Saturday, August 31, 2019
Critique of the medical research Essay
Introduction (2) What is the purpose of the study?            The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the various factors for the prolonged pre-hospital delay in African-American with Acute myocardial infarction. Another purpose of the study is to demonstrate the manner in which perceived racism (experience of racial discrimination) affects the pre-hospital delay. Is the purpose of the study clearly presented?            The study has demonstrated to a certain extent that several related factors such as ethnic background, medical insurance, presence of a witness (relative or a family member during the attack), marital status, general health status, presence of any systemic disease and perceived racism, do play a very important role in prolonging the time period between the onset of the symptoms and hospitalization. However, further studies are required to provide more detailed information about these factors. Problem Statement (5) What problem was the study conducted to resolve?            The study was conducted to determine the factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay in African-Americans with acute myocardial infarction than Whites. It was found that death due to cardiovascular disease claims were significantly higher in African-Americans than any other group. Besides, the study was also conducted to demonstrate the extent to which perceived racism affects the pre-hospital delay in African-Americans with acute myocardial infarction. How is the problem important for nursing practice?            Acute myocardial infarction is one of the main causes of death in both, men and women, living in developed countries. Fatalities due to cardiovascular disease are significantly higher in African-Americans than any other racial group. The outcome following acute myocardial infarction varies depending on the rapidity at which with reperfusion therapy is provided. In this treatment intervention, the blood supply to the heart is restored back to normal. Agents that chemically dissolve thrombi (clots formed within the blood vessels) or expand blood vessels (vasodilators) are administered. Besides, surgical procedures such as angioplasty (reconstruction of the blocked artery), catheterization (insertion of an inflatable balloon-tipped tubular device) or coronary artery bypass (grafting a section of a vein), may also be performed to restore the blood supply to the cardiac tissues. Reperfusion therapy seems to be most valuable when provided within one hour following the development of symptoms and signs of myocardial infarction. Delay in providing treatment may play an important role in increasing the morbidity and mortality rates of acute myocardial infarction. As African-Americans take longer time in seeking treatment for the symptoms and signs of acute myocardial infarction than Whites, the outcome will definitely be less favorable in African-Americans. Hence, measures to lower delay times can be instituted in African-Americans with acute myocardial infarction. Is the problem statement clearly stated? Describe.            The delay in seeking treatment for the symptoms and signs of acute myocardial infarction are longer in African-Americans than Whites. As the period between the onset of the symptoms and signs of acute myocardial infarction and institution of treatment plays a very critical role on the outcome of the disorder, the specific factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay in African-Americans should be determined. The problem statement is clearly mentioned. Research Question(s) What is the research question? If not stated, what would you say the research question is?            A good research question would be â€Å"To study the causes or factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay in African-Americans with acute myocardial infarction†. Hypotheses What is the hypothesis? If not stated, what would you say the hypothesis is?            From the study, it is clearly evident that African-Americans take longer time to seek emergency medical help for acute myocardial infarction than whites. However, perceived racism (actual experience of racial discrimination) did not play an important role. Study Variables What are the independent and dependent variables? Or, if it is a descriptive or correlational design, what are the research variables?            In this study, a descriptive design is used.  To determine the factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delays independent t tests and chi square tests were used. The independent variable includes ethnic group. The dependent variables include experience of racial discrimination, sex (males and females), presence of a witness, insurance, marital status, etc. Review of Literature In what way(s) does the literature review support the need for this study?            The literature obtained during the study only demonstrates the various factors that may prolong the pre-hospital delay in African-Americans. These factors are however not specific to the African-American group only. Further studies are needed to show how similar factors could play a role in prolonging the pre-hospital delay in other racial groups. Does the review of literature guide you to the study?            The review of the literature does guide to the study. The review demonstrates the current incidence and mortality scenario of acute myocardial infarction in the African-American race. It also demonstrates the need for immediate reperfusion treatment. The study also shows how individuals of the African-American race are at a greater risk of developing acute myocardial infarction than Whites. However, more details need to be provided. Are there existing gaps in the literature identified by the author(s)?            No, the gaps in the literature are not identified by the author. The author could have also tried to study other factors that could play an important role in prolonging pre-hospital delays such as educational levels, socio-economic status, urban/rural divide, etc. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework Does the study have a conceptual or theoretical framework? If so, briefly describe the model or framework?            The study is based on a conceptual framework. The framework describes several factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay such as ethnic group, sex, general health status, insurance status, marital status, etc. These variables cannot be clearly defined, and only the possible role they play, can be described. Is a rationale stated for the conceptual/theoretical framework? Explain            The various factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay include sex, ethnic group, general health status, insurance position, etc. As these cannot be clearly defined and only their possible roles are defined, a conceptual framework is suggested. Ethodological aspects Research design What study design is used?            A descriptive design is being used. In what way(s) is the design used an appropriate one?            The author is justifying a phenomenon. Certain variables are being studied which can be determined earlier and later in time. Were pilot study findings used to design the major study? No, pilot studies were not being used. However, references were being made to previous studies. Name and describe at least two threats to the internal validity of the study design.            The two threats to the internal validity of the study design include history threat (in which some historic event has occurred which makes the individual aware) and testing threat (in which some form of pretest may make the individual aware of any similar tests in future). Name and describe at least two threats to the external validity of the study design.            Three threats to the external validity of the study design include different people (results of the study may be due to unusual people), different places (were perhaps the educational background was different) or different time (at which the incidence of acute myocardial infarction were higher than normal). What are the extraneous variables in this study? How are they being controlled for in this study?            The extraneous variables in this study are the time period between the onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction and provision of reperfusion therapy. African-Americans take significantly longer than whites in seeking treatment for the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (3.2 hours to 2 hours). Target Population, Sample, and Setting Who is the target population for the study?            The target population of the study is African-Americans who had acute myocardial infarction. What sampling method was used?            Quota sampling is being used in this study. The stratums of the population that have the criteria are selected. From this stratum, convenience or judgment is used to select the 64 subjects for the study. What are the sample inclusion and exclusion criteria? If not stated, what would you say they are? Inclusion criteria – African-Americans, who had acute myocardial infarction, 18 years and older, who could understand and speak English, conscious and properly oriented, living as in their communities independently, had a steady circulatory system. Exclusion (not mentioned) – Whites, individual below 18 years of age, non-English speaking, those who were not properly oriented. In what way(s) is the sample large enough?            The study was reasonably large enough as it was conducted in 5 hospitals, in 2 areas of a state. In what way(s) is the sample representative of the population?            The sample represents an important portion of the population. This group is one that acute myocardial infarction can occur. African-Americans are a major group of USA. Adults are being used in the study. Besides, English-speaking portion of the population is being studied. Is the setting appropriate for this study? Explain your answer.            Yes, the settings are appropriate for this study. The study s being conducted within a month after the individual had myocardial infarction. This ensures full recovery from the attack and also fresh memories of the event. Data Collection Describe data collection instrument/measurement tools.            Data was being collected by personal interview a month after the acute myocardial infarction. In what way is the support for instrument validity and reliability adequate for use in this study?            The study was being conducted on individuals who were alert, properly oriented, above 18 years of age and who could speak and understand English. The chance of the results being not reliable was less. However, some individuals may not exactly remember the pre-hospital delay. In what way(s) are the instruments used appropriate for this study?            The instruments used were appropriate for the study, as most of the question being asked were based on general facts (such as marital status, insurance, general health status, etc). Describe procedures used for data collection.            Before conducting the study, approval had been sought from the appropriate institutional review board and all other participating groups. Then the patients who met the criteria were being selected, from 5 hospitals in 2 areas of the State. They were being studied from April, 2003 to June, 2004. The subjects were appropriately diagnosed for acute myocardial infarction based on the history, laboratory tests, ECG and a surgical intervention. They were interviewed within a month after the attack, to ensure that they had recovered fully, as well as not forgotten details of the event. Data Analysis Are the statistical tests used identified and the values reported?            Yes, statistical tests are being used in this study, namely: – independent t tests and chi square tests. Values were also being provided from the 2 groups being compared (namely: – males V. females, insured V. non-insured, single V. married, etc). Are the statistics appropriate for the level of measurement of each variable, sample size, sampling method, and research questions/hypotheses?            Yes the statistics are appropriate for each variable, sample size, sampling method and research hypothesis. What is the level of statistical significance used in interpreting the study results? Was this stated or implied?            The results have been interpreted to the 0.01 level, thus showing that they are reliable. This was implied. Ethical aspects Ethical issues What way(s) have the rights of human subjects been adequately protected during this study? The human subjects were being adequately protected during the study. No identity of any subject has been given. 3 out of the 64 chosen from the study were being allowed to opt out. The subjects were being adequate amount of time to fully recover from the acute myocardial infarction. Besides, only individuals above the age of 18 and those who were conscious, alert and well-oriented were chosen. 2. was the research approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board or similar ethics review committee?            Yes, only after seeking prior approval from the appropriate institutional review board and all the participative groups, was the study being conducted. Interpretive Aspects Discussion What are two major strengths of the scientific rigor of the study?            