Monday, September 30, 2019

Thesis Paper on Hate Speech

IntroductionThesis Statement: Should hate speech be censored? Yes hate speech should be censored for numerous of reasons due toff the effects it will bring to our society.Expanded Thesis Statement: Yet people might believe that hate speech should be allowed due to belief of freedom of speech, hate speech weather it’s allowed or not still does not make it right.It does not make it right because it most likely leads to bigger issues such as riots, physical abuse, and conflicts. I believe people are allowed to speak their mind and do have freedom of speech but to a certain point.Background: Four Teenagers were arrested in December of 2006 for insulting North Koreans. The hate speech was toward their nationality which ended up as a major conflict.ArgumentsArgument One: Hate speech leads to conflicts, riots, and disagreements in societyIt hurts individual groups, such as people religion, background, beliefs and more.Leads to moral damage. Also damages social structure in societyEve n things such as computer games or internet communication with friends can lead to international conflict and cyber bullyingArgument Two: Hate speech leads to violent crimesIf the number of hate crimes are decreased, we improve the welfare of societyBecause of hate speech society becomes more violent and leads to violent crimesTo avoid conflict, hate speech should not be allowed when it comedown down to certain things such as racism, religion, and cultureArgument Three: Hate speech through the Internet also known as cyber bullying causes many incidents of teenage suicidesAllow people might say censoring the internet for ate speech is nearly impossible due to freedom of speech it should still be overlooked because of its causes and efforts to the people around usMore and more suicides are becoming a major issue in our nation because of hate speech and violenceIt affects people’s lives regardless and should be taken notice weather it’s censored or not, it should not be a llowed to a certain point.ConclusionAlthough people believe of freedom of speech and speaking there mind, Hate speech should be censored due to a certain pointHate speech as many negative affect when it comes to our society and causes many incidents such as violent acts and just hatred. Such actions should be overlooked and taken into more consideration and importance

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Health&Safety in Childcare

While the free essays can give you inspiration for writing, they cannot be used ‘as is' because they will not meet your assignment's requirements. If you are in a time crunch, then you need a custom written term paper on your subject (childcare) Here you can hire an independent writer/researcher to custom write you an authentic essay to your specifications that will pass any plagiarism test (e. g. Turnitin). Waste no more time! Tantrums, mealtimes, whingeing, disobedience, bullying, stress, loss of patience, sibling rivalry and fussy eating all contribute to at home parents requiring time out. As for working parents, everyday they strain themselves to financially support their families whilst also worry about the effects their absence will have on their child or children. So what's a parent to do? Give up any hope of returning to work? Continue slaving away at home as they become increasingly impatient and angry at their child? Abandon your child to the clutches of any Tom, Dick, or Jane who hangs up a childcare shingle? Beg your aging parents to give up lawn bowling and golf in favor of spending quality time with their precious grandchild? Difficult as it can be to find quality childcare, the situation isn't quite as dismal as you might think. While you might have to set your sights short of finding a real-life Mary Poppins, you don't have to settle for any of the scary characters who regularly make their rounds on our television sets every night. In today s society there are many options parents can take when it comes to childcare. When considering which choice to take it is vitally important to make sure their child s needs are meet. Children s physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs must be met if they are to grow and develop towards their full potential. Whether at home or in some form of childcare, children require essentials such as love, security, praise and recognition, responsibility and space to explore and learn new things. Alternative options for childcare include: a baby-sitter – an individual who comes to your home and watches your child / children on an irregular basis. In most cases they are a local teenager with no special training. However, most schools and girls clubs now offer training courses in baby-sitting, first aid and infant / toddler CPR. au pair (mainly in America) – A foreign visitor who wishes to experience another way of life. In most cases the individual is from another country and live with the family and receive a salary. Duties include light housework and childcare in which they work under the supervision of the parents and may or may not have any training. Au pairs provide up to 45 hours of childcare per week, on top of room and board, they generally receive approximately $115 to $125 per week. Families are also responsible for paying $500 per year toward an au pair's tuition costs and $3950 to participate in the program- a fee that covers recruitment expenses, air transportation, training, insurance, and support from a community counsellor. nanny – A childcare specialist who has special training in childcare, health and safety, and nutrition. Duties are childcare and domestic tasks relating to childcare, depending on your individual family needs, you can obtain a live in nanny or not. A nanny may be full or part time and must be over the age of 18. Their fees range from $2000 to $4000 per month (plus room and board, if applicable) with many also expecting you to provide them with a car allowance and/or the use of the family vehicle. ay care/family childcare – Care for infants and preschool children in the caregivers home. day care center and day nursery – Care for infants and preschool children. It may be located in the caregivers home or in another location. The center is licensed and the staff have to meet your states required minimum for training and adult / child ratio. The cost is approximately $30 per day for an infant, $28 per day for a toddler, and $24 per day for a preschooler.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

A Raisin In The Sun and Sonny’s Blues

A Raisin In The Sun and Sonnys Blues A Raisin in the Sun, authored by Lorraine Hansberry and Sonny’s Blues, authored by James Baldwin are two masterpieces that have an array of comparisons and contrasts. Lorraine Hansberry’s play is a depiction of an African American family, the Youngers living in a racially segregated neighborhood. Although the family lives together, conflicts arise on what to do with the $10000 insurance policy money paid after the death of the Mama’s husband. Each member has different aspirations and the story focuses on how the family uses the money and integrates their individual dreams to fit the family. On the other hand, Sonny’s Blues is a depiction of the struggles two brothers face in segregated Harlem. It is about Sonny and his brother the narrator, both who are living separate lives after the death of their parents. After the narrator loses his daughter to Polio, he remembers the promise he made to his mother of taking care of Sonny and he decides to try to fulfi ll this promise and try to get Sonny back to normal life after drugs nearly destroy him. Each story depicts the lives of African American families in a time of racial injustice. Both families encounter obstacles during their quest to move forward to find happiness. In her journal, Lipari points out that the setting of A Raisin in the Sun, was at a time when the â€Å"fundamental structures of political, social and economic oppression of African Amewricans were in the foreground of public life† (Lipari, 97). This journal points out that during this period African American families’ encountered obstacle in economic, social and political in trying to make it in life and finding happiness. Likewise, Martinez comment regarding racism in Sonny’s Blues is a phenomenon having â€Å"festered and thrived in American unconscious psyche while it has been and continues to be acted out in myriad forms of injustice in the society† (Martinez, 1). This clearly illustrates that families in Harlem faced numerous challenges especially with the issue of racial segregation and injustice. He points out that Baldwin â€Å"claims that the narrator’s and Sonny’s lives are representative of the collective suffering of racism experienced by young black males growing up in the Harlem of mid-twentieth-century America† (Martinez, 2). In both stories, a common theme that stands out is that of racial segregation and injustices. In Hansberry’s story, racial segregation reveals its ugly head when Mr. Linder attempts to persuade the Younger family from moving to their new home, mostly inhabited by whites. He even attempts to pay them off to keep them from moving in the mostly white neighborhood. This action is nearly successful since Walter is willing to accept the bribe but Mama stands her ground and at last thy move to their new home. Likewise, in Sonny’s blues, racial issues and injustices are prevalent in the community and the au thor effectively uses recurring images of darkness to bring to light these themes. Sonny and his brother lived in a predominantly black neighborhood and even their father gave up trying to move them away from Harlem, â€Å"Safe! My father grunted, whenever Mama suggested trying to move to a neighborhood which might be safer for children† (Feinstein and Rife, 26). The narrator who is a teacher also illustrates how racial issues and segregation were part of Harlem by describing the students he taught, â€Å"All they really knew were two darknesses, the darkness of their lives, which was now closing in on them and the darkness of movies which had blinded them to that other darkness† (Feinstein and Rife, 26). Both stories highlight the hopelessness that existed in these racially segregated neighborhoods in both stories where whites had opportunities in contrast to blacks who had to endure difficult situations.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Food Allergies & Intolerances in the UK - Current Issues Essay

Food Allergies & Intolerances in the UK - Current Issues - Essay Example In case of tolerance, the patient can take the small quantity of the food without any reaction at all. In opposite, in case of food allergy, even a tiny quantity of food may activate a severe allergy reaction. Symptoms of intolerance will not be much quicker but allergy symptoms to any specific food could be immediate and instant. Both allergy and intolerance can result in a host of unpleasant and terrifying, fierce and probable fatal outcomes. Symptoms can occur over the patient’s body and can result in rashes, swelling of the mouth, wheezing, inflammation and digestive issues. There is no medical cure for these ailments and avoiding the specific food is the only available relief and a key issue is in identifying that particular food correctly (Stracey 2010). FSA (Food Standard Agency) in collaboration with the DEFRA introduced a new law on labelling of allergen which came into effect 13 December 2014 and this is known as Food Information Regulations EU1169/2011.Under this law, fourteen food allergen has to be named in the label if they have been used or if it contains ingredients made from them in pre-packed foods. Further, food manufacturers have required now to emphasis these allergens within the ingredients list. In the case of non-packed food items, such ingredients should be mentioned on a chalkboard, a labelled menu or by orally (Food.gov.uk 2014). The research study by Cochrane et al (2013) in the UK found that the vegetables and fruits were the chief cause of food allergy in adults (26%), eggs in young children (38%), and cow’s milk was the common in school going children(28%). When one’s immune system is puzzled instead of snubbing harmless food proteins, then food allergy happen as it triggers a reaction, which results in the discharge of a chemical known as ‘histamine’. The main culprit is the histamine which causes the typical allergy indications of swelling or hives. Anaphylaxis is the most severe reaction and this may be life-threatening.  Ã‚  

