Physical Therapy A Career Choice - 1062 Words

Physical therapy is a great career choice, you decide the location of your workplace, the salary/hours are good plus the opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life is another great reason to become a physical therapist. Physical therapists need a doctoral or professional degree, they typically work in private offices and clinics. They diagnose, and manage dysfunction in movement, increase physical/functional abilities. They study each individual and construct a plan using strategies to promote the ability to move. These professionals treat and diagnose all individuals of all ages, that have health issues that limit their ability to move and/or function. They work 40 hours a week(most pt’s) some including evenings and weekends. The career of a physical therapist is a remarkable and challenging career,because one has the possibility of changing the world. The research will describe the career of a physical therapist, what is required to become successful, and the impact this career has on society. Qualifications, any male or female can become a physical therapist if they are of age or completed high school. Pt’s have to be open-minded and patient with all clients. It is required to have a doctor of physical therapy degree, and all states require physical therapists to be licensed. I will prepare myself by taking a physical therapist education class, you will not apply eligible if you don’t graduate knowledgeable, service-oriented, self-assured. To enter aShow MoreRelatedCareer Choices For A Hair Stylist887 Words   |  4 PagesExploring career choices can be one of the most tasking process that one will come upon. During my adolescent years, I wanted to tackle the career of a hair stylist. Years passed by, then it changed to nurse, then psychiatrist, and finally settled to one option I am now most passionate about, physical therapy. Physical therapy captivates me because I yearn to live life to maximum capacity. Not everyone is fortunate enough to live that w ay due to an unforeseen injury. I want to be there for peopleRead MoreInformative Speech About Art Therapy809 Words   |  4 Pageschoose a career and start with pointing out the obvious struggle of finding the right career for them and everyone else. I will also include a personal piece about my experience of struggling to find the right career for me through school so far. CENTRAL IDEA: Art Therapy is not a common career choice when looking at popular jobs in the workforce; however, it is both a very interesting psychological and artistic career. PURPOSE STATEMENT: I want to bring awareness to this interesting career and hopefullyRead MorePhysical Therapy And The Medical Field1624 Words   |  7 Pagesor a physical disability occurred due to an accident or aging, there is someone that can help treat these conditions. Physical Therapists! Physical Therapy is a very rewarding and vital profession in the medical field. The average of all occupations is 11%; According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Physical Therapy’s projected job outlook in the years 2012-2022 is projected to triple 36%. (Summary Occupational Outlook Handbook) .There are many specialty areas in the field of Physical Therapy butRead MorePersonal Statement Essay959 Words   |  4 Pagesof our choices. One of the most important choices we must make is the career we select to make our living. From the time I was able to walk I have trained as an elite athlete; swimming and gymnastics were my strong suit. In high school I suffered from an athletic overuse injury of the shoulder that required me to undergo surgery and extensive physical therapy. After learning that I would not be physically capable of performing at the level I desired, I was devastated. My physical therapistRead MoreThe Profession Of A Physical Therapist Assistant1380 Words   |  6 Pagesprofession of a physical therapist assistant. In addition to that it will assist in learning multiple things about a career in physical therapy. Which include the different careers that may surround the PTA profession? The salary ranges. And other geographical locations best suited for this career choice, in addition to that also the growth pat-tern and education needed for this PTA profession. Lastly the type of experience one should gain by building a career in physical therapy. Read MoreMy Research on What It Is and What It Takes to Become a Physical Therapist642 Words   |  3 PagesPhysical Therapy has always been a career that has had me interested in. Physical Therapist are part of the health care profession, which help relieve pain, and increase strength in their patients. Physical therapy has many different areas of specialization. Physical Therapy branches out into careers such as Cardiopulmonary, Orthopedic, and Kinesiotherapist, and within these specializations physical therapist see all different age groups from newborns, to the very oldest. Throughout their day physicalRead More Physical Therapy Essays1422 Words   |  6 PagesPhysical Therapy Physical therapists are members of a health care team, specially trained to improve movement and flinction, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Through evaluation and individualized treatment programs, physical therapists can both treat existing problems and provide preventive health care for people with a variety of needs (Physical Therapy-Improving 1). Physical therapists are very knowledgeable and skillful concerning the human body. Physical therapy is a complexRead MorePhysical Therapy Essay1650 Words   |  7 Pages People have created a hectic and busy world, that includes careers and daily activities that require physical activity. While attempting to attain the required physical conditioning, people often take chances with their personal health as they try to stretch their physical limits. Sometimes, people can surpass their current limits and form new boundaries; however, other times people are not so fortunate. These unfortunate times often lead to injury, including workplace accidents, sporting incidentsRead MoreFinding A Career May Be A Physical Therapy1117 Words   |  5 PagesFinding a career may be an imitating approach conversely, it may be the most important factor in the long run. The world offers thousands of various occupations that benefit everyone around them. The occupation I assume would benefit me also others around would be to become a Physical Therapist. Physical Therapists, also abbreviated as PTs, are sharply-intelligent health care providers who educate, rehabilitate, t reat, and prevent their patients from pain in the human anatomy (American Physical TherapyRead MoreI Want to Be a Physical Therapist1409 Words   |  6 PagesPhysical therapy Some say that PT stands for physical therapist; others might say that it stands for physical terrorists. People who say it stands for physical terrorists are usually the people who have been patients before. Patients call it physical terror because in physical therapy you use different exercises that usually will make the area that they are doing the therapy for hurt in order to help it recover to its full range of motion. The career I want to pursue is physical therapy, in order

Race As A Social Construction - 1679 Words

Alisha Sparks Dr. Stanley POLS 24 November 2015 Race as a Social Construction When we talk about race, what are we really talking about? The issue of race is a complex issue, with socially ambiguous undertones that have plagued our society for decades. Race has been a marker and maker of stereotypes. Race has been used as a justification for injustice. Whether slavery, Japanese internment, or social and economic exclusion, race has given an avenue for those in power to exclude ones deemed ‘other’. In the following paragraphs I will examine the premise of race and try to demonstrate why it is a social construct. After extensive study by scientists, it was concluded that there are no distinct biological characteristics of the race. Instead race, as the modern world had come to understand it, is a set of arbitrary distinctions of groups of people that genetically have no significance. Race is a relatively new concept. Coined by Johann Friedrich Blumenbach during the age of enlightenment around the late 18th century. The idea was expounded upon by Arthur de Gobineau in the mid-1800s. Gobineau theorized that there were three primary races (black, white, and yellow) and that certain races where purer than others. This type of rhetoric and thinking would lead people to justify their actions in the name of race. The United States has a history of divisive racial policies that is older than the nation itself. Bacon’s Rebellion in Virginia, circa 1676, was a joint rebellion byShow MoreRelatedRace And Race : The Social Construction Of Race858 Words   |  4 PagesThe race is an indefinite term, which has not been created from science or research, but more so the idea of what it is. Essentially, race is all about perception. One person may separate races based on a certain category of traits while another person uses totally different guidelines to define what races there are. Race has ultimately been created socially, therefor has no biological components until people connect the two terms. This paper examines the connection between society and race whileRead MoreThe Social Construction Of Race1242 Words   |  5 Pagesfoundation for what appears to be the social construction of race. Somewhere along the lines, eugenics became more about isolating certain human characteristics, like sk in color, and relegating them to a hierarchy of societal importance (Norrgard, 2008). Race is simply defined as a pattern-based concept that allows for the general public to draw conclusions based on an individual’s geographical location and thereby predetermining their inclusion into a particular social group (Yudell, et al., 2016) TheRead MoreRace As A Social Construction822 Words   |  4 Pageswhat is race? The term race is difficult to define as a result of the belief that it is â€Å"racist† to talk about race. Although how do we know what race is if we do not discuss it within society. After much thought I defined race as an individual’s background that may be used to describe their ancestor’s demographics as well as their religion. However, today people tend to put more emphasis on race being the color of an individual’s skin. As discussed in class society does not understand what race is,Read MoreThe Social Construction Of Race1743 Words   |  7 PagesIn The Social Construction of Race, Ian F. Haney Lopez defines race as a social construct that is constantly changing its meaning due to the fickle nature of society. Lopez believes that this fickleness stems from a social climate formed by a variety of factors such as human economic interest, current events, and ideology. There are certain racial definitions however, that have remained mostly the same despite efforts to bring attention to the offensiveness and immorality of such discriminatory thinkingRead MoreThe Social Construction Of Race1638 Words   |  7 Pagesstupid immoral, diseased, lazy, incompetent, and dangerous to the white man’s virtue and social order â€Å"(p.181). Blackness have become objectified in public spaces, they are view as a threat on the street of Toronto, surrounding areas and even in the criminal justice system. In fact this negative stereotype of criminalization have put Black males under scrutiny and constant surveillance. The social construction of race by the dominant belief system are still embedded in society that capitalized on minoritiesRead MoreThe Social Construction Of Race2146 Words   |  9 PagesAbadjivor AFAS 304B Professor Machibya 30 March 2015 The Social Construction of Race The underlying characteristic of race concepts is found in its use of phenotypes and physical differences in order to gain an understanding of why there are different people that exist in the world. These differences have been used in understanding the behaviors, intellect, and the value of humans through connecting different characteristics to different classified races. Using phenotypical differences to understand certainRead MoreRace As A Social Construction966 Words   |  4 PagesRace is a concept only existing in societies with systems of oppression based on social racism. In chapter eleven: Inequality, they discuss how, â€Å"There is nothing intrinsic about, for example, any racial or ethnic group that makes it distinct from any other; race and ethnicity are dynamic, fluid categories that are socially defined†(Ritzer). The oppression of â€Å"superior† groups demonstrates on â€Å"inferior† groups is one consequence of race as a social construction, whic h is to have one’s identity reducedRead MoreRace Is A Social Construction1074 Words   |  5 Pagesthe term â€Å"race† should not be used. Scholars and others argue that the term â€Å"race† should not be used because there is no biological basis for the concept of race. Geneticists have determined that code for physical traits (the key distinguishing characteristic for â€Å"race†) are inherited independently of one another. Any attempts there have been to define race based on genes are futile, because there is no set of genes that everyone within the â€Å"race† has. Scholars argue that race is a social constructionRead MoreSocial Construction of Race1867 Words   |  8 PagesThere is perhaps no bigger and more expansive social construction known to man than the construction of race. In earlier times race meant a tie to national origin, Greek race, Roman race, etc. race underwent a big change in meaning to it’s more contemporary form to distinguish biological differences of physical features and skin color (Wiegman 157). Film and television in this century and the twentieth century have aided and perpetuated stereotypes of race. These stereotypes have been most associatedRead MoreSocial Construction of Race1418 Words   |  6 PagesThe Use of Humor to Poke Fun at the Social Construction of Class: Illustrated in the Film The Jerk through Navin Johnson Money does not last forever. All the money in the world can become the reason why people change their personality and behavior. In the film The Jerk by Carl Reiner, a complete moron struggles to make it through life on his own, until a bizarre invention makes him unbelievably a wealthy man. Navin grew up in Mississippi as an adopted son of a black family, but on his birthday

