The Pursuit of Alternatives

Stories of peoples’ struggles across the globe are testaments to their determination to resist exploitation and injustice, and to imagine and construct their own narratives of economic and political difference. These stories of emancipatory moments demonstrate that something radically different in terms of dominant socio-economic relations and mental conceptions of the world may arise out of and beyond capitalism. The Pursuit of Alternatives: Stories of Peoples’ Economic and Political Struggles Around the World presents a fresh and new perspective on how the ‘process of becoming’ alternatives might take place based on peoples’ lived experiences. The chapters here, by labour activists and academics, explore how various forms of peoples’ economic and political initiatives and struggles in six countries – Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Korea – might become ‘actually existing’ spaces and moments for the development of critical consciousness and transformative capacities which are both central in challenging the dominant social, economic and political relations. The stories in this book bring to light today’s language of peoples’ struggles; what inspires people to create their own emancipatory moments and spaces for transformative self-change. While this book does not aim to propose an alternative to capitalism per se, it makes a stimulating contribution to the continuing debate on what alternatives to capitalist relations and arrangements might look like by grounding these alternatives in the everyday lives and struggles of workers, women, aboriginal peoples, the unemployed, and the poor.

Organic consumers' attitudes and preferences regarding alternatives to piglet castration without anaesthesia and analgesia in organic farming - an explorative analysis

In Germany and other European countries piglets are routinely castrated in order to avoid the occurrence of boar taint, an off-flavour and off-odour of pork. Sensory perception of boar taint varies; however, it is regarded as very unpleasant by many people. Surgical castration which is an effective means against boar taint has commonly been performed without anaesthesia or analgesia within the piglets’ first seven days of life. Piglet castration without anaesthesia has been heavily criticised, as the assumption that young piglets perceive less pain than older animals cannot be supported by scientific evidence. Consequently, surgical castration is only allowed with anaesthesia and/or analgesia in organic farming throughout the European Union since January 2012. Abandoning piglet castration without pain relief requires the implementation of alternative methods which improve animal welfare while maintaining sensory meat quality. There are three relevant alternatives: castration with anaesthesia and/or analgesia to reduce pain, a vaccination against boar taint (immunocastration) and the fattening of uncastrated male pigs (fattening of boars) combined with measures to reduce and detect boar taint in meat. Consumers’ attitudes and opinions regarding the alternatives are an important factor with regard to the implementation of alternatives, as they are finally supposed to buy the meat. The objective of this dissertation was to explore organic consumers’ attitudes, preferences and willingness-to-pay regarding piglet castration without pain relief and the three alternatives. Important aspects for the evaluation of the alternatives and influencing factors (e.g. information, taste) on preferences and willingness-to-pay should also be identified. In autumn 2009 nine focus group discussions were conducted each followed by a Vickrey auction including a tasting of boar salami. Overall, 89 consumers of organic pork participated in the study. Information on piglet castration and alternatives (in three variants) was provided as a basis for discussion. The focus group data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. In order to compare the focus group results with those from the auctions, an innovative approach applying an adapted scoring model to further analyse the data set was used. The majority of participants were not aware that piglets are castrated without anaesthesia in organic farming. They reacted shocked and disappointed on learning about this practice which did not fit into their image of animal welfare standards in organic farming. Overall, the results show, that for consumers of organic pork castration with anaesthesia and analgesia as well as the fattening of boars may be acceptable alternatives in organic farming. Considering the strong food safety concerns regarding immunocastration, acceptance of this alternative may be questioned. Communication regarding alternatives to piglet castration without anaesthesia and analgesia should take into account that the relevance of the aspects animal welfare, food safety, taste and costs differs between alternatives. Furthermore, it seems advisable not to address an unappetizing topic like piglet castration directly at the point of sale so as not to deter consumers from buying organic pork. The issue of piglet castration demonstrates exemplarily that it is important for the organic sector to implement and maintain high animal welfare standards and communicate them in an appropriate way, thereby trying to prevent strong discrepancies between consumers’ expectations regarding animal husbandry in organic farming and actual conditions. So, disappointment of consumers and a loss of image due to negative reports about animal welfare issues can be avoided.