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Compare and contrast the OSHA noise standard and the ACGIH noise Essay

Compare and contrast the OSHA noise standard and the ACGIH noise exposure recommendations - Essay Example That is why every year they developed new research and study to protect the workers towards its environment. Recently, one of the standards that they have developed was the noise standard. OSHA releases the reasons why they believe that workers should be protected from noise. According to them, noise creates a fatal effect to people. Those who are exposed to too much noise results to common hearing impairedness, which is more often ignored because the symptoms occurred in the later stage of the illness. What is distinct about the OSHA noise standard was that it aims to protect the workers from the noise pollution. They provided guidelines on the required â€Å"safe† maximum exposure of a person in a noisy environment. Also, they mentioned that workers should wear ear protective devices that fits the ear perfectly as to no sound shall go in (plain cotton is not advisable). Also, they proposed that industries should provide safety measures on controlling the noise they create especially to industries that are heavy on construction and production. On the other hand, ACGIH proposed the same principle. They also aim to secure and protect the citizens (not only the workers and employees) on controlling the noise pollution that is created everyday. Like OSHA, they also require to regulate noise and encourage the industries to take charge in protecting the ears of their employees. For instance, they require (as noise exposure limit): So technically, both organization aids the sole purpose of noise standard. The difference now lies on how each organization provides a more in-depth assistance in noise safety and health hazard towards the employers. ACGIH have the entire Part 7 for these purpose, entitled, â€Å"Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature†. In this part, it enumerated a concrete provision on noise standards. It included exemption of noise control for workers, also with engineering noise control. They provided a hearing protection and warning signs

International business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

International business - Essay Example China fits the needs of my criteria because it presents great opportunities and great challenges: China has something for everybody, but it is not always an easy place to do business and it is getting harder as a result of China’s harmonization of trade rules and tightening of loopholes. (Inch, 2008) The best location to have new branch outside of Qatar is China because it is an industrial country and encourages investment and businesses. It competes with well-developed country such as USA. Notably, China also offers a cheap labor at all times. Another encouragement for me is to learn and serve the entirely different cultural manifestations, thoughts, and natural geography. Collectivistic cultures have a great emphasize on groups and think more in terms of ‘we’. On the collectivist side, we find societies in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups. China indicates that a society is a representation of collectivism rather than individuality. Collectivism was certainly present throughout the country – strangers are to be treated like friends, and although emotions of individuals are important, the group is also very important in decision-making. Most Importantly, Social relations are often expressed by the exchange of gifts. An important concept within Chinese social relations is the concept of face and many other Oriental cultures. Hence, people are perceived as being "near" or "far" rather than "in" or "out". (Oneness, 2010). Ascription involves elderly influence, relationships and his/her position in the community. Chinese do not focus on the achievements; however, the primary focus is on the elderly, having relationships or prestige in the community. So, there will be a little bewilderment to find the employees due to an ascription culture. Hence, the rules of recruiting should follow the same rules that the people of the country follow. They relate status to

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Journal of Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Journal of Business Ethics - Essay Example Some argue there is little evidence that the UNGC vision, an economy with the human face, can be realized for the poor and developing nations with economic globalization. Many do not agree with the assumption of the Global Compact that globalization in its current form can be made sustainable and equitable, even if accompanied by the implementation of standards for human rights, labour, and the environment because they are well aware that many corporations would like nothing better than to wrap themselves in the flag of UN in order to blue wash their public image. Williams argues that they should respond to any criticism of their practices and discuss corrective action where necessary. As indicated â€Å"We expose the reality in a field too often dominated by rhetoric and help protect vulnerable people and communities against abuses†. The second group of critics is not focusing so much on the mission of UNGC but rather on the fact that the initiative is housed in the UN. There were fears that businesses would become too dominant in the organization. Williams responds that the background of this criticism is important because the UN had no close relationship with the private sector and in the 1960s this was amplified as many developing countries moved away from their colonial masters and became independent, As indicated â€Å"The UN served as a countervailing power for developing countries who understood multinational companies to be partially responsible for their slow economic and human development†.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties 2011-2012 Essay

Social, emotional and behavioural difficulties 2011-2012 - Essay Example Behaviourism with emotional and behavioural difficulties Introduction This critical review is about ‘Behaviourism’ and its role in learning while helping students having behavioural and emotional complications. In the first section Behaviourism is defined and its background discussed in detail. Then the role of Behaviourism in teaching and the point of view of different groups regarding its importance in applying for removing the SEBD issues in classrooms. At the very end in conclusion, a brief overview has been given for its improvisation in Saudi Arabian schools to improve the teaching methods and techniques and entails a new policy for SEBD students. More importantly the research question has been given at the end aroused from this review. Background John B. Watson, initially brought in ‘behaviourism’ into examination in the year 1912, which minted the word ‘behaviourism’. In 1938, this study was further preceded by B. F. Skinner who proposed that ‘learning’ can be determined as a discernible change. Afterwards, Ralph Tyler then made use viewpoints from behaviourism, in 1949, to direct lesson design. Behaviourism, merely deals with altering the behaviour by honouring demanded actions and penalizing or neglecting unwanted activities. Behaviour theorists determined ‘learning’ as nothing beyond the attainment of a novel behaviour. ‘Behaviour Modification’, a teaching framework was formulated through the previously identified research works and findings (Alberto and Troutman, 1995). The fundamentals of the behaviourist theory go back to the philosopher Aristotle (Black, 1995). This theory illustrates that the learning of behaviors could be assessed and noticed. It identifies the brain as a "black box" as the reaction to any stimulant can be detected quantitatively, entirely neglecting the likelihood of intellections happening in the brain. Skinner, Pavlov, Thorndike and Watson are the most famous behaviourists who played significant role in developing this theory. B.F Skinner was a psychologist who put forward this theory of Behaviourism. He believed that behaviour is controlled by cause and effect and it has got nothing to do with mind or reasoning. Behaviourism is considered as conditioning or training introduced by Pavlov, a Russian psychologist. The classical conditioning was formulated by Ivan Pavlov, a physiologist of Russian origin. It may be referred as, ‘A sort of learning, established by linkage of a classified stimulant unable to commonly evoke peculiar reactions on some other stimulant having the ability to evoke a desired reaction (Feldman, Papalia and Olds, 2007). The above mentioned description inculcates that the fundamental elements in this type of conditioning is the term linkage, depicting that the simultaneous occurrence of two distinct stimulants frequently will lead to the development of linkage in them.. For example if a student faces continuously a problem in his/her English language class in the shape of unfriendly teacher, unmanageable questions, and a great deal of home assignments may create an undesired perception in his/her brain about the instructor (Murdick and Petch-Hogan, 1996; Schloss and Smith, 1994). Classical conditioning was discovered by Pavlov by accident. Originally, he wanted to study the role of salivation in digestion. He measured that when given meat, how much saliva dogs produce. After a few days in the experiment, Pavlov noticed that the dogs in his laboratory started salivating when the lab attendant entered the room with the meat dish, before meat was placed in their mouth. This aroused Pavlov’s curiosity and he pursued the issue with more experiments. For example, he sounded a bell just before presenting his dogs with food. Before obtaining food, various times, following the sound of the ringing bell, the dogs were observed to start salivating as shortly as the bell started to ring. In other word, in reaction to a novel stimulant (the

Monday, September 23, 2019

Doubt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Doubt - Essay Example The play has utilized many symbols to represent certain elements which either constitute or supplement the core theme of the play. The title of the play itself is ideally framed to contain the key theme that the play intends to communicate. The subtitle ‘parable’ communicates to the audience that it has an inner symbolic message to convey. The whole play is casted in the background of the Catholicism. The play starts with Father Flynn delivering the holy sermon. The pulpit which is set on the stage, ideally serves as a symbol of Catholicism, which is the foundation of the play. However, two very important identifiable symbols used in the play are the rigid and strict approach of Sister Aloysius and one another symbol is the unconventional behavior of Father Flynn as a priest. Quite often in the play Sister Aloysius is found arguing or stating a point strongly. In either case she is found with her fists closed. This is a symbol to represent how closed the existing system was. It is notable throughout the play that Sister Aloysius is very dedicated towards the students. She is portrayed as a very strict principal who is very rigid on each and everything which happens in the school and with the students. Authoritativeness is her norm of teaching. She is a symbol of a system which works on set norms and does not divert from those.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Critique & Vanities Essay Example for Free

