December 2011 - Air-L - lists.aoir.org

Funding Opportunity: Technology and Human Trafficking
by danah boyd 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

Networked technologies – including the internet, mobile phones, and social media – alter how information flows and how people communicate. There is little doubt that technology is increasingly playing a role in the practices and processes surrounding human trafficking: the illegal trade of people for commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, and other forms of modern-day slavery. Yet, little is known about costs and benefits of technology's role. We do not know if there are more human trafficking victims as a result of technology, nor do we know if law enforcement can identify perpetrators better as a result of the traces that they leave. One thing that we do know is that technology makes many aspects of human trafficking more visible and more traceable, for better and for worse. Focusing on whether technology is good or bad misses the point; it is here to stay and it is imperative that we understand the role that it is playing. More importantly, we need to develop innovative ways of using technology to address the horrors of human trafficking. To date, there is little empirical research into the role that technology plays in human trafficking. As a result, new interventions and policies are being driven by intuition, speculation, and extrapolation from highly publicized incidents. There's no doubt that all forms human trafficking and modern day slavery are horrible, but if we actually want to help those that are victimized, we need to recognize that this is a complex issue and work to understand how the puzzle pieces fits together. My team at Microsoft Research is trying to untangle technology's role in different facets of the human trafficking ecosystem, fully recognizing how complicated and messy it is. This is why we need your help. Thanks to the generous support of the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit and Microsoft Research, I'm proud to announce a pool of grant money for researchers who can help us understand critical elements of the puzzle. Please forward this far and wide because we're hoping to find scholars with the skills, domain knowledge, and passion to really help us interrogate how technology is used in human trafficking. We need anthropologists, communications scholars, computer scientists, criminologists, psychologists, sociologists, etc. * Request for proposals: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/focus/education/human-tra… * Deadline for proposals: February 17, 2012 * Notification of results: March 23, 2012 * Initial pool of money: $150,000 * Framing document: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/collaboration/focus/education/htframewo… * Email for more information: httech(a)microsoft.com We are also looking to identify scholars who are working in this space, including graduate students and postdocs and researchers whose work is not yet published. Even if you're not looking for grant money, please drop us a line if you're grappling with technology's role in human trafficking. We look forward to your feedback, critiques, ideas, and proposals. Thank you! danah boyd

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AMCIS 2012 CFP> Social Theory in Information Systems Research (STIR '12) Minitrack
by Howard Rosenbaum 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

[Apologies for cross-posting] Call For Papers: AMCIS Mini-track: Social Theory in Information Systems Research (STIR '12) 18th Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS), Seattle, WA, August 9-12, 2012 Conference Website: http://amcis2012.aisnet.org/ Description: This Mini Track will solicit research papers and research-in-progress papers on social theory in information systems research areas impacting the intersection of humans and technology. We are interested understanding and supporting the evolution of social theory, socio-technical theory, and social informatics in information systems research. This will be the 12th consecutive year for the Mini Track at AMCIS, and we hope to continue a tradition of high quality paper submissions, thought-provoking presentations and lively discussion for all IS researchers using, or considering the use of, social theory in their work in this domain. We seek to attract research papers and research-in-progress papers from all IS researchers who are using the work of social theorists, organizational theorists, sociotechnical theorists, and cultural. We are particularly interested in research that makes use of social theory to address issues of designing the digital future. We want to highlight research that uses social theory, sociotechnical theory, and social informatics approaches to critically examine the constitution of ICT, and their roles in the design, constitution, maintenance and dissolution of virtual communities and virtual worlds. For example, the work of social theorists (e.g., Callon, Castells, Bourdieu, Giddens, Putnam), organizational theorists (e.g., Powell, DiMaggio, Scott), sociotechnical theorists (e.g., Bijker , Hughes, Kling), cultural anthropologists (e.g., D'Andrade, Holland, Suchman), symbolic interactionists (e.g., Strauss , Star), and many others are being used to address the most important questions about how we are living, working and socializing in virtual communities. We invite IS research and research in progress that applies, builds on, compares, or critiques these social theories within the domain of virtual communities and virtual worlds. Submission Process: Full paper submissions must be made electronically through the AMCIS on-line submission system by March 1, 2012. Manuscript Central will start accepting paper submissions on January 2, 2012 at: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com:80/amcis2011 Additional instructions for authors: http://amcis2012.aisnet.org/ Important Dates: March 1, 2012: (11:59 PM Pacific time zone): Deadline for paper submissions April 2, 20012: Authors will be notified of acceptances on or about this date April 20, 2012: (11:59 PM Pacific time zone): For accepted papers, camera ready copy due June 12, 2012: Last day for AMCIS 2012 Early Registration July 13, 2012: Deadline for making hotel room reservations July 24, 2012: Last day for AMCIS 2012 Regular Registration Minitrack chairs: Howard Rosenbaum, School of Library and Information Science Indiana University hrosenba(a)indiana.edu Pnina Fichman, School of Library and Information Science Indiana University fichman(a)indiana.edu