Survey of Agricultural Practices and Alternatives to Pesticide Use to Conserve Water Resources in the Mojanda Watershed, Ecuador

Agriculture in the Mojanda Watershed is facing rainfall reductions caused by climate change. Reductions of water availability in the Watershed are also due to constant extension of the agricultural activities into the páramo ecosystem above 3000m a.s.l., with this ecosystem having immanently important functions in the local water balance. The application of pesticides threatens the quality of water and with less precipitation contaminations will further concentrate in the outflow. To analyze problems associated with agricultural practices in the area a questionnaire about agricultural practices (28) was conducted and fields (20) were surveyed for pests and diseases with a focus on potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), tree tomatoes (Solanum betaceum Cav.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.). Potatoes were infected to a low degree with Phytophthora infestans and according to the farmers the Andean potato weevil (Premnotrypes spec.) caused biggest losses. To combat the weevil the soils are disinfected with toxic Carbofuran (WHO Class 1B). Tree tomatoes showed symptoms of various fungal diseases. Most important was Fusarium solani causing the branches to rot and Anthracnosis (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) causing the fruits to rot. Fungicide applications were correspondingly high. Peas were only minorly affected by Ascochyta blight (Mycosphaerella pinodes) and a root rot. Overall 19 active ingredients were applied of which fungicide Mancozeb (WHO class table 5) and insecticide Carbofuran (WHO Class 1B) were applied the most. Approved IPM methods are advised to reduce pesticide use. For tree tomatoes regular cutting of branches infected with F. solani and regular collection and disposal of infected fruits with Anthracnosis are advised. For potatoes plastic barriers around the fields prevent the Andean potato weevil from laying eggs thus reducing infestation with the larvae in the tubers. Local bioinsecticide “Biol” seems effective and without harm to the environment, although not used by many farmers. Organic fertilization promises to restore decreasing soil fertility, water holding capacity and reduce erosion. The here presented alternatives and strategies to reduce pesticide use pose an opportunity to preserve the water resources of the region.

The nature of Medicines

Created using the LLAC LOC tool, this includes links and activities with feedback. The content is an introduction to medicines for healthcare practitioners. It does not inlcude the Rights of Administration which are considered in separate LOC resource.

Alternatives de provenció en l'àmbit escolar : el programa Vivim plegats. 'Alternativas de provención en el ámbito escolar : el programa Vivimos juntos'.

Documento electrónico de 6 páginas en formato PDF. Resumen tomado de la propia comunicación

Alternatives to Reparations in International Investment Arbitration– A Debate Between Theory and Practice

An analysis of the alternatives of compensation in relation to international investment disputes is relevant, because a pecuniary award is not always the appropriate remedy to solve disputes arising between investors and States. This is the case because States may be increasingly interested in opting for a different type of compensation. Furthermore, it is still not clear whether arbitral tribunals have recognised alternative types of awarding damages in respect of international investments disputes. This analysis comprises two principal components, the first, is to identify whether or not the tribunals may render an award that not only demands the payment of a sum of money but also considers some other means of compensation. The second, centres on how compliance with these non-pecuniary awards may be demanded. Our approach to these two principal components will always revolve around the idea of respecting the sovereignty of the State, bearing in mind that the execution of an arbitral award, which obliges the State to refrain from or to perform an act in its territory, relies precisely on the sovereignty of the State to execute it. 

