Migration Tendencies Research Articles

Cross-cultural mediation with refugees in emergency settings: ICT use by language service providers

The paper explores the current state of affairs in the language service providers’ attitude and practice regarding the digital tools potential for language and culture mediation with refugees. The issue is considered from the angle of interpreters’ awareness of and competency to use up-to-date electronic tools to support refugees’ language rights in emergency settings in general and at the border crossing points and temporary settlements, in particular. The current importance of the research rests on the global migration tendencies that map a lot of challenges for cross cultural communication with forced migrants and refugees. The paper aims to explore the language service providers’ competence and their aptitude to use of digital tools for interpreting in diverse settings, including those related to migration contexts, oral human interaction and language mediation at the border crossing points, in particular. The study integrates desk and field research, includes the analysis of relevant literature and professional sources and further moves to a pilot survey. It involves interpreters with working experience in emergency situations against global migration background. The empirical analysis aims to explore specific preferences and benefits that various tools provide for an interpreter. 111 interpreters from 7 countries were engaged in the survey. The survey strived to identify interpreters’ professional background regarding the skills interpreters’ awareness of digital tools for interpreting process support and interpreters’ attitude to the use of the relevant tools in their professional activities in the settings related to mediation activities for refugees at the stage of their crossing the host country border. The research findings reveal that neither Industry nor Academia fully responds to the society needs in terms of interpreters’ awareness of and competency to use up-to-date electronic tools to foster the quality of their professional activities in the socially significant areas, related to emergency contexts in general, and to communication with refugees at the border crossing areas. The research results lead the list of recommendations to both Academia and Language Service Providers to enhance the timeliness, scope, adequacy and quality of their activities with the view of fostering the cross cultural communication efficiency in emergency settings.

Psychometric characteristics of two forms of the Slovak version of the Indecisiveness Scale

AbstractThe study investigates the psychometric characteristics of the Slovak version of the original and short form of the Indecisiveness Scale on three samples of university students and one general population sample. An exploratory as well as confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the one factor structure of the scale with a satisfactory internal consistency and time stability of scores. The criterion validity was examined through relationships with thinking styles, decision-making styles, the Big Five factors, decision outcomes, well-being and perceived stress, as well as through a comparison of the general population sample with a sample with an obsessive-compulsive disorder diagnosis. Subjects who self-reported as undecided in their future intentions regarding migration tendencies had higher scores in indecisiveness. Both examined forms of the Slovak version of the Indecisiveness Scale were demonstrated to be reliable and valid instruments for the measurement of indecisiveness with the short form being favorited as more appropriately tapping into the core aspect of indecisiveness.

Демографическая подсистема общества и кризис 1990-х гг.: обзор основных миграционных тенденций на примере Новосибирской области

Демографическая подсистема общества и кризис 1990-х гг.: обзор основных миграционных тенденций на примере Новосибирской области

Characteristics of Slovak Culture in the Context of Bilateral Austrian-Slovak Relations

Abstract Objective: The main intention of the present paper is, on the one hand, to provide a summary of the characteristics of Slovak culture by applying chosen theories and models. On the other hand, we attempt to underline the significance of bilateral Austro-Slovak relations in relation to the economy or migration tendencies. We assume that, based on geographical proximity and the above stated bilateral relations, intercultural encounters are relatively frequent as well. Therefore, certain perception of Slovaks from the Austrian point of view is likely to exist. Methodology: Our work is based on relevant scientific sources, as well as on our own empirical research reposing in the analysis of an online questionnaire. Findings: Overall, findings of our empirical research may be considered rather positive, as no negative or hostile responses concerning Slovak culture were reported. Furthermore, none of the participants experienced a conflict with a Slovak counterpart that could clearly be ascribed to cultural differences. Value Added: We believe that the conclusions presented in this paper might be helpful not only for managers operating on the international level or businessmen intending to do business with their Slovak partners, for scholars engaged in similar topics but also for anyone interested in intercultural communication and cultural differences.

