Suchergebnisse

The pursuit of a happy and good life is gaining importance increasingly. In today's world the orientation towards traditional values, such as religion or politics, has taken a back seat. In this context, art-of-living can provide assistance. It aims to instill a conscious way of living which leads to a fullfiling and happy life. In philosophy, the construct is defined as a mindful and self-determined way of dealing with one's self and way of life and it suggests a continuous critical reflection on one's own life. Consequently, it is important to recognize one's own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses and to be aware of the opportunities in life to obtain subjective well-being through mindful effort. Art-of-living can be assigned to positive psychology, which applies in this context, because it deals with the conditions and processes that enable self-development of the individual. The focus is on the systematic development of what is beneficial for well-being, such as human strengths, savoring, or optimism. It has been pointed out that this bundle acts to buffer stressful situations and can lead to a fulfilled life, which is also the aim of art-of-living. Research has shown that positive psychology does not only deal with adults. It has pointed out that positive psychology is also important for children and adolescents and so the study of positive psychology is alive and well in children and youth. Already young children have to deal with numerous life stressors. For this reason, the preventive use of positive action like dealing with one's self and dealing with life stressors is advocated by proponents of positive education. Hence, interventions of positive psychology have shown their effectiveness in numerous studies. Especially those who are developed for young children are promising. One context in which a lot of research on children and adolescents takes place is the scholastic context. There are numerous of intervention studies in the field of positive psychology dealing with different aspects, like well-being, resilience or mental health. In summary, to deal with children's positive psychology is of great interest for today's society. Nevertheless, there is no research that deals with the art-of-living of children and adolescents as of yet. Neither are there many instruments to measure art-of-living of children and adolescents as well as constructs of positive psychology. A huge number of instruments already exists but mainly developed for adults. It is common that researchers in the field of psychology for children and adolescents use instruments for adults and modify them. A lot of adult instruments consist of a huge number of items and so they cannot easily be used for studies with young children. Therefore, for some studies only a selection of items is made. It is uncertain whether complex constructs can be described with only a selection of items. Furthermore, there is an even smaller number of measurements in German. This is a limitation for cross-cultural studies and for research in Germany where young students are not familiar with the English language. In light of the described research gaps, the present doctoral thesis addresses the (1) development of interventions to improve art-of-living of children and adolescents, (2) training children and adolescents from different contexts, (3) the validation of child-adapted questionnaires, and (4) the translation of a common instrument in the field of positive psychology into German. The purpose of Study 1 was to develop an intervention to improve art-of-living of children and adolescents in the scholastic context for students of different age groups - primary school students and students from higher grades. Study 1.1 dealt with the initial examination of whether it is possible to enhance the art-of-living by training selected art-of-living strategies. Therefore, training with three conditions was developed and conducted with secondary school students (ages 16–19). For Study 1.2, a second art-of-living training was developed and conducted with children from primary school (ages 8–11). In summary, the training successfully enhanced art-of-living. In Study 1.1, the art-of-living measures increased significantly for the training conditions compared to a control group. In addition, Study 1.2 showed that higher levels of the art-of-living lead to a better quality of life. The aim of Study 2 was to transfer the art-of-living into the clinical-therapeutic context. Again, two studies were conducted. Study 2.1 aimed at identifying those art-of-living components that show differences for adolescents who are suffering from anxiety or depression by using a pre-experimental comparative design. The results could show significant differences of the art-of-living subscales in the comparison to a clinical and a nonclinical sample. A specific pattern was identified for the clinical sample. In Study 2.2, need-oriented and predefined art-of-living interventions were developed, implemented and evaluated based on a randomized two factors multivariate 3x3 design with repeated measures. The main outcome measures are art-of-living, life satisfaction, depression and anxiety. The results show that the developed training improved the art-of-living as well as the satisfaction with life, and reduced depression. Study 3 aimed at translating instruments for children and adolescents measuring constructs of positive psychology into German. Therefore, the Satisfaction with Life Scale - child version (SWLS-C), which is one of the most commonly used questionnaires in the field of positive psychology, was translated with the use of a backtranslation-proceeding (Study 3.1) and validated by a sample of 1099 students aged 8 to 17 (Study 3.2). The analyses included retesting of reliability, concurrent and discriminant validity by additionally measuring several established constructs of positive psychology. Model fit indices, internal consistencies, retest-reliability as well as concurrent and discriminant validity evidence were satisfying. In conclusion, this doctoral thesis makes an important contribution to research on the topic of the art-of-living of children and adolescents, particularly in the improvement by training art-of-living strategies. Moreover, the results allow implications for intervention programs for different contexts, i.e. school and clinical-therapeutic context, as well as different age groups. Furthermore, instruments to measure the effects on life satisfaction for children and adolescents were developed and can be used for the systematic evaluation of interventions in future studies for German speaking countries. As a consequence, SWLS-C data of children and adolescents of different nationalities can be compared and in addition as cross-cultural measurement invariance studies can be conducted.

Well-being is a complex phenomenon. Multidimensionality is recognized in literature as its main feature. This phenomenon is in some aspects elusive and difficult to monitor, and the definition is the combination of heterogeneous components, which assume different meanings in different contexts. A universally accepted definition of well-being does not exist (yet): each country (or areas) attributes importance to dimensions that for others may not be as relevant, consistent with their culture and social dynamics. Accurate measurement of well-being is a prerequisite for the implementation of effective welfare policies, which, through targeted actions in the most critical areas, are geared to the progressive improvement of living conditions. Until some time ago, such a plurality of components was poorly valued, believing that the only income dimension could represent in an exhaustive way such a complex reality. For many years, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) has been an indisputable landmark for states all over the world, playing the key role in defining, implementing and evaluating the effects of government action. Recently, the international debate has questioned the supremacy of GDP, and initiatives have been launched which, through the involvement of a growing number of countries, aim to develop alternative ways of measuring well-being that assign the same value to its components, Economic, Social and Environmental. Since well-being, as mentioned above, is a multidimensional phenomenon then it cannot be measured by a single descriptive indicator and that it should be represented by multiple dimensions. It requires, to be measured, the "combination" of different dimensions, to be considered together as components of the phenomenon (Mazziotta and Pareto, 2013). This combination can be obtained by applying methodologies known as composite indicators (Salzman, 2003; Mazziotta and Pareto, 2011; Diamantopoulos et al., 2008). In this ever-evolving scenario, the Italian experience is represented by the BES (Equitable and Sustainable Well-Being) project that is now considered globally as the most advanced experience of study and analysis. It consists in a dashboard of 134 individual indicators distributed in 12 domains. In the last three BES reports, published in December 2015, 2016 and 2017 by Istat (Italian Institute of Statistics) (Istat, 2015; Istat, 2016; Istat 2017), composite indicators at regional level and over time were calculated for the 9 outcome domains, creating a unique precedent in the official statistics at international level. Recently, the debate has become from a scientific to a policy scope: parliamentary and local administrators are affirming the necessity to link the Istat well-being indicators to interventions/actions in the socio-economic field, thus constructing an even stronger connection between official statistics and policy evaluation. In fact, the Italian Parliament has finally approved on 2016 July 28 the reform of the Budget Law, in which it is expected that the BES indicators, selected by an ad hoc Committee, are included in the Document of Economics and Finance (DEF). The new regulations also provide that by February 15th of each year Parliament receives by the Minister of Economy a report on the evolution of the BES indicators. A Committee for equitable and sustainable well-being indicators is established, chaired by the Minister of Economics and composed by the President of Istat, the Governor of the Bank of Italy and two experts coming from universities or research institutions (Mazziotta, 2017). The project, from national, is becoming local and already several local authorities, although they not have legislative obligations, are studying the well-being indicators of their territory. With these assumptions, it seems necessary to calculate well-being measures for all Italian municipalities so that administrators and citizens can dispose of them to understand and decide better policies. Since the current statistical surveys do not provide socio-economic indicators disaggregated at municipalities level (Census is the only source, every ten years and it does not collect all the information contained in the BES), it is necessary to use administrative sources, hopefully, collected in informative systems. The thesis wants to present an experimental statistics conducted on all the municipalities of Italy where nine domains of BES are selected (Population, Health, Education, Labour, Economic well-being, Environment, Economy on the territory, Research and Innovation, Infrastructure and Mobility) and the twenty individual indicators are selected so that they can represent the phenomenon at the municipal level. The individual indicators are calculated starting from administrative sources and then composite indicators are computed in order to have a unidimensional measure. The theoretical framework adopted is represented, therefore, by the conceptual and methodological one developed by Istat and CNEL (National Council of Economy and Labour) for the BES project (Istat, 2015). The structure of the domains and the selection of indicators are derived from the national BES. In each of the domains, some individual indicators are selected so that the starting matrix has 7,998 rows (the municipalities) and a variable numbers of columns (the indicators). A Composite indicator for each domain is calculated and then a unique composite indicator that synthesizes all the composite indicators is computed. Different composite indicators are calculated in order to assess the robustness of the methodologies. The results present interesting reflections also in the key of economic planning. Therefore, the aim of the thesis is to provide socio-economic indicators for measuring well-being at the municipal level. To achieve this goal it is necessary to define a theoretical framework, to build indicators matrix at the municipal level, to calculate composite indicators in order to obtain a simpler reading and interpretation of the data. The four chapters of the paper are designed to answer these research questions. The thesis is divide in two parts. The first, Theories and Methods, is composed by two chapters: "Theoretical framework: GDP versus well-being" in which recent well-being theories are presented with a view to supporting GDP; "Composite indicators: theories and methods" in which all the techniques for constructing composite indicators are presented in order to understand how synthesize data and measure multidimensional socio-economic phenomena. The second part, "Application to administrative data", is composed by two chapters: Administrative data sources in which the data base ARCHIMEDE is described; Well-being of Italian municipalities where a robust composite indicator is applied to the domains and individual indicators in order to have a measure of well-being for all Italian municipalities. The analysis of the results leads to original conclusions in which the application of particular data classification methodologies contributes to the discussion concerning the use of databases from administrative sources for local economic planning based on well-being.

학위논문(석사)--서울대학교 대학원 :국제대학원 국제학과(국제협력전공),2019. 8. 김태균. ; 중국과 같은 신흥 원조 공여국의 등장은 전통적 국제원조체계에 도전을 제시해왔다. 이러한 가운데 중국은 석유 등 천연자원을 확보하고자 하는 의도를 가지고 대외원조를 실시한다는 이유로 비판을 받아오기도 했다. 그러나 본 논문은 이러한 비판에도 불구하고 중국 원조의 특징과 우선순위를 국제원조체계 내 현실주의 분업현상을 통해 수원국과 국제원조체계에 이익이 된다는 것을 주장한다. 분석을 위해 2000년부터 2014년에 걸친 AidData와 OECD의 자료를 활용하였으며, 구체적으로는 사회분업론, 자유주의적 국제주의, 현실주의와 같은 이론을 바탕으로 공여국(중국과 미국)과 수여국(에티오피아와 나이지리아)의 원조 형태를 살펴보았다. 본 논문의 분석 결과는 다음과 같다. 중국의 대외원조정책은 평등호혜적인 공동 발전, 내정불간섭 원칙 고수와 자주적 발전능력 강화 지원으로 구성된다. 중국은 공동 발전 원칙에 따라 에티오피아와 나이지리아에 재정적 지원과 동시에 능력 개발 프로그램을 제공하여 해당 국가 프로젝트가 지속 가능할 수 있도록 유도하였다. 또한 대(對) 에티오피아와 나이지리아 원조 프로젝트들이 해당 국가에 해외투자유치 등을 통한 경제적 이익을 가져다줄 것으로 기대한 중국은 자원과 인프라 프로젝트를 맞바꾸는 앙골라 모드(Angola Mode)를 통해 상호 이익을 실현하였다. 즉, 중국은 자원과 인프라를 제공하는 대신에 석유 지분을 확보하였다. 특히 분석 중 한 가지 흥미로운 점이 발견되었는데, 이는 공여국이 국익을 추구함으로써 원조 부문에서 "현실주의 분업현상"이 발생한다는 것이다. 예를 들어 미국은 대외원조 시 수여국이 미국의 국가 안보를 보장하는 동맹국의 한 국가로서 의무를 수행할 수 있도록 교육, 정부 및 시민사회와 보건 분야에 주로 집중하여 원조를 실시하고 있는 것으로 나타났다. 이와 반면에 중국은 상호이익, 전략적 동반자 관계 및 윈윈(win-win)과 같은 원칙에 중점을 두어 대외원조를 실시한 결과 에너지 생산 및 공급, 산광업 및 건설과 운송 및 운반 분야에 주로 집중하고 있음을 발견할 수 있었다. 본 논문의 대(對) 아프리카 원조에 관해 두 가지 대조적인 접근 방식을 분석하고 중미(中美) 원조 원칙과 이들이 국익에 대처하며 나타나는 결과를 세부적으로 분석한 극소수의 연구에 해당된다는 점에서 의의가 있다. 더불어, 논문의 결과는 향후 중미(中美) 원조에 대한 토론 주제를 제시하고, 중국이 국제원조체계의 노력에 참여하고 기여할 수 있는 방법에 대한 견해를 제시한다. ; Emerging non-traditional donors like China being the "new kids on the block" challenge the global aid architecture because it is perceived that their ascendance creates tension within the architecture. However, this thesis claims that despite arguments that Chinese aid policies are centered on the country's desire to secure access to natural resources, its characteristics and priorities in fact lead to the realist division of labor which benefits the recipient countries and the global aid architecture. This study qualitatively utilizes the theories of the division of labor, liberal internationalism, and realism to address the question, together with AidData and OECD's database quantitatively. Moreover, this thesis covers the years 2000-2014 and identifies China and the U.S. as the donor countries and Ethiopia and Nigeria as the recipient countries. The results of this study are as follows: Chinese foreign aid policies are composed of common development, mutual benefit, no conditionality and interference, and self-reliance and independent economic development. For both Ethiopia and Nigeria, China provided capacity building programs under the principle of common development, to ensure that these countries were not only receiving financial support but are also conforming to the project's sustainability. With the Sino-Ethiopian and Sino-Nigerian projects expected to lure in foreign investments and bring economic benefit into the countries, China assured that it mutually benefitted from its projects under the "infrastructure-for-oil" or the "Angola mode," where it obtained a controlling stake of the oil blocks in exchange for Chinese finance and infrastructure. An interesting phenomenon of the realist division of labor was discovered in this study, where a division of labor into the aid sectors resulted from the donor countries adhering to their national interests. The U.S. focused on sectors that ensured that the recipient countries are capable of fulfilling their duties as one of the most reliable allies, assuring U.S. national security from foreign threats. Hence, it focused mostly on the Education, Government and Civil Society, and the Health sectors. For China, it made sure to mutually benefit from its projects, under its rhetoric of mutual benefit, strategic partnership, and win-win cooperation. Thus, the country involved itself in the Energy Generation and Supply, Industry, Mining, and Construction, and the Transport and Storage sectors. This research is unique as it is among the few to analyze the two different aid approaches to Africa, by illustrating Chinese and the U.S.'s aid principles and the outcomes that result from them addressing their national interests. Hence, it provides future discussions on Chinese and U.S. aid and offers a view as to how China can contribute and participate in the global aid architecture's efforts in addressing the recipient countries' needs. ; List of Abbreviations, Figures, and Tables I. Introduction 1 1. Background 1 2. Research Gap 2 3. Argument and Scope of Study 4 4. Structure of Study 6 II. Literature Review 8 1. Foreign Policy and Foreign Aid 8 2. Traditional Foreign Aid Norms 10 3. Chinese Aid 12 3.1. Chinese Aid Characteristics 12 3.2. Chinese Aid and International Norms 14 3.3. Accolades to Chinese Aid 16 III. Research Design 20 1. Theoretical Framework 20 1.1. Division of Labor 20 1.2. Realism 22 1.3. Liberal Internationalism 25 2. Introduction to Case Studies 26 2.1. Justification 26 2.2. Case Studies 27 3. Data Sources and Limitations 29 IV. Chinese Foreign Policy and Foreign Aid 33 1. Chinese Approach towards Foreign Policy and Foreign Aid 33 1.1. China's Foreign Policy towards Africa 33 1.2. China's Foreign Aid Policies 35 1.2.1. Eight Principles of Foreign Aid (1964) 35 1.2.2. White Paper on Foreign Aid (2011) 37 1.2.3. White Paper on Foreign Aid (2014) 43 2. Case Study 49 2.1. China and Ethiopia 49 2.1.1. Sino-Ethiopian Relations 49 2.1.2. Transport and Storage (210) 51 2.1.3. Energy Generation and Supply (230) 57 2.2. China and Nigeria 60 2.2.1. Sino-Nigerian Relations 60 2.2.2. Transport and Storage (210) 63 2.2.3. Industry, Mining, and Construction (320) 65 V. Analysis 69 1. A Realist Approach to Foreign Policy and Foreign Aid 69 1.1. China and Ethiopia 71 1.2. China and Nigeria 73 2. Realist Division of Labor between China and the U.S. 76 2.1. U.S. Foreign Aid Policies 76 2.2. China-U.S. and Ethiopia 78 2.3. China-U.S. and Nigeria 83 3. The Twin-Track Approach 87 VI. Limitations and Avenues for Further Research 92 VII. Conclusion 96 Bibliography 100 Appendix 108 Abstract (Korean) 113 ; Master

