scholarly journals An Open Data and Citizen Science Approach to Building Resilience to Natural Hazards in a Data-Scarce Remote Mountainous Part of Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 9448
Author(s):  
Binod Prasad Parajuli ◽  
Prakash Khadka ◽  
Preshika Baskota ◽  
Puja Shakya ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Distribution Of Resources ◽  
Remote Mapping ◽  
Context Specific

The citizen science approach has gained momentum in recent years. It can enable both experts and citizen scientists to co-create new knowledge. Better understanding of local environmental, social, and geographical contexts can help in designing appropriate plans for sustainable development. However, a lack of geospatial data, especially in the context of developing countries, often precludes context-specific development planning. This study therefore tests an innovative approach of volunteer citizen science and an open mapping platform to build resilience to natural hazards in the remote mountainous parts of western Nepal. In this study, citizen scientists and mapping experts jointly mapped two districts of Nepal (Bajhang and Bajura) using the OpenStreetMap (OSM) platform. Remote mapping based on satellite imagery, capacity building, and mobilization of citizen scientists was performed to collect the data. These data were then uploaded to OSM and later retrieved in ArcGIS to produce a usable map that could be exploited as a reference resource for evidence-based decision-making. The collected data are freely accessible to community members as well as government and humanitarian actors, and can be used for development planning and risk reduction. By piloting in two communities of western Nepal, we found that using open data platforms for collecting and analyzing location-based data has a mutual benefit for researchers and communities. Such data could be vital in understanding the local landscape, environmental risk, and distribution of resources. Furthermore, they enable both researchers and local people to transfer technical knowledge, collect location-specific data, and use them for better decision-making.

scholarly journals Open data in building resilience to recurrent natural hazards in remote mountainous communities of Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binod Prasad Parajuli ◽  
Puja Shakya ◽  
Prakash Khadka ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
Uttam Pudasaini
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
Distribution Of Resources ◽  
Risk Reduction Strategies

<p>The concept of using open data in development planning and resilience building to frequent environmental hazards has gained substantial momentum in recent years. It is helpful in better understanding local capacities and associated risks to develop appropriate risk reduction strategies. Currently, lack of accurate and sufficient data has contributed to increased environmental risks, preventing local planners the opportunity to consider these risks in advance. To fulfil this gap, this study presents an innovative approach of using openly available platforms to map locally available resources and associated risks in two remote communities of Nepal. The study also highlights the possibility of using the combined knowledge of technical persons and citizen scientists to collect geo-spatial data to support proper decision making. We harnessed the power of citizen scientists to collect geo-spatial data by training them on currently available tools and platforms. Also, we equipped these communities with the necessary instruments to collect location based data. Later, these data collected by citizen scientists were uploaded in the online platforms. The collected data are freely accessible to community members, government and humanitarian actors which could be used for development planning and risk reduction. Moreover, the information co-generated by local communities and scientists could be crucial for local government bodies to plan activities related to disaster risk reduction. Through the piloting in two communities of Nepal, we have found that using open data platforms for collecting and analysing location based data has a mutual benefit to researchers and communities. These data could be vital in understanding the local landscape of development, environmental risk and distribution of resources. Furthermore, it enables both researchers and local people to transfer the technical knowledge, collect location specific data and use them in better decision making.</p>

Using Open Data and Citizen Science in Understanding Disaster Risk: Experience from Western parts of Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puja Shakya ◽  
Binod Prasad Parajuli
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Hazard Exposure

<p>Nepal is highly vulnerable to multiple disasters due to its topography and geographic conditions. It also suffers with data deficiency in better understanding the impacts of disasters and existing capacities to cope with such disasters. This information scarcity severely hinders understanding the disasters and their associated risks in the areas. This also hampers local and regional risk reduction, preparedness and response, limiting rigorous and robust disaster risk modelling and assessment. For regions facing recurrent disaster, there is a strong need of more integrated and proactive perspective into the management of disaster risks and innovations. Recent advances on digital and spatial technologies, citizen science and open data are introducing opportunities through prompt data collection, analysis and visualization of locally relevant spatial data. These data could be used as evidence in local development planning as well as linking in different services of the areas. This will be helpful for sustained investment in disaster risk management and resilience building. In current federal structure of Nepal, there is an acute data deficiency at the local level (municipalities and wards) in terms of data about situation analysis, demographics, and statistics, disaster impacts (hazard, exposure and vulnerability) etc. This has caused hindrances to all the relevant stakeholders including government, non-government and donors in diagnosing the available resources, capacities for effective planning and managing disaster risks. In this context, we are piloting an approach to fulfil existing data gaps by mobilizing citizen science through the use of open data sources in Western Nepal. We have already tested it through trainings to the local authorities and the communities in using open data for data collection. Likewise, in one of our upcoming project on data innovations, we shall create a repository of available open data sources; develop analytical tools for risk assessment which will be able to provide climate related services. Later, upon testing the tools, these can be implemented at the local level for informed decision making.</p>

scholarly journals Co-Designing a Citizen Science Program for Malaria Control in Rwanda

