1,216 research outputs found
Climate Change and Critical Agrarian Studies
Climate change is perhaps the greatest threat to humanity today and plays out as a cruel engine of myriad forms of injustice, violence and destruction. The effects of climate change from human-made emissions of greenhouse gases are devastating and accelerating; yet are uncertain and uneven both in terms of geography and socio-economic impacts. Emerging from the dynamics of capitalism since the industrial revolution — as well as industrialisation under state-led socialism — the consequences of climate change are especially profound for the countryside and its inhabitants. The book interrogates the narratives and strategies that frame climate change and examines the institutionalised responses in agrarian settings, highlighting what exclusions and inclusions result. It explores how different people — in relation to class and other co-constituted axes of social difference such as gender, race, ethnicity, age and occupation — are affected by climate change, as well as the climate adaptation and mitigation responses being implemented in rural areas. The book in turn explores how climate change – and the responses to it - affect processes of social differentiation, trajectories of accumulation and in turn agrarian politics. Finally, the book examines what strategies are required to confront climate change, and the underlying political-economic dynamics that cause it, reflecting on what this means for agrarian struggles across the world. The 26 chapters in this volume explore how the relationship between capitalism and climate change plays out in the rural world and, in particular, the way agrarian struggles connect with the huge challenge of climate change. Through a huge variety of case studies alongside more conceptual chapters, the book makes the often-missing connection between climate change and critical agrarian studies. The book argues that making the connection between climate and agrarian justice is crucial
An analysis of the Iranian post-earthquake management and structural assessment system
This thesis investigated the theory and practice of structural assessment, as a component in a more extensive post-earthquake disaster management system. The research focused on Iran as a case study, and in particular the capital city of Iran (Tehran). This study aimed overview of the system used for post-earthquake disaster management and structural assessment in Tehran. This thesis examined three specific sub-components of the system, namely: The Earthquake Information Management System (EIMS), seismic hazard education programs, and initiatives to engage communities in the disaster management process. A blended phenomenological and ethnographic approach provided the basis for the analysis of collected data and results from the research has provided new insights about how to enhance urban resilience; by improving systems used to manage post-earthquake structural assessment.
This research utilized a mixture of phenomenological and ethnographic methods. In this research, phenomenological method was used by the author to study the experience and behavior of ordinary people in Tehran, towards the post-earthquake structural assessment within disaster management system. The utilization of phenomenological research method enables the identification of patterns how concerning individuals residing in Tehran perceive and interpret significant life events such as earthquake. Therefore, this study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to define and make judgements about strengths and weaknesses in the Iranian earthquake management system, and in particular the post-earthquake structural assessment system.
The ethnographic element of this research involved the author travelling to Tehran and living for a period of time in the community, while collecting useful data for the project. For the of gathering data, a questionnaire survey was conducted, targeting Three communities within the Tehran population: residents of multi-story reinforced concrete residential buildings (N=151), professional civil/structural engineers (N=20) and representative of organizations responsible for managing the Iranian EIMS (N=4).
The results obtained in this research study were divided in four main chapters, where the first chapter is about EIMS in Iran. While the second chapter focuses on the post-earthquake structural assessment system in Iran. The third chapter explores opportunities to enhance education programs within the EIMS and linked to post-earthquake structural assessment. Lastly, the fourth and final chapter explores opportunities to enhance engagement within post-earthquake structural assessment activities. For each element of the results, the author has structured a narrative around a relevant piece of observational data that he collected during his visit to Tehran. In this thesis, the obtained results utilize observation as a mechanism to bring attention to new learning and convey new understanding arising from the analysis of collected data. Following the principals of ethnographic research, the author initiates the analysis by examining the phenomenological data from the perspective of their personal research journey. Subsequently, the author proceeds to analyze the quantitative results obtained from the survey.
