This thesis aimed to report on the qualitative research conducted which identified the role played by international television soap operas in identity formation and cultural change in relation to Kurdish women. Currently, Kurdish women live in a cultural context where traditional values often conflict with modern values when it comes to behaviour deemed appropriate for their gender. Through the impact of international television soap operas, Kurdish women come to identify themselves as being 'traditional' while at the same time they attempt to integrate non-traditional beliefs into their value system. This study looked at the relationship between Kurdish women's exposure to international television, soap operas and consumerism, as well as the problems which they create in terms of non-Western women's identity formation. This thesis has documented the lives and experiences of 21 female Kurdish participants, aged between 18 and 40, through in-depth interviews and observations. The thesis assumes that the views recorded are representative of the general viewpoint of viewers of the international soaps. Open-ended, in-depth interviews about women were used to explore viewing habits and preferences for various soaps. This thesis incorporates and expresses the ideas which were recorded with regards to the accepted 'typical' characteristics of men and 4 women - it is these characteristics which play an important role in selfformation. It became evident that these women had incorporated values from the traditional Kurdish culture and the modern way of life. The Kurdish women cannot be said to have a 'modernist' outlook on gender-appropriate behaviour, as they are still endemically entrenched in traditional Kurdistan worldviews. The qualitative research analysed the level in which the soap operas act as a kind of medium between the values of modernity and those of tradition. This study, in addition, demonstrates the appeal that soap operas can have on the norms, and other aspects, in the Kurdistan Region, and therefore illustrates that the soaps have an active role as a mechanism of change in Kurdistan. Thus, the research demonstrates the power of the soap operas and their effects on the Kurdish people in this region. Furthermore, this research explored the current media environment in the Kurdistan Region by reviewing the dependency of Kurdish viewers, and the Kurdish television channels, on foreign and imported television programmes into the region.

Este trabalho apresenta resultados de estudos e caracterizações de Conjuntos Eletrodo/Membrana (MEAs) de Células a Combustível a Membrana Polimérica (PEMFC). Algumas condições de operação de células e diferentes processos de produção de MEA foram investigados. A técnica de Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica (EIE) (em situ - 0 a 16 A) foi usada \"on-line\" como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico, relativa ao desempenho de célula. As medidas de EIE foram feitas através do Sistema de EIE para células a combustível FC350 (GAMRY), junto a um PC4 Potentiostato/Galvanostato e conectado à carga dinâmica (TDI) para experimentos de EIE \"on-line\" (100 mHz - 10 kHz, dU = 5 mV). MEAs com 25 cm2 de área ativa, usando eletrocatalisadores PtM/C 20 % (M = Ru, Sn ou Ni) fabricados usando o Método de Redução por Álcool (MRA). A tinta catalítica foi diretamente aplicada no Tecido de Carbono (GDL) e este prensado na membrana de Nafion® (105). MEAs usando eletrocatalisadores Pt/C e PtRu/C 20 % da E-TEK foram fabricados para comparação. Todos os cátodos foram confeccionados com Pt/C 20% da E-TEK. Foram fixadas as concentrações de metal nobre em 0,4 mg Pt.cm-2 no anodo e 0,6 mg Pt.cm-2 no catodo (E-TEK). Diagramas de Nyquist dos MEAs com Pt/C e PtRu/C da E-TEK ou PtM/C MRA apresentaram as mesmas resistências de ôhmicas para os MEAs. Este fato pode ser explicado por supressão de aglomerados durante o processo de preparação do MEA ou pela homogeneidade do eletrocatalisador ancorado ao carbono. Também pôde ser observado, a baixas densidades atuais que há uma diferença de desempenho significante entre o eletrocatalisadores da ETEK e os preparados pelo MRA. Os resultados das curvas de polarização confirmaram que PtM/C MRA apresentara um aumento de atividade para as células alimentadas com metanol e etanol. A técnica de EIE se mostrou eficiente para a avaliação do método de preparação dos MEAs e do desempenho da célula, os resultados de EIE mostraram uma coerência na escolha do modelo do circuito elétrico para os MEAs utilizando hidrogênio, metanol e etanol. Esta coerência indica que outras resistências não consideradas no modelo não são relevantes na resistência total dos MEAs. / This work reports results of studies and characterization on Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC). Some cell operation conditions and different processes of MEA production were investigated. The Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Technique (EIS) (in situ - 0 to 16 A) was used \"on-line\" as a tool for diagnosis, concerning the cell performance. The EIS measurements were carried out with a FC350 Fuel Cell EIS System (GAMRY), coupled to a PC4 Potentiostat/Galvanostat and connected to the electronic load (TDI) for \"on-line\" EIS experiments (100 mHz - 10 kHz, dU = 5 mV). MEAs with 25 cm2 surface area, using PtM/C 20% (M = Ru, Sn or