Critique Vanities Essay Written by an American, Jack Heifner â€Å"Vanities† is a story relating to three young girls from a little town called Texas. The lives of these three girls take a sharp turn in puzzling ways after a deeply intense period at school where they would spend good time flinging themselves into the air and making noises. The girls enjoyed their happy times and shared together but after going away from one another, they forgot everything and separately started their own means of survival. According to the playwright it seems that cheerleaders who are worshipped and envied in high school do not grow up and live charmed lives in their later years. The playwright begins by mentioning his three characters namely Lauren Kennedy, Sarah Stiles and Anneliese van der Pol who acted as cheerleaders sometimes back when they were in high school and college. All the three beautiful girls shown in this pleasant but forgettable play must weather the storm and trouble after putting away their pullovers and saddle shoes. The play begins in a conventional and inconsequential manner; however, it comes in a series of oral plays that are arranged in a sequential order. In the beginning of the play, the three characters are revealed as having a happy life in high school, socializing with one another and even sharing their happy times together. Kathy, who is living in the apartment, plans and organizes a get-together party for the three and though the playwright does not mention the reason behind the holding of the get-together party; it is true that the party was meant to commemorate the happy times and sorrowful times that they had been sharing together. Joanne, to whom life seemed to be still an active convention, is now getting out of shape with time. She is a pretty girl and one who does not care much about the future. Kate Guyton also displays the same characters. Kate Guyton is later engaged in a marriage relationship with Ted who is revealed as the play’s most lively and puzzling characters but does not show herself. Mary as acted by Regan Thompson changes from a sex maniac young girl to a professional marketer of the same trade. She has an art gallery that deals with erotic art despite being married and one of her best customers is none other than the wandering Ted with whom she has an affair. The girls do not seem to learn anything in school. Mary wishes to be a nurse or a psychologist. Kathy does not want to be anything whereas Joanne goes on being a virgin. Ted is arguably the most active and strange character in this play, though he does not take an active role. When Anneliese van der Pol, who is a cheerleader tried to attract her friends attention to bow to the get-together party every thing does not go smoothly since the boys and other social issues keep getting in the way and as result, Anneliese van der Pol’s confidence on the success of the get-together party is rendered hopeless. However, she tries with all her effort to get back to her friends Joanne and Mary. Due to this situation, the playwright uses Kirshenbaum’s music to reflect the kind of dilemma she was undergoing. The young women appear to be in confused states of mind than there before and do not even show the character of leadership despite having been cheerleaders before. Joanne plans a wedding with her former high school sweetheart but at the same time, Mary also plans to travel to Europe in summer. Kathy still doubts the fact that her former friend and schoolmate have married a woman who is already. As a result of this she gets disappointed with men. Mary then comes in to console her friend from her disappointment. This clearly displays the obvious strained relationship of the three girls in this reunion party. The character of cheerleading learned at high school seems to have ended there. It did not go beyond the school gate. At the time the play goes to New York City, the three actresses had been completely changed in their characters from which they had when they were together. Mary who is a prostitute gets angry of her friend Joanne because of her decision to become a housewife and a mother. This problem disturbs Joanne but later reveals it when she gets drunk. The trio-actresses have strong and appealing voices. However, Ms Kennedy looks worried because she has to smoke every time. Or could she be experiencing a difficulty in relating with the others? Probably as they also do not get out of the arena during the short break and they sit at the table of vanity to have time to adjust their makeup. After watching the play I was amazed by the playwrights’ theme of misguided values as shown by the transformation of the characters of the three girls. They experienced overexcitement in high school, life of uncertainty in college and sadness in their final reunion. But is life that vain as the writer tries to show? I don’t think so but it might reflect these trends if the values that one calculates are against the norms or misplaced as the characters reveal. Works cited Heifner Jack â€Å"Vanities† 1963

Friday, September 20, 2019

Technology And Agricultural Development

Technology And Agricultural Development The poverty in the developing countries can be reducing through a proper agricultural technology. The proper agricultural technology is not only the machines but also biotechnology and other modern knowledge that are applicable to increase the agricultural productivity so as to reduce the poverty and starvation; so that the assumption that agricultural technology automatically reduces poverty; antipoverty impacts have often been developed mostly for their adopters and focused exclusively on them. (Omilola 2009). On the other hand, (Kate Schneider and Gugerty 2011) clearly enlightens that there are Evidence suggests that there are multiple pathways through which increases in agricultural productivity can reduce poverty, including real income changes, employment generation, rural non-farm multiplier effects, and food prices effects. but the lack of proper investment in the agricultural sector may hinder og getting the seed, fertilizer technology and other necessary infrastructures such as the roads, for the food transport, therefore it is barriers to technology adoption, initial asset endowments, and constraints to market access may all inhibit the ability of the poorest to participate in the gains from agricultural productivity growths (Kate Schneider and Gugerty 2011). Most under-developing countries particularly, in those African continent, their land is very fertile and can produce enough food for their population and the rest of the others but there has been both financial and border barrier that hinders most African countries not acquire the technology they need according to the new World Bank report explains that the Africas farmers can potentially grow enough food to feed the continent and avert future food crisis if the countries removes cross border restrictions on food trade with the regions(Bank 2012). On the other hand the developing countries cannot cope with their traditional knowledge this current climate changes while most of them struggling to maintain security issues as they are fighting among themselves. Therefore the developing countries need the means to sustain their food production through new innovative and technology support from the developed world; so that they can transfer their conventional knowledge and practices with more advanced technology of agricultural industry to them. Such new advanced agricultural technology; most of the developing countries particularly African countries can reduce their food aid dependency as well poverty significantly because such agricultural technology can positive enhance the agricultural production because the Sustainable intensification of smallholder production will require a shift to knowledge-intensive agriculture that combines local knowledge and the latest sustainability science to adapt practices to local ecosystems and increase resilience to climate change, price and other shocks. Poor farmers, often women, usually cultivate in more extreme environments in addition to being less connected to markets(UN 2011) The lack of the agricultural technology in the developing countries, the food production cannot be sustainable, because the growing number of population and less food production will cause huger, vast starvation among the poor communities, as they remain food dependency, therefore this is cannot be overcome unless the under-developing countries have enough financial support for reaching the advanced agricultural technology; so they can sustain their agricultural production and relief their food aid dependency. On the other hand, active and proper agricultural in the under-developing countries contributes the local labor market and supplies the food within the communities, as this further increases the economic growth through production and consumption linkages.(Dethier and Effenberger 2012) Food and agricultural production sustainability demands an effective intervention both in financial and proper planning in the areas of technology transfer and capacity building, therefore It also requires a radical change in existing policies a change that would result in a strengthening of currently fragmented systems of innovation, a redesign of the education system, and investment on agricultural development throughout the whole supply chain and in sustainable resource management through innovative partnerships with farmers (UN 2011) Similarly these agricultural (farms) locates demands to have proper infrastructure that can enhance the food production marketing, while the government encourages the local production such promotion gives hope that the farmers to produce more. Beside that the agriculture is not focusing the farmers but includes growing crops, rearing livestock, producing fish and maintaining forests in developing countries must undergo a significant transformation (UN 2011) in order to supply the demanding food in the developing countries particularly the African continent . Agricultural Technology The Green Revolution is very much a product of technological innovation in the international public domain where Western and Third World governments, public supported non-profit national and international agricultural research institutions, universities, multilateral aid agencies, and Western charitable organizations collectively worked together to increase agricultural productivity.(Parayil 2003). Therefore the historic agricultural development that has been achieved for the last two centuries were discussed many different agricultural books. The most important we can recall here is that the traditional or the shifting cultivation system into rotational fallow toward permanent cultivation; Green Revolution, Gene Technology. Where in the shifting cultivation was important to the rotational fallow that maintains the soil qualities and fertilities, while it preserves the environment and helps to control the weeds, and other diseases while Many of the studies on the effects of agricultural technology on poverty tend to show that there are strong complementarities between physical infrastructure and human capital (see, for instance, Biswanger et al. 1993; Canning and Bennathan 2000; Datt and Ravallion 1997, 1998). (Cited in Omilola 2009). There has been clear indication links that agricultural development reduces the poverty, such literatures that Babatunde Omilola discussed this quote of (Mellor 1976.; Mellor 2001) by arguing that the predominant literatures on the poverty linkage effects of agricultural growth during the 1970s tend to show that technical change in agriculture leads to more production, which in turn leads to increased incomes for households with land The latter are believed to use most of the incomes they make from agricultural production in purchasing labor-intensive goods and services, thereby leading to second- and third-round effects of providing food security and more employment opportunities for the poor (Omilola 2009). Nevertheless, the agricultural technology is an integral part to develop agricultural sector particularly in the under-developing country, where there has been major food insecurity happens constantly; while the developed countries had achieved a tremendous agricultural and food production through agricultural technology; such agricultural technology are included the modern agricultural machinery, fertilizer and knowledge. Agriculture is an important sector in the developing countries makes agricultural growth an important instrument for decreasing poverty. (Dethier and Effenberger 2012) Importance of the agricultural technology The inadequacy of explicit agricultural technology-poverty linkages for several decades has not only complicated efforts to understand the relationship between agricultural technology and poverty reduction and to design ways to make agricultural technology more effective in lifting poor people out of poverty (Omilola 2009). Importance of the agricultural technology has been felt wisely during the 1960s when the green revolution comes to in use. The Agricultural technology was an exceptionally important determinant of farmings contribution to rural development. As the discussions of agricultural technology policy frequently revolve around an extension of the green revolution model (Tripp 2001). It has been noted the importance of the technology transfer to adopt to the under developing countries to sustain their food production accordingly; this transfer is aim to develop the knowledge and research capacity, such agricultural technology is important for under developing countries (Parayil 2003); while the, agricultural technology is mean to reduce current poverty in the developing countries, it can positively effects on both the agricultural output, while it increases the level of rural employment, and secures the food and food prices, and the overall socio economic welfare.(Omilola 2009). Potentially lower food prices increase the purchasing power of poor consumers. The magnitude of these effects for poverty reduction depends on the specific circumstances of an economy. For example, if technological progress in the agricultural sector is labor-saving, farm employment might not necessarily increase. (Cited in Dethier and Effenberger 2012) Agricultural technology may reduces the widely the existing and prolonged poverty in under developed countries thorough direct effects on output levels, employment, food security, food price, income and overall socioeconomic welfare; The type of technology adopted tends to be responsible for the type of poverty-reducing impacts that can be expected from agricultural technology (Cited in Omilola 2009); The agricultural technology will certain and positively increase the agricultural food production, while it maximize the food production yields; and we claims that with the evidence that the north or the developed countries reached through the agricultural and food sustainability through agro-technology and is therefore agricultural technology answers the constant and wide hunger; starvation caused both the man made and the nature, such as the climate change.(Dethier and Effenberger 2012). Most the donor countries felt the responsibility about the hunger and lack proper agricultural investment in the development countries and pledged sums for investing in the agriculture for instance the G8 countries promised $22 billion during their meeting in Aquila, Italy in 2009. (Dethier and Effenberger 2012). Kind of Agricultural technology The green Revolution The Green Revolution is dated by in the mid of the 20th century, when Norman Borlaug invented the high yielding dwarf wheat in Mexico at what is known as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center or CIMMYT,(Parayil 2003). The myth of the green revolution was to relief the imminent hunger due to the increasing population in the world, and Green Revolution provides the capacity to cope with and produce enough food supplies through genetic food engineering and chemicals; furthermore the most literature reviewed, shows that the intention of the invention of Green Revolution during the 1940-60th was very promised to end the hunger through the miracle seeds; the miracle seeds In contrast to the original green revolution strategy of providing widely adapted varieties that could be planted in a range of environments, many of these new varieties will have characteristics that address specific conditions (e.g. pest or disease resistance), environments (e.g. acid soils), or markets (e.g. high nutrient varieties).(Tripp 2001). Not only that but also the Green Revolution was responsible for a significant increase in crop production, contributed to rural employment, and lowered food prices (Cited in Tripp 2001). On the other hand the GE had used excessive fertilizer and irrigation; which made the possibility of the mass production such as the grain and rice which have resistance to disease etc. Positive and negative impact of green revolution The Positives side of the green revolution is very wide, that are includes the increasing food production and sustainability of yielding in local farmers. Accordingly over the last four decades, it is evident that chemical applications have revolutionized agricultures. On the positive side, the fertilizers and pesticides have increase crop production and the amount of organic matter returned to the soil. However, the soil and water contamination is very high in many place with increased agricultural intensification(Ademola K Braimoh and Vlek 2008). On the other hand, in the positive perspective side of the GR have mentioned in numbers of other relevant studies, which have pointed out that the Indian agricultural production had increased; as the agriculture has made great substantial gain in highly yielding variety, these studies have been measured through index of total factor production, TFP. The measurements of agriculture production have shown that the gains in productivity had co ntributed about 1.1 per cent per annum since 1956. The TFP and conventional inputs contribute roughly 2.3 per cent growth rate per annum in total crop output (Cited in Praduman Kumar and Mittal 2006). In addition to that the betterment of land usages through the multi cropping pattern, made that enough food is produced during the harvesting season; at the same time. According to (Evenson and Gollin 2003) clearly explains that The Green Revolution has also facilitated significant expansion of irrigation and multiple cropping in many countries, thereby adding to the total acreage of these crops. Due to fact that the GR has enabled many developing countries to achieve impressive rates of growth in national food grain production since the mid-1960s.(Evenson and Gollin 2003); On the other hand, the GR has caused and sets very widely alarm depletion both in soil and water conservation system. In spite of the fact that these positive agricultural contributions from the GR have shown in the mass agricultural production that can help many poor nations to come over and control their inefficiency of agricultural sector; but negativity of the chemicals, pesticides goes along which affects both human and the environment negatively. Since this ecological problem was not taken into consideration in the first time; but everyone was looking for to sustain food production and the negativity of environmental problem needs to be considered and studies with the best to retain the soil degradation because the Farming in areas of fragile soils, poor management of crop, soil and water interaction, and unsustainable exploitation of soil nutrients are some of the major causes of land degradation.(Cited in Hazell and Wood 2008). Owing to that fact, to have a productive land that can cope, the need of the growing population in the world, particularly the under-developing countries, requires a friendly ecosystem GR that the chemical, pesticides and cannot harm further, so that current people should not be those pushing the environmental degradation to its last stages of thresholds that cannot restored both through nature and human conservation. Conclusion Due to lack of economic viability for the developing countries, particularly those in Africa who cannot invest properly their agricultural sector; will continue to be food dependency during the harsh and difficulty time, as nowadays the climate changes and prolonged conflicts has deeply affecting those sub-Saharan countries. Accordingly the African leaders acknowledged about the economical dependency as they have argued that the view with disquiet the overdependence of the economy of our continentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦This phenomenon has made African economies highly susceptible to the external development and with detrimental effects on the interests of our continent(Cited in Nana 2008). Hence most under-developing countries particularly, in the African continent their land is very fertile and can produce enough food for their population and the rest of the others but there has been both financial and border barrier that hinders most African countries not acquire the technology they need according to the new World Bank report explains that the Africas farmers can potentially grow enough food to feed the continent and avert future food crisis if the countries removes cross border restrictions on food trade with the regions(Bank 2012). Not only has that but the history of lack of African development perspectives touched upon many aspects that are included the industrial, social economic and education and reasoned is by the inequality of both economic and political power with the predominantly what the white man calls tribal an racial dimension (Nana 2008)

