The present study on mobility behaviour in winter sports is based on the premise that this segment of the transport market is distinguished by particularly high costs for…
Abstract
The present study on mobility behaviour in winter sports is based on the premise that this segment of the transport market is distinguished by particularly high costs for influencing or changing behaviour. Indeed both theoretical and empirical research show transport as a whole to be one area of human behaviour in which costs are particularly high. In such a context efforts to promote more environment‐friendly behaviour are inevitably limited by high conversion costs, of a subjective nature.
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Tulshi Kumar Das and Md Mahmud Hasan
Despite recent economic progress, Bangladesh still faces significant challenges from natural disasters that impact food security and employment. In 2017, a severe flash flood…
Abstract
Despite recent economic progress, Bangladesh still faces significant challenges from natural disasters that impact food security and employment. In 2017, a severe flash flood caused by excessive rain and onrush from India devastated the haor-based Sunamganj district. The study explores the impacts of the flash flood on food security, employment and the overall well-being of the affected population, as well as evaluates government and NGO initiatives taken to alleviate the crisis using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews and surveys from the flash flood-affected people residing in the five affected villages. The study observes that the flash flood caused severe damage to the agricultural sector, with almost every farmer in the affected area losing their single-season high-yielding Boro paddy, resulting in year-long food insecurity and unemployment. The government responded to the situation by providing year-long food and monetary aid through various social safety net programmes, although some accusations of nepotism and embezzlement were reported. The study found that the majority of the people were reliant on government aid for survival throughout the year. Moreover, some NGOs also played a crucial role by providing food and other support. The research suggests that transparency and accountability must be prioritized to ensure fairness, and positive lessons learned from the government's efforts during this flash flood might be helpful in reducing vulnerability and distributing relief more effectively.
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I recently visited the 1994 Poetry Publication Showcase at Poets House in New York City. This is a wonderful annual exhibit of new poetry including both volumes by individual…
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I recently visited the 1994 Poetry Publication Showcase at Poets House in New York City. This is a wonderful annual exhibit of new poetry including both volumes by individual poets and anthologies. This year I was particularly struck by some excellent poetry anthologies. All these anthologies present contemporary poets which should be represented in library collections. Since many libraries do not own individual volumes by all of these writers, the anthologies described in this column will enable libraries to enrich their poetry collection and to introduce new exciting writers to their users.
Annika Salingré and Boris Braun
Bangladesh’s urban poor face numerous obstacles, especially during times of disastrous natural events. The effects of global warming will pose new threats for them as frequencies…
Abstract
Bangladesh’s urban poor face numerous obstacles, especially during times of disastrous natural events. The effects of global warming will pose new threats for them as frequencies and magnitudes of natural hazards are likely to increase. Thus, current and formerly successful coping and adaptation strategies will be challenged in the future. The urban poor need to be informed and empowered so that they can develop their own strategies in response to the expected local effects of climate change. Our research aims at grassroot workshops as a means of communication with slum dwellers in Dhaka which not only convey possible climate change impact on livelihoods but also create relevance for the individuals and options for action. More than 20 workshops including men, women, and children have been conducted and analysed. The final workshop design incorporates a mix of participatory and input-oriented elements in order to overcome the problem of psychological distance.
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Placing expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia in the context of the global land grab, this paper analyzes the contemporary extent and early historical periods of…
Abstract
Purpose
Placing expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia in the context of the global land grab, this paper analyzes the contemporary extent and early historical periods of plantation expansion via the theory of accumulation by dispossession (ABD).
Methodology/approach
After reviewing the empirical debate about the land grab, this paper examines the importance of ABD to understand the land grabs in general and for oil palm plantations in Indonesia in particular. Rather than a new phenomenon of the last four decades of neoliberalism, ABD has a history of several centuries.
Findings
Accumulation by dispossession (ABD) is a powerful and appropriate lens by which to understand the land conversion and social displacement occurring in Indonesia. Building on historical understanding of ABD, this paper applies the theory to the Indonesian oil palm case, making the case that the multiple and uncertain sequences of engagement with oil palm expansion are reflective of a broader struggle against dispossession.
Originality/value
ABD is not just a global financial process of corporate-led neoliberalization but also shaped importantly by domestic state and local elites. These elites have shaped ABD differently in colonial, authoritarian, and neoliberal periods.
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The purpose of this paper is to study the motivational mechanism of meaningful work (MFW) between the relationship of mindfulness and transcendence in an Indian context.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the motivational mechanism of meaningful work (MFW) between the relationship of mindfulness and transcendence in an Indian context.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the research objective, a cross-sectional study was conducted. We have collected data from 311 participants (employees of large Indian manufacturing organizations, both public and private) using a self-administered survey questionnaire. Collected data was examined using path analysis.
Findings
Results suggest that MFW partially mediates the relationship between mindfulness and transcendence. Overall, this study highlights the role of mindfulness in making employees more passionate, joyful, and energetic at the workplace to achieve transcendence.
Practical implications
This study suggests ways through which positive emotions and a sense of meaningfulness can be enhanced. It also provides valuable implications for managers by suggesting various practices for enhancing an employee's transcendence.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the positive organizational behavior field by providing some novel insights with a focus on mindfulness, MFW and transcendence. It also fills the void in the area of transcendence empirical studies related to the Indian context.
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Nestled in a sunny, quiet SoHo loft, Poets House is a poetry library, literary resource center, and meeting place for poets and poetry readers from all parts of the aesthetic…
Abstract
Nestled in a sunny, quiet SoHo loft, Poets House is a poetry library, literary resource center, and meeting place for poets and poetry readers from all parts of the aesthetic spectrum. Founded in 1985 by poet Stanley Kunitz and poetry administrator Elizabeth Kray, the library is a 30,000‐volume, non‐circulating poetry collection — free to use and open to the public — of books, chapbooks, journals, an audiotape archive, and reference materials. Typewriters, a photocopier, and reading and writing space are available for use. Poets House programs and events emphasize cross‐cultural, interdisciplinary exchange in a comfortable, informal atmosphere.
Survival strategy of the masses has led to the evolution of area‐specific, locally pertinent and effective ways of mitigating natural disasters. This vital knowledge base is…
Abstract
Purpose
Survival strategy of the masses has led to the evolution of area‐specific, locally pertinent and effective ways of mitigating natural disasters. This vital knowledge base is, however, often ignored and is being fast eroded. The paper aims at highlighting the relevance of these practices that put forth most cost‐effective and acceptable means of mitigating disasters.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on the extensive field studies and in‐depth probe of the traditional resource management practices of the people of the remote Himalayan terrain by the author and it reflects his belief in the acumen of the masses.
Findings
The paper discusses the relevance of the various disaster management practices of the region. During the course of their habitation in the disaster‐prone Himalayan terrain the indigenous people through experience, experimentation and accumulated knowledge devised ways of reducing their vulnerability to natural hazards. Studies show that their understanding was fairly evolved in the areas of earthquake, landslide and drought management and had devised efficient ways of mitigating the effects of these.
Research limitations/implications
The paper reflects the author's individual understanding and interpretation of the practices based on his interactions with the masses.
Practical implications
Improvisation on the traditional practices of disaster management has a major role to play in putting forth cost‐effective and sustainable means of shielding the community against the impact of natural disasters. This article puts forth an alternative approach of interpreting the traditional practices of the masses and would lead to appropriate innovations for better disaster management in the region.
Originality/value
This paper represents a useful attempt to reinforce the importance of local knowledge in mitigating natural disasters, which is often ignored and is quick to erode.