“. . . In the Beginning I Was Frightened, Because Jews and Arabs Were Living Together . . . but Now I Don’t Feel That There Are Jews and Arabs . . .”: Palestinian Families in Israel Migrating in Search of Work

Internal migration tendencies among Palestinian in Israel are limited by both internal and external barriers. Recently, however, it appears that many Palestinian families have migrated from the north of Israel southward to Beersheba in search of work. This article is based on qualitative research I conducted among Palestinian women in Israel who moved south because of economic and occupational hardship. These women find themselves tending to their households while living far from their families of origin and those of their husbands, confronting and adjusting to their new environment and coping with life in a “city of difference” in Jewish space and among the Arab-Bedouin population at work. Internal migration affects many areas of life, extending beyond the personal and family sphere to challenge the politics of expanse in Israel, which is grounded in segregative and exclusionary principles and blurs accepted lines in the Israeli educational system. This situation generates space for new dialogue, or alternatively delineates lines of separation and structures new urban and cultural segmentation processes. The article sheds light on the complexity of the nationalist-ethnic triangle that takes shape in cities and clarifies the women’s experiences as they cross spatial and national borders—an unusual experience in Israeli life.

Migration Intentions of Post War Youths in Sri Lanka: A Systematic Review of Literature on Causes of Migration

This is a conceptual paper to understand the migration of youth population from Sri Lanka. The study reviews recent migration literature. Many actors have taken many initiatives to create a better future for youth in Sri Lanka. This includes provision of free and/or affordable education, skill development opportunities, and integration to development process, to shape the future. But there is a significant segment of the youth population who are not satisfied about the available opportunities and choices within Sri Lanka. They are not convinced for a better and safer society in future. In this research, the migration drivers and tendencies are examined and researched from a theoretical point of view with a special importance to perspectives and causes for migration of youths of post-war Sri Lanka. Objectives of this study are to understand reasons for youth migration and to understand the expected future relationship with home country. Many international migration theories have been proposed to assess and explain the underlying phenomena of international migration. Conventional findings suggest that migration can be explained with Neo-classical Theory of Migration, Theory of Economics of Migration, Dual Market Theory, Social Capital Theory, Cumulative Causation Theory and Trans-nationalism. However, international migration is a complex issue with multiple facets. One single theory may only explain a particular aspect of international migration. This study indicates that most of youth migrate to different countries due to perceived uncertainty placed upon their future and it cannot be explained with a single theory. This study makes major contributions to the existing theory in International Migration of Youth Population of Sri Lanka. The paper concluded with propositions, and recommendations on future research on understanding migration of youth.

Migration as livelihood strategy - South Africa's East to West Corridor: altruism gone wrong

Migration has long been considered a livelihood strategy in developing and middle-income countries, mainly because labour is one of the unique assets that most poor families find themselves in possession of. As a result, the migration tendencies are argued to be based on altruism- one family member self-sacrificing for the benefit of the household as a whole. This paper provides a deep analysis of this livelihood strategy through statistical analysis based on household survey data and qualitative analysis of the interviews with key informants. The study focused on households residing in Joe Gqabi district Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The choice of the sample area is because it has the highest number of members living outside each household. The findings indicate that there is a great need and desire for household members to migrate given the socio-economic profile of the households and the lack of access or constraints to basic key assets. Furthermore, the results reveal that migration is failing as a livelihood strategy, becoming a rather increasing burden to remaining household members. The study findings have both policy and academic research implications.

Migration as livelihood strategy - South Africa's East to West Corridor: altruism gone wrong

Migration has long been considered a livelihood strategy in developing and middle-income countries, mainly because labour is one of the unique assets that most poor families find themselves in possession of. As a result, the migration tendencies are argued to be based on altruism- one family member self-sacrificing for the benefit of the household as a whole. This paper provides a deep analysis of this livelihood strategy through statistical analysis based on household survey data and qualitative analysis of the interviews with key informants. The study focused on households residing in Joe Gqabi district Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The choice of the sample area is because it has the highest number of members living outside each household. The findings indicate that there is a great need and desire for household members to migrate given the socio-economic profile of the households and the lack of access or constraints to basic key assets. Furthermore, the results reveal that migration is failing as a livelihood strategy, becoming a rather increasing burden to remaining household members. The study findings have both policy and academic research implications.