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Galileo, Science, and the Church by Jerome J. Langford Essay -- Galile

Galileo, Science, and the Church by Jerome J. Langford   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Science and the church, two things that you would not ordinarily think would go together until until Galileo came along. Galileo, a man that stuck his head out to the world, but especially to the church, when maybe he should have done things a little differently. This particular book shows many accounts of the troubles between Galileo and the church, and with other bystanders. The book goes through the ups and downs of Galileo and the church, the hardships, and friendships that people held, and how hard it was to keep those friendships during the days of Galileo. The book reveals many alliances, and loyalties, but also it also reveals distrust, and clouded minds, of both Galileo and the church.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout the book you learn the different approaches of scientific belief. There was of course the Aristotelian way of the universe, and there was also the Ptolemaic way. The differences between these two were not too major, they both believed the Earth did not move. There was a new system in the works the Copernican theory, which believed that the Earth was not the center and was mobile, but the sun was the center. Copernicus did not get to back his theory the way he would have wanted but Galileo assumed the ropes and brought it to the full front.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Galileo had many problems trying to introduce the Copernican theory to be relevant. Scripture from the Holy Bible was one problem that Galileo had to face. Ca...

Male homoeroticism in Platos Symposium and the Greek lyric poets: Comp

Male homoeroticism in Plato's Symposium and the Greek lyric poets: Complimentary or contradictory? Works Cited Missing Images of male homosocial and homoerotic relations pervade Athenian culture. From plays to poetry and jugs to the justice system one can find these relations represented pictorially and in words. But do all these images align with each other or are there irreconcilable differences between them? To look at this question we will take two small pieces of culture, a philosophical treatise, Plato's Symposium and the lyric poetry of Theognis and Anacreon. Homoerotics are mentioned in several speeches in Plato's Symposium but I will focus on those statements made by Phaedras and Pausanias. The reason for the use of these two sources is to elucidate the numerous representations of homoerotics in Athenian Greece. Phaedras begins by stating that everyone can agree that, the greatest benefit, to my mind, that a young man can come by in his youth is a virtuous lover, and a virtuous boyfriend is just as good for a lover too. (Plato, 178c) This is a value that the modern world can easily grasp, a young man (the object of love) is well served by a virtuous older man (erastes) who will honor his superior position and treat the young man well and teach him what he can. In turn, the the erastes is better off with a virtuous boyfriend (eromenos) who will stay loyal to him. After all, the older man is the lover to which Phaedras refers and so a young boyfriend who was not faithful could be quite injurious to the older man?s heart and reputation. So does this image fit with that of the lyric poets? Indeed, Phaedras? representation of male homoerotics aligns quite easily with that of the lyric poets. Theognis speaks often... ...ric poets. Love for boys is a wonderful thing, especially if both parties are virtuous and loyal. Also, Theognis and Anacreon, likely along with Pausanias, attribute more loyalty to men than to women, resulting in a deeper commitment to ?relationships.? Phaedras disagrees saying that women can, in fact feel equal loyalty. There is general agreement that a love for boys based purely on beauty is a common thing, and not a good one. It leads to having stupid eromenai, which is not desirable. The lyric poets do seem to maintain that while intelligence is important, young boys are still better material for love than older men. Pausanias disagrees, arguing for lifelong homosocial relationships. So while there are a few differences between the lyric poets and these speakers of the Syposium they seem to be based more on choice of lifestyle than true differences of paradigm.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Executing the Innocent :: capital punishment essays