Epidemic Of Dengue Virus Free Essays

string(56) " due to foreign persons’ movement within the country\." Ghani et al (2008) conducted a research on the 2006 epidemic of dengue virus at a tertiary care centre in Sindh. The basic reason behind conducting research was to investigate the outcome of a selected group of patients who were either alleged or had been confirmed to be infected with the dengue virus and were being provided treatment at Liaquat Univesity Hospital in Hyderabad. The methodology that was used in this research was that 116 patients were kept under observation as they were being treated for the dengue infection. We will write a custom essay sample on Epidemic Of Dengue Virus or any similar topic only for you Order Now All relevant tests pertaining to finding out whether a person has dengue were conducted. These tests were like investigating the platelet count of the patient for thrombocytopenia, symptoms recognition like myalgia, high febrility, purpura and dengue antibody recognition etc. The clinical information conducted was also supported with other data gathering such as demographics and the data analysis was done on the SPSS 10. 0 software. The findings that were registered indicated that out of 116 patients, only 52 patients had the dengue infection. Almost all of the confirmed cases had indications of thrombocytopenia and leucopenia which are key factors in determining the dengue virus. The mortality rate in this case was that of three deaths. Khan et al (2010) researched on a similar topic as done by Ghani et al (2008) and it relates to the incidence of dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital. The setup in which the research was conducted matched that of Ghani et al (2008) i. e. the sample was selected at Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad. The research was also descriptive in nature as it was meant to find out the number of patients who actually had dengue as they had initially been reported with dengue related symptoms but had not been proven positive as yet. The methodology in this regard was that patients and those also who were adults and had been reported with acute fever were checked for dengue fever. The methodology in this regard is different as it is looking into both dengue hemorrhagic and dengue shock syndrome which are varying grades of dengue infection. The procedure for investigating the symptoms was the same as in the case of Ghani et al (2008) in which clinical tests were conducted such as tourniquet test, hematological examination etc. The conclusion was that out of a total of 50 patients, only 20 were confirmed to be suffering from dengue fever out of which only 2 were listed as suffering from dengue hemorrhagic fever; no mortality rate was noticed. Ayyub et al (2006) research is similar to the two that have been discussed before except that this time the setting is not of Pakistan and in fact has been done in a public hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This particular research aims to target the clinical, laboratory and demographic profile of all the patients that have been confirmed with either dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever and the hospital setting in this regard is King Abdulaziz Hospital Oncology Center in Jeddah. The methodology followed in this regard was of similar nature to the previously mentioned researches. In this one a sample of 80 patients were considered. All of these patients had been admitted in the timeline of May 2004 till April 2005 and the patients’ symptoms were suspected to be that of either dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever. Statistical profiling was done in which the factors that were considered were age, gender, monthly distribution, ethnicity clinical and laboratory profiles. The accumulated data was then analyzed using SPSS version 7. 5 software. The findings indicated that out of 80 patients, only 39 patients were confirmed to have the dengue virus and the male to female ratio was 3. 3:1. The duration of hospitalization was between 4 to 23 days thus making an average of 7. 3 days. Eventually all patients showed signs of improvement and were completely treated towards the end of the period. Rahman et al (2002) research is based upon the initial outbreak of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Bangladesh in 2000. The research is different from the above mentioned three researches as the sample population is confirmed to be suffering from the dengue virus and only the dengue virus serotype has to be confirmed. The methodology consisted of doing an observation for dengue patients in a hospital from July 1- October 31, 2000. The clinical details of every patient were tabulated along with some demographic data such as age. The research is different as it also focuses on the type of dengue viruses through antibody recognition which in this regard are the analysis of immunoglobulin (Ig) M and (Ig) G. The types of viruses were indicated through a test known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results concluded that out of 176 confirmed dengue patients 60. 2% suffered from dengue fever, 39. 2% suffered from dengue hemorrhagic fever while 0. 6% had dengue shock syndrome. The mortality rate in this case was 1. 14% as two atients died in which one suffered from dengue fever and the other from dengue shock syndrome. Both patients in this regard were adults. Raja and Devi (2006) conducted research on the level of dengue disease prevalent in the teaching hospital which was the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This research has been done on a larger scale when compared to other mentioned researches as the timeline of investigation was from 2002 to 2004 and more than 4000 patients were observed and analyzed. The methodology is similar in which demographic, laboratory and clinical features were tabulated and recorded. As in the case of Rahman et al (2002) the ELISA test was also conducted to establish the types of dengue viruses occurring amongst patients and in which proportion. Ethnicity was also taken as a major variable owing to the fact that Malaysia is known for its tourism industry and it was being analyzed whether the dengue virus was present due to foreign persons’ movement within the country. You read "Epidemic Of Dengue Virus" in category "Essay examples" The conclusion of the research was that a total of 4753 patients were recorded to be suffering from dengue virus infection, out of which 2606 were males and 2137 were females and that the most affected age group was from 1 to 10 years then from 21 to 30 years and finally 11 to 20 years. Out of the ethnic groups recorded Malays were the affected ethnicity. The most common dengue infection was that of dengue fever which was around 91% while 5. % were indicated as dengue hemorrhagic fever and only a few cases had dengue shock syndrome. However the results also indicated a rising trend in dengue infections throughout the recorded years and this puts light on the fact that the spread of dengue is increasing yearly and is a cause of alarm and should be carefully controlled. Lum et al (2007) is a very effective research when the results of Raja and Devi (2006) are to be considered and also on the fact concerning the rising trend of the dengue infection. The paper focuses on the prevailing management standards that are set by hospitals to control and treat the spread of dengue virus. The research also looks into the various sectors of dengue management and tries to identify the areas that can be improved upon. The research has been done on a global basis as all of the authors are part of a cross country collaborative study which focuses on dengue case management. The research has been backed up by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is an exploratory research which ims at providing a standardized format in which patients showing symptoms related to dengue infection can be properly diagnosed and if confirmed positive, then what is the type of treatment will be provided for the entire infection cycle. Mostly the research lays emphasis on early detection of onset of dengue infection as negligence can lead to worsening of the patients health and may lead towards either dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome which can prove fatal. The research also focuses on treating patients with varying levels of severity of infection. The research concludes on finding an appropriate management style in which dengue infection can be properly treated and the possible inception of training programs which can be conducted to make the system more efficient. Riaz et al (2009) analyzes on the extent to which dengue fever had occurred in Karachi during the 2006 epidemic. The research primarily focuses on the spread of dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome amongst adult patients who had been admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi. The research is somewhat broader in the context that it also focuses on the cost that patients had to bear during their treatment period. The methodology of study was similar as in the previous mentioned researches that a hospital is chosen in which the statistical information related to dengue is recorded over a period of time, which in this case was from January to December 2006. In this time the number of patients was divided into three categories based on the severity of the dengue infection. The type of symptoms was also noticed in all three categories. The research concluded that the prevalence of dengue fever was on the rise and a lot of patients were falling under the severe infections of DHF and DSS. The alarming fact noticed was that it tended to be in more in younger patients and was also indicated a higher fatality rate. Witayathawornwong (2001) research is very important as it analyzes the severity of dengue hemorrhagic fever amongst infants and the level of seriousness that can occur in this regard. The research is important as it is focusing on a very short age group range and also because this age group is amongst those that are highly susceptible to the spread of dengue fever and the level of complications may be more in this age group. The research was conducted in tertiary care hospital namely Petchabun Hospital which is situated in Thailand. The research only focuses on the patients suffering from dengue hemorrhagic fever and not dengue fever and dengue shock syndrome. The methodology of this research was conducted in a way in which 31 patients from a total of 1044 cases of DHF were chosen. The median age was 8 months. All relevant tests pertaining to the indication of the dengue virus were conducted via clinical and laboratory procedures. The data was categorized in terms of its nature e. g. clinical data, epidemiological data etc. The conclusion of this research was that even though the patients recovered but, the time taken for recovery and the sort of treatment provided was more extensive and required careful handling of the patients and more advanced procedures like plasma or red blood cell replacement. Bhatty et al (2009) research is more of a specialized nature as it focuses on one of the clinical aspects that arise from dengue fever which is that of acute acalculous cholecystitis. This is more commonly known as gall bladder infection and is of secondary nature as it arises due to the onset of dengue fever. The aim of this research is to evaluate the frequency and management of acute acalculous cholecystitis in dengue fever patients. The setting of this research was done in Civil Hospital in Karachi. The methodology of this research was that 40 patients suffering from dengue fever were investigated and tests were performed which would indicate the presence of acute acalculous cholecystitis. This was done through liver function tests, blood sampling and ultrasound which indicated if any liver or gall bladder enlargement was important. The research is important as this secondary infection is an important indicator of whether a person is suffering from dengue or not. Also this infection itself requires careful handling and the preventive procedures have to be kept in check. The findings of this research were that eleven out of 40 patients suffered from acute acalculous cholecystitis which was seen as a major proportion, but no fatality was present and the patients recovered fully by the help of proper clinical procedures and health management. Syed et al (2010) research caters to a very significant area which focuses on the perception of dengue fever by the adults of high and low socioeconomic groups. The research focuses on various dimensions such as how the diverse class groups are knowledgeable about the dengue virus and what is their outlook towards it and that do they take proper preventive procedures of avoiding the spread of the dengue virus or not. The methodology in this regard was done in the form of a cross sectional survey which consisted of targeting the diverse socioeconomic classes prevailing in the Karachi area. In this regard a sample size of 440 adults was taken and the primary data collection tools used was questionnaires. The results were then compiled and run through regression analysis in which knowledge regarding dengue infection was taken. The findings indicated that only about thirty five percent of the sample size had sufficient knowledge concerning dengue and this was also prevalent amongst the higher socioeconomic classes. The findings indicated that the government is not taking proper measures to educate the mass public about dengue virus and what type of proper preventive methods are required to stop the spread of dengue infection. Possibly as the research concludes more attention should be given towards informing the lower socioeconomic groups. How to cite Epidemic Of Dengue Virus, Essay examples