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Instructor or Assistant Professor position in Advertising and Digital/New Media @ Loyola Chicago
by Adrienne Massanari 07 Dec '11

07 Dec '11

FYI: We are hiring for a TT or NTT advertising/digital media position at Loyola. Please feel free pass this on to any candidates who might be interested. I'm not on the committee, but will happily put you in touch with the search chair if you have questions. Thanks! Adrienne -------- Loyola University Chicago invites qualified applications for an Instructor or Assistant Professor position (starting August, 2012) in Advertising and Digital/New Media in the School of Communication at the Water Tower campus in downtown Chicago. The candidate should have a focus in advertising, digital/new media and branding. The applicant should be experienced in the conception, design, delivery and measurement of advertising through traditional as well as new media tactics including promotion, web authoring, social media, mobile technology, rich media, screencasting, virtual worlds or search marketing. Experience in working with diverse markets is preferred. REQUIREMENTS: The appointment may be at an instructor or assistant professor level, depending on the qualifications of the successful applicant. Candidates with a record of teaching and working with students are preferred. For the assistant professor (tenure track) appointment, the candidate should have earned the PhD in a related field, have significant professional experience in advertising and digital media and have the potential to be an outstanding teacher and productive scholar. For the instructor appointment (renewable multi-year contract), the candidate should have earned a Master’s degree in a related field, have significant professional experience in advertising and digital media and the potential to be an outstanding teacher and a leader in service to the profession. DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES include teaching undergraduate courses in advertising, communication and technology, campaigns, and integrated marketing communication, as well as developing specialized courses in applications of new media. The position includes department and university service as well as ongoing research and/or professional activities. Initial review of applications will begin Dec. 1, and continue until the position is filled. Candidates must apply online at www.careers.luc.edu with a letter of application describing their experience and interests and a current curriculum vitae. Applicants should send materials related to teaching experience, a portfolio with samples of research or professional work, and a personal statement on teaching and research. Three letters of recommendation are also required. Application materials and letters of recommendation should be sent to Dr. Kay Felkins, Search Committee Chair, School of Communication, Loyola University Chicago, 820 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60611. Loyola University Chicago School of Communication enjoys a new facility, including a state-of-the-art convergence studio; a collegial faculty distinguished by a mix of professional and academic achievement; and location just steps away from the nation’s leading ad agencies and media outlets. A graduate program in Digital Media and Storytelling will be launched in Fall 2012. For further information about Loyola University Chicago and the School of Communication, consult the University Web site: www.luc.edu. Loyola University Chicago is a Jesuit Catholic university, an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer, with a strong commitment to diversifying its faculty. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

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Recommendation needed: Researches in Mobile & Location Based Services
by Steffen Schilke 06 Dec '11

06 Dec '11

Dear all, could you kindly refer me to some researchers which are working on these topics? Kind regards Steffen W. Schilke

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2012 conference
by Mark D. Johns 06 Dec '11

06 Dec '11

Have dates been set yet for the next conference at Salford? They aren't on the AoIR website. Does anyone have them yet? Will it be IR 13.0 or are we being superstitious and calling it something else? IR 12.999? IR X3? IR √169? -- Mark D. Johns, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Communication Studies Luther College, Decorah, Iowa USA ----------------------------------------------- 2011-12 Director, Luther Study Centre 23 Haslemere Road Nottingham NG8 5GJ United Kingdom ----------------------------------------------- "Get the facts first. You can distort them later." ---Mark Twain

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looking for a English course running next year in SL or in 3D Virtual World
by Wang Airong 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Hi all, I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Sweden majoring in subject didactics. I am looking for an English course running in Second Life or in another 3D virtual world to collect data for my doctoral thesis. I am very appreciated that if you know a course of this kind, you would like to share some information with me. Thanks! Best, Airong Wang