This research was able to verify some of the findings from prior studies that looked at elements of the earthquake management system in Iran and was able to contribute new knowledge about the extent to which recent efforts by local authorities have improve the systems in operation. In addition, the IPA approach was judged to be successful in revealing previously unreported detail about strengths and weaknesses in both the EIMS and post-earthquake structural assessment systems of Iran. Finally, the ethnographic analysis enabled the author to contribute a well-grounded and evidence-based set of proposals outlining ways in which the EIMS and post-earthquake structural assessment systems of Iran could be improved with more structured education and engagement programs
Examining the Relationships Between Distance Education Students’ Self-Efficacy and Their Achievement
This study aimed to examine the relationships between students’ self-efficacy (SSE) and students’ achievement (SA) in distance education. The instruments were administered to 100 undergraduate students in a distance university who work as migrant workers in Taiwan to gather data, while their SA scores were obtained from the university. The semi-structured interviews for 8 participants consisted of questions that showed the specific conditions of SSE and SA. The findings of this study were reported as follows: There was a significantly positive correlation between targeted SSE (overall scales and general self-efficacy) and SA. Targeted students' self-efficacy effectively predicted their achievement; besides, general self- efficacy had the most significant influence. In the qualitative findings, four themes were extracted for those students with lower self-efficacy but higher achievement—physical and emotional condition, teaching and learning strategy, positive social interaction, and intrinsic motivation. Moreover, three themes were extracted for those students with moderate or higher self-efficacy but lower achievement—more time for leisure (not hard-working), less social interaction, and external excuses. Providing effective learning environments, social interactions, and teaching and learning strategies are suggested in distance education
Green Cities Artificial Intelligence
119 pagesIn an era defined by rapid urbanization, the effective planning and
management of cities have become paramount to ensure sustainable
development, efficient resource allocation, and enhanced quality of life
for residents. Traditional methods of urban planning and management
are grappling with the complexities and challenges presented by modern
cities. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI), a disruptive technology that holds
immense potential to revolutionize the way cities are planned, designed,
and operated.
The primary aim of this report is to provide an in-depth exploration of the
multifaceted role that Artificial Intelligence plays in modern city planning
and management. Through a comprehensive analysis of key AI
applications, case studies, challenges, and ethical considerations, the
report aims to provide resources for urban planners, City staff, and
elected officials responsible for community planning and development.
These include a model City policy, draft informational public meeting
format, AI software and applications, implementation actions, AI
timeline, glossary, and research references. This report represents the
cumulative efforts of many participants and is sponsored by the City of
Salem and Sustainable City Year Program. The Green Cities AI project
website is at: https://blogs.uoregon.edu/artificialintelligence/.
As cities continue to evolve into complex ecosystems, the integration of
Artificial Intelligence stands as a pivotal force in shaping their
trajectories. Through this report, we aim to provide a comprehensive
understanding of how AI is transforming the way cities are planned,
operated, and experienced. By analyzing the tools, applications, and
ethical considerations, we hope to equip policymakers, urban planners,
and stakeholders with the insights needed to navigate the AI-driven
urban landscape effectively and create cities that are not only smart but
also sustainable, resilient, and regenerative.This year's SCYP partnership is possible in part due to support from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as former Congressman Peter DeFazio, who secured federal funding for SCYP through Congressionally Directed Spending. With additional funding from the city of Salem, the partnerships will allow UO students and faculty to study and make recommendations on city-identified projects and issues
Policy responses to disaster management: a comparative case study of the BRICS countries to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Disaster management is a component that is responsible for ensuring the protection and safety of countries and their communities. The role of disaster management incudes, to organise the appropriate control mechanisms, allocate the necessary resources and follow the required practice policies. This is all done to prevent, prepare for, respond to as well as recover from a range of emergencies. Disaster management is utilised to respond to a range of disastrous events ranging from natural disasters, man-made disasters, biological disasters and technological disasters The COVID-19 pandemic presented a new set of challenges for countries to combat, which ultimately led to many revisiting their disaster management policy responses. Previous work has failed to address the disaster management policy responses that governments sought to implement particularly when dealing with pandemics. The main aim for governments was to implement effective disaster management policy responses which would result in reducing the spread and impact of the virus. For this, governments relied on restructuring existing disaster management policies to evoke greater powers to make decisions faster. This study sought to investigate the disaster management policy responses in BRICS countries through comparative case approach and SWOT analysis towards the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study implemented a qualitative approach, secondary sources of information were used. Secondary sources of information such as articles, journals, books and government publications. These sources were fundamental towards this study because it provided the overall research that was examined in this study. Content thematic analysis was used to comprehend the information collected from texts to present arguments and grasp a coherent conclusion. Comparative case study approach was used for effective comparison among the chosen case studies. The formulation of themes was guided by the Disaster Management Model being mitigation, preparedness, prevention, recovery and response.
