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This case study describes the value and impact of the ten-year Fudan-Appalachian Library Exchange Program ((FALEP)). Beginning in 2008, seven librarians from Fudan University and five librarians from Appalachian State University had the opportunity to explore library operations and service provision; learn from colleagues; investigate solutions to common problems; engage in scholarship together; and experience another culture. Librarians found that the exchange experience had a huge impact on their professional and personal lives as they learned to live in a different culture and work in another library system. The exchange program equipped participating librarians with global perspectives, intercultural skills, opportunities for cross-cultural scholarship, and new ideas that were then incorporated into their service provision and work with domestic and international students in their home libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to globalization, emerging technologies, and the knowledge economy, there has been a growing emphasis on students having global competencies and perspectives to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. On the other hand, a variety of technologies have been adopted for inquiry-based learning (IBL) activities. An interactive e-book environment can provide an interface with multimedia for promoting meaningful learning. Virtual reality (VR) can support situated learning by placing learners in an interactive realistic-like environment for promoting student learning. The sense of presence in the environment enhances motivational variables, thereby impacting learning achievements. However, rare exploratory research methods have been used to investigate the sense of presence and academic performance, representing a significant research gap. Thus, we designed a VR-assisted inquiry-based learning (VR-IBL) approach to enhance students' learning. Furthermore, a quasi-experimental design setting was carried out to investigate the influences of the implemented approach on students' learning effectiveness, compared to an e-book-assisted inquiry-based learning (eB-IBL) approach. The experimental results evidenced that the VR-IBL approach significantly improved the students' science learning achievements and enhanced their sense of presence; moreover, the VR-IBL approach benefited the global perspectives of the students with initial moderate and low global perspectives. This could be a good reference for utilizing VR technology in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an increasingly globalized world, the accessibility of healthcare and medication has expanded beyond local healthcare systems and national borders. This study aims to investigate the transnational health and self-care experiences of 11 Japanese women who have resided in South Korea for a minimum of six months and have utilized oral contraceptives, including those that were acquired over-the-counter (OTC). Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by utilizing the NVivo software. The analysis yielded three significant thematic categories, namely (1) experiences and perceptions of obtaining and utilizing contraceptive pills, including OTC access; (2) individual and social perceptions of pills and their accessibility in Japan, insights from actual users; and (3) enhancing pill accessibility, transnational health and self-care experiences and perspectives. Participants acknowledged that oral contraceptives are a global product and experienced communication challenges with healthcare providers as a result of differing understandings of these medications. Additionally, this study identified transnational strategies, such as purchasing an adequate supply of pills just before departure and seeking pills from local families or acquaintances. This study not only highlights the implications of clinical care for transnational patients but also underscores their critical global perspectives on access to oral contraceptives. Furthermore, it proposes two models for improving accessibility within the Japanese healthcare system, even in prescription-only contexts, by introducing OTC options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper examines the pivotal role of social entrepreneurs in combating urban poverty across diverse global contexts. Urban poverty presents a multifaceted challenge, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, economic inequality, and inadequate access to essential services. Social entrepreneurs emerge as key players, leveraging innovative solutions to address these systemic issues. By integrating social objectives with entrepreneurial strategies, they create sustainable business models that empower marginalized communities and foster economic resilience. The study explores various case studies that highlight successful social enterprises worldwide, illustrating how these initiatives tackle specific urban poverty challenges such as unemployment, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare. Furthermore, the paper discusses the critical factors that contribute to the effectiveness of social entrepreneurship, including community engagement, collaboration with local governments, and the ability to scale solutions. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of supportive ecosystems that facilitate social entrepreneurship, including access to funding, mentorship, and policy frameworks. It also addresses the challenges faced by social entrepreneurs, such as navigating regulatory environments and sustaining their impact in the long term. This paper emphasizes the transformative potential of social entrepreneurs in fostering inclusive urban development. By aligning economic growth with social progress, they contribute significantly to alleviating urban poverty and promoting sustainable communities. This review underscores the need for greater recognition and support for social entrepreneurship as a viable approach to addressing the pressing issue of urban poverty on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTClimate change has led to unprecedented environmental and socio-economic challenges globally, especially in vulnerable communities. Loss and damage refer to the residual effects of climate change, where adaptation and mitigation measures may not be enough to prevent adverse impacts. This study examines the impact of loss and damage caused by climate change in the Lower Niger River region of Nigeria and the influence of global perspectives on the region. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 198 households and 13 interviews with key stakeholders. Furthermore, an open-source terra climate data of precipitation, runoff, and temperature covering a 30-year period (1990–2020) sourced from Climate Research Unit (CRU) dataset and analysed to show distribution of trends and patterns in climate variables. Similarly, we conducted a land use land cover change (1990–2020) to ascertain the level of changes. Findings from the study have revealed that the anthropogenic factors contribute to hydrological changes in the Lower Niger River Region and these changes result in climatic disasters like flooding which cause severe loss and damage of livelihood including loss of agricultural productivity, fisheries, and accessibility. While global efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change are important, the study uncovers that the influence of global perspectives on the Lower Niger River Region is often limited by factors such as unequal power dynamics, insufficient funding, and a lack of local ownership of initiatives. The study suggests the need for sustainable land management, resolution of farmers/headers conflict and increased awareness as measures in addressing loss and damage.