The risk of executing innocent persons is a decisive objection to the institution of capital punishment in the United States. Consequentialist arguments for the death penalty are inconclusive at best; the strongest justification is a retributive one. However, this argument is seriously undercut if a significant risk of executing the innocent exists. Any criminal justice system carries the risk of punishing innocent persons, but the punishment of death is unique and requires greater precautions. Retributive justifications for the death penalty are grounded in respect for innocent victims of homicide; but accepting serious risks of mistaken executions demonstrates disrespect for innocent human life. United States Supreme Court decisions of the 1990’s (Coleman v. Thompson and Herrara v. Collins) illustrate the existence of serious risk and suggest some explanations for it. I live in a city (Philadelphia, PA) whose District Attorney seeks the death penalty more often, and with greater success, than any other D.A. in the United States. In Philadelphia, as elsewhere in the U.S., the majority of defendants in capital trials are poor, and rely on court appointed defense lawyers paid by the local jurisdiction. It is no coincidence that a city which sends large numbers of convicted murderers to death row has "an unusually impoverished system" for representing indigent defendants. According to Tina Rosenberg, where private attorneys "routinely" charge $50,000 to defend a capital case, Philadelphia pays court-appointed lawyers a $1700 flat fee for preparation and $400 for each day in court. The executive administrator of Philadelphia's courts reckons that this averages $3519 a case.(1) Those numbers help to explain why District Attorney Lynn Abraham's department has such a high percentage of homicide defendants sentenced to death. They also suggest that Philadelphia runs an especially great risk of sending to death row some persons who are innocent of the crime for which they were convicted. But why does Philadelphia ask for the death penalty so often—in Rosenberg's words, "virtually as often as the law will allow"? (320) D.A. Abraham says that she considers herself the representative of the victim and the victim's family, and that the death penalty is the right thing to do for them. (321) This is essentially a retributive rationale for capital punishment. The risk of executing innocent human beings is the focus of this paper. I believe that this risk is so significant that it constitutes a decisive reason for the abolition of capital punishment in the United States.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Literary Devices in Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Essay

In Hell we imagine it to be torturous, horrid, and filled with pain and suffering. In the story, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, it thoroughly explains what Hell would be like. Literary devices are used to emphasize how horrific Hell would be for sinners, and it scares you into being a Christian. The first literary device used is personification. An example from the text of personification is, â€Å"Justice bends the arrow at your heart.† This is showing if you don’t worship God and constantly sin, God will send you to Hell where you belong. This scares me and should put fear into everybody who wants to go to Heaven. The next way the author uses literary devices in the story is imagery. An example of imagery is, â€Å"The devil is waiting for them, Hell is gasping for them, the flames gather and flash about them.† This example creates an image in my head of standing over Hell and looking down at the tortured, burning souls. It makes me want to be a better Christian and to convince others to be Christians too. The last way the author uses literary devices is by similes. â€Å"His wrath towards you burns like fire.† This makes me think about how angry God becomes whenever we sin. It drills into my mind about how badly His hatred and disappointment towards sin really are, and how He will punish you if you do not ask for forgiveness. As you can see, the author describes Hell as a very awful place and is not a place you want to find yourself. He used literary devices in the story to emphasize how horrific Hell would be for sinners through personification, imagery, and similes. This is a significant reminder to me of my faith and encourages me to tell others about Christianity.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Differences between US government and Texas State government

The United States of America is a country consisting of many states, including Texas state, and various outlying areas. Although Texas is one of the states of U. S. , to some degree, it has difference in terms of its governance. This paper scrutinizes the difference between the government of US and Texas State government in terms of its constitution and economy. The United States is a democratic federal republic under the Constitution of 1787 and its amendments.There are three levels of government: (1) national, or federal; (2) state, consisting of 50 separate governments; and (3) local, consisting of thousands of county, township, city, and other local units within the states (Ferguson, 2001). The U. S. Constitution, the oldest written constitution among the great nations, has served as a model for a number of other countries. The presidential system of government, with separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, is one of the two leading forms of democratic government is use today (Bender, 2006).The emphasis on freedom in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights has been an important world influence. The United States form of government is based on these principles: 1. Popular Sovereignty. Supreme power is in the hand of the people. Government is based on the consent of the governed, as expressed through the United States Constitution, elections, and public opinion (Bender, 2006). 2. Constitutionalism, or Limited Government. The U. S. Constitution is the supreme law. Every government—national, state, and local—and every citizen must abide by its provisions.The national and state constitutions have bills of rights that guarantee certain basic rights to the individual (Bender, 2006). 3. Federalism. Governmental powers are divided between the national government and the states. Whatever powers are not granted to the national government by the Constitution are reserved to the state s or to the people (Bender, 2006). 4. Representative Government. As a republic and representative democracy, the government is run by the voters to express and enforce their will. 5. Separation of Powers.Governmental powers are divided among three generally coordinate (equal-ranking) branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. To prevent any one branch from taking over the functions of another, the power of each branch is checked and balanced by the powers of the other two. The President, as chief executive, has the power to veto, or refuse to give consent to, legislation. Laws must be approved by both houses of Congress, the legislative body. (Ferguson, 2001). Through the power of judicial view, the courts can invalidate laws and actions that are contrary to the Constitution.In addition, in terms of its economy, the United States is a leading agricultural nation even though the relative importance of agriculture in the economy has declined steadily over the years. Farming now a ccounts for less than 3 percent of the nation’s labor force and a similar percentage of the gross national product (Baumol, 2005). Nevertheless, it makes the nation virtually self-sufficient in food and, by value, provides about one-seventh of the nation’s exports. On the other hand, Texas is a state in the south-central United States.It extends from the Gulf of MÃ ©xico and the Rio Grande Valley into a heart of the Great Plains. Texas, with an area of 266, 807 square miles, ranked as the largest state in the Union for more than a century, and now is second only to Alaska in size. More than 7 percent of the total area of the United States is occupied by Texas. To many people, the name Texas brings to mind dry, barren plains dotted by occasional cattle herds and oil wells. In reality, there is great scenic variety, ranging from thick pine forests and long sandy beaches to beautiful mountains and canyons.There is as much variety in the state’s economy as in its s cenery (Jordan, 2003). Cattle and oil are still very important in Texas, but they are now only part of a highly diversified economy that is dominated by manufacturing. Texas cities that had long been primarily market and oil-refining centers are now industrial and financial capitals of a multistate area. Despite the many changes that have taken place, Texans maintain a traditional pride in their state and its colorful history. They sometimes tend to think of Texas as a separate country.This feeling is at least partly due to the vastness and diversity of Texas, its numerous resources, and a spirit of independence that goes back to the days of the republic of Texas (Ridgeway, 2002). Texas is governed under its fifth constitution, adopted in 1876 and frequently amended. The chief executive of the state is the governor. He is elected for a four-year term and may be reelected an unlimited number of times. The lieutenant governor, the attorney general, the comptroller of public accounts, the treasurer, the commissioner of agriculture, and the commissioner of the general land office are elected for four years.The secretary of state is appointed by the governor for a four-year term (Whisenhunt, 2004). The state legislature meets in odd-numbered years. It consists of a Senate elected for fours and a House of Representatives that are elected for two years. The judicial branch of the government is made up of a supreme court and several lower courts. The judges of all state courts are elected. Texas has 254 counties. It is represented in Congress by 2 senators and 27 representatives. Moreover, until the beginning of the 20th century the economy of Texas was based on farming, ranching, and lumbering.Then, in 1901, large-scale production of petroleum began following discovery of the Spindletop oil field near Beaumont. Since then, the economy of Texas has become closely bound to the production and distribution of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas and to such rel ated industries as petroleum refining and the making of petrochemicals. Since roughly mid-century, diverse manufacturing industries have been established in the state especially notable are those in the electronic and aerospace fields (McDonald, 2003). Today, about 20 percent of the nonagricultural labor force is engaged in manufacturing.Wholesale and retail trade, the service industries, and government also employ large numbers of persons. These changes in the Texas economy reflect the demand, both from within and from outside the state, for an ever-widening variety of products. Abundant resources, especially petroleum and natural gas, a large labor force, relatively low wages, and large amounts of investment capital have helped bring about these changes (Adams, 2003). Furthermore, Texas has the largest network of primary and secondary roads in the United States.The primary system, which connects all major Texas cities, includes seven Interstate routes and many miles of other multi lane divided highways. Railway mileage is also the largest of any state, but, as in most other states, has declined for many years. Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston are the chief railway hubs. Six major poets serve Texas. Houston, connected to the gulf by the 50-mile Houston Ship Channel, is the state’s largest port and ranks among the busiest ports in the country. Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Texas City, Port Arthur, and Freeport also handle heavy cargo tonnages.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Ageing Theory Essay