The two major strengths of the scientific rigor of this study includes:- The sampling method used was a quota sampling method, in which the stratums of the population that have the criteria are selected. From this stratum convenience or judgment is used to select the 64 subjects for the study. Independent t tests and chi square tests were being employed to study the several factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay.            These were most appropriate in this case.       Do the figures and tables illuminate the presentation of results?            The figures give us an exact idea of the role each and every factor was playing on the pre-hospital delay. The figures suggest that the findings are more reliable.  Are study limitations identified? If so, what are the two major limitations of the scientific rigor of the study?            The two major limitations of the scientific rigor of this study:- The chances of errors in this study are high as the data collecting methods are not appropriate (subject may not remember the period of the pre-hospital delay). The factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delays may not be specific to the African-American group. The study did not concentrate on several other associated factors such as socio-economic status, rural-urban divide, educational levels, etc. In what way(s) are the implications of the study findings appropriate?            The study shows that the pre-hospital delay was longer than one hour. This meant that the individual was not going to benefit much from reperfusion therapy. The study also showed that perceived racism did not affect the pre-hospital delay much. What recommendations for nursing practice and future research have been made?            Some of the recommendations that have been made include: – Educating the patients and their families. Lowering the pre-hospital time. Further research in studying the role of other associated factors. Summary and Conclusions In what way(s) are the conclusions of the study appropriate?            The study goes on to show the present state of affairs in African-Americans. As the pre-hospital delay was significantly longer than one hour, they are not going to benefit much from reperfusion therapy (the benefits of such therapy is best when administered within an hour after the onset of symptoms and signs of acute myocardial infarction). Besides, the study has also suggested that only through adequate education and counseling of the patients and their families, could the outcome be improved (to enable shorter pre-hospital delays). The study has not only shown, the various factors that play an important role in prolonging the pre-hospital delay, but has also suggested that such delays should be decreased in order to improve the benefits, prognosis and survival rates. Do the benefits of the study outweigh the risks?            Yes, the benefits of the study definitely outweigh the risks. Many studies conducted in the past have shown that African-Americans take longer time than Whites to seek medical help for the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. However, it is the first study that has demonstrated the various factors associated with prolonged pre-hospital delay in African-Americans. Presentation and Stylistic Aspects Title Does the title of the article accurately describe the study? In what way does it or does it not?            The title describes the study. It demonstrates the various factors responsible for the prolonging the pre-hospital delay in African-American with the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. However, such factors may not be specific only to the African-American Community. They could even exist in other communities. Further studies are required to assess the role of similar factors on other communities and the role of other factors on the African-American community. Is the language used in the title understandable and informative?            Yes, the language used in the title is simple, understandable and informative. Complicated words are seldom being used. Is the title clear and concise?            Yes, the title is clear and concise. It gives us an idea briefly of the problems and the factors the study is going to assess. Researcher Qualifications Are researcher(s) qualifications presented?            Yes, the researches full qualifications are presented in the Abstract. Angela D. Banks is a Registered Nurse and has completed her PhD. Kathleen Dracup is also a Registered Nurse and has done her DNSc (Doctor of Nursing Science). Are researcher(s) qualified to conduct the research? Justify your answer.            Yes, both researchers are qualified to conduct research in this field. Emergency management of acute myocardial infarction requires appropriate Nursing Services. Evidence-Based Nursing Management will help solve problems encountered by the nurses through:- Identifying the problem using current and appropriate nursing information and practices. Searching relevant research data for a suitable option Studying the option for evidence using criteria established. Choosing the most appropriate intervention. This study is conducted using scientific methods and current nursing knowledge. The conclusion suggested is also based on current medical evidence. Abstract Does the abstract contain enough information about the study so the reader understands essence of article?            Yes, the abstract contains enough information so as to give the reader an idea of the article. Does the abstract state the purpose of the study, problems investigated, research question or hypothesis, study design and methods used, sample, instruments used, results or findings?            Yes the abstract brieflTitle of Articley states the purpose of the study, problems investigated, research question, hypothesis, study design and methods used, sample, instruments used, results. It eve suggests ways the problem can be solved. Is the abstract 100 to 200 words in length?            The abstract is about 225 words in length and is roughly within its limits. Presentation Does the format of the article follow the research process?            Yes, the format follows the research process.  Is the article organized and sufficiently concise?            No, the article is not well-organized. The article is concise.  Is the article written using correct grammar and sentence structure?            Yes, the grammar is reasonably correct and the sentence structure is normal.  Do cited references appear in reference list?            Yes, the references do appear in the list.  Are cited references current?            Some of the references are not current. References Allende, J.E. (2004), â€Å"Rigor – The essence of scientific work†, Electron. J. Biotechnol, vol. 7, no. 1. http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?pid=S0717-34582004000100001&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en Banks, A.D. and Dracup, K. (2006), â€Å"Factors associated with prolonged prehospital delay of African Americans with acute myocardial infarction.†, Am J Crit Care, vol. 15, no. 2, March. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16501134&dopt=Abstract http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-5363827/Factors-associated-with-prolonged-prehospital.html Emden, C. and Hancock, H. (1996), Oral presentation: Scientific rigor and qualitative research, [Online], Available: http://www.cochrane.org/colloquia/abstracts/adelaide/ADELO218.htm, [Accessed: 2006, October 31]. Gurtwiz, J.H. et al (1997), â€Å"Delayed Hospital Presentation in Patients Who Have Had Acute Myocardial Infarction†, Annals of Int Med, vol. 126, no. 8, 15th April, pp. 593-599. http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/abstract/126/8/593?ck=nck Indiana University (2001), Unit 4: Descriptive Designs, [Online], Available: http://www.indiana.edu/~educy520/topic_intro/520topic_4.html#designs, [Accessed: 2006, October 31]. JJEC (1998), Glossary, [Online], Available: http://www.jrsa.org/jjec/resources/definitions.html, [Accessed: 2006, October 31]. Stat Pac (1997), Survey Sampling Methods, [Online], Available: http://www.statpac.com/surveys/sampling.htm, [Accessed: 2006, October 31]. Trochim, WM.K. (2006), External Validity, [Online], Available: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/external.htm, [Accessed: 2006, October 31]. Trochim, WM.K. (2006), Single Group Threats, [Online], Available: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/intsing.htm, [Accessed: 2006, October 31]. University of Minnesota (2001), Evidence Based Nursing, [Online], Available: http://evidence.ahc.umn.edu/ebn.htm , [Accessed: 2006, October 31].
Friday, August 30, 2019
Careers is Purposeful
In my opinion, this course should sway from promoting improving learning skills to actually researching careers and options. As a student, I have felt inclined to only research careers that are somewhat related to my learning skills. Not to mention, this course encourages everyone to become the â€Å"model citizen†. It directs my attention from planning my career pathway to become an all-around person based on improving my weaknesses. I also believe that the assignments are too much alike each other.It would have been reasonable if learning skills and working habits were Just in the first unit. However, since It has carried all the way to the culminating, I have often found myself going back to my previous assignments and repeating parts of my answers. For instance, I liked the idea of having a Doctor Issues revisited but the results were far from promising. I understand that it's an online course, but how much are you going to change your perspectives about what you think Is a â€Å"good path†In about a week?To Improve this course, I would suggest focusing on more post-secondary options that are available to us. I found the concept of co-pop programs and apprenticeship programs very confusing. The websites I found did not clearly explain how to apply to them and what you can do after that. Although I thought It was beneficial to compare the pros ND cons of college and university, I felt that the Information pertaining to degrees and other Information was missed. Specifically, telling students to research a career of Interest Is not as helpful as telling us what we can do with each degree.Whilst we will be choosing our university In the upcoming years, It would have been beneficial to give us tips on what to look for when choosing a university. For the purpose of self-regulation, the Careers course has done a good Job. However, In terms of assisting me with my career options and pathway, It has not been as purposeful as It could have been. Assign ments Like Planning All Possible Pathways are excellent assignments to assist students with the career planning. I think that If this course Implements some of my Ideas Like this, then It can be more purposeful and beneficial.Careers is Purposeful By armillary learning skills and working habits were Just in the first unit. However, since it has perspectives about what you think is a â€Å"good path†in about a week? To improve this what you can do after that. Although I thought it was beneficial to compare the pros and cons of college and university, I felt that the information pertaining to degrees and other information was missed. Specifically, telling students to research a career of interest is not as helpful as telling us what we can do with each degree.Whilst we will be choosing our university in the upcoming years, it would have been beneficial self-regulation, the Careers course has done a good Job. However, in terms of assisting me with my career options and pathway, it has not been as purposeful as it could have been. Assignments like Planning All Possible Pathways are excellent assignments to assist students with the career planning. I think that if this course implements some of my ideas like this, then it can be more purposeful and
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Methods on muslim arrange marriages Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Methods on muslim arrange marriages - Essay Example This essay discusses that a majority of the persons questioned disagreed with the institution of arranged marriages. Arranged marriages could possibly be a better institution of marriage because it creates stability of families and therefore better protection of children. The main problem with arranged marriages is that it devalues the equality and the role of women. In the Western world where women’s equality is paramount then this makes it a negative institution in the eyes of the West. Yet is it possible that their views are distorted by Westernized beliefs that arranged marriages are in the interests of connections and affluence, i.e. selling their daughter on the basis of gaining a better status or money? The main positive that arranged marriages do have is that they last longer, therefore promoting more stability within the family home. This is the main positive that the questionnaire and the literature bore out, whilst the main negatives are the fact that the women†™s status is devalued. This is not agreed to by the older Western and Muslim generations because up until just the last 50 years arranged marriages were still present in the UK. Therefore not a wholly Muslim practice, which illustrates the current ignorance of youths today in the history and benefits of the practice. Rather, this paper would argue that the benefits and negatives have to be properly balanced and possibly and compromise be met where there a practice of bringing suitable suitors for sons and daughters together and allowing a free choice to be made.