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wireless (1 of 3a)
by jcu 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Hello, Is anyone researching harmful effects of wireless in public domains (esp. in close proximity to chiidren)? joan s. ont. On 2011-11-30, at 10:41 PM, jcu wrote: > Warnings against Wireless Technology > http://emfjournal.com/cell-phone-ban/ > http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1565565&page=2 > > Governments and organizations that ban or warn against wireless technology > > > -- American Bird Conservancy and Forest Conservation Council: Brought a lawsuit against the FCC because millions of migratory birds are being disoriented by microwave radiation and crashing into cell towers > > -- Amateur Radio Relay League Bio-Effects Committee: **The FCC's standard does not protect against non-thermal effects.** > > -- Australian Democrats: The **explosion in wireless communications technology** is causing widespread illness. > -- Austrian Medical Association: Warns against Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and cell phone use by children. > > -- Ballinderry Primary School, Ireland: Removed Wi-Fi to protect the children. > > -- Bavaria, Germany: Recommends no Wi-Fi in schools. > > -- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The FCC's exposure standards are **seriously flawed.** > > -- European Environmental Agency: Recommends wireless technology be avoided by vulnerable groups such as children. > > -- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FCC's exposure standard **does not address the issue of long-term, chronic exposure to RF fields.** > > -- Frankfurt, Germany: Bans Wi-Fi in public schools. > > -- Interdisciplinary Society for Environmental Medicine (3000 physicians in Germany): Recommends banning cell phone use by children and banning cell phones and cordless phones in preschools, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, events halls, public buildings and vehicles. > -- International Association of Fire Fighters: Opposes communication antennas on fire stations. > > -- International Commission on Electromagnetic Safety (comprised of scientists from 16 nations): Recommends limiting cell phone use by children, teenagers, pregnant women and the elderly. > > -- Irish Doctors Environmental Association: Warns that current safety guidelines are **not appropriate.** > > -- Karnataka State, India: Bans cell phones in all schools and pre-university colleges. > > -- Knowsley, Borough of, England: Bans cell phones in schools. > > -- Lakehead University, Ontario: Bans Wi-Fi on campus >

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Panel on Representations of the Internet in Popular Culture
by Delia Dumitrica 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Looking for panelists for a CSA Panel on Representations of the Internet in Popular Culture. If interested, please email me off list. Representations of the Internet in Popular Culture, Canadian Sociological Association Annual Conference 2012, Wilfrid Laurier University / University of Waterloo, May 29, 2012 June 2, 2012 Topic Area: Sociology of Technology Session Description: This session seeks to explore the different discourses through which the internet is being constructed as a space of possibilities, creativity, as well as danger in popular culture. The internet is approached here as a socio-technical assemblage where different actors are involved in a struggle over its meaning, future articulations and social functions. Stepping away from an interest in simply defining the internet in terms of its technical aspects, this session is interested in recuperating the internet as both a social space and a tool for social action. From showcasing the 'World of Warcraft' on the TV series The Big Bang Theory to personifying 'the Net' as a conscious being in Robert Sawyer's Wake trilogy, popular constructions of the internet as a space for social action or as an actor pushing for a particular future for human beings should be understood as sites where contemporary ideologies, social forces and material capabilities become articulated together. This session invites papers dealing with the discourses through which the internet is being understood, discussed and popularized in movies, novels, TV shows, music videoclips, commercials, biographies, exhibitions etc. Abstracts (100 200 words) must be submitted using the CSA online conference system http://www.csa-scs.ca/submissions by January 30, 2012. Presentations will be confirmed by February 15, 2012 For further inquiries about the panel, please contact Dr. Delia Dumitrica, University of Calgary, dddumitr(a)ucalgary.ca Delia Dumitrica, PhD Instructor Department of Communication and Culture University of Calgary