P4: In this assignment I will be explaining two theories which are the disengagement theory and the activity theory. Disengagement theory The disengagement theory suggests when people reach old age, they tend to naturally withdraw themselves from society and social involvement, elderly folk will also reduce their physical activity due to complications with poor health as they grow old. This among other reasons will result in restricted opportunities to interact with others and forms an individual mentality/approach to life due to becoming less concerned with the expectation of others/withdrawal. In 1975 Cumming argued that â€Å"it was appropriate and healthy for older people to withdraw from others† because it was deemed a natural part of the ageing process. The disengagement theory states that older people start to withdraw themselves from society and others because of their bodily issues i.e. hearing loss, loss of vision and reduction in physical movement. These complications can cause an older persons health to deteriorate which results in the loss of communication with others and withdrawal from society along with social interaction. Retirement can also be a contributing factor for elderly people not to be involved as much due to the inevitability that they will lose touch with their ex colleagues and friends. Older people may also have family that live far away therefore, they may not be able to travel much due to not having access to a car or even have access to technology such as the internet. This restricts the opportunity for social contact and leads to further disengagement due to being isolated from the new generation’s facilities. However, critics point out that disengagement can be discredited for a number of reasons. The majority of older people do remain socially involved with family and friends and many older people become more involved with close family as they become older. It may be that many older people choose to spend the time they have remaining with people they feel close to, rather than seeking to make new friends. If people only interact with close friends does this mean they are disengaged? It is also important to remember disengagement can often be enforced, rather than voluntary. For example, people who need to move to a nursing home experience restrictions on their social circle as well as limitations on their friends, this can result in fewer connections as friends die and depression/isolation occurs due to  inability to change the situation they are in. This is why many people don’t agree with the disengagement theory. Activity theory The activity theory suggests that older people need to disengage, but that they also need to remain â€Å"active† in order to limit the risks associated with disengagement i.e. stagnation, loss of mental and physical skills. Being mentally and physically active is viewed as being very important because it can improve mental and physical health in later life. The general ideology of the activity theory is the more you do, the better you will age. People who maintain an interest in life and continue to be engaged with family and friends tend to be healthier, happier and more in touch with what is going on around them. However, it is not sufficient merely to provide facilities for elderly people. They need to be educated to make use of them and encouraged to engage in a full day of activities, this will result in a high level of productivity and in theory slow down the ageing process. Furthermore, the activity theory can be argued against to some degree because it doesn’t remain true. It is somewhat difficult to suggest just being busy will help greatly with ageing. Therefore, a heightened level of activity is needed, but it needs to be engaging and fulfilling, rather than just busy work/stimulation. As people get older, nerve cells in the brain get weaker which results in memory loss, in order to prevent this from happening old people choose to be mentally active by taking courses and getting involved in studies, and physically active by going on walks, the gym even swimming. To conclude this theory implies by truly engaging ourselves in later life with purpose it can make us live longer. Overall I think it is best to stay active for as long as you can, it means a better social life and a healthy body and mind. It may even increase your life expectancy. I feel disengagement from society and social interaction would have serious consequences and would result in life expectancy being decreased. However, people may be forced in to disengagement through injury or onset of disease/disability. M2: I will be discussing the disengagement and active theories in relation to the individual I have chosen. Disengagement theory in relation to Barrack Obama When Barack Obama reaches old age, he may go through disengagement. This would include a withdrawal from society and social interaction. This may be caused by various factors as the ageing process begins to start and his physical and mental state declines. Obama may distance himself from family and friends which would restrict his opportunities, this is because older people tend to disengage themselves totally and chose not to be involved in social activities/interaction. Therefore, Obama could develop an individual approach and become stuck with this mentality which would result in isolation as he becomes less concerned with the expectations of others. A number of factors can contribute to Obama becoming further disengaged such as retirement. Due to the amount of stress and responsibilities he has had to deal with for a long period of time, he may feel a time out is required. This will inevitably mean the loss of friends and ex colleagues. Another factor could be the deterioration of his health for example, his eye sight, hearing and physical movement may all contribute to him socially disengaging. This would cause further complications and would also restrict Obama from travelling. The realization of death would then begin to linger while he considers the amount of time he has remaining. Furthermore, mental aspects may also occur due to contemplating his previous decisions he made while in power which could have a detrimental effect and may result in him developing depression. This will no doubt result in him no longer wanting his picture taken, and health services being required in order to help him cope with the situation he is in (mentally unstable maybe even forced disengagement). The mutual relationship he once had with society would then begin to evaporate as the disengagement process is completed. Activity theory in relation to Barrack Obama However, if Obama chooses to remain active, he will be more likely to overcome the negative factors that social disengagement causes. If Obama retires after his term as president of the United States, he could continue to work for the America government by being part of international relations. Therefore, he would continue to travel and have his photograph taken due to being an ambassador for his nation. This would mean he will maintain a heighted level of activity that would be engaging, fulfilling, and stimulate  his brain which would delay the aging process and in theory prolong any health issues. Furthermore, Obama would maintain an interest in life and continue to be engaged with family and friends, this would result in him being healthier, happier and more in touch with what was going on around him. He would also be involved in family gatherings and physical activities such as keeping fit i.e. running and attending the gym. All these active factors would form a physical and social routine which would no doubt prevent any sort of disengagement. D2: I will be evaluating how each theory is associated to health and social care provision and what influences health and social care can provide. Ageing and health and social care provision The activity and disengagement theory both relate to health and social care settings. Looking at the activity theory, it is clear that it still has an impact on health and social care settings, most services help people to be active by providing various physical and social activities i.e. care homes provide bingo, quizzes, chess, cards, music and sensory activities which keep elderly people occupied. These games are used in order to keep them entertained and their minds active, whereas day care centres offer days out, dancing and exercise. I believe these services help people to be involved rather than push them away and disengage them as they encourage physical and social interaction/participation. People are living longer due to these services and our good public health/lifestyle. Most health and social care provisions urge older people to remain active because it helps prolong body functions, boosts self esteem and in theory delays the negative effects of ageing. Doctor’s surgeries, community centres and hospitals will also have leaflets and posters with information on revealing how to stay active and will show activities and exercises that older people can do in order to keep healthy. It is now viewed as very important to remain active because as we grow older people tend to lose their memory. This is caused by a decrease in the number of brain cells and the body weakening. Therefore, maintaining a heighted level of activity that is engaging, fulfilling, and stimulates the brain helps delay complications and the aging process. Policies and procedures have changed over the years, giving older people more respect. Having these rights help older people feel more safe and secure in society. All these services for older people will aim to provide quality assurance, choice and ensure the upmost respect is given to the people they are caring for. Older people should always have a choice as to how active they wish to be. If some older people do not want to take part and be disengaged in activities and other participations then that is fine as they have free will in what they want to do and what they do not want to do. Some people may even have disabilities or mental health problems. Therefore, they may not want to take part as they will feel belittled or intimidated it is also a part of their human rights. Quality services will never attempt to force older people to be active and engaged, but they will provide opportunities and encouragement for individuals to maintain the continuity of their lives and remain as a ctive as they wish which must be respected and always taken into account. Looking at the disengagement theory, it is clear that it still has an impact on health and social care settings. Although there are many services that provide physical and social engagement, it can be difficult for elderly people to be involved. I believe there are a number of influences in today’s society that encourage disengagement. For example, Disabilities contribute when forming interaction socially and physically, travel expenses is also an issue, many people don’t have access to transport, although there are mini buses/bus passes now available for elderly people, lots of elderly, mentally challenged and disabled find it difficult to attend these services (forced disengagement). Some people may even struggle to adapt to retirement, someone who has been working all there life may find it difficult to find themselves out of the loop through the loss of ex colleagues and friends even death i.e. the loss of a loved one is a contributing factor and provides an outlet to disengage completely. Furthermore, more people now use drugs, smoke and drink alcohol excessively. Alcohol is a depressant and if used inappropriately it can form an addiction which eventually results in people wanting to be on their own and not wanting to leave their homes. Drugs, smoking and alcohol can also cause diseases such as cancer, liver disease and mental illnesses which all affect how individuals engage. All  these factors could result in serious complications/implications i.e. people not waiting to interact physically or socialise at all. Conclusion Overall I personally believe that today’s society is based more on the activity theory. People are becoming less ill because of the NHS and living longer due to various health and social care services providing engagement both physically and socially. Campaigns on healthy eating, exercise and things to do to keep active is being put out in the open daily. This includes medicines, treatments and screenings. The activity theory provides some evidence of being effective because more and more older people are living in their own homes, keeping active both physically and socially and even cooking healthy meals for themselves as people are becoming more alert to what their body requires, retirement is also now shown to be enjoyable, elderly people ensure they maintain a routine which involves interacting with family and friends, in addition to volunteering which helps them engage and in theory, be more in touch with what is going on around them leading to a happier, healthier life. In my opinion the disengagement theory is very negative on society and on a person. Although it is sometimes viewed as an unavoidable weakness, no one in today’s world wants to be separated from society because of their age. I believe the theory to be ignorant to the fact that older people are still individuals regardless of the process of ageing there are still people who are capable of enjoying life and being part of society which deserve respect and the right to have choices and be independent. Although complications can occur as the ageing process takes place i.e. loss of mobility, illness, malfunction of the body. It is important that people rights are respected and if they want to disengage themselves from society they are free to do so.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Alcoholism and its link to poor self-esteem