Ni) electrocatalysts were manufactured using the Alcohol Reduction Process (ARP). The catalytic ink was applied directly into the Carbon Cloth (GDL) and pressed in the NafionR membrane (105). MEAs using Pt/C and PtRu/C 20% from E-TEK electrocatalysts were manufactured by comparison. All the cathodes were sprayed with Pt/C 20% from E-TEK. The noble metal concentrations used were set to 0.4 mg Pt.cm-2 at the anode and 0.6 mg Pt.cm-2 at the cathode (E-TEK). Nyquist diagrams of the MEAs with Pt/C and PtRu/C from E-TEK or PtM/C (M = Ru, Sn or Ni) ARP showed essentially the same ohmic resistances for the MEAs. This fact can be explained by suppression of agglomerates during the MEA preparation process or by the homogeneity of the anchored electrocatalysts at the carbon surface. It could also be observed, at low current densities, that there was a significant performance difference between the electrocatalysts from E-TEK and those prepared with the Alcohol Reduction Process. The polarization curves results confirmed that the PtM/C (M = Ru, Sn or Ni) ARP showed an activity increase for the methanol and ethanol fed cells. The technique of EIE was shown efficient for the evaluation of the method preparation of MEAs and the acting of the cell, the results of EIE showed coherence in the choice of the model the electric circuit for MEAs using hydrogen, methanol and ethanol. This coherence indicates that other resistances no considered in the model are not relevant in the total resistance of MEAs.

A conciliação judicial de conflitos previdenciários envolve, em geral, uma proposta de acordo baseada na renúncia pelo indivíduo de parte dos valores do benefício em atraso em um processo no qual a decisão contrária ao entendimento do Instituto Nacional do Segurado Social (INSS) é muito provável. Como regra, há um notório desequilíbrio de poder envolvendo, de um lado, um litigante ocasional (indivíduo) e, de outro, um litigante habitual (INSS). O presente trabalho pretende discutir qual o papel do terceiro facilitador nesse contexto, de modo a legitimar a prática existente e avançar para uma mudança de paradigma. Para tanto, parte-se da tese de que a conciliação deve ser adequada ao conflito que se pretende tratar, cabendo ao terceiro facilitador atuar de acordo com as peculiaridades desse conflito. Desse modo, propõe-se que, para o tratamento do conflito previdenciário, o conceito de conciliador deve ser entendido em termos amplos, abrangendo não apenas o conciliador leigo, mas também o juiz conciliador e o Judiciário como conciliador interinstitucional. Embora cada uma dessas atuações possua características próprias, sustenta-se que o ponto em comum é o respeito a um devido processo legal mínimo que possibilite a existência de uma base adequada de poder e que permita, assim, a tomada de uma decisão informada pelas partes. Dessa forma, a flexibilidade instrumental própria da conciliação não impediria o estabelecimento de parâmetros mínimos da atuação do conciliador. Por isso, tendo como limite a tomada de uma decisão informada, o conciliador atuaria por meio de estratégias variadas, aproximando-se e distanciando-se das partes, com maior ou menor interferência, de acordo com as características do caso apresentado. Conclui-se que, com a atuação conjunta e coordenada das diversas espécies de conciliador é possível aprimorar qualitativamente a conciliação de conflitos previdenciários. / The court-connected conciliation (or evaluative mediation) of pension funds conflicts in Brazil involves, generally, an agreement in which the individual plaintiff waives part of a benefit in a lawsuit that the defendant, a national government agency called Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS), will probably loose. As a general rule, there is a significant imbalance of power between a one-shotter (individual) and a repeat player (INSS). The present work aims to discuss the role of the conciliator (or evaluative mediator) in this scenario, in order to legitimate the current practice and to allow a paradigm shift. Firstly, it argues that conciliation should be appropriate to the conflict to be resolved and that the conciliator also should act according to the peculiarities of this conflict. Therefore, it proposed that the definition of conciliator might be enlarged to cover not only the lay person who acts as a conciliator, but also the judge as a conciliator and the Judiciary as an interinstitutional conciliator. Although each specie has its own characteristics, it is argued that the common point is that all must try to guarantee the observance of a minimal due process of law which allows the existence of an adequate basis of power and thus enable parties to make an informed decision. Consequently, the flexibility of the conciliation rules would not prevent the establishment of minimum standards of the conciliator\'s performance. Limited by the aim to allow parties to make an informed decision, the conciliator would act through a variety of strategies. It means being close or far from the parties, interfering in a greater or a smaller level, depending on the characteristics of a particular conflict to be dealt. To sum up, this work concludes that, if the three species of conciliator work together in a coordinated way, it could be possible to have a qualitative improvement in the conciliation of pension funds conflicts.

