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A Study of the Integration of Artificial Insemination into the Dairy Sector of the Alaotra Mangoro Region of Madagascar
Get PDFThe region of Alaotra Mangoro in central Madagascar is one of the country’s focal points for the development of the dairy industry. The Coopération Décentralisée, a partnership between Alaotra Mangoro and the French department Ille et Vilaine, has since 2007 been offering and subsidizing artificial insemination (AI) services for increased dairy production and the amelioration of local breeds. The program benefits about 150 local dairy farmers, who have noted a significantly higher level of production than those farmers who have chosen to continue using natural service to inseminate their cattle. Artificial insemination use in the region has increased since the initiation of the program, and beneficiaries plan to continue taking advantage of it and believe that the practice will become more widely adopted as long as the price remains affordable. Culturally speaking, there has been very little backlash; there are no fadys, or taboos, concerning artificial insemination use, and there is very little worry that the introduction of new dairy genetics will threaten the indigenous cattle breeds. Though the limited liquid nitrogen supply (in which bull semen must be stored) and a potential imminent per-insemination price raise threaten the sustainability of the program, it has thus far received very positive feedback and encouraging results
El rol de los supermercados chinos en la integración social de la población china en Buenos Aires / The Role of Chinese Supermarkets in the Social Integration of the Chinese Population in Buenos Aires
No full textAunque la inmigración china es algo relativamente nuevo en la historia de Argentina, las personas de aquel país han tenido una presencia fuerte en la sociedad de Buenos Aires, la ciudad Capital. En gran parte, esto es debido al nicho económico en el que muchos de los trabajadores chinos se han concentrado: los supermercados. Los pequeños mercados de barrio manejados por dueños chinos son tan comunes que a menudo los porteños simplemente dicen frases como “voy al chino” para referirse a estos comercios. Y con razón: en el 2011, aproximadamente el 35% de todos los mercados de Argentina pertenecía a personas de esta procedencia (Chinese Argentines). Este trabajo investiga el rol de los supermercados chinos en la transición que los descendientes de China vivencian en el espacio y la sociedad de Buenos Aires. A través de entrevistas con porteños no chinos y chinos, con una microetnografía, este estudio trata de analizar cómo los mercados promueven la integración, la segregación, o quizás ambas, de la comunidad china en Buenos Aires, con un enfoque en la movilidad social como una medida posible de la integración social.
Though Chinese immigration to Argentina is a relatively new phenomenon in the host country’s history, Chinese immigrants have attained a strong presence in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city. This is due, in large part, to the economic niche in which many Chinese workers have settled into: supermarkets. Small, neighborhood, Chinese-run markets are so common in Buenos Aires that locals short-handedly refer to them as “chinos” and with reason, in 2011, approximately 35% of all markets in Argentina were opened by Chinese individuals (Chinese Argentines). This paper investigates the role of these “chinos” in the transition of Chinese migrants into the culture of Buenos Aires. Through interviews with non-Chinese Buenos Aires locals and Chinese individuals, in addition to a small-scale ethnography of various Chinese supermarkets, this study attempts to analyze how these small stores have contributed to both the integration and segregation of the Chinese community in Buenos Aires, with a special focus on social mobility as a measure of social integration
Proxy Dating in Iceland Testing the validity of Silene acaulis as a phytometric proxy
Get PDFClimate change is causing drastic changes in the cryosphere, particularly in the Arctic region where average warming is 1.9 times greater than in the rest of the world due to Arctic amplification. Understanding the response of essential climate variables such as glaciers and ice caps to rapid Arctic warming is essential to predicting future changes in the Arctic region and around the world. Proxy dating methods can help construct a record of warming-induced glacial retreat in areas where long-term monitoring systems are not in place. In Arctic regions, the cushion plant Silene acaulis represents one of the only feasible proxies for tracking recent glacier retreat (within hundreds of years). This study uses independent control data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s glacier monitoring stations in the Sólheimajökull valley on the southern coast of Iceland to test the accuracy of previously constructed Silene acaulis growth rate curves and to determine the validity of Silene acaulis as a phytometric proxy for recent glacial retreat in the Arctic region. The diameters of 207 Silene acaulis were measured in the Sólheimajökull glacier forefield and qualitative measures of abiotic and biotic factors such as epiphyte load, patchiness, and shelter were taken. Relationships between measured diameters and substrate age were compared to predicted substrate ages from constructed growth rate curves. High levels of error were found and attributed to the lack of inclusion of abiotic and biotic factors in constructed growth rate curves. Further study on the ecology of Silene acaulis is recommended to increase its accuracy as an Arctic phytometric proxy
Human Creativity as a Vehicle for Societal Change: Can Social Action Through Art and Music Drive Positive Societal Change in Jordan?