The "third option": Oscilliatory migrations of retired guest workers

The subject of this study is focused on new migration tendencies of retired guest workers. This paper represents one part of a study conducted during 2014 in eastern Serbia and Vienna regarding life strategies of retired labor migrants. In domestic (Serbian) social sciences this subject was neglected, but recently it has attracted global social scientific attention with an idea of interdisciplinary merge of migration and age studies. To the day, global literature has only covered retired migrant laborers return to their home countries, but recent studies show changes in migration tendencies of retired laborers of many different nationalities, who have spent their work age in Western Europe. These new migration patterns were called “oscillatory movement” or as a new, alternative “third option”. They are only a form of seasonal and circular migrations which present the most dominant fashion of modern migrant mobility in Europe. Therefore we wanted to see what is the situation with labor migrants from Serbia - do they return to Serbia once they retire or not, and what are their reasons for choosing to live on “two addresses”. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 177035: Antropolosko proucavanje Srbije - od kulturnog nasleđa do modernog drustva]

International migration of health professionals and the marketization and privatization of health education in India: From push–pull to global political economy

Health worker migration theories have tended to focus on labour market conditions as principal push or pull factors. The role of education systems in producing internationally oriented health workers has been less explored. In place of the traditional conceptual approaches to understanding health worker, especially nurse, migration, I advocate global political economy (GPE) as a perspective that can highlight how educational investment and global migration tendencies are increasing interlinked. The Indian case illustrates the globally oriented nature of health care training, and informs a broader understanding of both the process of health worker migration, and how it reflects wider marketization tendencies evident in India's education and health systems. The Indian case also demonstrates how the global orientation of education systems in source regions is increasingly central to comprehending the place of health workers in the global and Asian rise in migration. The paper concludes that Indian corporate health care training systems are increasingly aligned with the production of professionals orientated to globally integrated health human resource labour markets, and our conceptual analysis of such processes must effectively reflect these tendencies.

The effects of education, culture, research and development in Hajdú-Bihar county

The most important instrument of social advancement and economic development is the education system. The educational qualification of the population of Hajdú-Bihar county is continuously improving, however the census data of the year 2001 show that the educational qualification of the population of the county did not reach the national average. The educational qualification of the county’s population is higher at the county seat and in other cities and lower in small municipalities. The county’s ratio is strongly influenced by the data of the county seat Debrecen and that of Hajdúszoboszló sub region.
 The unfavorable educational level of the region is related to the migration tendencies and the brain-draining trends of the past decades, as a consequence of which the population of the less developed eastern regions has moved either to the capital, or to the county seats, or larger cities of the region. The young are increasingly affected by the process.
 The number of kindergartens in the county corresponds to the national average, therefore taking into consideration the regional demographic characteristics the aim should be the equalization of regional disproportions. The number of students per 1000 resident within the Northern Great Plain Region and in the county significantly exceeds the national average. The secondary school network of the county consists of 38 secondary grammar- and 51 secondary vocational schools.
 The secondary schools of Debrecen have considerable impact on the county’s secondary education. The vocational training network of Hajdú-Bihar county is a large, in its conditions highly differentiated institutional network in which all types of secondary vocational institutions are present with secondary technical-, vocational-, accredited higher vocational-, specialized or preparatory vocational-, and special skill enhancement programmes. The majority of the secondary institutions have regional, rarely national enrollment.
 Students who have the intention to continue their studies in higher education within the county can study in Debrecen or Hajdúböszörmény.
 The integrated University of Debrecen has the highest student number within the country and it offers the widest range of academic programmes in Hungarian higher education. The University of Debrecen with the wide range of graduate and postgraduate educational programmes, unified academic qualification system, English language programmes is a European standard scientific centre of the Trans-Tisza Region. The county’s higher education takes exceeding share beyond its weight in the education of Natural Sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics), Health- and Social Sciences, Agricultural- and Environmental Sciences and Information Technology, which positively influences its educational structure. The county’s share in the education of Humanities (Hungarian Language, Foreign Languages, History, Archeology, Philosophy) is also significant.
 6.3% of the country’s scientific researchers work in the county. In 2010 7.0% of the country’s R+D expenditure was spent here. 3/4 of the region’s research capacity is in Hajdú-Bihar county employed either by the University of Debrecen or by the research teams of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Regional Distribution Shifts Help Explain Local Changes in Wintering Raptor Abundance: Implications for Interpreting Population Trends