Submitted by Maicon Juliano Schmidt (maicons) on 2015-05-27T18:00:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Rafael Fonseca Ferreira.pdf: 1897453 bytes, checksum: 8f7c585b1705a60f88086ba5779b66ba (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-27T18:00:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rafael Fonseca Ferreira.pdf: 1897453 bytes, checksum: 8f7c585b1705a60f88086ba5779b66ba (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-01-14 / Nenhuma / A temática da tese é a relação entre Constituição e Tratados Internacionais de Direitos Humanos como expressão de internacionalização do Direito. A tese dedicou-se a elaboração de uma proposta de solução à problemática de como estabelecer outra racionalidade capaz de responder a dificuldade do emprego da visão hierárquico-normativa (difundida na doutrina e no Supremo Tribunal Federal) na relação Constituição-Tratados Internacionais de Direitos Humanos, com direta repercussão no âmbito pragmático-interpretativo. A hipótese foi delineada da seguinte forma: que mediante uma reflexão capaz de recorrer ao nível hermenêutico da compreensão, em busca de seu enlace histórico-crítico baseado na estrutura dialógico-hermenêutica, será possível densificar e orientar as construções teóricas e se construir uma nova estrutura de racionalidade, no caso, para a aplicação dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos no Brasil, enquanto expressão de autonomia do Direito e supremacia material da Constituição em exceção à visão hierárquico-normativista. No objetivo geral apontou-se a busca pelo estabelecimento de elementos estruturais e teóricos que permitissem desenvolver um novo horizonte epistemológico-hermenêutico no que diz respeito aos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos no Brasil como resultado de um diálogo (hermenêutico) para além da visão hierárquico-normativista. Com base nos objetivos específicos passou-se: a descrever e analisar criticamente o paradigma dominante, ancorado na visão hierárquico-normativista sobre tratados internacionais de direitos humanos na jurisprudência consolidada no Supremo Tribunal Federal e na doutrina dominante; reorientar a compreensão de supremacia constitucional considerando o movimento de internacionalização do direito e o caráter constitutivo dos direitos humanos; propor o modo-de-ser dialógico hermenêutico de Hans-Georg Gadamer como reflexão prévia (estruturada) para uma adequada epistemologia (hermenêutica) capaz de traduzir outras possibilidades teórico-normativas oriundas da relação entre Constituição e Tratados internacionais. O Método de abordagem foi o fenomenológico-hermenêutico que, por se ocupar dos dois lados do discurso, auxiliou no revolvimento do chão linguístico sob o qual se assentam os discursos dominantes e na reflexão ontologicamente enraizada. A partir disso, chegou-se a conclusão de que diálogo hermenêutico gadameriano estrutura-se como modo-de-ser produtivo para a construção de sentidos no Direito, em particular, para a adequada compreensão do papel dos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos no constitucionalismo brasileiro. O diálogo hermenêutico, estruturado na dinâmica da pergunta e da resposta, revelou o papel preponderante da pergunta como responsável por descerrar as obviedades do dito. Por consequência, iluminaram-se outras possibilidades de caráter epistemológico hermenêutico para a relação (ontológica) entre direitos humanos e fundamentais, com direta repercussão na tese da inconstitucionalidade do § 3º do art. 5º da Constituição Federal inserido pela Emenda Constitucional nº 45/2004. Também, conclui-se que a construção e consolidação da noção de bloco de constitucionalidade exsurge da pergunta adequada (dialógica) pela dimensão interpretativa dos direitos humanos em face do desprezado vigor conteudístico aos §§ 1º e 2º do art. 5º da Constituição Federal. Com efeito, ao assimilar-se o caráter histórico-compreensivo dos direitos humanos