This exploratory case study delves into the views and perspectives of 17 US library experts involved in 21st-century library diplomacy practices. Using the template analysis, four main themes of library diplomacy are identified: (1) the actors showed implicit and explicit roles in diplomatic involvement; (2) the main objective of library diplomacy was to facilitate knowledge dialogue; (3) the strategies aimed to foster cultural humility; and (4) the actors viewed digitalization as a significant instrument in international library work. This research offers significant insights into the less explored topic of library diplomacy, particularly when 21st-century libraries are challenged concerning global issues relating to freedom of information; the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; and sustainability efforts. Library diplomacy is more critical than ever to be at the forefront of establishing dialogue around the world. The study encourages further investigation of library diplomacy practices in a variety of geographical and international contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Often resulting from grassroots initiatives by which teachers from different institutions connect their classes to work on collaborative projects, virtual exchange (VE) has led to the creation of networks and joint endeavors on a global scale. Moreover, such initiatives, which for a long time have not received institutional recognition or have not been included in internationalization policies, are now getting attention with programmes such as Erasmus+ VE (2018-20). This Special Issue on Global Perspectives on Virtual Exchange for University Internationalisation shows how VE can be applied to different disciplines and projects in universities across the globe, highlighting multiple benefits for students, lecturers and universities. These benefits include opportunities for the development of students’ multilingual and intercultural competence, academic and digital literacies, and greater awareness of global issues. The results of the studies in this SI can pave the ground for research-informed university internationalization policies for more internationalized, digitilazed and transdisciplinary curriculum design which can help students develop the global competences needed in changing academic and professional scenarios.

This article delves into the evolving global perspectives on gender equality and inclusion, exploring the progress, challenges, and future directions in the pursuit of a more equitable world. Tracing the historical context of gender movements, the paper highlights the achievements in breaking traditional norms and stereotypes. Examining global progress, Nordic countries and Rwanda emerge as leaders in promoting gender equality through policies addressing pay gaps, parental leave, and political representation. However, persistent challenges, including gender-based violence and workplace inequality, demand continued attention. The article emphasizes the need for inclusive policies that recognize diverse gender identities, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ rights movement's impact. Education's pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and awareness is underscored as a catalyst for dismantling stereotypes. The conclusion calls for sustained commitment to create a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a universal reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This abstract provides a concise overview of the article, "Global Perspectives on Poverty: Lessons Learned and Future Directions." The article delves into the multidimensional nature of poverty, emphasizing the importance of understanding poverty beyond income metrics. Lessons learned from past efforts underscore the significance of tailoring interventions to local contexts, empowering communities, promoting gender equality, and fostering global collaboration. The article envisions future directions for poverty alleviation, advocating for the integration of technological innovation, climate change resilience, education for all, inclusive economic growth, and enhanced global governance. By synthesizing these insights, the article aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on addressing poverty comprehensively and fostering a more equitable and sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Law & International Relations / Relações Internacionais no Mundo is the property of Relacoes Internacionais no Mundo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In today's increasingly interconnected global economy, understanding the dynamics of financial systems is paramount. This article delves into the intricate interplay between economics, finance, and accounting, offering a comprehensive exploration of their global perspectives. By synthesizing existing research, this article aims to elucidate key insights into the multifaceted nature of financial