IntroducciónMéxico, posteriormente a la celebración de la Convención Interamericana para Prevenir, Sancionar y Erradicar la violencia contra la Mujer, «Convención Belém do Pará» de 1994, ha pretendido adecuar su legislación interna para dar cumplimiento a las obligaciones internacionales adquiridas. El Estado de Veracruz (México), a partir del año 2010, consideró la violencia obstétrica como delito en su código penal. Tras ocho años de su tipificación, se considera oportuno revisar los efectos de su implementación.MetodologíaA través del análisis de la norma vigente, de algunos programas de salud que con motivo de la violencia obstétrica se han sugerido, y de la información sobre conciliaciones médicas, recomendaciones y denuncias que se han realizado, el presente texto pretende hacer una crítica a las medidas tomadas en México sobre violencia obstétrica, haciendo hincapié en que el derecho penal no es por si solo suficiente para prevenir esta clase de violencia.Resultados y Discusión:Los mecanismos adoptados por el gobierno mexicano para prevenir y erradicar la violencia obstétrica parecen quedarse a nivel normativo: no existen juicios penales por el delito de violencia obstétrica en el Estado de Veracruz a ocho años de su tipificación; las recomendaciones de los organismos de derechos humanos nacionales, que versan sobre violencia obstétrica no sugieren el uso del derecho penal para la sanción de las personas que la han ejercido y solo se contempla violencia obstétrica cuando hay muerte del feto o secuelas en el mismo; el organismo nacional de arbitraje médico, tiene en relación a la práctica médico ginecológica porcentualmente un índice de laudos condenatorios inferior a los absolutorios y/o a los convenios.ConclusionesLa experiencia de México puede ser tomada en consideración por otros países a efecto de no incurrir en los mismos errores o adoptar medidas que generen aciertos. Se requiere poner en el foco de atención la normalización que existe respecto a este tipo de violencia, así como la falta de medidas tendentes a una sanción de las prácticas de violencia obstétrica institucional, que permea en el poco interés que se demuestra en el respeto o aplicación de protocolos específicos diseñados para prevenirla. ; IntroductionMexico, following the conclusion of the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women, «Convention Belém do Pará» of 1994, has sought to adapt its domestic legislation to comply with the corresponding international obligations. The state of Veracruz (Mexico) has considered obstetric violence as a crime in its criminal code since 2010. After eight years, it is time to review the effects of its implementation.MethodologyThrough the analysis of the current norm, some health programs that have been suggested as a result of the obstetric violence, and information on medical conciliations, recommendations and denunciations, this text intends to criticize the measures taken by Mexico on obstetric violence, emphasizing that criminal law alone is not enough to prevent this kind of violence.Results and DiscussionThe mechanisms adopted by the Mexican government to prevent and eradicate obstetric violence seem to remain at the normative level: there are no criminal trials for the crime of obstetric violence in the state of Veracruz, eight years after its classification; the recommendations of national human rights organizations, which deal with obstetric violence, do not suggest the use of criminal law for the punishment of those who have exercised it, and obstetric violence is contemplated only when the fetus dies or is seriously affected by it; the national body of medical arbitration has, in relation to gynecological medical practice, a percentage of lower rate of convictions as compared with acquittals and/or agreements.ConclusionsThe experience of Mexico can be taken into consideration by other countries in order not to repeat the same mistakes and adopt measures that generate more positive outcomes. It is necessary to focus on the process of «normalization» with regard to this type of violence—as well as on the lack of measures that punish the practices of institutional obstetric violence—which tells us about the little interest shown in the respect or application of specific protocols designed to prevent it. ; IntroducciónMéxico, posteriormente a la celebración de la Convención Interamericana para Prevenir, Sancionar y Erradicar la violencia contra la Mujer, «Convención Belém do Pará» de 1994, ha pretendido adecuar su legislación interna para dar cumplimiento a las obligaciones internacionales adquiridas. El Estado de Veracruz (México), a partir del año 2010, consideró la violencia obstétrica como delito en su código penal. Tras ocho años de su tipificación, se considera oportuno revisar los efectos de su implementación.MetodologíaA través del análisis de la norma vigente, de algunos programas de salud que con motivo de la violencia obstétrica se han sugerido, y de la información sobre conciliaciones médicas, recomendaciones y denuncias que se han realizado, el presente texto pretende hacer una crítica a las medidas tomadas en México sobre violencia obstétrica, haciendo hincapié en que el derecho penal no es por si solo suficiente para prevenir esta clase de violencia.Resultados y Discusión:Los mecanismos adoptados por el gobierno mexicano para prevenir y erradicar la violencia obstétrica parecen quedarse a nivel normativo: no existen juicios penales por el delito de violencia obstétrica en el Estado de Veracruz a ocho años de su tipificación; las recomendaciones de los organismos de derechos humanos nacionales, que versan sobre violencia obstétrica no sugieren el uso del derecho penal para la sanción de las personas que la han ejercido y solo se contempla violencia obstétrica cuando hay muerte del feto o secuelas en el mismo; el organismo nacional de arbitraje médico, tiene en relación a la práctica médico ginecológica porcentualmente un índice de laudos condenatorios inferior a los absolutorios y/o a los convenios.ConclusionesLa experiencia de México puede ser tomada en consideración por otros países a efecto de no incurrir en los mismos errores o adoptar medidas que generen aciertos. Se requiere poner en el foco de atención la normalización que existe respecto a este tipo de violencia, así como la falta de medidas tendentes a una sanción de las prácticas de violencia obstétrica institucional, que permea en el poco interés que se demuestra en el respeto o aplicación de protocolos específicos diseñados para prevenirla.

The importance of professionalism in the field of medicine in Nepal is highlighted worryingly often in the terrifying news articles that shower the public with accounts of malpractice and unprofessional behaviour, contributing to the growing rift between patients and medical professionals. We need to look back at our undergraduate and post graduate training program to try to answer two very important but often overlooked questions : Whether professionalism has been sufficiently integrated in Medical Education or not and if yes, is the mode of delivery of this concept efficient enough?More importantly, are we assessing this important competency and are we making sure that it is being acquired by our doctors? The focus on professionalism in medicine, and medical education, has developed in response to possible malevolence towards patients on the part of doctors that are inept in dealing with the humanities of medicine.Professionalism has six important inbuilt elements viz. altruism, accountability, duty, honour or integrity, excellence and respect for others. The physician–patient relationship is the reflection of professionalism and it is central to the delivery of high-quality medical care; it has been shown to affect patient satisfaction as well as a variety of other biological, psychological and social outcomes.1 All these professional behaviours and attitudes must be developed during the acquisition of medical education. Hence, it is crucial to make sure that the medical graduates are well aware of, and meet the principles of professional practice i.e. maintaining good clinical practice, successful relationship with patients/parents and effective team work with colleagues.Yes, professionalism has always been a backbone of medical education. Since the earliest days of medical practices, the professionalism of a doctor has been valued almost as much as their intellect. So, medical education has always gone hand in hand with the principles of professionalism. Throughout medical education, professionalism has been taught almost exclusively through faculty role modelling but with the advancements of medical education, it seems almost irresponsible to leave the inculcation of professionalism at such primitive standards. Medical institutions can no longer rely on the intuition of their faculty to instil professionalism solely through their actions. It is now up to medical institutions to apply standardised methods to adequately gauge professionalism in their students. It is now up to us to absolutely guarantee that professionalism has not only been taught but actually instilled in our students. It is high time that professionalism becomes an integral part of the curriculum.Medicine is a community based discipline. Without a sound doctor/patient relationship in the society, neither the patient nor the doctor can get his/her point across. Communication is of paramount importance in medicine and is the essence of diagnosis and treatment. A community that isn't compliant to and supportive of medical professionals further exacerbates the existing insufficiencies in the health of the society. This worrying trend is a red flag for emerging medical educationists and curriculum designers around the nation. Without early intervention in the foundations of medical education in our nation, we risk tarnishing the reputation that the medical profession has garnered because of the social goodwill associated with it. Appropriate attitude, aptitude and knowledge are all equally important aspects that a physician must posses. Professionalism should be viewed at three different levels. At individual level attributes, capacities and behaviours are considered. The next consideration is interpersonal domain that focusses on teacher student interactions in different contexts. Professionalism is implied at societal and institutional level where notions such as social responsibility and morality but also political agendas and economic imperatives reside. Furthermore, there are interactions amongst these all three domains/levels. For example, an individual's professional behaviour may be influenced by the context; similarly, the individual within an institution may influence its collective professional values to the others.2Teaching professionalism: It is quite a difficult task. The question "How to teach professionalism in medical school?" is even more difficult to answer. There is no concrete method nor is there a blueprint to a sure fire solution. Role modelling and mentoring are important ways of imparting concept of professionalism during medical training but these merely are not enough to guarantee results. Thus, professionalism must be integrated directly into the syllabus for there to be a noticeable change. There is a need for didactic lectures too. Although they may seem primitive, a didactic lecture on professionalism will give medical students something to think about. Without cognitive stimulation on a certain topic, it sometimes becomes harder to grasp, no matter the amount of role models they may be surrounded by. In years one and two of undergraduate training, medical ethics, importance of professionalism, related laws can be taught as a cognitive component. In year three and four, the application part could be taught as case presentations, reflections and portfolio. During internship and post graduation, it should be through more complicated cases and through journal clubs. Assessment of professionalism: For the immense significance that professionalism possesses in medical education, the assessment hasn't followed suit. Merely including professionalism in the syllabus is not nearly enough. Research has shown that 'that which is not assessed is never learnt.' Therefore it is extremely essential for appropriate assessment tools to be integrated in the curriculum that can gauge the professionalism of our medical students. Professionalism should be assessed longitudinally right from the beginning until internship period and even beyond. It requires combinations of different approaches and at different levels including but not limited to professionalism at individual, interpersonal and institutional/societal levels. Some of the components of professionalism are related to the inherent personality traits. Assessment of these traits (cognitive, personality, behaviours) prior to admission may be relevant to later professionalism aspect of the medical graduates. There are several assessment tools like observed clinical encounter (Mini-CEX, P-MEX), collated views of co-workers (360 degree evaluation), records of incidents of professional lapses (incident reporting form), simulations (cases with ethical dilemma) and patient surveys (patient assessment questionnaire).3Without professionalism we cannot call ourselves professionals. It seems that nowadays, many of us are really not. There is a huge lack of professionalism in medical education right now, and this must change if we are to continue to produce true medical professionals. What we need now is an absolute paradigm shift in our attitudes towards the ethical competency of our medical practitioners and focus on the ethical side of our education system as well as the technical side.

Bioetiikan tieteenala syntyi 1960- ja 1970-luvuilla Yhdysvalloissa. Bioetiikka käsittelee lääke-, terveys- ja biotieteiden eettisiä, moraalisia ja yhteiskunnallisia kysymyksiä. Keskeistä alalle on pyrkimys näiden teemojen moniääniseen ja -arvoiseen pohtimiseen. Bioetiikan syntyyn johti erityisesti radikaali pyrkimys haastaa lääketiedettä ja sen ikiaikaista etiikkaa, jotka koettiin aikanaan yksiäänisiksi ja elitistisiksi. Sitten bioetiikan alkuaikojen paljon on muuttunut. Nykyisin bioetiikka on laaja ja varsin vakiintunut ala synnyinmaassaan ja monin paikoin ympäri maailmaa. Suomessa bioetiikka on tosin yhä suhteellisen tuntemattomassa ja vähäisessä roolissa niin akateemisesti kuin yhteiskunnallisestikin. Menneestä menestyksestään huolimatta bioetiikka käy parhaillaan läpi keski-iän kriisiä, jonka myötä monet tahot alalla ja sen ulkopuolella kysyvät keskeisiä kysymyksiä bioetiikan merkityksestä ja olemuksesta, jopa sen olemassaolon oikeutuksesta. Bioetiikka on selvästi saapunut eräänlaiseen kehityksensä taitekohtaan. Pölyn laskeuduttua bioetiikan alkuaikojen jäljiltä monet kysyvät nykyisin, oliko bioetiikka loppujen lopuksi tervetullut lisä vallitsevaan henkiseen ilmastoon ja mitä tarkoitusta ala tarkalleen ottaen palvelee sekä akateemisessa maailmassa että tämän ulkopuolella. Paljon kritiikkiä on esitetty: joillekin bioetiikka ei ole ikinä ollut mitään todellista, ainakaan myönteisessä mielessä. Pikemmin näille kriitikoille bioetiikka on näyttäytynyt lähinnä rasitteena, joka on ollut lääke-, terveys- ja biotieteiden ja niiden soveltamisen tiellä, varsinkin terveydenhuollon piirissä. Toiset keskustelijat taas ovat vahvasti eri mieltä. Kaikkineen ilmassa on paljon erilaisia näkemyksiä eikä yhteistä maaperää ole paljon. Joka tapauksessa on varmaa, että tämän keskustelun lopputulos tulee keskeisesti vaikuttamaan alan tulevaisuuden kehitykseen, joten panokset ovat korkeat. Tämä tutkimus pyrkii tarjoamaan tuoreita vastauksia käynnissä olevaan keskusteluun bioetiikan luonteesta valottamalla alan menneisyyttä ja nykyistä tilaa aate- ja oppihistorian sekä kulttuurihistorian näkökulmasta. Tämän viitekehyksen puitteissa sovelletaan yhä kattavaa teoreettista kirjoa, johon ammennetaan muun muassa poliittisten instituutioiden rappion, poliittisen filosofian sekä sosiaalisen pääoman tutkimuksen parista. Tarkoituksena on kaivaa esille syvempi bioetiikan luonne, erityisesti alan kulttuurillinen ydinolemus. Tutkimuksen keskeinen argumentti tiivistyy kahteen havainnoituun bioetiikan ydinpiirteeseen: alan pyrkimykseen olla avoin erilaisille henkisille lähestymistavoille sekä sosiaalisesti uusille osanottajille: siis toisin sanoen alan pyrkimykseen olla moniääninen ja -arvoinen. Nämä havainnot johtavat tutkimuksessa yhä uusien bioetiikan alan puolien valottamiseen, joista mainittakoon esimerkiksi bioetiikan pyrkimys pysytellä tarkoituksellisesti tietyssä mielessä henkisesti pinnalla, menemättä liian syvälle mihinkään tiettyihin eettisiin, moraalisiin ja yhteiskunnallisiin näkemyksiin. Tutkimuksessa argumentoidaan, että tällaisten bioetiikan piirteiden kokonaisvaltaisempi ymmärtäminen auttaa samalla hahmottamaan selvän haasteen näiden ominaisuuksien kattavammaksi hyväksymiseksi ja tukemiseksi. Samalla tässä haasteessa muotoutuu eräs mahdollinen tie bioetiikalle siirtyä pois sen alun ja nykyisten ajatusmallien parista ja kukoistaa paremmin tulevaisuudessa. Syvimmiltään tutkimuksessa puolustetaan näkemystä, jonka mukaan bioetiikka voidaan – ja se pitäisi – nähdä kulttuurillisena jättiläisenä, joka on tärkeä osa ainakin länsimaista kulttuuripiiriä. Toisin sanoen bioetiikka nähdään kulttuurillisena voimana, joka voi osaltaan auttaa poliittisia ja sosiaalisia instituutioita uudistumaan nykyisin vallitsevien yhteiskunnallisten tarpeiden mukaan. Tämän ohella tutkimuksessa argumentoidaan, että bioetiikka on kulttuurillisesti itseisarvoinen asia, jota ei tulisi arvioida ainoastaan sen hyötyjen kautta vaan pikemmin hyväksyä vallitsevana kulttuurin osana. Lisäksi tutkimuksessa pyritään auttamaan bioetiikkaa kehittymään tulevaisuudessa hahmottelemalla joitakin konkreettisempia ehdotuksia etenemiselle. Erityinen painoarvo asetetaan aidosti uuden ajatusjärjestelmän kehittämiselle tämän pyrkimyksen tukemiseksi. Tässä hengessä tutkimuksessa luodaan alustavasti "orgaanisen bioetiikan" käsite, jonka tarkoitus on auttaa paremmin käsitteellistämään ja omaksumaan bioetiikan luonnetta ja alan parhaita puolia. ; The field of bioethics was established in the United States during the sixties and early seventies. The field addresses the ethical challenges of life sciences--the science of living organisms, from plants to humans--and tries to incorporate various perspectives in doing this. It mostly came into being as a radical challenge to the medical profession and its age-old tradition of ethics, which were seen as exclusivist and elitist. A lot has changed since the early days. Today, bioethics is a broad and somewhat established field in its country of origin and in many places throughout the world. However, despite its past successes, bioethics now appears to be undergoing a middle age crisis in which people in the field, along with others, are asking perplexing questions about its meaning, essence, and even its reason for being. Bioethics has clearly arrived at some kind of turning point. As the dust has settled from the early days, many are asking whether bioethics was, after all, a welcome addition to prevailing intellectual vocabulary and what precise purpose it serves in academia and in society today. Much criticism has been raised: to some, bioethics has never been a real thing, at least in any positive sense. Rather, for them bioethics is only a nuisance that gets in life sciences' and their application's way, especially in health care. Others strongly disagree with this. And then there are other views. All in all, everyone seems to have her own conception of the way things are. However, what is certain is that the outcome of this debate will have a significant impact on determining the future of the field. The stakes are high. This study seeks to offer fresh answers to the ongoing debate about the nature of bioethics by exploring bioethics' past and current state from the perspective of intellectual and cultural history. Under this umbrella, a range of theories from political decay to political philosophy to social capital are applied to unearth the deeper nature of the field, especially its cultural essence. A central argument revolves around two identified core characteristics of bioethics: its aspirations to be intellectually open-ended and to be socially inclusive. This observation leads to further identification of the field's features such as the "deliberative shallowness of bioethics." The study argues that by appreciating these aspects of bioethics, a clear challenge to embrace and support them emerges. At the same time, this offers a potential way for bioethics to move forward from its early and present schemes and for it to flourish in the future. Eventually, the study argues that bioethics could, and should, be seen as a "cultural giant," an important part of at least Western culture--a cultural force that could help, for its part, to renew political and social institutions according to present needs. Besides this, bioethics is also argued to have an intrinsic cultural value, in other words, bioethics should not only be judged by its merits; rather, it should be accepted as a matter of fact of the current cultural landscape. Moreover, to assist bioethics to move forward, the study sketches a few more precise suggestions of how this could be done. Particular emphasis is placed on developing a genuinely new kind of body of thought to support this endeavor. To this end, preliminarily, the study coins a new term, "organic bioethics," to help in better conceptualizing and embracing the nature of the field and its best qualities.