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domina Asingizwe ◽  
Marilyn Milumbu Murindahabi ◽  
Constantianus J.M. Koenraadt ◽  
P. Marijn Poortvliet ◽  
Arnold J.H. van Vliet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Science Program ◽  
Community Members ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Context Specific

Good health and human wellbeing is one of the sustainable development goals. To achieve this goal, many efforts are required to control infectious diseases including malaria which remains a major public health concern in Rwanda. Surveillance of mosquitoes is critical to control the disease, but surveillance rarely includes the participation of citizens. A citizen science approach (CSA) has been applied for mosquito surveillance in developed countries, but it is unknown whether it is feasible in rural African contexts. In this paper, the technical and social components of such a program are described. Participatory design workshops were conducted in Ruhuha, Rwanda. Community members can decide on the technical tools for collecting and reporting mosquito species, mosquito nuisance, and confirmed malaria cases. Community members set up a social structure to gather observations by nominating representatives to collect the reports and send them to the researchers. These results demonstrate that co-designing a citizen science program (CSP) with citizens allows for decision on what to use in reporting observations. The decisions that the citizens took demonstrated that they have context-specific knowledge and skills, and showed that implementing a CSP in a rural area is feasible.

scholarly journals Using a Citizen Science Approach with German Horse Owners to Study the Locomotion Behaviour of Horses on Pasture

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1835
Author(s):  
Anja Schmitz ◽  
Bettina Tonn ◽  
Ann-Kathrin Schöppner ◽  
Johannes Isselstein
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Sustainable Land Use ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Simple Technology

Engaging farmers as citizen scientists may be a cost-efficient way to answering applied research questions aimed at more sustainable land use. We used a citizen science approach with German horse farmers with a dual goal. Firstly, we tested the practicability of this approach for answering ‘real-life’ questions in variable agricultural land-use systems. Secondly, we were interested in the knowledge it can provide about locomotion of horses on pasture and the management factors influencing this behaviour. Out of 165 volunteers, we selected 40 participants to record locomotion of two horses on pasture and provide information on their horse husbandry and pasture management. We obtained complete records for three recording days per horse from 28 participants, resulting in a dataset on more individual horses than any other Global Positioning System study published in the last 30 years. Time spent walking was greatest for horses kept in box-stall stables, and walking distance decreased with increasing grazing time. This suggests that restrictions in pasture access may increase stress on grass swards through running and trampling, severely challenging sustainable pasture management. Our study, involving simple technology, clear instructions and rigorous quality assessment, demonstrates the potential of citizen science actively involving land managers in agricultural research.

scholarly journals Age, Frailty, Resuscitation and Intensive Care: With Reference to COVID-19

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
David G Smithard ◽  
Nadir Abdelhameed ◽  
Thwe Han ◽  
Angelo Pieris
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Distributive Justice ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Distribution Of Resources ◽  
Utilitarian Approach ◽  
The Individual

Discussion regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation and admission to an intensive care unit is frequently fraught in the context of older age. It is complicated by the fact that the presence of multiple comorbidities and frailty adversely impact on prognosis. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and mechanical ventilation are not appropriate for all. Who decides and how? This paper discusses the issues, biases, and potential harms involved in decision-making. The basis of decision making requires fairness in the distribution of resources/healthcare (distributive justice), yet much of the printed guidance has taken a utilitarian approach (getting the most from the resource provided). The challenge is to provide a balance between justice for the individual and population justice.

scholarly journals Facilitating Sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction in Indigenous Communities: Reviving Indigenous Worldviews, Knowledge and Practices through Two-Way Partnering

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 855
Author(s):  
Tahir Ali ◽  
Petra Topaz Buergelt ◽  
Douglas Paton ◽  
James Arnold Smith ◽  
Elaine Lawurrpa Maypilama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Indigenous People ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Indigenous Research ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Community Members