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Re: [Air-L] [ciresearchers] regarding mobile devices and cancer: M4D and IARC
by M.B.Gaved 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Hi All I’d also welcome reading further about the debate surrounding mobile devices and effects of radio emissions. As some of you know my PhD territory was an exploration of grassroots community networking groups, including those using wireless technologies, so I have both an academic and very personal interest, having spent a lot of time clambering around roofs mounting equipment and working with it! [1]. I apologise if I gave the impression of bias by posting up the Lancet report: Robert flagged up the IARC was carrying out some research and Gene forwarded to ci-researchers, I found the outcome of the study and thought it might be of interest to post the reference, quickly summarise and give you the link so you would all to be able to read further yourself. I’d also be interested in reading further around the topic, please post up further links folks. I’m very interested to hear about where people have appropriated communications infrastructures for their own usage and their perceptions of the risks versus the benefits. Regards to you all Mark [1] PhD link: http://oro.open.ac.uk/29696/ "An investigation into grassroots initiated networked communities as a means of addressing the digital divide" From: Don Cameron [mailto:dg_cameron@bigpond.com] Sent: 04 December 2011 23:27 To: ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net; 'Robert Rattle'; 'gene loeb'; 'M.B.Gaved' Cc: air-l(a)aoir.org Subject: RE: [ciresearchers] Re: [Air-L] regarding mobile devices and cancer: M4D and IARC I was also struck by what seems a rather draconian term of reference for ‘evidence’ in this study. CQU (.au) faces a similar underlying dilemma (to studies questioning the promoted “safety” of mobile phone radiation) through the recent offering of Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) curriculum. Some apparent old-school scholars cite a lack of evidence-based research to support such curriculum arguing Chiropractics is not evidence based; others argue the evidence is sound, well documented and practiced. Difference of opinion seems to lack consideration of benefit to humanity rather focusing only on the definition of evidence itself. Perhaps lost in this somewhat academic war of interpretation is a little old fashioned common sense? When considering the well-being of loved ones in potential conflict with the mission of corporate telecommunications interests might it not be prudent to err on the side of caution? Should we not be seeking evidence to support a stance of safety rather than risk? The question IMO should not be one of “is mobile radiation safe”; it should be “what evidence exists to support argument that mobile radiation is not as dangerous as we know it to be?“ Don From: ciresearchers-owner(a)vancouvercommunity.net [mailto:ciresearchers-owner@vancouvercommunity.net] On Behalf Of Robert Rattle Sent: Monday, 5 December 2011 6:26 AM To: 'ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net'; 'gene loeb'; M.B.Gaved Cc: 'air-l(a)aoir.org' Subject: [ciresearchers] Re: [Air-L] regarding mobile devices and cancer: M4D and IARC Thanks for this reference Mark. I was rather struck by the quote you provided as it could be interpreted to be conflicting with the official stated classification in Group 2B (Possibly carcinogenic to humans) of radiofrequency EMR by the IARC. Upon reading the article, however, and re-reading the quote you provided, it is clear that both reinforce the categorisation in Group 2B by the IARC. For instance, the INTERPHONE and Swedish studies referred to in the Lancet article states that "the Working Group concluded that the findings [of these studies] could not be dismissed as reflecting bias alone, and that a causal interpretation between mobile phone RF-EMF exposure and glioma is possible." Several additional conclusions reached as discussed in the Lancet article also makes clear the basis for, and strengthening further the case for including radiofrequency EMR in Group 2B. As the article concludes: "the Working Group classified RF EMF as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B). This evaluation was supported by a large majority of Working Group members." So, what are the moral, legal, ethical and health (and environmental) implications, especially regarding those least able to cope with or manage the impacts and costs? Anyone investigating these issues? --- On Mon, 11/28/11, M.B.Gaved <m.b.gaved(a)open.ac.uk> wrote: From: M.B.Gaved <m.b.gaved(a)open.ac.uk> Subject: [Air-L] regarding mobile devices and cancer: M4D and IARC To: "'ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net'" <ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net>, "'gene loeb'" <geneloeb(a)gmail.com> Cc: "'air-l(a)aoir.org'" <air-l(a)aoir.org> Received: Monday, November 28, 2011, 5:42 AM Regarding research on possible carcinogenic effects of mobile phone use on humans, and ethical issues as a result - The results of the IARC working group are published in July 2011's edition of "Lancet Oncology" - it looks like they view the evidence (of mobile phone usage being carinogenic) as being inconclusive, and limited evidence being available: ".the Working Group reached the overall conclusion that these results provided only weak mechanistic evidence relevant to RF-EMF-induced cancer in humans.". See: Robert Baan, Yann Grosse, Béatrice Lauby-Secretan, Fatiha El Ghissassi, Véronique Bouvard, Lamia Benbrahim-Tallaa, Neela Guha, Farhad Islami, Laurent Galichet, Kurt Straif, on behalf of the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer Monograph Working Group, Carcinogenicity of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, The Lancet Oncology, Volume 12, Issue 7, July 2011, Pages 624-626, ISSN 1470-2045, 10.1016/S1470-2045(11)70147-4. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470204511701474) Kind regards Mark Gaved Research Associate www.xdelia.org The Open University Milton Keynes UK From: gene loeb [mailto:geneloeb@gmail.com] Sent: 25 November 2011 09:49 To: ciresearchers(a)vancouvercommunity.net Subject: [ciresearchers] Fwd: [Air-L] M4D and IARC Here is a good question for consideration by some in our group. Gene ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Robert Rattle <robert14robert(a)yahoo.ca> Date: Wed, Nov 23, 2011 at 11:50 AM Subject: [Air-L] M4D and IARC To: air-l(a)aoir.org I hope I'm not opening up a can of endangered worms with this question... Given the recent announcement by the IARC concerning the possible carcinogenic effects of radiofrequency radiation, is anyone aware of any ethical, health or similar discussions concerning possible implications from the use of mobile technologies (M4D) in emerging economy countries? Similarly, is anyone aware of any human/universal rights, legal, moral, health, or ethical dialogue concerning the unwanted and increased ubiquity of exposure to radiofrequency emissions (in either emerging or advanced economy countries)? R _______________________________________________ The Air-L(a)listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/ -- The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). _______________________________________________ The Air-L(a)listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/