dynamics and their implications for various stakeholders. Through a systematic analysis of scholarly articles, theoretical frameworks, and empirical studies, this article identifies the complex relationships and dependencies among economic indicators, financial markets, and accounting practices. It examines how economic policies, market behaviors, and accounting standards influence each other in shaping the global financial landscape. Moreover, this article highlights the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in the realms of economics, finance, and accounting. It discusses the role of emerging markets, the impact of financial innovations, and the importance of transparency and accountability in fostering financial stability and sustainable development worldwide. By synthesizing diverse perspectives and empirical findings, this article contributes to a deeper understanding of the interconnected dynamics driving financial systems globally. It underscores the need for interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts to address the complexities and uncertainties inherent in today's financial environment, paving the way for informed decision-making and effective risk management strategies in an ever-evolving economic landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can religion promote human flourishing? Existing research says yes. However, this work has largely been done within ‘WEIRD’ and Christian contexts. Might the reasons why or the answer be different elsewhere? Here, we outline how religion can contribute to flourishing among individuals and cultures using a cross-cultural approach. In five sections, we cover how religion and culture shape meaning in life, character/virtue, positive emotion, social relationships, and physical/mental health. We emphasize how little these relationships have been studied around the world and why the relationship between religion and flourishing, especially, would be aided by a cross-cultural look. We close with future directions in the study of religion and flourishing, with special attention to how and why this relationship may vary across cultural and religious groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports from a project on the role of public libraries in language assimilation policies directed against the Meänkieli-speaking Tornedalian minority in the far north of Sweden during the first half of the 20th century. As libraries in the Torne Valley area, bordering on Finland, were maintained under state control, they became tools in the near eradication of Meänkieli in a complex set of policies that were in effect until 1957, promoting a uniform Swedish language and culture. Building on sociological conflict theory and the analysis of unpublished local documentation, the article brings to light conditions previously unknown about the Swedish public libraries in the northernmost part of the country. The article concludes by reflecting on the role of Swedish libraries today as important tools for the revitalization of Meänkieli, aimed at strengthening the identity and visibility of the Tornedalian minority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractI investigated U.S. elementary teacher candidates’ global perspectives before and after completing a student teaching experience in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The samples, four elementary teacher candidates (TCs), purposely selected for the present study, completed student teaching in a Primary School in Xian, PRC, because they all come from Midwestern-culture family, complete teacher preparation course work, and are ready to do student teaching. I employed math lessons in this exploration of TCs’ global perceptions, looking for modifications; my primary interest was in potential changes from provincial to more refined perspectives. It is worth noting that the questions may have may have communicated expectations that such changes would occur. Interviews and class observations were collected from the four candidates and analyzed by means of an axial coding process across the four candidates. Results demonstrated that pre-service teachers change from what I termed a “local” (or what might be termed “parochial)” perspective to more “global” views of schooling and culture. The four teacher candidates evinced this new sophisticated understanding along three axes, (1) the global cognitive development, (2) the social strategies change under different physical environments, and (3) noticing and appreciating cultural divergence. An evolving sense of justice appeared to connect the three concepts. A tangentially connected issue that came up, as might be expected, was the vulnerability of candidates’ foreign communication skills. TCs’ effectively developed their global perspectives in teaching math lessons and suggest that math or STEM may be better for acquiring global perspectives than are either social studies or language arts.