Mexican Drug Cartels free essay sample

â€Å"The drug cartels are lucrative, they are violent, and they are operated with stunning planning and precision. † -Attorney General Eric Holder The Mexican cartels have been able to slide under the radar for quite some time now and are finally beginning to get the attention they deserve. But is this too late? Have they already done too much damage to their country and their people where emerging out of this horrific phase is even possible? This could be the case if no immediate action is taken. In order for this two happen two things must occur. The first is an immediate solution to the reoccurring violence and corruption within and outside of the Mexican borders. The second is a long-term solution must be made therefore preventing any sort of international dominance like this to happen again. Some solutions that need to be made in the immediate future are an increase in border security and heightened sense of awareness for smugglers not only from Mexico but into it as well, a stricter regulation on the selling of United States firearms, and. In terms of for the long run, there must be a greater relationship between the United States and Mexico not only toward the security issues but also toward the political ones. The Mexican government must implement reform in places like education, training of officers, and policies to help build a better democracy, and finally there must be a constant and sustained effort to cut off all supply lines of money and weapons to the cartels. The origins of the cartels can be traced back to the Columbian Cali and Medellin mega-cartels who were responsible for the majority or drugs coming into the United States. Fortunately in the 1990’s the Columbia drug cartels were able to be suppressed and eventually extinguished (Kindt). However the positive efforts in Columbia created negative ones in Mexico. With no one fully controlling the drug supply to the United States anymore the battle for dominance began. After dissolving most of the drug routes through Miami and the Caribbean the only other option left was Mexico (Kindt). While this shift of power was taking place within the cartels, the Mexican government was also facing a shift in democratic power with the emergence of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). It began its rule in 1929 and had total dominance over the political world in Mexico. The PRI was able to subdue all other voices and elect officers that had the party members best interest in mind. This normally would work however the members of PRI were usually corrupt and therefore it wasn’t long before the newly formed Mexican drug cartels and the PRI linked up. The PRI was notorious already for suppressing voices of people who did not agree, granting monopolies, and paying off labor leaders (O’Neil). It wasn’t until the 1980’s and into the 90’s where the violence started to occur. The PRI began to loose its power and there was an every-growing struggle for power. In 2000 the ties to the PRI was officially broken with the election of Vicente Fox as president. This however created even more corruption with the number of local authorities being paid off which in turn forced disorganization between leaders at the local, state, and national levels. Now that the cartels were beginning to be met with resistance they started to become more violent and militarized. Among the most feared were The Zetas, member of the Gulf cartel, who were alleged to be former members of the elite Mexican army unit (Weinberg). With this new floodgate opened for Mexican drug trade multiple cartels began to come onto the scene, which caused inter-cartel violence as well. The United States finally had to intervene during a struggle between the Tijuana and Sinaloa cartels ending in the assassination of a catholic archbishop and the favored presidential candidate. The United States began to strengthen border controls and began to revive security collaborations with Mexico (O’Neil). However this was short lived and the cartels were able to once again establish control of border crossings and continue smuggling. In 2005 the reality of the situation in Mexico was finally brought to the attention of the American people. The kingpin of the Gulf cartel, Osiel Cardenas, was arrested. The gulf cartel controlled the largest border crossing between Mexico and the United States, El Paso. This in turn caused the other two rival cartels to step in and try and take control. However the Zetas were not going to give up their main smuggling route and at the end of just one day there were one hundred and eighty killed including the newly elected chief of police (Weinberg). The United States once again took action and implemented operation Stonegarden, which gave local authorities on the U. S. side four hundred million dollars to help improve boarder regulation and reduce smuggling. Soon after this was implemented, the drug cartels reached an agreement about territories and were able to again continue with business. It is apparent that no matter what the United States or Mexico has done in the past to suppress the cartels has not been successful. With over ninety percent of the U. S. Ð ¡ocaine being able to be traced back to Mexico and about ninety percent of Mexican firearms being able to be traced back to the United States just feeding more money into different agencies isn’t working (Bronsther). Most of the guns that cartels are using are purchased in the United States and then smuggled back down into Mexico. They are able to do this because the cartel hires people called â€Å"straw buyers†. These are individuals with clean records who are paid to go into the United States and purchase large quantities of guns from local vendors and then bring them back down into Mexico. In order to prevent this from happening the United States must enforce the current laws where selling guns to foreign countries is illegal. It should also forbid the export of unlicensed firearms. All this is looked after and overseen by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives so therefore additional funding should be going to that agency instead of only focusing on the agencies that deal with security (O’Neil). We know that if we go to war with the drug cartels that it will be a very bloody prolonged and simply unneeded conflict. The way to hurt them the most and do the most damage is to stop providing them with such a lucrative market. We should create stricter punishments for people who do end up selling to straw buyers or even educate vendors on proper gun selling and encourage the responsible sale of firearms (Miller). When it comes to drugs we can implement the same ideology. The United States is the biggest consumer nation in the world right now and drugs fit right into that. In order to suppress this problem in the most efficient way possible we must look at ourselves first. There has to be a shirt from supporting law enforcement to supporting the suppression of the U. S. demand. Studies have shown that money spent on rehabilitation for addicts is five times more effect then money spent on conventional law enforcement (O’Neil). Expanding and promoting drug treatment will in turn lower the allure or demand for the drugs the cartels are providing. Most of all however the cutting off of the Mexican drug cartels money supply would be detrimental to them and ultimately lead to their destruction. Removing the money source will no longer give them the ability to pay off official, at the state and local levels, which will in turn force democracy to become a more fair system. Judges and local police officers will be forced off of the cartels payroll and therefore improve upon Mexico’s push to create a clean government. This would also be beneficial for previous problems as well. The purchasing and smuggling of guns will not longer be as big of a problem due to lack of funds the cartels will have. Drugs will also see a decrease due to expensive manufacturing costs and distribution expenses. This is where the majority of United States efforts should be focused because between fifteen and twenty five billion dollars goes from the U. S. into either Mexico or an account. The money is usually simply carried, wired, or transported to the boarder and merely driven across. Although guns and drugs are a huge problem in coming across the boarder if that amount of money is about to be simply driven across the boarder should we be focusing a lot more attention towards our efforts in recovering and seizing that money? Especially when confiscating that money will therefore lower amount of guns and drugs in circulation. The United States is not the sole source of the problem. The Achilles heal of Mexico is the corruption. About one fifth of Mexico’s Federal Investigative Agency is under investigation for involvement with the drug cartels (Bronsther). In order to prevent this problem from continuing and hopefully reverse this common theme, Mexico must create institutional reform and growth by promoting better ways of training and education for law enforcement. They must be sure to implement ways to ensure that their officers, agents and even diplomats are not susceptible to corruption or manipulation. The United States is as much to blame for the situation in Mexico and Mexico is. If it weren’t for our massive consumption habits and distribution of firearms the cartels would be useless to have. We have dug ourselves into a very deep hole and now must begin the slow climb out. This begins with efforts to subdue our addictive habits through rehabilitation and education, stricter laws regarding firearms sales especially around the border, a cooperative effort with Mexico against the cartels, and most importantly an increased effort in finding and destroying money that is funding these cartels. Mexico in turn is facing this problem head on and suffering greatly for it. To avoid any further damage from being done, as a country, Mexico must start from the inside and work out with major reforms in their branches of government most importantly judicial and more specifically law enforcement. They must design as system in which corruption is the main characteristic to be aware of and avoid and need to educate, train, and generate true leaders who will hopefully strive to make a new positive name for Mexico. Both the United States and Mexico are realizing just how much corruption, violence, and instability these drug cartels are creating. Procedures are beginning to be put in place in order to suppress the cartels. The United States recently passed the Miranda Initiative with grants Mexico one point four billion dollars to help them rebuild their nation. Mexico too has increased salaries and benefits for officers as an effort to allure people to fill positions once held by corrupt officials (O’Neil). Hopefully this will mean that the money granted will be used to help educate and train these new recruits the right way and eventually restore Mexico to a stable nation judicially, legislatively, and executively.

Speech on smartphone free essay sample

INTRODUCTION: A smartphone is a mobile phone built on a mobile operating system, with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone. The first smartphones combined the functions of a personal digital assistant (PDA), including email functionality, with a mobile phone. Later models added the functionality of portable media players, low-end compact digital cameras, pocket video cameras, and GPS navigation units to form one multi-use device. Many modern smartphones also include high-resolution touchscreens and web browsers that display standard web pages as well as mobile-optimized sites. High-speed data access is provided by Wi-Fi, mobile broadband, NFC and Bluetooth. In recent years, the rapid developments of mobile app markets and of mobile commerce have been drivers of smartphone adoption. SMARTPHONE’S HISTORY: Devices that combined telephony and computing were conceptualized as early as 1973, and were offered for sale beginning in 1994. The term smartphone, however, did not appear until 1997, when Ericsson described its GS 88 Penelope concept as a Smart Phone. We will write a custom essay sample on Speech on smartphone or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The distinction between smartphones and feature phones can be vague, and there is no official definition for what constitutes the difference between them. One of the most significant differences is that the advanced application programming interfaces (APIs) on smartphones for running third-party application scan allow those applications to have better integration with the phones OS and hardware than is typical with feature phones. In comparison, feature phones more commonly run on proprietary firmware, with third-party software support through platforms such as Java ME or BREW. An additional complication is that the capabilities found in newer feature phones exceed those of older phones that had once been promoted as smartphones. TYPES OF SMARTPHONE: TFT LCD: TFT stands for Thin Film Transistor technology. TFT LCDs are the most common type of display units used across mobile phones. TFT LCD offer better image quality and higher resolutions compared to earlier generation LCD displays but their limitation lies in narrow viewing angles and poor visibility in direct light or sunlight. IPS-LCD: IPS stands for In-Place  Switching. IPS LCDs are superior to normal TFT LCD displays with wider viewing angles and lower power consumption which leads to a much improved battery life. IPS-LCDs are costlier than normal TFT LCD and hence are found only on higher end smartphones. A higher resolution (640 x 960 pixels) version of IPS LCD is used in Apple iPhone 4 and is called Retina Display because of its brilliant picture quality. Touchscreen LCD: Touchscreen LCD displays are of two types – Resistive and Capacitive. Resistive touchscreens contain two layer of conductive material with a very small gap between them which acts as a resistance. When the resistive touchscreen is touched with finger (or stylus) the two layers meet at the point of touch thus making a circuit at the point of touch. This information is recognized by the mobile’s processor / chip and passed on to the mobile’s OS there by triggering and event / action at the point of touch. OLED: OLED stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode and is a newer technology for displays of mobiles and monitors. In OLED technology a layer of organic material (carbon based) is sandwiched between two conducting sheets (an anode and a cathode), which in turn are sandwiched between a glass top plate (seal) and a glass bottom plate (substrate). When electric pulse is applied the two conducting sheets, electro-luminescent light is produced directly from the organic material sandwiched between. Brightness and color can vary depending on the electric pulse. Gorilla Glass: Gorilla Glass is a special alkali-aluminosilicate glass shield with exceptional damage resistance that helps protect mobile displays from scratches, drops, and bumps of everyday use. Many companies like Motorola, Samsung and Nokia are now using Gori lla Glass to make their mobile displays more durable and reliable. ADVANTAGE OF SMARTPHONE: There are numerous advantages to having a smartphone. Increased connectivity is a major advantage of owning a smartphone or at work. These phones also integrate contact information, which makes keeping in touch with friends, family, and coworkers much easier. Smartphones also decrease the number of technological devices that professionals like businessmen and doctors need to carry. It was not that long ago that we would see businessmen carrying, a cell phone, a palm pilot, and a pager and now thanks to technological advances the excessiveness is passà ©. The many applications offered for  smartphones allow users to customize their phones with tools that they will use, which have a greater range than the few preloaded applications that come on traditional cell phones. These applications contribute to the better entertainment for even the times when users are waiting in line at stores. Conclusion: The security concerns of smartphones could potentially lead to ethical issues at the workplace. When you are using smartphones to download documents from your phone, your company policy might be prohibiting company documents to outsiders, but some people might be breaking the principals by downloading the workplace information on their phone (2, 2010). You could also be breaking the company policy by using smartphones to record meeting or taking pictures (2, 2010). More and more organizations are breaking their company policy by using smartphones at workplace instead of using a personal phone provided by their company.