The results of this study showed that the case studies possessed individual strengths and weaknesses. Due to the impact of the pandemic the policy responses varied based on population size, resources, leadership, accountability and preparedness. This concluded in varied disaster management policy responses that were effective during different stages of the pandemic
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and bystander response: Awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and training in multi-ethnic communities
Prompt bystander response more than doubles the odds of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Previous training is a significant factor in bystander willingness to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or use a defibrillator. This thesis contributes to an understanding of barriers to training uptake and willingness to respond to OHCA in multi-ethnic communities of New South Wales (NSW) and discusses strategies to address the barriers. Registry data analysis found bystander CPR provision in NSW was lower for females, older adults, in residential locations and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. A community-based intervention (FirstCPR cluster randomised study) was developed to increase community-wide training and willingness to respond to OHCA. It was designed to be delivered digitally and in-person and emphasised the use of material that included localised features and references. Process evaluation of FirstCPR highlighted that access to laypersons via their community organisations while feasible, can be challenging and resource-intensive. Uptake varied and was greater in social organisations compared with sports clubs. Contextual factors such as restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic limited participation. Factors such as time, interest, ability to congregate, capacity and commitment of organisation leaders to engage with the program and foster its facilitation played a significant role. Those who engaged highly valued in-person sessions and opportunities to practise skills on a manikin. CPR training was significantly lower among immigrants. Willingness to perform CPR was also lower but was mediated by previous training. Improved access to training that addresses barriers of language, cost and commonly-held fears is likely to have a positive impact. An intervention like FirstCPR is unlikely to be the “magic bullet” and concerted efforts in public campaigns are needed accompanied by messaging that addresses cultural sensitivities
Educator Professional Development as Rhetorical Situation
Teacher effectiveness is recognized as the most prominent in-school influencer of student learning, and professional development (PD) of in-service educators is seen as vital to improving teachers’ effectiveness throughout their careers. Professional development is often studied atheoretically and with a linear view in which PD providers deliver instruction and teachers receive and apply that instruction as it was delivered to them. By casting them as passive, blank-slate receivers and automatic appliers of the PD, this view obscures the complexities of teachers’ role in PD. Examining educator PD through the lens of rhetoric, and viewing the PD experience as a rhetorical situation, allows us to tease apart the highly connected ecology of roles and text(s) present within any PD situation. Understanding more about the roles teachers take in PD–as PD provider or receiver, and as rhetorical audience and rhetor–opens up opportunities for engaging educators fully in their own and one another’s development.