Qualitative research and consumer psychology: alternatives for application

Qualitative research is a research strategy used to analyze the reality. When applied to consumer psychology, it allows a deeper knowledge about consumer’s behavior and associated emotions and motivations. Qualitative research goes beyond the description of buyers’ behavior and shows information about how and why that behavior is produced.The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how qualitative research is relevant for the knowledge and the understanding of consumers’ behavior and how, through its techniques, it approaches the consumer’s socio-cultural reality and provides an interpretation of it. The present paper resumes the key aspects of qualitative research, mentioning its related antecedents of its contributions to the marketing and explaining the four most applied techniques in consumer psychology (interviews, focus group, ethnography and observation); moreover, it also studies the way to carry them out and gives some examples of some of the market issues which it can analyze. Finally, we take up again the qualitative data analysis as one of the most relevant topics because it produces important information for the decision making process related to the consumer. In addition, we explain the steps, strategies, types and technological tools to carry it out. 

El llibre de text : anàlisi i alternatives útils per al professorat. 'El libro de texto : análisis y alternativas útiles para el profesorado'.

En este artículo los autores analizan desde diferentes puntos de vista el fenómeno del libro de texto como un factor que tiene un papel central entre los diferentes elementos de un sistema educativo en el cual todas las partes han de estudiarse en relación las unas con las otras. Primero estudian las implicaciones económicas de el uso de libros de texto y llegan a la conclusión que su producción y distribución está estrechamente ligada a la ordenación administrativa del currículum.

Camps de treball : vacances alternatives i desenvolupament comunitari. 'Campos de trabajo : vacaciones alternativas y desarrollo comunitario'

Se presentan los campos de trabajo como una alternativa a las vacaciones de los hijos, sobretodo en el caso que estos sean adolescentes. Para ello se estudia la experiencia del campo de trabajo de Calldetenes, donde se analizan los objetivos y los resultados alcanzados.

Análisis de perdurabilidad de las Instituciones Prestadoras de Salud (IPS), especializadas en tratamiento de enfermedades de alto costo en el departamento de Antioquia, frente a las políticas de regulación de precios por medio de la Ley 1438 en Colombia

A partir de la reforma al sistema de salud, por medio de la Ley 1438 de 2011, se implementa en Colombia la política de regulación de precios de medicamentos y el ingreso al país de medicamentos biosimilares. Esta investigación analiza la perdurabilidad en las Instituciones de Prestación de Salud (IPS) especializadas en tratamiento de enfermedades del alto costo, como: Medicarte, Clínica Astorga, Clínica Vida, Helpharma, Audifarma, y Medex, para identificar finalmente, la cadena de valor en el departamento de Antioquia, buscando proponer alternativas para la toma de decisiones de tipo estratégico.

Estudi de les necessitats i alternatives en materia d'Educació Especial a Santa Coloma de Gramanet. 'Estudio de las necesidades y alternativas en materia de Educación Especial en Santa Coloma de Gramanet'.

Establecer un marco mínimo de referencia que presente en forma global un cuadro aproximado de la situación general de Santa Coloma en materia de Educación Especial. Manifestar la realidad y las necesidades de la Educación Especial. La muestra está compuesta por 21 sujetos de Aspanide y 14 de las aulas de Educación Especial. Determinación de las variables (aspectos individuales, situación socioeconómica, datos clínicos, datos escolares). Aplicación de las pruebas. Análisis de los resultados. Archivo de Aspanide. Censo de las aulas de Educación Especial. Pruebas realizadas: Terman-Merrill, batería de Picq-Vayer, Tale de J. Toro, cuestionario de EPQJ, COU, examen neuropsicológico de Luria, historia clínica y socioescolar ad hoc. Porcentajes para enmarcar las bases de la problemática. Hace falta estudiar la posibilidad de repetir cursos-clave, el proceso de escolarización no ha de ser en detrimento de la calidad de Enseñanza. Hace falta trabajar la metodología y la programación. La problemática exige el soporte de equipamientos extraescolares. Se ofrece todo un capítulo de alternativas (delimitación del colectivo de necesidades, cálculo de la población escolar, demanda de infraestructura, diferente tipo de servicios, planificación del Centro de Recursos y Educación Especial.

Les escoles públiques del Carmel i Can Baró : problemàtica, recursos i alternatives de futur. 'Las escuelas públicas del Carmelo y Can Baro : problemática, recursos y alternativas de futuro'.