All-embracing human activities have transformed one-third to one-half of the Earth's land surface. There is a strong correlation of human well-being with ecosystem function, including poverty alleviation programs as well as enhancements of the health sector. To assess and evaluate the progress and outcome of initiatives stringent periodic observation is necessary. The presented approach combines the strengths of remote sensing and GIS analysis with social research applications. The Bach Ma National Park as an area under investigation was designated as protected area in 1991 and extended in 2008. The national park is uninhabited, but in the surrounding buffer zones approximately 62000 to 79000 people live in rural areas and in mostly impoverished conditions. The comprehensive nature conservation efforts of the Vietnamese Government during the last two decades has led to growing forest coverage of both plantation and natural forests. Nevertheless, the decreasing biodiversity and ongoing illegal logging and hunting activities in the national park are seen as major threats to conservation initiatives in the future. The remote sensing component consists of an analysis of a time series of Landsat images with seven steps ranging from 1973 to 2010. The resulting land cover analysis had 13 different classes. The accuracy assessment revealed an overall accuracy ranging from 84 to 90%. The basis for the second monitoring component was the Landsat images. A total of 25 different landscape metrics on the landscape, class, and patch level were calculated by FRAGSTATS. The third monitoring component is itself divided into two parts. This part consists of a qualitative social research study with 26 expert interviews. The second part consists of 61 standardized questionnaires and an evaluation by SPSS. The assessment reveals a more or less stable forest cover, but with a considerable degradation process during the last four decades. Urban areas outside of the national park have increased in size considerably. For dense and medium forest patches an increasing fragmentation and isolation of patches was observed. Patches of natural forests and habitats of thousands of species have declined dramatically, a trend that is related to a decreasing core area characterised by its undisturbed conditions. The Landsat images and landscape metrics reveal the major differences between the national park and surrounding areas. Despite extensive alterations near the border, remaining forest patches in the national park are still bigger and less fragmented. Nevertheless, the third monitoring component revealed undiscovered changes in the forest beyond the possibilities of used images and metrics. It includes illegal logging and hunting activities. Non-timber forest products are similar to faunistic species collected for both the subsistence of the local residents and associated markets as important sources of income. Based on this bisection, local residents as well as certain strangers are responsible for the activities in the forest. The plan of national park management is to intensify existing monitoring and patrolling in the forest to limit the exploitation and impact in relevant zones. Furthermore, the importance of a network of protected areas has attracted increasing attention. The assessment of the questionnaires reveals that deforestation and also reforestation were the key aspects of historical land cover change. Additionally, for the local residents the conversion of forests into arable land as income alternative is of major importance. Capacity development is not only one priority of the Bach Ma management but also of the international community for all of Vietnam. The tourism industry, one of the most promising opportunities of recent years, stands to support both national park management as well as the local residents. For local residents the extraction of non-timber forest products is an essential portion of the income. The current pilot policy 126/QD-TTg in the extension zone of the national park and research on an appropriate sharing mechanism is of the utmost importance. The established and presented monitoring components are cost-effective and can be used to regularly assess the land cover change of a protected area. They can be implemented together or individually into existing monitoring schemes. A smart combination of pre-existing datasets is necessary to overcome the inconsequential amount of money for monitoring procedures. Supplemented by socio-economic monitoring and the demands as well as impacts of human activity need to be integrated. These extensive requirements for prospective monitoring are only feasible with comprehensive and reliable collaborations. ; Die menschlichen Aktivitaeten haben zur Ueberformung von ca. 1/3 bis 1/2 aller terrestrischen Landformen gefuehrt. Stringente und regelmaeßige Beobachtungen sind notwendig um den Fortschritt und die Effektivitaet der Maßnahmen zu evaluieren. Auf verschiedenen Zielebenen des Monitoring konnten erhebliche Verbesserungen erzielt werden. Unzureichend blieben allerdings zuverlaessige und kosteneffektive Monitoringverfahren fuer verschiedene Maßstabsebenen. Die vorliegende Arbeit kombiniert die Staerken der Fernerkundung, GIS-Analysen sowie Verfahren der Sozialforschung. Fuer die rueckblickende Zeitreihenanalyse wurde der Bach Ma Nationalpark in Zentralvietnam ausgewaehlt. Er wurde 1991 ausgewiesen und im Jahr 2008 auf seine derzeitige Groeße von 37487ha erweitert. Der Nationalpark ist seit 2008 unbewohnt, in den beiden umliegenden Pufferzonen sind allerdings ca. 62000 bis 79000 Menschen beheimatet. Die umfangreichen Naturschutzbemuehungen der vietnamesischen Regierung in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten umfassten bspw. die Ausweisung einer Vielzahl von Schutzgebieten als auch das sog. "Fuenf-Millionen Hektar Wiederaufforstungsprogramm". Trotzdessen stellen der illegale Holzeinschlag, die Jagdwirtschaft sowie die sinkende Biodiversitaet seit Jahren die Hauptgefaehrdungspotenziale fuer die Schutzgebiete dar. Die erste Monitoringkomponente umfasst eine Zeitreihenanalyse von Satellitenaufnahmen mit insgesamt sieben Zeitschritten. Die Daten wurden mit einer ISODATA in insgesamt 13 Landbedeckungsklassen aufgeteilt. Die Gesamtgenauigkeit variiert von ca. 84 bis 90%. Die Satellitenaufnahmen wurden als Ausgangsdatensaetze fuer die zweite Monitoringkomponente genutzt. Diese umfasst insgesamt 25 unterschiedliche Landschaftsstrukturmaße. Die dritte Monitoringkomponente ist nochmals unterteilt in zwei Bereiche. Der erste Teil umfasst 26 Experteninterviews. Der zweite Teil umfasste die Erstellung eines standardisierten Fragebogens und anschließende Auswertung mittels SPSS. Die Analysen zeigen eine weitestgehend stabile Waldbedeckung, allerdings verbunden mit erheblichen Degradierungserscheinungen innerhalb der Waldstruktur. Der Nationalpark ist gepraegt von einer natuerlichen Vegetation mit dichter und mittlerer Bewaldung. Veraenderungen traten allerdings in den Pufferzonen auf. Die Fragmentierung und Isolierung von dichten und mittleren Waeldern nahm deutlich zu. Die dritte Monitoringkomponente deckte unbekannte Veraenderungen auf. Im Speziellen handelt es sich dabei um den illegalen Holzeinschlag und die Jagdwirtschaft. Neben diesen beiden Hauptgefaehrdungspunkten spielen auch der Verlust an Biodiversitaet und die steigende Verschmutzung eine zunehmende Rolle. Durch die steigende Bedeutung urbaner Lebensraeume und Infrastruktur im Umfeld des Nationalparks konnte eine wachsende Isolierung der natuerlichen Waldgebiete beobachtet werden. Das Management des Nationalparks plant die vorhandene Ueberwachung der Waelder zu intensivieren. Zusaetzlich ist die Bedeutung von Schutzgebietsnetzwerken in den letzten Jahren stetig gestiegen und auch in der Region erkannt worden. Fuer die lokale Bevoelkerung ist die Transformation von Waeldern in Ackerland von besonderer Bedeutung. Zusaetzlich ist die aufstrebende Tourismusindustrie mit großen Hoffnungen verbunden. Der Aufbau von Faehigkeiten und Kapazitaeten fuer eine eigenstaendige Entwicklung ist nicht nur in dieser Region, sondern in ganz Vietnam eines der Schwerpunktthemen der internationalen Gemeinschaft. Fuer das Schutzgebietsmanagement sind insbesondere die Umweltbildung, Partizipationsmoeglichkeiten, die Durchsetzung von Rechtsvorschriften sowie Faehigkeiten des Krisenmanagements als oberste Prioritaeten erkannt worden. Eine zusaetzliche Einkommensquelle wird in Zahlungen fuer Oekosystemdienstleistungen, die bereits gesetzlich geregelt von Wasserkraftwerksbetreibern und Reiseanbietern bezahlt werden, gesehen. Fuer einen Großteil der lokalen Bevoelkerung sind insbesondere die forstwirtschaftlichen Produkte von essentieller Bedeutung. Ein derzeitiges Pilotprojekt (126/QD-TTg) und begleitende wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zur Nutzung von forstwirtschaftlichen Produkten sind von immenser Bedeutung. Die in dieser Arbeit entwickelten und praesentierten Monitoringkomponenten sind kosteneffektiv und koennen fuer eine regelmaeßige Evaluierung der Landbedeckungsveraenderung genutzt werden. Ergaenzt durch ein soziooekonomisches Monitoring lassen sich die Beduerfnisse der lokalen Bevoelkerung bestimmen und deren Ansprueche. Die groeßten Herausforderungen fuer den Bach Ma Nationalpark lassen sich nur in Verbindung mit der lokalen Bevoelkerung sowie der Implementierung ihrer berechtigten Ansprueche an eine bessere soziooekonomische Zukunft loesen.

97% percent of the world's usable freshwater is stored as groundwater, which is a limited resource. Thus, its protection and management is a world-wide major societal, health-related, ecologic and economic concern. The constant demand for clean and safe drinking water is in direct conflict with social and economic land-use claims. Therefore, water managers are challenged to know (1) what kind of hazards exist within the water catchment, (2) how these hazards can be controlled and (3) knowing that they are controlled. Thus, water management shifts from fixed and thus passive wellhead delineation zones to active risk management. Despite this desired change, a clear definition on dealing with uncertainties in risk assessment and management for drinking water supply systems is still missing. Nevertheless, uncertainty analysis is an integral part of risk assessment. Also, national guidelines in the US promulgates cumulative probability distribution functions to assess confidence bounds, regarding the risk prediction. These uncertainties are, for example, a result of measurement error, model conceptualization and parameterization. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify uncertainty as part of risk assessment. Risk assessment addresses three questions (1) What can happen?, (2) What is the probability that it happens? and (3) What is the damage after it happens? Thus, in general risk is a combination of uncertainty and damage. Unfortunately, only few comprehensive risk concepts exist for drinking water supply systems that address risk from source to receptor, while considering uncertainty and physically-based modeling aspects. Modularized, transport-based and probabilistic risk quantification models coupled with a rational, and stakeholder-objective decision analysis framework for groundwater supply systems do not yet exist. Only with this type of comprehensive risk model, stakeholders are able to estimate risk at the receptor level most accurately. This supports stakeholders to take risk-informed, implementable, transparent, and evidence-based decisions in an uncertain environmental framework and pushes water governance to the next higher level. Therefore, this work presents a new methodological risk concept within a Bayesian framework to quantify and manage risk within groundwater resources for drinking water supply, utilizing smart decision analysis concepts based on multiple stakeholder-objectives. The risk concept is quantitative, flexible, probabilistic and physically-based. This quantitative risk assessment approach is superior to qualitative ones. For example, it allows the aggregation of hazard impacts, provide transparency due objectivity, and enable risk-informed management that is based on cardinal scale and economic concepts. Furthermore, the risk modeling framework is flexible that allows stakeholders to easily exchange single modules (compare fault-tree: nodes or events) with ready available software and modeling techniques in a plug and play mode. The probabilistic approach quantifies uncertainty and provides a prediction space of many possible outcomes, such that stakeholders can better evaluate the current risk situation. Especially in case of the present subsurface heterogeneity and the lack of knowledge about the structural distribution, it is indispensable to quantify uncertainty. In addition, uncertainty is reduced by Bayesian-based conditioning techniques (e.g., Bayesian GLUE), moving risk estimates closer to reality. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art transport-based model is able to calculate the cumulative hazard impact at the target objective as required by European Commission. The physically-based transport model allows aggregation of mass discharges across space, time and frequency. This enables risk managers to evaluate hazards more precisely as individual hazards are often deemed to be no risk, although contributing to the overall expected impact at the well. Therefore, hazard ranking across the catchment is available in a cumulative environmental setting. Thus, the risk quantification concept is able to provide valuable and indispensable information for water stakeholders that are quantitative, flexible, probabilistic and physically-based. Second, by admitting uncertainty and utilizing this type of risk framework stakeholders are able to take transparent, robust, rational, and risk-informed decisions. The risk framework is her applied to two test cases, one being of synthetic nature, the other being a well catchment that is located in southern Germany. ; 97% des weltweit verfügbaren Frischwassers liegt als Grundwasser vor. Grundwasser ist eine begrenzte Ressource. Daher sind dessen Schutz und Management ein vorrangiges Ziel von gesellschaftlicher, ökologischer und ökonomischer Relevanz. Die konstante Nachfrage nach sicherem und sauberem Trinkwasser steht im direkten Konflikt mit gesellschaftlichen und wirtschaftlichen Landnutzungsansprüchen. Wassergebietsmanager sind daher stetig mit der Aufgabe konfrontiert, alle potenziellen Gefahren in einem Wasserschutzgebiet bestmöglich zu kennen, zu kontrollieren und zu beherrschen, so dass ein Wechsel vom Schutzgebietsmanagement hin zum aktiven Risikomanagement stattfindet. Trotz dieses angestrebten Wechsels fehlt in vielen Bereichen eine klare Definition zur Handhabung von Unsicherheiten. Unsicherheiten im Risikomanagementsystem treten beispielsweise bei der Parametrisierung von Modellvariablen, der Wahl des Simulationsmodells und Diskretisierungsansatzes, der mangelnden Kenntnis über die geologische Beschaffenheit des Untergrundes und der geringen Datengrundlage sowie dem menschlichen Handeln auf. Durch eine genauere Kenntnis des Systems, z.B. des Untergrunds, können die physikalischen Prozesse modell-technisch und mathematisch besser approximiert und damit die Unsicherheit reduziert werden. Eine Unsicherheitsanalyse ist damit ein integraler Bestandteil einer Risikoabschätzung. Diese versucht die drei Fragen (1)Was kann passieren?, (2)Wie wahrscheinlich ist es? und (3) Wie hoch ist das Schadensmaß, wenn es eintritt? zu beantworten. Leider existieren kaum umfassende systembezogene Konzepte für Brunneneinzugsgebiete, die Risiken von der Gefahrenquelle bis zum Schutzgut simulationsgestützt, probabilistisch und physikalisch basiert quantifizieren, und diese mit entscheidungstheoretischen Ansätzen koppeln, um die menschliche Entscheidungsvariabilität mit zu berücksichtigen. Somit ist bislang eine rationale und optimale Entscheidungsunterstützung unter Berücksichtigung der Risikowahrnehmung im Risikomanagement von Trinkwasser nicht möglich. Die Arbeit stellt daher ein robustes Risikomanagementsystem vor, welches eine probabilistisch-quantitative und physikalisch basierte Analyse des Rohwassers und damit eine Begrenzung von Gefährdungen in der Trinkwasserwirtschaft erlaubt. Die Arbeit basiert auf einem Bayes'schen Risikokonzept, um das Risiko in der Trinkwassergewinnung aus Grundwasser zu quantifizieren und mit Hilfe von robusten und neuen Entscheidungskonzepten in Abhängigkeit der unterschiedlichen Interessensziele zu steuern und zu minimieren. Der quantitative Risikoanalyseansatz ist den qualitativen Modellen überlegen, da das Modell zum Beispiel eine Aggregierung von Schäden am Empfänger auf einer Kardinalskala ermöglicht und somit den Gesamtschaden im Vergleich zu einer qualitativen Methode (Ordinalskala) genauer beziffert. Darüber hinaus erlaubt das vorgestellte quantitative Modell ein objektives, transparentes Risikomanagement und bietet in Verbindung mit ökonomischen Konzepten Risikomanagern ein wertvolles Entscheidungssystem. Das Risikomanagementsystem ist flexibel gestaltet, so dass einzelne Module im Risikomodell verhältnismäßig leicht ausgetauscht werden können (vergleiche Elemente und Knoten im Fehlerbaum). Dies ermöglicht die Verwendung des vorgestellten Risikosystems mit beliebig vorhandener Software und wenigen Daten. Der probabilistische Ansatz erlaubt die Quantifizierung der Modell- und Paramaterunsicherheit, so dass Risikomanager die aktuelle Risikosituation besser einschätzen können. Aufgrund der komplexen hydrogeologischen Struktur im Untergrund und dem Unwissen über deren genauen Verteilung (mangelnde Datenlage) unterliegen die Modellergebnisse der Transportmodellierung in Grundwassersystemen großen Unsicherheiten, welche quantifiziert werden und mit Hilfe von datengetriebenen Bayes'schen Kalibrierungstechniken (z.B. Bayes'sches GLUE) reduziert werden, so dass die Risikowerte näher an der Realität liegen. Zur Bestimmung des kumulativen Schadens werden Massenflüsse mit Hilfe des physikalisch-basierten Transportmodells über die Zeit, dem Ort und der Schadenshäufigkeit (Fehler-Frequenz) aggregiert. Diese genauere Bestimmung des Gesamtschadens erlaubt eine verbesserte Risikoabschätzung, insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund, dass häufig einzelne Gefährdungen als ungefährlich eingestuft werden, jedoch in ihrer Summe den Empfänger (hier Brunnen) beeinträchtigen. Insgesamt erlaubt die Arbeit eine genauere Analyse, Quantifizierung und bessere Begrenzung von kumulativen Risiken, eine zielgerichtete Einrichtung von Monitoringsystemen oder Brunnenschutzgebiete, Priorisierung von Gefährdungen, und ein szenario-basiertes optimales Risikomanagement. Im Vordergrund steht die methodisch-konzeptionelle Entwicklung des Risikoquantifizierung- und -managementsystems, flankiert von zwei Fallstudien. Als Risikowird das erwartete Nichteinhalten eines a-priori gesetzten Schwellenwertes definiert, das eine sichere und saubere Trinkwasserversorgung verhindert.