This collective case study of four educators used interviews and collection and analysis of PD-related Twitter activity in order to discover how the participants embrace, resist, and shift between the roles of PD receiver and provider and the roles of rhetorical audience and rhetor. The resulting study demonstrates that rhetoric acts as a rich lens for bringing to light the ways educators bring their own expertise and experiences to PD activities, make a number of complex choices within those activities for both their own enrichment and the enrichment of others involved, and embrace methods of PD, such as using social media platforms, that give them full access to all roles. The conclusion of this dissertation offers three tools for use by readers: 1) the rhetorical lens constructed in this project and used to view PD as a rhetorical situation; 2) a set of recommendations for educators who wish to seek PD using social media, including both composition methods to try and mindsets for shifting between the rhetorical roles available through social media; and 3) a set of recommendations for those offering PD to educators, with an emphasis on accounting for the complexities of their roles as learners with their own expertise, as audience members with an audience’s inherent power, and as potential rhetors when given access to the role
COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Acceptance in Ethnic Minority Individuals in the United Kingdom: a mixed-methods study using Protection Motivation Theory
Background: Uptake of the COVID-19 booster vaccine among ethnic minority individuals has been lower than in the general population. However, there is little research examining the psychosocial factors that contribute to COVID-19 booster vaccine hesitancy in this population.Aim: Our study aimed to determine which factors predicted COVID-19 vaccination intention in minority ethnic individuals in Middlesbrough, using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, in addition to demographic variables.Method: We used a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected using an online survey. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews. 64 minority ethnic individuals (33 females, 31 males; mage = 31.06, SD = 8.36) completed the survey assessing PMT constructs, COVID-19conspiracy beliefs and demographic factors. 42.2% had received the booster vaccine, 57.6% had not. 16 survey respondents were interviewed online to gain further insight into factors affecting booster vaccineacceptance.Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 was a significant predictor of booster vaccination intention, with higher perceived susceptibility being associated with higher intention to get the booster. Additionally, COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs significantly predictedintention to get the booster vaccine, with higher conspiracy beliefs being associated with lower intention to get the booster dose. Thematic analysis of the interview data showed that barriers to COVID-19 booster vaccination included time constraints and a perceived lack of practical support in the event ofexperiencing side effects. Furthermore, there was a lack of confidence in the vaccine, with individuals seeing it as lacking sufficient research. Participants also spoke of medical mistrust due to historical events involving medical experimentation on minority ethnic individuals.Conclusion: PMT and conspiracy beliefs predict COVID-19 booster vaccination in minority ethnic individuals. To help increase vaccine uptake, community leaders need to be involved in addressing people’s concerns, misassumptions, and lack of confidence in COVID-19 vaccination
AN EXAMINATION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF EMERGENCY PLANNING IN NEW YORK CITY HOSPITALS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS NEEDING COMMUNICATION OR LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE
Background: While all populations are susceptible to certain hazards that may expose their vulnerabilities in a disaster, populations with no or limited English proficiency, sight limitations, and hearing limitations are especially at risk due to communication and language barriers that they consistently experience. Purpose: This study explored the sufficiency of emergency planning that vulnerable populations with communication barriers may receive in a New York City hospital setting. It investigated the emergency plans, procedures, and practices that hospitals have for these specific, at-risk populations. The sufficiency of these were measured in accordance with their ability to meet the appropriate regulatory standards in existence. By collecting demographic information and characteristics about the hospitals participating, this study tested correlations between these variables with the levels of emergency planning these populations are provided with while in these hospitals. Methods: This mixed-methods study attained valuable information on these areas by surveying and interviewing a population of NYC hospital Emergency Preparedness Coordinators (EPC’s), from a sufficient representation of independent and healthcare systems hospitals; publicly and privately owned; located in different NYC boroughs; and with and without Emergency Departments. Findings: The results of this study draw our attention to the disparities in emergency and resiliency planning for these underserved populations with communication barriers through a rigorous analysis of the various levels of pre-planning they are afforded before a disaster strikes in a hospital facility setting. The presence of a vulnerability characteristic, as well as type of vulnerability characteristic, were found to have effects on the level of sufficiency of emergency planning they may receive in hospitals. The qualitative results also provided an overview of the challenges associated with this type of specialized planning, as well as suggested practices to achieve it. Conclusions: The results of this study should have implications for all emergency management personnel in hospital facilities in terms of enhancing their planning to sufficiently address the needs of vulnerable populations in their emergency planning. Future research should seek to evaluate the sufficiency of the rigor and specificity of the requirements set forth by accrediting bodies for addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in emergency planning
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