Infrastructure and perceptions of democracy in Zambia: Democracy off the rails

2020 ◽  
Vol 119 (477) ◽  
pp. 604-632
Author(s):  
Erin Accampo Hern
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Variation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Procedural Understanding ◽  
Personal Assistance ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Democratic Regimes ◽  
Material Gain ◽  
Rail Line ◽  
Peripheral Areas

ABSTRACT In Zambia, some people describe their political participation as a way to transmit ideas and hold politicians accountable, while others explain their participation as a bid for resources or personal assistance. These differences follow a geographic trend, with residents of remote areas more likely to focus on substantive material gain. What accounts for this geographic variation? I argue that the centre/periphery distinction within the country influences the way people understand democracy. People living centrally are more likely to hold a procedural understanding of democracy and value democratic rules and process, while people living peripherally are more likely to hold a substantive understanding of democracy and view periodic acts like voting as a bid for resources. I employ geocoded Afrobarometer data alongside 92 original semi-structured interviews to demonstrate that those living further from Zambia’s central rail line are less likely to hold procedural understandings of democracy. I explore several mechanisms that could drive this difference, including homogeneity of remote communities and increased reliance on traditional leaders in peripheral areas. Divergent understandings of democracy between more and less remote denizens have important implications for the future of democratic regimes.

Application of Wireless Data Grids for Health Informatics

2008 ◽  
pp. 61-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Health Informatics ◽  
Data Access ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Wireless Data ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Rural And Remote Areas ◽  
Information And Communication

Distance and inaccessibility create special challenges for health practitioners in rural and remote areas. Health professionals in rural and remote areas face problems such as prescription concerns due to lack of information. This occurs due to a gap in knowledge regarding medications, as health practitioners do not have access to medical history of their patients. Frequent migration of patients in rural and remote communities results in the loss of patients’ medical records. In addition, doctors have limited access to therapeutic information, as searching the Internet from most remote communities is expensive and slow. In addition, frequent migration of patients in remote communities results in the loss of patients’ histories. This chapter proposes a refined conceptual health information management model based on the model presented by Mahmood (2006). The discussed model is based on the use of Data Grid technology and Data Recharging techniques employed in conjunction with wireless communication technologies to overcome the problems and challenges faced by health practitioners. The model categorizes the health establishments in remote areas into two categories on the basis of geographical characteristics and data access requirements. The discussed model aims to meet information and communication technology (ICT) requirements of health practitioners operating in each recognized category.

Between authoritarianism and democracy: Examining news media usage for political re-socialization and information acquisition in diasporic contexts

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-33
Author(s):  
Rana Khaled Arafat
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
News Media ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Political Learning ◽  
Political Opportunities ◽  
Democratic Regimes ◽  
Democratic Norms ◽  
The Impact

While political scholars study news media as agents of political learning, the processes of political re-socialization of a conflict-generated diaspora moving from authoritarian to democratic regimes pose significant theoretical challenges that remain insufficiently researched. To this end, this study investigates the importance of traditional and digital media sources from the homeland and host country in fostering refugees’ understanding of the democratic norms and values, and political opportunities offered by the receiving country. Furthermore, it investigates the role of online diaspora communities as agents for political re-socialization and tools for information acquisition about Arabic, Swiss and international politics. Sixty semi-structured interviews with Arabs from refugee origins in Switzerland were analysed. Findings show the influence of the early-life political socialization, received prior to forced migration, on the purposive consumption of media from various sources. As Facebook started to lose its value as a source of political information, participants shift to producing and consuming news distributed by strong ties on private WhatsApp groups as a counter-strategy to acquire trustworthy information. Further insights on the impact of perceived media credibility and individual trust in news on the consumption behaviour and political learning are discussed.

Combatting cultural nerve gas: maintaining traditional media and culture through local media production in Australia, Canada and Mexico

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ian Watson
Keyword(s):  
Remote Communities ◽  
Traditional Media ◽  
Radio Stations ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Indigenous Media ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Local Media ◽  
Traditional Language ◽  
Nerve Gas

In Australia in the 1980s, large numbers of remote Indigenous radio stations were established due to a perception that the introduction of mainstream satellite programming in remote areas would act as a form of cultural nerve gas (Remedio, 2012: 295) that would threaten the very isolation that had helped to preserve what remained of traditional language and culture (Guster, 2010: 9). There are parallels here with the development of remote media in Mexico and Canada, where local radio networks focusing on cultural content production were established in response to impending development and imposed sources of mass media. In each country, broadcasters in remote communities have, in recent years, been producing increasing amounts of hyper-local cultural and language-based content. This article examines the role played by Indigenous media in remote areas of Australia, Canada and Mexico in creating an alternative cultural voice for traditional communities and maintaining language and culture.