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Taxation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2
Taxation - Essay Example In such a society, every member has the capacity to identify what is good, and has the right to discuss the concept with others and make necessary changes based on what is considered as the best for the society. Thus, it is clear that Rawlsian liberalism will support some kind of basic structure that is just. In sharp contrast, conservatism as a political philosophy advocates for the retention of the traditional social orders and institutions. Generally, the traditional conservatives oppose modernism and want to return to the traditional systems (Muller 36). A look into the history of Great Britain proves that conservatives like Burke justified aristocracy and the social order in order to preserve tradition, and for such people, community and social harmony were more important than social reforms. Over the years, conservatism took various forms with increased and decreased intensity, like liberal conservatism, conservative liberalism, libertarian conservatism, fiscal conservatism, gr een conservatism, cultural and social conservatism and so on (Muller 3). A look into the history of conservatism in the United States will show that its main characteristics over the years were support for traditional system, anti-communist attitude, demand for low taxes, limited rules and regulations, and a free market. In addition, one can see conservatives do not hesitate to criticize various environmental issues (Schneider, 45). This attitude was clearly exhibited by the stringent opposition to the rising role of government in health care. Thus, one gets an idea that generally, conservatism is against taxation. Liberalism and taxation Liberalism can be described as the political ideology which favors social progress by improvising laws instead of revolution. This social progress will touch all spheres including social, political and economic rights. That means this social philosophy advocates the removal of inequalities in all these spheres. According to Rawls theory of justice, states should possess enough power to take necessary steps to ensure that the poorest in society are as well-off as they can be. Rawls points out in his theory that an unequal distribution of wealth and income is acceptable if those at the bottom of the society are better off than it is possible under any other distribution (Rawls 85). According to liberalism as suggested by Rawls, it is necessary for the members in a society to decide a just social contract. Also, the scholar points out that it is necessary to eliminate the possibility of any morally arbitrary bargaining advantages from influencing the Basic Structure. In order to achieve this end, the scholar points out that all the bargainers in the society need to be kept behind a veil of ignorance (Rawls 113). That means the members are not aware about their natural gifts, social class background, and such other factors. These members would agree to two principles in general; firstly, each person has an equal right to the most extensive liberties, and secondly, social and economic inequalities should be arranged in such a way that the least advantaged gets the greatest benefit (Rawls 143). Thus, the Difference principle as proposed by Rawls is the very basis of the claim that taxation will be welcomed by liberalism. This principle claims that society can initiate such projects which require giving more power to some people in terms of income and status if the initiative meets two criteria. Firstly, it can offer a better life to the worst off by
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Global Information System - Software Piracy Research Paper
Global Information System - Software Piracy - Research Paper Example The availability of pirated software over the internet free of cost or a minimal cost is the main issue to be considered by the company. Internet laws in the Asian countries do exist but most of the countries such as Pakistan and Nepal do not take any action for the distribution of pirated copies of software. With the increase in broadband penetration and download speed, it is very difficult to manage the software assets by a company in Asian region. Torrents and other sites on the internet which charge a minimal price from the consumers for software are increasing every day. However, the main problem for the software companies is not the home users but the small businesses and firms, which purchase non-branded PCs and get pirated software bundled with it (Business Software Alliance, 2009). Many managers in the Asian countries fail to implement the policies of managing their software assets and they purchase pirated copies of software in order to cut costs. These managers and even owners to small and medium businesses fail to understand the benefits efficiencies of original software use. Most of the firms and management in these Asian countries do not get proper education or training on the issue of software piracy (Coombes, 2010). The global economic recession has caused many firms to give up their policies on software policies as they are not able to bear the huge cost of purchasing new software for their business needs. The buying power of the households has also fallen which is one of the many factors of increasing rates in piracy. However, the company should not forget that the Asia Pacific is the hardest hit region by the economic crisis in the world. The future economic improvements in these countries are also uncertain as these countries are under development and not yet part of the developed world. Another issue that the software firm has to consider is the spread of internet access which is driving up the level of piracy. Over the next five
Monday, August 26, 2019
The status of Public Space Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words
The status of Public Space - Essay Example This fact can be explained by the relationship between architect and life. More specifically, because architecture is closely connected with daily human activities (in all their aspects) its relationship with specific social and political theories and views would be considered as a normal phenomenon. Public can be closely related with architecture. As a term opposed with the individual as a unit, public has to be regarded as a fundamental element of political development in all eras. ‘Polis’ is considered to be a ‘creation’ of the Greek philosophers. Using this term they referred to a general social framework covering a specific geographic area which is represented by the modern ‘city’. However, ‘polis’ was something more. In fact, this term had the meaning of a society in which the relationships of the citizens was close and their dependence on the political power did not based on the fear of the power of politicians to impose specific measures. It was rather a relationship of trust. In accordance with Arendt (p. 195) ‘the original, prephilosophic Greek remedy for this frailey had been the foundation of the polis; the pollis as it grew out of and remained rooted in the Greek pre-pollis experience and estimate of what mak es it worthwhile for men to live together’. In other words, Arendt finds a strong relationship between the ‘pollis’ as described above and the development of society in ancient Greece. In modern societies, the development of life is also considered to be depended on the political decisions and the general political context of each particular state. Because of the above relationship between the social and political life, the lives of people cannot be considered as organized outside of existed social frameworks as they have been developed within states throughout the years. In this context, public can have many aspects – its social and political
Sunday, August 25, 2019
American economy today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
American economy today - Essay Example r of the unemployed people in the US, which initially stood at 12.1 million, was decreased by around 0.5 million in September, leaving the unemployed people totaling to 11.6 million (Rugaber, 2012). Additionally, there was an overall economic growth of 0.7%, raising the annual economic growth rate to 2% from an initial 1.3%, during the quarter of April-June 2012 (Rugaber, 2012). The state of deficit and debt is not promising, since the US deficits and debt is growing at a higher rate than the GDP. This has the impact of requiring a substantial amount of revenue to be used in covering the interests payable to these debts (Rugaber, 2012). The inflation rate has been on the decline, standing at 2% from the historical average of 3.3% by September 2012 (Rugaber, 2012). The prices of commodities have been increasing constantly but at a lower margin of 0.6 by September of this year. Foreign trade has constantly decreased, marked by a reduction in US exports, while competition for foreign tr ade has significantly grown, notably from the Asian giants (Rugaber, 2012). The wages and income distribution has continuously recorded a great deal of inequality, with the gap between the highest and the lowest earners significantly increasing (Rugaber,
Saturday, August 24, 2019
A reflective paper of 1000 words discussing design work and research Essay
A reflective paper of 1000 words discussing design work and research methods - Essay Example 2. With regards to the supply side, how did the changes in tourist behavior and preference affected the travel industry in terms of profitability and viability? Were there any large scale closures/ bankruptcy of tourism related service providers because of the change in customer behavior? According to a 2006 survey of corporate executives travel behavior and preferences conducted by Wainhouse Research, a market research firm based in the United States, out of 480 middle- and upper-management respondents, 63 percent affirmed that their propensity to take trips have lowered due to several factors such as war, terrorism, security inspections, new budgetary restraints and the like. This was in line with the results of their 2002 survey where 44 percent indicated restricting their trips abroad and at home. The results of the 2006 survey are significant since the 2002 results were obtained in the immediate wake of the 9/11 attacks where people do tend to prefer not traveling. It just goes to show that even after 4 years marked by strict security measures, people still do not want to expose themselves to the risks. (ISES, 2006) According to Market Research, an online company selling its business research, the USA and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in security consciousness with heavy monitoring in areas with people traffic very much high. The development came about after the wake of the 9/11 attack. (Market Research, 2005) It is expected that the 9/11 event would certainly negatively affect the global travel industry. For such a nation boasting itself as the leader in ensuring security with high-tech devices and well-planned systems, the United States saw the twin icons of its economic supremacy fall down right before their eyes. Pentagon, the country’s icon of military supremacy was also targeted. Passenger airplanes rushed and crashed on the structures. The message was clear- no one is safe
No topic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