How Reporters Can Write Great Follow-up News Stories

How Reporters Can Write Great Follow-up News Stories Writing a single basic breaking news article is a pretty straightforward task. You start by writing your lede, which is based on the most important facts in the story. But many news stories are not simply one-time events but rather ongoing topics that can last for weeks or even months. One example would be a crime story that unfolds over time - the crime is committed, then police search for and finally arrest a suspect. Another example might be a long trial involving an especially complex or interesting case. Reporters must often do what is called follow-up articles for long-lasting topics such as these. The Lede The key to writing an effective follow-up story starts with the lede. You cant write the same lede every day for a story that continues over an extended period of time. Instead, you must construct a fresh lede each day, one that reflects the latest developments in the story. But while writing a lede that includes those latest developments, you also need to remind your readers what the original story was all about to begin with. So the follow-up story lede really combines new developments with some background material about the original story. An Example Lets say you cover a house fire in which several people are killed. Heres how your lede for the first story might read: Two people were killed last night when a fast-moving fire swept through their house. Now lets say several days have passed and the fire marshal tells you the fire was a case of arson. Heres your first follow-up lede: A house fire that killed two people earlier this week was deliberately set, the fire marshal announced yesterday. See how the lede combines important background from the original story - two people killed in the fire - with the new development - the fire marshal announcing that it was arson. Now lets take this story one step further. Lets say a week has passed and police have arrested a man who they say set the fire. Heres how your lede might go: Police yesterday arrested a man who they say set the fire last week that killed two people in a house. Get the idea? Again, the lede combines the most important information from the original story with the latest development. Reporters do follow-up stories this way so that readers who may not have read the original story can figure out what is going on and not be confused. The Rest of the Story The rest of the follow-up story should follow the same balancing act of combining the latest news with background information. Generally, the newer developments should be placed higher in the story, while the older information should be lower down. Heres how the first few paragraphs of your follow-up story about the arrest of the arson suspect might go: Police yesterday arrested a man who they say set the fire last week that killed two people in a house. Police said Larson Jenkins, 23, used rags soaked with gasoline to set the fire at the house that killed his girlfriend, Lorena Halbert, 22, and her mother, Mary Halbert, 57. Detective Jerry Groenig said Jenkins was apparently angry because Halbert had recently broken up with him. The fire started around 3 a.m. last Tuesday and quickly swept through the house. Lorena and Mary Halbert were pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured. Again, the latest developments are placed high in the story. But they are always tied to background from the original event. This way, even a reader learning about this story for the first time will easily understand what has happened.

Communication and Global Capital Accumulation Essay

Communication and Global Capital Accumulation - Essay Example The globalisation of markets and the requirements of capital are, to a large extent, at the heart of these changes. Globalisation, entailing the removal of barriers to the cross-border flow of capital, has expanded the parameters of markets while simultaneously shrinking them. As Freund and Weinhold (2004) explain, globalisation has made international business, with the associate global capital exchange and generation, the norm rather than the exception. Business firms are no longer limited to their home markets but have expanded far beyond their borders as a direct consequence of globalisation. Indeed, the home market has become the global market, with the implication being that globalisation has expanded the former and contracted the latter (Freund and Weinhold, 2004). In other words, capital movements effectively obliterated national boundaries and have brought the world into closer contact with one another. The internationalisation of capital and the proliferation of international business relationships has largely been enabled by the Internet, both as a medium of communication and a space for the generation and exchange of capital. The Internet has not simply facilitated communication but in so doing, it has annihilated the space and time barriers. Space and time, the historical obstacles to the efficient exchange of information between corporations and markets have, according to Choi (2003) been transgressed by the Internet. Its wide application has afforded international business the tools it needs to engage in the global management of its markets and to supervise the international movement of its capital. Available facts indicate that the Internet has afforded companies such as General Motors the opportunity to create a network of suppliers which spans across 100 countries and to do business in most of the world just as it does in its home market. Further to that, the emergence and proliferation of the Internet as a media for the control, management and generation of capital has contributed to the multiplication of global foreign direct investment figures (Cohen and Prusack, 2005). Within the context of the stated, it is evident that the Internet has not only facilitated international business but it has contributed to the global flow of capital and its increased accumulation, largely because of its inherent capacity to transgress space and time. The requirements of global capital are not limited to the increased utilisation of the Internet as a business medium but to the redefinition of the very concept of communication. The traditional communication structure, while not obsolete, is increasingly irrelevant. Deetz (2004) explains that communication is no longer limited to the interpersonal and the real world. With the invention of the television and its subsequent entry into practically every home across the world, media communication and cultural scholars maintained that it was the herald of a new communications and cultural age. This medium, which has inarguably redefined communications and culture, pales in comparison to the Internet. TV transforms individuals into passive recipients of culture and communication while the Internet draws them in as active communication participants and

Introduction to Economics Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Introduction to Economics Assignment - Essay Example Free Market Economy is also characterized by the rights of individuals to buy and hold private property (Lipsey & Chrystal 2003). This characteristic is an incentive for both buyers and producers. It allows both buyers and producers to make bold and brave decisions. Since producer knows that he can own land, capital and other factors of production, he invests money into the system. Buyers also know that they can acquire goods, property or other thing of value now and can either consume it or store it for future consumptions. This moves the wheels of the economy and leads to equilibrium quantity demand and quantity supplied in the market. It also leads to price adjustments in the economy at a point where the motives of the buyers meets the motives of the sellers or producers. This is also called market creation or market searching. Market searching is the process when the market is trying to adopt or settle at the equilibrium price. Eventually market settles down at equilibrium becaus e in over priced market supply is greater than demand which eventually leads to price going down. If the market is under priced demand is going to be higher than supply and this will result in price hike and eventually equilibrium will be reached. Free Market Economies encourage the process of market searching through market forces working without any intervention from government or other control factors. (Brue & McConnell 2006) Adam Smith also pointed out an interesting phenomenon in the system. He laid the foundations for the concept of â€Å"Invisible Hand† in the free market economy. He was referring to the fact that everything changes in response to the movement in prices. In essence, he was telling the world that in order to achieve their own motives, buyers and producers end up doing good for the system. This interesting fact can be explained in the following example. When a person earns income in this system, he spends it on his necessities, needs and wants. The money spent in the economy changes hand and transfers from the hand of the person spending the money to the producers of goods and services wanted by that person. This encourages producers of these goods and services to employ more resources and produce more goods and services. This leads to employment generation in the economy and when people are employed they tend to invest and save more. This leads to further employment generation and the cycle continues. The focus in this example is on the trickledown effect in the Free Market Economy. Many countries where the socialism dominated previously have realized the importance of Free Market Economic System and are opening up themselves for more private investment and encouraging the development of private entrepreneurs that will provide the impetus for high economic growth rates. The debate here is not about how good or bad the free market system, but it is more about why aren’t countries adopting the model of free market economy in its perfect sense. Even USA is not a totally Free Market Economy. Government controls and regulates the economy in the United States of America as well. The reason for this is simple. Extremism in any system is bad. If a system is totally dominated by private sector without any government regulation of the economy, then there are chances that private businesses might exploit the resources, consumers and the environment. This would lead

Computer Misuse - law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Computer Misuse - law - Essay Example The cost of the crime in many cases is immense. The confidence of the general public has succumbed and internet is regarded as a place with ’wild west’ culture. The internet service providers, Government, hardware and software manufacturers have done little to minimize the various risks associated with use of internet. Ekaterina Drozdova a doctoral candidate of Stern School of Business, New York University conducted a survey about legal codes regarding e-crimes in fifty countries and came up different actions that can account for breaching of cyber laws. They are; unauthorized access, unlawful fiddling with files or data (e.g. illegal copying, alteration, or destruction), damage to computer or network (e.g. viruses, worms, Trojan horses), use of information systems to commit or advance conventional crimes (e.g. scam, forgery, money laundering, acts of terrorism), computer-mediated spying, infringement of privacy in the attainment of personal data theft or damage of computer hardware or software (Sofaer & Goodman, 2001). According to one report about the rising public anxiety in relation to e-crimes, 21% of the people felt at risk from e-crimes and only 16% worried about burglary in UK. It is also estimated that an average company or firm in UK loses about 3% of its profits to electronic theft. According to one estimate in the UK, Â £40 billion is spent on the fraud prevention industry which is equivalent to half of what the country spends on the National Health Service (Saxby, 2006). This alarming report is reason enough to undertake every measure to aid in provision of the security that the internet users deserve. The figures like this makes it clear that computer misuse is a very wide spread and board level issue that needs a more sound infrastructure to amply fight it, instead of relying on just the IT department of organizations to counteract it. The

Corporate Governance and Financial Scandals in India

Corporate Governance and Financial Scandals in India INTRODUCTION: This research will identify Corporate Governance in India and the reasons of its failures that lead to the financial scandals in India. As the big companies, Enron and WorldCom, illegal operations were disclosed; the worlds business came into shock. Many other companies in the world came under this attack like Parmalat in Italy, all had problems in their corporate governance. This showed that the whole world had a problem in their corporate governance. Unlike the developed countries, the developing countries had corporate governance as the main issue far before these scandals took place as corporate governance and the economic development are linked as this helps in development of financial system which results in increase of growth and reduction in the poverty. Thus research tells us why there are corporate governance failures in big organizations and explains the factors that influence the corporate governance like ownership structure, structure of company board, financial structur e, etc. LITERATURE REVIEW: 1.1.1 Corporate Governance: An overview Corporate Governance is an extensive term that refers that the rules, processes, responsibilities and the privileges are shared by the corporate participants. It basically says that how the investors assure that they get a return on their investment. It is the decision making committee by which the managers work on their duties in order to maximize investors wealth. Acc to Keasey et. al.(2005) approaches Corporate Governance as, â€Å"Corporate Governance has two requirements, micro level and macro level. At the micro level it needs to ensure that the firm, as a productive organization, functions in pursuit of its objectives. Thus if we follow the traditional Anglo-American conception of the firm as a device to further the well being of its owner-shareholders, good governance is a matter of ensuring that the decisions are taken and implemented in the pursuit of shareholder value. At the macro level corporate governance, in the words of Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan, Ã¢â‚¬Ë œhas evolved to more effectively promote the allocation of the nations savings to its most productive use. â€Å" A good corporate governance should aim at long term benefits to the shareholders and other stakeholders. It can reduce the national financial crises. Corporate governance and currency depreciation have inverse relationship. Asian crisis of 1997 is one example of poor corporate governance norms. The manager should be working in the interest of the shareholders. Managers have the control over the business and may not act in the benefit of the shareholders. This is the common problem all over the world. On the whole a good corporate governance can help in preventing the financial scandals that happened in the world. 1.1.2 Corporate Governance in India: In India, corporate governance was not understood till early 1990s. Indian legal system is based on the English common law and gives the highest protection to the investors and to lenders as well. The corruption rate is very high in India. The most important development in corporate governance and investors protection in India is the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Board of India in 1992,(Chakrabarti et. at.,2007). It was established to monitor the stock trading which helped in making the basic rules for the conduct of corporate in India. Reforms were made to make the people rely more on market than on government. The public sector was targeted inorder to make it more efficient and to bring out the government holdings for sale to the public. Banking sector reforms were also made to bring them to the international levels. In 1998 a code- Desirable Corporate Governance in India and the companies followed it,(Mallin,2010). Many who didnt follow it experienced losses and end ed up in losing the confidence of people. SEBI also made a committee on corporate governance in 1999 headed by Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla and report was published in 2000,(Mallin,2010). This concentrated on the capital markets growth. The code is to be followed by the both public and private sector companies. The code tells about the structure of the company, the role played by them and what is everybody entitled for. i.e. Board of Directors, Nominee Directors, Chairman of the board, Audit committee, Remuneration committee, Shareholders, how corporate governance is implemented, management of the company and the board procedures. Though India has one of the best corporate governance laws but the implementation of them is very poor. In India, the main business type is the public limited companies. The legal system is the English Common Law, the structure of the Board is unitary and the ownership is basically family ownership or corporate but now the institutional investors ownership is increasing. 1.1.3 Financial Scandals: The corporate governance is influenced by the ownership structure, the structure of company boards, the financial structure and the institutional environment. If any of these doesnt work properly then the scandals are prone to happen. The people choose the board of directors, which further appoint managers for different work who actually work daily in order to maximize shareholders wealth. Its the board of directors that decided the corporate objectives and the managers are the one who carry them out. The main reasons that cause corporate governance to fail are as follows: the most important is that the work done is not watched properly and is very weak. There is not much respect for the shareholders, and moreover the management has the complete authority who works for their own benefits rather than the shareholders wealth maximization (KPGM, 2009). The few corporate scandals that have taken place all over the world are like Enron (USA), WorldCom (USA), Satyam (India) and many more ( Mehta et. al). RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIVES: The research aims to find the corporate structure and its role in fulfilling the objectives of an organization. The research about the present corporate governance structure and the changes it has come overtime and further any changes required according to international norms. The main objective of the research is as follows: How can corporate governance be more stringent to steer clear of scandals? How important is the Board structure and the Audit committee on the board for good Corporate Governance? Is there any alteration required in the current structure of corporate governance to make it work more efficiently? METHOD: The research is to be done, in particular, for the detailed information on the corporate governance and the reasons of its failure which result in the fall of huge companies based on the following two reasons i.e. the Board structure and the Audit committee. The qualitative approach will be used. The primary data collection for the Board structure will be done based on two companies i.e. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India and Infosys Technology Limited (India) which can be compared to the one of the major company of India, Mahindra Satyam, which failed due to poor corporate governance. All three are the software companies. Taking direct interviews with the high officials on the management committee will be of helpful in finding out the deep structure and changes that are required for the corporate governance to work more efficiently and how does it still help the companies to perform up to their shareholders expectations. The Board structure can be discussed by knowing the number of members on the board, their independence. Auditors play an important role because due to their reports people put faith in the company. The audit members will be found and the actual knowledge of the members will be collected from the CMIEs prowess database which will help in telling whether the committee has enough knowledge in order to fulfill the shareholders demand or not. Secondary data is the data in which researcher is not involved in the collection (Dale, Arber, and Proctor 1988). The secondary data collection also got some advantages as cost and time, high-quality data, opportunities for longitudinal analysis, more time for data analysis and reanalysis may offer new interpretations (Knight and Latreille, 2000). Secondary data will be collected from company website, annual reports, books, journals, newspapers and magazines. The data collected as secondary can provide important information about the company and can prove supportive in research. 3.1 ASSESS RESEARCH QUALITY: Reliability: The reliability of interview can be ascertained by ensuring that all questions are clearly understandable to all the interviewees and the replies received can be coded explicitly. The answers received from interview should make sense and must prove helpful to the research. The self-completion questionnaire must be filled by employees without any pressure from their managers. Therefore, a pilot test must be conducted before issuing of questionnaire (Saunders et al., 2003). Validity: The validity is concerned with the issue that whether the data collected is related to what it is expected to be. According to Saunders et. al(2003), validity is related to a question of casual relationship between two variables? The research will be conducted from February 2010 to May 2010. And there will be direct contact with senior managers in DAIPL to keep updated about any change in their motivational strategy or any change made internally. This will ensure the validity of the research done. Ethics: The code of ethical conduct stated that it is the responsibility of the researcher to assess carefully the responsibility of harm to research participants, and, to the extent that it is possible, the possibility of harm should be minimized (Bryman and Bell, 2007). Therefore, research conducted will be done only when managers and employees are willing to participate in research. The names of all participates would be kept confidential and not revealed at any reason. The questions in the interview will not be formulated in manner that they show any participants identity. Accessibility: The researcher here is been granted the right to access and publish all the findings that are relevant to all ethical requirements.