Studies of multiple taxa across broad-scales suggest that species distributions are shifting poleward in response to global climate change. Recognizing the influence of distribution shifts on population indices will be an important part of interpreting trends within management units because current practice often assumes that changes in local populations reflect local habitat conditions. However, the individual- and population-level processes that drive distribution shifts may occur across a large, regional scale and have little to do with the habitats within the management unit. We examined the latitudinal center of abundance for the winter distributions of six western North America raptor species using Christmas Bird Counts from 1975–2011. Also, we considered whether population indices within western North America Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) were explained by distribution shifts. All six raptors had significant poleward shifts in their wintering distributions over time. Rough-legged Hawks (Buteo lagopus) and Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) showed the fastest rate of change, with 8.41 km yr−1 and 7.74 km yr−1 shifts, respectively. Raptors may be particularly responsive to warming winters because of variable migration tendencies, intraspecific competition for nesting sites that drives males to winter farther north, or both. Overall, 40% of BCR population trend models were improved by incorporating information about wintering distributions; however, support for the effect of distribution on BCR indices varied by species with Rough-legged Hawks showing the most evidence. These results emphasize the importance of understanding how regional distribution shifts influence local-scale population indices. If global climate change is altering distribution patterns, then trends within some management units may not reflect changes in local habitat conditions. The methods used to monitor and manage bird populations within local BCRs will fundamentally change as species experience changes in distribution in response to climate change.

The New Migration Flow. An Analysis of Economic Factors of Poland and Spain

This paper has been focused on the migration flow changes due to the economic factors, comparing differences and similitudes of two European countries with different migration antecedents and circumstances. Thus, Spain has been a traditional host country for economic migrants and Poland has been traditionally considered a sending or transit country, but after the economic collapse these roles have changed and Spain is involved in a severe economic downturn meanwhile Poland has continued to grow economically, therefore it has supposed several changes on the attractiveness of these countries from the perspective of migration. Through the analysis and comparison of international statistics about economic factors for migration this research has examined the evolution, effects and extension of current changes on migration flow of two countries of Europe with different economic situation that is affecting their future migration tendencies. The results have shown that 1) Changes on the economics factors are immediately reflected on the migration flow; 2) the deterioration of these factors in Spain has changed its status as destination country to a country with increasing emigration 3) opposite circumstances have declined the higher migration of Poland, but further investment in Research and Development should be necessary to maintain the economic development.

Contrasting migration tendencies of sympatric red deer and roe deer suggest multiple causes of migration in ungulates

Understanding the drivers of seasonal migration among large herbivores is crucial for management and conservation. The forage maturation hypothesis predicts migration even at low population density, due to the benefits of increased access to newly emergent, high quality forage. We provide the first study comparing migration tendency of the two most widely distributed deer species in Europe, roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). The study was conducted in an area with a low population density of both species. We found that 94% of the GPS‐collared red deer, but only 27% of the roe deer, migrated. This supports the forage maturation hypothesis in red deer only. Our study thus provides evidence of multiple causation of migration in ungulates, and is consistent with the hypothesis that the forage maturation hypothesis might be a more important driver for migration in grazers compared to browsers.