The main objective of this study is to reveal the housing patterns in Cairo as one of the most rapidly urbanizing city in the developing world. The study outlines the evolution of the housing problem and its influencing factors in Egypt generally and in Cairo specifically. The study takes into account the political transition from the national state economy to the open door policy, the neo-liberal period and finally to the housing situation after the January 2011 Revolution. The resulting housing patterns in Cairo Governorate were identified as (1) squatter settlements, (2) semi-informal settlements, (3) deteriorated inner pockets, and (4) formal settlements. \r\nThe study concluded that the housing patterns in Cairo are reflecting a multifaceted problem resulting in: (1) the imbalance between the high demand for affordable housing units for low-income families and the oversupply of upper-income housing, (2) the vast expansion of informal areas both on agricultural and desert lands, (3) the deterioration of the old parts of Cairo without upgrading or appropriate replacement of the housing structure, and (4) the high vacancy rate of newly constructed apartments\r\nThe evolution and development of the current housing problem were attributed to a number of factors. These factors are demographic factors represented in the rapid growth of the population associated with urbanization under the dictates of poverty, and the progressive increase of the prices of both buildable land and building materials. The study underlined that the current pattern of population density in Cairo Governorate is a direct result of the current housing problems. Around the depopulation core of the city, a ring of relatively stable areas in terms of population density has developed. Population densification, at the expense of the depopulation core, is characterizing the peripheries of the city. The population density in relation to the built-up area was examined using Landsat-7 ETM+ image (176/039). The image was acquired on 24 August 2006 and considered as an ideal source for land cover classification in Cairo since it is compatible with the population census 2006.\r\nConsidering that the socio-economic setting is a driving force of change of housing demand and that it is an outcome of the accumulated housing problems, the socio-economic deprivations of the inhabitants of Cairo Governorate are analyzed. Small administrative units in Cairo are categorized into four classes based on the Socio-Economic Opportunity Index (SEOI). This index is developed by using multiple domains focusing on the economic, educational and health situation of the residential population. The results show four levels of deprivation which are consistent with the existing housing patterns. Informal areas on state owned land are included in the first category, namely, the â severely deprivedâ level. Ex-formal areas or deteriorated inner pockets are characterized as â deprivedâ urban quarters. Semi-informal areas on agricultural land concentrate in the third category of â medium deprivedâ settlements. Formal or planned areas are included mostly in the fourth category of the â less deprivedâ parts of Cairo Governorate. \r\nFor a better understanding of the differences and similarities among the various housing patterns, four areas based on the smallest administrative units of shiakhat were selected for a detailed study. These areas are: (1) El-Maâ desa is representing a severely deprived squatter settlement, (2) Ain el-Sira is an example for an ex-formal deprived area, (3) El-Marg el-Qibliya was selected as a typical semi-informal and medium deprived settlement, and (4) El-Nozha is representing a formal and less deprived area.\r\nThe analysis at shiakhat level reveals how the socio-economic characteristics and the unregulated urban growth are greatly reflected in the morphological characteristics of the housing patterns in terms of street network and types of residential buildings as well as types of housing tenure. It is also reflected in the functional characteristics in terms of land use mix and its degree of compatibility. It is concluded that the provision and accessibility to public services represents a performance measure of the dysfunctional structure dominating squatter and semi-informal settlements on one hand and ample public services and accessibility in formal areas on the other hand.\r\n ; Eine der größten Herausforderungen, mit denen die Städte in Entwicklungsländern konfrontiert werden, ist die starke unkontrollierte Ausdehnung der Siedlungsfläche als Folge der rasant wachsenden Einwohnerzahlen. Das Hauptziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Erfassung und Erklärung der wichtigsten Grundmuster unterschiedlicher Wohngebiete in Kairo, einer der am stärksten wachsenden Metropolen in den Entwicklungsländern. Methodisch wird dabei auf eine Kombination des Einsatzes von Zensusdaten, GIS, Auswertung von Satellitenbildern und Ortsbegehungen zurückgegriffen.\r\nFolgende Schwerpunkte stehen im Zentrum der Untersuchung: (1) Veränderungen der politischen Rahmenbedingungen, die den Wandel im ägyptischen Wohnungssektor allgemein und speziell in Kairo seit Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts geprägt haben; (2) Analyse der sozio-ökonomischen Strukturen der Wohnbevölkerung; (3) Untersuchung der Wohnsituation und des Wohnumfelds in vier ausgewählten Stadtteilen von Stadtteilen, die typische Wohnstrukturen repräsentieren; (4) Aufdeckung der Unterschiede und Mängel bei der Bereitstellung und Erreichbarkeit von öffentlichen Dienstleitungen in den ausgewählten Wohnvierteln.\r\nDie Studie vermittelt zunächst einen Überblick über die Entwicklung der Wohnungsproblematik auf nationaler Ebene und speziell in Kairo. Richtungsweisende Einschnitte bilden dabei die Übergänge von der unter Nasser etablierten sozialistischen Planwirtschaft zur Politik der â Offenen Türâ unter Sadat, gefolgt von der neo-liberalen Phase während der Herrschaft von Mubarak bis zu den jüngsten Umbrüchen nach der Revolution vom Januar 2011. Diese Phasen haben ihren Niederschlag in charakteristischen Strukturen der Wohngebiete in der ägyptischen Metropole gefunden.\r\nDie Untersuchung zeigt, dass sich an den durch Bevölkerungsabnahme gekennzeichneten Stadtkern ein Ring von Wohngebieten mit einer relativ stabilen Bevölkerungsdichte anschließt. Dagegen sind die peripheren Stadtteile durch einen rasanten Anstieg der Einwohnerzahl und extreme Bevölkerungsdichten gekennzeichnet, die beispiellos sind informelle Siedlungen in Entwicklungsländer.\r\nUm zu ermitteln, in welchem Ausmaß die Bevölkerung in den unterschiedlichen Wohngebieten aufgrund ihrer sozio-ökonomischen Verhältnisse bei der Verwirklichung möglichst optimaler Lebensbedingungen benachteiligt ist, wird für alle administrativen Einheiten in Kairo der Socio-Economic Opportunity Index (SEOD) berechnet. Er umfasst ein breites Spektrum von Daten zur wirtschaftlichen Lage, zum Bildungsstand und zur gesundheitlichen Situation der Wohnbevölkerung in den verschiedenen Stadtteilen umfasst. Die Ergebnisse zeigen vier Ebenen der Benachteiligung, die sich mit den jeweiligen charakteristischen Siedlungsstrukturen decken.\r\nZum besseren Verständnis der Unterschiede zwischen den verschiedenen Grundmustern der Wohngebiete wurden vier der kleinsten administrativen Einheiten (Shiakhat) für eine detaillierte Untersuchung ausgewählt. Es handelt sich dabei um \r\n- El-Madesa, die eine Squatter-Siedlung mit gravierend benachteiligter Bevölkerung repräsentiert,\r\n- Ain el-Sira als ein ehemals im Soziales Wohnungsbau errichtetes Viertel mit einer in sozio-öko- nomischer Hinsicht benachteiligten Einwohnerschaft,\r\n- El-Marg el-Quibliya, eine typische semi-legale informelle Siedlung auf Bewässerungsland mit mittlerer sozio-ökonomischer Benachteiligung der Einwohner, und \r\n- El-Nozha als ein älteres formelles Wohngebiet mit einer weniger benachteiligten Bevölkerung.\r\nDie Detailanalyse der vier Shiakhat offenbart, in welchem Maße die sozio-ökonomischen Charakteristika und das ungeplante städtische Wachstum sich widerspiegeln in den morphologischen Strukturen der Wohngebiete hinsichtlich der Straßennetze und der Typen des Wohnungsbaus. Entsprechendes gilt auch für die Miet- bzw. Eigentumsverhältnisse sowie die Mischung von Landnutzungsformen. Die Untersuchung der Bereitstellung und Erreichbarkeit von öffentlichen Infrastruktureinrichtungen offenbart darüber hinaus ein breites Spektrum von infrastrukturell weitest gehend unterversorgten Wohngebieten, wie den Squatter-Vierteln und semi-legalen Siedlungen auf der einen Seite, und den planmäßig errichteten formellen Gebieten auf der anderen Seite, in denen die Bevölkerung relativ gut mit öffentlichen Dienstleistungen und infrastrukturell versorgt ist.\r\n ; 239 S.

The accreditation of undergraduate medical education is a universal undertaking. Despite the widespread adoption of accreditation processes and an increasing focus on accreditation as a mechanism to ensure minimum standards are met in various fields, there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of accreditation. The new accreditation body in Saudi Arabia, the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA), is viewed anecdotally as a positive development; however, its effect on the quality of medical education has not been formally assessed. This thesis uses a mixed methods approach to address this gap in understanding. Accreditation systems for undergraduate medical educational programs can have many goals including ensuring minimal quality standards are met; encouraging continuous improvement; fostering international recognition of medical programs; guaranteeing that students and graduates of accredited programs have comparable opportunities in the global market; and providing relevant stakeholders with transparent and credible information on the quality of various educational programs. Limited published research was found on the impact of accreditation and its outcomes, with the majority of literature comprising opinion pieces. While many studies provide speculative evidence about the value and impact of accreditation, they are commonly narrow in scope; many are from specific geographical areas and only a few are in the field of undergraduate medical education. Therefore, the value of accreditation in medical education remains to a certain extent unclear, with many unanswered questions regarding its legitimacy, influence and effectiveness. In addition, confounding factors such as internal quality management, external evaluation, and other developmental processes like student capacity, teacher ability and natural improvement, make the causes and effects of accreditation difficult to analyse. The theoretical frameworks for this thesis were chosen in light of the research questions, the literature review and the context and nature of accreditation in Saudi Arabia, which is administered by a mandatory governmental regulatory body. The Hogwood and Gunn (1984) policy analysis model was chosen as a theoretical framework for this thesis as well as Boud's concept of 'sustainable assessment'; both hone in on the purposes of accreditation and stakeholders' experience of accreditation, particularly in relation to perceptions of the long-term impact of accreditation on programs. This study consists of two phases, guided by the theoretical framework and the literature review findings, for evaluating the impact of accreditation processes. Phase one of the study involved a comprehensive review of international accreditation models and comparison between these and the Saudi model in relation to the purpose of accreditation and accreditation procedures. Secondly, phase one entailed a systematic review of the evaluation of accreditation processes and quality assurance mechanisms in international higher education generally and medical education specifically. Phase two of the study used a mixed methods approach. Three key approaches were employed to explore the research questions. Quantitative data on graduate performance was analysed pre- and post-accreditation, document analysis was undertaken (self-review and external panel reports), and interviews and focus groups were conducted with students, educators and medical education leaders to examine the perceived impact of the NCAAA on the quality of undergraduate medical education. Analysis of the quantitative graduate performance data showed a significant increase in pass rates following the accreditation process. Although these pass rates have increased, it was important for students and educators to provide feedback to the researcher about how accreditation has impacted on the educational process. A majority of students and educators concluded that the accreditation process had been helpful in improving the learning experiences of medical students, especially female students, in Saudi Arabia. Some changes included greater power for student bodies, improved teaching and learning practices, opportunities for student feedback, and better extracurricular facilities. Thus, the NCAAA has played a crucial role in promoting change in medical schools. However, building an effective quality culture takes great effort and time on the part of all members of the organisation. Improving quality in medical colleges is not a one-person job. It needs to involve different stakeholders in the planning and implementation stages. As the external driver of higher education quality, the NCAAA needs to be a supportive body, rather than a punitive one, in order to achieve the goal of implementing a quality culture and continuous quality improvement. Otherwise, the danger is that unless stakeholders in medical schools believe in quality as a culture, and gain knowledge and skills in how to evaluate and change practices, seeking accreditation will be a superficial exercise characterised by 'ticking boxes' and 'performing well on the day.' In this study, respondents emphasised the need for a specialised body to regulate medical schools in Saudi Arabia. A specialised body is needed because the NCAAA, in its current capacity, cannot regulate medical schools in Saudi Arabia, given the huge expansion of medical schools in a short period of time. However, by creating standards specifically for medical schools and supporting the NCAAA with more quality assurance experts from health professional backgrounds, the accreditation process could become more focused, easier to carry out, and more effective. This thesis examined the impact of the NCAAA on undergraduate medical education and identified key ways that the process has influenced quality, and at times, constrained productive educational practices. Of particular importance were stakeholders' variable experiences of accreditation. Some study participants expressed the view that the process added stress and burden, and that the resultant changes were short-term in nature, as they were undertaken in order to satisfy the examiners during the site visit. In contrast, other participants gave vastly different accounts of accreditation and its impact. These participants raised the concept of developing a quality culture through accreditation, and highlighted the importance of leadership and the development of targeted 'quality' roles in order to monitor and improve practices over time. Analysis of the data led the researcher to assessment literature in higher education, which describes the 'double duty' assessment can serve within a 'sustainable assessment' model. This paradigm was borrowed to develop a model of 'sustainable accreditation' in medical education. The characteristics of sustainable accreditation are outlined in this study, and it is hoped that these features may reach policy makers and educators, prompting more effective practices in medical education accreditation in Saudi Arabia. The implications of this study for the accreditation body and related quality assurance sectors, stakeholders, and future researchers in accreditation of medical education practice, are also outlined.

There have been tremendous pressures in the 1990s to change the character and functions of the state in developed and developing countries alike. Multilateral financial agencies and neoliberal analysts question the state's nationalistic, hierarchical, redistributive and interventionist character, which they believe is partly responsible for poor service delivery and economic performance in many countries. They seek to transform the state into a market-friendly, lean, managerial, decentralized and customer-oriented institution. However, the core elements of reforms are sometimes contradictory as different social forces drive them in different contexts. There are tensions between, on the one hand, concerns for market efficiency and deregulation, and issues of accountability and equity, on the other. This paper provides an overview of the major issues, trends and problems in public sector reform. The Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development does not spell out concrete strategies of public sector reform for achieving the goals of poverty eradication, employment promotion and social integration. The state's capacity to produce the desired results was generally taken for granted. But will efforts to reform the state along pro-market lines facilitate governments' pursuit of development? Are states likely to assume and sustain their responsibilities in providing good, affordable services to their citizens? The paper addresses these issues in seven sections. The first section introduces the basic argument. Section II examines four global issues that are driving public sector reforms: financial globalization, fiscal deficits, the adjustment programmes of multilateral agencies, and democratization. Sections III to VI discuss the various components of public sector reform, which are fiscal stability, managerial efficiency, capacity building and public accountability. Reforms dealing with fiscal stability apply to all states, although they may vary across countries. In general, fiscal reforms are the most consistently pursued reforms, and have implications for public sector employees, state capacity and social development. They deal with issues of downsizing or expenditure reduction, privatization and tax reform. Public expenditure reforms reflect differences in expenditure patterns, with the reforms in industrialized countries focusing on welfare and social services and those in developing countries on capital expenditures and government administration. Privatization, a central component of downsizing, is now a global phenomenon. More than $300 billion worth of state assets were transferred to the private sector between 1988 and 1996 around the world. Governments are surely disengaging, even if unevenly, from direct ownership of public enterprises. There are however, welfare, unemployment, ethnic and nationalist problems associated with privatization. The data suggest that although governments grew, albeit slowly, up to the early 1990s, it seems that for some regions, central governments were beginning to shrink in the mid-to-late 1990s. The massive cuts in education and health provisioning suffered by low-income countries in the 1980s have not been sufficiently offset by the efforts of the 1990s, which seek to protect social sectors from state contraction. Reforms in the area of managerial efficiency focus on organizational restructuring and introduction of market or quasi-market principles in the delivery of services. They address three main issues: decentralized management and creation of executive agencies out of monolithic bureaucracies; performance contracts for employees; and contracting out of services to the private sector. The most comprehensive reforms in efficiency promotion are in OECD countries, with Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom as the lead reformers. However, aspects of these reforms are being applied in many developing and transition countries, especially those that are heavily donor dependent. As these reforms deal with institutional issues, there is often a wide gap between expressed goals and concrete outcomes. Pre-reform methods of work, weak capacity, and market failures constrain policy implementation. Capacity-building reforms are restricted largely to developing countries, especially the "least developed countries" most of which are in Africa. They address issues relating to the technical capacities of civil servants in policy analysis and implementation; management of recurrent costs to ensure sustainability of projects; and pay reforms to motivate staff. Despite their importance in promoting development and other reforms, capacity-building reforms have not received the sustained attention they deserve. Section VII concludes the paper by focusing on three issues that may help ensure that reforms are accountable to society and sensitive to the political realities of states, especially those with weak institutions. First, public sector reforms need sound political pacts or coalitions. The vast majority of countries that are implementing reforms are also grappling with complex programmes of democratization, which seek to lay the ground rules for the way their societies are governed. There are governance issues that have not been satisfactorily resolved in a large number of low-income countries, which raise serious questions about their capacities to implement far-reaching state reforms. In most cases, the drive for reform is more external than internal as governments are forced to meet conditions set by donors for loan disbursements. Market-oriented managerial reforms will be difficult to implement in countries that have not established a professional civil service. Without this, market reforms may further fragment the state systems of low-income countries and encourage more corruption therein. However time-consuming they are to promote, dialogue and coalitions, or social and political pacts, are essential elements of effective modern statecraft. They facilitate the establishment of sound and durable administrative systems. Second, reform governments and multilateral agencies should also try to understand and support some of the enduring missions of states, which are nation-building in multi-ethnic societies, rapid industrialization with an appropriate role for the state in facilitating the process, social equity and wealth distribution. Although costly mistakes were made in the past in many countries, these goals are at the heart of the aspirations of broad masses of people seeking to create developmental, humanistic and harmonious societies. The failure to pay sufficient attention to them in the last decade-and-a-half of market reforms may go a long way in explaining the high incidence of failed states, civil wars and stagnant development in large parts of the world today. Third, for reforms to be institutionalized and serve the public good, they must also allow pressures to be brought to bear on public managers in service delivery. Among the instruments that have emerged for the attainment of these goals are Citizens' Charters, Ombudsmen and service delivery surveys. Parliamentary plurality, press freedom, independent judiciaries, mass-based political parties and civic action are also central to public accountability.