Flying maggots: a smart logistic solution to an enduring medical challenge

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Tatham ◽  
Frank Stadler ◽  
Abigail Murray ◽  
Ramon Z. Shaban
Keyword(s):  
Wound Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Developed Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Aircraft Systems ◽  
Medical Supplies ◽  
Assisted Delivery ◽  
Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Purpose Whilst there is a growing body of research which discusses the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) (otherwise known as “drones”) to transport medical supplies, almost all reported cases employ short range aircraft. The purpose of this paper is to consider the advantages and challenges inherent in the use of long endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems (LE-RPAS) aircraft to support the provision of medical supplies to remote locations – specifically “medical maggots” used in maggot debridement therapy (MDT) wound care. Design/methodology/approach After introducing both MDT and the LE-RPAS technology, the paper first reports on the outcomes of a case study involving 11 semi-structured interviews with individuals who either have experience and expertise in the use of LE-RPAS or in the provision of healthcare to remote communities in Western Australia. The insights gained from this case study are then synthesised to assess the feasibility of LE-RPAS assisted delivery of medical maggots to those living in such geographically challenging locations. Findings No insuperable challenges to the concept of using LE-RPAS to transport medical maggots were uncovered during this research – rather, those who contributed to the investigations from across the spectrum from operators to users, were highly supportive of the overall concept. Practical implications The paper offers an assessment of the feasibility of the use of LE-RPAS to transport medical maggots. In doing so, it highlights a number of infrastructure and organisational challenges that would need to be overcome to operationalise this concept. Whilst the particular context of the paper relates to the provision of medical support to a remote location of a developed country, the core benefits and challenges that are exposed relate equally to the use of LE-RPAS in a post-disaster response. To this end, the paper offers a high-level route map to support the implementation of the concept. Social implications The paper proposes a novel approach to the efficient and effective provision of medical care to remote Australian communities which, in particular, reduces the need to travel significant distances to obtain treatment. In doing so, it emphasises the importance in gaining acceptance of both the use of MDT and also the operation of RPAS noting that these have previously been employed in a military, as distinct from humanitarian, context. Originality/value The paper demonstrates how the use of LE-RPAS to support remote communities offers the potential to deliver healthcare at reduced cost compared to conventional approaches. The paper also underlines the potential benefits of the use of MDT to address the growing wound burdens in remote communities. Finally, the paper expands on the existing discussion of the use of RPAS to include its capability to act as the delivery mechanism for medical maggots.

scholarly journals The Role of a Community Learning Centre in Fostering the Community's Social Entrepreneurship Character and Motivation in Facing New Normal Era

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suharto . ◽  
Sri Nurhayati ◽  
Ahmad Wahyu Hidayat ◽  
Anggi Fitri ◽  
Muhammad Iqbal Fasa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Entrepreneurship ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Learning Center ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Community Learning ◽  
Personal Assistance ◽  
Community Learning Center ◽  
Community Skills

This study explored the role of a Community Learning Center (CLC) in fostering the community’s social entrepreneurship character and motivation in facing the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was an empirical examination of the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship. The descriptive method was used; the data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 5 CLC managers and from secondary data. The results showed that the CLC designs programs, such as holding training to instil an entrepreneurial mindset and improve community skills. The CLC also provides personal assistance in starting a social entrepreneurship business through coaching and providing venture capital. Furthermore, the CLC provides free public classes on tackling the problems of modern social entrepreneurship. It carries out programs specifically designed to motivate people to face challenges and expand social entrepreneurship businesses. We identified the role of the CLC as a forum for socialization and for providing mentoring classes with successful speakers in the field of entrepreneurship as an effort to foster the character and motivation of the community to start social entrepreneurship. Keywords: Role of Community Learning Center, Social Entrepreneurship Character and Motivation, nonformal education

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF SERVICE QUALITY ON CUSTOMER LOYALTY THROUGH PERCEIVED RISK, SATISFACTION, AND TRUST IN BRANCHLESS BANKING CUSTOMERS

BISMA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Nunung Eka Aprilia
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Data Processing ◽  
Customer Loyalty ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Insignificant Effect ◽  
Mediator Variable

This study examines and analyses the effect of service quality on customer loyalty mediated by perceived risk, satisfaction, and trust variables in branchless banking customers. Today's lifestyle changes are strongly influenced by fintech, which is rapidly developing. There is a need for urban and remote communities to adapt with these changes. However, there are still many uneducated people, especially in remote areas. The method used in this quantitative research was conducted by distributing questionnaires and interviewing of 100 samples of branchless banking customers to explore all information about customers. Data processing was performed by using SEM PLS software. The results showed that service quality has a negative and significant effect on perceived risk; service quality has a positive and significant effect on satisfaction; service quality has a positive and significant effect on trust; perceived risk has a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty; satisfaction negatively and insignificantly affects customer loyalty; and trust has a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty. However, the effect of service quality on customer loyalty through perceived risk is negative and insignificant. Service quality on customer loyalty through satisfaction has a negative and insignificant effect. Meanwhile, the influence of service quality on customer loyalty through trust as a mediator variable is positive and significant. Keywords: Service quality, perceived risk, satisfaction, trust, customer loyalty, branchless banking.