Prior to maturity is the stage of adolescence. This is the period where physical and psychological changes take place. The beginning of adolescence is indicated by physical changes known as puberty. With these changes, entail the teenager’s self-perception regarding his physical transformation. Although this aspect is only one of the areas that might seriously affect an adolescent’s self-esteem, it is also a major consideration in the understanding of the youth’s developing self (Halonen & Santrock, 1996).These physical changes affect personality; radical changes in attitudes and interests may occur, but there is consciousness in acting the role of adults. Conflicts may be experienced or may arise as a result of psychosocial behavior patterns in the attempt to achieve maturity. Accepting one’s physique, therefore, is considered one of adolescent’s developmental tasks(Hilgard, 2001).In addition, there is also the emotional independence from parents; developing intellectual skills and concepts necessary for civic competence; desiring and achieving socially responsible behavior and building values in harmony with adequate scientific world-picture (Halpern, 1992). These are actually innate cravings of every individual person and must be resolved especially in such a critical period as adolescence. Problem statements Basic theoretical viewpoints in social psychology are divided on the effects of self-esteem on an individual’s functioning relative to his/her world.One extreme views self-esteem as the root cause of all of society’s problems and that raising it is to solve many social ills. Where poor performance in school is a perennial problem, unemployment or poverty is concerned, the advocates say that poor self-esteem is at their roots. Alcoholism for instance may indicate that an adolescent is having a problem with self-esteem (Pritchard, 2007). This research intends to show that there is a strong correlation betwe en the poor self-esteem and adolescent alcoholism in terms of a teenager’s deficiency and maladaptive patterns in confronting issues concerning himself and his role in his community.Also, in an attempt to provide appropriate recommendations that might be useful for a possible reduction to the incidence of adolescent alcoholism, underlying causes of such phenomena will be analyzed. Specific Main Questions and Sub-questions: Based on the developmental tasks that are expected to occur during the adolescent stage and the context in which self-esteem plays a role in alcoholism, the main research question of this study was drawn as to †¢ What is the correlation of poor self-esteem to adolescent alcoholism?The subsequent research sub-questions that will guide the framework of the research study are as follow: A. What is self-esteem? B. What are the effects of low self-esteem to adolescents? C. To what extent does alcoholism in adolescents a reflection of low-esteem? D. What are the reasons that contribute why adolescents with low self-esteem lead to such maladaptive behavior as alcoholism? E. What are the interventions available to help adolescents with low self-esteem who suffer in alcoholism. F.What strategic approaches could be used to reduce the incidence of lowered self-esteem? CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW Title: Self-esteem and its relationship to alcohol and substance abuse prevention in adolescents Author: Joseph, Donnelly, PhD. Studies regarding substance abuse (alcohol included) yielded results that clearly associate self esteem closely to it. Those who are engaged in alcohol use in later or older age do so because they have learned the use of it in their early and moldable years (11 years old or 5th & 6th grade).Consequently, attempts have been made to deal with the area of self-esteem in hopes that when this psychological problem among teens is addressed properly, substance abuse might somehow be curbed. There are programs that cater to this need and they are actually placed side by side with the traditional curriculums of some schools. The specific aim of the program is prevention and anticipates a positive effect since it seeks to deal with the potential problem of alcohol use before its actual occurrence.Experts and researchers believe that this quandary of alcohol abuse among teens may be helped by treating it in a stage where it is less obvious – that is, when the youngster is not yet manifesting or is obviously using alcohol, but on the brink of experimenting on it (Donnelly, 2007). Advocates of the program are optimistic to the efficacy of their method. The line of attack of this particular method is directed towards factors that are crucial to the make up of adolescents’ life experiences.Understanding the transitions that teenagers most likely will go through is the underlying principle that facilitated the study that eventually led to the formation of this program. Hence, the high hopes that the p roponents of this program maintain. In this paper, the author tries to explore and explain the rubric of the particular synopsis mentioned above and to finally (in the process) convince its readers of its viability in decreasing the problem of alcoholism among teens and young adults in the coming years.It will explain the rationale behind the effectiveness of the curriculum since the whole program is aimed at the core level of the perpetual potential problem of alcohol addiction. ~Feasibility of the Program The National Association for Self-Esteem (NASE), as the very name of the association clearly implies, believe that the self-esteem of the individual plays a major role why or why not that particular person is using/abusing or not using/abusing alcohol.The observation is that teenagers with low self esteem have higher likelihood to experiment not only with alcohol but with other harmful psychoactive substances than those with high self-esteem. Furthermore, their studies yield evid ences that point to the fact that individuals with positive self-esteem show not only little serious involvement with addictive substances but lesser tendency to risk trying the pleasures of these drugs. Convinced of this observation, self-esteem proponents constantly research and write articles that speak to the issue.They support a prevention program which has within it as crucial part â€Å"self-esteem enhancement. † Not any prevention program or traditional approach to the problem will achieve a longer-lasting effect. Overwhelming data available have proven that traditional school programs are not sufficient to address the issue; in order to be really effective in curbing alcoholism among teenagers, it is very important that as researches yield additional information, new strategies should be incorporated and employed as well.Important factors along with self-esteem that must be tackled include: personal efficacy, ability to decide wisely for oneself, and communication sk ills, etc. These areas must be developed since they influence and affect the behavior of an individual. It is believed that when these basic skills are taught and cultivated, rather than concentrating on the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, the benefits will be much more than the reduction of the likelihood of teenagers and young adults to use and abuse drugs.Involvement with other behavioral correlates like unsafe sexual encounters, and teenage pregnancy, will also diminish. The timing of the implementation of this kind of preventive program in schools for it to really achieve its goal among teenagers is also emphasized. It has to be implemented early, or else, its efficacy will lessen. Dr. Joseph Donnelly (self-esteem proponent) said: â€Å"It is much easier to prevent adolescents from ever engaging in the use of substances than it is to deter that use once it has begun. † Title: Self Esteem Author: Dr. E. PritchardAccording to the author, the concept on self esteem hinges around the physical attractiveness of a person rather than on objective values or qualities. Dr. Pritchard attempts further that for most people who regard physical attractiveness as pre-eminent to be on top of the world of men, self-esteem then will become an issue. The author narrows the two important salient features in concept of self esteem which includes: -â€Å"a feeling of being lovable† -â€Å"a feeling of being competent† He qualifies also such distinction that low self esteem is not the same as depression.He also identifies two strong motivations people have: the need for praise or compliment or a positive feedback, and the need for self-verification. He further mentions that ecological niches in every individual provide a clue as to the degree that our self-view is adversely affected. In a related study on Marital Bliss, couples are said to be observed as more committed to each other due to their consistent self-view; i. e. , one who has a positive self-view is more committed to the other who also has a positive self-view.Furthermore, Pritchard examines the validity of the claim and states his own argument against what is seemingly narrow understanding of the concept: if self-esteem may be a root problem in society’s problems and if the resulting ills that society is recipient of is suffering from poor self-esteem, then it is logical that raising it will positively eradicate if not remove the problems of people. Title: Urban-rural differences in adolescent self- esteem, leisure boredom, and sensation-seeking as predictors of leisure-time usage and satisfactionAuthor: Winsome Rose Gordon and Marie Louise Caltabiano The author seeks to establish the mediation of low self-esteem over the adolescents’ choice to opt for deviant behavior rather than on more socially acceptable conduct. Deviant behavior refers to use and abuse of drugs as observed in the study. Other factors such as leisure boredom and se nsation-seeking as possible mediators as self-esteem is known to be more effective in drawing an adolescent to engage in rather in more productive venues. Title: Evaluating the effects of self-esteem on substance abuse among homeless men (evaluating self-esteem)Author: Barris P. Malcolm It is especially significant that even in studying homeless men, it is important that studies like these further cement the role of self-esteem plays in the choice to use chemical or other substances. It also reviews the studies done by Kaplan in that a strong link tying self-esteem to the possible dependence of individuals to alcohol and other harmful substances. The study seeks to provide the theoretical framework to support the notion risky behaviors including indulgence with alcohol and drugs are associated with low self.In similar attempts to elaborate the research, the author also cited the inconsistent reports and studies done by several authors which claims that alcoholism results to higher s elf-esteem rather than its opposite. Title: Self-esteem: the costs and causes of low self- worth Author: Nicholas Emler Emler collated and presented his facts on several studies that support the close correlation that a poor self-esteem influences the individual’s choice to adopt a destructive lifestyle. However, in this study, Emler clarifies that o Self-esteem can actually be measured and quantified reliablyo Parental influences play a direct part in developing the child’s view of self hence, a low self-esteem stems from such factors as parenting styles, physical and sexual abuse o The interventions that have been developed by experts are still limited and are not known to be effective for a long period of time. o Strategic approaches implemented and public policies have their specific outputs as a response to the position that low self-esteem can be equated with self-destructive patterns. o Other factors such as belonging to a particular minority group, race or gend er may be root causes that a person like an adolescent is specifically tempted.The review and in-depth report reflect the negative correlation between self-esteem and the factors just enumerated. Reference: 1. Donnelly, Joseph. 2004. Self-Esteem and it's Relationship to Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention in Adolescents. Dept. of Health Professions/PERLS National Association for Self-esteem. 2. Emler, Nicholas. 2001. The costs and causes of low self-esteem. Joseph Rowntree foundation. 3. Gordon, Winsome Rose. 1996. Urban-rural differences in adolescent self-esteem, leisure boredom, and sensation-seeking as predictors of leisure-time usage and satisfaction. Adolescence. p. 1 4. Halonen, JS, & JW Santrock.1996. Psychology: contexts of behavior. Dubuque, IA: Brown and Benchmark, p. 810. 5. Hilgard. E, et al. 1983. Introduction to Psychology. 7th edition. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanich. 6. Malcolm, Barris. 2004. Evaluating the effects of self-esteem on substance abuse among homele ss men (evaluating self-esteem. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Addiction. 7. Pritchard, John. Self Esteem. Accessed September 27, 2007 < file:///D:/Documents%20and%20Settings/alan/My%20Documents/ALCOHOLSIM%20AND%20SELFESTEEM/social98b. html> 8. Halpern, D. F. 1992. Sex differences in cognitive abilities. 2nd ed. Hillsdale, NJ; Lawrence Erlbaum.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Identity theft Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Identity theft - Essay Example Credit card fraud falls under the category identity theft. Credit card fraud means a fraud or theft committed, using a credit card or any similar payment mechanism. The intention of such a fraud is to obtain unauthorized funds from an account or receive goods without paying. It is estimated that the cost of credit frauds runs in to billions of dollars annually. Credit card fraud begins with either compromise of the account information or theft of the physical card. The drastic increase of credit cards has made data base security lapses very costly. If a credit card is stolen, it can be reported quickly by the owner, but a compromised account can be concealed by a thief for weeks or months. In most cases the owner or the credit card holder may not be able to discover the fraudulent use till he receives the billing statement which is delivered only once per month. When a credit card is stolen or lost, it remains unknown to the bank till the owner informs them that the card is lost. So it is possible for a stealer to make purchases till the card is cancelled. Signature panel is the only common security measures on all cards, but signatures are relatively easy to counterfeit. In some cases, credit cards bear the holder’s photograph. However, self serve payment system such as kiosks, gas station, which are used by the thieves, have no way to verify the card holders’ identity. Nowadays many websites which contain card information such as name of the card holder, account number, expiration date and verification code etc.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Jean Roberge - vice president of ABS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Jean Roberge - vice president of ABS - Essay Example The project tends to bring all 3 sub-units (which were previously 3 different businesses) on to one platform so that resources can be shared profitably especially in accounting and human resource management department. Even in marketing department, if the plan of marketing from all three entities is in line with each other due to the presence of an integrated management system, it will prove less costly and more effective. The project will cost $50 million, which Mr. Roberge plan to spread over the period of 24 months. The major targets of ABS from incorporation of this new system are to ensure consistent and reliable data retrieval, harmonization of accounting and financial process, improving process efficiency in HR management and to create an integrated market vision for the new ABS entity. The challenges as identified by Mr. Roberge include the fact that there is a huge amount of information that needs to be sorted out and placed rightly to be accessed when required and this too must be done without a single error. The existing systems and soft wares cannot be considered obsolete for no reason. Instead, the best option is to make as little as possible change to the soft wares in use already. This will help in keeping the system understandable for the users. Also, it is a huge project which will have a direct impact over the way IT department of ABS works. It will have an impact over the future of IT department in ABS. Another great challenge is that Mr. Roberge needs to hire a competent project manager. Case 1: Question 1: There are few other issues which at this point seem that Mr. Roberge has not considered. The biggest issue is reaction of ABS employees to this huge change. It has been mentioned in the case study that IT department staff is already a little uneasy about it as such a system can lead towards downsizing of their department. Such an automated system might result in lower number of jobs in IT department. This thus has an impact over performan ce of staff especially in the IT department. On the same line, the reaction of employees from other departments will also be important. Marketing department for example might not be very comfortable with such an integrated system. They are not used to discussing their micro plans with a huge audience. An important aspect that is thus being overlooked at this stage in my opinion is change management. Case Study 2: Question 1: In my opinion there are a few key points in the presentation which include the following: First of all, the presentation must have included the scope, budget, requirement and justification of having such a huge system in place. This is something which Mr. Roberge’s own presentation to the committee had in detail. The issues which he found a little untouched in his own presentation and was impressed when he saw added to consultant’s presentation are a detailed break up of the additional resources ABS will require for implementation of such a huge sy stem. When ERP is incorporated in any huge corporate of public culture, there is a lot of staff requirement, capital resource requirement and hardware and soft ware requirements to be taken care of by the parent company. Though Mr. Roberge has done thorough cost analysis, the requirement of staff was brought up by the consultant. Other important point that was highlighted in the presentation of the consultant was that change management must be a well planned process. The consultant has been a part of essentially many such ERP incorporations and from his experience he has pointed out that firms see highest turn over rate during the time when such huge changes are taking place. He pointed out that change management should be a well planned process and employees from every tier must be involved so that