Fluid-triggered earthquake swarms in the Rwenzori region, East African Rift—Evidence for rift initiation

The Rwenzori Mountains are located within the Albertine Rift Valley in western Uganda. To monitor the microseismic activity in the area we have deployed a seismic network of up to 35 stations for a period of about 20months. The analysis of the recordings revealed several earthquake clusters within a restricted area NE of the mountain block. The clusters form elongated pipes with 1–2km diameter and vertical extensions of 3–5km. Most of them are located in 5–16km depths; however one cluster reaches down to 22km. Each cluster is composed of a series of single earthquake swarms with durations between a few days and more than a week, interrupted by intervals of inactivity of up to several months. Some of the swarm events exhibit vertical migration tendencies with estimated velocities between 0.3 and 1km/day. Local magnitudes range from ML=0.5 to ML=4.0 with b-values between 0.96 and 1.2. The source mechanisms of the swarm earthquakes are dominated by normal faulting with tension-axes orientations perpendicular to the rift axis. There are only few strike-slip events and no reverse mechanisms. From petrological considerations we presume that the earthquake swarms are triggered by fluids and gases which originate from a magmatic source below the crust. Melt and/or CO2 are guided along the intersection lines of two steep fault sets that were identified by shear-wave splitting analysis and fault mapping in the Rwenzori area. The existence of a magmatic source within the lithosphere is supported by the detection of a shear-wave velocity reduction in 55–80km depth from receiver-function analysis and the location of mantle earthquakes at about 60km. We interpret these observations as indication for an initial rifting process that may eventually lead to the complete detachment of the Rwenzori block from the surrounding rift flanks.

Biomimetic conversion of aconitine-type C19-diterpenoid alkaloids to lactone-type alkaloids

The first biomimetic conversion from the aconitine-type C19-diterpenoid alkaloids to the corresponding alkaloids of lactone-type C19-diterpenoid alkaloid has been achieved. Chasmanine was used as starting material with Baeyer–Villiger oxidation as a key reaction. It was also observed that the oxygenated group at C-16 did not change the relative migration tendencies of C-13 and C-9 during the oxidation. Meantime, a novel D-ring fragmented compound was obtained during the course of the present investigation. The plausible mechanism of the formation of this compound was also proposed.

Migration and Dispersal of Hispanic and Asian Groups: An Analysis of the 2006-2008 Multiyear American Community Survey

This report seeks to evaluate selective migration processes of Hispanic and Asian nationality groups in the US from established settlement areas, using recent migration data from the American Community Survey. The underlying goal is to detect migration tendencies leading toward an increased dispersion of these groups associated with their migration processes. Using descriptive statistics, maps, and migration models, we assess how migration processes in the 2006-8 period are leading to the dispersal of Hispanic and Asian race ethnic groups across metropolitan areas, with special attention to the roles of co-ethnic communities and spatial assimilation.These analyses employ migration data available from the 3-year 2006-8 American Community Survey using restricted data from the US Census Bureau’s Research Data Centers. This use of the restricted ACS files permitted the first post 2000 analysis of inter-metropolitan migration for Hispanic groups (Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Salvadorans, Dominicans) and Asian groups (Chinese, Indians, Filipinos, Vietnamese, Koreans) using the detailed demographic and geographic attributes available with these files. The data and analysis presented here provide a benchmark for further research of this kind with the American Community Survey in light of the fact that migration data will no longer be available from the US decennial census. The study examines migration from these groups’ major settlement areas to other metropolitan area destinations as they are affected by the attraction of co-ethnic communities and by a migrant selectivity pattern consistent with the perspective of spatial assimilation. The migration processes themselves were evaluated in terms of two components: the out-migration rates of residents, and the destination selection of movers.From the perspective of co-ethnic community attraction, it was hypothesized that the outmigration rates from high co-ethnic settlement areas would be lower than those from areas where the group had a smaller overall presence and that the destination selections of out-migrants would be positively affected by the presence of high co-ethnic population shares in destination areas.From the spatial assimilation perspective, it was hypothesized that out-migration from high coethnic areas would least likely occur for group members with lowest education, poor facility with English, and recently arrived in the US; whereas the selection of destinations with large coethnic population shares would be most likely to occur for these same population categories.The results strongly confirm that co-ethnic community attraction continues to reduce outmigration of groups from major settlement origins and positively influences their destination selections. A series of multivariate migrant destination selection models confirm a consistent draw of ethnically similar destinations across individual Hispanic and Asian groups when other economic, demographic and structural metropolitan attributes are taken into account.In contrast, results regarding spatial assimilation are typically mixed or nonexistent in characterizing both out-migration and mover destination selectivity patterns. In fact, we find contrary evidence for some Asian groups for whom it is the most educated, and native born migrants who show a penchant for selecting destinations with greater co-ethnic population shares. Among the greatest destinations for Indians, for example, are Philadelphia, Seattle, Dallas, Boston and Atlanta- areas with higher than average Indian population shares, and areas that also house knowledge-based industries.The selection of co-ethnic destinations among Hispanic group migrants appears somewhat impervious to education attainment and Hispanic and Mexican group movers, who are foreign born and who arrived since 2000, are least, rather than most, prone to select co-ethnic destinations. The mover destination models make plain that employment growth at destination provides a strong draw for all Hispanic groups., This suggests that recent growth in low skilled jobs in parts of the country with small Hispanic populations are nonetheless attracting newly arrived, and less skilled Mexicans and other Hispanics who might have previously been especially lured to destinations with large co-ethnic population shares.