Exposure to Media Violence Essay -- Violence

The relationship between the viewing of violence in such forms as video games and television shows has been widely contested and thoroughly researched. Various conclusions can be drawn from multiply sources, though as of yet there has been no one final conclusion as to the nature of the relationship. Some research has studied how media violence can affect other aspects of behaviour, such as memory (Bushman 1988), or the long-term effects that it can have from early childhood, to adolescence (Huesmann, Eron, Klein, Brice & Fischer (1983). If it was proved that exposure to media violence increased the likelihood of aggressive behaviour, it may force a re-evaluation of what young children are exposed to during early childhood. Research done on the topic of media violence is widespread and variable, with many different approaches and theories. One example of such research focuses on the different effect violent video games have on aggressive behaviours in a controlled laboratory environment to those who are exposed to violence in video games in real life and the effect this has on aggressive traits, such as Ferguson et al. (2008). This experimental design focused on the direct link between viewing violent material in an animated game and then the aggressiveness of the response when told to deliver a loud noise to an opponent that has answered a question in a staged test incorrectly. The chosen participants were volunteers studying at an undergraduate level at university, this sample was 45.5% male and may not be representative of the population as the participants chose to participate and were not selected at random, thus possibly limiting the application of the findings. To prove the hypothesis that; â€Å"Exposure to video game vi... ...rough a search in Google Scholar of keywords â€Å"effect of media violence on aggression† and selected specifically because of the inclusion of other emotions such as fear, and anger, and the inclusion of the written word, rather than visually violent stimuli. 6. Corinne David-Ferdon, Marci Feldman Hertz, (2007) Electronic Media, Violence, and Adolescents: An Emerging Public Health Problem, Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 41, Issue 6, Pages S1-S5, ISSN 1054-139X, 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.08.020.) -This article was located through a Google Scholar search for keywords â€Å"media violence on aggression†. I chose this entry specifically because the research focused on adolescents and how the demographic is being effected not only by media violence, but the ease of which technology is aiding in the exposure of violence from the media, and from uploaded home videos.

Baz Luhrman’s Romeo and Juliet: Movie Review

Romeo + Juliet Film review The film â€Å"Romeo + Juliet† was released in 1996, with Baz Luhrman as director. This is one of the most famous love plays written by Shakespeare, screenplay was by Craig Pearce. Romeo and Juliet is a film about forbidden love and how tragic love can end. The film was shot in Miami, but most of all in Mexico. The main actors are Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo and Claire Danes as Juliet. Romeo and Juliet is about two teenagers that fall madly and deeply in love in Verona, italy, it takes place in the present time.Romeo is an 18 years old, poor rebel and son of the Montague family. He has chestnut hair, soft olive skin, charming blue eyes and a determined but kind mind. Juliet is an 18 years old, rich daughter of the Capulets. Juliet has long dark hair, gorgeous green eyes and clear pearl skin. She doesn’t like being pushed into doing things she cant decide for herself. Juliet loves Romeo and vise versa. As if it weren’t enough problems wit h relationships at a young age, their families were great enemies. This makes it physically impossible to for them to be together.This particular film is a renewed version of the actual story written by Shakespeare. Therefore you can relate a bit more to the actors actions and drama. Romeo is a smart guy, and come up with some clever ideas for the two of them to meet. In one of his last attempts to end the â€Å"war† between their families, something goes totally wrong and destroys their chances forever. The music and sound was made and set by Nellee Hooper. The sound effects were really intense and aggressive, but that only made the story come more to life.The way they talked was extremely special, it set the mood of Shakespeare’s originality and realness. The message the film wanted to give was that you should always follow what you want. Forbidden love is possible to make just love, you just have to fight with everything you have. When teenagers get determined about something they do not forget it easily. â€Å"Romeo + Juliet† will always be an incredible and beautiful love story, that many can relate to. I loved the tension between the two families and the problems that kept on coming during the film.I was really exited every time Romeo and Juliet were secretly meeting. The frighting thought about being caught and killed was constantly there. The only thing that was difficult to understand was the language. In the film they talked the original â€Å"old english† that Shakespeare used in his time. It was not easy to understand everything they said. Since I had heard about the story and read it before, I knew what was going to happen. Over all Romeo & Juliet is a beautiful love story that will never be forgotten.

Goals for Students

Goals for students So what is it that we want students to gain from a k-12 science education? What are the goals we should constantly work to promote in students? Considering that rote memorization of scientific ideas leads to little understanding, I have identified ten goals for students that focus on life learning skills, and other traits that will be valuable to them in the future, no matter their career choice. Each goal below is accompanied by more specific explanations of what I might see students doing who meet that goal. I hope whatever your goals are for your students, you have thought about them extensively. We all want great things for our students, but if we do not have well articulated goals, our efforts will not be focused. I will post later on how we can consistently work to promote the goals below. Student Goal 1) Students will demonstrate critical thinking. A student who demonstrates critical thinking will defend their viewpoint using relevant evidence. Students will pose questions when new information does not agree with their current understanding, and look for further sources of evidence to support the new idea if necessary. Students will not accept blindly new information and be willing to question teachers, texts and other sources of information. A student who is capable of critical thinking should be able to solve problems in a stepwise sequence, and be able to revise the sequence if necessary. Student Goal 2) Students will demonstrate a deep understanding of content and be able to apply this knowledge to problems in and out of the classroom. Students with a deep understanding of the content will be able to clearly articulate that understanding by citing relevant evidence and sources when confronted with a question. Students will be able to make connections between various concepts and apply multiple concepts to a single problem when needed. Students will be aware of resources to find information regarding content, and use such resources when necessary. Students will use their knowledge of content when approaching a relevant problem and will be able to recognize which concepts are of value for specific situations. Student Goal 3) Students will demonstrate creativity and curiosity. Students who are creative will propose original ways to approach or solve problems. Students will ask thought-provoking questions during class discussion, and try to answer questions by piecing together previous knowledge. Students who are curious will come up with possible investigations and ask questions seeking explanation of ideas during class discussions. Students will develop their own ways to explain their ideas and look for evidence that supports their ideas. Student Goal 4) Students will demonstrate respect. Students will not interrupt others during discussions. Students will listen to other ideas and treat them as valid. Students will discuss positive aspects of ideas they do not necessarily agree with; this helps them to understand both sides of an issue, and makes them a better critical thinker. Students will follow classroom rules, and treat school property as though it were their own. Work area will be kept clean and students will remind each other of classroom rules. Each student will work cohesively with a team and treat themselves as part of that team. Student Goal 5) Students will be responsible and conscientious members of communities. Students will address global problems concerning the environment, energy needs, human needs, social concerns and others. Students will seek out remedies to such problems and debate which ideas offer the most effective solutions. Students will propose possible measures to be taken as citizens when a problem is found. Student Goal 6) Students will exhibit confidence. Students who exhibit confidence will be willing to participate in class, and willing to provide ideas, even if they are unsure of the idea’s worth. These students will be willing to try new procedures and willing to try again when they fail. Students will ask the teacher to clarify when they do not fully understand, and be willing to look for additional help if needed. Student Goal 7) Students will set goals and assess their own learning and progress. Students will set realistic goals for the semester, quarter, unit, and week. As weeks go by, students will become better at setting goals they are capable of achieving. Students will revise goals as needed. Students will use a journal to track their progress and to assess their own understanding. Students will seek ways to express their learning and check for understanding of new concepts. Student Goal 8 ) Students will be active in their own learning. Students will look for further resources when they feel they do not yet fully understand. Students will ask questions in class to clarify points of confusion. Students will create models to explain their ideas. Active learners will look into topics of interest beyond the classroom. Students will bring concerns about understanding to class discussions, and also cite how current material applies elsewhere, besides the classroom. Student Goal 9) Students will use communication and cooperation skills effectively. Students will be able to communicate clearly in large groups as well as one on one. Students will be able to communicate ideas succinctly through written language. Students will use correct terminology where appropriate. Students will use correct grammar and punctuation. Students will listen to other ideas and maintain eye contact during conversation and debates, and will speak in a respectful manner during such debates and discussions. Students who are able to cooperate are willing to let others do their fair share as well as pull their own weight in a group. Students will value all suggestions of group members equally. Students will attempt to resolve problems within their group before asking the teacher. Student Goal 10) Students will understand the nature of knowledge. Students will partake in discussions about the nature of knowledge and compare different ways of knowing. Students will apply principles of the nature of knowledge to different content areas. Epistemological discussions with students can help them become more reflective concerning their own thinking. By reflecting on what it means to know something in diverse areas, students will better understand how to learn effectively. I hope these goals are lofty, children deserve no less than our highest expectations. Assessing these goals is difficult, but by carefully designing lessons and providing important experiences for students, we can promote these goals – however, like with anything, they must carry the goals to fruition. I’m sure some will tell me I’m an idealist with a goal list like that, so I leave you with some John Lennon’s Imagine:

Hurricane Etymology and Word Facts

Hurricane Etymology and Word Facts The word hurricane is widely known and recognized by all people, but its etymology is lesser-known. How old is the word hurricane and where does it come from? Hurricanes AreNamed for the Mayan God "Huracan" Our English word hurricane comes from the Taino (the indigenous people of the Caribbean and Florida) word huricn, who was the Carib Indian god of evil. Their huricn was derived from the  Mayan god of wind, storm, and fire, huracn. When the Spanish explorers passed through the Caribbean, they picked it up and it turned into huracn, which remains the Spanish word for hurricane still today.  By the 16th century, the word was  modified once again  to our present-day hurricane.   (Hurricane isnt the only weather word with roots in the Spanish language. The word tornado is an altered form of the Spanish words tronado, which means thunderstorm, and tornar, to turn.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Hurricanes Aren't Hurricanes Until Winds Reach 74mph+ We tend to call any swirling storm in the tropical ocean a hurricane, but this isnt really true. Only when a tropical cyclones maximum sustained winds reach 74  miles per hour or more do meteorologists classify it as a hurricane.  Ã‚   They're Not Called Hurricanes Everywhere in the World Tropical cyclones have different titles depending on where in the world they are located. Mature tropical cyclones  with winds of 74 mph or more that exist anywhere in the North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or in the eastern or central North Pacific Ocean east of the International Date Line are called hurricanes. Mature tropical cyclones that form in the Northwest Pacific basin the  western part of the North Pacific Ocean, between 180 °Ã‚  (the International Date Line)  and 100 ° East longitude are called typhoons.  Such tempests  within the North  Indian Ocean  between 100 ° E and 45 ° E are simply called  cyclones. Hurricanes Get PersonalizedNames to Better Track Them Since storms can last for weeks and more than one storm can be occurring at a time in the same body of water, theyre given male and female  names to reduce confusion about which storm forecasters are communicating about to the public.   Hurricane Names Are BorrowedFrom Names of the People They Impact Many storm names are unique to the basin they exist in and regions they impact. This is because names are lifted from those popular in the nations and territories of the lands within that basin. For example, tropical cyclones in the northwest Pacific (near China, Japan, and the Philippines) receive names common to the Asian culture as well as names taken from those of flowers and trees.  Ã‚   Updated by Tiffany Means

HRM in Organisations Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

HRM in Organisations - Coursework Example Ulrich’s foundation to HR model was based on his statement, â€Å"HR should be defined not by what it does but by what it delivers – the results that enrich the organization’s value to customers, investors, and employees† (1998; p.29). To underpin this proposition, Ulrich has proposed the four-role model of HRM that clearly defines the roles of human resource professionals in creating value for the organization. The present work is an attempt to understand both models from a critical perspective through respective advantages and disadvantages. These models have been studied based on few examples derived from organizations that have successfully adopted them; demerits have also been explored based on some unsuccessful attempts. Four-role model of HR: Identification of various roles that HR professionals performed has led Ulrich to organize these multiple roles in a more systematic and understandable fashion that resulted in the four-role model. In the four-role model, Ulrich has emphasized the business-partnership roles that HR professionals play in terms of focus on long-term/strategic to short-term/operational functions, and activities ranging from managing processes through HR tools and systems to managing people. Based on these two dimensions, focus and activities, Ulrich has identified four key roles for HR professionals that include, management of strategic human resources, management of firm infrastructure, management of employee contribution, and management of transformation and change (Ulrich, 1997; p.25). Ulrich (1997) has referred to each of these functions with specific metaphors that are identical with respective role or function, namely, strategic partner, administrative expert, employee champion, and change agent. As strategic partners, HR professionals are involved in framing HR strategies in line with organizational goals and objectives; specific operational objectives are also considered while framing the strategies. For instance, Ulrich (1997) cites the example of Marriott Hotel’s initiative while starting their operations in Hong Kong. This strategic initiative included introduction of five-day working schedule for its staff, which was unlike most other competitors in that sector. This initiative was meant to attract the best talent in the industry, as well as a step to retain them. Ulrich stated, â€Å"The five-day workweek became a cornerstone of Marriott’s strategy for achieving high-quality service, enabling the company to advertise, solicit, and secure the talented employees who would provide that service in Hong Kong market† (1997; p.26). It has been proven in many organizations that appropriate HR strategies are very effective in achieving organizational objec tives. Critiques, which include Ulrich also, have argued that the HR roles in this model literally mean HR functions, and not limited to specific roles. However, many organizations that adopted the Ulrich model had misinterpreted the model and its adoption. Adoption of this model had lead to division of HR functions based on roles, which was not the original intention or idea embedded in this model. Moreover, HR functions and structures cannot be fixed, and need to be changed based on

A Briefing on the Process at the Federal Court Building Assignment

A Briefing on the Process at the Federal Court Building - Assignment Example Under the US law, bail can be claimed as a right by the defendant. Soon after a crime came to surface, prosecutor is called and consulted about the measures to be taken. Under the US judicial system if a defendant is arrested he or she may be produced the same day or the next day in the court of magistrate for a preliminary hearing. In the legal process, examination and direct examination are of utmost importance to prove and accused liable for punishment or not. The judicial hierarchy of the United States of America in the broader spectrum has two tiers, one is the federal court and the other is each state court. Majority of the cases are sorted out in the subordinate courts therefore, minimize the shifting of cases to the high court and the federal court. Usually the generalized courts in the US judicial system are circuit, superior, district and courts of common pleas. The apex court manages criminal complaints from the lodgment to its resolution or disposition through their Crimi nal Division. In the criminal cases, the burden of proof lies on the shoulders of the state rather than the defendants. Soon after a crime comes to surface, prosecutor is called and consulted about the measures to be taken. The legal battle, which starts from the lower court, all the way leads to the Apex Court of United States of America. This paper discusses the briefing on the process at the federal court building. Q1. US Judicial System The US judicial system is comprised of Federal Court and fifty States Courts. Each one has its own foundation and function. The U.S court system consists of many court systems, which included a federal system and fifty state systems. Each has its own structures, procedures and functions. Legal cases are to file in different subordinate courts depending on the nature of the case. In some cases jurisdiction of the High Court can directly be invoked. The legal battle lastly ends up in the Federal Court (Friedman, 2004). Multifaceted Courts Majority of the cases are sorted out in state trial courts, which are the lowest court in the state judicial system. Take the example of Simpson’s case wherein both criminal and civil trials were conducted in a California trial court. It all depends on the structure of state court system. It includes justice of peace courts, circuit courts and regional trial courts (Friedman, 2004). In the US judicial System, there are two types of trial courts: one is with limited jurisdiction and the other one with specific jurisdiction. Trial courts of limited jurisdiction can hear the civil, juvenile, minor criminal and traffic violation cases. It can also hold pre trial hearings for serious criminal offences (Friedman, 2004). Usually the generalized courts in the US judicial system is circuit, superior, district and courts of common pleas. The mentioned courts hear the cases of substantial amounts, serious crimes except those heard in the trial courts of limited jurisdiction whereas the specializ ed courts can hear the cases, which fall under the umbrella of specific law or Act (Friedman, 2004). The appellate courts have the jurisdiction to review the decision of the trial courts. The mentioned courts either uphold the decisions of the trial courts, set aside the decision or order retrial as the case may be (Friedman, 2004). Q2. Soon after the arrest of a person, probation officer of the court immediately interviews and conducts the investigation to know the defendant background. The information and investigation will be of great help for the judge to

Social and cognitive constructivism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Social and cognitive constructivism - Essay Example However, to know, how successful technology-incorporated learning behavior concerning advanced order thoughts skill will dependent upon the strategy taken to the design, delivery, choice, and operation of suitable and efficient technologies with a support arrangement to preserve and maintain the learning transactions. For this purpose educationalists must attain fresh perception in numerous diverse regions mainly of philosophical direction to education and learning. A person’s philosophical orientation will speak how educationalists will analysis teaching, learning, knowledge, and the use of technology. Educationalists those who explain and eloquent in their rational situation concerning the use of technologies in the learning procedures make out what they are doing as they use technologies to facilitate the learning. Till now, the common rational course in instructional technology was instructivism. Instructivists - often as well referred to as objectivism - dispute that usin g an educational methods design replica can be useful to instructional planners to methodically recognize the syllabus to be taught , decide how it will be taught, and assess the teaching to decide its effectiveness. Particularly, educationalists require to be cautious on to what is that is to be taught and what is that already know earlier to the learning transactions. Further they are gradually arranged starting lower order to higher order learning. The instructionist stresses the significance of using an educational methods design model.

Users of financial information and their informational needs Essay Example for Free

Users of financial information and their informational needs Essay Users of accounting information are either internal or external to the organization. These users need information to help them make informed or reliable decisions or judgements with regards to the organization. Different groups have different demands for the financial information contained in a set of accounts. Information needs of internal users These include; Management; This category is made up of the senior employees who run the organization on a day- to- day basis. They are interested in information such as, Finance of the organization (working capital) The growth prospects (value of shares and dividends) Employees ; This is the group of workers in the organization made up of existing potential and past employees. The members of this group are concerned with job security and future prospects. Therefore, they need information to assess the company’s profitability, liquidity and growth prospects. Employees need information about The financial state of the organization ( for their salaries) The growth and stability of the organization ( new investments ) to ensure continuity of employment. Profitability. Others are informational needs of external users including Customers; Those who buy from the organization either for cash or on credit are interested in; The profitability The growth and stability ( new product lines) Customers will also need information or price so they can assess whether the company is overcharging them or not. General public; This group includes the taxpayers, the consumer, social groups such as environmental societies and pressure groups such as the media organizations. Each individual group informational needs depend on its own particular interests. They require information on; Annual Reports (including financial statements) social costs to ascertain the effects and influence of operations on the society and the environment. Governments; This group includes all government or government linked authorities such as tax authorities ( internal revenue service ) local authorities and the department of Trade and Industries. The investment regulatory body are also included in this group. This group requires information to assess whether companies have complied with the relevant legislation and also to generate statistical measures to help them to assess and form macroeconomic policies. They require information such as; Financial statements Payroll summaries Income tax deductions and social security contributions.