The Sendai Framework of Action 2015–2030 calls for holistic Indigenous disaster risk reduction (DRR) research. Responding to this call, we synergized a holistic philosophical framework (comprising ecological systems theory, symbolic interactionism, and intersectionality) and social constructionist grounded theory and ethnography within a critical Indigenous research paradigm as a methodology for exploring how diverse individual and contextual factors influence DRR in a remote Indigenous community called Galiwinku, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Working together, Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers collected stories in local languages using conversations and yarning circles with 20 community members, as well as participant observations. The stories were interpreted and analysed using social constructivist grounded theory analysis techniques. The findings were dialogued with over 50 community members. The findings deeply resonated with the community members, validating the trustworthiness and relevance of the findings. The grounded theory that emerged identified two themes. First, local Indigenous knowledge and practices strengthen Indigenous people and reduce the risks posed by natural hazards. More specifically, deep reciprocal relationships with country and ecological knowledge, strong kinship relations, Elder’s wisdom and authority, women and men sharing power, and faith in a supreme power/God and Indigenous-led community organizations enable DRR. Second, colonizing practices weaken Indigenous people and increase the risks from natural hazards. Therefore, colonization, the imposition of Western culture, the government application of top-down approaches, infiltration in Indigenous governance systems, the use of fly-in/fly-out workers, scarcity of employment, restrictions on technical and higher education opportunities, and overcrowded housing that is culturally and climatically unsuitable undermine the DRR capability. Based on the findings, we propose a Community-Based DRR theory which proposes that facilitating sustainable Indigenous DRR in Australian Indigenous communities requires Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to genuinely work together in two-directional and complementary ways.

Generating Options and Choosing Between Them Depend on Distinct Forms of Value Representation

2021 ◽  
pp. 095679762110057
Author(s):  
Adam Morris ◽  
Jonathan Phillips ◽  
Karen Huang ◽  
Fiery Cushman
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Real World ◽  
Hybrid Architecture ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Current Context ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Enormous Number ◽  
Value Representation

Humans have a remarkable capacity for flexible decision-making, deliberating among actions by modeling their likely outcomes. This capacity allows us to adapt to the specific features of diverse circumstances. In real-world decision-making, however, people face an important challenge: There are often an enormous number of possibilities to choose among, far too many for exhaustive consideration. There is a crucial, understudied prechoice step in which, among myriad possibilities, a few good candidates come quickly to mind. How do people accomplish this? We show across nine experiments ( N = 3,972 U.S. residents) that people use computationally frugal cached value estimates to propose a few candidate actions on the basis of their success in past contexts (even when irrelevant for the current context). Deliberative planning is then deployed just within this set, allowing people to compute more accurate values on the basis of context-specific criteria. This hybrid architecture illuminates how typically valuable thoughts come quickly to mind during decision-making.

scholarly journals What are analog bulletin boards used for today? Analysing media uses, intermediality and technology affordances in Swedish bulletin board messages using a citizen science approach

PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. e0202077
Author(s):  
Christopher Kullenberg ◽  
Frauke Rohden ◽  
Anders Björkvall ◽  
Fredrik Brounéus ◽  
Anders Avellan-Hultman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Bulletin Board ◽  
Science Approach ◽  
Bulletin Boards ◽  
Technology Affordances

scholarly journals An asset-based participatory community analysis of natural hazards in Naphuno, Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allucia L. Shokane ◽  
Hanna Nel
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Community Analysis ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Resilient Communities ◽  
Asset Based Community Development

Natural hazards disrupt the daily lives of people and communities. Consequently, social workers, like any other stakeholders, deal with community predicaments arising from the effects of natural hazards. The social relief distress (SRD) programme of government utilises needs-based, top-down government-driven interventions in communities affected by natural hazards, focused on what communities lack, as opposed to what communities have. This research study involved a community that experienced natural hazards, such as flooding, hail, lightning and windstorms, which destroyed property and livelihoods during the period 2014–2015. Eight experts and 12 affected community members participated in a qualitative participatory action research analysis study between 2016 and 2017. Guided by the asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, the affected community participated in a collaborative manner in the analysis of the consequences of natural hazards within the community. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions, and analysed thematically. The findings confirmed the traumatic effects of natural hazards, such as loss of property, crops and livestock, physical injuries and even death. The main finding established that natural hazards should be managed in a collaborative way between formal experts of natural hazards and community members through ABCD principles and methods in building resilient communities.

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