Teaching intercultural skills in the multicultural classroom

This paper evaluates the adaptation of the ExcelL Intercultural Skills Program to an international human resource management course, and critically examines the effectiveness of integrating case study methods with the skills based ExcelL program. The ExcelL program is a theory-driven and evidence-based group program that utilises classroom cultural diversity, student experiences and role-plays to develop specific intercultural skills. The primary purpose of the study was to assess the usefulness of ExcelL within a sample of 85 third-year university business students. Four methodologies were used: (1) questionnaires, (2) case studies, (3) course evaluation survey and (4) focus groups. After completing the program, participants demonstrated improvements in intercultural competencies required in business contexts as well as increased self-confidence and feelings of self-efficacy in cross-cultural situations. Additionally, participants demonstrated improved identification and articulation of cross-cultural business problems and formulation of appropriate intervention strategies to address these problems

Preferences in recruitment and selection in a sample of Australian organisations

The diversity of the Australian workforce has increased over the last 25 years, particularly with the increase in the number of migrants from South-east Asia. Despite the knowledge, skill and expertise that many of these immigrants possess prior to migrating, a high proportion of immigrants experience significant difficulties obtaining employment commensurate with their abilities. This paper is an exploratory study of the preferences of managers, recruitment specialists and migrants regarding recruitment and selection practices in selected Australian cities. Surprisingly, the findings revealed similarities between the three groups (managers, migrants and recruitment consultants). Thus, this study adds to the debate about the impact of cross-cultural expectations in recruitment and selection in Australian organisations

The views of managers and recruitment specialists in relation to migrants' opportunities in recruitment and selection processes in Australia

Australia’s population is one of the world’s most culturally and linguistically diverse. With declining fertility rates, the overall intake of immigrants will continue to increase with the proportion of Asian immigrants predicted to rise significantly over the next 50 years. Despite many of these immigrants holding recognised qualifications and previous work experience, a high proportion are faced with unemployment or employment in positions, which are not commensurate with their knowledge and abilities. This paper which examines the views of managers and recruitment specialists is part of a larger study investigating the experiences of South-east Asian migrants in recruitment and selection in Australia. Surveys were administered to Master of Business Administration students who are currently employed in management positions. Due to the increasingly popular trend of outsourcing HR activities, 10 Recruitment Consultants were interviewed with questions based upon the managers’ questionnaire. The responses to questions relating to the difficulties that migrants are faced with in recruitment and selection, and recommendations as to what migrants may do regarding behaviour and training, were analysed. Overall, communication and cultural issues were seen as central to the difficulties experienced by migrants in recruitment and selection processes and therefore carved the basis upon which recommendations were formed. The findings of this study have implications for human resource professionals and employment support agencies who are actively involved with recruitment and selection in general, or who specialise in assisting migrants with job seeking

The role of communication in recruitment and selection in Australia

In Australia, unemployment and under-employment continue to be significant issues experienced bymigrants from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB). Despite these immigrants having relevant qualifications, skills, and work experience, a high proportion have difficulties in obtaining employment in Australian organisations. Communication or language proficiency has been identified as one of the primary causal factors. Moreover, studies have identified the importance of communication as a key competency sought by managers and recruiters in all job applicants. Given the importance of making employment decisions more objective and measurable to meet anti-discrimination requirements, this study examines the perceptions of managers and recruitment specialists about the communication skills that are essential for successful recruitment and selection. Subsequently, areas for inteNention are highlighted

Manipulation of drugs to achieve the required dose is intrinsic to paediatric practice but is not supported by guidelines or evidence