No topic - Research Paper Example The higher nature of Prakriti includes things that are regarded as life force which hold all living things on earth. Therefore, it stresses that all the living things emerges from prakriti’s two fold levels. All living things melts in a universal Prakriti at the end of their lives while at the start of creation, God breathes new life in them and they live again. The Purusha on the other hand, is responsible for creating all living or existing communities and the entire creation both in motion and stagnant. The Prakriti represents the mind and the body with all their components while Purusha represents the inside witness ego or spirit which is the clean conscience that lives beyond human mind and senses (Giles 82). Further, it is significant to note that the purusha represents the collective cosmic male whose endurance leads in the evidence of world and life. By enduring the hardships and pains, it forms the basis for one to liberate or free himself from evils of this world. The idea of purusha is well entrenched in the Vedas specifically the purushasukta which explains how the world’s were formed and how beings were given power to live in accordance to natural laws. Further, it illustrates that the social order of the worlds was build from the purusha. The purusha exists in two types; the perishable and the imperishable. In this case, the body is perceived as perishable while the soul is seen as the imperishable. An important note is that the Supreme Being does not comprise any of these features because he is beyond Prakriti. The supreme being posses the highest qualities and is above the inner self, sustains and protects the world he created by guiding them in right path. The Prakriti takes care of the dual sense and illusion of living things. Therefore, all major transformations occur because of Prakriti. Via the connection with the ‘gunas’ it binds the inner soul to the sense of objects and hence leads to birth of
Friday, August 23, 2019
Dissenminating Evidence O BESITY IN cHILDREN Essay
Dissenminating Evidence O BESITY IN cHILDREN - Essay Example Decision makers are identified as senior health workers who have the powers of implementation of policies in the health facility. It also includes local government representatives who rationalize ideas generated from research and scientific studies of this nature and make them work (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.a). For these decision makers, the strategy to disseminate the information to them is through the use of formal memos or proposals, outlining the key findings of the research and explaining to them why it would be a prudent decision to implement the ideas within the identified setting in a bid to battling obesity in children. The reason for choosing a memo or a formal proposal is that it makes the dissemination more official, making it possible for the issues raised in the memo to be considered at all levels of official or formal decision making meetings. The nursing community is identified to include colleague nurses and other health professionals who work mainly as service providers to patients. Because the battle against obesity in children have been identified to be a collective task that cannot be implemented successfully without the involvement of other nursing officers within the nursing community, the findings and ideas shall be made available to them also. The strategy of dissemination has been targeted to be the use of fliers, which will be made up of summary of the objective of the study, key findings of the study, as well as approaches to tackling obesity in children. Because of the target group involved, which is the nursing community, the researcher shall ensure that the specific roles and duties needed to be played by these nurses will also be clearly outlined on the flier. It is the hope of the researcher that because fliers are very handy and portable, nurses, who are normally busy with patient care can easily carry them in their bags and purse and take them home and use them in their own
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Marine General Brute Krulak Essay Example for Free
Marine General Brute Krulak Essay In writing the book First in Fight, the legendry Marine General Brute Krulak has submitted an unparalleled assessment of the US Marines. The book gives details of the fighting on the battlefield as also a detail of the Marine’s life when not at war. He has skillfully blended autobiography with history, analysis with action and separated facts from legend. General Krulak has touched upon the core qualities of the Corps in narrating the implications of being a Marine and the reasons for its outstanding and consistent performance. The general has also addressed the most pertinent and challenging issues regarding the Corps. A thorough analysis has been made about how the Corps manages to survive and to prosper despite the awesome political hurdles and the adversities it has to face in a routine manner. In explaining the unique characteristics of the Corps, General Krulak has delved into the core structure on which it has been built. What emerges is a system that is intensely loyal to God, the country and to other colleagues. A close look has been taken at the war practices of the Marines whereby stimulating details of their actions and experiences have been outlined in regard to World War II and the wars in Vietnam and Korea. Additionally, he has also described the relationship that the Corps enjoys with other services by giving special reference to the battles of unification that were fought in the aftermath of World War II. New insights have been offered in regard to the processes of decision making during times of emergency. First in Fight is a book that makes for appealing reading. It covers details of General Krulack’s personal experiences while he was engaged in the battle for the union of the armed forces. The book also explains very effectively how the entire chain of command of the US Military is set up and managed (Victor H. Krulak, 1999). References Victor H. Krulak, First to Fight: An Inside View of the U. S. Marine Corps, 1999, US Naval Institute Press
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Marketing Plan for Mitsubishi Smart Fridge
Marketing Plan for Mitsubishi Smart Fridge Product/ Business Idea Mission The mission of Mitsubishi smart fridge is to promote the household with innovative technologies, products that design that improves their lives and contribute to a socially responsible and sustainable future. The products will provide convenient, efficiency and smart technology which covers the function of internet access, inventory control and food management function. The product is deliver promise of the Internet of Things. SMART objectives The specific objective of the smart fridge for the first year is to create awareness and educate the consumers about the introduction of smart fridge and its advantages as it is new to the market. Besides, it is target that the smart fridge can receive at least 1,000 pre-orders after the awareness and educate program within six months, as well as improve the total sales by 30% after two years launched. Through the awareness and education program, customers will make known with the smart fridge and this then can reducing the additional cost for advertising by 20% such as advertisements and strengthen the position of the new Mitsubishi smart fridge against the other brand. The overall budget for the awareness and education program was used up to S$50,000. It is estimate that after two years launched, each month can sell 1,000 units of smart fridge to the private household who stay at private or landed properties via developer as a mediator. It is targeted the sales of smart fridge growth by 30% after two years launched and 35% 45% of sales for the following years. The total sales figures that are measurable for the business are between S$100,000 – S$500,000 dollars. The objectives that are set must be achievable and feasible to achieve by the company. First year, the company create awareness program and educate their customers as it is new to the market. The program educates people on how to use the smart fridge to make their lives easier and connected with the fridge everywhere and anytime. Besides, the company can cooperate and liaise with the private properties’ developer for the new building job and target those new household who will move in and stay at private properties and selling in a bulk quantity with some discounts such as 300 units of smart fridge for total 500 households who will stay at those private properties. It is about 60% of the sales target at one property area. Moreover, the company should provide training and development program for their employees in order to better understand their main purpose of the smart fridge and how well of the smart fridge function before they can promote to the customers, Based on research, the market demand for the electrical appliances and housewares grow by 5.9% in 2012 and 6.8% in 2013. It is important to provide timing for each objective in order to be achieving within the time bound. As smart fridge is new for market and consumers are unfamiliar with it. Therefore, it is important to create awareness program in the first year to introduce and make the consumers aware of the products. The next following year, company should educate their consumers on how the smart fridge can improve the lives more convenient and efficient. For the third year, the company should have return profits and value margin for total 40% of the total sales and hold 25% of the market share. Mitsubishi smart fridge is a new to the business within the established markets and is considered as additions to existing product lines. The new functions have included in the fridge such as the interactive screen install at the fridge door that provide function of internet access and inventory control. Mitsubishi smart fridge is a premium product whose target group, medium to upper level household people whose stay at private properties with high standard of life and busy working. This target group normally has relatively medium to high income since the pricing for the smart fridge is slightly higher than normal fridge. The main competitor is Samsung with its well-established products and strong positive image and reputation in the marketplace. Nowadays, the image of the company is created and made known by its customers. Therefore, the success of the business is depend on how well they can meet the diverse customer’s needs and wants by treating each customer as unique and offering the products that meet and suit their needs and wants. Positioning Statement Positioning Statement for Mitsubishi Fridge in Singapore â€Å"In order to improve the lives of Singapore families, Mitsubishi is the electronics that offers customers convenient and faster result†. Mitsubishi smart fridge is a new products in the market and considered quality and premium smart fridge with internet access and inventory control function. Mitsubishi smart fridge is target medium to upper class households by improving their lives easier, convenient and efficiency with smart, connected and ambient technology. There are many benefits and advantages that can provided by the smart fridge. Firstly, the smart fridge can connect remotely with smartphone and tablet and allows the user to search recipes and other cooking info that are teaching in step-by step. For who’s seldom cooking, it is convenient for them just checking the recipes and starts their cooking. Besides, the smart fridge include food management function that also can use smartphone to check the ingredients left inside and give the idea to buy the ingredients for cooking when the people are not in home. Moreover, it can provide information for the user for running low on certain items inside the fridge. The smart fridge also closely monitored the food that are sensitive to spoiling and record the dare and keep track when the foods are removed or disappear from the fridge and the expiry dates. This function encourages the users for well planning on how to use the food that are closely expiry to reduce wastage and additional food costs. Currently, smart fridge is still not introduce by others fridge brands that are selling in Singapore. Only oversea country, there have this types of smart fridge. So, it is the competitive advantages compare to other brands that are still consider normal fridge and can’t even allow internet access and inventory control. As standard of living is getting higher and higher and some parts of lives are replace by technology. Most people have their own smartphone and can connect by 7 days and 24 hours. Thus, the smart fridge which included the function of internet access and inventory control can allow the user who is busy working planning their cooking menus and frequently check their fridge ingredients on their leisure time. Mitsubishi smart fridge offers and installs equipment such as interactive screen installs at the door that can connected directly with the internet and food management function to keep track the expiry dates and ingredients left inside the fridge for better planning to creates green environment by reduce wastage and save additional food costs. This can suit the needs and wants of consumers and advices them better for saving.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