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Chris Burden, Shakira and Jack Kerouac Research Paper

Chris Burden, Shakira and Jack Kerouac - Research Paper Example The discussion of the paper "Chris Burden, Shakira and Jack Kerouac " will further emphasize on the professional career of the three personalities to conclude on the influences develop by them on the society. Chris Burden was born in 1946 and achieved an international recognition in 1970s as a West Coast body artist and a performer of conceptual arts. Chris Burden was also recognized as a controversial figure as a participant in the Conceptual Art movement and influenced his audiences by getting himself shot, crucified, electrocuted and almost drowned. These were again used in his videos during 1974 which significantly influenced the society. Shakira was born in 1977 in Colombia. Until the beginning of the 21st century, she gained recognition as the most famous female international crossovers in representing Latin pops. After her recognition in the international music industry, she was stated as one of the most influencing popular singer, dancer and lyricist. She also sang the theme song of FIFA World Cup in 2010 which was again a hit. Jack Kerouac was born on 1922 and was recognized as a novelist in the early 1940s. The author travelled in many places including San Francisco, California, Mexico, North Carolina and other states which inspired him to write novels based on the social lives of the people of those regions. This in turn influenced the society quite strongly. Jack Kerouac died in 1969 when his age was only 47 years in Saint Petersburg, because of a hemorrhage in his abdomen.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Methodology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Methodology - Essay Example Finally, inductive approaches do not always allow researchers to capture the complexity of various social phenomena (Cargan 2007). This is why, when researchers cannot overcome the major limitations of inductive data, they begin their study with a theory, followed by a hypothesis and research (Saunders et al., 2007). In other words, they apply for deductive research approaches. Deductive data is usually derived from the study of earlier experiments, empirical and theoretical literature. In other words, deductive approaches rely on the previous studies and lead to the creation of generalizations and assumptions from earlier formulations (Cargan 2007). The use of deductive data in research is very common. According to Saunders et al (2007), deductive data allows developing conceptual frameworks from theories considered in the literature. These frameworks are then tested using the data (Saunders et al. 2007). Researchers who use deductive data develop new theories, based on the earlier studies in the same field. In deductive approaches, researchers usually begin with the analysis of literature. At times, meta-analysis designs are used to systematize earlier research findings. All these steps are integral to deductive approaches in research. With deductive data, researchers find it easier to make generalizations and develop recommendations for future research. ... Mixed methods research Mixed methods have already become a defining feature of contemporary research. Mixed studies are often valued for their strength and reliability. Basically, mixed methods designs involve the use of both quantitative and qualitative features (Denscombe 2010). The concept of mixed methods can be traced to the end of the 1950s (Creswell 2003). Mixed methods exemplify a logical and promising response to the limitations inherent in all research methods. With the help of mixed methods, researchers can â€Å"neutralize or cancel the biases of other methods† (Creswell 2003, p.15). Triangulation is a popular method of research, which is used to ensure better validity and reliability of the study findings (Creswell 2003). For example, the results obtained from one method can be used to inform another method of research, or one method can be nested within another research strategy to ensure effective analysis of the different levels of data (Creswell 2003). Researc hers who use mixed methods in their studies can choose from three research procedures. First, in sequential mixed method approaches, researchers use the data obtained from one research method to improve the quality of the results obtained from another method (Creswell 2003). The data obtained from one method can also be used to improve the second method used a mixed study design. Second, researchers can also use concurrent procedures, when qualitative and quantitative data are used simultaneously to study one research question (Creswell 2003). Finally, there are also transformative procedures when a particular theoretical framework is used to interpret both quantitative and qualitative study findings (Creswell 2003). The choice of particular procedures and

Monday, September 9, 2019

Critical Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Critical Review - Essay Example The inclusive settings may be community-based such as private preschool programmes in day care centres, or may be public school based preschool programmes. For inclusion to be successful, children with disabilities have to be provided with all the necessary supports, to facilitate their forming friendships with peers, to actively participate in all classroom activities, and to accomplish the individualised goals designed to meet his or her needs. Both the disabled children and their non-disabled peers benefit from the integrated environment (Power-deFur & Orelove, 1997). Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to write a critical review of the article by Odom (2000). First, the article will be summarised, followed by a background section giving a brief account of the reason why the article was chosen, its significance and the relevance to one’s research interest. The critical review of the article will include an investigation of the topic and key issues raised in the paper; also the author’s findings and suggestions; the arguments put forward by the article; and an evaluation of the strengths and shortcomings of the paper. In early childhood special education, it is now a primary service option to include children with disabilities with normally developing peers with typical growth patterns, in integrated classroom settings. This is a relatively new development, from the 1990s, although inclusion of preschool children was known since the early 1970s. There has been a gradual shift from special education programmes for school age children to those designed for preschool age children, to programmes in which children with disabilities are included in mainstream classrooms, with continued development in the settings offered for achieving improved outcomes (Odom, 2000). In this paper, the author Odom (2000) briefly investigates the literature available on the topic. Some research findings on