Get PDFThis case study addresses a gap in the research on society and culture as it examines the relationship between social action through human creativity and positive societal change in Jordan. This relationship was studied through the following methods: six formal interviews with three Musicians, one Artist, one Organizational Behavior and Work Psychologist, and one Cognition and Didactics Researcher; one informal interview with a Jordanian taxi driver; and 30 oral surveys provided to students at The University of Jordan. The researcher’s main goal was to investigate how human creativity expressed through music and the arts can address current pressing environmental and social issues in Jordan such as the waste crisis, climate change, and weaknesses in ideological political systems. Additionally, the researcher aspired to investigate what drives human creativity, and how human creativity can be accessed in the most productive fashion to utilize it and positively influence society in Jordan. The researcher found that music is a powerful tool that can be utilized in many settings – including protests in the streets, concert halls, or music videos on the internet – to communicate important messages to the general population for the purpose of educating them about a specific societal issue, provoking an emotional response within them, and/or mobilizing them to take action for a cause. In addition, music about the elections and political action can not only inspire some Jordanian citizens to vote, but also encourage them to vote for a political candidate who will help improve and benefit society. Recycled art can positively impact the environment in significant ways through the reduction of waste and decrease in demand for the creation of new materials, which requires energy. In addition, recycled art encourage an ecofriendly relationship with the environment by introducing different perspectives and techniques of dealing with waste. Cultural workers – such as artists and musicians – begin harnessing their creativity to improve society when they think that society members are susceptible to change. In addition, flow states can promote an optimal state of consciousness that allows one to channel his or her creative endeavors into positive societal change. Lastly, the researcher found that economic instabilities act as gatekeepers between cultural workers and affecting positive societal change, as these instabilities do not provide cultural workers with the opportunity to choose between satisfying elementary needs, such as food and shelter, and higher needs, such as practicing environmental sustainability. The conclusions of this case study establish some solutions to the pressing environmental and social issues in Jordan, thereby advancing science in the field of society and culture. To promote the prosperity of a just and thriving country, these findings may be applied to various aspects of daily life in Jordan. The majority of interviewees in this case study concurred that passing on such tools to the youth would prove an effective place to begin planting the seeds for positive societal change
“La guerra de los centavos” y contratos sociales: Los impactos del desarrollo del Sistema Intermodal de Transporte Urbano en Loja, Ecuador / The war of the cents and social contracts: The impacts of the development of the Intermodal Urban Transportation System in Loja, Ecuador
Get PDFEl propósito de este estudio fue investigar el Sistema Intermodal de Transporte Urbano (SITU) en la ciudad de Loja, Ecuador. El contenido del estudio se basa en mis observaciones y entrevistas durante mi tiempo trabajando con la Unidad de Transporte del Municipio de Loja, y en fuentes bibliográficas relacionadas con los temas de transporte urbano, transporte sostenible, bus de rápido tránsito y gobiernos descentralizados. Además, utilicé un tesoro de documentos internos del Municipio y el Consorcio. Mi análisis es influenciado por el marco conceptual de desarrollo sostenible.