The issue of gender in Cambodia
The issue of gender in Cambodia Gender problem is considered as a global issue which exists not only in developing country but also in developed country. As a developing country in South-East Asia, Cambodia is known as a hierarchically ordered society. In all areas of development and administration, women always take the partnership with men. Unfortunately, they still cannot access to all equal rights, shares of benefits, opportunities, and values. Although Cambodia has reached the age of globalization, women still have been regarded as the lower group because of gender inequality. Cambodian womens choices have been in one particular limit as the result of cultural and traditional norms which is seen in many aspects of Cambodian society such as family, education, workplace and politics. Traditionally, Cambodian families value the men more than women as a Cambodian said that the men are a piece of gold when it is dropped in mud, is still a piece of gold while the women are a piece of cloth, once it is stained, stained forever. Normally, women are responsible for doing household chores and lacking of decision-making as well as giving birth while the men go outside for work to earn money and they are controversial and powerful in the family. Thus, when facing any problems, men always use their power to deal with such situation that sometime, they great physical abuse or any kinds of violence to rule over the women. Moreover, there are many reasons regarding to the wide gap between men and women of accessing of education. Firstly, Cambodian people believe that men are more important than women because men can go out to work while women have to stay at home to do the housework. Furthermore, parents do not allow their daughters to go to school because of some factors regarding security and reputation. As another Cambodian said that a family which has a daughter is not different from a family that has a toilet in front of the house. As a result, women in the past were not allowed to study because she could be stubborn, and write a love letter to men. Furthermore, after all daughters get married, they have to stay at home and to be fed by her husband. Therefore, she does not need to study. In addition, if a poor family can afford only one child to study, the family will choose son to study instead of daughter. According to an interview to a poor family which moved to Phnom Penh city from Prey Veng p rovince ten years ago that has one son and two daughters that is conducted by our group shown that both of the two daughters are not allowed to go to school because they have to work in the garment factories in order to support their brothers education. Finally, their brother now has become an upper-secondary school teacher at Santhormok High School in Phnom Penh city while they both are illiteracy. According to ADB, DFID/UK, UNDP, UNIFEM, and WB (2004, p.46) states that mens wages is 33 percent higher than womens wages depend on an individuals age and education. Moreover, Ministry of Planning (1999) says that the largest wage differences between males and females exist among young worker aged 15 to 29 with no schooling (75 percent), while the smallest differences exist among workers aged 30 to 39 years with lower secondary schooling (As cited in ADB et al., 2004, p.46), so it shows that there is substantial wage discrimination against women, and young women in particular labor markets. In addition, Cambodia Development Resource Institute (2003) says that the average daily wage for men in fishing is about 5,000 riels ($1.25), while women earn only 83 percent of that amount; in fish processing men earn about 4,150 riels ($1.13) per day and women earn 63 percent of that wage (As cited in ADB et al., 2004, p.46). Furthermore, The participatory poverty assessment (ADB, 2001) in Camb odia found that womens wage is less than mens wage where there is limited waged employment locally even they are doing the same work. For example, men can earn up to 5,000 riels (US$1.25) per day working as casual laborers while women will receive only up to 2,500 riels for the same work. In the poverty assessment shows that this differences wage is because of three reasons. First, there are some jobs that women cannot do well as men. Second, women take more time off during the day. The last reason is that it didnt matter anyway because it all went back in to the household finances (As cited in ADB et al., 2004, p.46). In addition, the rate of womens voice in politics is still low in Cambodia. Even though all men and women are equal in voting, there are still less women who represent in the parliament than men. For instance, there were only 5 percent of women candidates in 1993, and there were only five among of them won the election and joined the national assembly (ADB et al., 2004, p.125). Furthermore, this rate has been increasing very slowly. For example, there were 11.5 percent in 1998 and 12.2 percent in 2003 of women who are elected (ADB et al., 2004, p.125). In addition, the numbers of women participation in each political party are also lower than men. In 2003, only 8 out of 73 seats in Cambodian People Party, 4 out of 26 seats in Funcinpec Party, and 3 out of 24 seats in Sam Rainsy Party were women candidates (ADB et al., 2004, p.126).In short, these data represents that women are given less value than men in Cambodia politics. However, some people state that the gender inequality in Cambodia is shaped by biology. Women are physically born weaker than men so mostly they are responsible for mothering work such as deliver and to look after the babies, and stay at home to do housework while men go out for work and become breadwinner, so men have power to control the family. This point has some merit on the surface. However, pregnant is only a temporary time for women to produce the baby, and this time they can do some house work. Then, after they deliver the baby, they can go out for work as the men do such as a teacher, a doctor, an architecture, etc. In conclusion, according to the four aspects such as family, education, workplace, and politics that have mentioned above, we can analyze that culture is an essential factor that causes the gender inequality between men and women. Women have to do housework and to give birth, so they do not have chance to be educated which becomes the obstacle for them to find a well paid job. Moreover, because of the education of women still in limit, their participant in politic is also in a small number. Actually, it is really hard for women to change their culture without any supporting from men. As a result, in order to motivate people to understand more about gender inequality effectively, both government and non-government organizations need to be strongly facilitated in making policy to encouraging women knowing their right of sharing and making decision. Moreover, he has to develop the laws for violence against women, and provide more motivate girl to be educated, women to join literacy prog ram that can help them to build up their social values, so that it will develop the country because we have enough human resources. Men and women are the two elements which are inseparable from one another. They both are like the left and right hands of a country. Without one of them, a countrys development will be stuck. Moreover, women also should accept the opportunity that provided by the men. Word Counted: 1,284
Monday, August 19, 2019
Essays --
On November 28th, 1942 a fire broke out in Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston. The fire killed approximately 492 people, injuring 166, and impacting numerous others (Cocoanut Grove Fire). This event became known as one of the deadliest nightclub fires of its time. The causes for such a devastating event can be analyzed using utilitarian ethics presented by John Stuart Mill. The decisions made by the owners of the nightclub will be evaluated as being right or wrong based on utilitarian theory. The utilitarian ethics theory in a nutshell basically states that â€Å"the good is the well-being of all, impartially considered (Riley 68).†What is emphasized in utilitarian theory is that the greatest good be produced for the greatest number of people. This brings up the question of what â€Å"good†actually is. Many utilitarian theorists believe there are two kinds of good, intrinsic and instrumental. Intrinsic good is good considered just by itself while all other things are instruments for gaining the intrinsic goods (Schinzinger 55). Mill believes that the only intrinsic good is happiness and thus the emphasis can be rewritten as the greatest happiness produced for the greatest number of people. In other words, happiness is basically the only thing desirable as an end in itself. However, once again we ask the question of what happiness really is. When explaining his utilitarian theory, Mill separates happiness into two types, the higher and the lower (Mill Ch.2 ). Mill defines the higher happiness as being that of humans including such qualities as justice, creativity, morality and nobility. On the other hand, the lower happiness is that which is associated with animals and is purely pleasure based. Using these two types of happiness, Riley c... ...at the owner did not act like Socrates dissatisfied but instead he acted like a fool. In other words, in this case the owner did not act like a smart man with dissatisfaction because of lack of money, but instead he acted like a fool with plenty of money. This fool believes that having more money is the ultimate happiness, when in reality it is only a stepping-stone towards happiness. In the aftermath of the Cocoanut Grove fire, building codes were amended by adding two outward-opening exit doors next to revolving doors, clearly marking exits that could be unlocked from within and keeping every exit unobstructed, requiring sprinklers and emergency lighting. (Boston Fire). However, due to poor decisions and management, the rapid spread of the fire and the intense heat & toxic smoke resulted in the majority of people inside the Grove to never have a chance to escape.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Astronomers Wife †Just a Simple Complex Tale :: Astronomers Wife Essays
Astronomers Wife – Just a Simple Complex Tale     Kay Boyle's literary piece titled "Astronomers Wife", is a mental exercise. Every word and every line has an important meaning to it. Interpretation is a critical skill in understanding everything Boyle's story has to offer. Although this piece has a lot of sophistication to it, the story line is rather simple. The time period is the early 1900's and the story is regarding a rather young husband and a wife, in there late twenties to mid thirties. The couple lives out on the country side of the United States where houses are far from one another and the land is scenically beautiful. Although their surroundings are beautiful, the couples marriage is not. There is no love expressed between the two. Mrs. Ames goes about her daily routine, day in and day out. Mr. Ames is an astronomy professor who has more love for his profession than for his wife. The professor is a quiet man who uses his wife as somebody to cook his food, clean his clothes, and take care of the house. Mrs. Ames, a young woman in her late twenties, is living the life of sixty year old lady. Her days have no excitement in them what so ever. She isn't able to experience the stimulating life there is to live at her age. The couple does have a young woman servant who is there to help, which shows the two are doing fine financially. One night Mrs. Ames heard the sound of water in the hallway outside the bedroom. The next morning she got up bright and early to deal with the problem of the overflowing toilet by contacting a plumber. The plumber comes to the house and the young servant girl answers the door. She calls up to Mrs. Ames and tells her the man is here. Mrs. Ames gets up, puts on her white and scarlet smock, and in a whispering voice, as not to wake her husband, tells the man to come up the stairs. He does so politely, and right away, gets to his job of soaking up the large puddle in the middle of the upstairs hallway. The plumber is respectful and has manors, something Mrs. Ames notices considerably that is missing from her husband. After staring at the toilet for a few minutes, the plumber tells Mrs. Ames