scholarly journals Caring and Conflict-Palliative Care in the Armed Forces: The Challenges for Caregivers

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Savita Butola ◽  
Sushma Bhatnagar ◽  
Fiona Rawlinson
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Transfer Policy ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Care At Home ◽  
At Home

Objectives: In India, Palliative care remains inaccessible, especially in remote areas. This study aimed at exploring the experience of caregivers related to arranging palliative care at home, for personnel and family members of an armed force. Materials and Methods: Qualitative study based on thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with adult caregivers - either serving personnel or their dependent family members. Results: Lack of palliative care in rural areas makes arranging home care challenging for Indian caregivers, especially in armed forces. The families stay alone and personnel cannot be there to look after loved ones. Constraints of leave, financial and legal problems, frequent movement and social isolation disrupt care as well as family and community support systems, leading to psycho-social problems and stress for the serving personnel as well as families. Educating staff, integrating palliative care into existing medical services, coordinating with other agencies to increase awareness and provide care at home, access to opioids, timely leave, reimbursement of expenses, increased family accommodation, guidance about benefits, and considerate implementation of transfer policy can help mitigate some of their problems. Conclusion: These caregivers face physical exhaustion, psycho-social, financial, legal, and spiritual issues- some common to all rural Indians and others unique to the armed forces. Understanding their experiences will help the providers find solutions, especially in relation to the unique needs of the men in uniform.

scholarly journals Health follow-up of children in poverty situation: between the routine and eventuality of daily care

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (spe) ◽  
pp. 820-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Falleiros de Mello ◽  
Regina Aparecida Garcia de Lima ◽  
Carmen Gracinda Silvan Scochi
Keyword(s):  
Child Care ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Technical Knowledge ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Children In Poverty ◽  
Daily Care ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Peripheral Areas

This study aimed to identify how child care is delivered to children under two in their daily routine. Based on a qualitative approach, the study addresses the care site in the child care, through non-structured interviews with mothers and professionals from two health units in peripheral areas of Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. Results point aspects of how professionals view the mothers and their families, how the child's health, the routine and eventuality of care are followed. Adherence is important in the child's follow up, the longitudinality of care and, mainly, the concern with the mothers' and families' values. Child care in primary health care has a contingency character; it must deal with eventuality, uncertainty and events linked to experiences, integrating practical and technical knowledge.

scholarly journals Potential socio-economic consequences of mine closure

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marietjie Ackermann ◽  
Doret Botha ◽  
Gerrit Van der Waldt
Keyword(s):  
Labour Force ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Mine Closure ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mining Communities ◽  
Mining Community ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Peripheral Areas

Background: Mine closures generally reveal negligence on the part of mining houses, not only in terms of the environment, but also the surrounding mining communities.Aim: This article reflects on the findings of research into the socio-economic consequences of mine closure. The research specifically explored how mineworkers’ dependency on their employment at a mine affects their ability to sustain their livelihood.Setting: The research was conducted at the Orkney Mine and the Grootvlei Mine (Springs).Methods: The research was conducted within a naturalistic domain, guided by a relativist orientation, a constructivist ontology and an interpretivist epistemology. Data were collected by means of document analysis, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and unstructured observation.Results: From the research findings, it is evident that mine closures, in general, have a devastating effect on the surrounding mining communities as well as on the employees. Mine closures in the case studies gradually depleted the mining communities’ livelihood assets and resulted in the collapse of their coping strategies and livelihood outcomes. It generally affected the communities’ nutrition, health, education, food security, water, shelter, levels of community participation and personal safety.Conclusion: If not managed efficiently and effectively, mine closures may pose significant challenges to the mining industry, government, the environment, national and local economic prosperity and communities in the peripheral areas of mines. This truly amplifies that mine closure, whether temporary or permanent, is an issue that needs to be addressed with responsibility towards all stakeholders, including the mining community and the labour force.

scholarly journals Integration Of Underground Pumped Hydro Storage Membrane (UPHSM) System With Hybrid Of Renewables And Diesel Generator In Off-Grid Remote Area Communities of Ontario

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dildar Ali Jafri
Keyword(s):  
Membrane System ◽  
Diesel Generator ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Electricity Grid ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Government ◽  
Reliable Power Supply

Worldwide, off-grid remote areas are facing energy issues. The Canadian remote communities depend on diesel generation posing many issues including high fuel cost and greenhouse gas emissions. The government policy is to connect such communities to electricity grid that requires high cost and long time. In this situation renewable generators, including wind and solar, may be an appropriate solution. However, their intermittent nature is problematic that needs to be addressed. Therefore, this project investigated the integration of underground pumped hydro storage membrane system (UPHSM) to address the intermittency to provide steady and reliable power supply. A four step systematic methodology is proposed to examine the feasibility of UPHSM in a remote community. The case study results show an overall 64 percent reduction in diesel consumption and 295696 t in CO2 emission. The study results also confirmed that the proposed system is a viable solution for off-grid remote areas.

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