In this reflective piece, the author looks back on a decade of work on Global Perspectives, the annual section of Psychoanalytic Perspectives in which she publishes in-depth interviews with psychoanalysts from around the world in an effort to explore the influence of culture, politics, and socio-economic aspects of a country and their effects on training, theory development, clinical technique and psychoanalytic practice in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the field of global studies, which has seen spectacular expansion and institutionalisation since the turn of the twenty-first century, there have to date been only a few attempts to promote or institutionalise global humanities as a field of study or research. Moreover, even though several disciplines in the humanities have undergone global turns in recent years, the humanities, with the exception of a certain brand of global history, are not prominent within the field of global studies. Against this background, this article surveys the various attempts that have been made in recent years to promote the concept of global humanities in the form of international scholarly networks, departments, and study programs, and the handful of attempts to sketch the outlines of a research agenda for global humanities. The strengths and limitations of the current approaches are discussed, and the articles advocating the notion of global humanities as a field or framework of research are brought into conversation with one another. Some common themes are identified in the literature on global humanities to date, such as the ambition for the field to be globally inclusive, critical, and transdisciplinary. Building on the recent global turns in some of the humanities disciplines and the steps that have been taken to purge these of traditional national and Eurocentric biases, global humanities should aim to develop frameworks of analysis that can be used to study all cultural expressions of humankind and to foster intercultural dialogue and understanding. Such an undertaking goes beyond the study of modern globalisation, which is the subject matter of global studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have shown that international mobility programmes enhance students' intercultural maturity development, regardless of duration, few have attempted to ascertain whether this change is long lasting. This study tested students two years after their participation to see if their intercultural maturity levels continued to progress, plateaued, or regressed in the intervening period. 93% of the study cohort continued to progress in their level of intercultural maturity in at least one dimension, with none regressing, and only one plateauing. This suggests that the shifts in identity, values, and skills that the students develop are far-reaching and profound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the role of Ethiopian secondary school (grades 9 to 12) biology textbooks in promoting students' global understanding. This study is grounded on Ethiopia's education policy aims and general education's curriculum framework objectives to prepare globally informed citizens. The study used mainly quantitative content analysis techniques. All pages in the textbooks were used as units of analysis. The findings of the study indicated that the textbooks represented some of the dimensions of global issues and perspectives in varied degrees of integrations, which have a potential to promote students' global understanding to some extent. However, the findings show that the dimensions of global issues and perspectives were not integrated comprehensively in the textbooks. The findings also revealed that there is no independent global education framework in Ethiopian education system, which can serve as standard to evaluate the adequacy of integration in the textbooks. It is proposed that education systems should develop a national global education framework that can serve as a standard for curriculum practitioners.

Genetic heterogeneity plays an important role in exploring the interplays of microorganisms. Competitive exclusion principle is the main principle that governs causative agentries of diseases competition. Identifying coexistence mechanisms is a core issue for studying the interactions of multi-strains. In this paper, we are concerned with the dynamics of a two-strain SIS epidemic model with general incidence rate on complex networks. We derive the basic reproduction numbers and the invasion reproduction numbers associated with each strain, which determine the competitive, exclusion and coexistence of the two strains. We strictly prove that the competitive exclusion principle holds in a global sense and the endemic equilibrium coexists uniquely and globally. Numerical examples visibly illustrate the evolution of the two strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Forum explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Higher Education (HE) sector through the experiences and perspectives in China, Malaysia and the UK, with schools and universities closed and teaching moved online with very short notice. Authors were given an open brief as to the nature of their contribution, reflecting the still evolving 'pandemic pedagogy' phenomenon. Reflecting different national contexts reified in the emergency response to education disruption, the three perspectives in this Forum individually and collectively shed light on the implications of contrasting states of university governance and overall HE development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acceleration of science and technology development and the expansion of international communications in the twenty-first century have presented the world with numerous complexities and uncertainties in terms of global, regional, and national governance and policymaking. The Millennium Project identified the most significant challenges facing the millennium and their long-term prospects, as well as provided solutions to incorporate these perspectives into decision-making through the use of futures studies and broad participation of futurists and researchers. The Millennium Project's 15 global challenges are briefly discussed in this paper, utilizing previous studies (mostly published by the Millennium Project) and a descriptive-analytical research method. It first discusses the benefits of foresight in decision making. The strategies and activities proposed by global experts to integrate global perspectives and foresight with global decision making will then be reported based on the Millennium Project results. Finally, after reporting on some countries' efforts to integrate foresight and decision making, some suggestions for how to link foresight and long-term perspectives with policy making in Iran are made. The findings of this paper can leverage incorporation of foresight into policy formulation and governance, as well as develop what is referred to as 'anticipatory governance' for Iran's context.

An expert opinion study was designed to query five countries and six brachial plexus surgeons regarding the demographics, mechanisms of injury, evaluation, timing of surgery, reconstructive strategies and controversies in adult traumatic pan brachial plexus injuries. Variations in assessing outcomes, management of neuropathic pain and future considerations were elucidated. Clear differences in regional demographics, mechanisms of injury, patient evaluation and treatment strategies were identified. The role of phrenic nerve and contralateral C7 transfer, acute use of free functioning muscle transfers, root reimplantation and amputation/myoelectric prosthetic fitting were regional/surgeon dependent. Comparison of outcomes across regions requires an understanding of the regional nuances of patient demographics, injury mechanisms, preferred reconstructive strategies and how outcomes are measured. Future studies are required to allow accurate regional comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper aims to discuss the problems in the field of architectural planning and design and possible solutions to these problems by studying hospital buildings that have been developing in the latter half of the 20th century to meet the changing needs of healthcare provision for the super aging society in these days. The methodology used in this study involves reviewing the historical development of hospital building studies from a global perspective. This is followed by an explanation of the need underlying the search for a healing environment through the author's study of hospital ward planning for over 30 years. This study analyzed the author's personal global experience and engaged with an exchange of ideas emanating from discussions with several colleagues and friends in the field of healthcare from all over the world. The key focus of this study is the Global University Programs in Healthcare Architecture (GUPHA). This study discusses potential global perspectives on hospital architectural planning and design that will manifest in 2050. It aims at breaking the lack of access to Japanese researches on hospital architectural planning and design, since most such researches were published in Japanese and were thus inaccessible to the English‐speaking world.