Este informe es organizado alrededor de tres temas vinculados pero distintos; 1) Un retrato general del sistema de transporte urbano y su gestión pública, 2) Las dinámicas de poder entre las agencias gubernamentales, organizaciones privadas, y personas que trabajan en estos lugares, y 3) Asuntos sociales en la práctica de una caja común y la implementación de nuevas tecnologías para facilitar el proceso de recaudación.
Esta monografía concluye que en general, el SITU provee un servicio fiable y seguro para sus usuarios. La Unidad plantea un contrato social con las operadoras y los propietarios de los buses para asegurarse un sistema bien mantenido. Además, las nuevas tecnologías que se están implementando en la área de recaudación y conteo de pasajeros presentan un dilema para el Municipio de Loja; tratando de mantener un equilibrio entre la equidad social y creación de empleos versus mejoramientos en la eficiencia, regulación y control del sistema.
Para el futuro, SITU necesita continuar buscando maneras para mejorar su sistema y tratar de transformar su sistema en un Sistema Intermodal. Este informe se trata del contexto del sistema de transporte urbano de Loja, Ecuador y por lo tanto, sus conclusiones no se deben extender a cada sistema de transporte urbano.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate the Intermodal Urban Transportation System (SITU) in the city of Loja, Ecuador. The content of the study is based on my observations and interviews during my time working with the Transportation Unit of the Municipality of Loja and bibliographic sources related to urban transport, sustainable transport, fast transit bus and decentralized governments. In addition, I used a treasury of internal documents of the Municipality and the Consortium. My analysis is influenced by the conceptual framework of sustainable development. This report is organized around three linked but distinct themes; 1) A general picture of the urban transport system and its public management, 2) Dynamics of power between government agencies, private organizations, and people working in these places, and 3) Social affairs in the practice of a common and The implementation of new technologies to facilitate the collection process. This monograph concludes that in general, SITU provides a reliable and safe service for its users. The Unit raises a social contract with the operators and the owners of the buses to ensure a well-maintained system. In addition, the new technologies that are being implemented in the area of passenger collection and counting present a dilemma for the Municipality of Loja; Trying to maintain a balance between social equity and job creation versus improvements in efficiency, regulation and control of the system. For the future, SITU needs to continue looking for ways to improve its system and try to transform its system into an Intermodal System. This report deals with the context of the urban transport system of Loja, Ecuador and therefore, its conclusions should not be extended to each urban transport system
Dealing with Migratory Trauma: Mental Health Stressors and Coping Mechanisms among Sub-Saharan Migrants in Rabat, Morocco
Get PDFInterviews, surveys, and participant observation was used to study the mental health of Sub-Saharan migrants residing in Rabat, Morocco. These data collection methods were used to explore the various experiences migrants had pre-migration, during their migration journey, and post-migration. The migrants portrayed many negative, traumatic, and painful experiences. These experiences have caused a significant amount of pressure on the mental psyche of the migrants, manifesting itself in many physical and psychological problems. One common problem was a sense of disillusionment or lack of control over their bodies and situations. However, many of them do not seek the help of mental health professionals, not because they don’t want to, but because of a lack of access. Instead, they rely on well-practiced coping tools such as focusing on family bonds, turning to religion, and finding distraction thru the Internet and music, to gain agency in their lives. This research is important because it combines the research on traumas migrants face before, during, and after the migration with the tools migrants to cope. Furthermore, the study shines a light on the blatant lack of mental health resources for the Sub-Saharan migrant community in Rabat, Morocco, and why it’s important to increase investment in addressing this community’s needs
Continuing Efforts to Alleviate Orange Pain An Internship with the Da Nang Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin
