexual Boundary Violations via Digital Media

Sexuelle Repräsentationen, Normen, Werte und Praktiken sind eng verknüpft mit jeweils spezifischen historischen und kulturellen Kontexten. Im Laufe der sexuellen Sozialisation und in Auseinandersetzung mit gesellschaftlichen Sexualnormen und Werte bildet sich eine sexuelle Identität als Mischung aus individuellen Begehrensstrukturen, sexualitätsbezogenen Haltungen und Einstellungen. Durch Digitalisierung haben sich die sexuellen Sozialisationsbedingungen von Jugendlichen in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten in hohem Tempo verändert. Digitale Medien werden genutzt, um sexuelle Interaktionen und Kommunikation online zu gestalten. Doch erweitern sich nicht nur Möglichkeitsräume für selbstbestimmte Sexualität, sondern auch Risiken durch sexuelle Grenzverletzungen. Ein besonderes Phänomen ist das sogenannte Sexting, also der einvernehmliche Austausch selbstproduzierter freizügiger Bilder. Noch gibt es im deutschen Sprachraum allerdings kaum empirische Daten darüber, wie Sexting von Jugendlichen erlebt und genutzt wird, ebenso existieren nur wenige, überwiegend quantitative Studien zu den Erfahrungen Jugendlicher mit nicht-konsensuellem Sexting. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, basierend auf den Befunden einer rekonstruktiven Interviewstudie zu einer Differenzierung des Diskurses um Sexting und die damit einhergehenden geschlechtsbezogenen Zuschreibungen beizutragen. Dazu wird zunächst der Stand der Forschung dargestellt, bevor die dem Beitrag zugrunde liegende Studie vorgestellt wird. Anhand der dokumentarischen Analyse von Gruppendiskussionen werden Einblicke in die Orientierungen von Schüler:innen gegeben. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt auf der Rekonstruktion der Orientierungen Jugendlicher auf Normalität und Geschlecht. Es lassen sich mit den «Experimentierenden», den «Kritisch-Reflexiven» sowie den «Abstinenten» drei relationale Typen differenzieren, die im Fazit in Bezug auf Normalitätskonstruktionen und Geschlechterdimensionen dargestellt werden.Representations of sexuality, norms, values, and practices are adaptable, and are closely connected to specific historical and cultural contexts. In the process of sexual socialization and in confrontation with social sexual norms and values, a sexual identity is developed as a combination of individual attitudes, positions and structures of desire. In recent decades, the environments of adolescents have rapidly digitalised. Digital media where used to shape sexual activity and communication online. This allows further spaces for the development of a self-determined sexuality to emerge; the use of such spaces, however, brings with it multiple risks due to boundary violations. One particular phenomenon is the so-called practice of sexting: that is, the private exchange of self-produced sexual images. Almost no empirical data has been gathered on how sexting is experienced by adolescents in Germany. Additionally, very few studies have been carried out on adolescent experiences of non-consensual sexting. Based on qualitative interviews the study aims to contribute to a more nuanced discourse on both sexting and gendered readings of sexting. Further, the study describes how adolescents position themselves in the field of tension between spaces for possibility and spaces for sexual boundary violation. A special focus will be placed on the reconstruction of orientations towards normalities and gender. This paper sets out by reviewing recent research on sexual communication and boundary violations via digital media. By means of documentary analysis of group discussions, insights into the orientations of pupils are given. Three relational types can be differentiated: «experimenters», «reflexive-criticals», and «disapprovers», which are presented in the conclusion in relation to constructions of normality and gender dimensions

Efficacy of a spot-on combination containing 10% w/v imidacloprid and 1% w/v moxidectin for the treatment of troglostrongylosis in experimentally infected cats