In contrast to the field of global studies, which has seen spectacular expansion and institutionalisation since the turn of the twenty-first century, there have to date been only a few attempts to promote or institutionalise global humanities as a field of study or research. Moreover, even though several disciplines in the humanities have undergone global turns in recent years, the humanities, with the exception of a certain brand of global history, are not prominent within the field of global studies. Against this background, this article surveys the various attempts that have been made in recent years to promote the concept of global humanities in the form of international scholarly networks, departments, and study programs, and the handful of attempts to sketch the outlines of a research agenda for global humanities. The strengths and limitations of the current approaches are discussed, and the articles advocating the notion of global humanities as a field or framework of research are brought into conversation with one another. Some common themes are identified in the literature on global humanities to date, such as the ambition for the field to be globally inclusive, critical, and transdisciplinary. Building on the recent global turns in some of the humanities disciplines and the steps that have been taken to purge these of traditional national and Eurocentric biases, global humanities should aim to develop frameworks of analysis that can be used to study all cultural expressions of humankind and to foster intercultural dialogue and understanding. Such an undertaking goes beyond the study of modern globalisation, which is the subject matter of global studies.

How a philosophical global history can be constituted is a question that has not yet found a concrete and generally accepted answer. If one compares the approaches of global histories of philosophy that have appeared so far, it becomes clear that some of them differ greatly from one another in their approaches and in the topics they deal with. Various global histories of philosophy are analyzed in the following article by comparing the content of selected publications in order to find out which cultures, systems of thought, and traditions are favoured in these writings and which focal points can be found in a comparative approach. Eight works that can be described as global histories of philosophy stand in focus of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information literacy skills are requisite to fulfilling one's potential and are highly connected to a good quality of life. However, the ways in which information literacy is discussed within the academic canon are largely unexplored, particularly as these conversations take place through different cultural lenses. The ways in which such cultures are grouped often rely on traditional methods of geographic clustering that are increasingly complicated by the disparate internal nature of societies. Using text analysis of a large bibliometric data set, this research is an attempt to examine how scholars around the world discuss information literacy in their publications. The authors pulled 3658 records with the exact term "information literacy" from the Scopus database. This data was analyzed for the most frequently employed words and phrases, and grouped by country. The authors then further grouped the countries by their levels of literacy, Human Development Index ranking, the average number of citations per article, and a metric created by the authors that assessed each country's progress in regard to the Sustainable Development Goals and population health. The results include a discussion of the differences in the ways that scholars from different cultures discuss information literacy, and a number of data visualizations to highlight differences in the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When Simon Ditchfield asked me for a contribution to the anniversary issue, it seemed the right occasion for a brief origin story, with reference to some of the many colleagues who had a hand in launching The Journal of Early Modern History. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this Simulation Based Experience (SBE) was to replicate a global initiative via a tele-simulated environment. Due to COVID-19, all study abroad trips were canceled by both the University and the governments of both the United States and Peru. To facilitate the learning goals and objectives, faculty developed a fully functional, online module via Zoom, which simulated in-country experiences. Three four-hour Zoom sessions allowed faculty to utilize INASCL standards of best practice to facilitate SBE activities such as pre and postoperative education for an Embedded Participant (EP) playing the role of patient (Lioce et al., 2020). 80% of students attempted to speak Spanish over the course of the SBE. During the debrief process, students were asked to provide affective words regarding the SBE which indicated trepidation in utilizing the Spanish language and not understanding content. On the final day of simulation, all students found value and collaboration in the process. Tele-simulation via Zoom allowed students to be immersed in an unknown culture, and the use of breakout rooms encouraged engagement with EP one-on-one. Zoom for remote simulation is a plausible replacement for HFPS due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Research is needed to explore and compare cultural gains and sensitivity to students in-country versus through remote learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]