Get PDFThis year marked the 55th anniversary of Vietnam’s Agent Orange Disaster. Decades after the end of the war, Vietnamese people are still largely being affected by the remnants of the United States’ Agent Orange herbicide sprays. Dioxin chemical has now been confirmed detrimental to human and environmental well-being, but unfortunately it still remains in high concentrations in certain areas of Vietnam. Dioxin chemical is passed on through genetics to new generations, but one of the leading causes of dioxin-related health defects today are due to environmental residue. In Da Nang, Agent Orange was stored and loaded at the local airbase during the war. As a result, there are still high amounts of dioxin within the soil in the area. A few of the known health effects of dioxin poisoning include birth deformities, paralysis, forms of cancer, skin lesions/rashes, and mental illnesses. All of these conditions inhibit victims of Agent Orange from having a socially “regular” life and puts strain on many families. The Da Nang Association for Victims of Agent Orange dedicates itself to lifting the spirits of those affected by Agent Orange by providing them with a caring, safe space and community. My internship with DAVA has allowed me to see first-hand the effectiveness of initiatives and local centers in Da Nang that aim to help victims assimilate themselves into society and overcome their suffering. I have had the opportunity to spend three weeks with a number of people suffering from various dioxin-related health issues and listen to their personal stories. Working at DAVA, I have also learned about the several ways in which the organization collaborates with the local government and community to reach out to Agent Orange victims in the Da Nang and Quang Nam region
Dharma Dogs: A Narrative Approach to Understanding the Connection of Sentience Between Humans and Canines
Get PDFIndia has the highest population of stray dogs in the world1. Dharamsala, a cross-cultural community in the north Indian Himalayan foothills, is home to a number of particularly overweight and happy canines. However, the street dogs of Dharamsala are not an accurate representation of the state of stay dogs across India. This paper explores why this may be through narrative stories about the day-to-day interactions between humans and dogs. The following research addresses religious motives as well as the lack thereof
Building Creative Capacity in Conservationists: One Facilitator’s Exploration of Training and Art in Belize
Get PDFThis Capstone is an exploration of my journey as a training practitioner, starting from my time at SIT and progressing through my role as a Creative Facilitator for ArtCorps Creative Conservation Project. It details the connections between my practical experience in creative conservation training with theoretical frameworks and principals of adult and experiential learning I engaged in during the Training Design in Experiential Learning and Training for Social Action courses. During this journey I’ve learned that the challenges we face today are in need of highly creative individuals who apply alternative solutions towards problem solving. These individuals can take the necessary action to positively transform our world; “in a world of strained resources, creativity is an unlimited, game-changing resource that lies dormant within each person, organization and community” (ArtCorps, 2014). As Creative Facilitator, (2014-2016) my focus was to build the creative capacity of environmental conservation leaders and educators. Through training them in the use of creative approaches and art tactics, we worked to equip Belize’s leading conservation organizations towards effectively responding to the social and environmental challenges they mitigate. The valuable lessons learned during my practicum are presented in an analysis highlighting the role played by intercultural communication and my art education background. The personal reflection and recommendations aim to contribute to the training field from my merging perspective of a social action based artist, educator and developing trainer
TripL - Living, Learning, Leading: A Program for Ongoing Cultural Training for House Leaders at Mossgate Preparatory School
Get PDFThis paper is a program proposal for an ongoing intercultural training program for boarding house leaders at Mossgate Preparatory School (MPS). High turnover rates for house leaders at MPS have been linked to conflict and frustration related to living and working in a multicultural environment. A Multicultural Competency questionnaire was distributed to 2014-15 MPS house leaders, and the results showed that approximately half of all house leaders had never received any sort of intercultural training. In order to address this need, the TripL Program was conceived.
Through initial and ongoing trainings conducted for all house leaders at MPS, the TripL Program will promote cross-cultural communication, cultural awareness information for living in a multi-cultural community, acculturation stress, effective conflict-resolution techniques, team building and community development. House leaders will also gain insight into the teenage brain and ethnic identity development. TripL will strengthen the house leader community, and in turn the individual boarding house communities they live and serve. Finally, house leaders will be able to build stronger, healthier relationships with and between students in their houses. MPS students, in turn, will benefit from being supported in learning how to successfully and harmoniously live in a multicultural environment, making them better global citizens