Slave Trading Essay -- Slavery
â€Å"African slavery is the corner-stone of the industrial, social, and political fabric of the South; and whatever wars against it, wars against her very existence. Strike down the institution of African slavery and you reduce the South to depopulation and barbarism.†–Lawerence Keitt, South Carolina Congressman, 1860 Slave trading dates back to ancient times, but it did not become popular until the fifteenth century when the Portugese began engaging in slave trading for profit. The colonization of the Americas brought about a new wave of slave importation in the late seventeenth century. A large percentage of the indentured servants and Native Americans were dying from diseases bought to the land by Europeans, and the American colonists were forced to look elsewhere for laborers. They discovered that African Americans were virtually immune to tropical diseases, cheap to import, and were experienced agrarians, so they championed slavery under the premise that African Americans were inferior to their own race. Because slaves were cheap, it was much easier for a planter to work a slave to his death and replace him with another than to treat him well. By the end of the seventeenth century, African American were being imported to the Americas and sold to planters by the thousands. Slavery, indeed, bec ame the â€Å"cornerstone†of America’s economic success. Without the grueling labor of the slaves, the booming sugar, rice, cotton, and tobacco industries would have ceased to exist in the New World. As the Americas evolved from a simple farming society into an agricultural stronghold, settlers became more and more dependent on slavery. By the mid-eighteenth century, slaves vastly outnumbered colonists. During the seventeenth, eight... ...audah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself, volume 1, 70-88. Thomas Clarkson, The History of the Rise, Progress, and Accomplishments of the African Slave Trade by the British Parliament. Ibid. Ibid. Equiano, 70-88. Ibid. Solomon Northup, Twelve Years A Slave, 78-82. Equanio, 70-88. Ibid. â€Å"Management of Slaves, &c,†The Farmer’s Register: A Monthly Publication Devoted to the Improvement of the Practice and Support of the Interests of Agriculture 5, 10 May 1837, 32-33. Ibid. Samuel G. Howe, in John W. Blassingame, Slave Testimony, American Freedmen’s Inquiry Commission Interviews, 386. Ibid. Howe, 385. Ibid. Howe, 386. Joint Select Committee Chairman, Testimony Taken by the Joint Select Committee to Inquire Into the Condition of Affairs in the Late Insurrectionary States, volume 1, 1862, 411-412. Ibid. Ibid.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Why Hemp Prduction Should Be Legal in the Us
Uses of Hemp and its Potential Contributions to the United States Hemp is a crop that has been used for many things for many years. The fibers are used for things such as clothes, construction materials, paper, carpet, oil, food, cosmetics, food, and many other things. The hemp industry has been around for as long as ten thousand years. There was a piece of hemp fabric found from around eight thousand BC showing its importance to many civilizations throughout the years. Nowadays, hemp is an agricultural commodity in many nations. Canada is known to be one of the largest hemp growers in the world and use it for a large number of industries.Some countries export hemp products all around the world and use it as a vital part of their economy. The United States is among the few countries that does not permit the production of hemp. The value of hemp has gone unrecognized for many years in the U. S. Out of the industrialized countries in the world, the U. S. is the only country to ban the growth of this crop. The legalization of hemp production in The United States would put many farmers back to work as well as create a very ecological and environmentally safe alternative to multiple harmful industries.From when Europeans first came to North America till the Middle of the nineteenth century, hemp was grown all over. Its availability was useful for many families and companies. Hemp was also grown by two of our first presidents because of its versatility and efficient uses. The Declaration of independence was in fact, written on hemp paper. Hemp was actually a required crop in the Colonial times. It became a commodity and was an overall great use of land. The name â€Å"cannabis†comes from a variation of â€Å"canvas†because of hemps use in sails for boats.Before cotton, hemp was very common in forms of fibers which could be used for twine, paper and many other things. Once people came out with cotton gins and other very efficient ways to harvest and ma ke fabric out of cotton, hemp became a less competitive material. Also, imported materials began to take over the hemp industry. Throughout the 1930’s, people realized the euphoric effects of the plant and began to isolate and genetically develop the leaves and flowers to get a plant that produced large amounts of the desired chemical. This plant is known as marijuana.This is when laws began to pass restricting restrictive laws that only allowed the industrial use of cannabis in the form of hemp. During World War Two, the federal government actually paid farmers and encouraged them to continue to grow hemp. Its availability was greatly taken advantage of during the war. Between the war and the late 1950’s, other synthetic fibers for various materials were a competitive industry causing less and less hemp growth in the United States. Also, many efforts were made by the public to illegalize drugs. This contributed to the fade out of hemp use. Mass, 2009) The Controlled S ubstances Act was passed in 1970 making hemp illegal to cultivate without a permit. These permits were very difficult to get through the DEA. From this point on, all hemp products come from other countries or the hemp materials used to make things are also imported. Now days, about half of the states in the nation are pushing to legalize the industrial uses of hemp. They are conducting studies to consider the economic and environmental value of hemp. These states want to be able to grow hemp industrially based on state law.They would like to be able to do so without a permit from the federal government. This would override the Controlled Substance Act unless they redefine hemp as not a controlled substance. Hemp cannot be hidden in fields. It is very tall and grown very close together for maximum stalk. Hemp fibers come from the stalk of the plant therefore leaves and flowers are of no use to hemp growers. Hemp is also harvested before the plant even begins to seed. This differs fro m marijuana in the sense that marijuana growers spread out their crop to maximize leaves and flowers.Marijuana is usually grown for the seed and flower buds solely for the high. Hemp on the other hand is never grown for smoking. The purpose of growing hemp is for the multitude of uses of the stalk fibers. When looking at hemp from an environmental standpoint, it is a very healthy crop for the earth. From planting all the way to using its products, hemp is a very environmentally friendly plant. As it grows, hemp fertilizes the soil through its complex and deep root systems as well as the top soil that comes from the shedding of leaves. The soil, the water and the air are not polluted during the growth of hemp.Pesticides are rarely used giving clean water runoff. This differs from crops like cotton because when cotton is grown, the soil becomes nutrient deficient and the soil becomes less desirable. There have been farmers who claim hemp has steadily been grown in the same locations e very year for nearly one hundred years. Many people are concerned about the use of trees for paper. Hemp would be a great alternative to this issue as well because the amount of pulp a farmer can get from hemp over a season is much more than timber. Trees take many years to grow and hemp is replenished in a matter of months.The process of turning hemp into paper uses much less contamination in the pressing and bleaching processes. Other interesting facts about hemp paper are described in Hemp: The New, Old Fiber Makes a Comeback for Clothes, Fabrics and Home Furnishings. â€Å"Hemp fiber paper resists decomposition and does not yellow with age when an acid-free process is used. The long fibers in hemp allow hemp paper to be recycled more times than wood-based paper. †(Mass, 2009) The rapid growth speed of hemp makes it one of the most efficient crops in the sense of yield per acre. Hemp can produce 250 percent more fiber than cotton and 600 percent more fiber than flax using the same amount of land†(Mass, 2009). In further comparison of hemp and cotton, the fibers that are obtained from hemp stalks and bark, include the very long bast fibers. These types of fibers are stronger and a better insulator. After the harvest, the goal is to make the crop into some sort of textile that can be distributed to other companies for various uses. This process is extensive for any crop however; the processes used in hemp cause significantly less damage to the earth than other materials such as cotton.The process does use a large amount of water that will become more efficient in the future but compared to processes for other textiles, hemp is a better choice ecologically. Going into the uses for hemp, it is not destructive to the environment which shows it is a great alternative to many other materials that share the same uses as hemp. Some of hemp’s uses that are ecologically more efficient than others are; paper products, textiles, molded plastics, bo dy care products, construction, livestock feed and breeding, nutritional supplements, essential oils, medicines, food and many more. Small, 2002) With clothing, hemp is warmer than cotton and breathes better than cotton, leather and other materials widely used for clothing. â€Å"Hemp’s fiber molecule has a shaft-like structure that allows it to: wick moisture off the body and dry quickly; allow the wearer to feel warmer when wet, even in cold conditions; keep the wearer cool, comfortable and fresh, even in very hot and/or humid conditions. †(Mass, 2009) One material made from hemp that is very versatile, is plastics.John Wolodko, an advanced materials program leader gives his word on plastics, â€Å"This is traditionally made from fiberglass†¦ Products made from biocomposites work as well as those made from conventional materials, with the advantages of being lighter and less expensive. The ability of environmentally friendly products to compete with non-renewa ble products like fiberglass makes for a competitive and promising future for the biocomposites industry. †(Edmonton, 2009) Plastic is used in so many things from lawn chairs to automobile body parts to toothbrushes.This new process for plastics would be a fantastic alternative to the previous fiberglass methods. As an antibacterial fabric, hemp clothing is good for people with allergies to some chemicals that are included in the processes of other clothing materials. It also won’t begin to smell bad as fast as other materials. A big positive quality of hemp is that it is completely biodegradable as well as very strong and resistant to the wear and tear of daily life. It is great for people who are outside in nature a lot due to these qualities.Hemp can also be converted into a fuel in the form of pellets or liquid gas. This energy source, according to the U. S. Department of Energy, â€Å"requires the least specialized growing and processing procedures of all hemp pr oducts†. Fuel and energy is a major concern in our country and hemp could contribute significantly to the problems we face. Countries such as Great Britain and Germany had hemp bans like the United States but have lifted those in the last 20 years. Farmers in Europe are subsidized for their hemp output by the EU.Canada allows hemp production for commercial use and it is a large part of their economy. Hemp is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to a wide variety of the United States industries and the legalization of hemp production on the commercial level would be a great addition to our country on an environmental and economic level.References Bourrie, M. (2003). Hemp: A Short History of the Most Misunderstood Plant and its Uses and Abuses. Firefly Books. Edmonton, A. (2009, October 31). Unconventional Crop – hemp – could sprout new industry. Troy Media. Retrieved October 29, 2010, from Unconventional crop – hemp – could sprout new indu stry Read more: Unconventional crop – hemp – could sprout new industry | Troy Media Corporation http://www. troymedia. com/? p=4791#ixzz14R5QAUP7 Mass, E. (2009, May). Hemp: The New, Old Fiber Makes a Comeback for Clothes, Fabrics and Home Furnishings. Natural Life, 127, 36-38. Retrieved November 1, 2010, from EBSCO database. Small, E. and D. Marcus. 