The safety study of heavy metal pollution in wheat planted in reclaimed soil of mining areas in Xuzhou, China

This study was conducted to evaluate crops cultivated in reclaimed soils from subsidence areas that had been reclaimed in the Liuxin mining area, Xuzhou, China, to determine if such crops were safe. To accomplish this, heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn and As (metalloid) concentrations in different parts of wheat planted in the research area were detected. The single contamination index method and comprehensive contamination index method were used to estimate the level of heavy metal pollution in rhizosphere soil. Besides, the distribution of heavy metal concentrations in different organs of wheat of the research area was compared, and the enrichment coefficients of Cd and Cr, which as the primary pollutants, in different parts of wheat were determined and used to yield curve estimation, after which a Cd regression equation was constructed. Finally, a kind of visible expression method of heavy metal pollution in wheat was explored. The results showed that the rhizosphere soil of the research area reached the local standard, but as different organs of wheat differed in the ability of enrichment of heavy metals, the Cd and Cr concentrations in wheat grains exceeded the national food hygiene standard. The distribution and migration tendencies of Cd and Cr concentrations in different organs of mature wheat were consistent in reclaimed sites, but differed in control site. The Cd regression equation passed the model verification. The results of risk evaluation of Cd and Cr in the wheat grain revealed that the single contamination index of the three sites reached light to severe level, and the comprehensive contamination index ranged from light to medium pollution level. This research is of important practical value for monitoring the safety of plant grown in mining areas.

Migration patterns in rural schools in South Africa: Moving away from poor quality education

Abstract In South Africa, the policy of school choice has resulted in a sustained exodus of learners from traditionally black, segregated schools to former white schools. This article looks at how parental choice is changing the face of rural school populations in the northern, rural part of the country. The author reports on an investigation at three secondary schools in Limpopo province. The findings show that motivated teachers, dedicated principals, an orderly school, organised parent involvement, and English as the language of learning and teaching were the most significant factors in the migration tendencies of pupils to former white schools. The findings support recent research which, in various forms, argues that school migration is indicative of what parents and their children value in education and what they wish to leave behind when they migrate.

Immigration and Integration of Foreigners in Czechia: Some Thoughts on the Country’s Migration Transition from a David to a Near Goliath

The objective of this article is to summarize, or rather to emphasize, important findings from selected research projects carried out in Czechia regarding international migration and the integration of foreigners. The primary topics of the article include Czechia’s migration position among other Central and Eastern European countries, illegal residence and the unauthorized economic activities of immigrants, the spatial organization of foreigners, forms of integration of foreigners and migration/ integration policy. The introduction and application of the so-called “migration cycle” concept form the conceptual basis of the article. Emphasis is given primarily to the fact that Czechia’s migration (and integration) situation is unique among the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, due to its relatively advanced state of development. This is true both in terms of quantitative parameters and in light of their qualitative manifestations, including instruments for process management – i.e. the advanced and developed nature of migration and integration policies. This fact goes hand in hand with the evident convergence of Czech migration and integration tendencies with those known to exist in other developed immigration countries of Western Europe – with one exception: the spatial concentration of foreigners. This indicator does not yet approach the parameters (intensity and forms) known in more developed regions of the world.