Telegrams exchanged between Gen, Plutarco Elías Calles and the following people: Military commanders, Head Secretaries of Government, Mayors, Mexican Consul in Chicago, Carlos Palacios Roji and the Consul in New York, Enrique D. Ruiz, the Banana Plantation of Chiapas, S.C.L., the National Chamber of Labor, the Nogales Brewery Cooperative, the Anti-Chinese Committee of Torreón, the Mexican Women's Protection Society, the National Bank of Agricultural Credit, Ltd., Development and Urbanization, Ltd., his personal secretary, Soledad González, the executive vice president of Missouri Airlines, the National Party of Railroads workers, the Chamber of Labor from the state of Nuevo León, the Regional Organizer of Ejidos (farming land) from Puebla, and the National Chamber of Commerce from Monterrey. The aforementioned telegrams concern President Abelardo L. Rodríguez' visit to Tampico; a report on the social peace in Chiapas; birthday greetings from Luis B. Castillas to Teresa Díaz Covarrubias; a petition to remove an official of Public Finance; confirming the visit of the Governor of Chiapas to evaluate the damages caused by the flooding; information about Gen. Plutarco Elías Calles' health status; protests against the smear campaign to discredit the Governor of Querétaro; confirming the installation of the Agrarian Congress in Querétaro; endorsement of the Governor of Tamaulipas, Rafael Villarreal; confirming the repeal of the martial law in Tamaulipas, a request for funding allocation; appreciation for greetings, a request to replace a troop that assisted with the works on the construction of a road in Hermosillo, Sonora; reports on the situation of the victims in Chiapas; a notice about the difficult situation in La Paz, Baja California, granting of credit to the Agrarian Confederation in Mazatlán, Sinaloa; confirming that it is not possible to send financial assistance to the farm workers in Arizona due to the emergency and the need to assist victims in Tampico; a request to stop terminating workers of the National Graphic Shops, a report on the establishment of the Council of rice growers in Puebla; a notice confirming the positive outcome in the solution of the conflict between the Nogales Brewery Cooperative and the Secretariat of Finance, requests for appointments; economic assistance submission to the School of Medicine; a request to support the candidate for Governor of Coahuila, Julio Madero; a request to protect a journalist who uncovered a conspiracy to assassinate Gen. Lázaro Cárdenas; a request for stationery; an invitation to visit Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca; confirming Lázaro Cárdenas' visit to Ciudad Anáhuac, Coahuila; a request for awarding a prize to products of Ejidos in Veracruz; a report about the establishment of the Association of Rice Growers in Michoacán, a request to set up telephone service at Gen. Plutarco Elías Calles' house in Cuernavaca; confirming the Pro-victims actions in Tampico; a request to make a payment to the Chapultepec Cotton Mill; a request for payment submission to the Mexican Development Company, Ltd.; news about the attacks against the Governor of Nuevo León, Francisco A. Cárdenas, a request for Lázaro Cárdenas' whereabouts, a request for promotion, a report stating that the Mexican monetary policy has successfully resisted the crisis; a request for leave extension in favor of Rodolfo Elías Calles, confirming Bartolomé Vargas Lugo's managing position; information about funds movements in Tampico, and appreciation for funds allocation to the Medicine School. / Telegramas entre el Gral. PEC, Comandantes Militares, Gobernadores, Secretarios Generales de Gobierno, Presidentes Municipales, Cónsul de México en Chicago Carlos Palacios Roji y en Nueva York Enrique D. Ruiz, Platanera de Chiapas, S.C.L.; Cámara Nacional del Trabajo, Cooperativa Cervecería Nogales, Comité Anti-Chino de Torreón, Sociedad Protectora de la Mujer Mexicana, Banco Nacional de Crédito Agrícola, S.A.; Fomento y Urbanización, S.A., Secretaria Particular Soledad González, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo Líneas Missouri, Partido Nacional Ferrocarrilero, Cámara del Trabajo del Estado de Nuevo León, Organizador Regional Ejidos de Puebla y Cámara Nacional de Comercio de Monterrey, acerca de: visita del Presidente Abelardo L. Rodríguez a Tampico, informe de paz social en Chiapas, Luis B. Casillas felicita por onomástico a María Teresa Diaz Covarrubias, petición de destitución de funcionario de Hacienda, notificación de visita del Gobernador de Chiapas a la valoración del desastre ocasionado por inundaciones, reportes de salud del Gral. PEC, protestas por campaña de descrédito contra Gobernador de Querétaro, notificación de instalación de Congreso Agrario en Querétaro; adhesiones al Gobernador de Tamaulipas Rafael Villarreal, notificación de derogación de ley marcial en Tamaulipas, solicitud de envío de fondos, agradecimientos por atenciones brindadas al administrador del Gral. PEC, respuestas de enterado y agradecimientos por buenos deseos, solicitud de reemplazo de tropa que habían participado en trabajos de construcción de carretera en Hermosillo, Son.; reportes sobre damnificados en Chiapas, notificación de difícil situación financiera en La Paz, B.C., concesión de crédito a Confederación Agraria en Mazatlán, Sin.; notificación sobre no poder enviar ayuda económica a los trabajadores agrícolas de Arizona por necesidad de apoyar a los damnificados de Tampico, solicitud de ayuda para que no se despidan a más trabajadores de los Talleres Gráficos de la Nación, informe sobre constitución de junta de arroceros en Puebla, notificación de resolución favorable entre la Cooperativa Cervecería Nogales y la Secretaría de Hacienda, solicitudes de audiencia, envío de ayuda económica para la Escuela de Medicina, solicitud de apoyo al candidato a Gobernador de Coahuila Julio Madero, solicitud de garantías a periodista que descubrió complot para asesinar al Gral. Lázaro Cárdenas, solicitud de envío de papelería, invitación a Huajuapan de Léon, Oax.; notificaicón sobre visita de Lázaro Cárdenas a Ciudad Anáhuac, Coah.; solicitud de premio a productos ejidales en Veracruz, informe sobre formación de asociaciones de productores de arroz en Michoacán, solicitud de instalación de teléfonos en la casa de Cuernavaca del Gral. PEC, notificación de acciones pro damnificados en Tampico, solicitud de pago a Fábrica de Algodón Chapultepec, solicitud de envío de giro a Compañía Desarolladora Mexicana, S.A., informe sobre ataques que está sufriendo el Gobernador de Nuevo León Francisco A. Cárdenas, solicitud de informe sobre paradero de Lázaro Cárdenas, solicitud de ascenso, informe sobre que la política monetaria mexicana ha sido la acertada para sortear la crisis, solicitud de prórroga de licencia a favor de Rodolfo Elías Calles, notificación sobre cargo gerencial a favor de Bartolomé Vargas Lugo, informe sobre movimiento de fondos en Tampico y agradecimientos por envío de fondos para la Escuela de Medicina.

OVER FORTY MILLION PEOPLE ARE INFECTEDwith the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and more than 95% of these infected individuals are in the developing countries. The prevalence levels for this virus will continue to rise globally. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is the most devastating global public health crisis since the great plagues of the middle-ages with approximately fifteen thousand new HIV infections and ten thousand deaths due to AIDS every day and approximately 3.1 million total deaths due to AIDS.1 Historically, vaccines have proven to be the most effective weapon in our fight against infectious diseases such as small pox, polio, measles and yellow fever. HIV vaccines are our best hope to end the HIV pandemic. Although successful vaccines have been developed for the common childhood diseases, the development of a vaccine against the AIDS virus is a much greater challenge. The best way to stop the spread of the disease and the suffering of AIDS patients is by the development of successful vaccines to prevent infection with HIV and delay or stop progression to AIDS. It is now two decades and a half since HIV was first discovered and researchers have spent millions of Riyals (Omani currency; 1 Riyal = 2.6 US$) looking for possible candidates as vaccines, but what is the outcome of this research? It seems the discovery of a licensed and globally accessible HIV/AIDS vaccine is still years away, the question that arises is: how soon are we going to see a successful HIV/AIDS vaccine? More realistically, how long are we going to wait for such a vaccine? In this article, I will very briefly touch on the scientific hurdles that have impeded the search for an effective AIDS vaccine and discuss novel research approaches to accelerate its progress. Despite important progression in the understanding of HIV pathogenesis2 and HIV/AIDS virus compared to any other viral disease, why are we still not able to produce an effective or even partially effective HIV/AIDS vaccine? The answer to this question lies in understanding how the virus evades the immune system. First, HIV disables the very cells that are responsible for fighting it. Second, HIV is able to integrate its viral genome into the chromosome of the infected cells and therefore hide from recognition by the immune response for many years. Third, HIV is able to conceal the protein components that can induce protective immune responses and therefore presents itself to the body in a way that makes it difficult for the immune system to respond effectively. Fourth, HIV is genetically diverse and rapidly changing, particularly its outer envelope, and this allows the virus to evade most of the natural and protective immune mechanisms that the immune system is able to make. As soon as HIV infection becomes established, HIV continues to mutate genetically and many variants may arise within an infected person. Therefore, investigators need to know the significance of strain variation within the individuals and among the populations when developing an effective HIV/AIDS vaccine. The most logical approach for designing an effective HIV/AIDS vaccine is to identify which immune responses are most protective against this virus infection and to construct a vaccine that is able to stimulate these protective responses. Of the two main types of immune responses, the humoral immune response mainly uses antibodies to protect against a cell-free virus, whereas the cell mediated immune response is essential for body defense when the virus is hidden inside the cells. Although earlier vaccine research focused primarily on vaccines that elicited antibodies, it is now generally believed that both arms of the immune response are required in order to control and prevent HIV infection. Moreover, much attention has recently been directed towards vaccines that induce good innate (natural) immune responses particularly dendritic cells and toll-like receptors which play an important role in inducing and modulating the adoptive immune responses.3 The most practical goal for an HIV vaccine is to prevent HIV transmission rather than preventing infection with the virus. Experts believe a vaccine is the only way to eradicate HIV/AIDS because the most common modes of transmission, sexual contact, injection drug use and mother-to-child transmission at childbirth or breast-feeding are impossible to eliminate completely. The main characteristics of a desirable HIV vaccine are: safety, simple administration as well as affordable cost, long lasting immunity and effective against all HIV subtypes. To develop such an HIV/AIDS vaccine there is a need for team work in fundamental basic research; preclinical screening for active candidates and appropriate animal model followed by product development, manufacturing, and clinical research.3 Currently, there are more promising vaccine candidates being tested than ever before. Vaccine candidates are being constructed based on isolates from different regions of the world, and several research groups are testing a cocktail or a mixture of different viral components from different isolates of HIV. In addition, to optimize the immune responses, new vaccine strategies are being tested [Table 1]. The most current HIV vaccine candidates focus on producing cytotoxic CD4+ T cells, which attack HIVinfected cells in the body; such vaccines might not prevent an HIV-negative person from contracting the virus, but would delay HIV from progressing to AIDS and prevent transmission to others. Another challenge in vaccine research is that HIV strains vary among people and regions. Vaccine trial participants are chosen based on health standards for industrialized nations and many people in developing countries are not healthy enough to participate in such trials.4 Vaccineinduced antibodies that interfere with viral entry are the protective correlate of most existing prophylactic vaccines; however, for highly variable viruses such as HIV-1, the ability to elicit broadly neutralizing antibody responses through vaccination has proven to be extremely difficult. The major targets for HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies are the viral envelope glycoprotein trimers on the surface of the virus that mediate receptor binding and virus entry. HIV-1 has evolved many mechanisms on the surface of envelope glycoproteins to evade antibody-mediated neutralization, including the masking of conserved regions by glycan, quaternary protein interactions and the presence of immunodominant variable elements. The primary challenge in the development of an HIV-1 vaccine that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies therefore lies in the design of suitable envelope glycoprotein immunogens that circumvent these barriers.5 Individuals who are infected with HIV but remain healthy and keep viral replication in check may offer some hope for guiding the design of an effective HIV vaccine.6 Some of these long-term survivors make a very small amount of antibody, which, when isolated, can neutralize HIV from patient isolates. Further, those antibodies can neutralize viruses from many different patient isolates, which is necessary for an AIDS vaccine that will be effective against a broad spectrum of HIV strains. Unfortunately, even these antibodies may not be the whole answer. Tests of cells in culture indicate that the antibodies must be present at surprisingly high concentrations to block HIV entry into cells effectively. Many researchers continue to look into developing a live, attenuated HIV vaccine despite safety concerns. Because such a vaccine would closely mimic active HIV, it should theoretically be effective at inducing cellular immunity, antibody-based immunity and perhaps- other unknown modes of protection. By systematically deleting genes critical for HIV replication, scientists hope to develop a variant of the virus that can elicit a strong immune response without giving rise to AIDS.4 It also is hoped that vaccines may give the body an immunological 'head start' by priming the immune system to attack HIV as soon as it appears, rather than taking time to initiate a defense from scratch. As the pathogenesis of HIV infection has become better understood, investigators have realized that if the virus can be kept at low concentrations in the blood, an infected person may never progress to AIDS.7 This insight is encouraging because it suggests that even a partially effective vaccine could be valuable in limiting the amount of virus in patients, thus potentially reducing virus infectiousness and the AIDS symptoms. The multitude of scientists searching for successful AIDS vaccines will require appropriate funding and ample time. Funding is now improving, but because of the above difficulties we may not see a vaccine in near future.8 Governments need to cooperate to break barriers, reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, encourage HIV testing, provide support for people with HIV/AIDS and allocate appropriate funding to institutes that work for the development of HIV/AIDS vaccines. The development of appropriate antiviral therapy and reconstructing the damaged immune system are two approaches, both of which require significant financial support. For developing countries, educating the public on preventative measures is the first step in preventing and reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Treating those infected with HIV or who have AIDS is also, of course, critical, but the real hope for the future lies in developing a successful vaccine.

This report, funded by the Trust Fund for Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development (TFESSD), seeks to identify labor market inequalities in the ten countries outlined above, to relate these inequalities to other forms of social exclusion, and to propose areas for policy action aimed at boosting labor market participation. The remainder of the report is structured as follows. Chapter two describes the role that jobs play in fostering good living standards, productivity and social cohesion, and contextualizes the discussion on jobs and participation in the ten countries. Chapter three zooms in, highlighting inequalities in labor force participation across demographic groups. Chapter four shifts the focus to the factors explaining unequal labor force participation across groups, and discusses a policy agenda for these ten countries, drawing on experiences from the rest of the world. Chapter five concludes.