e fundamentais, o bloco de constitucionalidade viabilizou-se como vetor epistemológico-hermenêutico para a modificação de compreensão sobre tratamento dispensado aos tratados internacionais de direitos humanos como dimensão da materialidade constitucional. / The theme of this thesis is the relationship between the Constitution and International Human Rights Treaties as an expression of internationalization of Law. The thesis was dedicated to developing a solution to the problem of how to establish another rationality, one that is able to answer to the difficulty of using the hierarchical-normative view (spread in the doctrine of the Supreme Court) in the Constitution-International Treaties on Human Rights relationship with a direct impact on the pragmatic and interpretative framework. The hypothesis was outlined as follows: that upon reflection able to use the hermeneutic level of understanding, in search of his historical-critical link based on dialogic-hermeneutic structure, you can densify and guide constructions theoretical and build a new structure of rationality, in this case, for the implementation of international treaties on human rights in Brazil, as an expression of autonomy of law and constitution material supremacy in exception to the hierarchical-normative vision. On the overall objective we point to the seek for establishing structural and theoretical evidence to develop a new epistemological and hermeneutic horizon with regard to international treaties on human rights in Brazil as a result of (hermeneutic) dialogue beyond the hierarchical-normative view. Based on the specific objectives, we then proceeded to: describe and critically analyze the dominant paradigm, anchored in the hierarchical-normative view of international human rights treaties in the jurisprudence that is consolidated in the Supreme Court and the dominant doctrine; reorient the understanding of constitutional supremacy considering the internationalization of Law movement and the constitutive character of human rights; propose Hans-Georg Gadamer’s dialogical hermeneutical “way-of-being” as previous reflection (structured) for proper epistemology (hermeneutics) able to translate other theoretical and normative possibilities arising from the relationship between the Constitution and international treaties. The approach method was the phenomenological-hermeneutic one, due to its engagement on both sides of the speech, that helped to revolve the linguistic ground on which sit the dominant discourses and also aided the ontologically rooted reflection. From this we came to the conclusion that Gadamerian hermeneutic dialogue is structured as a productive “way-of-being” for the construction of sense in law, in particular for the proper understanding of the role of international human rights treaties in the Brazilian constitutionalism. The hermeneutic dialogue, structured in the dynamics of question and answer, revealed the predominant role of the question as responsible for unveiling the obviousness of the speech. Consequently, it shed light on other hermeneutic epistemological possibilities for the (ontological) relation between human and fundamental rights, with direct impact on the thesis of the unconstitutionality of section 3 of the 5th article of the Federal Constitution inserted by Constitutional Amendment No. 45/2004. Also, we concluded that the construction and consolidation of the concept of constitutional block emerges from the appropriate (dialogical) question by the interpretative dimension of human rights in the face of the despised vigor of contents on sections 1 and 2 of the 5th article of the Federal Constitution. Indeed, by assimilating the historical-comprehensive nature of human and fundamental rights, the constitutional block became feasible as epistemological-hermeneutic vector for changing the comprehension on the given treatment to international human rights treaties as a dimension of constitutional materiality.