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2012 Participatory Innovation Conference - Melbourne, Australia
by Ken Friedman 05 Dec '11

05 Dec '11

Dear Colleagues, This January 12-14, Swinburne University and SPIRE at Southern Danish University join to host the 2012 Participatory Innovation Conference in Melbourne, Australia. This is a great opportunity for those interested in co-creation and participatory design. I'd be grateful if you would share this with colleagues at your university. Best regards, Ken Professor Ken Friedman, PhD, DSc (hc), FDRS University Distinguished Professor Dean, Faculty of Design Swinburne University of Technology -- Why should you attend the 2012 Participatory Innovation Conference http://www.pin-c2012.org in Melbourne, Australia, the 12-14 of January? (Even if you are not presenting.)* The HOW of including diverse stakeholders into your innovation processes is more challenging than ever. Crowd-sourcing, open digital platforms, peer panels, dialogue circles are some of the potential ways in which internal and external stakeholders can be brought into the innovation process. But how do you include them in ways that are respectful, equitable, democratic, effective, value-adding, and fun? You will learn how at PIN-C 2012 through five distinct tracks on Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Innovation, Evolving Design Anthropology, Making Design and Analysing Interaction, Organising Participatory Innovation, and Designing Innovative Business Models. But that’s not all. PIN-C 2012 is an investment in designing your organisation’s future. In the future, businesses, governments, and community organisations will require greater participation of more diverse people into decision-making processes. At PIN-C 2012, you will be gain access to cutting-edge practical and theoretical tools to design participatory innovation processes that will suit your organisation and its many stakeholders for years to come. PIN-C 2012 is a great value. It offers two and half days of exciting programming, including five international keynotes, over 60 'dialogue-starter' presentations, workshops, and interactive exercises; inclusive breakfast and lunches, free Lilydale, VIC hotel and train station shuttle bus, networking opportunities, all included in your ticket price. PIN-C 2012 is an exceptional global event. Co-hosts Swinburne Faculty of Design http://www.swinburne.edu.au/design/ and SPIRE http://www.sdu.dk/om_sdu/institutter_centre/c_spire?sc_lang=en University of Southern Denmark, are global educational institutions that know how to make academic research relevant to design and business. With participants from all over the world, you will share ideas with the best participatory innovation thinkers and doers from Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, India, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, UK, and USA. You’ll meet amazingly diverse groups of people. No where else, but at PIN-C 2012, will you ever have the opportunity to network with indigenous activists, design anthropologists, designers, interaction analysts, business managers, futurists, and entrepreneurs—all united by a passion for participatory innovation. So are you convinced to join us at PIN-C 2012? Don’t wait a minute longer as there are spaces for only 30 participants per track, visit the PIN-C 2012 website at www.pin-c2012.org and register today. Dori Tunstall and Jacob Buur, PIN-C 2012 Co-Chairs *Format of message provided by 2011 AIGA Conference PIVOT. Thanks AIGA!

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