Parasitic bronchopneumonia in domestic cats in Europe, which can manifest with moderate to severe clinical signs, is frequently caused by Troglostrongylus brevior. Data on epizootiological and clinical relevance of cat troglostrongylosis have been published in the last decade but treatment options are still limited. Promising effectiveness data have been generated from clinical cases and field trials for a spot-on formulation containing 1% w/v moxidectin and 10% w/v imidacloprid (Advocate®, Elanco Animal Health). Therefore, two studies have been conducted to confirm under experimental conditions the efficacy of moxidectin 1% contained in Advocate® for the treatment of cat troglostrongylosis

Phage idiotype vaccination: first phase I/II clinical trial in patients with multiple myeloma

Background: Multiple myeloma is characterized by clonal expansion of B cells producing monoclonal immunoglobulins or fragments thereof, which can be detected in the serum and/or urine and are ideal target antigens for patient-specific immunotherapies.Methods: Using phage particles as immunological carriers, we employed a novel chemically linked idiotype vaccine in a clinical phase I/II trial including 15 patients with advanced multiple myeloma. Vaccines composed of purified paraproteins linked to phage were manufactured successfully for each patient. Patients received six intradermal immunizations with phage idiotype vaccines in three different dose groups.Results: Phage idiotype was well tolerated by all study participants. A subset of patients (80% in the middle dose group) displayed a clinical response indicated by decrease or stabilization of paraprotein levels. Patients exhibiting a clinical response to phage vaccines also raised idiotype-specific immunoglobulins. Induction of a cellular immune response was demonstrated by a cytotoxicity assay and delayed type hypersensitivity tests.Conclusion: We present a simple, time- and cost-efficient phage idiotype vaccination strategy, which represents a safe and feasible patient-specific therapy for patients with advanced multiple myeloma and produced promising anti-tumor activity in a subset of patients

Interaction of Heart Failure and Stroke: A clinical consensus statement of the ESC Council on Stroke, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis.

Heart failure (HF) is a major disease in our society that often presents with multiple comorbidities with mutual interaction and aggravation. The comorbidity of HF and stroke is a high risk condition that requires particular attention to ensure early detection of complications, efficient diagnostic workup, close monitoring, and consequent treatment of the patient. The bi-directional interaction between the heart and the brain is inherent in the pathophysiology of HF where HF may be causal for acute cerebral injury, and - in turn - acute cerebral injury via imbalanced neural and neurovegetative control of cardiovascular regulation may induce or aggravate HF. The present document represents the consensus view of the ESC Council on Stroke, the Heart Failure Association and the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis to summarize current insights on pathophysiologic interactions of the heart and the brain in the comorbidity of HF and stroke. Principal aspects of diagnostic workup, pathophysiologic mechanisms, complications clinical management in acute conditions and in long-term care of patients with the comorbidity are presented and state of the art clinical management and current evidence from clinical trials is discussed. Beside the physicians perspective, also the patients values and preferences are taken into account. Interdisciplinary cooperation of cardiologists, stroke specialists, other specialists and primary care physicians is pivotal to ensure optimal treatment in acute events and in continued long-term treatment of these patients. Key consensus statements are presented in a concise overview on mechanistic insights, diagnostic workup, prevention and treatment to inform clinical acute and continued care of patients with the comorbidity of heart failure and stroke

Grundwasser - Altlasten aktuell

Neun Fachbeiträge dokumentieren die Ergebnisse der aktuellen Projekt- und Forschungsarbeit des Landesamtes im Bereich Grundwasser und Altlasten. Themen sind u. a. diffuse Schwermetallbelastungen in 10 Grundwasserkörpern, die nach Wasserrahmenrichtlinie im schlechten chemischen Zustand ausgewiesen wurden, die Umsetzung der EG-Wasserrahmenrichtlinie in von Punktquellen beeinflussten Grundwasserkörpern und die bisherigen Ergebnisse des internationalen Projektes SHARP. Weitere Beiträge befassen sich mit dem Bearbeitungsstand und dem Handlungsbedarf der im Sächsischen Altlastenkataster (SALKA) erfassten Flächen, dem Gefährdungspotenzial von Gärtnereien und den altlastenbezogenen Bewertungs- und Analyseempfehlungen für kurzkettige Alkylphenole