Impacts Of Urban Development On Wetlands Environmental Sciences Essay

Impacts Of Urban Development On Wetlands Environmental Sciences Essay According to Ramsar convention 1971, wetlands are defined as areas of marsh, fern, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporal, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, blackish or salty, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6m (Davies, 1993). Wetlands may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, islands of water bodies of marine water deeper than 6m at low tide lying within the wetlands. Wetlands affect the lives of every one of Ugandas citizens. We depend on wetlands for food, and clean water, for building materials and fuels, for livestock grazing and medicines and for water flow regulation. They provide a powerful engine for our countrys development with wetland services and products (WMD, 2008). The economic and ecological wealth represented by Ugandas wetlands, which cover 15% of its land cover are found in almost every sub-county (WID, 2001). While such a dispersed geographic coverage provides wetland benefits to a greater number of people, it also increases the likelihood of overexploitation and degradation. Ugandas high level of political and administrative decentralization adds to this risk. In Uganda there are no recent, exact countrywide statistics on chances in wetland area. The latest national land cover map with detailed wetland information was produced in 1996 (NFA, 2006). However local observations cited in Ugandas recent state of environment report indicate a reduction in wetland coverage, mostly due to conversion into crop land and spread of urban settlements (NEMA, 2007). While such conversions provide economic benefits from agriculture crop and real estate development, they are also associated with social costs primarily due to reduced or total loss of hydrological functions, habitat benefits and other ecosystem services. One of the factors driving these conversions is that the immediate economic returns to individuals outweigh the costs to the wider society associated with the loss of important ecosystem services. On a global scale, urbanization is increasingly homogenizing the biota of less developed countries. Even though urban sprawl is a worldwide problem, most studies on the effect of urbanization on wetlands and the conceptual models have focused on developed countries. South America has not escaped urbanization and therefore has undergone the effects of urban sprawl and development. Pavements replace native wetland ecosystems and what is left of the natural ecosystem is dominated by non-native ornamentals species (Tolba and El-khoy 1997). Kampala, Ugandas capital city has experienced rapid population growth of 5.61% per annum from 774,241 in 1991 to 1.2million 2002.The growth, which has occurred concomitantly with changes in population structure of the city, is influenced by rural-urban migration (UBOS, 2002). Population increase in Kampala area is responsible for increased demand for employment, land for housing, social services and infrastructure that have stimulated spatial urban development and industrialization. Due to increasing rate of industrialization, which is an indication of development, many people are coming into the urban centers to look for jobs. On the other hand, the employment opportunities are too few to absorb the labour, coupled with increasing population; this creates an influx of laborers. This has had serious environmental consequences including wetland degradation, deposition of solid and toxic wastes in the wetlands and drainage channels (NEMA, 2001/2002). The current urban development is occurring in a haphazard manner largely dominated by the urban informality in most of the sectors (NEMA, 2001/2002). This has greatly contributed to the unsustainable utilization of natural resources with in the area resulting in environmental degradation through solid waste accumulation, wetland encroachment, water pollution and land use/cover change, which is reducing the ecological services from the natural environment of the area. Although Ugandas wetlands are protected by National Environment stature 1995, most of them are still being reclaimed and degraded, especially those outside protected areas. The environment and natural resource issue in Nakivubo division pose some of the most contentious, difficult and politically sensitive questions.Therefore,the future of our environment and natural resources seems to depend more on the trends in; economic gains, social and political developments as well as outcome of litigation, legislation and administrative debates and decisions. In general the most outstanding issue concerning urban wetlands is the increasing level of degradation mainly from encroachment. Related to this issue are pressures, which include ownership of wetlands as property, and government/institutional policies. Other threats to the stability of wetlands are agricultural conversions, industrial pollution, drainage and over harvesting of wetland resources. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Nakivubo wetland, one of the main wetlands in Kampala district, has suffered major encroachment in the recent past. A visit to the wetland reveals a lot of new activities, which signify recent massive encroachment. The activities include; residential and commercial buildings and car washing bays among others. There is significant reduction in the vegetation cover, and the wetland now experiences more visible instances of flooding than before during heavy rains. All these activities put a lot of pressure on the wetland, and affect its ecological function and cause degradation. These activities are thought to be a consequence of the increasing rate of development and urbanization in Kampala. Though there is insufficient data at the present to link urbanization with encroachment on Nakivubo wetland. The size and biodiversity of unconverted portions of wetlands has drastically diminished, with some areas completely converted. In 1993 it was noted that 13% of the wetlands in Kampala was s everely degraded and by 2002 only 3.3% was remaining and was continuing to be degraded (NEMA, 2007). Housing, industrialization and infrastructure development play an important role in wetland degradation. This study will therefore examine the relationship between urbanization and the encroachment and degradation of the Nakivubo wetland, and suggest options for addressing the problem. OBJECTIVES The overall objective is to examine the effects of urbanization on wetlands, using Nakivubo wetland in Kampala as a case study. Specific objective i) To describe the types of activities in the Nakivubo wetland and their social-economic implications on the urban people. ii) Assess the sustainable management practices urban people use to improve on wetland ecosystem. iii) Assess the awareness of urban people towards wetland use and management. Research questions The following questions are going to guide in my research. i) What activities do you carry on the wetland and how do you benefit from such activities? ii) What management practices are you using not to degrade the wetland? iii) Are you aware of any organization that protects wetlands? 1v) what are your main sources of information concerning the conservation of wetlands. 1.5 Justification of the study The study will evaluate the impact of urbanization on urban wetlands. The research is to examine how urban development leads to environmental changes mainly through wetland degradation. Its to provide information on wetland degradation that is currently inadequate. Thus the research will guide National Environment Authority (NEMA), the National Wetland Program and other interested parties to carry out appropriate actions to halt degradation of wetlands and develop more efficient wetlands conservation programmes. The information would further help district administrators like district environment officers to prepare action plans to improve local wetland resource management and mobilize community efforts to participate in wetland conservation. The information will also help urban planners in practicing sustainable development that is beneficial to the people but also environmentally friendly. It will provide knowledge to the local community on the effects of wetland encroachment. CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 INTRODUCTION The growth of urban and sub-urban areas has been a dominant demographic characteristic of the 20th century. During this time urban population has increased ten-fold, and the proportion of the human population living in urban areas has risen from 14 to over 50% (Platt, 1994). Much of this expansion of urban land, and citizenry has occurred along coasts, as port cities have expanded, coalesced, and engulfed neighboring undeveloped lands. Between 1960 and 1990, coastal counties in the US increased in population by 43%, a faster rate of growth than in the country as a whole. Likewise, between 1970 and 1989, nearly half of all building activities took place along the coasts (Anon., 1994). As of 1981, 28% of municipal areas were coastal, but they accounted for 55% of the US population (Walker, 1990). Elsewhere in the world, the story is similar: of cities with populations over 1 million, 100% of those in South America are coastal, as are 75% of those in Asia and Africa ( Berry, 1990). Ugan das population growth also continues to be amongst the highest in the world. The population in 2007 stood at 28.4 million an increase of 70 Percent since 1991 and 16 percent since 2002 and the countrys population is expected to exceed 50 million and 127 million by 2025 and 2050 respectively, (NEMA 2007). Not surprisingly, the effects of this burgeoning coastal development on natural resources have been profound (Walker and Nordstrom,1990). Damage to and loss of wetlands have been extensive ( Tiner, 1984Dahl, T.E., Johnson, C.E., 1991. Status and Trends of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States, Mid 1970s to Mid-1980s. US Dept. Int., Fish and Wildlife Serv., Washington, DC.). A recent survey by the US Department of Agriculture found that urbanization was implicated in wetland loss in nearly all surveyed watersheds (96%) and may account for as much as 58% of the total wetland loss (Anon, 1997 ). Yet wetlands remain an integral part of social and economic stability and their continued disappearance should be of concern to everyone. 2.2 HISTORY OF WETLAND MANAGEMENT IN UGANDA The economic and ecological wealth represented by Ugandas wetlands, which cover 15 percent (31,406sq km) of its land area and are found in almost every sub-county, is well recognized by both its people and its leaders. Wetlands provide not less than 37 valuable services and products, and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars per year to the national economy (WID, 2001). Over 70 percent of all wetlands in Uganda are used for three purposes simultaneously: water collection, livestock grazing, natural tree harvesting, clay and sand mining, fishing and sources of crafts materials among other uses. In addition, they play a key role in filtering pollutants and in regulating water flows, which in turn influence groundwater recharge, flood impacts, and water availability during the dry season. Ugandas policy-makers have acknowledged the importance of wetlands in the countrys Constitution (1995), which commits the government to hold them, along with other natural resources, in trust for the common good of all citizens. Over the past 15 years, innovations including Ugandas Wetland Policy and decentralized wetlands management have established a firm foundation for more sustainable wetland management. Environmental and wetland concerns are also integrated into several of the governments other primary policies, including the Poverty Eradication Action Plan, Plan for Modernization of Agriculture, and District Development Plans. The ten-year Wetlands Sector Strategic Plan, launched in 2001, identifies eight key strategies to achieve sustainable wetlands management. Between 1995 and 2005, the Wetlands Inspection Division spent about $US 2 million to carry out wetland inventories for 30 Districts and build the National Wetlands Information System (WID and IUCN, 2005). 2.3 URBAN WETLAND ENCROACHMENT Historically, there are several factors that can explain as to why the wetlands resources have and are still getting degraded in urban areas like Kampala. The major reason is rapid population growth leading to quest for extra land for cultivation and settlement. Extensive wetland resources both in the industrial and developing economies have already been lost or undergoing increasing change due to conversion to aquaculture or industrial use. In his speech to mark the wetlands day 2010, Mafabi [who is he?] quoted that many wetlands around Kampala have been reclaimed and used for development purposes like building industries, rise growing, impunity and disregard of the law. Mafabi (1991), observed that one of the reasons degradation of wetlands, in Uganda are the increasing number of landless people, who are forced to drain and cultivate wetlands due to pressure for agricultural land. Land in Kampala is very scarce and where its available, its very expensive, yet people really need land for agriculture and settlement. According to William (1990) and Njuguna (1982), reclaimed wetlands produce new soils, which are a basis of increased food production required to feed the rapidly growing population in developing countries. Since people consider wetlands to have very fertile soils and the fact that relevant institutions have turned a blind eye on encroachers, thus encroachers have taken advantage of these weaknesses to settle around and within these areas. Few people have demanded the protection and conservation of wetlands and these few who have tried are in most cases not noticed or are taken for granted by the authority (NEMA 2010). From my own local observation, some individuals use their profile for example high ranking officials or senior citizens to abuse these wetlands however much the public complains. Finlayson and Michael (1991) noted that a fundamental cause of urban wetland loss in the past is that few people have demanded their conservation. Since other people are encroaching on the wetlands, many other individuals, even those who were campaigning for the conservation of these areas have lost hope and also encroached for their own benefits. On the other hand however, Dugan (1990), consent that the main causes of wetland loss and exploitation are: the secrecy and manipulation of information, the dominance of short-term private profit on long term public benefits. People are very much interested in short term private benefits without spending much from their pockets. Wetlands are not supposed to be owned by private individuals or parties NES (1995), and therefore many people encroach on them because they are not going to be asked for any land titles. Ntambirweki (1998) noted that many people are utilizing these wetlands because the economic policy for free goods is deficient and the land tenure system is not clear. Dugan (1990) goes ahead to state that deficient economic policy for free goods and insecure and undocumented land tenure has also been a cause of the degradation of these wetlands. In my own view, there is lack of appreciation by people in these urban areas like Kampala of the extent to which these wetlands are important and are used by rural communities for purposes like domestic water, water for agriculture and some cultural values. The people in urban areas will therefore, continue to use the wetland for their development purposes. Citing some examples from the flood plains of the inner delta of the river Niger where the wetland exploitation is rampant, Dugan (1990) observed that one of the fundamental reasons for the drive to convert natural wetlands to other uses is a very poor international appreciation of the extent to which they are important and are used by rural communities. He therefore concluded that the absence of this understanding on wetlands makes conservation difficult and unable to challenge the proposed changes, which are seen as being essential to economic development. Some other factors that are influencing wetland encroachment are poverty related. These wetlands contain plants like papyrus, which people are harvesting and using to make goods like bags and mats (crafts) that they sell and earn a living(R. kabumbuli et al 2009). This in the long run affects the functioning of the wetland incase these plants are over harvested. They are also using the wetlands to grow rice for food and sale, making bricks and for fishing. All these activities contribute to degrading the wetland but are beneficial to the urban people for them to earn a living. ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN WETLANDS Today, theres a growing concern to conserve and use wetlands in a sustainable way. Wetlands are more valuable economic resources in their natural state for certain objectives such as fishing, wildlife enhancement, aquaculture, water quality improvement and flood control, compared to the gains from a modified wetland, (Barbier, 1994). By encroaching on these areas, their economic function is being greatly affected and can have adverse impacts. Many activities are going on in the wetlands of Kampala as a result of encroachment by wetland users. These activities may have significant implications on the wetland, which may be beneficial or destructive to the wetland. Wetlands have been used for farming and for agriculture by many people. Crops such as yams and rice have been grown in the wetlands; livestock is taken to the wetlands for grazing. Water for irrigation, domestic use and livestock is collected from these wetlands. The growing of some of these crops like the yams is beneficial in these wetlands as these yams play an important role in the cleaning up of the water since they remove some minerals and nutrients from the water (Njuguna, 1982). On the other hand, extensive growing of these yams can lead to destruction of the wetland. The people practicing agriculture in these areas around wetlands have gone ahead to construct houses within the wetland so as to settle near their crops and also due to the fact that land is a scarce resource in urban areas. By constructing these houses, the flow of water in the wetland is disrupted and this in most cases leads to flooding mainly in the rainy seasons (Dugan, 1990). Settlement within wetlands has led to other associated degrading activities like brick making (Namanve wetland), sand extraction, and papyrus over harvesting (Kyengera wetland). Activities like sand extraction for construction of houses when carried out massively and brick making can have serious implications on wetlands as the sand that is removed is important in the filtration function of the wetlands (NEMA 2001/2002). This affects water filtration as a service provided by the wetlands. Over harvesting of wetland resources like papyrus for the purposes of making crafts so as to increase on the income of these people is also likely to affect the filtration and purification role of wetlands as these plants play a vital role in water purification in these wetlands. There are a variety of investments that are put up in these wetlands by reclaiming of the wetland to create land. Industries have been put up, churches have been constructed and other businesses like markets and shops have been developed with in urban wetlands. These are some of the major encroachments and activities going on in wetlands worldwide and in Kampala. A lot of land has been reclaimed and used for constructing of big industries in the urban areas due to development, which has resulted in shortage of land for the construction of these industries and factories. The reclaiming of these wetlands so as to create land for construction has been a great cause of flooding (Mitsch and Gosselink 1990). On the other hand, this creates and provides land for development and settlement in urban areas. Due to development, there is need for roads with in these urban centers and therefore, some of the roads that have been constructed have encroached on the wetlands and others have been constructed either adjacent or within wetlands, which has affected the functioning of the wetlands. Roads constructed adjacent or within wetlands increase on the level of silting in the wetlands and they also disrupt the flow of the wetlands since this can lead to the diverging of the wetland (Anibal and Aguayo, 1995). There is also a likelihood of these roads breaking down after some time hence affecting many people. Within wetlands, activities like fishing and aquaculture are being carried out. People depend on these activities to earn a living and for livelihood support. Fish ponds have been constructed to culture fish near these wetlands. Wetlands both permanent and seasonal especially along the lakeshores are an important source of fish for the local community. The interface zone between the swamp and the open water is an important breeding ground for commercial fish including tilapia (William, 1990). Its also a home to many aquatic and wildlife species and birds. Extensive fishing can lead to over exploitation of the fish species, which are of importance in the ecosystem. This in the long run may affect the ecological functioning of the wetlands since it affects the food chain. AWARENESS TOWARDS WETLAND USE AND MANAGEMENT It should not go unnoticed that, historically, many wetlands have been misconceived to be waste lands. Consequently, they were drained or degraded by human activity without factoring in their numerous functions, benefits and values, (William, et al, 1990). Wetlands were also regarded as bogs of treachery, mines of despair, homes of pests, refuge for out laws and rebels, (Williams, 1990; Mafabi, 1991). A good wetland was a drained one, free of this mixture of dubious social factors, (Dugan, 1990). Lack of awareness is the major cause of the increasing deterioration of biodiversity in urban areas of developing countries (Anibal Pauchard, 2005). Public awareness of wetland issues is indeed a key tool in wetland conservation and must be part of any attempt to change attitudes and behavior patterns. Many people living around wetlands are not aware of the impacts they are likely to cause to the wetlands in relation to their practices and in the long run have continued using the wetlands in a way that is degrading them. Some, who are aware about the impacts they can cause on the wetland, have had very poor attitudes towards the information they have been given and have continued to use the wetland in a manner that is not sustainable. In order to alert the public on the values and functions of wetlands and the need for their sustainable use, the national wetlands programme (NWP) has developed an awareness campaign consisting of videos, audio tapes, posters, leaflets and booklets (NWP, 1997). Newspapers have carried features on wetlands; songs have been developed to supplement radio and television programs. Awareness seminars and outreach programs are also carried out. The target groups are farmers, resource users, schools and district development committees. There have also been various efforts to promote environmental education through formal education in schools especially the wildlife club of Uganda. Also NEMA has tried to put up programs in various schools to promote environmental protection. All this has to some extent raised awareness and concern about wetlands among Ugandans (NEMA, 1998). Many Ugandans including grass root communities, policy makers, and natural resource planners while aware of environmental problems have little commitment to environmental conservation (NEMA, 1998). This may be because majority of the population living in poverty under constant threats to food insecurity is so concerned with basic survival matters that theres not much room to be concerned about environmental issues such as proper management of wetlands. Institutional understanding of the value of wetlands and associated investments in wetland has grown in Uganda. Similar changes in peoples perceptions and attitudes of wetlands have given rise to arrange of conservation initiatives in wetland management. In Uganda, for instance, the Ministry responsible for environment protection is elaborating a national wetland policy in direct response to rising local concern over environmental and social consequences of wetland loss. Generally, the cumulative importance of wetlands has gradually developed because of the growth of knowledge about their numerous functions, values and threats documented by various researchers. In fact the Wetland Inspection Division in Uganda regarded the wetlands as wealth land because if well managed, the products and services can be reaped in perpetuity. And thus they are worth conserving and wisely utilized. CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY This section focuses on the study methodology.ie. Sample area, sample selection procedure, data collection technique, entry, processing and analysis that is going to be used. STUDY AREA The study is going to be carried out on Nakivubo wetland. The wetland forms the boundary between Nakawa and Makindye divisions in the valley between Bugolobi, Mpanga and Muyenga hills (ADF). It is permanently water logged and is fed by the Nakivubo channel. It is one of the major wetlands on the north-western shores of Lake Victoria. The study will specifically be carried out in Nakawa Division, Kampala district. Nakawa Division is in the eastern part of the city, bordering Kira town to the east, Wakiso district to the north, Kawempe division to the northwest, Kampala central to the west, Makindye division across Murchison bay to the southwest and lake Victoria to the south.it covers an area of 47.45  square kilometers (18.32  sq.  mi). Map of Nakivubo Wetland (Source; Emerton et al., 1999) Study population The study population involves mainly farmers, brick layers, residents, builders and other individuals who are greatly involved in the use of the wetland e.g. People involved in putting up of business like shops and schools in this are also going to be interviewed to get more information on the study objectives. The area is estimated to have a population of 135,519 people. Meteorology of Nakivubo wetland The Nakivubo swamp is within the equatorial belt, and has a moist sub-humid climate. It receives a bi-seasonal rainfall in the periods of March to May and September to November. The rainfall is linked to the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the altitude, local topography and the lake. Short duration tropical thunderstorms are particularly common around Lake Victoria and Kampala. The latter is reported to receive more thunder storms than any other capital city in the world (Kansiime et al; 1999). This rainfall frequency and reliability favor the formation of peat lands and swamps. The presence of a large adjacent water body also ensures a both reliable and fairly stable hydrological regime (always humid, annual water level variations about 0.5 m). This is a requirement for papyrus, the dominant wetland macrophyte in the Nakivubo swamp. Geology of the swamp area The soils of the Nakivubo swamp area are alluvial and lacustrine sands, silts, and clays overlying granite gneisses. Indeed the gneisses overlay most of the Lake Victoria basin north of Kagera River, the main tributary of Lake Victoria located in the SW (Kansiime et al; 1999). Within the swamp, the alluvial soils range from semi-liquid organic material in the very upper layers of the emergent vegetation zones, through reddish ferruginous (high contents of dissolved iron in run-off water) loams to clays. Drainage of Nakivubo Swamp The major surface water drain into Nakivubo swamp is the Nakivubo Channel. In addition, Port Bell and Luzira waste water channels and a number of minor culverts discharge their water (some seasonally) into the lower Nakivubo swamp. The catchment area into the lower Nakivubo swamp is about 1.1 km2 from the Luzira watershed, 2.5 km2 from the Bukasa watershed and about 50 km2 from the city centre via the Nakivubo Channel and the upper Nakivubo swamp. These, with the exception of Luzira Prisons effluent and the Nakivubo channel, also carry rainfall and contribute different amounts of water into the swamp. METHODOLOGY RESEARCH DESIGN The study design will be stratified random sampling. The study area is going to be stratified on political units[at what level?]. The political units surrounding Nakivubo wetland are Bukasa, Kisugu, bugolobi, luzira prison and Mutungo[which political units are these?].One division is going to be chosen purposively basing on its accessibility from town due to limited finances, from which two parishes are going to be picked and from each parish 25 people[why 25 and not more or less?] will be interviewed by choosing the fifth house[why the 5th and not any other?] after each house with the head of the household[why the head and not any other member of the household?] being the target for interviews. schools, shops and gardens are going to be considered as plots (houses).[what does this mean?] SAMPLING AND SAMPLE SIZE The study population is going to be obtained by stratified random sampling; its objective is to reduce bias by sampling different strata. Stratification is going to be based on administration units. A Sample of 50 respondents is going to be interviewed using questionnaires and these are going to be obtained randomly. This is because of logistical, time and financial constraints. [This contradicts your research design, which is which?] DATA COLLECTION Data collection is going to be by primary data obtained directly from interactions with responds in the field and secondary data from library books, peer reviewed journals and government offices. The principal research technique in primary data collection is going to be by use of questionnaires (to answer all objectives),which are both closed and open ended, and are going to be administered by the way of direct interview with respondents. The open-ended questionnaires are going to allow multi-response that will shade more light on the subject matter. The interviews are going to be carried out in both Luganda English. Direct observations use of a camera are going to be used to get detailed information. Using a map of the area, a transect walk is going to be carried out to get a general view of the area. KEY INFORMANTS Key informants like environment secretaries and officials from environmental organizations (NEMA, WID) are going to be interviewed to get more valuable information on all my objectives. This will help me get firsthand information about the problem under study. It also helps to correct anomalies from questionnairesand leads to collection of in-depth data Is this true?. FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS (FGDs) Focus group discussions (FGDs) are going to be carried out with some purposively selected respondents[what purpose?]. The FGDs are going to confirm the gathered information from questionnaires.[what comes first, FGDs or Surveys?] Further more they will give exploratory, illuminating and enlightened data. Such information will provide insight into attitudes, perceptions and opinions of participants. FGDs give participants ample opportunity to comment, explain and share experiences that were not available from individual interviews, questionnaires or other data sources and therefore views got from such d