2002. Hemp: A new crop with new uses for North America. p. 284–326. In: J. Janick and A. Whipkey (eds. ), Trends in new crops and new uses. ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Atomic Company Case Study
Thanks to a lucky series of events, Atomic Company has enjoyed a sharp increase in sales of their Tiger Pants line. The most obvious and immediate pains being felt by management is the inability to predict future sales and the high amount being paid out in sales commissions. While these are legitimate concerns, I believe deeper problems exist. The current sales structure divides independent sales representatives into different product lines and territories. This means that an Atomic Company retailer carrying four or five different Atomic product lines would have four or five different sales representatives. Not only that, independent sales representatives typically have a fairly high turnover rate in the industry, which means that relationships with Atomic retailers suffer. With this structure, it’s difficult to get a full picture of a retailer’s needs. In order to place an order for Atomic clothing, the retailer has to go through multiple people. With high turnover, it could mean that a retailer has to work with a new sales rep every year – sometimes more frequently. It’s difficult to estimate future sales because sales reps don’t have a big picture view of retailer needs. More importantly, Atomic Company is not encouraging fully committed relationships by creating value, meeting expectations, or building trust (Cron & DeCarlo, 2009). An added issue surrounding sales structure is that commissions are set up so that sales reps get rewarded with high commissions for orders from existing accounts. If the sales reps are getting orders from a spike like the one just experienced, they may not care to go out and find new business or nurture existing accounts since they’ve already met their personal commission goals. Alternative Courses of Action 1. Develop a sales structure where a greater number of territories are created for independent sales representatives. Keep the commission at a flat 15 percent. 2. Transition into a company sales force for all product lines of Atomic Company, including Tiger Pants. Set salary at $40,000. Reduce the commissions to 10 percent for sales from the first year of new retail accounts and five percent of new sales to existing retail accounts. Further, set up a way for existing accounts to place straight rebuys directly with the company that sales reps would receive two percent commissions. 3. Maintain status quo, sticking with the current structure for independent sales representatives and commissions. Analysis of Alternatives 1. By increasing the number of territories and then assigning one representative to each territory for all apparel lines, reps will be able to focus on building relationships with retail stores. Each rep will have a good idea of the total amount of Atomic apparel being purchased by their retail stores, along with opportunities to expand various lines. They will understand their customers and be better able to predict future sales because they will have developed a relationship with store managers. This approach will simplify the purchasing procedures and create value for retail stores since they will only need to place one order for all Atomic products. The number of sales calls will decrease, level of communication will increase, and overall expectations will be met at a much higher rate. Commission rates would be kept at the usual 15 percent so current independent sales reps working with Atomic wouldn’t have to adjust to a new pay structure. More importantly, Atomic won’t have to risk losing their current reps and have to go through the hiring process or risk disruption to current accounts. The downside to going with this approach is that Atomic Company may end up spending more than they should on sales commissions. Fifteen percent is a very high rate and really starts to take its toll when sales spike like they did in the case of Punk Rock Academy. Further, independent reps are less loyal to the company, leading to higher turnover rates and, ultimately, impaired retail account relationships. 2. Hiring company sales reps and separating them out into defined territories for all Atomic Company product lines will provide each of the benefits stated above. Additionally, company sales reps will feel a higher sense of commitment for Atomic and the accounts they serve since they will be receiving a salary with commissions based on performance. The way the commission structure is set up, there’s incentive for sales reps to try to identify opportunities for new business. If a situation similar to Punk Rock Academy arises, sales reps will still get some commissions from their existing retail accounts without getting bogged down with administrative tasks. Straight rebuy orders will be processed internally, allowing reps to focus on generating new sales. A downside of going with this new structure is that there would be a significant adjustment period for new reps to get hired and become familiar with retail accounts. Additionally, an investment would have to be made in providing office space, equipment, training, and an employee benefits package. 3. Sticking to the status quo will produce results similar to what have been achieved to-date. While the company has experienced success with it, recent developments with Punk Rock Academy have proven that it is flawed. Independent sales reps don’t have a fully vested interest in Atomic’s success. This structure also makes it difficult for true relationships to be formed with retail accounts. Finally, commission rates are structured in such a way that there is not a lot of incentive to develop new retail accounts as long as business is booming. The minute fads change, however, reps will be set back and will have to scramble to make up for the loss in sales. Recommended Course of Action Although switching the entire company and all product lines over to internal sales reps would require a significant initial investment of time and money, it will be worth it in the long run. My recommendation is to go with option two. Overall, this course of action will put the focus back on forming account relationships that will create value and allow Atomic Company to meet the expectations of their retail outlets. More in-depth knowledge of accounts in smaller territories will make it easier to predict future sales, especially when a spike in sales occurs. Retail stores will provide excellent input on consumer behavior since they know their client base and can use past experience as a reference. The revised salary with commission structure will help reps balance out serving existing accounts with finding new business. A base salary will help retain sales reps since they won’t be worried about facing months when sales might be a little slower. Implementation/Action Plan All existing independent sales reps should be alerted as soon as possible that effective the beginning of third quarter, Atomic Company is making a switch to inside sales representatives. All reps with a solid track record would be invited to continue on as a full time employee with salary and revised commission structure. Reps would have two weeks to make a decision on their intentions to stay with the company. If individuals choose to leave, they would be offered a bonus if they stay on contract until the beginning of the fourth quarter. After two weeks, Atomic Company will have a sense of how many new sales representatives will need to be hired so they can begin the recruitment process. Formal salary and commission structures will be set up and the VP of sales will develop a complete plan for sales training and account relationship management under the revised territories. Benchmark sales goals, objectives and strategies will be written out to fall in line with overall company goals. After the first quarter under the new structure, management will need to evaluate progress and adjust as needed. Contingency Plans If timing doesn’t allow for a quick implementation of the new sales structure, a hybrid approach can be taken. The eastern territories can be broken down into smaller areas and inside sales reps can be hired to manage those accounts. Meanwhile, the central and western territories of the U. S. can maintain use of independent sales reps for various product lines. This could be a good opportunity to test out the new structure to see how well received it is by retail accounts and how it impacts overall sales.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Race and Crime Essay