Not Available ; Strategies for Doubling Farmers' Income in Rainfed Regions of the Country Rainfed agriculture with nearly 53 per cent of the cultivated area contributes to 40 per cent of country's food production. Nearly 83% of the area under pulses, 85% of the area under coarse cereals, 70% of the area under oilseeds and 42% of the area under rice is rainfed. Rainfed regions are home to about 40% of the human and 60% of the livestock population and the performance of rainfed agriculture is critical to achieve and sustain higher growth in agriculture, enhance incomes and improve livelihoods. The productivity of several rainfed crops is around 1 t/ha and the adoption and diffusion of key rainfed technologies is still low resulting in large yield gaps between research stations and farmers' fields. Decline in the size of the holdings, continuous and unabated land degradation, widespread nutrient deficiencies, increasing climatic variability and climate change poses new challenges in the form of deficit rainfall, droughts and floods impacting the productivity and profitability. Besides, large livestock population inhabiting the rainfed regions require nutrient rich fodder and the demand and supply of fodder is widening. By 2025, the deficits will be to the tune of 65% in case of green fodder and 25% in case of dry fodder. The real incomes of the farmers are declining due to growing labour and input costs. In order to achieve doubling of farmers' income, besides meeting food and nutritional security of the growing population, enhancing the productivity of crops as well as an accelerated growth of livestock, fishery and horticulture sub-sectors will be required in rainfed areas. The short-term strategy would be deployment of location specific proven rainfed technologies depending on the resource endowments for bridging the yield gaps, cropping intensification in medium to high rainfall regions with appropriate water harvesting and efficient use, diversification of agriculture at farm level. Emphasis on strengthening of the farming system and enhancing income from livestock component, focus on market intelligence and dissemination of market information is key for enhancing income at farm. Upscaling of climate resilient integrated farming system modules with diversifying enterprises with high farm income is an essential strategy particularly for small and marginal farmers. The medium term strategy would be on high value crops and commodities including horticulture, protected cultivation of high value crops, value chain development for rainfed crops, capacity building of communities on market intelligence, skill up-gradation towards value addition, cost minimization by way of establishment of farmers producers groups, and risk minimization by way of providing access to water and insurance. For long-term sustainable agriculture, building Dr. K. Sammi Reddy soil organic carbon and promotion of application of organic manures and crop residues with reduced tillage to improve soil health is needed. These strategies have to be implemented in a system mode in association with all the relevant stakeholders so as to establish scalable and evidence based models for doubling of income for various rainfed agro-ecosystems in the country. The action plan need to be implemented in a mission mode pattern by DAC&FW and State line departments by converging with ongoing Central (PMKSY,PMPKVY, MGNREGA, RKVY, PMFBY, etc) and State (eg. Krishi Bhagya program of Karnataka, PantaSanjivani of Andhra Pradesh, PoCRA of Maharashtra, drought management program of Odisha, TSMIP of Telangana etc) programs. This may require adequate fund allocation and manpower. The focus should also be on capacity building/skill development of all relevant stakeholders at various levels. ICAR-CRIDA along with network partners through AICRPDA, AICRPAM, NICRA and SAUs would contribute for implementing the mission mode program through technical backstopping. K. Sammi Reddy Director (Acting), CRIDA CRIDA - Newsletter 2 Research Highlights New Research Initiatives Development of Microbial Consortia for Drought Tolerance in Rainfed Crops Plant beneficial microorganisms have great potential to enhance the drought tolerance and crop productivity. They exhibit variety of plant growth promoting characteristics, which help in modifying the physiological responses to water scarcity and enhances the survival and growth of crop plants. Combination of microbial cultures potentially aid in multiple functions, which are not possible otherwise. Since the constituent individual species perform different functions such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, drought tolerance etc. which gives additive benefit for crop growth and development. At ICARCRIDA, a project entitled 'Development of microbial consortia for drought tolerance in rainfed crops' has been initiated in collaboration with AICRP on Dryland Agriculture to evaluate microbial consortia already developed at CRIDA under different rainfed regions of the country and to identify potential isolates/ consortia of microorganisms if any for drought tolerance and plant growth promotion from native soils. This study would help in characterizing the location specific effective consortia that could be used to improve plant growth and yield under drought stress conditions. District Action Plans for Drought Proofing ICAR-CRIDA has been given the responsibility to develop district action plans for drought proofing for 24 selected districts in 3 states i.e Karnataka (16), Andhra Pradesh (4), Rajasthan (4). The plans being developed in association with participation of district level officials of different line departments including agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, irrigation, groundwater and rural development and KVKs and state agriculture universities. A common template has been prepared by ICAR-CRIDA and circulated to all districts to collect the relevant information on all sectors covering climate information, crops, animals, water resources availability and prioritisation basis to identify the crops/horticulture systems/ livestock systems to assess the vulnerability and the possible interventions in terms of water management, watershed activities and crop based interventions for inclusion in developmental programmes. Capacity building workshops were organised for 3 states separately on the template and review meetings are also completed for district level officials. Co-4 fodder in the farmer's field Farmers FIRST Project Farmers FIRST project on "Farmer Centric Natural Resource Development for Socio- Economic Empowerment in Rainfed areas of Southern Telangana Region" being implemented since October, 2016 in Pudur mandal of Vikarabad district of Telangana State in a cluster of four villages namely: Thirumalapur, Rakamcharla, Pudugurthy and Devanoniguda comprising 400 households. Based on PRA and baseline survey information, an action plan and technology package for the area has been implemented. The technology package modules comprised of soil and water conservation, crops and cropping systems, horticulture, livestock, farm mechanization and socio-economic studies. Development of model irrigation system, vegetable nursery raising at farmers level utilizing portrays with cocopeat; seed and shade nets, backyard poultry; mineral supplementation; crop residue management by making total mixed ration and use of chaff cutter; ram lamb technology; fodder technology var.CO- 4 series were some of interventions carried out in the villages in participatory mode. CRIDA - Newsletter 3 Unreaped Yield Potentials of Major Rainfed Crops A Decision Support System (DSS) has been developed which can be hosted online. The DSS accommodates 15 rainfed crops. For a selected crop and district, the DSS identifies model district having agro-climatic features similar to target district and provides potential yield achieved by model district. It further explores the scope for bridging the yield gap with adoption of HYVs and proper nutrient management. Some validation checks were incorporated for nutrient use. Testing is being done for hosting the application on CRIDA server. Yield efficiency of a district was assessed under rainfed conditions by building a composite index. The index was built by combining crop-wise efficiencies (20 crops) using area sown under a crop as weight. There were 60 districts which have potential for doubling of yield under rainfed production system. Scientific Activities Orientation Workshop on Drought Management An Orientation Workshop on "Drought Management in Odisha" at Watershed Mission Building, Bhubaneswar was organized on 7th July, 2017 by Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha, involving all line departments. The workshop was attended by Director, CRIDA and Scientist representatives from CRIDA, IIWM and OUA&T. The meeting was chaired by Smt. Sujata Kartikeyan, Commissioner cum Director, Odisha Watershed Development Mission. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Acting Director, ICAR-CRIDA in his opening remarks, appraised the delegates about short, medium and long-term action plans of Drought management to be taken up and role of various stakeholders in carrying out the MoU. Two presentations were made, first by Dr. P. Vijaya Kumar, ICARCRIDA on the detailed approach for drought management and the other by Dr. G. Kar of ICAR-IIWM on Mitigation Strategies. Deliberations were made on identification of blocks which are vulnerable to drought based on data available for selected parameters. Further, stress on inclusion of socio-economic parameters was laid, as Odisha is lagging behind in these aspects though it has better natural resources. A core group was formed to work out the methodology of prioritizing blocks for drought management. Smt. Sujata suggested for development of detailed technical programme for the selected blocks at the earliest to initiate the activities and also for monitoring and evaluation of the Programme by ICAR and SAU. Institute Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting under Farmers FIRST Project Institute Advisory Committee (IAC) under Farmers FIRST Project was conducted on 26th July, 2017 at ICAR-CRIDA, under the chairmanship of Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICARCRIDA in the presence of Dr. Y.G. Prasad, Director, ICAR-ATARI (Zone-X), Smt. S.V. Bharati, ADA, Vikarabad Dist., Ms. Vijayanti, HO, Parigi division, Dr. G. Nirmala, PI and all Co-PIs of the Farmers FIRST Project. A brief presentation on activities of project was made by Dr. G. Nirmala, PI which included the progress of work done and action plans for the year 2017-18. Some suggestions made by official includes to sum up each parameter of survey of 400 households in 4 villages, establishment of fodder bank, seed bank and IFS module in each village. Orientation Workshop on Drought Management in Odisha Institute Advisory Committee (IAC) under Farmer FIRST Project Interface Meeting on Agriculture Contingencies An interface meeting was organised on 8th August, 2017 at ICARCRIDA, Hyderabad, to assess the prevailing crop condition due CRIDA - Newsletter 4 to deficient rains in Telangana state under the chairmanship of Sri Parthasarathi, Agriculture Prin. Secretary, Govt of Telangana which was attended by District Level Officials and representatives of various institutes in Hyderabad. The rainfall for Southwest monsoon 2017, was predicted to be normal for the entire state. Rainfall during June month observed to be very good with majority mandals receiving normal to large excess rainfall in the state. A total of 264 mandals out of 584 mandals in the state received large excess rainfall. Only 63 mandals received deficient (59 mandals) to large deficient (4 mandals) rains in the state. Contingency measures to be taken up under the present condition were discussed. An assessment of available water in major, medium and minor tanks was also discussed. District level officials were advised to be cautious and also requested to monitor the emerging pests for cotton and other crops and requested to issue timely advisories to farmers using electronic media. Interface Meeting Standing Technical Committee (STC) Meeting of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). The Standing Technical Committee (STC) meeting of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) was held on 8th September, 2017 at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad under the Chairmanship of Dr.K. Sammi Reddy, Chairman, STC & Director, ICARCRIDA. Sri B.V.N. Rao, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare gave a brief on the importance of the pilot research projects being implemented by the various ICAR institutes sanctioned under NMSA. The committee reviewed these projects and suggested to develop Climate Resilient Farming System models. The committee advised to develop a withdrawal strategy for maintenance of assets created under the project and the outcome of the projects should indicate how the interventions of the project would contribute towards the vision of doubling of the farmers' income and reducing the risk due to extreme climate events. Hindi Fortnight Celebration The Hindi Fortnight was organized from 1-14 September, 2017. On this occasion Hindi Noting Drafting, Hindi-English technical, terminology, Hindi competitions and many others were organized. Winners were awarded with cash prizes on the concluding day by Director, CRIDA. Hindi Fortnight Celebration Dr.K.Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting) visited various experimental plots during Field IRC Field Institute Research Council (IRC) Meeting Field Institute Research Council (IRC) Meeting for 2017-18 was held on 21st September, 2017 at Gunegal Research Farm (GRF) and 27th September, 2017 at Hayathnagar Research Farm (HRF) under the chairmanship of Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting). The chairman IRC, Dr.K.Sammi Reddy, Project coordinators, Heads of Divisions/Sections and scientists visited various experiments and discussed thoroughly on various treatment effects. Various suggestions like displaying of the experimental and treatment boards at the experimental site, periodical Meeting in progress CRIDA - Newsletter 5 monitoring of soil moisture in CA related experiments, correlation of rainfall amount, rainy days and crop were made in Field IRC. Quinquennial Review Team (QRT) Meeting A two-day Quinquennial Review Team (QRT) meeting was organized at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad during 20-21 December, 2017 under the Chairmanship of Dr. J.C. Katyal, Former VC, HAU, Hisar & Ex. DDG (Edn.), ICAR. The meeting was attended by Dr. V.M. Mayande, Former VC, PDKV, Akola; Dr. A. M. Shekh, Former VC, AAU Anand; Dr. V.S. Korikanthimath, Former Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa; Dr. S.D.Gorantiwar, Head, (Dept. of IDE), MPKV, Rahuri and Dr. Rajender Parsad, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IASRI. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, in his welcome address briefed the members about historical background of the institute, organizational structure, achievements in brief. The QRT members appreciated the efforts of ICAR- CRIDA and recommended inter-divisional approach for carrying out research. An interaction session was also organized with the scientists of the institute. QRT meeting in progress Interaction session with scientists Technology Transfer Exposure Visit under Farmers FIRST Project An exposure visit was conducted for nearly 80 farmers from Devononiguda and Rakamcherla villages of Pudur cluster, Vikarabad district, Telangana state on 30th August, 2017 to expose the farmers to the horticulture exhibition which has been organized at Peoples plaza, Necklace road, Hyderabad by the State Department of Horticulture and Sericulture, Government of Telangana. During the visit the farmers were exposed to various horticultural technologies. A technical session was arranged on horticulture schemes of department and subsidies and prospects of organic farming in vegetable cultivation, and best management in vegetables particularly chillies which is grown by the farmers. The exposure visit provided farmers an opportunity to meet promoters of organic farming, medicinal and aromatic products, Bonsai practitioners etc. Farm Implements Distribution to Tribal Farmers In the month of October, 2017 two programmes were organized in Kothwalguda cluster of Adilabad district and another in Yellamma thanda cluster of Rangareddy district (27th October, 2017) to create awareness among tribal farmers and to distribute improved implements to the farmers, in the awareness programme organized in Rangareddy district. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting) emphasized the need of various improved implements and machinery and presented machines to the selected beneficiaries. CRIDA Farm machinery team under the guidance of Dr. I. Srinivas conducted demonstrations to farming community. Participation of Farmers in National Workshop Farmers from Pudur cluster under FFP project participated in 'A National Workshop on Doubling Farmers Income' from 22-23 December, 2017 at ICAR-NAARM. Feedback and suggestions on technology generation and dissemination for doubling farmers' income were provided to Telangana farmers during the meet. Dr. K.Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting) distributing power sprayers to farmers of Rangareddy Cluster Adilabad cluster village farmers display power sprayers received from CRIDA Participation of farmers in National Workshop Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) Activities Teams of Scientists from CRIDA have visited villages of Adilabad and Rangareddy districts in Telangana state under MGMG programme during July to December, 2017. During the period the following activities were undertaken in the programme: CRIDA - Newsletter 6 Districts Villages Activities Adilabad Seetagondi gram panchayat: Chinna Malkapur, Pedda Malkapur, Kothwalguda and Garkampet Demonstration and distribution of ten 5-hp pump sets and power sprayers to eligible beneficiaries, acquired under TSP plan Rangareddy Yellammathanda, Dadipalli thanda, Venkateswarthanda and Rangapur Distribution of power sprayers Nalgonda Kothathanda, Boringthanthanda, Lakma thanda Voice based Agro-advisries National Nutrition Week Celebration ICAR - KVK, Ranga Reddy district, CRIDA organized National Nutrition Week from 1 - 7 September, 2017 in the KVK adopted villages Narrepally and Gummadivelli. The theme of the event envisaged by the Govt. of India was "Better health and Improved diet in Infants and children". In Narrepally village, the programme was conducted on 6th September, 2017, where about 200 farm women, farmers and Anganwadi teachers attended the programme. Dr. V. Maruthi, Head KVK emphasized the traditional diets, their importance in nutrition to rural women. Smt. Shantisree, ICDS CDPO and chief guest presented a detailed picture of Nutritional programme for women nutritive value of synthetic diets nutritional disorders etc. In Gummadivelli, Kandukur Mandal, Ranga Reddy District the National Nutrition Week was celebrated on 7th September, 2017. Around 200 farm women attended the programme. Sri M.Babu Sarpanch, Sri Rameshwara Rao, District Training Officer, Zilla Parishad, Smt. Shobana CDPO, Kandukur mandal participated in the programme as Chief guests. Nutritional aspects of farm women and nutrition requirements were the topics of discussion during the programme. Field Day on Usage of Agricultural Implements ICAR-CRIDA KVK has conducted field day and an awareness programme on usage of agricultural Implements in field demonstrations on 18th September, 2017 at Gummadivelly village, Kandukur mandal, Ranga Reddy District. Dr. V. Maruthi, Head, KVK briefed the farmers on the need to adopt mechanization in all operations for cost reduction and yield enhancement with different implements and other technologies. Dr. B. Sanjeeva Reddy, Principal Scientist and OIC of farm Implements ICARCRIDA emphasized on CRIDA developed implements usage and availability. Er S. Vijayakumar, SMS (Agricultural Engineering), organized 30 field demonstrations in two villages with seedcum-fertilizer planter and the performance of demonstrated farmer fields with comparison to farmers' method and was found to be effective. About 67 farmers participated in the field day programme from two villages Gummadavelly and Kolanguda villages. The Farmers were educated on the improved production technologies through interactions and brochure prepared in local language. An exhibition was also arranged during this occasion to exhibit different agricultural implements developed from ICARCRIDA. Technology Week Technology week was organised at KVK-Ranga Reddy, ICARCRIDA, Hyderabad during 14-16 October, 2017. On the first day Dr.V.Maruthi, Head, KVK and Principal Scientist chaired the event and the Chief Guest of the day was Er.M.Mallikarjuna Swamy, State Technical Expert, State Level Nodal Agency, PMKSY and WDC, Telangana State, Guest of Honour was Dr.K.Dattatri, Principal Scientist, ICAR-ATARI, Hyderabad. Exhibitions were organized on farm machinery, livestock medicines, feed mixtures, bio-products, micro-irrigation, fodder cafeteria, books and literature on agriculture. National Women Farmers' Day National Women Farmers' Day (Mahila Kisan Divas) was organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, CRIDA on 15.10.2017 at Hayathnagar Research Farm with the participation of 250 women farmers from Ranga Reddy district. Dr. V. Maruthi, Head, KVK and Principal Scientist briefed the importance of the day and women's role in agriculture. Dr. K. Uma Maheswari, Head, PGRC, PJTSAU in her lecture discussed about the problems faced by women in farm activities. Dr. Sarah Kamala, Professor, AICRP (H.Sc.) discussed the issues related to drudgery reduction technologies for farm women, farm women's role and problems in agriculture. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICAR-CRIDA, Chief Guest of the programme addressed the women farmers by highlighting the KVK role in women empowerment, drudgery management and nutritional aspects. Dr. Y.G. Prasad, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Guest of Honour in his address sought the farmers to utilize the services of KVK by women farmers related to nutrition garden, drudgery equipment, trainings on farm and nonfarm activities. Live demonstrations, exhibits, technical sessions and farmer interactions with the experts were organized. National womens day celebration at CRIDA-KVK. CRIDA - Newsletter 7 National Agriculture Education Day ICAR-CRIDA celebrated National Agriculture Education Day on 3rd December, 2017 by organizing essay writing competitions for Class VIII & IX students and painting competitions for Class VI & VII students to mark the birth anniversary of first President of Independent India and Union Minister of Agriculture, Bharat Ratna (Late) Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Total 36 students from 12 different Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools located in Hyderabad and Secunderabad participated in the competitions. Dr. R.Nagarjuna Kumar, Scientist, briefed about the celebrations of Nation Agriculture Education Day. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICAR-CRIDA distributed prizes to the winners. In his address, he advised the students to choose agriculture science as a career option and also said that agriculture as a discipline which has huge opportunities and awareness of this has to be created through such science based programmes. oriented the farmers about soil testing facility, procedure of soil sample collection, analysis and usage of recommendations for higher crop yields. Sri. Pentaiah, Village Sarpanch thanked the CRIDA efforts in preparation and distribution of soil health cards and requested for similar cooperation and support in future. CRIDA scientists and extension functionaries from Agriculture department and Horticulture department interacted with the farmers. 140 Soil Health Cards were distributed with the crop related recommendations to the farmers of Rakamcharla, Tirumalapur and Devanoniguda villages of Pudur cluster under Farmers' First Project. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICAR-CRIDA explained the usage of Soil Health Cards and its National Agriculture Education Day Celebration World Soil Day Celebration at Rakamcharla Village KVK-CRIDA celebrated Agriculture Education Day on 3rd December, 2017 at KVK, Hayathnagar Research Farm. A batch of 164 school children from Ravindrabharathi School and St. Patrick School of 8th -10th standard actively participated. These school children were exposed to live field crops technologies, fodder cafeteria, farm mechanization, agricultural implements, livestock demonstrations etc. and also emphasized the importance of soil health status for agriculture crops and importance of soil by demonstration of soil testing in the laboratory. A debate competition on "Importance of organic Agriculture" was organized for students. Dr. V. Maruthi, Head, KVK and Principal Scientist and KVK staff interacted with children on various issues concerned to Agriculture education, followed by the distribution of appreciation certificates for the winners. World Soil Day Celebrations ICAR-CRIDA celebrate World Soil Day on 5th December, 2017 at Rakamcharla village, Pudur Mandal, Vikarabad district under the Chairmanship of Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICARCRIDA, Hyderabad. Around 200 farmers from the villages of Pudur cluster attended the Soil Health Card distribution program. Dr. G.Nirmala, Principal Scientist, Head, TOT welcomed the participants and explained the objectives of the programme. Shri Ram Mohan, Agricultural Officer from the Agriculture department World soil day celebration at CRIDA-KVK interpretation for effective nutrient management for sustainable crop yields. On this occasion farm literature on "Soil Health Cards", "Soil and Water Conservation measures" and "Nursery raising through portrays" were released by the dignitaries. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy along with CRIDA scientists reviewed the progress of Farmers FIRST project activities during the field visit. World Soil Day was celebrated by conducting programme in one of the KVK adopted villages: Nagireddipalli, Nawabpet Mandal on 5.12.2017. Honorable MLA Sh. K. Yadaiah, Chevella Assembly Constituency participated in the programme along with other local representatives, government officials, NGOs and 188 farmers and farm women. Expert lecture by Dr. K. Srinivas, Principal Scientist (Soil Science), ICAR-CRIDA was arranged on soil health, nutrient management and soil test based recommendations to the farmers. Dr. V. Maruthi, Head, KVK and Principal Scientist briefed the importance of world soil day to the farmers. Hon'ble MLA distributed few soil health cards to the farmers from 4 villages. Pledge on Soil Day was also taken. Video message was displayed. A total of 300 soil health cards were distributed. Exhibits on soil testing kit, bio-fertilizers and fodder were also arranged. CRIDA - Newsletter 8 News from AICRPs Farmers-Scientists Interaction Meeting AICRPDA Centre, Rakh Dhiansar organized Farmers-Scientists interaction meeting in AICRPDA-NICRA village Khaner, District Samba on 26th November, 2017. Dr K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICAR-CRIDA, Dr. G. Ravindra Chary Project Coordinator (AICRPDA), Dr. S. K. Dhyani, Principal Scientist, NRM Division ICAR, Dr. J. P. Sharma, Director of Research and other officials from SKUAST-Jammu, Scientists from AICRPDA centres, Rakh Dhiansar, Ballowal Saunkhri and farmers from the AICRPDA-NICRA villages Khaner and Dangervala participated in the meeting. Farmers appreciated the real-time contingency measures to cope-up with weather aberrations and farmers emphasized on farm mechanization in rainfed crops. Brainstorming Session on "Automation of Agromet Advisory Services" A meeting of scientists from IMD, AICRPAM and ICAR-CRIDA was organized on 3rd August, 2017 at ICAR-CRIDA. The meeting was chaired by Dr. K. J. Ramesh, Director General, IMD, in which Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICAR-CRIDA, Dr. P. Vijaya Kumar, PCAICRPAM and other scientists from IMD, AICRPAM Unit and Farmers-Scientists interaction in the AICRPDA-NICRA village AICRPAM Annual Working Group meeting National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Annual Action Plan and Review Workshop of NICRA-KVKs Annual action plan and review workshop of NICRA-KVK's of various ATARI Zones were conducted in July, 2017 to review the progress in 2017- 18 and to discuss and finalize the action plan for 2018-19. The meetings captured the salient achievements and success stories from technology demonstrations in NICRA adopted villages. Dr. JVNS Prasad, Co-PI, TDC-NICRA emphasized about the approaches for scaling up of the proven resilient practices in the NICRA villages which is to be adopted in the next phase of NICRA in various workshops. Various suggestions were given to make the NICRA-KVK's achievements visible to other farmers and stakeholders. NICRA-KVK's of the zone presented from three AICRPAM centers attended and discussed about the collaboration between AICRPAM and IMD in preparation and dissemination of Agromet advisories. AICRPAM Annual Working Group Meeting The Annual working group meeting of AICRP on Agrometeorology was held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) Jammu, Chatha during 27th-29th November, 2017 to evaluate the research progress made during Kharif 2016 and Rabi 2016-17. All the scientists from AICRPAM Unit and cooperating centers participated. The center-wise progress of AICRPAM was reviewed under each individual research theme. QRT member Dr. AM Shekh and other invited experts have provided their valuable suggestions. Training to IMD Scientist In a series of trainings to IMD scientists, Dr. (Mrs.) Lata Bishnoi was trained under AICRPAM, ICAR-CRIDA in Agrometeorology from 21-08-2017 to 8-09-2017. Brainstorming meeting on Automation of Agromet Advisory CRIDA - Newsletter 9 the consolidated achievements of the NICRA programme in the last 6 years and the action plan for the next year. Details of the Annual Action Plan and Review Workshop of NICRA-KVKs Sl.No Zones Place Date 1 Zone VIII Krishi Vigyan Kendra- Baramati (Pune) 3 July, 2017 2 Zone III ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur 5 July, 2017 3 Zone V ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata 12 July, 2017 4 Zone VI College of Veterinary Sciences, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati 10-11 July, 2017 5 Zone X ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad 13 July, 2017 6 Zone XI ICAR-ATARI, Bengaluru 29 July, 2017 Expert committee meeting in progress resilient agriculture, Up-scaling farm machinery custom hiring centres in India: A policy paper, "Roots of rainfed crops and Issues and remedies in rainfed farming" (in Hindi) were released by the Hon'ble DG, ICAR. Glimpses of Annual Action Plan cum Review Workshops Expert Committee to Review the Research Projects A two-day NICRA Expert Committee meeting was organized at NASC, New Delhi during 23rd-24th October, 2017.Dr. T. Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR in his address set the road map for next phase of NICRA with outputs that have impact at national level. Progress of 13 ongoing projects from Competitive Grants and two projects under Sponsored component were reviewed under the Chairmanship of Dr. K. Alagusundaram, DDG (NRM) and co-chaired by Dr. S Bhaskar, ADG (AAF & CC). Dr. K Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad presented the overview of progress under NICRA under CG and Sponsored components so far and the need for thorough monitoring of the progress by the expert committee. For each project a subcommittee of relevant members from NICRA Expert Committee was formed to mentor and monitor the progress of the projects. The committee deliberated on the identification of themes for inviting new proposals under Competitive Grants component for the next phase of NICRA. On this occasion, four publications from ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad viz., Farm innovations in climate ZMC visit at Kendrapara ZMC visit at Jharsaguda Zonal Monitoring Committee (ZMC) Visits Zonal monitoring committee's visits to various zones were organized to review the technical progress of different modules like NRM, crop production, livestock & fishery and institutional interventions in NICRA villages and for making appropriate suggestions for improvement. Details of ZMC visits during 2017-18 Sl. No Name of the ATARI Name of the KVK Date Name of the participating Member from CRIDA 1 Kolkata Kendrapara, Jharsuguda 31October - 1November, 2017 Dr. M. Osman 2 Barapani Ri-Bhoi and Imphal East 23-24 November, 2017 Dr. JVNS. Prasad 3 Hyderabad Nalgonda & Khammam 12-13 December, 2017 Dr. I. Srinivas, Dr. G. Pratibha 4 Patna Buxar, Jehanabad and Aurangabad 13-15 December, 2017 Dr. S.K. Bal, Dr. D.B.V. Ramana 5 Jodhpur Sirsa, Yamunangar 21-23 December, 2017 Dr. S.K. Yadav, Dr. K. Nagasree CRIDA - Newsletter 10 Important Visitors Visit of Dr. K. Alagusundaram DDG (NRM), ICAR Dr. K. Alagusundaram, Deputy Director General (NRM) has visited ICAR-CRIDA on 16th August, 2017 to review the research activities and oversee the completion of Climate Research Facilities (FATE, CTGC and SCADA) at Hayatnagar Research Farm (HRF). Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting) along with Project Coordinators, Heads of Divisions/Sections, other Scientists, staff of Administration and Finance have accompanied the DDG to HRF. The DDG (NRM) expressed his satisfaction Dr.K.A Lagusundaram, Deputy Director General (NRM) Interacting with Scientists about the progress made in installation of Climate Research Facilities. He visited the farm machinery workshop and gave valuable suggestions for improving the workshop facilities. Canadian Delegation Visit to ICAR-CRIDA Canadian delegation visited ICAR-CRIDA on 17th November, 2017. The team interacted with the Director and Scientists of the institute. The team got acquainted with the technologies developed by the institute displayed in Dryland Gallery and were exposed to various research facilities present at CRIDA. Visits Abroad Dr. D.B.V. Ramana participated in the International Conference on Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition (RAAN) held at School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia from 25-27, October, 2017 under 2015 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Programme (Borlaug Fellowship) of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Dr. D.B.V. Ramana participated in the Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition (RAAN) conference Agricultural service, USA. The purpose of the visit was to get exposed to the recent advances in animal nutrition and had dialogue with mentor for possible future research linkages. Human Resource Development Training Programme on Efficient Watershed Management in Rainfed Agriculture A five day training programme on "Efficient Watershed Management in Rainfed Agriculture" sponserd by watershed development department, Govt. of Karnataka was organized at ICAR-CRIDA from 19-23 September, 2017. Twelve officials from the Karnataka agriculture departments participated in the programme. The training covered various aspects of soil and water conservation, water harvesting, farm machineries along Participants of the training programme Canadian delegation visit to ICAR-CRIDA CRIDA - Newsletter 11 with field visits and practical exposure to the water harvesting structures. Dr. K. Ravi Shankar, PS, TOT was the course director for the training course. Model Training Course on Participatory Natural Resource Management for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity in Rainfed areas Model Training Course on "Participatory Natural Resource Management for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity in Rainfed areas" sponsored by DOE was organised at CRIDA during October 4-11, 2017. Fifteen officials from eight different states viz., Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Punjab and Karnataka attended the model training course. The course covered focus on various technologies for sustainable NRM, horticulture systems in rainfed agriculture, enhancing productivity of crops and cropping systems through effective use of natural resources, farming systems approach, role of livestock and their management for enhancing productivity and income in drylands, gender mainstreaming, communication tools and techniques for sustainable NRM. Dr. K. Nagasree, Principal Scientist was the course director for the training programme. Participants of the training programme Training Programme on Farm Mechanization under CRP-Farm Mechanization and Precision Farming The programme was organized by the ICAR-CRIDA under CRP-Farm Mechanization and Precision Farming in association with KVK, RR District for TSP farmers on 27th October, 2017 at Yellamma Thanda village, Manchal Manda, Rangareddy District. The participants were addressed by Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), B. Venkteswar Rao, ADA, Alair Reddy District, Smt. G. Jayamma, MPP, Mr. Jagadeswar, village Sarpanch and ICARCRIDA Staff. The participants explained about the importance of farm mechanization in agriculture. Different farm machinery viz. manual weeder, six row multi crop CRIDA planter, bed planter cum herbicide applicator, bullock drawn weeder etc. were demonstrated. Around 200 farmers were trained from Yellamma Thanda village. The trainees were imparted skills in operation of different crop based agricultural implements. ICAR Short course on Tools on Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Assessment of Rainfed Technologies and Development Programmes ICAR Sponsored Short course on "Tools on Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Assessment of Rainfed Technologies and Development Programmes" was conducted for 10 days from 1-10 November, 2017 at ICAR-CRIDA. Dr. Y. G. Prasad, Director, ATARI (Zone-X) was the Guest of Honour for the inaugural session. Dr. Y. G. Prasad addressed the participants about the importance of Tools on Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Assessment of Rainfed Technologies. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), ICAR-CRIDA highlighted significance of M&E for impact assessment of rainfed technologies in the context of doubling farmers' income. Dr. G. Nirmala, Principal Scientist and Course Director briefed the objectives of the short course. During the ten days of short course, the participants were familiarized with topics like concepts and principles of M&E, results-based management, theory of change, protocols for organic livestock interventions, impact assessment of KVK, IWDP and agricultural development programmes. Inaugural session of the short course Participants of the training programmes ICAR-Sponsored Training Program for ICAR Technical Staff ICAR-sponsored training program on 'Agrometeorological Data Collection, Analysis and Management' for ICAR technical staff was organized at ICAR-CRIDA during 11-23 December, 2017. All the trainees were exposed to various agro-climatic analysis techniques, and on hands on practicals. Besides these, they were exposed to national and international institutes where the Agrometeorological research is going on through field visits. CRIDA - Newsletter 12 Capacity Building Activities of Farmers Training on Crop Colonies and Soil Health Management in Horticulture Crops Department of Horticulture, Telangana and KVK-CRIDA organized the training programme on "Crop colonies and soil health management in horticulture crops for sustainable net returns" organized at Center of Excellence, Govt. of Telangana, Jeedimetla, Medchal on 8th September, 2017. About 150 practicing farmers from Ibrahimpatnam cluster attended the training. Sri. S. Parthasarathi, IAS, APC & Secretary to Govt.Agriculture & Cooperation, Government of Telangana, Sri L. Venkatram Reddy, Commissioner of Horticulture (FAC), Government of Telangana and department officials interacted with farmers and visited the fields. Importance of soil testing, procedures for soil sampling, soil test based fertilizer recommendations, vulnerability of small and marginal farmers in rain-fed/dryland areas, integrated farming with agri-horti-animal husbandry for sustainable net income, crop diversification, inter crops/mixed cropping, strip cropping, trap crops, boarder crops, sticky traps, pheromone traps, water traps etc were also demonstrated. Pest Management and Vegetable Cultivation in Nawabpet Mandal of Vikarabad Division (Kesavapalli and Thimmaredy palli villages). Dr. SM Vidya sekhar and Sh. G. Sri Krishna from KVK-CRIDA, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana, Sh. Nagabrahma Chari, CEO of Seed NGO and Village Sarpanch along with 67 farmers participated in the programme. The soil test based fertilizer recommendations were given to 200 farmers for crops like Rice, Cotton, Redgram, Maize, Vegetables and soil health management aspects were explained to farmers by Dr. S.M. Vidya Sekhar, KVK during the training programme. Around 200 soil health cards prepared by KVK were distributed to farmers of the two villages. Integrated Pest Management of Cotton and Redgram crops were covered and the farmers were given the demonstration of inputs of pheromone traps with lures for Pink bollworm, Helicoverpa, Spodoptera for Cotton and Redgram and bio-fertilizers, Trichoderma etc. Training Programme on Soil Health Management, IPM and Vegetable Cultivation An off-campus training programme in collaboration with SEED NGO under the sponsorship of NABARD was organized on 14th September, 2017 on Soil Health Management, Integrated Participants of the training programme Off-campus training on "Soil Health Management and IPM" Training on "Crop colonies and Soil health management" Training on Good Horticultural Practices in Tuber Crops KVK, ICAR-CRIDA conducted on-campus training on Good horticultural Practices in Tuber crops suitable for Ranga Reddy district farmers on 29th November, 2017 at KVK, CRIDA. About 42 vegetable growers and KVK staff attended the programme. Dr. D.Anitha Kumari, Scientist (Entomology) VRS, SKLTSHU explained about suitable major tuber crops viz. Colacasia, Sweet potato and Yam with reference to improved varieties, climate, soil characters, seed rate, spacing, planting methods, weeding, irrigation, fertilizers, pest, disease management, harvesting and yield. GHPs like Bio-fertilizers, Bio-control agents, plant derivatives, Raised bed cultivation, Use of Drip irrigation, Adaptation of Fertigation, Need based Micronutrient foliar sprays, trap crops, Boarder crops, sticky traps, pheromone traps, water traps etc. which will reduce the cost of cultivation were demonstrated. CRIDA - Newsletter 13 Forthcoming Events Sl. No. Title of the event Duration 1 26th Meeting of RAC at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad January 11-12, 2018 2 International training on Strategies for Enhancement of Farmers Income in Dryland Agriculture" under the program Feed the Future - India Triangular Training (FTF-ITT) January 16-30, 2018 3 Republic Day January 26, 2018 4 XVI Working Group Meeting of AICRPDA at AICRPDA centre, Jagdalpur February 1-5, 2018 5 International Training programme on Rainwater Management for Climate Resilient Agriculture in Dryland under India-Africa Forum Summit-III February 15 - March 07, 2018 6 CRIDA Foundation Day April 12, 2018 7 IRC meeting April/May, 2018 8 World Environment Day June 5, 2018 For further details please visit the website : www.crida.in Participation in Seminars and Symposia Name of the scientist Workshops/seminars/meetings/symposia Duration Venue K. Sammi Reddy Chaired the Thematic Session-5 on Climate Resilient Agriculture in the 3rd World Congress on Disaster Management Nov 7, 2017 Visakhapatnam, AP Delivered a lecture in Summer School on "Recent Advances in Abiotic Stress Management in Climate Smart Agriculture" Sep 15, 2017 NIASM, Baramati, Maharashtra Attended World Bank aided Project meeting on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) and to give inputs regarding the effective dissemination Sep 22-23, 2017 World Trade Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra Attended Interactive Seminar on the foresight – Agrimonde – Terre : 2050 The Indian Perspective Dec 7, 2017 NASC, New Delhi Attended International Groundwater Conference and delivered a keynote address Dec 11, 2017 New Delhi C.A.Ramarao Zonal Review and Progress Workshop for KVKs of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra July 13, 2017 ICAR-ATARI, CRIDA, Hyderabad Workshop on 'Green Revolution in Eastern India: Constraints, opportunities and way forward' organized by IFPRI & TCI Oct 9-10, 2017 NASC, New Delhi 77th Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics. Oct 12–14, 2017 CGPS, CAU, Umiam, Barapani Silver Jubilee Conference of Agricultural Economics Research Association on "Doubling farmers' income : Options & Strategies" Nov 7-9, 2017 ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad Planning Workshop on Research Impact Assessment Nov 13, 2017 ICAR-NIAP, New Delhi C.A.Ramarao, V.Girija Veni International Seminar on 'Global climatic change : Implication for agriculture and water sectors' organized by VNMKV, Parbhani Dec 14 -16, 2017 WALMI, Aurangabad B.M.K.Raju ICAR, DAC and Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of Telangana Interaction Meeting on 'Kharif 2017 Agriculture Scenario Assessment and Contingency Plan Preparation for Telangana' Aug 8, 2017. ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad R. Nagarjunakumar National conference on "Technological Challenges in Social, Environmental and Agricultural Reforms" Sep 9-10, 2017 ICAR-IIRR, Rajendra-nagar, Hyderabad International Conference on Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences Oct 23 -25, 2017 PJTSAU, Hyderabad Er. Ashish S Dhimate Workshop on "Advanced Farm Mechanization: Crop Sector" Sept 25-29, 2017 NIRDPR, Hyderabad CRIDA - Newsletter 14 Awards and Recognition AICRPDA-Ananthapuramu centre received "ICAR-Vasantrao Naik Award for Outstanding Research and Application in Dryland Farming Systems 2016" during ICAR Foundation Day and Award Ceremony on 16th July, 2017 at NASC, New Delhi. Dr. R.Nagarjuna Kumar, Scientist was awarded the best Ph.D. Thesis award and best paper award for the paper "Mobile Applications : Shaping the future of agricultural extension and advisory services" presented during the National conference on "Technological Challenges in Social, Environmental and Agricultural Reforms" organized at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad during 9-10, September, 2017. Ms B. Saraswati won 1st Prize in session on "Creativity and Innovation for excellence" and 3rd prize in session on "Effective Media Communication Skills" in training programme on "Enhancing Efficiency and Behavioral Skills for Stenographers Receiving Award at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad Grade III, PAs, PSs, & Sr. PPSs" of ICAR organized at ICARNAARM, Hyderabad during 25-31 October, 2017 Dr. Ravi Shankar received the Young Scientist Award-2017 from Indian Society of Extension Education, New Delhi at the ISEE National Seminar on "Doubling Farmers' Income and Farm Production through Skill Development and Technology Application" organized by the Department of Extension Education, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour and Indian Society of Extension Education, New Delhi at Sabour, Bihar during 28-30 November, 2017. Mr. G. Venkatesh, Scientist (Senior Scale) awarded with the Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science and Technology by the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad on 15th July, 2017. Mr. AVM Subba Rao, Sr. Scientist was awarded Doctor of Philosophy on 12th December, 2017. Personnel Information Appointments/Promotions/Transfers/Joining Name and Designation Transferred/Joined/Promoted/Appointed Date w.e.f Dr. S.K. Bal, Principal Scientist (Agrometeorology) Transferred from ICAR - NIASM, Baramati, Pune 01.07. 2017 Dr. T. V. Prasad, Principal Scientist (Entomology) Transferred from ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi 07.07.2017 Mr. Rajkumar Dhakar, Scientist (Agril. Physics) Joined back in ICAR-CRIDA after Ph.D. at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. 01.08.2017 Shri. Ravi Dudpal, Scientist (Agril.Econ.) Transferred to ICAR-IISWC Research Centre, Bellari 28.09.2017 Ms. Sneha Verghese, Assistant Appointed in ICAR-CRIDA 07.12.2017 Shri. Putta Santosh Appointed in ICAR-CRIDA 06.09.2017 Promotions Dr. T. V. Prasad Sr. Scientist - Principal Scientist 17.06.2015 Shri. D. Sudheer STO - Assistant Chief Technical Officer 16.10.2015 Shri. Sri Krishna STO - Assistant Chief Technical Officer 28.12.2015 Receiving Young Scientist Award at Sabour, Bihar Name and Designation Transferred/Joined/Promoted/Appointed Date w.e.f Shri. I. R. Khandgond STO - Assistant Chief Technical Officer 16.10.2015 Smt. P. Laxmi Narasamma ACTO - Chief Technical Officer 01.07.2014 Shri. S. Srinivas Reddy ACTO - Chief Technical Officer 01.01.2014 Smt. Vidyadhari ACTO - Chief Technical Officer 01.07.2016 Smt. V. L. Savithri STO - Assistant Chief Technical Officer 01.07.2016 Shri. Manish Tomar Tech. Asst. - Sr. Technical Assistant 16.03.2017 Shri. Hemant Sahu Tech. Asst. - Sr. Technical Assistant 21.03.2017 Shri. P. Satish Tech. Asst. - Sr. Technical Assistant 02.03.2017 Shri. P. Ramakrishna Tech. Asst. - Sr. Technical Assistant 08.04.2016 CRIDA - Newsletter 15 Oath taking ceremony on Sadbhavana Diwas Independence Day Celebration The 71st Independence Day was celebrated on 15th August, 2017 with pride, patriotic zeal and gratitude towards the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. The Director hoisted the flag and addressed the staff of CRIDA. On this occasion Director distributed cash awards (CCS&CCRC) to the X class toppers of CRIDA staff children and motivated the staff with his message to work with dedication and boost institute's growth. Cultural and Welfare Activities Independence Day Celebration Name and Designation Transferred/Joined/Promoted/Appointed Date w.e.f Shri. Prem Kumar STO - Asst. Chief Technical Officer (Retired) 01.01.2011 Smt. D. Kalpana Assistant - Assistant Administrative Officer 30.12.2017 Shri. J. Mallesh & Shri. Ch. Balaiah Granted MACP from level 3 to level 4 28.07.2017 Smt. Avula Lalitha Granted MACP from level 2 to level 3 11.07.2014 Our hearty congratulations to all of them Sadbhavana Diwas "Sadbhavana Diwas" was observed on 18th August, 2017. Accordingly, a pledge taking ceremony was held on 18th August, 2017. Swachhta Hi Seva "Swachhta Hi Seva" was organized at ICAR-CRIDA during 14th September to 2nd October, 2017. The inaugural day started with oath by all the staff and various activities were carried out under "Swachhta Hi Seva". All the staff participated in the event for Retirements Name Designation Date of superannuation Mr. E. Ravindranath STO 31.11.2017 Shri. Bandari Sathaiah SSS 31.08.2017 Shri. Sama Sathi Reddy SSS 31.07.2017 Shri. P.Srinivasa Rao Assistant 31.07.2017 Our best wishes for happy and peaceful retired life to all of them Glimpses of Swachhta Hi Seva South Zone Sports Meet ICAR-CRIDA contingent participated in ICAR South Zone Sports Meet held at ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from 9-13 October, 2017. Mr. Mukund, Technical Assistant secured 2nd place in 1500 meters cycle race. Vanamahostavam CRIDA Cultural and Recreation Club organized Vana Mahostavam at Hayathnagar Research Farm of the Institute on 28th October, 2017. All the CRIDA staff members actively participated in the cultural activities. The events generated great enthusiasm and unity among staff. Vigilance Awareness Week "Vigilance Awareness Week" was observed from 30th October to 4th November, 2017. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting) in his address emphasized the importance of vigilance week and suggested all the staff to be vigilant in day to day office activities. As part of vigilance awareness week Shri. B. Viswanath, Deputy Chief Vigilance Officer, South Central Railway delivered the lecture on "My Vision : Corruption Free India" on 2nd November, 2017. cleanliness in office premises and residential quarters. Trees were planted in KVK adopted village, HRF, GRF, CRIDA main office and residential complex. Samagra Swachhata Diwas Sharamadann was celebrated in KVK adopted village. CRIDA - Newsletter BOOK-POST To _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Published by : Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director (Acting), CRIDA Editorial Board Chairman : Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Director(Acting), CRIDA Editors : Dr. (Mrs.) K. Nagasree, Pr. Scientist, TOT Dr. P. K. Pankaj, Senior Scientist, TOT Dr. R. Nagarjuna Kumar, Scientist, SDA Dr. Jagriti Rohit, Scientist, TOT Dr. Anshida Beevi CN, Scientist, TOT Hindi Translation : Dr. P.K. Pankaj, Senior Scientist, TOT Dr. S.R. Yadav, Asstt. Director (OL) Shri. G. Prabhakar, STO Photo credits : Mr. K. Surender Rao, CTO, TOT देश के वर्षा आधारित क्षेत्र में कृ ों षक आय को दगुनु ा करने की नीतियां भारत में वराषा आधारित कृ षि क्षेत्रफल लगभग 53 प्रतिशत है, जो कि देश के कु ल खाद्यान्न उत्पादन में लगभग 40 प्रतिशत का योगदान देता है। दलहन का लगभग 83 प्रतिशत, मोटे अनाज का लगभग 85 प्रतिशत, तिलहनो का लगभग 70 ं प्रतिशत एवं चावल का लगभग 42 प्रतिशत क्षेत्र वराषा आधारित कृ षि क्षेत्रफल के अंतर्गत आता है। वराषा आधारित क्षेत्रों में लगभग 40 प्र त्रों तिशत मानव एवं 60 प्रतिशत पशु निवास करते हैं। वराषा आधारित कृ षि में अधिक उत्‍पादन को निरंतर बनाए रखना तथा आय एवं जीविकोपार्जन को प्राप्‍त करना बड़ा ही जटिल कार्य है। कई वराषा आधारित फसलो की उत ं ्‍पादकता लगभग 1 टन प्रति हके ्‍टेयर है। हालांकि, किसानो में प्रमुख वर ं ाषा आधारित प्रौद्योगिकियो को अपनान ं े की प्रक्रिया एवं प्रसार अभी भी काफी धीमा है जिसके परिणामस्‍वरूप किसानो कं े खेतो एवं ं अनुसं धान कें द्रों क्रों े बीच के उत्‍पादन में काफी अंतर है। दिन-प्रतिदिन कृषको हं तु े घटता कृ षि क्षेत्रफल निरंतर एवं अक्ण्ण भू षु मि निम्‍नीकरण, पोषक तत्‍वों में काफी ्‍वों अंतर, बढ़ती जलवायु विविधता एवं जलवायु परिवर्तन ने वराषा की कमी, सूखा एवं बाढ़ के रूप में नई चुनौतियां पैदा की हैं, जो उत्‍पादकता एवं लाभ को प्रभावित करती हैं। इसके अलावा, वराषा आधारित क्षेत्रों में पशुओ त्रों की आबादी अध ं िक होने के कारण पोषकतायुक्त चारे की आवश्‍यकता होती है लेकिन चारे की मांग एवं आपूर्ति में अंतर बढ़ता ही जा रहा है। अनुमानत: वर्ष 2025 तक, हरे चारे की कमी 65 प्रतिशत एवं सूखे चारे की कमी 25 प्रतिशत तक होने की सं भावना है। मजदूरी एवं निवेश लागतो में वृ ं द्धि के कारण किसानो की वास् ं ‍तविक आय घटती जा रही है। कृिष से आय को दगुना करन ु े के लिए, बढ़ती आबादी की खाद्य एवं पोषक सुरक्षा की मांग को पूरा करने के अलावा, फसलो की उत ं ्‍पादकता में वृद्धि के साथ-साथ वराषा आधारित क्षेत्रों कत्रों े उप क्षेत्रों में पशु-पालन, मछली पालन एवं बागवानी को त्रों बढ़ावा देने की आवश्‍यकता है। लघु अवधि की नीति के रूप में उत्‍पादन अंतर को कम करने के लिए स्‍थान विशेष के लिए तैयार की गई वराषा आधारित प्रौद्योगिकियों पर आधारित सं साधन सं पन्‍न प्रक्रिया अपनानी होगी। उपयुक्‍त जल सं ग्रहण एवं जल के बहतर उपयोग स े े अधिक वराषा वाले क्षेत्रों सत्रों े मध्‍यम वराषा वाले क्षेत्रों में फसल त्रों सघनता एवं कृ षि विविधता को फार्म स्‍तर पर पहुंचाने हेतु समन्वयन करना होगा। कृ षि आय बढ़ाने के लिए कृ षि प्रणाली की मजबूती पर ध्‍यान देना, पशुपालन से आय बढ़ाना, बाजार की मुख्‍य सूचना का ज्ञान एवं प्रसार करना प्रमुख हैं। विशेषकर छोटे एवं सीमांत किसानो को अध ं िक आय प्राप्‍त करने में सक्षम करने हेतु विभिन्न उद्यमो कं े साथ िमलकर जलवायु समुत्‍थान समेकित कृ षि प्रणाली का उन्‍नयन करना अत्यावश्यक है। ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture Santoshnagar, Saidabad PO, Hyderabad - 500 059 Ph: 040-24530157/161/163 Fax: 040-24531802 E-mail: news.crida@icar.gov.in Website: www.crida.in बागवानी, अधिक मूल्‍य वाली फसलों की संरक्षित कृ षि, वराषा आधारित फसलों के लिए मूल्‍य श्रंृखला का विकास, बाजार ज्ञान पर समुदायो की ं क्षमता का निर्माण, मूल्‍य सं वर्धन की दिशा में कौशल विकास, किसान उत्‍पादक दलो की ं स्‍थापना करतेहुए लागत में कमी लाना एवं जल तथा फसल बीमा प्रदान करने से जोखिम में कमी लाना आदि को शामिल करके अधिक मूल्‍य वाली फसलो एवं उत ं ्‍पादो पर मध् ं ‍यम अवधि की नीति अपनाई जानी चाहिए। लंबी अवधि की टिकाऊ कृ षि के लिए मृदा जैविक कार्बन का निर्माण तथा मृदा स्वास्थ्य सुधार के लिए जैविक खाद के प्रयोग को बढ़ावा देना एवं कम कर्षण सहित फसलावशेषो कं े प्रयोग की नितांत आवश्‍यकता है। इन नीतियो को सभी सं बं ध ं ित पणधारियो कं े सहयोग से प्रणाली के रूप में कार्यान्वित किया जाना चाहिए ताकि देश में विभिन्‍न वराषा आधारित कृ षि पारिस्थितिक प्रणालियो में कृ ष ं ि आय को दगुना करन ु े के लिए मांपने योग्‍य एवं प्रमाणयुक्‍त मॉडलो की ं स्‍थापना की जा सके। केंद्र स्तर पर (पीएमकेएसवाई, पीएमपीकेवीवाई, एमजीएनआरईजीए, आरकेवीवाई, पीएमएफबीवाई आदि) एवं राज्‍य स्तर पर (कर्नाटक की कृ षि भाग्‍या, आंध्र प्रदेश की पंटसं जीवनी, महाराष्‍ट्र का पीओसीआरए, ओडिशा का सूखा प्रबं धन कार्यक्रम, तेलंगाना का टीएसएमआईपी आदि) चलाए जा रह का े र्यक्रमो की समाभ ं िरूपता से डीएसी और एफडब्‍ल्‍यू एवं राज्‍य सरकार के सं बं धित विभागो द्ं वारा मिशन मोड पद्धति में कार्य योजना को कार्यान्वित करने की नितांत आवश्‍यकता है। भाकृ अनुपक्रीडा अपने नेटवर्क भागीदार के रूप में एक्रीपडा, एक्रीपाम, निक्रा एवं राज्‍य कृ षि विश्‍वविद्यालयो कं े साथ मिलकर तकनीकी सहयोग द्वारा मिशन मोड कार्यक्रम के कार्यान्‍वयन के लिए सहयोग देगा। इसके लिए पर्याप्‍त निधि आबं टन एवं श्रम शक्ति की आवश्‍यकता हो सकती है। विभिन्‍न स्‍तरो पर सभी सं बं ध ं ित पणधारियों केक्षमता निर्माण/कौशल विकास पर भी ध्‍यान देने की आवश्‍यकता है। के . सम्मी रेड्डी निदेशक (कार्यकारी), क्रीडा डॉ.के . सम्मी रेड्डी निदेशक की कलम से.