Analizar las dificultades que presenta la población escolar de los barrios Can Baró y Carmelo de Barcelona, socioeconómicamente desfavorecidos, a nivel de realidad social, integración, aprendizaje y relación familiar y social. Comprobar los recursos existentes y los necesarios, de cara a mejorar la calidad de la enseñanza. Cinco escuelas de los barrios de Barcelona Carmelo y Can Baró, con una población global de unos 2900 alumnos, entre Preescolar y octavo curso de EGB. Exponen la realidad social de los dos barrios: aspectos demográficos, recursos escolares, recursos infancia-juventud y problemática general. Realizan un planteamiento global de las escuelas y del equipo de servicios sociales. Analizan la problemática que presenta la población escolar a partir de la confección de unos modelos de plantilla para la obtención de datos, respecto a los niveles de gravedad de la problemática de los alumnos y el tipo de problemática en relación a estos niveles. Recogen los datos en dos fases y realizan un análisis descriptivo. Elaboran una relación de los recursos que se utilizan para atender las necesidades y otra relación de los que serían necesarios y no se dispone. Utilizan básicamente plantillas de registro ad hoc y estadísticas oficiales. Estadísticos descriptivos: porcentajes, diagramas de barras, etc. Necesidad a nivel de organización general interna de servicios tales como: comedores, talleres, atención individualizada y, a nivel de barrio, de equipos profesionales que actúen conjuntamente de cara a identificar las necesidades de la población para poder planificar la prioridad de las actuaciones y aportar la información necesaria a las instituciones.

El malentès escolar. L'escola a través d'una doble comparació : els resultats i les alternatives. ' El malentendido escolar. La escuela a través de una doble comparación : los resultados y las alternativas'.

Analizar la diferente percepción entre los objetivos y los resultados conseguidos con ellos en la escuela. Constatar la diferencia entre los objetivos y los resultados reales en la escuela. Enfrentar desde las teorías individualistas y colectivas la dicotomía e intentar solucionarla.. 162 chicas y 26 chicos entre 18 y 20 años (nacidos entorno a 1950) procedentes de la comarca de Osona-Ripollés, estudiantes de primero de magisterio.. Recopila historias de vida. Analiza la muestra y constata el problema. Realiza un análisis teórico sobre la relación escuela-alumno. Desarrolla una solución teórica al conflicto.. Historias de vida acotadas a la experiencia escolar. . Ficha ad hoc, gráficos, análisis estadísticos percentuales y de frecuencias.. En la escuela de los años 50-60 la diferencia entre objetivos y resultados es espectacular dado que los primeros eran considerados como algo impresentable para el alumnado. El desacuerdo entre profesorado y alumnado conduce al fracaso del proyecto escolar desarrollado en esos años. Constatado ese fracaso el autor intenta ofrecer soluciones a la divergencia objetivo-resultado desde la formación del profesorado..

Alternatives d'ajuda a alumnes amb dificultats escolars a l'Escola Laietana. 'Alternativas de ayuda para alumnos con dificultades escolares en la Escuela Laietana'.

Describir la historia de la institución Escola Laietana en 7 épocas (de 1963 a 1982). Describir la integración en la escuela de alumnos con dificultades de aprendizaje. Presentar las actividades que se llevan a cabo en el Aula de Integración. La Escola Laietana de Barcelona. Detallar las actividades mediante una descripción subjetiva, de los contenidos tratados en el Aula de Integración: 1) Observación del alumno; 2) Problemas detectados; 3) Horarios; 4) Planteamiento general de estructuras lógico matemáticas, lenguaje y psicomotricidad; 5) Objetivos generales de la intervención en el aula de Integración. Documentos de la institución escolar desde 1963. Se valora positivamente la dinámica del centro, ya que el trabajo en equipo, las discusiones de casos individuales han enriquecido la experiencia educativa de todo el equipo docente. Concluye que el Aula de Integración es necesaria para enriquecer el trabajo en equipo en el centro en cuestión, porque se ha planteado como un reto colectivo para todo el profesorado.