In the introduction of theoretical part, a sport discipline In line skating is described. Legislative aspect together with use of cycle paths is considered.The second chapter describes system of cyclopaths in the cities. Following chapters are describing the concept of parks and cyclopaths development in the rural area until 2020. Next, the work establishes criteria for evaluation of locations discussed in charter 5. Theoretical part of this work discusses in chapter six general rules for cyclopaths and park use. In chapter seven traffic signalization and in line skaters' equipment are discussed. Further chapters focus on sport and safety equipment. In the end of theoretical part of chapter ten and eleven I comment on particularities of in line skating education for children 7- 10 years old. Practical part describes mapping and evaluation of 10 selected cyclopaths located on the left side of Vltava River and close surroundings in chapter 12-13. Chapter 14 is dedicated to in-line skating and its categories. In the end of the practical part, the structure and methodology of teaching lesson of in-line skating is depicted together with description of basics of in line skating. Appendix consists of graphical comparison of results from public survey Keywords In-line skating, skating lessons, mapping of...

A conciliação judicial de conflitos previdenciários envolve, em geral, uma proposta de acordo baseada na renúncia pelo indivíduo de parte dos valores do benefício em atraso em um processo no qual a decisão contrária ao entendimento do Instituto Nacional do Segurado Social (INSS) é muito provável. Como regra, há um notório desequilíbrio de poder envolvendo, de um lado, um litigante ocasional (indivíduo) e, de outro, um litigante habitual (INSS). O presente trabalho pretende discutir qual o papel do terceiro facilitador nesse contexto, de modo a legitimar a prática existente e avançar para uma mudança de paradigma. Para tanto, parte-se da tese de que a conciliação deve ser adequada ao conflito que se pretende tratar, cabendo ao terceiro facilitador atuar de acordo com as peculiaridades desse conflito. Desse modo, propõe-se que, para o tratamento do conflito previdenciário, o conceito de conciliador deve ser entendido em termos amplos, abrangendo não apenas o conciliador leigo, mas também o juiz conciliador e o Judiciário como conciliador interinstitucional. Embora cada uma dessas atuações possua características próprias, sustenta-se que o ponto em comum é o respeito a um devido processo legal mínimo que possibilite a existência de uma base adequada de poder e que permita, assim, a tomada de uma decisão informada pelas partes. Dessa forma, a flexibilidade instrumental própria da conciliação não impediria o estabelecimento de parâmetros mínimos da atuação do conciliador. Por isso, tendo como limite a tomada de uma decisão informada, o conciliador atuaria por meio de estratégias variadas, aproximando-se e distanciando-se das partes, com maior ou menor interferência, de acordo com as características do caso apresentado. Conclui-se que, com a atuação conjunta e coordenada das diversas espécies de conciliador é possível aprimorar qualitativamente a conciliação de conflitos previdenciários. / The court-connected conciliation (or evaluative mediation) of pension funds conflicts in Brazil involves, generally, an agreement in which the individual plaintiff waives part of a benefit in a lawsuit that the defendant, a national government agency called Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS), will probably loose. As a general rule, there is a significant imbalance of power between a one-shotter (individual) and a repeat player (INSS). The present work aims to discuss the role of the conciliator (or evaluative mediator) in this scenario, in order to legitimate the current practice and to allow a paradigm shift. Firstly, it argues that conciliation should be appropriate to the conflict to be resolved and that the conciliator also should act according to the peculiarities of this conflict. Therefore, it proposed that the definition of conciliator might be enlarged to cover not only the lay person who acts as a conciliator, but also the judge as a conciliator and the Judiciary as an interinstitutional conciliator. Although each specie has its own characteristics, it is argued that the common point is that all must try to guarantee the observance of a minimal due process of law which allows the existence of an adequate basis of power and thus enable parties to make an informed decision. Consequently, the flexibility of the conciliation rules would not prevent the establishment of minimum standards of the conciliator\'s performance. Limited by the aim to allow parties to make an informed decision, the conciliator would act through a variety of strategies. It means being close or far from the parties, interfering in a greater or a smaller level, depending on the characteristics of a particular conflict to be dealt. To sum up, this work concludes that, if the three species of conciliator work together in a coordinated way, it could be possible to have a qualitative improvement in the conciliation of pension funds conflicts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes. Among those 29.1 million people, 21 million have been diagnosed, but 8.1 million have not. Changing demographics in the United States and the prevalence of diabetes are projected to be burdens on the health care system through 2050. Guided by the social cognitive theory, the purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the importance of culturally appropriate patient-provider communication to the self-management of Type 2 diabetes by patients who are African immigrants. Culturally based health care has unique challenges when delivering culturally appropriate diabetes care, so a focus on cultural knowledge, intercultural patient-provider communication skills, and cultural assessment were key to this case study. One pilot study was conducted to test the focus group questions with 3 diabetes providers (i.e., certified nurse diabetes educator [CDE], registered nutritionist, and dietitian) who help patients to self-manage their diabetes. The second pilot study was conducted with 5 African immigrant patients who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The primary focus groups were conducted with 5 CDEs and 10 patients. The transcribed responses were analyzed and categorized to identify the 17 themes that emerged (9 from the CDEs and 8 from the patients). One implication for social change is that a patient-centered approach to patient-provider communication will mean better health outcomes. To ensure culturally appropriate patient-provider communication, a change in health care delivery is required to incorporate cultural constructs as part of diabetes care and education to accommodate various ethnic and racial groups.