Are minorities continually being unfairly arrested, tried and punished as a result of racial discrimination or do minorities just commit more crimes? In order to determine if disparity or discrimination is the cause of current over representation of minorities in the criminal justice system we have to study race, ethnicity and past discriminatory judicial practices. Are the historical discriminatory practices and past laws the cause of the systematic imbalance of power in relation to race, class and discrimination within our society that leads to more crime among minorities today? There are many theories on why, how and even if race discrimination plays a significant role in explaining the current arrest and incarceration rates of minorities in the United States. Social strain theory, because it also involves the most restriction to important social aspects of society is the one I most agree with. In my experience restricted access to social and cultural capital is the cause for higher than expected crime rates among our citizens who lack these two important aspects of crime control. The inability to achieve success based on societies’ definition causes stain and alternative ways of thinking to achieve that level of success, which is sometimes outside the confines of the law. The term race has traditionally referred to the biological differences of mankind. The differences that distinguish us by the color of our skin, hair texture and certain physical features determine what race we are. Some experts contend that race is just a social construct and people are classified and labeled by the culturally dominant group in that society. This type of classification system tends to imply that one race is inferior to another (Walker et al pg 6). The term minority is used for any race that is less in numbers than the race in power. Currently in the United States the â€Å"majority†is considered to be Caucasian and the â€Å"minorities†are African Americans, Hispanics, Arab Americans, etc. There have been many historical examples of minorities being unfairly treated within the confines of our judicial system. â€Å"Race discrimination and social and economical inequality have a direct impact on crime and criminal justice†(Walker et al, pg 78). In the southern states during the 1800’s barriers were created in the laws to separate nonwhite persons from the majority, white persons called the Black Codes. These codes created a legal line of separation stating where blacks could and could not go in public, what land they could own and how they could earn a living. The term, Color Line encompassed everything involving what water fountains and bathrooms â€Å"coloreds†could use and where they could stand or sit in public spaces. The Jim Crow laws of the 1900 were also racist laws and actions that deprived African Americans civil rights, claiming blacks were inferior to the whites and were lower class people. â€Å"The colored sign was the most visible mark of inferiority imposed upon African Americans by the Jim Crow laws†(Davis PhD). The punishment for breaking these laws and codes were mob lynching, serving prison time on chain gangs and debilitating debt imposed by sharecropping attempts to make a living (Davis PhD). Previous laws and codes set the stage for economic inequality of minorities in the United States. Income, wealth, unemployment are the standard measure of economic inequality. â€Å"All of these measures indicate deep and persistent inequality in society generally and with respect to race and ethnicity†(Walker et al pg, 79). In order to determine if race discrimination has the major contributor to minority over representation in the criminal justice system we must rule out the idea of disparity being the cause of overrepresentation. The concept of disparity in the criminal justice system refers to differences in say incarceration rates of a certain race but not because of systematic race discrimination. Disparity is a way to explain the high numbers of minorities as criminal perpetrators with legitimate factors. These factors could include, minorities commit more crimes, not because police officers, judges and juries are racists. Crime arrest and convictions could be solely based on legal factors. These legal factors include the seriousness of offense, mitigating circumstances and previous criminal records. These factors opposed to extralegal factors that include race, class, gender and lifestyle (Walker et al, pg 18). If arrest and conviction rates were based solely on legal factors with no weight given to extralegal factors, a high minority count would be considered disparity not systematic discrimination on part of the criminal justice system. To determine if only legal factors and not extralegal factors are the cause of an overrepresentation of minorities in the criminal justice system much more research needs to be conducted. If the cause of high incarceration rates is because of disparity instead of discrimination there is one theory I feel explains why there is disparity. The Social Strain Theory explains the causes of disparity among minorities that leads to higher rates of arrests and incarceration rates. â€Å"Robert Merton’s social stain theory holds that each society has a dominant set of values and goals along with acceptable means of achieving them†(Walker et al, pg 92). If success in life is measured by your social status, involving what you own, where you live and who you know then that is your personal goals for success. The ways to achieve this success are seen as hard work, education, self-control and as individual achievements (Walker et al, pg 92). If the American dream is not realized by a group of people because of societies inability to provide equal levels of educational and work opportunities to achieve success it results in what Merton’s calls social strain. Merton’s theory of social strain addresses the gap between what society views as success and a persons circumstances are for trying to achieve that success. (Walker et al, pg 92). Social strain helps to explain high rates of criminal activity among minorities because minorities are more likely to be denied legal opportunities to obtain the American dream by legal means. â€Å"The high levels of economic inequality experienced by minorities, together with continuing discrimination based on race and ethnicity, mean that minorities are far less likely to be able to achieve approved social goals through conventional means†(Walker et al, pg 93). In conclusion I believe minorities do commit more crimes today, but that is because of a history of discrimination and blocked opportunities to achieve social and cultural capital. The ruling class, the majority, because of past-institutionalized and systematic discrimination has created what we have today, a disparity among minorities involved in our criminal justice system. Therefore even though we have curbed contextual and individual acts of discrimination we have yet to address past discrimination in a meaningful way while still upholding the law. Bibliography Davis, Ronald L. F. Ph. D. California State University, Northridge. Creating Jim Crow. History of Jim Crow retrieved on June 2, 2011 from http://jimcrowhistory. org/history/creating. htm Lafree, G. & Russell, K. K. (1993). The argument for studying race and crime. Journal of Criminal Justice Education. 4, 273-289. Walker, S, Spohn, C, & DeLone, M. (2007). The Color of Justice: Race, Ethnicity, and Crime in America. Wadsworth Publishing Co.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Debate on Genetically Modified Food Essay
For millions of years, the world has evolved and developed, by selective breeding to adapt into the society, which it is today. Natural adaptations and changes have occurred in various species of plants and animals, which even modern scientists cannot explain. Our world has survived for†¦ well forever, without genetically enhanced produce, so why should it invade humanity now, just because ‘we can’? Many scientists, who are in favour of GM foods, claim that it is simply the next step on from selective breeding; however they seem to have overlooked one difference. Genetic modification of anything requires the introduction of ‘alien’ genes into a species, to modify it and this is certainly not a natural process. For example, GM Soya has been modified using genes that will make it resistant to certain herbicides, such as ’roundup’. Although this may seem like a good thing on the surface, what happens when the pollen from these GM foods is passed on to native species? Aspects like this seem to have been overlooked. It is also a worry, because genetic engineering can be very unpredictable and the damaging effects of GM foods irreversible; if left unconfined it could get out of control. It is possible to end up creating harmful characteristics – such as toxins – unawares. This doesn’t necessarily condemn GMOs but it proves the unpredictability of genetic manipulation. The establishment for GM foods is keen to cover up any findings, which may turn people against GM foods, (possibly due to the huge profits involved). One particular scientist, in a report from the ‘Rowett Research Institute’, had been independently researching the effects of GM potatoes on rats. What his studies found was that they had a detrimental effect on the immune system and the growth of the rats. However when the establishment found this out, this man was reduced from being a well-respected researcher to a ‘mad cap scientist’. Although it is agreed that genetically modifying grain to include beta-carotene (vitamin C) may aid hunger and poor eyesight problems in third world countries, there is a large-scale scandal going on among large biotech companies, who want to increase their already large profits. GM food production, gives larger firms a ‘loop hole’ in which they are able to abuse the power of modifying these crops to their own specification. Recently, there have been reports that these companies have developed ‘doomsday’ seeds, which they want to sell onto the world market – particularly the struggling third world. These seeds have been genetically modified, so that once they have grown, the seeds they produce will genetically destroy themselves. These seeds may be an excellent money-spinner for the firms who sell them, but surely it is morally and ethically wrong to sell such seeds to poor and starving countries? The companies also have the added leverage over other seed producers because they are able to genetically modify their plants to grow faster and thus their seeds are cheaper than others. These people in the third world will eventually be forced into a downward spiral of having to buy new crops every year, because they are unable to afford the more expensive ‘normal’ seeds. And what would happen if these genes happened to escape into the environment? GM â€Å"genes†may spread into wild populations with unpredictable and potentially harmful consequences; In this case, they may even cause crops to produce sterile seeds, which could have an adverse effect on the ecosystem. If we are to have confidence in GM foods, then larger businesses should be kept out of research. The way GM foods are being exploited by powerful corporations is a threat to democracy. These crops are unsustainable in light of longer-term plans and the great majority of the GM market is focussed more on profit rather than improving our diet. Insufficient testing has taken place to ensure their safety for public consumption. Research should be carried out independently, to assess whether such foods would be a benefit to our society and the effects it will have on the eco-system. Only then should they be allowed onto the market.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Preparing and exam taking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Preparing and exam taking - Research Paper Example Preparation for exams starts during the first class. The classes that the student attend, various contributions made in class by the students, and assignments that students complete will help in preparing for any questions that an examiner may set in the future (Kesselman-Turkel & Peterson, 2010). The semester involves the addition of information to a students’ knowledge base. Essay questions normally involve information that one may have found irrelevant during class, which could be used as a supporting point to the thesis. Students who are involved in class have to cram less than those who skip class. Students should also note the topics that the lecturer finds interesting. Not surprisingly, the specific topics noted make up a significant proportion of the exam that the lecturer administers (Kesselman-Turkel & Peterson, 2010). Thus, it is important to note the topics in which the lecturer spends more time discussing. This will aid students in remembering important highlights when preparing for an exam. The students should also keep their syllabus. Losing the course syllabus is a big mistake since it is an important paper. It aids the students in organizing the information that they take in and will give the students ideas regarding the topics that the exam will emphasize. The syllabus will also act as a guide when studying for the exam. The students should also add notes to the syllabus as the lessons progresses, circling themes, topics, and books that appear most likely to be contained within in the exam (Kesselman-Turkel & Peterson, 2010). In addition, participation in class is a good way of preparing for exams. It aids the students in being better acquainted with the course material, as well as letting the lecturer know the areas that students are interested while in class. Test grades seem to reflect one’s attendance in class and the
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