Background: A lack of age-appropriate formulations can make it difficult to administer medicines to children. A manipulation of the dosage form may be required to achieve the required dose. This study aimed to describe medicines that are manipulated to achieve the required dose in paediatric practice.Method: A structured, undisguised observational study and postal survey. The observational study investigated drug manipulations occurring in clinical practice across three sites. The questionnaire, administered to a sample of paediatric nurses throughout the UK, surveyed manipulations conducted and nurses' experiences and views.Results: The observational study identified 310 manipulations, of which 62% involved tablets, 21% were intravenous drugs and 10% were sachets. Of the 54 observed manipulations 40 involved tablets with 65% of the tablets being cut and 30% dispersed to obtain a smaller dose. 188 manipulations were reported by questionnaire respondents, of these 46% involved tablets, 12% were intravenous drugs, and 12% were nebuliser solutions. Manipulations were predominantly, but not exclusively, identified in specialist clinical areas with more highly dependent patients. Questionnaire respondents were concerned about the accuracy of the dose achieved following manipulations and the lack of practice guidance.Conclusion: Manipulations to achieve the required dose occur throughout paediatric in-patient settings. The impact of manipulations on the efficacy of the drugs, the accuracy of the dose and any adverse effects on patients is not known. There is a need to develop evidence-based guidance for manipulations of medicines in children

Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticle Toxicity in Skin in Vivo and Keratinocytes in Vitro

IntroductionProducts using the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (Ag-nps) may be found in health and consumer products that routinely contact skin.ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess the potential cytotoxicity of Ag-nps in human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) and their inflammatory and penetrating potential into porcine skin in vivo.Materials and MethodsWe used eight different Ag-nps in this study [unwashed/uncoated (20, 50, and 80 nm particle diameter), washed/uncoated (20, 50, and 80 nm), and carbon-coated (25 and 35 nm)]. Skin was dosed topically for 14 consecutive days. HEK viability was assessed by MTT, alamarBlue (aB), and CellTiter 96 AQueous One (96AQ). Release of the proinflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured.ResultsThe effect of the unwashed Ag-nps on HEK viability after a 24-hr exposure indicated a significant dose-dependent decrease (p < 0.05) at 0.34 μg/mL with aB and 96AQ and at 1.7 μg/mL with MTT. However, both the washed Ag-nps and carbon-coated Ag-nps showed no significant decrease in viability at any concentration assessed by any of the three assays. For each of the unwashed Ag-nps, we noted a significant increase (p < 0.05) in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α concentrations. We observed localization of all Ag-nps in cytoplasmic vacuoles of HEKs. Macroscopic observations showed no gross irritation in porcine skin, whereas microscopic and ultrastructural observations showed areas of focal inflammation and localization of Ag-nps on the surface and in the upper stratum corneum layers of the skin.ConclusionThis study provides a better understanding Ag-nps safety in vitro as well as in vivo and a basis for occupational and risk assessment. Ag-nps are nontoxic when dosed in washed Ag-nps solutions or carbon coated

Hyperosmotic stress induces cell-dependent aggregation of α-synuclein.

The aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a pathological feature of a number of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease. Genetic mutations, abnormal protein synthesis, environmental stress, and aging have all been implicated as causative factors in this process. The importance of water in the polymerisation of monomers, however, has largely been overlooked. In the present study, we highlight the role of hyperosmotic stress in inducing human α-syn to aggregate in cells in vitro, through rapid treatment of the cells with three different osmolytes: sugar, salt and alcohol. This effect is cell-dependent and not due to direct protein-osmolyte interaction, and is specific for α-syn when compared to other neurodegeneration-related proteins, such as Tau or Huntingtin. This new property of α-syn not only highlights a unique aspect of its behaviour which may have some relevance for disease states, but may also be useful as a screening test for compounds to inhibit the aggregation of α-syn in vitro.Funding was by the DDPDgenes, Rosetree Trust, Wellcome Trust PhD Program for Clinicians, the Danish Council for Independent Research | Natural Sciences (FNU-11-113326), the Stem Cell Institute and Wellcome Trust-MRC funded Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and an NIHR award of a Biomedical Research Centre for Addenbrooke’s Hospital/University of Cambridge. RA Barker is an NIHR Senior Investigator