The growing number of minority populations living in the United States makes it mandatory that all health care organizations seek to be culturally sensitive. There is no consensus on the definition of the term cultural sensitivity. The goal of this thesis is to define what cultural sensitivity means in a rural health center, from the perspective of the staff as well as the Hispanic patient. Anthropological methods, such as participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and archival data analysis, show that the qualities that Hispanic patients value in a clinic are 1) attention, 2) availability of Spanish language, 3) financial assistance, 4) solution to their health problems, 5) presence of Hispanics around the clinic, and 6) clinic services. Furthermore, 90% of staff responses indicate acceptance and respect of patients health beliefs and practices. Results demonstrate that while the clinic is culturally sensitive, there are a few recommendations that would improve the quality of care that Hispanics receive. Based on the results of the data collection, a practical model for other rural health centers to build upon a culturally sensitive health care system is developed.

The present worldwide scenario is one of land-based livelihoods that are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While being committed to environmental goals, India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change released in 2008, reaffirms that maintaining a high growth rate is essential to raising the standard of living of the people. Curbing emissions while maintaining high growth rates and achieving the Millennium Development Goals without increase in fossil fuel consumption, both appear to be paradoxes. Community-based micro energy initiatives have the potential to support productive development without fossil fuel consumption. This study examines small scale, village level biodiesel production for local use, based on unutilized and under-utilized, existing oil seeds in remote rural locations in Orissa, India. The village level biodiesel model is a response to large agro-industrial models that promote plantation of energy crops like jatropha, and to centralized production of biofuels as an alternative to petrodiesel. Village level biodiesel adds value to the large quantity of locally unutilized forest seeds and underutilized short duration oilseed crops like niger that are exported as birdfeed, to fuel livelihoods and boost the local economy. The development of a village level biodiesel model in a participatory manner within an agroecosystem boundary, and its ability to catalyze livelihoods that are sustainable, have been analyzed. Participant observation techniques have been used to develop narrative case studies for three village communities. Methodology for the study is based on Participatory Action Research approaches (Kemmis et al., 2000), where the research process has contributed to community action. The Sustainable Livelihood approach forms an important foundation of this research. A conceptual framework adapted from the original Sustainable Livelihood Framework (Scoones, 1998), to include Complex Systems Thinking (Holling, et al., 1995, Kay, et al., 1999) was used to analyze case studies in two communities of Orissa, India. Informed by results in the first two case communities, the same framework was used to develop a livelihood strategy based on Village Level Biodiesel (VLB), in a third cluster of villages also in Orissa. Three additional inclusions are proposed as a result of the research, to address some gaps in the original framework. These are the concepts of (1) Entitlements (Leach, et al., 1997) to understand power structures, (2) Adaptation Continuum (McGray 2007) to include issues of climate impacts and (3) Rural Livelihood System (Hogger, 2004) as a complex whole relating the inner reality of the farmer to the outer reality of a swiftly globalizing world. Resilience of livelihoods was identified as a key outcome parameter. Three main considerations for assessing sustainability and resilience of livelihoods, as defined by this research are (1) potential for livelihood diversity and intensity, (2) connectedness of the institutions involved in the decision making process, and (3) adaptation – that is resilience of livelihoods in terms of their capacity to resist drivers of vulnerability and confront impacts of climate change. The VLB in Orissa approaches livelihood diversity and intensity through a three-pronged approach consisting of biodiesel fuelled livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and local value addition. Careful attention is given to the specifics of the context in designing the VLB, thus enhancing the adaptive capacity of the technology. In the context of India, with the devolution of power to the local level, the Gram Sabha, or the village governing council, has political powers and the ability to negotiate with the State because of the authority vested in it by the 73rd amendment to the Constitution of India, and can additionally regulate the market at the local level. Leveraging the powers of this entity may provide the VLB with the needed impetus to replicate and move beyond pilot implementations. Obstacles in the implementation and strategies to overcome these have been identified. The challenge to future research and action is to span regional, national and global levels to influence policy makers to take cognizance of and promote the VLB as a viable development alternative to agro-industrial models designed to generate transport fuel.

The present worldwide scenario is one of land-based livelihoods that are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While being committed to environmental goals, India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change released in 2008, reaffirms that maintaining a high growth rate is essential to raising the standard of living of the people. Curbing emissions while maintaining high growth rates and achieving the Millennium Development Goals without increase in fossil fuel consumption, both appear to be paradoxes. Community-based micro energy initiatives have the potential to support productive development without fossil fuel consumption. This study examines small scale, village level biodiesel production for local use, based on unutilized and under-utilized, existing oil seeds in remote rural locations in Orissa, India. The village level biodiesel model is a response to large agro-industrial models that promote plantation of energy crops like jatropha, and to centralized production of biofuels as an alternative to petrodiesel. Village level biodiesel adds value to the large quantity of locally unutilized forest seeds and underutilized short duration oilseed crops like niger that are exported as birdfeed, to fuel livelihoods and boost the local economy. The development of a village level biodiesel model in a participatory manner within an agroecosystem boundary, and its ability to catalyze livelihoods that are sustainable, have been analyzed. Participant observation techniques have been used to develop narrative case studies for three village communities. Methodology for the study is based on Participatory Action Research approaches (Kemmis et al., 2000), where the research process has contributed to community action. The Sustainable Livelihood approach forms an important foundation of this research. A conceptual framework adapted from the original Sustainable Livelihood Framework (Scoones, 1998), to include Complex Systems Thinking (Holling, et al., 1995, Kay, et al., 1999) was used to analyze case studies in two communities of Orissa, India. Informed by results in the first two case communities, the same framework was used to develop a livelihood strategy based on Village Level Biodiesel (VLB), in a third cluster of villages also in Orissa. Three additional inclusions are proposed as a result of the research, to address some gaps in the original framework. These are the concepts of (1) Entitlements (Leach, et al., 1997) to understand power structures, (2) Adaptation Continuum (McGray 2007) to include issues of climate impacts and (3) Rural Livelihood System (Hogger, 2004) as a complex whole relating the inner reality of the farmer to the outer reality of a swiftly globalizing world. Resilience of livelihoods was identified as a key outcome parameter. Three main considerations for assessing sustainability and resilience of livelihoods, as defined by this research are (1) potential for livelihood diversity and intensity, (2) connectedness of the institutions involved in the decision making process, and (3) adaptation – that is resilience of livelihoods in terms of their capacity to resist drivers of vulnerability and confront impacts of climate change. The VLB in Orissa approaches livelihood diversity and intensity through a three-pronged approach consisting of biodiesel fuelled livelihoods, sustainable agriculture and local value addition. Careful attention is given to the specifics of the context in designing the VLB, thus enhancing the adaptive capacity of the technology. In the context of India, with the devolution of power to the local level, the Gram Sabha, or the village governing council, has political powers and the ability to negotiate with the State because of the authority vested in it by the 73rd amendment to the Constitution of India, and can additionally regulate the market at the local level. Leveraging the powers of this entity may provide the VLB with the needed impetus to replicate and move beyond pilot implementations. Obstacles in the implementation and strategies to overcome these have been identified. The challenge to future research and action is to span regional, national and global levels to influence policy makers to take cognizance of and promote the VLB as a viable development alternative to agro-industrial models designed to generate transport fuel.